Electrified cars are sweeping the new market, with just about every new vehicle launched having some kind of battery-powered or assisted variant.
Though these models promise efficiency and low-cost motoring, the cost of a new hybrid can be expensive as a result of the technology onboard. That doesn’t mean finding an electrified car on a budget is an impossible task though, with plenty of affordable used models sweeping the classifieds. We take a look at some of the best for £10,000…
Toyota Prius
Sure, the Toyota Prius may once have been the laughing stock of petrolheads across the world — seen as the car to end all fun on the roads.
But there’s a reason this hybrid sold well in its second-generation — being one of the first affordable and efficient electrified cars on the market. Popularity means there’s a lot out there on the second-hand market, with plenty of well-used examples available in our budget. These cars are notoriously reliable though, so there shouldn’t be much to worry about.
Honda Insight
Honda’s answer to the Prius, the Insight never quite took off the same way its competitor managed to — but still delivered bags of efficiency in an affordable package.
Our budget brings cars as recent as 2014 into the realms of possibility, with mileage from 30,000. Much like the Prius, these are renowned for reliability as long as they’re well-maintained.
Lexus RX 400h
Hybrid SUVs are quickly becoming commonplace, but Lexus was well ahead of that game with its RX 400h.
Back in the day, this Japanese machine proves hybrid technology didn’t have to be the preserve of aerodynamically-focused and spartan-designed city cars — and that the efficient tech could work in a more premium package. Reliability is strong, with very little to be concerned for.
Toyota Auris
The third Toyota-designed product on this list isn’t the last, and it continues to show just how ahead of the game the Japanese firm is with hybridisation — and how popular its models proved to be.
The Auris packed cutting-edge technology into an otherwise unassuming package, meaning it’s a car that’s unlikely to alienate drivers. High-mileage examples from as recent as 2015 can be had in budget, though we’d recommend looking for a slightly older, but higher-spec and lower mileage variant.
Honda CR-Z
When Honda revealed the CR-Z as the turn of the ‘10s, it looked set to be a proper sporty hybrid hatch — in the vein of the original and much-loved CR-X.
It didn’t quite prove to be the hot-hatch wannabe that many enthusiasts hoped for, but the CR-Z was still a fun little car — even packing a manual gearbox — and a stylish and efficient one at that. Plenty of low-milage examples can be had in budget and, much like the rest of this list, there are very few issues to report.
Suzuki Ignis SVHS
The newest car on the list may not be a hybrid in a full-blown sense, but Suzuki’s Ignis SVHS packs some clever electrified technology at an affordable price.
Its ‘mild-hybrid’ system allows for less time with the petrol engine in use — with pulling away and coming to a stop resulting in the power unit being switched off as a result of its larger battery. High-spec SV5 examples from 2017 come within budget, meaning any purchase should still be within Suzuki’s warranty.
Infiniti M
A 3.5-litre, V6-powered saloon producing 302bhp doesn’t sound like a natural addition to this list — but the Infiniti M is just that, and qualifies for our £10,000 hybrid goal.
It’s no performance car, but this premium effort from Nissan is a rare sight on UK roads — and packs plenty of luxury and kit considering the price point. Mileage will be high, but the six-cylinder engine is well-proven in its many applications so should be fairly bulletproof.
Honda Civic
From the unusual to the outright unassuming, Honda’s hybrid Civic never really set pulses racing — but that’s the charm of the package.
It takes the dependable Civic saloon platform and packs in its incredibly efficient hybrid powertrain to create a car that’s affordable to run and will never be a trouble to run. Examples top out at around £8,000, meaning there’s plenty of wiggle room in our budget.