Five new Hybrids heading this way in 2019

Low Emission Vehicles  New Launches 

With growing numbers appearing on UK roads there are clearly good reasons to choose a hybrid; environmental concerns, economic reasons, or maybe you're a Hollywood A-Lister cruising Rodeo Drive in your Prius to distract attention from your private jet and fleet of Italian supercars.

Ok, there probably aren't many of the latter reading this right now, but those other reasons are perfectly valid so we'll gloss over that bit and move on.

Whether you're looking to replace an existing hybrid or making the move for the first time there is one question that is unavoidable - which one should you choose? Obviously the answer will depend on a few factors such as budget, intended use, and the like. Hybrids come in all shapes and sizes so no matter what your criteria there will be a hybrid to suit. Likewise you'd be hard pushed to find a manufacturer that doesn't provide a hybrid option in their range.

Which is why we've taken a quick look at a few of the latest hybrid models heading to the UK to try and help you narrow down the choice for your next hybrid lease car.

BMW 330e

BMW has upgraded the 330e to make the prospect of driving a hybrid 3-Series even more tempting.

Although it won't be launched until summer 2019 the newest BMW 330e plug-in hybrid will offer more efficiency, an increased electric-only range, and the opportunity to take advantage of more power with XtraBoost technology (fitted as standard) that adds an extra 41bhp at the touch of a button. That should make it worth the wait.

The new 330e will be faster than its predecessor whilst also delivering a 50% increase in electric-only range and a reduction in CO2 emissions of more than 10%. Being a BMW you can also expect it handle brilliantly and be nicely finished and well-equipped with the latest technology inside and out. Almost the entire range of BMW options will be available in the 330e as well so there's no shortage of ways to personalise your hybrid.

Honda CR-V

Hot on the heels of the latest CR-V Honda has announced a hybrid version will follow from February 2019.

The hybrid version of the CR-V follows the standard Honda trim levels, rising from the entry level S to SE, SR and finishing at the top of the range EX. On the downside the hybrid CR-V is only available with five seats but you do have a choice of either two and all-wheel drive.

As with the petrol version, standard across all grades is Honda SENSING; Honda's suite of safety features which includes collision mitigation braking system, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition.

If you move up the range you can add parking sensors and a rear view camera, blind spot warning and cross traffic monitoring, while low speed following on the cruise control is available across all grades. SR versions also add smart entry and start, leather interior and active cornering lights; while EX models also offer a heated steering wheel, head up display, hands free access power tailgate, heated rear seats and panoramic glass sunroof.

Ford Mondeo Estate

The Mondeo has been around - in various guises admittedly - for what feels like a million years and that's because it's very, very good at what it does. It's practical, spacious, well equipped, and where the electricity option was previously only available on the saloon, it now it offers the benefits of hybrid motoring in an estate version too. What's not to like about that?

The new Mondeo hybrid estate will enable customers who want more load space to benefit from the efficiency and refinement of a hybrid. It uses an electric motor to support the specially-developed 2.0-litre petrol engine in driving the wheels, and a generator to enable regenerative charging of the 1.4 kWh lithium-ion, air-cooled, recyclable battery located behind the rear seats.

Ford has been slightly reticent about the details but with the hybrid estate being launched in 2019 you shouldn't have to wait too long to find out exactly what you will get for your monthly lease rentals.

Mercedes E300 de

Announced at the beginning of November the new Mercedes E300 de is a slight break from the norm as it is a diesel hybrid rather than petrol. The new E 300 de aims to redefine the executive hybrid segment, providing the ultimate combination of diesel's long-distance efficiency and frugality with the emissions-free running of electricity.

Available in either saloon or estate configuration and in SE or AMG Line trim the E300 de sits at the higher end of the hybrid market and offers the best of fuel economy and luxury. The E 300 de Saloon and Estate are powered by a 194bhp, 2.0-litre diesel engine and a hybrid module with an additional 122 bhp of electric power. It can go from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds (6.0 seconds for the Estate), has a top speed of 155 mph, a fully electric range of 34 miles for the Saloon and 32 miles for the Estate, and can be charged from 10 to 100 per cent in under two hours with a 7.4 kW charger.

Being a Mercedes E-Class you shouldn't need us to tell you it will also come with lots of bells, lots of whistles, and a suitably refined feel that befits one of the best executive saloons/estates on the road.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Mitsubishi Outlander is already the most popular plug-in hybrids available and the recently announced 2019 version aims to build on that solid reputation.

The new models will feature an updated look with new front end design, LED headlights, and 18" alloy wheels. Under the bonnet - so to speak - is a larger capacity battery and more powerful electric motors, new all-wheel control system with selectable drive modes, re-calibrated suspension, bigger brakes and more responsive steering.

Inside you get a more luxurious interior finish with improved seats, new instrument cluster, and more refined cabin trim. You also get the benefit of a whole host of driver aids ranging from automatic lights and wipers to reversing cameras and smartphone connectivity.

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