Compact hybrid cars: 5 models, including mild-hybrid, full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid
Low emissions and fuel consumption for selected cars
Key points
Compact hybrid cars are the ideal solution for those looking for low fuel consumption, reduced emissions and, above all, a size suited to city traffic and urban parking. Scrolling through the list of hybrid cars under 4.20 metres on sale in Italy, one notices a wide range of mild hybrid models, thanks in part to the Stellantis group’s range, where the 1.2-litre 48-volt mild hybrid is found under the bonnet of the Fiat Grande Panda, Lancia Ypsilon, Citroën C3, DS3, Jeep Avenger, Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa. There is a smaller range of full hybrid models, with the Toyota Yaris (and its cousin, the Mazda 2) having become a true benchmark in the sector. The technology offering has recently seen the arrival of the BYD Dolphin G DM-1, the first compact car on sale with plug-in hybrid technology offering over 100 kilometres of range on electric power alone.
Currently the only model of its kind on the market, the BYD Dolphin G DM-i combines the Super Hybrid DM-i system with an 18.3 kWh Blade LFP battery. It is powered by a 1.5-litre Xiaoyun petrol engine, an electric drive motor and plug-in hybrid technology. The system output is 212 horsepower. The WLTP electric range is 105 kilometres, fuel consumption on a full battery is 4.5 l/100 km and combined CO₂ emissions are 32 g/km. The list price is €27,290.
Due to arrive by the end of 2026, the Sandero full hybrid will be powered by a 109-horsepower 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a 50-horsepower electric motor, a high-voltage starter-generator, a 1.4 kWh 230 V battery and an electrified clutchless automatic transmission with four thermal gears and two electric gears. The system output will be 155 hp and torque 170 Nm. The price, WLTP fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions of the Sandero Stepway Hybrid 155 have not yet been announced.
The 208 Hybrid 110 e-DCS6 is powered by a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The 3-cylinder engine features a timing chain and is the hybrid version of the new Turbo 100. The system output is 110 hp. WLTP fuel consumption is 4.5–4.7 l/100 km, with CO₂ emissions of 101–105 g/km. The list price starts at €24,970 for the Style trim.
The Clio E-Tech 160 full hybrid is powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 109 hp, combined with a 50 hp electric motor, delivering a total output of 160 hp via a multimode automatic transmission. WLTP fuel consumption is 3.9–4.1 l/100 km and CO₂ emissions are 89–93 g/km. The all-in price is €24,900.
