Comparison of 13 Hybrid Car Models in Hong Kong in 2024

Electric vehicles are a major trend in the automotive market. The Hong Kong government has unveiled a roadmap for the popularization of electric vehicles in 2021, with the aim to stop new registrations of fuel-powered private cars by 2035 or earlier. However, due to the current limitations in charging infrastructure and electric vehicle range, many car owners still adopt a wait-and-see attitude. Hybrid cars, known for their fuel efficiency, still offer a variety of choices. In this article, Kwiksure will explain the different types of hybrid cars, analyze their pros and cons, and recommend 13 hybrid car models.

How Does a Hybrid Car Work? What Are Its Drawbacks?

Conventional gasoline-powered cars primarily rely on the engine as their power source. Hybrid cars, on the other hand, incorporate an electric motor as an auxiliary power source to reduce engine power output and improve fuel efficiency. As hybrid cars use both an engine and an electric motor as their source of power, they are called "hybrid vehicles." Generally, gasoline-powered cars consume the most fuel during startup. With help from the electric motor, hybrid cars can fully utilize electric power during startup, significantly reducing fuel consumption. However, hybrid cars involve multiple components such as the engine, electric motor, and battery, making them more complex and costly to maintain compared to gasoline-powered cars.

Three Major Types of Hybrid Cars

Automotive hybrid technology traces back to 1899 when Ferdinand Porsche introduced it. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that Japanese car manufacturers Toyota and Honda introduced mass-produced hybrid vehicles, namely the Prius and Insight, respectively. After years of development, hybrid cars are now primarily classified into three types:

1. Hybrid Cars

Also known as full hybrids, they are the most traditional hybrid car design. They incorporate both an engine and an electric motor, with a built-in battery that stores the electric power generated by the motor as an auxiliary power source. These cars can be driven using electric power only, but the electric-only range depends on the battery capacity, typically ranging from 30 to 60 kilometers.

2. Mild-Hybrid Cars

In terms of hardware configuration, mild-hybrid cars are similar to full hybrids. They also feature an engine, electric motor, and battery. However, the electric motor in mild hybrids has lower power output and the battery capacity is smaller. The electric power is primarily used for assisting in vehicle startup or powering onboard electronics. Mild hybrids cannot be driven solely on electric power. The advantage of this type is its lower cost, which doesn't significantly push up the vehicle price.

3. Plug-in Hybrid Cars

As the name suggests, plug-in hybrid cars offer plug-in functionality. In addition to power generated by the engine's generator, the onboard battery can also be recharged using an external power source. This reduces reliance on fuel. Due to their larger battery capacity, plug-in hybrids have longer electric-only driving range. However, their higher cost means they are typically found only in more upmarket car models.

Hybrid Car Recommendations

Toyota Corolla Cross HEV

The Toyota Corolla Cross HEV adopts the TNGA GA-C chassis which provides a higher level of rigidity. It is equipped with the all-new 5th generation Toyota Hybrid System, giving it an official fuel economy of 21.8 km/L. In terms of features, it offers wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, and is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 advanced safety system. The car has a luggage capacity of 436 liters and a turning radius of only 5.2 meters, making it suitable for Hong Kong road conditions.

Toyota Sienta HEV

The third-generation Toyota Sienta HEV has a ground clearance of only 330 mm. The width of the electric sliding doors on both sides has increased by 55 mm to 320 mm, and large armrests are provided on the door side for easier passenger boarding and alighting. The seats can be configured in various ways. For example, the front and middle rows can recline to be completely flat, and the third-row seats can be fully stored under the middle-row seats. The car is equipped with a 6-channel audio system and Apple CarPlay.

Toyota Alphard HEV

The Toyota Alphard HEV is equipped with all the luxurious features imaginable. The middle-row Ottoman seats have electric adjustment and massage functions for the backrest and lower leg support, which can be controlled via a detachable remote controller. Audio-visual entertainment is provided by a JBL 15-channel system, and the rear seats have a 14-inch screen with HDMI connectivity. Despite its weight of 2,855 kg, the Alphard HEV achieves an impressive fuel economy of 16.3 km/L.

Honda JAZZ e:HEV RS

The fuel economy of the Honda JAZZ e:HEV RS is 34.1 km/L, nearly double that of the gasoline version. The new car has a paddle shifter behind the steering wheel for selecting the energy-recovering mode of the brakes and introduces three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. Together with the optimized suspension system, these driving modes enhance cornering performance and improve driving pleasure. In addition, the RS version has a specially designed front grille and front air intake, giving it a more dynamic look.

Honda StepWGN SPADA e:HEV

The Honda StepWGN SPADA e:HEV, a highly popular 7-seater car in Hong Kong, focuses on fuel efficiency in its all-new 6th generation. Equipped with a 2-liter four-cylinder engine, the car attains a fuel economy of 20.3 km/L. The e:HEV system automatically switches to pure electric mode during startup or slow-speed driving based on the needs of the vehicle. The B-Range and D-Range deceleration modes can be selected using a paddle shifter behind the steering wheel to adapt to different driving habits and energy recovery rates.

Honda ZR-V e:HEV

The Honda ZR-V e:HEV is the pinnacle of the Honda e:HEV series. Equipped with dual electric motors, a new-generation lithium battery, and an energy recovery system, the car achieves an astonishing fuel economy of 26.9 km/L despite having a 2-liter engine. In terms of safety, it offers a 360-degree parking camera and multiple active safety systems such as Lane Keep Assistant, Forward Collision Warning, and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).

Lexus NX350h Ultimate

The Lexus NX350h Ultimate looks like its sibling, the NX250, but it features a brand new front grille and the Lexus emblem at the rear has been replaced with lettering. The car is equipped with active-steering LED headlights and dynamic LED tail lights. The power-adjustable front seats have heating and cooling features, and for the first time, the interior door handles adopt an e-Latch electronic switch format. The rear seatbacks can be electrically folded, and the tailgate has a foot-activated sensor switch.

Mild-Hybrid Vehicle Recommendations

Nissan Qashqai Turbo Mild Hybrid

Utilizing the CMF-C chassis, the Nissan Qashqai Turbo Mild Hybrid has increased body rigidity by 41% compared to the previous generation, while reducing weight by 60kg. The car features a 1.3-liter inline-four turbo engine paired with a 12V mild hybrid system, for a fuel economy of 15.2 km/L. The front seats offer massage functionality, and the car is equipped with a BOSE audio system.

Suzuki Solio Bandit

The Suzuki Solio Bandit is a compact car with a low floor and dual power sliding doors, making it easy for tall passengers, elderly individuals, and children to get in and out. The front passenger seat and rear seats can be fully reclined, increasing the interior space and allowing for convenient storage of items like strollers. The car is equipped with a 360-degree camera and rear parking sensors, making it suitable for novice drivers.

Volvo XC60 B4 Mild Hybrid

With a power output of 199 ps and 300 Nm of torque, the Volvo XC60 B4 Mild Hybrid is equipped with a 48V mild hybrid system that adds another 14 hp of power, enhancing its performance during starts and instant acceleration. The car features an AIU electric filter air purification function that electrically charges suspended particles in the air and then purifies the air using an activated carbon filter.

Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI

The four-cylinder turbo engine features cylinder-on-demand technology which, together with a mild hybrid system, results in a fuel economy of 17.2 km/L. The car comes with LED headlights, a digital instrument panel, a touchscreen display, leather seats with power controls for the front seats, a power tailgate, a rear parking camera, and more.

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Recommendations

BMW XM

A newly developed 4.4-liter V8 M TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine works alongside an M Hybrid hybrid powertrain system to deliver 662 ps of power and 800 Nm of torque. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. The interior ceiling features a new Alcantara panoramic roof, creating a three-dimensional effect with ambient lighting.

Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid

The Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid, which received a minor update this year, is equipped with a new motor that outputs 176 ps – 39 ps more than the motor it replaces. The total power output reaches 470 ps with the V6 engine. The fuel consumption is below 55.5 - 66.6 km/L, and the car can travel up to 90 km in pure electric mode.

Is a Hybrid Car Suitable for You?

The main selling point of a hybrid car is fuel efficiency, and it can save nearly 1/3 in fuel costs compared to a gasoline car. However, hybrid cars cost more than gasoline cars. Taking the Toyota Sienta as an example, a new hybrid HEV version costs HK$289,680, which is about HK$50,000 more than the regular version (HK$239,460). If you only drive on weekends or holidays, the fuel savings may not be enough to justify the higher price of the car. In this case, you should seriously consider whether a hybrid car is suitable for you.

Moreover, hybrid cars have more complex mechanical structures, and the maintenance and repair costs are higher than for gasoline cars. When making a purchase, you should pay attention to whether the manufacturer's warranty is sufficient.