Thank you all so much for the very helpful responses, which have been very useful in plugging some of my knowledge gaps. I have also now managed to find a few useful video reviews on YouTube of the Volvo XC40 Recharge, the Ford Kuga PHEV and the forthcoming VW Tiguan PHEV (which isn’t on the scheme as it isn’t in the UK yet, but given the normal Tiguans popularity amongst Motability customers, plus the fact that the XC40 recharge has appeared, could well be in the future).
I shall keep an open mind, but based on everything that I have learned today, I am now thinking that a PHEV may not be for us. In real world driving, the electric range seems to be a lot less than quoted and the impressive power outputs that are quoted are only delivered when both the electric motors and petrol engines are both working together. I had rather hoped that on the days when we are only doing short journeys we could drive a 250bhp electric only engine, but I now realise that this isn’t the case.
As others have said, there is quite a price premium for PHEV’s and in return for what now appears to be fairly minimal benefits, you sacrifice other things such as handling, 4WD and, in some cases, proper autos and boot space. On that basis, I think we might stick with a conventional (petrol or diesel) for now but, as I say, I will keep an open mind as the technology is evolving all the time and, as I said initially, we might delay our renewal given that no car ticks every box for us at present. Thanks again all.