 hybrid you're after, I'm afraid. Not all hybrids are created equal; there are traditional hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius and Corolla, and plug-in hybrids such as the Volkswagen Golf GTE. Both types have a large, separate drive battery and a high-power electric motor, so they can move the car on electric power alone – even if only for a short amount of time – and that leads to noticeable fuel economy gains. Mild hybrids, as their name suggests, have a far less significant electric boost – indeed, their battery isn't much bigger than the one you'll find in a conventional petrol or diesel car to start the engine. And instead of an electric motor, they have a beefed-up starter motor that provides a little extra shove to the petrol engine as and when it's needed. A good mild hybrid can have an effect on fuel consumption – but it's usually marginal in comparison with that of a traditional or plug-in hybrid. Why does any of this matter? Well, no traditional or plug-in hybrid on sale today has a manual gearbox (and, for that matter, I can't think of one that has a manual handbrake, either). So if it's one of those that you want, you're out of luck. But if you think you'd be happy with a mild hybrid, you have more options. Ford, for example, still fits a manual handbrake to the Fiesta, which is available with one of the better mild hybrid powertrains. It gets excellent fuel economy and, most importantly, has a manual gearbox. The downsides? The Fiesta's boot isn't as big as its rivals', so fitting your Labrador might be a squeeze unless you're willing to sit him or her on the back s){kind=link}
Our reader wants to know if there are any small, manual hybrids that will accommodate a Labrador
I have a five-year-old Honda CR-V but want to change to a smaller car with enough boot space for my Labrador. I want a new hybrid petrol car with a manual gearbox and a traditional handbrake. I have looked at the Honda Jazz but it has automatic transmission and an electronic handbrake. Are there any new cars that suit?– SC
Not if it’s a “proper” (also referred to as “self-charging”) hybrid you’re after, I’m afraid. Not all hybrids are created equal; there are traditional hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius and Corolla, and plug-in hybrids such as the Volkswagen Golf GTE. Both types have a large, separate drive battery and a high-power electric motor, so they can move the car on electric power alone – even if only for a short amount of time – and that leads to noticeable fuel economy gains.
Mild hybrids, as their name suggests, have a far less significant electric boost – indeed, their battery isn’t much bigger than the one you’ll find in a conventional petrol or diesel car to start the engine. And instead of an electric motor, they have a beefed-up starter motor that provides a little extra shove to the petrol engine as and when it’s needed. A good mild hybrid can have an effect on fuel consumption – but it’s usually marginal in comparison with that of a traditional or plug-in hybrid.
Why does any of this matter? Well, no traditional or plug-in hybrid on sale today has a manual gearbox (and, for that matter, I can’t think of one that has a manual handbrake, either). So if it’s one of those that you want, you’re out of luck.