For the first time in the history of which.co.uk, hybrid and electric cars dominate our most-viewed cars of the year. No petrol or diesel-only cars make the shortlist.
Three of our top six most-visited car reviews are electric cars, and all the other three are hybrids. It’s clear that interest in electrified vehicles is skyrocketing.
If this interest translates to buying, 2020 could have marked a pivotal moment when drivers were convinced to make the shift to electrified models when they buy their next car.
But which electrified cars have garnered the most interest, and are they any good? Click through the links to our full reviews below to see if these popular cars are actually the ones worth buying.
Whatever type of car you’re looking for, you’ll find the top performers from our expert lab and road tests by checking out our best cars for 2021.
1. Tesla Model 3, £40,490
Tesla wins first place with the Model 3, seen as the crucial car to convince mainstream buyers to take up the brand – and it seems to be working.
The Model 3 takes aim at the mass-market with a more affordable price and smaller size (although it’s still a large car) than the Tesla Model X SUV and Model S luxury seven-seater saloon.
Tesla claims the entry-level Model 3 has a long 254-mile driving range. Standard equipment across the range includes a glass roof, heated side mirrors and Bluetooth media system. It also comes with a touchscreen central console where almost all adjustments are made (rather than buttons).
Is this the future electric car for you? Find out whether this car actually delivers on its promise in our independent Tesla Model 3 review.
2. Kia E-Niro, £32,595
The Kia E-Niro is not only cheaper than the Tesla Model 3, but Kia claims it has a driving range of 282 miles – this actually beats the Tesla Model 3. However, you’ll need to see our test results to find out whether you’ll actually achieve these ranges under typical driving out on the road.
The E-Niro’s SUV styling and compact size is also much more characteristic of what UK drivers tend to currently favour buying. It’s actually slightly smaller than the popular Kia Sportage crossover.
It comes with Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty – a big plus for any electric car buyer with niggling doubts about whether they’ll continue to go the distance.
Could this be the wise electric car buy for 2021? Our comprehensive tests give the definitive verdict – see our expert Kia E-Niro review.
3. Honda Jazz Hybrid, £18,274
Perhaps no car represents the electrified revolution better than the Honda Jazz Hybrid. Originally launched back in 2002, this new fourth-generation 2020 Jazz from Honda is available only as a hybrid – this is a first for the Jazz.
The Jazz’s unique selling point is that it’s practical and promises bags of space in a small car shell. The famous ‘magic seat’ system, for example, lets you flip the back seats up, like in a cinema.
That practicality extends to offering generous equipment as standard: including climate control, adaptive cruise control, automatic LED headlamps and wipers, Bluetooth and DAB radio.
If you prefer SUV styling, there’s even a Honda Jazz Crosstar version. This is taller, with a bolder grille and black cladding around the wheel arches.
Like all hybrids on this list, the Jazz a standard hybrid. So there’s no need to plug it in.
But what’s it like to drive and is it really economical? See our expert Honda Jazz Hybrid review.
4. Toyota Corolla Hybrid, £22,985
This list is full of landmark cars, and the Toyota Corolla is no exception. The Corolla badge hasn’t been seen in the UK for more than a decade.
The Corolla’s hybrid-only power has certainly got people talking. It’s no dull hybrid, with sharp new styling and improved interior design over the Toyota Auris it replaces.
The most popular model in the UK will be the five-door hatchback, but it’s also available as a ‘Touring Sports’ estate and a saloon model.
Toyota has been making hybrid technology – spearheaded by the Toyota Prius – for seemingly longer than anyone else. Does it remain the master of the format?
Find out if the Corolla is a worthy buy – see our Toyota Corolla Hybrid review.
5. Hyundai Kona Electric, £32,609
The Hyundai Kona Electric is a compact SUV that’s a direct, all-electric rival to cars like the popular Nissan Juke.
Hyundai promises a range of up to 279 miles – in line with the Tesla Model 3. That’s for the 64kWh battery, though. The entry-level 39kWh battery offers a claimed 180 miles, which is still plenty for most car journeys.
Our independent tests include a motorway assessment that can verify if these claims are matched under typical driving out on the road.
The Kona Electric comes with Hyundai’s five-year unlimited mileage warrantee, for peace of mind. Standard equipment is generous and includes rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.
Is this car still practical, despite its compact size, and is the electric power up to scratch? We put it through its paces in our definitive Hyundai Kona Electric review.
6. Toyota RAV4, £34,124
The Toyota RAV4 has always been something of a trendsetter, having been the first car to combine four-wheel drive and that distinct crossover SUV style. It continues to enjoy being on-trend going into 2021, being only available as a hybrid.
This is a mid-size SUV and the entry level model is front-wheel drive. Higher specs offer four-wheel drive; the rear axel kicks in when needed, such as when off-road.
This fifth-generation RAV4 is well-equipped as standard. For your money you get dual-zone air conditioning, a rear-view camera with parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels and an 8-inch touchscreen media system.
Does this sound like the perfect car for you? See if it’s reliable, fuel efficient, great to drive and more – go to our Toyota RAV4 review.
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/12/six-most-popular-cars-on-which-co-uk-in-2020/