Steadily building a reputation as one of the most desirable crossover vehicles on the market the Nissan Qashqai makes sense on a lot of levels as an alternative family transporter.
Available in 4×4 or front wheel drive only it is the two wheel drive version with its better fuel economy that will be the more attractive proposition for most people thinking of leasing.
On the downside though it suffers the 4×4 disease, its high driving position means it suffers a lumpy ride and noticeable body roll.
There are 23 Nissan Qashqai versions available in a mixture of diesel and petrol engines the 1.5 tested had a noticeable grumble when pushed hard but there is an engine to suit pretty much all needs.
A Nissan Qashqai car lease gives you a many options. Starting with the Visia this may be the basic model but it still comes with plenty of kit: a Bluetooth connection, electric windows, climate control and alloy wheels. The intermediate model is the Acenta and top of the range is the Tekna, complete with panoramic sunroof. The whole interior is sturdy and well put together with plenty of room for four adults and luggage.
It is also one of the safest cars in its class with six airbags and stability control.
The Nissan Qashqai has funky off road styling, it’s well priced refined, roomy and comfortable. What else does a family car need to be?
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Currently the only rotary engine car available in the UK the Mazda RX-8 looks great, is brilliant to drive and for a coupé reasonably practical.
There’s just one version of the RX-8 available so potential lease buyers have an easy decision to make. The 228 bhp will more than convince some with its blistering pace.
As well as having a different type of engine the RX-8 is different in other ways to a normal coupé. For instance it also has four doors, with the rear pair cunningly hidden and hinged at the back.
With a decent boot as well a Mazda RX-8 car lease is a very practical proposition for a coupé. A family car it is not though, it may have four doors but the seats in the back would be very cramped over anything more than a visit to the shops.
The advantages a rotary engine has are that it produces more bhp relative to its size than a normal cylinder engine. An obvious advantage in a sports car, but the down side of this type of engine is fuel economy. If tempted to use all the horse power on offer be prepared for regular stops to fill up with fuel.
For many the novelty value of a rotary engine will be a big draw. Certainly there aren’t many on the road. For others the potential extra maintenance of the engine and extra fuel bills will be enough to make them stick with a more conventional coupé.
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The Mazda MX5 is probably Britain’s favourite sports car.
The natural successor to the sporty MG and Triumph Spitfires of the 60s and 70s, the little Mazda really caught the imagination of the buying public when it was launched back in 1990.
Well, approaching its 21st birthday and three face lifts later it has become a true motoring icon and a Mazda MX5 car lease is still a very desirable thing to have.
Although the current shape is clearly an evolution of the original it has kept the simple lines and non-fussy appearance that owners seem to love.
The interior of the MX-5 is in keeping with its sporty exterior, lots of black and aluminium laid out in easy to use dashboard reminds the driver more of a cockpit than a car driving seat.
Keeping true to its roots there is still no power assisted roof but it is simplicity itself to operate. Simply release a catch and push it back to click into the down position. No fiddly toggles or buttons to undo. And the reverse is equally easy.
Thanks to the simple roof arrangement the boot is not compromised giving 150 litres of space.
But practicality is not what leasing owners will be worried about, it is how it performs. Here the little Mazda really holds its own, the cars steering is uncompromised and the gear change tight and light, an ideal combination for haring around B-roads.
It’s not particularly fast but you don’t really need too much point to point speed with handling as crisp as this.
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The small family hatchback market is perhaps the most competitive new car sector of the lot.
Anyone who wants to threaten the dominant Volkswagen Golf in this category needs to be offering something special or out the ordinary. Well, the Mazda 3 has a bit of both.
A Mazda 3 car lease makes sense on a number of levels in comparison to the class leader. It’s better value, offers more for the money and more importantly for lot of people, it stands out from the crowd in a sector that is dominated by bland shapeless five door models.
Yes the Mazda 3 is a five door but one with a certain amount of style.
It’s super stylish, reliable and good to drive with high levels of equipment and great handling all in a practical package. What’s not to like?
All in all there are 17 Mazda 3 versions available with engines ranging from 1.6 to 2.3 litre petrol with a 2.0 litre petrol unit filling the gap and 1.6 litre diesel.
The Mazda 3 1.6D TS2 five door is the pick of the range for anyone considering leasing. It’s economical, punchy and although more costly over the life of the model this will be more than balanced out in fuel savings. The only one to avoid is the 1.6 petrol this is an old clunk of a unit lacking power and a poor relation to the other engines on offer.
Good value, fresh and funky, a great alternative in this crowded sector.
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The Kia Sorento is a four-wheel drive vehicle aimed fairly at those who would like a Landrover Freelander but who might be tempted by something just as capable, slightly cheaper and better equipped.
While the quality and capability of the Sorento is nowhere near as good as the Landie, it is a more affordable option for those looking for off road capability.
It’s true that the Sorento is not the best off road vehicle; the ride is not exactly settled and the interior plastics might not up to the standard expected of a car in this price bracket. Indeed, the two wheel drive version is well into premium 4×4 territory on leasing costs.
But on the other hand, a Kia Sorento car lease is not a bad deal. The car has strong engines, a huge boot, reasonable off road ability and is extremely safe with a five star Euro NCAP rating.
The Sorento is equipped with a 2.2 litre oil burner and a 2.4-litre petrol lump. Most reviewers agree the diesel makes more sense.
Despite the tough looks, the basic vehicle is actually front-wheel drive only.
All Sorentos come with an impressive range of equipment: alloy wheels, electric windows, climate control and a seven-year warranty. The 4×4 versions have hill-start assistance and a downhill speed controller to the Sorento under control while traversing tough ground.
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If anyone is looking for a funky small hatchback that isn’t a Fiat 500 they should look no further than the Mazda 2.
This super mini from Japan’s smallest mainstream producer has a lot to offer for those thinking of leasing a car in this category.
Coming in 1.3 and 1.5 litre petrol and a 1.6 litre diesel engines in both three and five doors it is cost effective, well built and roomy.
It really comes into it own in town driving conditions with its light controls, compact size and tight turning circle it is a joy to park and manoeuvre through tight city streets.
It’s no town car only though, on the open road the ride is firm and body control is well balanced in the corners.
Both engines feel willing although obviously the larger petrol unit is punchier through the gears. As with most small cars noise at speed is noticeable but no more so than the Mazda 2’s rivals.
Although it is compact with a sporty character this model is practical as well making a Mazda 2 car lease well worth considering for those in the market for a super mini. On balance it could well be a cut above rivals like the Vauxhall Corsa, Honda Jazz AMD Renault Clio, the obvious contenders in this tight sector.
With a range of colours on offer it will certainly stand out from the crowd.
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Korean manufacturer Kia is trying to invent a whole new breed of motor vehicle with its Kia Soul model.
Many may be tempted by this experiment enough to take on a Kia Soul car lease. They would certainly be getting a truly innovative model.
It has the style along with the practicality of a more conventional super mini, but has the practicality and space of an SUV. They call it a ‘Urban crossover’.
Its boxy shape means it is much roomier than its rivals. They’ve also taken lessons from cars like the Fiat 500 that allow customers to personalise. There are 11 paint finishes, four interior and fabric options and a whole range of details and add ons available all offset by large 18inch alloy wheels.
It has a class leading 222 litre boot, bigger than many cars twice its size. Two sizes of engine are available to lease customers a 1.6 petrol and a 1.6 diesel, almost every test comes out in favour of the oil burner, but neither give much punch in any conditions. There is also a hybrid in development but no date for launch as yet.
The Soul rides well has plenty of grip, light and precise steering and is comfortable over most road conditions.
It all adds up to a car that will appeal to many looking for lots of space in a small package.
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The Kia Ceed is the Korean manufacturers first attempt at making a car specifically aimed at the European market. The three or five door hatchback and estate was designed in Europe and is manufactured in Slovakia.
It achieved fame in the UK by being selected by the Top Gear motoring show as their ‘reasonably priced car’.
Cars manufactured in the Far East have always had a distinct look and feel about them. For some buyers this was part of the attraction but Kia market research showed the majority of Europeans wanted a European looking and handling car. The result, the Kia Ceed.
Make no mistake this is a genuine class leading contender and readily available for leasing.
Although the Ceed is a little choppy around twisting country roads it is far more comfortable on the motorway, where it really comes into its own. Bumps are easily absorbed, the car is a relaxing drive on long journeys with decent amounts of headroom and leg room front and back.
As a family car in the mid range bracket it is far better equipped than its rivals and drives well with responsive light steering and a short snappy gear change.
While the Korean contender won’t win any awards for innovation or style, it does its job very well indeed. A Kia Ceed car lease will make perfect sense for a lot of people, Top Gear fans or not.
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The Kia Sportage might not be the best car in its class to drive and its engines may be a little harsh, but it is one of the best looking cars in this fiercely competitive crossover sector
It is stylish with a practical cabin, and overall looks the part. There is a strong range of engines to suit all tasks and pockets, from the 1.6 GDi 1 2WD 5-door to the top of the range Kia Sportage Crossover 2.0 CRDi KX-3 SatNav 4WD Auto 5-door.
Kia’s Sportage has other crossover vehicles such as the Ford Kuga, Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan well and truly in its sights.
With the front wheel driven diesel models expected to be the best selling model, this could be the Kia Sportage car lease that attracts the most attention.
Our favourite though is the petrol 1.6 litre. It might not be as economical as diesels and it’s a bit on the sluggish side. However, it’s cheaper and feels quicker.
The entry-level trim comes with as much kid as most people need. Alloy wheels, electric windows, air conditioning Bluetooth, cruise control and even a rain sensor all come as standard on the base model
Kia are so confident of the reliability of all their models that they offer a seven warranty. This is reflection of just how well build the manufactured think they are
Those tempted by a Kia Sportage car lease may also want to have a look at the Peugeot 3008 and the Volvo XC60.
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The Jeep Patriot is the baby of the American off road stable and is designed more as a soft roader, rather than an off roader.
This category of vehicle is essentially for people who like the idea and image of driving an off road vehicle, but who never or rarely actually take it off road (or when they do it’s into a field, rather than fording rivers and climbing mountains).
It is a growing area of competition for 4×4 manufacturers, as Landrover have introduced a 4×2 version of its class, leading Freelander and Toyota, Hyundai and Honda all fighting for space.
But for anyone thinking of leasing a soft roader, the Jeep Patriot should not be discounted; a Jeep Patriot car lease makes a lot of sense in this crowded marketplace.
With chunky good looks and competitive levels of equipment, it’s a very balanced package. Compared to some of it rivals it is surprisingly good off road as well, though perhaps this shouldn’t come as a surprise given the marques pedigree.
Engines come in very capable 2.4 petrol or 2.2 turbo diesel variants. All in all a lease worth considering, although those with a penchant for a nice interior may find that the quality could be better.
That said the balance of off road capability, on road manners and practicality makes the Jeep Patriot well worth considering if – in addition to the supermarket run - there’s also a need to get a bit muddy now and again.
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