Hybrid values ‘on the up’ in changing market conditions

Despite reductions and removals of government grants for a number of hybrid motorcars, highlights Iain Robertson, the broader motor industry rates the technology at the highest residual levels of the past eighteen years.

Automotive data expert HPI has drawn up a definitive list of the best petrol hybrid picks for buyers considering a used model from one of the fastest growing vehicle sectors in the UK. The valuations suggest that the wider industry acceptance of hybrid vehicle qualities, in a market where diesel fuel has been demonised, has lifted their retained values to significant new peaks.



Registration volumes in the petrol hybrid sector have grown by 30.9% in the twelve months between Oct 2017 to Oct 2018 and account for 3.8% of all motoring registrations, according to recent SMMT vehicle data. For the data, HPI has considered petrol hybrid vehicles at two years old and 20,000 miles. Whether buying second-hand, or attempting to ‘future-proof’ the acquisition of a new example, the information is useful.



At the top of the table is the Toyota Prius, which holds and excellent 69.4% of its value after two years and loses around £8,000 on average. The Lexus LC comes a close second, holding 68.4% of its value over the same period and the Toyota C-HR retaining 67.2% of its average new price, suggesting that the originator of hybrid technology in the UK is also the preferred brand (Lexus being the luxury arm of Toyota). Higher residuals also suggest better lease and PCP rates.



Commenting on the study, HPI Editor, Chris Plumb, said: “The popularity of hybrid cars continues to grow and they are becoming increasingly more visible on the UKs roads. All of the major manufacturers have embraced hybrid technology and are producing vehicles to meet the demand for both commercial and personal use. Although still relatively expensive to buy outright, the benefits of driving a hybrid including economy and environmental advantages, are beginning to make drivers think twice about investing in a used vehicle. High mileage and poor condition examples should be avoided as they are a turn-off to second-hand buyers. Finally, always ensure that you pick a vehicle with a full service history.



20 best petrol hybrid depreciators at two years and 20,000 miles.

Model

Average New Price (£)

Average New Price
 Retained (OCN) %

Average Depreciation (£)

TOYOTA PRIUS (2015--)

£26,071

69.4

-£7,984

LEXUS LC (2017--)

£81,283

68.4

-£25,650

TOYOTA C-HR (2016--)

£26,145

67.2

-£8,587

KIA NIRO (2016--)

£23,970

65.2

-£8,345

TOYOTA RAV 4 (2015--)

£34,780

64.8

-£12,230

LEXUS RX (2015--)

£55,339

64.7

-£19,530

SUZUKI IGNIS (2017--)

£14,314

64.6

-£5,064

LEXUS RC (2015--)

£41,563

64.3

-£14,850

HYUNDAI IONIQ (2016--)

£22,240

62.6

-£8,323

TOYOTA AURIS (2015--)

£25,115

62.5

-£9,423

LEXUS IS (2016--)

£37,339

61.2

-£14,583

SUZUKI SWIFT (2017--)

£15,314

59.9

-£6,152

TOYOTA YARIS (2017--)

£19,124

56.8

-£8,269

FORD MONDEO VIGNALE (2015--)

£31,820

55.5

-£14,170

FCD Summary

We advocate the hybrid developments of many carmakers and recognise the realistic appeal of the products. It is abundantly clear that some brands hold better residual values than others, a factor that can affect a buying decision.

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