Hybrids come in all shapes and sizes nowadays, from the original mid-size saloon Prius to enormous SUVs like the BMW X7 hybrid, but what if you just need a smaller car, for city driving or short trips? 

These are some of the best small hybrids on sale today.

 has long been a favourite in the small car segment. Known for its reliability, the Yaris combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to achieve remarkable fuel economy. With a spacious interior and decent boot space, it’s perfect for city driving while remaining practical for longer journeys.

At 129 horsepower the Yaris Hybrid has plenty of power to keep up with city traffic, and shouldn’t find motorways difficult either. A vibrant infotainment screen gives Android auto and Apple Car Play.

 is celebrated for its versatile interior and practicality. With a clever 'Magic Seat' feature that makes the most of its cabin space, the Jazz hybrid's economical hybrid powertrain provides excellent fuel efficiency, making it a fantastic choice.

Exterior styling is very reminiscent of the previous generation Jazz, but with a sleek modernisation bringing it firmly up to date with Honda's other models, such as its bigger brother, the Civic.

As one of the cheapest new hybrids out there, the 

 offers great value, not only will it do over 64 miles to the gallon, but it also has a 10.5” touchscreen infotainment system, as well as a 7” screen for the digital dash.

Whilst the basic SE spec doesn’t get blind spot detection, it does have adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and forward collision avoidance – an impressive amount of safety features for the price.

4. Renault Captur E-Tech Hybrid - £21,395

 offers a stylish SUV-esque exterior paired with a hybrid powertrain that performs well both in the city and on the motorway. Its compact size makes it easier to manoeuvre than a mid-sized SUV, while the spacious interior ensures comfort for passengers. 

At just under £21,400 the Evolution trim level comes with 17” diamond cut alloys, a 10.4” infotainment screen and rear-view camera.

 is the cherry on the top for those looking for great fuel mileage, with up to 74 MPG achievable. Power is provided by a 1.5L three-cylinder engine, and a 59kW electric motor. 

The base trim, or grade as Mazda term it, is the Centre-Line, which comes with keyless entry, various safety features and a 9” infotainment screen. Multiple stylish colours are available, though the pearl ones will add to the final bill.

Suzuki are famed for making great small cars, and the 

 has been a favourite since its release in the UK in the late 1980s. The hybrid version then, is sure to be popular too! It comes with a mild hybrid system assisting the 1.2-litre petrol engine and plenty of tech.

As standard, the Swift Hybrid comes with heated seats, keyless entry, rear parking camera, and blind spot detection, among a host of other safety features. It really is packed full, especially for such a competitive price and compact size.

 uses a mild hybrid system, and its simplicity allows the bargain price of sub £17,000. Instead of a high voltage battery system, it used a 12v lithium battery in place of the normal car battery, and in effect a beefy starter motor to aid the engine; it does not have an electric-only mode.

Despite this, the 500 Hybrid is a fantastic city car, offering reasonably good MPG from the fizzy 3-cylinder petrol engine, and its ability to be parked in the tightest of spots is unparalleled. As with all 500s, its styling and quirkiness add plenty to the deal too.

 has been a favourite small hatchback since its introduction in the 90s, famed for not only practicality but French style too, the latest Hybrid edition also brings great fuel economy and a peppy 145hp.

Fitted with plenty of safety tech, alongside a multimedia touchscreen and digital dash, the new Clio has all the bells and whistles. Prices start from £21,695 which is pretty good value considering the modern Clio is considerably larger than it used to be, offering better people and luggage space.

9. Mercedes-Benz A-Class Plug-in Hybrid - £19,995

, Mercedes has created one of the most popular small cars in the last 10 years, worlds apart from the original cumbersome shape. It has been available with petrol and diesel engines since 2012, but the Hybrid released around 2020 offers better economy and electric-only range.

In typical Mercedes fashion, the interior is well-made and features plenty of upmarket materials. The engine is a small 1.3-litre petrol unit with an electric motor and battery combo giving 47 miles of electric-only range.

Available in full hybrid, plug-in hybrid or diesel guises, 

 should be able to fit most people's requirements. Not only are the engines hi-tec but the styling has been thoroughly revamped to suit the rest of the modern Peugeot line, with angular facets and dot matrix-like grilles.

If you have a short commute and the facility to charge at home, the plug-in would be perfect, with 35 miles of electric-only range. Otherwise, the self-charging is the one for you. Thankfully all models come with infotainment screens, diamond-cut alloy wheels and sleek styling.

Depending on your use case, a small hybrid car could be the ideal choice for you. They can often achieve excellent MPG figures, whilst the modern tech gives the same convenience and luxury as a bigger car.

Can You Still Drive a Hybrid Without the Battery?

Yes, you can drive a hybrid on petrol power only, this is useful as EV batteries deplete over time, to the point where some early electric vehicles can only achieve 10% of their original range. Thankfully you can still use the petrol or diesel engine of a hybrid, even if the battery is worn out, just don’t expect to hit the same MPG figures as a new one.

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Best Small Hybrid Cars

With winter just around the corner, more extreme weather predicted left right and centre, and the road condition worsening, now might be the best time to jump into a 4x4 for your next car, but what are the best ones to look for?

4 wheel drive was invented for increased traction off-road, so I’ve added this section for useful but still comfortable 4x4s, perfect for anyone who lives in a rural area and needs to travel over rough terrain.

, itself being an evolution of the Series Landrover of old, being so revered, Land Rover had their work cut out bringing a completely new version to market. The new Defender is a good homage to the old one, albeit with much more luxury and comfort, although that isn’t hard!

Starting at £57,420 for the utility hard top version, with steel wheels and one paint finish option, the Defender is priced to the upper end of the market. Inside you’ll find a blend of old and new styling with a few callbacks to the classic Landy.

Although predominantly a pickup truck, the 

 offers plenty of passenger space alongside a very useful pickup bed, if you add on the optional tonneau cover this is essentially a huge boot!

Because many of the users of the Ranger double cab treat it as an SUV rather than a pickup, the interior is kitted out with all the mod cons you’d expect in a high-end Ford, including touchscreen infotainment, adaptive cruise and more, a utilitarian pick-up it is not!

As an established chemical processing company, Ineos doesn’t have the pedigree of Ford or Land Rover, but that hasn’t stopped them from producing a dependable and impressive vehicle in 

The mantra the company publicised was that the Grenadier is to be the “spiritual successor" to the outgoing Defender, and many argue it fills that gap better than the new Defender. 

Whatever your opinion, you can’t argue with its ruggedness, with its heavy-duty ladder-chassis, permanent 4-wheel drive and front and rear skid plates. 

If we’re being honest most 4-wheel drive vehicles rarely see dirt, and as such don’t need to offer long-travel suspension or locking differentials. 

What they do offer is an elevated driving position and heaps of passenger space.

 is based on the same platform as the VW Toureg, with an onus on on-road performance, comfort and safety. The latest model is one of the German brand's flagship models, featuring all the latest gadgets and styling hallmarks.

With a colossal 500NM of torque available, the new Q7 will make it to 60mph in 5.6 seconds, impressive for a car that weighs over 2 tonnes. Contributing to the heft is an abundance of safety and tech features, such as adaptive air suspension, a hybrid system and loads of safety systems.

Hailed by many as the peak of luxury SUVs, the 

 certainly exudes style and comfort. It has a price tag to match, though, starting at over £104,000. This gets you an SE trim level, with a mild hybrid diesel engine. 

Regardless of trim level, the interior of the new Range Rover is an excellent place to be, with premium leather and metal everywhere. The 24-way adjustable heated, cooled and massaging seats are a perfect example of the exuberance and comfort found throughout.

, it's still sizable enough to provide plenty of comfort and luxury touches. Whilst the base model xDrive30D xLine possibly offers the best value at just over £72,300, the M60i would be the dream spec, with its twin-turbo V8 producing in excess of 500hp!

All models come with the modern styling of contemporary BMWs, with the exterior of the current generation X5 being less divisive than that of the X7, for now at least. Inside the seats and controls are as well built and functional as you’d expect from a high-end BMW, which is to say very!

Another luxury SUV born from a utility vehicle, the first G-Classes made were for military use, it wasn’t until the updated version was unveiled in 1990 that it gained traction as a luxury/status vehicle.

 costs well over £130,000, with many opting for the superior G63 V8 version starting at £184,000+. For your £136,690 you get all-wheel drive and a diesel hybrid powertrain, giving a sprightly 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds, what’s even more impressive is its claimed economy of 30+ MPG. 

If you don’t need an enormous Land Rover or an ultra-luxurious German SUV, these bare-bones, simple and cheap 4-wheel drive options may be worth a look.

Another modern revamp of an old classic, the 

 is a quirky but practical small off-roader. Sadly due to EU emissions regulations, the passenger version was discontinued in 2020, but the commercial 2-seater is still made.

Inside the Jimny is just as functional but fun, with rugged switchgear and controls, despite its price and simplicity they still include a touchscreen infotainment system for interior convenience and a low-range gearbox for off-road capability.

 is a modern mild hybrid that has a certain degree of off-road capability, it's powered by a 3-cylinder 1200cc engine, that’s straight from the Renault production line, and it offers modest power and impressive fuel economy. 

Inside the new Duster is a far cry from the plastic-heavy early Dacias, with synthetic leather and high-quality plastics elevating the feel. Infotainment is provided through a touchscreen system combined with sleek physical controls for certain features. 

Although the Allgrip system isn’t a permanent 4-wheel drive, it can offer some additional traction in tricky situations, the 

 is slightly lacking in ground clearance too so don’t attempt any difficult green lanes or off-road courses!

Although not an all-out offroader, the Ignis does offer a good compromise between a compact city car and a 

 with its quirky body mouldings and interior designs. As standard, the SZ-T trim comes with 16” alloy wheels and Apple Car Play as standard. 

4x4 means the car’s engine powers all 4 wheels, most cars use either the front or rear wheels only. 4-wheel drive gives the car better traction in slippery conditions such as snow, ice or mud.

Delivering power to all 4 wheels requires more components and therefore more complexity and weight. This means 4x4 cars typically have more costly maintenance schedules and use more fuel than 2-wheel drive vehicles.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Best 4-Wheel Drive Cars You Can Buy

Hybrids are great at offering incredible economy, without sacrificing long range, in the same way an electric car does. The first hybrids used a petrol engine for simplicity, but diesel engines are just as suited to working in conjunction with an electric motor. These are the best diesel hybrids on sale today.

 is one of BMW’s most popular SUVs, and from 2023 it was offered with the impressive 6-cylinder diesel engine and 48v mild hybrid system. This boosts power to nearly 300hp, with a 0-60mph time of 6.1 seconds, which is impressive considering the X5’s size!

As standard the new X5 comes with air suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels and loads of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance and more! 

At nearly £40,000 less than the ‘full fat’ Range Rover, the 

 has been a favourite of those who love the opulent styling and prestige, but don’t need such a large vehicle.

In order to increase fuel efficiency whilst delivering a smooth and powerful ride, the Sport uses the 3.0 diesel hybrid powertrain from BMW, the same one featured in the X5 above.

This gives it comparable power and acceleration figures, and should mean the reliability is pretty good too!

 has all the comfort and features of a car. Plus, as a commercial vehicle, it is excluded from 

Only the Invincible X trim level and above are available as a diesel hybrid, which makes it around £9,000 more than the cheapest double cab trim. 

It yields more than just a hybrid option though, it also includes 18” alloys, a high-quality built-in nav system and a 360-degree camera. Whilst the 

 and motor do not add power, Toyota claims up to 5% reduction in 

In a bold move straying away from the competition with their 

 Mazda have opted to offer their CX-60 SUV with a sizeable 3.3 Litre diesel engine, accompanied by a mild hybrid system. There are two power options, the rear wheel drive 200hp version, and the 3 wheel drive 250hp version. 

Because the system is a mild hybrid, there is no electric-only range, except on the petrol PHEV model. The MHEV can achieve 60MPG though, which is pretty good considering the size of both the engine and car. 

, that has a substantial diesel engine but also gets good fuel economy, the 

 would be perfect. Using the same drivetrain as the X5 we discussed above, the X7 makes even better use of the torque on offer, being that it’s around 350kg heavier!

Inside the X7 is even more refined too, with premium materials everywhere, it is very apparent this is the competitor to the Range Rover, it even features a split tailgate; a revered feature of the Range Rover since the ‘80s. 

The Diesel-Hybrid is a relatively rare fuel type, with only 6 brand new cars for sale on Autotrader at the time of writing. 

Why Are Petrol-Hybrids More Popular Than Diesel?

Petrol and diesel engines produce power in different ways, the power delivery of a petrol engine complements that of an electric motor much better than a diesel engine, with the electric motor providing the low speed torque that petrol engines are inefficient at providing.

In contrast, diesel engines are good at providing low-speed torque, so the benefit of having a supplemental power source for accelerating up to cruising speed is lessened. 

What Are the Benefits of a Diesel Hybrid?

Much like a petrol hybrid, the main benefit of a diesel hybrid is the fuel efficiency gains. For example, Toyota claim the addition of the mild hybrid system in their Hilux Hybrid gains around 5% efficiency. 

Emissions regulations also play a part. All new cars need to adhere to strict EU laws on carbon dioxide and other chemical emissions. The addition of a hybrid system allows some manufacturers to continue using older engine designs or larger-capacity engines. 

AdBlue as it is used on many modern diesel engines to help their emissions output stay within legal limits, many diesel-hybrid engines use it, as determined by EU regulations. 

 is a catalyst solution that improves the conversion of harmful emissions into less harmful compounds.

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two; blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

What Are The Best Diesel Hybrids?

The ability to charge your hybrid vehicle has been a transformative but relatively new concept in the world of hybrids, with the first plug-in hybrid sold in Europe being the Opel Ampera in 2011, over a decade after the first mass produced hybrid, the Toyota Prius was released. 

Since then, plug-in hybrids have carved out a significant segment of not only the electric vehicle market, but the market for new vehicles as a whole, offering better MPG than internal combustion engines, and more usability than electric only ones. Here are some of the best PHEVs currently available.

Volvo were almost a very early adopter of the PHEV powertrain, developing a working V70 plug-in hybrid in 2009. Whilst that model didn't get put into production, the 

 certainly did, and is now one of Volvo's highest selling models.

The XC60 is the sweet spot for SUVs, especially to be driven in the UK. It’s large enough to give the road presence and higher driving position of a traditional SUV, but is easier to park than the huge XC90. It also comes with a ridiculous 455hp powertrain.

Toyota are usually a safe bet, and they certainly know their stuff when it comes to hybrids.

 is a good example of the PHEV format, offering a respectable 46 miles of EV-only range, perfect for a short commute, with a high-tech but not underpowered 2.5-litre petrol engine to take over. 

 spec is quite good value, with a usable 218hp and a 10.5” touchscreen for nav, entertainment and various vehicle controls.

Its exterior styling might not be to everyone's taste, with the front grille looking a little too angular, the inside is functional and stylish.

If you’re looking for a fairly economical - to buy and run - 7 seater SUV hybrid, the 

It comes with a host of safety features such as anti-collision and parking assistants to help day to day, and an official MPG of over 170 (it’s more likely to be around 45 in rear usage, though). 

Alongside the hybrid motor and battery combo, there's a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Whilst this may seem fairly small for a car of this size, it puts out a combined power of 212hp, so shouldn’t feel too sluggish in real conditions. 

The Range Rover could definitely also fall into the SUV category above, but considering its comfort and opulence, I think the standout feature is how luxurious it is, rather than the ride height. The new 

 has a starting price of just over £104,000.

As it has a price higher than any car on this list, the cheapest “full-fat” Range Rover plug-in hybrid rightly delivers on style, features and comfort. 

You get a lovely panoramic roof, Meridian sound system and LED headlights as standard. 

has been a model aimed at the top end of the market since its introduction in 1994, competing with the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series. The new plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers power and efficiency in abundance, with 455 hp and nearly 40 miles of EV-only range.

Alongside the hi-tech hybrid system is a 3.0 litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine, inside the cabin is a great blend of high-quality leathers, plastics and metals, complete with a large infotainment screen and four-zone climate control.

Like most manufacturers Jaguar has recently been pushing to ditch all their traditional petrol and diesel-engined vehicles, pledging to stop production of anything but electric vehicles by 2025. 

Best get your order in quick for their handsome hybrid SUV; the 

The P400e has an electric-only range of 29 miles and is also equipped with a high-tech suspension system, improving handling at speed, despite its significant proportions. 

Whilst we wouldn't suggest taking it too far off the beaten track, its 4WD system should help should the road get slippery!

If anyone can make a well-handling hybrid, despite their unavoidable weight, it is Porsche, the 

 is the natural predecessor to the brand's first plug-in hybrid, in the previous Panamera released in 2014.

Performance is suitably astounding with 750 NM of torque and the ability to hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Whilst the Panamera has 4 doors and a decent-sized boot, it still holds its own in the handling stakes and has been well-reviewed across the board. 

BMW M5 Touring Plug-in Hybrid - £113,405

Releasing in 2025 this will be BMW’s first 

It has a twin-turbo V8 engine combined with a powerful hybrid system to create an incredible 727 hp, more than any M-car currently made. 

The interior is set to be suitably high-end BMW, with a very modern twist in the form of a large, curved infotainment display, prominently facing the driver. The new M5 will have 41 miles of electric-only range and will start at £113,405.

This one does stand out a little, but it 

 a plug-in hybrid. The latest mid-range supercar come SUV from Ferrari, 

, is likely to feature an 830 horsepower powertrain from a V8 turbocharged engine and battery/motor combo. Full details have not yet been revealed, but if you’re in the market for a half-million pound PHEV, this might be for you!

As you’d expect of a Ferrari, it is beautiful, with styling somehow more reminiscent of the brand's low-slung supercars than a high-up SUV. This despite its obvious heft compared to a 458 or similar model. 

What are the Advantages of a Plug-in Hybrid?

Since plug-in hybrids can act as purely electric vehicles, you’ll likely find yourself using far less fuel for day-to-day activities. If you have a short commute and can charge at home, you may not need to use petrol or diesel to get to work, but you can still use the car for longer journeys such as holiday road trips.

What are the Disadvantages of a Plug-in Hybrid?

They are heavier and more complex than both electric vehicles and internal combustion engined vehicles, meaning once the battery is depleted the motorway fuel economy is often not the best.

Also, because plug-in hybrids still need to make room for the petrol engine, the batteries are small, only offering 40 miles or less of electric-only range. 

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350de currently has the longest electric-only range of 66 miles, thanks to its large 31kWh battery. 

The GLE 350de retails for around £87,000 and is on sale in the UK now.

That depends on your usage. If you have the facility to charge at home or work, but cannot commit to an EV yet because you need more range, a PHEV could be the perfect option. 

Whether your car is a super-mini or sports SUV, hybrid or diesel, Bumper can help with those pesky repair bills. Choose from one of our 

, and spread out the cost of car repairs.

9 Best Plug-In Hybrid Cars

Die 9 besten Plug-in-Hybride

The sales of Hybrid cars have risen steadily since their introduction in the early 2000s, and they still remain a popular choice for new car buyers in the UK. If you’re looking for a new hybrid, here’s our pick for the top ten on sale today.

Ever since they released the first gen Prius in 2000, Toyota have been one of the biggest manufacturers in the hybrid market, with the range now extending to the Yaris, Corolla, Rav4 and C-HR.

 gives one of the best options for practicality, reliability and fuel economy, it has a decent sized boot, but is not as cumbersome as some of the 

 on sale. Infotainment is provided by a 10” touch screen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

 is a figurative giant in the saloon and estate market, commanding a big proportion of the sales since its introduction in the 1970s. Today it places on the luxury end of the offerings, and the 330e gives a hyper-efficient alternative to the above. 

Offering 59 miles of all-electric range, the 330e is great for those who commute between 20 and 30 miles each way, but need the long range of a 

 for the odd trip. Inside the 330e touring has plenty of space for passengers and luggage, with nearly 300 hp at hand it’s no slouch either.

 have a significant share of the market in the UK, not without good reason though, the Passat offers both utility and comfort, the GTE hybrid version also offers over 160 MPG.

Available only as a plug-in hybrid, it would likely suit those with a home charger more, allowing it to be used as an EV for much of the time, but only if your 

 is relatively short, for the Passat GTE only has an electric-only range of 33 miles.

Filling the gap between small city car, and full-size hatchback, the 

 offers impressive packaging and versatility. The new eHEV hybrid version adds another string to its bow; incredible fuel economy. 

The Jazz eHEV has a very limited electric-only range, and is a traditional regenerative charging system, meaning overall it gets great 

 on longer, stop-start journeys. Spec is not an issue, with adaptive cruise control and a great infotainment system on the base model, with further features available on the Advance and Advance Sport trim levels.

As we mentioned earlier, the Golf is one of the most popular cars on UK roads, because it does everything so well, everything from transporting 5 people in comfort, to tip runs - long motorway journeys to city driving. The GTE is the plug-in hybrid version, offering 38 miles of electric-only range. 

The 1.5 TSI engine, mated to a sophisticated hybrid system can propel the GTE to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, pretty nippy for something so economical. Styling is typically Volkswagen with angular lines and muted curves.

Renault Clio E-Tech Full Hybrid - £25,470

If you’re looking for a hybrid hatchback that has a bit more style than the Honda or VW, the chic-looking Clio E-Tech could be a good choice. Starting at £25,470 it is cheaper than both competitors but comes with just as much tech. 

Like the Jazz, it’s a traditional hybrid rather than a plug-in, but achieves a reliable 70 MPG across mixed driving conditions. It has a 

 and is available in a wide variety of trim levels, with options such as adaptive cruise control and heated seats.

Kia has grown from a relatively small brand presence in the UK in the late 90s to one of the biggest names, especially in the

. Part of that is down to the popularity of models such as the 

, which is offered in both full hybrid or plug-in hybrid.

At just over £36,500, the Niro hybrid offers very good value considering the decent amount of space and equipment available, including a great infotainment system, and 33 miles of electric-only range.

Lexus offers an attractive combination of 

 is the Japanese brand's mid-size SUV, falling between the compact UX, and the significantly larger RX. We feel it’s pretty well priced, at around the same RRP as similar offerings by BMW and Audi.

The interior is as stylish as the exterior, offering high-quality materials across the board. Features such as heated seats and adaptive cruise are available on the higher-spec models. The NX is available in both self-charging and plug-in hybrid versions, allowing you to pick which one best suits your needs.

 is Mercedes’ SUV turned coupe that offers SUV ride height and driving position, with the fastback styling of a couple. It is available in a wide array of hybrid guises, including both 

With a starting price of over £84,000 the GLE is certainly targeting the

, the specs seem to be in line with this too, with fingerprint recognition keyless entry, 360° park assist camera and more as standard. 

For another high-end alternative, the Volvo XC60 combines plenty of Swedish style, with Volvo’s legendary safety features in the latest XC60 Hybrid. It can do up to 49.7 miles in electric-only mode and is charged in less than 5 hours on a traditional home charger. 

Whilst safety and economy were clearly important to the Volvo engineers, they also included performance on the list, with the XC60 T6 having over 450 horsepower, that’s more than any other car on this list. 

Whether you drive an SUV, an estate or a 

, repair bills are never a welcome surprise, with Bumper, you can spread the cost of car repairs, servicing and tyres over multiple interest-free payments. Find your 

10 Best Hybrid Cars In The UK

Our cars can communicate problems in many different ways, from warning lights on the dashboard to noises or vibrations. Sometimes though, the only symptom is a strange smell, coming either from the engine, exhaust or inside the cabin. 

In this article I’ll run through some of the most common odours you are likely to smell, and what they mean. 

My Car Is Making A Strange Smell, Is It Serious?

Without identifying what is causing the smell, and exactly what it smells like, it's impossible to say, but one thing’s for sure, you shouldn’t ignore a funny smell coming from your car. 

Whilst it could be something as simple as forgotten groceries under a seat, it could also be something as serious as a 

Whilst this guide will be a handy tool to potentially identify the problem, we always advise taking your car to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

Whether in a car or not, an unexpected smell of something burning is always cause for concern. 

There could be any number of sources of this smell from a vehicle, including melted or burning wiring, an 

, cooked brakes or a failed bearing somewhere attached to the engine, such as the AC system or alternator.

What to do if your car smells like burning

Pull over as soon as it's safe, turn off the engine and exit the vehicle. Whilst standing well back, examine the front and rear of the car to see any obvious evidence of smoke.

Don’t open the bonnet or boot without first taking precautions to check for fire. If the smell persists, but there are no obvious signs of fire, look over the car more closely, trying to identify the source of the smell. 

A sweet smell is often indicative of a coolant leak, it can be made worse by the fluid dropping onto a hot surface such as the exhaust manifold.

Whilst it may not present an immediate issue, you should at the very least check your cars coolant level.

If the level is low or the problem is persistent, ensure to keep it topped up before having it fixed as soon as possible.

If your coolant is leaking and causing a sweet smell to enter the cabin, it's important to have it fixed as soon as possible.

Coolant leaks are difficult to fix without the correct tools and equipment, so it's best to take it to a 

The smell is a result of sulphur dioxide, usually from a clogged catalytic converter. This is one of the most difficult smells to deal with as it can be extremely pungent and unpleasant. 

Take your car to a mechanic as soon as you notice an egg-like smell from your car, sulphur dioxide l is dangerous to our health, and the fact you can smell it at all means you are breathing it in!

How to fix an egg smell from your exhaust

Whilst the catalytic converter being blocked is usually the cause of the smell, it is not always the source of the problem. Oftentimes the cat can be blocked due to an over fuelling issue, caused by a bad sensor or faulty fuel system. 

To remedy this problem, an inspection of the car is needed, an ECU scanner would help to diagnose the problem at its source, then the offending sensor/injector/filter replaced.

A musty smell is generally caused by damp and/or stale air. 

This can be through lack of use or a faulty window or door seal allowing moisture into the cabin. The smell can often be trapped in the numerous soft furnishings including seats, carpets and headlining.

With modern cars being very well sealed from the atmosphere, any smell in the interior can be very apparent, but thankfully it is something you can try to tackle at home. 

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

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Best 4-Wheel Drive Cars You Can Buy

What Are The Best Diesel Hybrids?

9 Best Plug-In Hybrid Cars

10 Best Hybrid Cars In The UK

A Guide To Car Smells and What They Mean

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12 Best Cars For a £50,000 Budget