With sales of new diesel cars waning, it would appear that hybrid technology has stepped up to take its place, especially for city driving. Hybrid power combines the flexibility of a petrol engine with the efficiency of an electric motor, allowing drivers to reduce emissions without having to wait for batteries to charge, and it has become a hit as a result. Some of Ireland's best-selling cars are hybrids, and with good reason. They're perfect for those living in urban areas, and those who want to keep their impact on air quality to a minimum without sacrificing practicality, but which hybrids should a modern Irish city-dweller consider? We run down 10 of our favourites for life in and around town.
Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida
- Price: from €34,995
- Hybrid system: 1.2-litre petrol hybrid
- Max power: 136hp
- Fuel consumption: 4.8-4.9 litres/100km
The Junior was launched as an electric car, but for those who want a bit more flexibility, Alfa Romeo has added a hybrid to the range, called 'Ibrida' - as that's Italian for 'hybrid', obviously. The system is tried and tested, having been deployed in all sorts of Peugeot, Citroen and even Jeep models already, but the Alfa adds it to a gorgeous body and provides some pleasing driving dynamics, elevating the Junior above its rivals. It's far from the most exciting Alfa out there, but the Junior Ibrida is among the better cars in its class.
Read our 2025 review of the Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida
Citroen C3 Aircross Hybrid
- Price: tbc
- Hybrid system: 1.2-litre petrol hybrid
- Max power: 136hp
- Fuel consumption: 5.3-5.4 litres/100km
The new C3 Aircross is quite a bit bigger than its predecessor, but though it's available with seven seats, it's still compact enough for urban environments. And with a 1.2-litre hybrid system under the bonnet, it's efficient and lightweight, too. The design is modern and minimalist, and the car drives accordingly, with light steering and a sense of agility, as well as a relaxing, calming vibe. And in the right colour scheme, it really looks quite cool.
Read our 2025 review of the Citroen C3 Aircross Hybrid
Citroen C4 Hybrid
- Price: from €29,990
- Hybrid system: 1.2-litre petrol hybrid
- Max power: 110-145hp
- Fuel consumption: 4.5-5.5 litres/100km
For those accustomed to the C4 hatchbacks of old, the new model feels like a bit of a departure. More SUV-like in its stance, but with a decidedly fastback-inspired shape, it blurs the lines between genres. And, these days, the great-value family car is offered with a hybrid system that combines Citroen's tried-and-tested 1.2-litre petrol engine with electric power and provides a choice of different power outputs. It's a refined and smooth system that blends nicely with the C4's comfortable, relaxed demeanour.
Read our 2025 review of the Citroen C4 Hybrid
Dacia Duster Hybrid
- Price: from €25,990
- Hybrid system: 1.6-litre petrol hybrid
- Max power: 140hp
- Fuel consumption: 5.1 litres/100km
Once upon a time, the Duster was just a no-nonsense SUV for those with more sense than money, but now it's something more than that. While it's still rugged, the Duster is also smartly styled and easy on the eye, while the interior looks pretty funky too. Under the bonnet is a choice of powertrains, including an efficient hybrid system, offering buyers a car that's as cheap to run as it is to buy.
Read our reviews of the Dacia Duster
Honda Civic
- Price: from €48,995
- Hybrid system: 2.0-litre petrol hybrid
- Max power: 184hp
- Fuel consumption: 5.0 litres/100km
As well as becoming more grown up in terms of exterior design, the latest-generation Civic also comes with a cool new propulsion system. Using a 2.0-litre petrol engine and an electric motor doesn't sound all that revolutionary, but the Honda only uses the petrol engine to drive the wheels at high speeds. The rest of the time, it's just an efficient generator for the electric motor that provides smooth, clean and plentiful grunt to the front wheels. The system works brilliantly, and now Honda has paired it with a classy interior, the Civic is one of the best hybrid family cars out there - if also quite expensive.
Read our reviews of the Honda Civic
Hyundai Kona Hybrid
- Price: from €34,495
- Hybrid system: 1.6-litre petrol hybrid
- Max power: 141hp
- Fuel consumption: 4.7 litres/100km
A roomy, modern cross between a hatchback and an SUV, the Kona has been a big hit among Irish customers. That's partly down to a choice of petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains, all of which work really well, and partly down to the style, solidity and reliability of all Hyundai products. The Kona's a cool-looking thing, and its 1.6-litre hybrid system allows it to offer efficient and hassle-free propulsion for any customer in any situation. Add in a high-tech interior, and the proposition only gets better.
Read our review of the Hyundai Kona Hybrid
Kia Niro HEV
- Price: from €38,700
- Hybrid system: 1.6-litre petrol hybrid
- Max power: 141hp
- Fuel consumption: 4.7 litres/100km
The first-generation Niro fell straight into the dull-but-worthy category, but the latest model is much more interesting to look at and sit inside. Offering Irish buyers a choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric power has clearly aided its appeal, but a cool, futuristic and well-made cabin has done it no harm, either. Now, the hybrid model is efficient, attractive and more than powerful enough, while Kia's impressive seven-year warranty only helps to sweeten the deal.
Read our review of the Kia Niro HEV
Toyota Corolla
- Price: from €32,625
- Hybrid system: 1.8-litre petrol hybrid
- Max power: 140-196hp
- Fuel consumption: From 4.4 litres/100km
The Corolla might not be the most imaginative car on this list, but the family-sized Toyota is popular for more than one reason. Not only does it have a 1.8-litre hybrid system that makes it amply efficient and powerful, but it's reliable, solidly made and ideal for family life. Few other cars will tick as many boxes for as many different customers. You can even choose between estate, hatchback and saloon body styles.
Read our reviews of the Toyota Corolla
Toyota C-HR HEV
- Price: from €40,530
- Hybrid system: 1.8-litre petrol hybrid
- Max power: 140hp
- Fuel consumption: 4.8 litres/100km
Quirkily styled and good fun to drive, the C-HR may not be what you expect from a small SUV. Practicality is less of a concern for buyers of the cool crossover but build quality and fuel efficiency are both provided in spades. And because Toyota likes to make its cars fun to drive, the C-HR also has sharp steering and good body control, which makes it enjoyable to drive on a good country road and nippy around town.
Read our reviews of the Toyota C-HR
Nissan Juke Hybrid
- Price: from €35,850
- Hybrid system: 1.6-litre petrol hybrid
- Max power: 143hp
- Fuel consumption: 4.7 litres/100km
A car that makes waves with its styling, the Juke has always been a bit of a love-hate thing. Some will be drawn to its funky design and its cool interior, while others will find it a little weird for their liking. But if you're more interested in aesthetics, you'll find plenty to like about the Juke Hybrid, including a clever 1.6-litre hybrid system and an uncanny ability to stay level in corners. It's more than just a novelty.
Read our review of the Nissan Juke Hybrid
Why hybrids are ideal for Irish cities
Hybrids are generally quieter than petrol or diesel models, they produce fewer emissions (especially in stop-start traffic) and there's no need to plug them in (this feature does not include plug-in hybrids). For urban driving, where trips are typically short and speeds low, hybrids make the most of their electric motors and batteries, often driving without using the engine at all. That's good news for both your fuel bill and local air quality - and with more choice than ever, there's likely a hybrid to suit every budget and lifestyle.
Do I need to charge a hybrid?
In short, no - not with the hybrids featured here. These are what some people call self-charging hybrids, meaning they top up their small battery automatically as you drive, using energy recovered from braking and the engine itself. There's no plug, no cable and no waiting around. It's one of the reasons they're so popular - you get some of the benefits of electric driving without having to change your routine.
Ask us for help choosing the right hybrid for you
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