I have always been sceptical about hybrids, largely driven by the fact that I had a Lexus RX400 for 3 years to save company car tax and actually it was a lot less economical than my previous diesel Range Rover. This was simply a reflection of the fact that I did 40,000 miles pa at that time 98% of which was motorway for which hybrids make no sense - other than it saved me on car tax.
However, I was interested to see a Harry Metcalfe review posted somewhere on TM about the latest Plug in Hybrid Range Rover where he achieved an average of 68mpg over a distance of between 8-9000 miles. With an electric only range of circa 60 miles it would be possible to do all your local motoring cheaply on battery and also makes sense from an urban air quality standpoint. You also have a car that can comfortably eat 800 miles in a day with only one quick stop for fuel. I take your point about being over complex etc, however if used properly PHEV do seem to offer something to improve air quality, reduce operating costs/ fossil fuel use whilst still being able to be driven long distances without inconvenience.
