This model may be better associated with the Ferrari chasing Evo range of performance cars, but without the wolf’s clothing the Mitsubushi Lancer Saloon is also a family car.
There may be some styling similarities but an Evo without the crippling insurance premiums it is not. Anyone who thinks the some of the blistering pace and unbelievable handling ability will rub off on the saloon will discover it’s a very distant cousin indeed. The saloon is pretty neutral to drive with an overly firm ride and compared to its competitors is not particularly cheap.
However, a Mitsubishi Lancer car lease does offer good build quality with well kitted out cabins and a manufacturer off the straight and narrow which may appeal to some thinking of a medium sized family saloon.
There are just three Mitsubishi Lancer versions available for lease the Mitsubishi Lancer Saloon 2.0 DI-D GS3 four door, the Mitsubishi Lancer Saloon 1.8 GS4 four door and the Mitsubishi Lancer Saloon 1.5 SE 4 door.
The lower running costs of the 1.5 litre make it the most popular model in the range. The Lancer is a solid performer in the saloon car category but nothing inspiring.
Anyone thinking of leasing the Mitsubishi may also be interested in the Skoda Octavia. Or if a Skoda is a step too far try a Volvo S40 better image and build, less kit as standard though.
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The CZC is the cabriolet version of Mitsubushi’s popular small run around the Colt.
Anyone thinking of taking on a Mitsubishi Colt CZC car lease will already have a good idea about what they want from this type of car. This model doesn’t disappoint, it’s well built funky and fun.
It’s also fast, the 1.5 litre turbo model does 0-62 in a fraction over eight seconds. No surprise though with performance figures like this that drivers pay for it at the pump. The little CZC delivers less than 40mpg on the combined cycle.
The problem with all models of cabriolets is how to keep the chassis stiff without a roof to support it. Mitsubishi engineers have solved the problem by fitting braces to stop it flexing too much. The drawback with this approach however has been to make the steering overly heavy, given the size of the car this is a minor drawback.
It may be marketed as a four seater but frankly it’s not. Even small children would struggle to get comfortable in the space available
Lastly it suffers the perennial problem of stow away fold down roofs. When the roof is down almost the entire boot space is taken up by it. Drivers are left with the weekend away dilemma, do they sacrifice that extra bag for the wind in their hair experience or not.
However, all in all as an attempt to straddle the market between hot hatchbacks and convertibles, this is a fair attempt.
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The Mitsubishi Shogun is one of the world’s most respected and capable off road vehicles.
Designed at a time when off roaders were expected to be working well off road it is a massively capable 4×4. Unfortunately the vast majority of people who will be leasing a vehicle like this will very rarely venture off the beaten track, if ever.
It’s reputation; as a bombproof workhorse will still make a Mitsubishi Shogun car lease something to be considered for those in the market for a big 4×4.
It comes with a choice of 3.8 litre V6 petrol or 3.2 litre diesel engines, with the latter being the more flexible and economical choice. But even with the smooth performing diesel this is no motorway cruiser and that is the Shogun’s Achilles heel. The market for big 4×4 has changed since it was first introduced back in 1973. Although it has evolved, now in its fourth generation, it is not as evolved as its rivals who now put much more emphasis on road rather than off road manners.
The Volvo XC90 and BMW X5, even the king of off roaders the Landrover Discovery have all evolved better road behaviour than the Shogun. The ride is bumpy, especially at low speeds, and the handling is vague with body roll is real problem in the corners.
For a car costing serious money the cabin also disappoints looking cheap and tacky compared to its rivals.
Overall a mud plugger that’s a throwback to when 4×4 really did go further than the school run.
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A Renault Megane car lease gives drivers access to one of the most flexible vehicle ranges the French giant has ever produced.
The Megane comes in Estate, Sports Tourer, Coupe and the Coupe Cabriolet models and with a bewildering range of engines and trim levels there is a style and specification to meet almost every motoring eventuality.
All models are extremely well priced compared to their respective rivals and all are generously equipped. Handling and ride quality are sharp across the range and engine choice is generous with some particularly clean, green and economical diesels.
On the down side rear head and leg room is limited and feels cramped. Build quality can be a little iffy and to be honest other manufacturers put together more interesting propositions. Competition for the Megane is tough particularly in the small hatchback class.
Here the Golf reigns supreme and as good a car as the Megane is, it isn’t in the same class as the Volkswagen. Saying that it isn’t nearly as expensive but overall is average across too many areas to be seen as class leading.
But this shouldn’t preclude it as a lease consideration. The sports tourer is practical but not particularly sporty, the estate roomy as would be expected, and the coupé and cabriolet are both very pretty.
None of the models are particularly remarkable but it makes for a decent all rounder across the range.
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The Renault Koleos is the French manufacturers first foray into the SUV market.
Renault have been smart about getting the Koleos to market by drawing on the off-road experience of their partner Nissan. The Koleos shares much with their successful X trail and Qashqai models.
But the market for crossover SUVs is extremely competitive so does the Renault offer something others like the Volkswagen Tiguan or Ford Kuga don’t?
Well, if first impressions are anything to go by no. For a company famed for its styling flair the Koleos is pretty uninspiring.
Anyone thinking of a Renault Koleos car lease though will be impressed by its practicality. It boasts a split-opening tailgate leading to huge 450 litre luggage space, which rises to 1,380 litres with the seats folded. Inside the cabin there is no shortage of equipment or space.
Th Koleos comes with a choice of diesel engines both 2.0-litre units – one turning out 148bhp and its more powerful brother boasting 178bhp. Both have plenty of torque to deal with most eventualities.
Off road the Koleos has more than enough traction and ground clearance to cope with what most owners will throw at it.
Renault claims it is significantly cheaper and better equipped then it’s nearest rivals from Volkswagen and Ford. This maybe true but as an all round package a test drive is needed to determine the full experience.
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If there is one model produced by Renault that continues to have a va va voom in the leasing market it has to be the Clio.
The Renault Clio is now in its third generation since launching in 1990 and is still capturing the hearts of the leasing public with its sense of stylish sophistication and fine handling.
It is the only car to be voted European Car of the Year twice in 1991 and 2006.
Petrol engines start with a 1.2 litre through to the 1.6VVT and are topped by the blistering 2.0 litre Renault Sport 200. Diesel power comes from the very popular and economical 1.5 litre dci unit.
A Renault Clio car lease is an extremely attractive package for anyone looking for a car in the super mini class. It is a classy package that’s quiet, comfortable as well as being nimble to drive. It comes in six trim levels: Extreme, Expression, Dynamique, GT, Privilege and Initiale.
With a class-leading cabin as far as space is concerned it has room for five adults at a push. The boot as well is best in class with a useful 288-litre capacity.
The Clio has always served up a fine driving experience and this latest incarnation is no exception. Poise, grip and balance are all adjectives that can be applied to the ride quality.
All in all there is little to fault this French super mini in what is an extremely competitive sector.
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The Nissan Juke is the little brother of the Qashqai, a crossover aimed firmly at tempting those looking at a Mini or Audi lease with its greater practicality and eye-catching styling.
With its raised suspension and exaggerated wheel arches the Juke certainly has a bigger road presence than traditional super minis without being too aggressive.
The Juke follows Nissan’s Visia, Acenta and Tekna trim levels.
However dramatic the exterior styling, the interior falls short of expectations. While perfectly functional, Nissan have missed a trick in not making the Juke as distinctive inside as out.
On the plus side there is bags of space in comparison to other models in this class of car for both front and back passengers. Boot space is also well above average with a neat little extra area of stowage under a false floor.
On the road the despite its higher stance driving manners are on the whole very good with much more responsive handling than might be expected for a model this height.
It’s not as agile as a Mini or Fiesta but what’s traded in road handling is more than compensated by the extra space.
The excellent 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine is more than adequate for hauling the Juke around but for those looking for a little more excitement they could try the 1.6-litre DiG-T petrol engine which pushes out a chunky 187bhp.
A Nissan Juke car lease will no doubt tempt drivers looking for a premium small car. It’s looks and practicality more than make up for the lack of a premium badge.
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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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