Skip advert
Advertisement

Affordable Hybrid Car of the Year 2023: Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is the 2023 Auto Express Affordable Hybrid Car of the Year, with the Dacia Jogger Hybrid and Toyota Yaris commended

With the model in its 11th generation, there are few names as recognisable as the Honda Civic’s. One of them is arguably the VW Golf, but the Civic is now a step ahead – and its clever hybrid powertrain that delivers claims of close to 60mpg means it won’t break the bank to run.

Advertisement - Article continues below

A cleaner cabin with high-quality materials and a much slicker infotainment system than its predecessor means the Honda is now close to the benchmark in the family car class in these areas. Add in the potential for super-low running costs and prices that start from £33,815 and you have one of the best affordable family cars on sale.

While there are cheaper family hatchbacks, hybrid models are pricey, and none delivers the balance of economy and enjoyment that the Honda does. The Civic’s 2.0-litre e:HEV powertrain serves up a punchy 181bhp, and its electrified automatic transmission doesn’t suffer from the usual CVT foibles of years gone by.

You can add a sophisticated ride and sharp handling to the hybrid Honda’s plus points, while the notchback bodystyle (it’s still a proper hatchback, so practicality is in pole position) compared with more conventional cars such as the Golf ensures the Civic delivers on the promise of space inside. A 410-litre boot means there’s plenty of room for four and their luggage.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Civic’s breadth of ability and operating window is wider than ever. If you’re considering dipping your toe in the water when it comes to electrification, the hybrid Civic is a great gateway to a world of affordable hybrid motoring.

Our choice

Honda Civic e:HEV Sport (£33,815)

Advertisement - Article continues below

With just one hybrid powertrain on offer, maximum affordability in the Civic range comes in Sport trim. Adaptive cruise control and wireless smartphone charging are standard, while the efficiency, driving dynamics and practicality are common to every model. You can feel just a hint of Type R hot-hatch magic, too.

Commended

Dacia Jogger Hybrid

While Dacia is new to electrification, it’s no stranger to affordability. Adding a petrol-electric powertrain to its seven-seat Jogger family car means it’s a top choice if you’re after affordable hybrid motoring – and there’s no compromise from housing a battery when it comes to interior or luggage space.

Toyota Yaris

Decades of expertise with hybrid power are really paying off for Toyota. The market has moved in the Japanese brand’s favour, and its petrol-electric Yaris supermini is still one of the best and most affordable hybrid cars on sale, while the Yaris Cross delivers the same talents in a small SUV body.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

You’ll find all the information on our New Car Awards 2023 winners and the reasons why we chose them on these pages. Just follow the links below to read more…

New Car Awards 2023: the winners

Special edition of Auto Express

Auto Express Issue 1,787

For the full New Car Awards experience, make sure you pick up a copy of our special 2023 New Car Awards collectors' edition of the Auto Express magazine, which is available in shops now.

You can buy individual issues of Auto Express or subscribe for even bigger discounts on the print magazine cover price. You can currently subscribe or download individual issues of our digital edition direct to your desktop, phone or tablet as well.

Stay right up to date with the latest from the world of cars in 2023 and beyond, subscribe to our email newsletter and follow us on social media...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Sean’s been writing about cars since 2010, having worked for outlets as diverse as PistonHeads, MSN Cars, Which? Cars, Race Tech – a specialist motorsport publication – and most recently Auto Express and sister titles Carbuyer and DrivingElectric

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best cars for £3,000 or less
Best used cars for £3,000 or less - header image

Best cars for £3,000 or less

A tight budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. Here are some great used cars available for £3,000 or less
Best cars & vans
7 Feb 2025
Best hybrid cars on sale 2025
Best hybrid cars header

Best hybrid cars on sale 2025

With more hybrid cars on the market than ever before, these are the best ones to buy
Best cars & vans
3 Feb 2025
Best family cars to buy 2025
Best family cars header

Best family cars to buy 2025

Family cars come in a variety of shapes, from hatchback to SUV. But which is best for you? Find out with our top 10 family cars on sale now.
Best cars & vans
16 Dec 2024
Best used automatic cars
Best used automatic cars - header image

Best used automatic cars

Give your left leg a rest with one of these nine great used cars with easy-going automatic gearboxes
Best cars & vans
3 Oct 2024

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: High-spec Nissan Qashqai for £191 a month is a steal
Nissan Qashqai - front cornering right

Car Deal of the Day: High-spec Nissan Qashqai for £191 a month is a steal

The Nissan Qashqai is a family favourite, with plenty of style and kerb appeal. It’s our Deal of the Day for 13 February
News
13 Feb 2025
New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped
Volkswagen Transporter e-Shuttle - front

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped

The Ford-based Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is refined, good to drive and has plenty of space in all three rows
Road tests
14 Feb 2025
It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced
Opinion - expensive cars

It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced

Not matter how good a new car might be, Mike Rutherford thinks it will ultimately fail if it's overpriced
Opinion
16 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts