THESE are six of the best hybrids that will be available to buy in the UK in time to avoid the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel car sales.
Motors combining combustion and electric power are growing in demand, especially after the Government announced a loophole in Net Zero restrictions last week.
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Confusion reigned in the automotive industry after PM Sir Keir Starmer announced he would follow through on his manifesto pledge to bring the ban forward to 2030.
This was the original deadline set by Boris Johnson before the last Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, delayed it to 2035 in line with the EU.
However, there was no word on whether the total ban on the internal combustion engine would mean that the nation would be forced to go EV-only from then.
Industry bodies desperately urged ministers to clarify whether partially-electric vehicles, i.e. hybrids, would be swept up in the prohibition.
Thankfully, officials finally confirmed last week that hybrid tech would be given a temporary exemption, with Brits able to buy new models until 2035.
With that in mind, experts from Carwow have compiled a list of some of the best options soon to hit showrooms that could last you past the date of the ban.
Audi RS5 Avant
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Set to come in as a replacement for the existing RS4 Avant, the RS5 version is expected to be based on a similar platform but carry some upgraded design.
The model has been spotted testing in Germany and is expected to base its hybrid system on a V6 engine.
Rivalling the BMW M3 Touring, buyers can expect prices for this premium option to be somewhere in the region of £80,000.
A full reveal is expected next year ahead of a release date a few months later.
Honda Prelude
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The Prelude has been revived after more than 20 years, with the original sports car model discontinued back in 2001.
A new concept unveiled in 2023 previewed the resurrected hybrid variant, designed as a replacement for the Civic and the Accord.
The car officially debuted at Goodwood this year and will go on sale in 2025.
It is predicted to cost between £40,000 and £50,000.
VW T-Roc
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Petrol and diesel versions of the T-Roc have been on sale since 2017, but VW is now branching out into a hybrid spec.
The new powertrain is accompanied by an overhauled exterior and infotainment system.
Expect to see these in dealerships from the back end of next year, with a price tag around £30,000.
Dacia Bigster
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The Bigster is being positioned as the hybrid cousin of the Dacia Duster – one of the cheapest new cars currently on the market.
While it might not match the Duster’s £17,830 base price, it is still believed to be in the sub-£20,000 market, undercutting most of its hybrid rivals.
It’s also one of the closest to its debut, with sales beginning in October this year.
And as an added bonus, it may also be available in a seven-seat configuration shortly.
Mazda RX9
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Just as the MX-5 Miata carried a revered name badge into the modern day, the RX9 is expected to do the same for the beloved RX7 and RX8.
This, though, is a hybrid with a twist as Mazda have turned the concept on its head.
Instead of a small battery supporting a petrol engine, this is effectively an EV with its dominant battery pack.
It falls under the hybrid category thanks to a titchy rotary engine (which is always guaranteed to set hardcore petrolheads’ pulses racing) working in tandem with the electric motor.
Very little is known about the production run as the RX9 is still technically in the concept phase, but it could roll off production lines as soon as 2026.
VW Tayron
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Another great seven-seater option is the VW Tayron.
And thanks to a celebratory Instagram post from VW big wigs we know that it will be unveiled on October 10.
Replacing the Allspace SUV, very little has been revealed about what lurks under the bonnet.
The Tayron is likely to crop up on the road next year at around £40,000 a pop.
