When you think of alternative-fuel vehicles - such as hybrids, plug-in hybrids and fully-electric cars - you may immediately think of cars which are sold exclusively with such powertrains.
But nowadays in the new car market, quite a few models are offering alternative-fuel powertrains alongside more conventional petrol and diesel engines. Such is the demand for more efficient and eco-friendly options now, several of the most popular cars in the new car market have opted to add hybrid or electric alternatives.
Here we pick out our most recommended cars to look at if you’re interested in checking out something that offers conventional and alternative-fuel powertrains.
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is one of the most popular and best options found in the compact executive segment. It boasts great handling, a spacious cabin and plenty of comfort and refinement.
It also has a superb engine line-up and among the options nowadays is a petrol-electric hybrid variant called the 330e.
This version of the 3 Series combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver some impressive figures. Total output is 249bhp, yet the claimed fuel economy is 148.7mpg and CO2 emissions are at just 44g/km. Drivers can also drive the 3 Series on electric power only for up to about 25 miles if they desire.
It’s no slouch either, with the 0-62mph sprint taking just 6.1 seconds. Its mixture of strong performance and efficiency makes the 330e particularly appealing for anyone who frequently does long business trips.
Volkswagen Golf
One of the most famous family cars around, the Volkswagen Golf hatchback is known for being incredibly versatile, offering powertrains that suit buyers that lean more towards either efficiency or performance.
For those who are more interested in efficiency and want to push that to an extreme, Volkswagen currently offers the Golf with both a plug-in hybrid AND a fully-electric powertrain.
The former is called the Golf GTE and it is not only more frugal than your more typical Golfs, it is performance-focused with 201bhp to offer in total. It emits just 35g/km but has performance similar to the likes of the Golf GTI and GTD.
The all-electric Golf meanwhile is called the e-Golf and combines many of the Golf’s great qualities with zero-emission travel of up to 125 miles estimated.
Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is a very luxurious and likeable large SUV featuring seven seats as standard. Regardless of powertrain choice, the latest XC90 rides and handles well, has a stunning and high quality interior and feels like a very worthy contender next to the likes of the BMW X5 and Audi Q7.
Despite its large size, you can get the XC90 to deliver some remarkable figures for fuel economy and emissions if you can opt for the T8 Twin Engine powertrain.
The diesel options for the Volvo are not bad at all in this regard, but the T8 Twin Engine combines a 2.0-litre petrol unit and electric motor to boast 134.5mpg combined officially. CO2 output meanwhile is a mere 49g/km.
Range Rover
The latest Range Rover is a superb luxury SUV and one of those rare cars that feels like it could do just about any type of driving in a convincing manner.
There are a lot of reasons to like the Range Rover, but if the running costs and environmental impact of the car is something that has put you off in the past, then you could consider the hybrid version.
Combining its 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel with a 35kW electric motor, the Range Rover Hybrid still has most of the strengths of the standard SUV but is noticeably more efficient. For a big, heavy luxury SUV the figures offered by the Range Rover Hybrid are impressive, and the extra sprightliness in initial acceleration is a welcome feature too.
