From Guest Blogger Christopher Austin: Eco-friendly Cars For 2016: Best Luxury Models To Choose From

Hybrids are becoming the norm is many European countries. While still not as featured as traditional diesel or petrol cars, hybrids have become increasingly popular due to the increased awareness of drivers towards the environment and what can be done to preserve the air as fresh as possible.
More and more people are looking for ways to decrease the pollution they cause, and driving a hybrid car – a combination of standard diesel/petrol and an electric engine – is one way to go.

While recent models have advanced the term “hybrid car” to a large extent, most of these cars are turned towards city drivers and not long roads, simply because the engine requires recharging. In turn, this means that low-key drivers can go months without spending money on fuel, because their hybrid isn’t using any. But what are some of the options at hand when opting for a hybrid?

Lexus RX 450h

As the first premium 4×4 Lexus hybrid model, the RX has become a familiar sight on the road. While the model itself might be out for a while, Lexus has made sure to upgradeits flagship model with panoramic sunroof, LED lights, and a 450h engine that all come as standard equipment. Lexus’s Hybrid drive system with a single 3.5l V6 petrol engine and two electric motors is a sight to behold, combining a 295bhp to suit all your driving needs. The model is well known for being one of the cleanest 4×4 models on the market, and it’s certainly one of the most affordable ones.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

As the first plug-in hybrid SUV to be sold in the UK, PHEV offers stability and performance. Being able to go for up to 32 miles without using fuel while also sporting a silent engine with sound deadening technology that handles like a dream is something to truly consider when shopping for an SUV. The petrol engine serves as backup to the electric one, since PHEV prefers running on electricity. This works, since the PHEV is equipped with a large-capacity battery and two electric engines, one on each axle, which come to about 161bhp, and when we add up the secondary petrol engine, the number comes up to 204bhp. It’s strong, silent, handles well, and best of all, respects the purpose and idea of a hybrid car.

Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid

While not the most ecological or economical option out there, the E-Hybrid is one of the best options when looking for an eco-friendly Porsche hybrid. Sporting a 3.0l V6 engine, Porsche turbo alloys and a single electric motor, this model from Porsche is equipped for any situation. The selling point of E-Hybrid is offering the well-known Porsche performance and handling while still being eco-effective in its use. While it may cost more to buy or lease, the E-Hybrid will allow you to go up to 22 miles without using any fuel whatsoever; that’s the beauty of plug-in hybrid technology.

Toyota Prius

Topping it off, we have a best-selling hybrid that’s here to stay. The Prius comes equipped with a 1.8l 98bhp petrol engine and an electric motor, rounding it up at a total of 132bhp. The success of Toyota Prius can be attributed to its affordable price range, fuel and maintenance efficiency and a brand-name that redefined petrol-electric hybrid driving. While the Prius handles well and offers a great way to drive eco-friendly, it’s made for families in mind, and this means that it doesn’t feature the sports-car like performance of the other models we listed. The electric engine allows short distance travels without spending a dime on fuel, while longer drives use petrol and electricity combo effectively, allowing much lower driving costs. If you’re in for a family-friendly hybrid, you can’t go wrong with Prius.

When it comes to hybrid cars, the good thing is that the choices are endless. Increasingly more car manufacturers have come to the conclusion that these vehicles can compete with gas-powered models. Soon enough, the industry will be filled with eco-friendly cars; the technology needed for a car to be “green 100%” is still under development. Something greats awaits avid drivers; but they just need to be a little more patient for concepts to become reality.