There are lots of things to consider when you are choosing a personal car. It might be that you want to keep the lease costs as low as possible or you might want a car that can accommodate the whole family. You might love the latest gadgets or the classy style of a certain manufacturer. Whatever the case, here are five of the best for you to consider – and all of these are available as personal lease cars from TFS.
Best economy – Citroen C1
The Citroen C1 is about the cheapest lease car you can get but cheap doesn’t equate to poor quality. The French manufacturer’s smallest car is a quirky, full of character little vehicle that is easy to drive and has great acceleration. It has a good fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.
It comes in two engine size options, the 1.0 litre with 68bhp and the 1.2 litre 82bhp version. The 1.0 litre version is also available in both manual and automatic gear boxes and whichever option you go for, there is no road tax to pay which makes for a very economical lease car option.
Best boutique car – Mercedes CLA
There’s something about any Mercedes car that attracts a lot of people and the CLA has that combination of sporty looks and high tech gadgets that wins over many others. The car has the kind of style you would expect from a Mercedes and it is available in four and five door models.
Engine sizes vary from 1.6 litre right up to 2.1 litre to suit all driving tastes. The diesel has a good turn of speed and a seven speed gearbox while the petrol models can run at surprisingly low revs and are hardworking cars. Sport models come with the comfort suspension while the AMG Sport trims have an enhanced chassis. All the models have a good amount of grip when driven.
Best classy saloon – Mercedes E Class
If you want a saloon but also want a car that is classy and sophisticated, then the Mercedes E Class is definitely the one to go for. These executive saloons have a refined finish to them that makes technology integral so is great for the tech fans. The inside of the cars looks a bit like being in the cockpit of an aeroplane with all the bright lights and dials. Some models come with the sat-nav system from Garmin automatically installed as well as bonus features such as Bluetooth, USB connections, DAB radio and an 8.4 inch colour screen.
In terms of the stuff that makes the car run, it is all the quality you would expect from Mercedes. There are three different set ups of suspension used across the different models including the E220 d that uses passive steel springs as a standard for the ultimate level of comfort. This makes it perfect for those motorway drivers who cover the miles. There is also an Air Body Control suspension on the E220 and E350 models while to keep costs down, there is a standard suspension also available on the E220 d. There are even estate and cabriolet models available if the saloon is either too big or too small for your needs.
Best for tech – Audi A4
Audi always stand out for their quality cars and are at the forefront of using new technology within their vehicles. From the three zone climate controls and seven inch colour display screen to the integrated Apple CarPlay, these vehicles offer a great drive, plenty of space and a wealth of the very latest gadgets to make driving even more enjoyable.
The car is available in a 1.4 litre petrol option that keeps costs down and is perfect for the business user. While the handling isn’t a big priority, these cars do handle well in all conditions. While the Mercedes imitates a cockpit, the Audi opt for a minimalist style with little to distract the driver while on the road. Extras include Bluetooth, voice control, two USB ports and DAB radio.
Best for the family – Nissan Qashqai
When you want a lease car to take the family out and to ensure there is plenty of space for everything you need, then the Nissan Qashqai is the car for you. It is said to be a family hatchback that thinks it is an SUV and this works because of the quality of workmanship that Nissan have used on it. It offers a smooth ride, plenty of space and is economical to run.
The 1.2 litre petrol engine is great if you do a lot of driving around town while the 1.6 petrol is generally a lot quicker. There is both a 1.5 litre diesel and a 1.6 litre version with all running on a standard six speed gear box. The car benefits from being designed for the UK roads and copes well with potholes and other uneven surfaces.
