Compact hybrid cars, 5 easy-to-park and fuel-efficient models

Compact hybrid cars are a viable solution for those looking for a car with the right size for parking in the city, low fuel consumption and low emissions. The five selected models feature different hybrid technologies, ranging from mild hybrid to full hybrid, with lengths between 3.78 and 4.12 metres

The Fiat Grande Panda measures 3.99 metres in length, 1.76 in width and 1.59 in height. It offers five seats and a boot capacity of 412 litres, which becomes 1,366 by folding down the rear sofa. The hybrid version uses a 1,199 cubic centimetres 1.2 three-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid system, total output of 110 horsepower, 101 horsepower heat engine and 29 horsepower electric unit. The declared average consumption is 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres, while CO2 emissions are between 115 and 117 grams per kilometre.

The MG 3 is 4.11 metres long, 1.80 metres wide and 1.50 metres high. It has five seats and a boot capacity of 293 litres, extendable to 983 litres with the rear seats folded down. The hybrid version is a full hybrid petrol with a 1.5 cylinder four-cylinder engine with 1,499 cubic centimetres, a total output of 194 horsepower, a 102 horsepower heat engine and a 136 horsepower electric motor. The transmission is a three-speed automatic. The average consumption indicated by the price list is 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres, with CO2 emissions of 100 grams per kilometre. It is the most powerful of the five, but also one of the widest, an element to be considered in city use and tight car parks.

The Renault Clio measures 4.12 metres in length, 1.77 in width and 1.45 in height. It offers five seats and a declared boot capacity of between 390 and 391 litres, with a maximum capacity of 1,176 litres. The full hybrid E-Tech version is powered by a 1.8-litre, 1,789 cubic centimetres four-cylinder engine with a total output of 160 horsepower, a 109-horsepower combustion engine and a 50-horsepower electric motor. The declared average consumption is 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres, with CO2 emissions of 89 grams per kilometre.

The Suzuki Swift is the shortest of the five-seater cars. It measures 3.86 metres in length, 1.74 in width and 1.50 in height. The boot offers 265 litres in standard configuration and increases to 980 litres by folding down the sofa. The range is mild hybrid only, with a 1.2 three-cylinder engine with 1,197 cubic centimetres, 81 horsepower and 108 Nm torque. The declared average consumption is 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres, while CO2 emissions are between 99 and 110 grams per kilometre. Its small dimensions make it suitable for urban use, while its availability with all-wheel drive distinguishes it from other selected compacts.