China has mastered the electric car, but it's also home to many innovative hybrids.
More and more Chinese hybrid cars are making their way over to UK roads. That's why we've picked 10 of the very best on sale, to help you choose the best one for you.
There's a mix of plug-in hybrids, which can be externally recharged and run for several miles on electric power, and self-charging hybrids that recharge from the engine or when you brake.
- MG HS
- Jaecoo 7
- Chery Tiggo 8
- BYD Seal U
- MG S9
- Chery Tiggo 4
- MG ZS
- Geely Starray
- BYD Atto 2
- Leapmotor B10
MG HS
- Spacious
- Smooth hybrid power
- Affordable
The MG HS is nearly all things to nearly all people. It's a super-spacious five-seat SUV, with room for tall adults in both rows and enough cargo space to handle a family holiday. Entry-level models are powered by a turbo petrol engine alone but we much prefer the hybrid versions – available either as a self-charging hybrid or a plug-in version with an impressive 75 miles of claimed electric range. All this capability comes in at a price that's thousands of pounds less than typical European alternatives, making the MG HS unbeatable value for money.
Search used MG HS cars for sale or read our MG HS review
Jaecoo 7
- Desirable stately looks
- Choice of self-charging and plug-in hybrids
- Much cheaper than the cars that inspired it
Many of the cars on this list earn a spot due to their unrelenting focus on value. However, the Jaecoo 7 is one of the first Chinese cars to earn success in the UK based on its looks and desirability, rather than just its low price. Inside and out, you'll find the Jaecoo has drawn inspiration from a famed British off-road brand, but it's roughly half the price of those cars, and with more than twice the warranty coverage. Ignore the entry-level petrol and select either the self-charging or plug-in hybrid versions for smooth and efficient performance.
Take a look at used Jaecoo 7 cars or read our Jaecoo 7 review
Chery Tiggo 8
- Seven-seat cabin
- Lots of equipment
- Competitive pricing
Like many cars on this list the Chery Tiggo 8 earns its spot for its remarkably low price. This is a seven-seat SUV, similar to cars like the Peugeot 5008 and Nissan X-Trail. That means loads of space in the first two rows, with the tight third row best saved for occasional journeys and small passengers. Nevertheless, it's always handy to have an extra pair of pews, and you can always fold them down to reveal a massive cargo area. Like other Cherys, the Tiggo 8 model lineup is easy to understand and even entry-level models come well equipped.
Browse used Chery cars or read our Chery Tiggo 8 review
BYD Seal U
- Posh cabin
- Comfortable ride
- Cheaper than premium rivals
If you look at the BYD Seal U from a pricing perspective, you'd expect it to compete with mass-market models from mainstream western brands. However, step inside and you'll spot materials and design features that feel like they belong in luxury brands, rather than more pedestrian models. Set off in the Seal U, and you'll find that the driving experience mostly matches this plush image, with a soft setup that favours comfort over all else. All that's backed up by an impressive plug-in-hybrid system with either 50 or 78 miles of electric range.
Search used BYD Seal U cars or read our BYD Seal U review
MG S9
- Massive cabin
- Undercuts all traditional rivals
- Easygoing PHEV setup
The MG S9 is another keenly priced seven-seat SUV. However, the S9 is an ultra-large model, closer in spirit to cars like the Hyundai Santa Fe than more compact seven-seaters. The key advantage of that extra space is that the S9 has a proper-sized third row which can actually seat full-size adults in comfort for longer drives. There's no budget cutting in the cabin either to achieve that big capacity – materials feel fairly premium and the design is reasonably stylish, plus there's a wealth of standard kit to keep you entertained.
Shop used MG cars or read our MG reviews
Chery Tiggo 4
- Astonishingly low price
- Lots of standard kit
- Efficient self-charging-hybrid engine
The first thing to know about the Chery Tiggo 4 is its headline price – it costs just £19,995 brand new. That's less than you'll pay for a small hatchback from most European brands. Here, it buys you a five-seat self-charging-hybrid SUV that's just large enough for a family of four and all their stuff. You'd need to spend thousands more for an equivalent model from traditional brands, and even more on top of that for a hybrid engine with an auto gearbox. All of this plus plenty of kit comes as standard on the Tiggo 4.
Check out used Chery cars or read our Chery reviews
MG ZS
- Slick hybrid setup
- Keen pricing
- Useful practicality
The MG ZS is yet another excellently priced small family hybrid from China. You get an impressive 196hp between the electric motor and the 1.5-litre petrol engine, which means a swift 0-62mph run of 8.7 seconds. And, if you drive with a light foot, you should be able to average close to the car's claimed 55mpg fuel economy. Practicality is on par with similarly sized European rivals, with enough space for adults to sit relatively comfortably in both rows. Cabin quality is also a night-and-day improvement over MGs of just a few years ago.
View used MG ZS cars or read our review of the outgoing MG ZS
Geely Starray
- Long electric range
- Spacious cabin
- Competitive price
We recognise the Geely Starray EM-i has an awkward name and slightly bland styling. However, this is a fairly large and premium family SUV complete with a long-range plug-in-hybrid engine that starts from less than £30,000. You'd be paying around £10,000 more if you wanted the same setup from a traditional brand, and probably about double if you wanted one with a premium badge. It also has an impressive battery setup with up to 84 miles of electric-only range, which should be enough for most drivers' daily needs.
See used Geely cars or read our Geely Starray review
BYD Atto 2
- Premium interior
- Compact and easy to park
- Still has enough space for a small family
The BYD Atto 2 arrived first as a full EV but, if you need the flexibility of refuelling, there's now a plug-in-hybrid DM-i version. This returns up to 55 miles of electric range, or more than 400mpg if you recharge often and make the most of both power sources. Like other BYDs, the Atto 2's cabin feels a cut above more budget-focused Chinese cars, with plush materials and a tasteful, understated design. At 4.3 metres long, it just about classes as a small SUV, but the Atto 2 feels spacious inside with decent rear-seat and cargo space.
Check out used BYD cars or read our BYD Atto 2 review
Leapmotor B10
- Attractive cabin
- Spacious for its size
- Lots of standard kit
Leapmotor might still feel pretty new to UK buyers, but it's rapidly building out its range on these shores. The B10 is the second SUV from the brand after the larger C10, but it's the better choice between the two. It feels like Leapmotor's had more time to tune the B10 into British roads, with the car displaying a good balance of comfort and body control on our craggy country lanes. There's more than 50 miles of range to a fully charged battery before the 1.5-litre range-extending petrol engine kicks in.
Find used Leapmotor cars or read our Leapmotor B10 review
Learn more about Chinese cars
Read our guide to Chinese cars and our explainer on the newest Chinese brands coming to the UK. For more choice, check out our picks for the best Chinese EVs on sale.
