Petrol: the all-rounder for most people
Modern, quiet, easy to service. For low-mileage drivers (under 15,000 km/year) and city drivers often the lowest overall cost. No resale risk from potential bans. Downside: higher fuel use than diesel on long runs.
Diesel: worthwhile for genuine high-mileage drivers
From roughly 20,000–25,000 km/year, mainly motorway, diesel makes financial sense: 4–5 l/100 km vs 6–7 l petrol. Modern Euro 6 diesel is clean. Warning: check diesel restrictions in your city. Not suited to short-trip drivers (DPF problems).
Full hybrid (e.g. Toyota): the city car
A full hybrid (HEV) like the Toyota Corolla combines petrol and electric motor without external charging. The battery charges while driving and braking. Up to 30% savings in city traffic. On motorways: little advantage. For city commuters without charging: the best choice without charging stress.
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV): only with genuine charging discipline
A PHEV has a large battery (40–80 km electric range) charged externally. Sounds ideal – but only if you actually charge regularly. An uncharged PHEV is a heavier petrol car with worse fuel use. Company-car tax benefits make PHEVs interesting for business drivers.
Electric (BEV): the best choice for home chargers
If you can charge at home, running costs are lowest: ~€3–5/100 km. No oil changes. Less brake wear (regeneration). For daily use up to 200–300 km: no problem. Challenge: long holiday journeys without planning.