Toyota Prius

It’s the car that kick-started the hybrid movement 10 years ago, and the Prius is still going strong. The third generation model uses a 1.8-litre petrol engine in tandem with an electric motor to produce a combined power output of 134bhp. Thanks to a super-slippery shape and low-friction components, the result is an impressive 72.4mpg and CO2 emissions of only 89g/km, making it completely tax-free.

However, rules for the Government’s cashback scheme state that only plug-in hybrids can qualify – where the petrol engine acts only as a generator to extend the range of the batteries. Fortunately, Toyota has confirmed that a plug-in Prius is on the way, and should be available to buy within a year.