British car owners love hybrid and electric cars, according to Auto Express

British drivers have voted electric and hybrid cars the best to own, according to the Auto Express Driver Power survey 2015.

The Lexus IS Mk3 takes the number one slot this year, with a satisfaction rating of 93.96%, ending the Skoda Yeti’s three-year stint as the UK’s favourite car. Three-quarters of all Lexus IS owners who responded own the eco-friendly hybrid version.

The survey covers the issues that matter to motorists; drivers rate their vehicles over ten categories including reliability, running costs, practicality and in-car tech. This year, Driver Power received a record 61,113 responses, up 20% on 2014, confirming it as the UK's biggest in-depth car ownership satisfaction survey.

The new Lexus NX, also sold in hybrid form, came sixth overall, while Lexus, was also voted the UK’s favourite manufacturer – it received eight Driver Power awards in total, also topping the polls for build quality, ease of driving and seat comfort.

Two electric vehicles, the Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf, came in fifth and eighth place respectively out of over 500 models surveyed. Receiving a satisfaction rating of 92.87%, the Zoe scored higher than the Driver Power 2014 winner, the Skoda Yeti, which received 92.78%. 

Editor-in-chief of Auto Express Steve Fowler said: “Car buyers are attracted by the low running costs of hybrid and electric cars, but Driver Power 2015 shows that the whole ownership experience for these cars is pretty enjoyable, too.”

MINI was named most improved manufacturer, while the Jaguar XJ got the highest ratings from owners in the executive car category, and owners of the Land Rover Discovery rated their cars’ ride quality the best.

The survey also found that the average amount spent on a car has gone up by 12% between 2013 and 2015, from £14,453 to £16,115.

The top 10 cars: