By FGP on 20th January 2020
In lighter moments FGP staff are as animated as with anything, when discussing the best car choices to fit with varied work demands. Not only are there sometimes long distances to travel but the cars need to be capable of some off road work with good ground clearance for farm tracks. An important criterion for the company is running costs combined with more environmentally friendly options with lower CO2 emissions.
FGP took the decision to switch to hybrid vehicles five years ago and at the time the Mitsubishi Outlander was the vehicle of choice. In fact there was little choice at the time but now new models are appearing all the time and the power sources are beginning to vary. To buy, most hybrids are more expensive than their petrol and diesel siblings; the savings come in tax, running and conscience.
Electric is still not a practical option. This partly because of distances but also the uncertainty of there being a charging point at a variety of rural addresses. Faster charging and longer battery range may yet overcome these points of resistance but for the time being its hybrid vehicles or plug in hybrid. It is interesting that many of the hybrid car manufacturers are heads down on perfecting hydrogen engines, so the hybrid option may only be a stepping stone.
Bearing in mind that “high end” isn’t in the debate, which vehicles crop up in the FGP debate? A Volvo XC90 T8 (it’s hybrid) is already in the car park as an SUV for larger family needs. As usual Volvo scores well on comfort and safety and you could be 25 miles down the motorway before it burns any fuel; this ties in with an impressive pick up from a standing start. Ground clearance at 218mm is good and although it’s not a bog snorkeler this vehicle does give reasonable off road capability if needed.
Amongst much shaking of heads (in both directions) the Jaguar F Pace is mentioned. This year a facelifted model includes a plug-in hybrid in the range. A 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine coupled with a small battery and electric motor should give 30 miles of emissions-free driving and a claimed economy figure of over 100mpg. Ground clearance is good at 213mm and the vehicle has a modicum of off road capability.
Lower down the price range the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV remains popular with FGP staff as the “go to” 4WD Hybrid work horse. Its low CO2 emissions lead to low company car tax bills and the tag as Europe’s top selling plug in hybrid can’t be for nothing. It feels more like a 4x4 than a car, which does compromise ride comfort, but not to the extent of a deal breaker. The 215mm ground clearance signals intent to be competent off road. Perhaps a bit tired style wise, but still a contender on most counts.
Smaller still lies the quirky Subaru range. Forty years ago, at the start of cross country utility infrastructure expansion, Subaru pottered onto the scene as among the first cars with off road capability. Now they act in the background to Toyota as specialist designers. As a steady road going option in the lower price brackets they have hybrid options including the Subaru XV, which is openly touted as a filler until the hydrogen powered engine is ready. Definitely a “marmite” choice, but capable on all fronts with ground clearance of 220mm.
If you look up those models and weigh up their nearest rivals, you wouldn’t be far off finding the best new generation hybrid for the rural operator. One last point before purchasing a four-wheel drive – four-wheel drive capabilities will be severely limited if the tyres are not selected carefully. High mileage doesn’t combine well with off road needs. If selecting “all terrain” tyres, it is worth checking the road noise and fuel economy ratings.