Choosing a hybrid vehicle can mean smoother drives, greater fuel economy, and fewer trips to the pump. In this article, the RAC review three smart hybrids: the Renault Clio E-Tech, MG ZS Hybrid, and Kia Niro Hybrid.
This article has been written by RAC to help you compare features, comfort, and value across some of the different hybrid vehicles available to lease through the Motability Scheme*.
Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid
- Category: Supermini
- Advance Payment: From £0
- Fuel type: Petrol-electric hybrid
- Seats: 5
- Performance: 145hp, 9.3 seconds / Fuel economy: Up to 67.3mpg
If you’re looking for a cheap to run small hybrid car that isn’t SUV-shaped then your choices are limited. But the Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid is well worth a look. It offers the smoothness and fuel economy of hybrid power in a compact and easy to drive package.
The Renault Clio has been the go-to supermini for those after a bit of style and French flair for decades. The latest model blends that sharp design with a posher interior than ever before, plenty of standard equipment, keen handling and good comfort levels.
Adding hybrid power only improves the package with the Clio E-Tech. Combining a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors for a healthy 145hp, the hybrid Clio has plenty of poke whether you’re nipping about town or getting up to speed on the motorway.
It’ll also cruise around in electric-only mode (up to 40mph) for a few miles at a time before the engine kicks in to charge up the battery. Renault reckons it can run with the engine off for around 80% of the time in town driving. The result is impressively low fuel costs combined with the super smooth and quiet feel of an electric car around town.
Inside, the Clio is easy to operate thanks to plenty of physical controls, and still looks fresh despite this generation of Clio having been around since 2019. You get a portrait-angled touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus built-in sat-nav, although you miss out on the Google built-in technology found in Renault’s larger hybrid or electric models.
And while the Clio isn’t as roomy inside as a hybrid SUV, it’ll still seat four average-sided adults in relative comfort. However, the boot capacity is down slightly over the petrol model due to the hybrid system sitting under the boot.
Read the RAC Drive Renault Clio E-Tech review.
MG ZS Hybrid
- Category: Small SUV
- Advance Payment: From £499
- Fuel type: Petrol-electric hybrid
- Seats: 5
- Performance: 196hp, 8.7 seconds / Fuel economy: Up to 55.4mpg
Reborn brand MG has become hugely popular in the UK, offering capable yet great value-for-money cars. The ZS small SUV is the biggest seller for the brand: over a million examples have found homes since it arrived in 2017.
This all-new MG ZS builds on that success. It’s bigger and more practical for starters, competing in size with cars like the Nissan Qashqai, with lots of cabin space whether you’re carrying large adults or children in car seats. A 443-litre boot will take a couple of pushchairs, too, with a height adjustable boot floor making loading items in and out easier.
The interior is also a much nicer place to sit than before. Cabin quality is much higher thanks to plenty of soft-touch trim, padded armrest and metallic trim elements, while the design is attractive and the high driving position gives you a great view out. Our only complaint is the lack of adjustment in the steering wheel, meaning the ZS might not be suitable for taller drivers.
Technology is easier to use than the old ZS, too, while standard kit includes sat-nav, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors and keyless entry. Top-spec Trophy brings niceties such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat and a handy 360-degree camera system to further aid parking.
MG’s new self-charging hybrid system is surprisingly powerful, with 196hp giving a 0-62mph time of just 8.7 seconds. The engine generates power for electric motors rather than driving the wheels directly, meaning you get instant acceleration and smooth low-speed running like an electric car. Despite that, the ZS Hybrid delivers great fuel economy of up to 55.4mpg.
All in all, the MG ZS Hybrid+ is a small SUV with big space, punchy performance and more luxury than your average affordable car.
Read the RAC Drive MG ZS Hybrid review.
And check out the RAC’s reviews of three popular SUVs on the Scheme.
Kia Niro Hybrid
- Category: SUV
- Advance Payment: From £1,999
- Fuel type: Petrol-electric or petrol-electric plug-in hybrid
- Seats: 5
- Performance: 140hp, 11.3 seconds / Fuel economy: Up to 64.2mpg
Kia set a standard for many car brands to beat with the original Niro, one of the first cars to be offered as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric car all in one range. This latest model continues that choice, but with a much sharper look, a more high-tech cabin and more passenger space.
As a result, the latest Kia Niro is an excellent all-round family car. It’s affordable but feels well-made and comes with plenty of standard kit. Even entry-level 2 trim features adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera, keyless entry and a large touchscreen. While higher trims are loaded with features including a head-up display, electric boot lid, heated and ventilated front seats and even heated outer rear seats.
It’s practical, too. You’ll find even six-footers can get comfortable in the rear seats, while there’s loads of interior storage for odds and ends. The boot, too, is a good size at 451 litres, with an adjustable boot floor making loading easy.
The Niro’s biggest strength, though, is its smooth and easy driving experience. A higher seating position than a typical hatchback means it’s easy to get in and out, while visibility is excellent too. Light steering and simple controls make town driving a doddle, but the Niro is also comfortable at a cruise thanks to a smooth ride and low noise levels.
Granted, with a 0-62mph time of 11.3 seconds the Niro isn’t going to set pulses racing. But with electric power boosting it off the line it still feels perky. Key to the Niro’s appeal is low running costs, and it’s capable of excellent fuel economy both in and out of town without needing to be plugged in to charge like a plug-in hybrid (the battery charges up while coasting and braking). All in all, it’s a strong package.
Read the RAC Drive Kia Niro Hybrid review.
Check out the Picanto, another Kia favourite which has been given a makeover.
Interested in joining the Scheme?
You can enjoy a brand-new, reliable vehicle on the Motability Scheme. Simply exchange your qualifying mobility allowance for a brand-new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair and our all-inclusive package.
Find out more information about the Scheme.
*Prices and features of car models shown are correct at the time of writing and may be subject to adjustments or withdrawal in the event of any changes taking place which affect the cost of provision of the lease agreement. Prices shown are valid for recipients of the HRMC of the DLA, and ERMC of PIP making an application between 01/04/2025 and 30/06/2025, but may be subject to change. Customers are advised to check any specifically required vehicle features with their dealer at the point of application.
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