Hybrid vehicles in fast lane, as petrol cars slow down

SUV-style vehicles and utes made up the majority of purchases in September. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)

Motorists are putting the brakes on new vehicle purchases, with sales of petrol, diesel and electric cars slowing down significantly in Australia. 

But hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle sales continue to accelerate despite the downturn, and large vehicles remain the most popular models for consumers.