► CAR guides you through leasing options
► A surprising number of motors on offer
► Superminis, hatchbacks, and SUVs for £200 per month
Leasing is the easiest way to drive a new car, and it’s also the cheapest in terms of monthly payments.
Pay up front for an initial payment, then monthly for the contract length before finally returning the car at the end of the contract.
Carmakers have leasing divisions, but there are many independent companies too. And while £100 affords you very little, £200 per month offers a huge array of cars. Below are just six examples of cars you can drive for £200 or less a month.
Best new cars to lease for £200 a month
£200 per month for a new Leon? Them’s fightin’ words. A new for 2020 family-sized hatchback for £200 per month shows that Seat is not messing around with these.
As for the Leon itself – you know the drill by now. It’s a Volkswagen Golf in a flamenco dress. This is good news, because it borrows the Golf’s tech too – including a digital cockpit (not on boggo models) and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Diesels and petrol will be available for £200 (ish) per month. But shop around, as Leon prices vary wildly depending on which company currently has it on special offer or not.
A solid bet is the SE Dynamic (featuring that digital cockpit). Go for the manual – it’s slick to use with a narrow gate. 1.0-litre petrol is a three-cylinder jobby with a near 11-second 0-62mph time and 110bhp. 130bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder is (probably) just out of reach for this price.
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While £200 per month offers up a whole lot more choice than £100 per month, there’s still very little in the way of fun to drive cars. The Mini is the exception to this rule.
This modern Mini manages to maintain the hallmarks of the original (clever packaging, classless image, perky handling) without becoming an imitation of itself.
Now, Mini does like to position itself at the premium end of the market (we mean, which manufacturer doesn’t these days?) so you won’t be getting a JCW JP for £200 per month. The 1.5-litre petrol slots into this price range nicely. Remember that in One spec it comes with 102bhp, and in Cooper it has 136bhp.
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We told you, a surprising number of cars are available in this price range – including an estate.
We’ll start with the good. The boot is 573 litres in size (or 1,518 litres with the rear seats down), and up front there are loads of cubbyholes that estate-ists will find useful. This is a Ford Focus sized car for Ford Fiesta money, in other words.
Negatives? Exactly what you’d expect. Underneath it’s an old Renault Clio, so it’s not the last word in cultured. While inside it takes bits from the Clio and bits from, we imagine, a washing machine.
The 75bhp 1.2-litre is not fast but will be just about enough for most people. 1.5-litre diesel has 162 lbs ft of torque and will be much more economical and usable if you regularly carry heavy things.
Dacia’s SUV, the Duster, is also available in this price range.
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Brilliant packaged, environmentally friendly, and with an official range of 250 miles – the Zoe is the most complete electric car for £200 per month.
On the cash front, a Zoe works out at around £10,000 more than a Clio. However, there’s very little between the cars when leasing. Considering a full charge on a Zoe can cost as little as £5 – you can see where there are massive savings by going electric.
If you’re looking for a Porsche Taycan in terms of driving character, you’re insane. The Zoe is at least relaxing to drive, with little in the way of noise getting through to the cabin.
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Another new for 2020 car makes it onto this list. And you know what? The Vauxhall Corsa is greatly improved over the old one.
It isn’t as fun to drive as a Fiesta – so if that’s what’s really important in a supermini for you we’d recommend going with the blue oval. But there’s a lot of grip on offer and the steering is light and accurate.
As with most Vauxhalls, there are seemingly endless trim levels to choose from. A fair few make it into this price range. We’d recommend going with the turbo’d 1.0-litre with 100hp. While Elite Nav gets luxuries like heated seats, a rear-view camera, and heated seats.
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Where would any 2020 car list be without a small SUV?
The Honey I Shrunk The Karoq vibe really suits this Skoda. Its boot isn’t as big as a Scala, but then it’s a bit taller, making it easier to get in and out of. Kids will be comfy in the back, and it’s as well-equipped and made as you’d imagine from the Czech outfit.
SE L cars are within reach and come with a posh-looking virtual cockpit. If you cover enough miles to warrant a diesel, we can heartily recommend the 115bhp 1.6-litre. Treat yourself to the DSG while you’re at it if your budget stretches.
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** These deals are indicative examples of some packages available, but are subject to change without prior notice. Everyone’s financial circumstances are different and the availability of credit is subject to status. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. CAR Magazine cannot recommend a deal for you specifically.