Toyota Corolla Hybrid 1.8 XS
The Toyota Corolla sedan is a sales success in this market. In 2021 it introduced a hybrid version that comprises a 1.8l petrol engine and electric motor to provide 90kW output and 163Nm. Fuel consumption is claimed to be a paltry 3.5l/100km. It is geared by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and has a top speed of 180km/h. It costs just R419,900 making it the most affordable hybrid in the land.
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
What is truly sensational is that if you add only R14,000 to the price of the Corolla hybrid you can get the larger Corolla Cross Hybrid crossover, which also uses a 1.8l petrol engine coupled to an electric motor and CVT gearbox pushing out 90kW and 163Nm. Toyota claims overall fuel consumption of 4.3l/100km. It costs R461,700 and effectively the cheapest hybrid crossover you can buy, too. Soon it will be available in GR Cross hybrid guise.
Haval H6 1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury
This is the latest model to join the SA hybrid class and the first of its kind from Chinese Haval. It is powered by a 1.5l petrol turbo engine mated to an electric motor for a combined output of 179kW and 530Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.2l/100km and CO2 emissions of 121g/km. It costs R669,950.
Toyota Rav4 2.5 GX-R CVT Hybrid E-Four
Toyota is the current leader in hybrid options in this market and earlier this year the Japanese brand introduced its popular Rav4 crossover with a new generation hybrid system. Badged E-Four, they use a 2.5l petrol engine now linked with electric motors on the front and rear axles to create an electrified all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration. Total system output is 163kW and 221Nm with a top speed of 180km/h. The price starts at R676,700.
Though full electric vehicles (EV) eliminate the use of expensive fuel, there’s still much to say and be attracted by hybrids. Hybrids offer the best of both worlds in that they possess a conventional engine and an electric motor powered by a battery system. These engines can work in tandem or separately depending on conditions.
Hybrids operate by cutting off the conventional engine in favour of the battery-powered electric motors, usually below speeds of 40km/h, thus making savings a reality. The conventional engine powers the car at higher speeds while charging and topping up the batteries.
Hybrids are considered as the perfect solution for customers who drive long distances yet need to save money due to record high fuel prices. Modern hybrids are getting in on the act, with some providing full EV mode at speeds up to 100km/h while others can also be charged at home from a wall charger as plug-in hybrids.
There are plenty alternatives from a variety of brands, some very expensive, some rather large and some as the sophisticated plug-in-hybrid variety. Below is a list of hybrid cars under the “R1m” bracket on sale in SA.