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If you’re considering buying a new Suzuki car, there’s a good chance that you’ve already been thinking about whether an electric or hybrid car would be right for you. Hybrid cars can offer the best of both worlds, with the familiarity of a petrol or diesel engine and the efficiency of electric power.
The good news is that Suzuki offers hybrid technology across its full range of new cars. Between mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, you can choose a car that perfectly fits your needs and lifestyle.
Of course, it’s good to know exactly what you’re getting when you buy a hybrid car. Here are the pros and cons of hybrid cars that you need to know about before making the leap into buying an electrified vehicle for the first time.
The obvious advantage to driving any kind of electrified vehicle is that your car will use less fuel than a traditional diesel or petrol engine. This has the dual benefit of being much more environmentally friendly and also saving you money on fuel in the long run.
Since 2015, virtually all hybrid cars have been compliant with the Ultra Low Emissions Zone regulations around Central London. If you drive in this area a lot, a hybrid car can save you £12.50 daily on your journey.
Unlike fully electric vehicles, which can feel like a big leap from a non-electric car, hybrid cars offer an in-between that provides the best of both worlds. You still have the regular engine - avoid the range anxiety that first-time electric vehicle owners sometimes face - and you won’t need to ever plug your car in to charge (unless you opt for a plug-in hybrid).
Because of the extra technology you are getting with a hybrid car, the upfront cost is generally higher than that of its petrol- or diesel-only counterpart. Hybrid cars often work out cheaper in the long run, but you should expect the initial cost to be higher because of the added technology. If cost is one of the factors holding you back, there are now plenty of affordable used hybrid cars on the market, so don’t write off the option of buying second-hand.
The additional electric technology in hybrid cars can also mean repairs can cost more when they’re needed. As the What Car? Reliability Survey revealed, Suzuki repairs are infrequent, minor and often free of charge, but it’s something to keep in mind when considering the pros and cons of hybrid cars.
Nothing is perfect and hybrid cars are no different. What’s clear, though, is that electric is the future - and hybrid cars offer a great bridge into the world of electric vehicles for first-time owners.
If you’re not ready to switch to a fully electric vehicle or have nowhere to charge an electric vehicle at home, a hybrid car is a great way to still enjoy some of the benefits of driving an EV without giving up your conventional diesel or petrol engine.