The best new car PCP deals for less than £400 per month

Version 1.2 MHEV e-DCT Icon | List price £26,995 | Deposit £3000 | Monthly payment £96

In spite of its cutesy retro appearance, the Fiat 600 is more than a Fiat 500 that’s been inflated with a tyre pump. In addition to the all-electric Fiat 600e, two mild hybrid (MHEV) petrol options are available, with the larger 134bhp version sprinting from 0-62mph in 8.5sec, which is quicker than the equivalent Ford Puma. What’s more, the 600 feels composed on twisty country roads. Nevertheless, the 600’s ride isn’t as settled as the Volkswagen T-Roc’s, and the strong regenerative braking system takes some getting used to.

While the 600’s interior has more than its fair share of hard plastics, it offers plenty of intuitive physical controls and a commanding driving position. There’s lots of interior storage space, too, although rear leg room is limited for adults and the 385-litre boot isn’t as big as the Puma’s. There’s a good amount of standard kit though, with mid-spec Icon featuring climate control, keyless start, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Read our full Fiat 600 review >>

Version Long Range 49kWh 01 | List price £25,305 | Deposit £3000 | Monthly payment £136

Don’t be fooled by the Hyundai Inster’s diminutive dimensions, it’s a deceptively practical small car. In addition to offering a decent amount of leg and head room in the front, there’s a surprising amount of space in the back. Many versions feature individually sliding rear seats, letting you prioritise rear leg room or boot space. Speaking of which, at 280-litres (in entry-level 01 trim), the Inster’s boot is smaller than the Renault 5’s but more spacious than the Mini Cooper Electric’s. 

Two battery sizes are available, with the 46kWh (usable capacity) Long Range model officially capable of 229 miles. That’s better than a Cooper Electric E, although the R5 can go even further between charges. While the Inster isn’t the fastest small car, it still feels pokey, particularly around town, where it benefits from a tight turning circle and smooth low-speed ride. There’s also a good amount of grip to build confidence on twisty roads, even if the R5 feels even more agile.

Read our full Hyundai Inster review >>

Version 1.0 TSI SE Edition | List price £27,295 | Deposit £3000 | Monthly payment £172

If good fuel economy is top priority for your next car, the Toyota Yaris Cross should be high up on your short list. During our Real MPG fuel economy test, we achieved an impressive overall figure of 60.1mpg and an outstanding 103.3mpg on our simulated town route; it’s the most economical car we’ve tested. Every Yaris Cross comes with a full hybrid setup that uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor. It’s as quick to 62mph as the equivalent Nissan Juke, and uses a smooth CVT gearbox. Softly-sprung suspension gives the Yaris Cross a smoother ride than the Ford Puma without sacrificing body control around the bends, too.

The Yaris Cross’s interior feels sturdy and has enough room for six-footers to feel comfortable in the back. The 400-litre boot is big enough to stow seven carry-on suitcases, too. Entry-level Icon trim comes with keyless entry, adaptive cruise control and air conditioning.

Read our full Toyota Yaris Cross review >>

Version 1.5 TSI e-TEC MHEV ACT SportLine DSG | List price £37,265 | Deposit £4000 | Monthly payment £200

The Skoda Octavia Estate goes to show that you can get more bang for your buck with a good PCP deal. Despite being available for less than most small cars, the Octavia Estate’s 640-litre boot is bigger than what you’ll find in many larger cars, including the Mercedes E-Class Estate. You also get enough room in the back for six-footers and a lengthy list of standard kit. Mid-spec SportLine trim features 18in black alloy wheels, heated front sports seats, a reversing camera and various sporty bits of trim.

The Octavia Estate is offered with four engine options, with the most powerful petrol unit featuring mild hybrid technology to produce a healthy 148bhp. Accelerating from 0-62mph in 8.6sec, it’s faster than any Seat Leon Estate. The Octavia Estate takes the edge off potholes and speed bumps but results in some body lean around bends. Even so, its steering is well-weighted and there’s enough grip to inspire confidence. 

Read our full Skoda Octavia Estate review >>

Version 1.2 Turbo GS | List price £31,220 | Deposit £3000 | Monthly payment £218

A recent update gave the Vauxhall Astra tweaked styling, but its tradition of offering value for money remains. Putting aside the Vauxhall Astra Electric, the Astra is available with a choice of three petrol engines. The smallest of these is a 1.2-litre turbocharged unit that takes the Astra from 0-62mph in 9.7sec; faster than the equivalent Seat Leon. The Astra’s ride is reasonably polished, and there’s very little body lean around tight corners. What’s more, at motorway speeds, there’s not much audible road or wind noise.

In addition to feeling plush and solid, the Astra’s interior has plenty of front passenger space; however, rear passengers will have more room in the back of a Skoda Octavia. Nevertheless, there’s plenty of interior storage components, and the 422-litre boot is bigger than the Leon’s. Standard kit is also plentiful, with mid-spec GS featuring keyless entry, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise control.

Read our full Vauxhall Astra review >>

Version 1.0 TCe techno esprit Alpine | List price £20,995 | Deposit £2000 | Monthly payment £227

It’s easy to see why we think the Renault Clio is among the best small cars around. For starters, it’s fun to drive; feeling more agile than the Skoda Fabia without feeling harsh over bumps. Buyers can choose between two power options, with the cheaper 1.0-litre petrol engine offering respectable performance and an average economy figure of about 54mpg in our tests.

Occupants in the front of the Clio will have plenty of space to stretch out, although six-footers sat in the back will likely be short on head room. Even so, the Clio’s interior feels plusher than a Citroën C3’s and features intuitive physical controls for the air conditioning. At 391 litres, there’s more boot space than you’ll find in the bigger Volkswagen Golf, and a height-adjustable floor as standard. In mid-spec techno esprit Alpine trim, the kit list also includes a wireless phone charger, a reversing camera and heated front seats. 

Read our full Renault Clio review >>

Version 1.0 TCe Expression | List price £20,295 | Deposit £2000 | Monthly payment £295

These days it can feel as if you need to fork out for a massive SUV to carry seven passengers. Not so with the Dacia Jogger. Despite being the cheapest seven-seater on the market, there’s bags of leg and head room all round. With all seats in place, the Jogger’s boot roughly matches the Volkswagen Touran’s, and can be extended by folding or entirely removing the third row seats. In mid-spec Expression trim, the Jogger has keyless entry, a reversing camera and climate control.

While a more powerful regular hybrid version is also available, the cheapest Joggers come with a 1.0-litre petrol engine to reach 62mph in a healthy 11.2sec – quicker than the equivalent Citroën C3 Aircross. Around town, the Jogger soaks up bumps well, and feels decently controlled at higher speeds. And while no seven-seater is exactly agile, the Jogger resists body lean well and has a good amount of grip.

Read our full Dacia Jogger review >>

Version 60 SE L | List price £33,970 | Deposit £2000 | Monthly payment £297

If you’re after an electric SUV that’s big on punch yet small on price, the Skoda Elroq is worthy of your consideration. Even the less powerful 60 version makes 188bhp, which is enough oomph to reach 62mph in a respectable 8.5sec. The Elroq’s soft suspension delivers a smooth yet controlled ride, and there’s little body lean around the bends. Add to the mix plenty of front grip and the Elroq is more agile than the Kia EV3. What’s more, the Elroq 60’s official range of 267 miles is very competitive.

Like the larger Skoda Enyaq, the Elroq’s interior is minimalist and generally plush. It has enough room for five six-footers to feel comfortable, and plenty of storage compartments for their odds and ends. Speaking of storage, the Elroq’s 470-litre boot beats the EV3’s. There’s a good amount of standard kit, too, with entry-level SE L trim featuring heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a reversing camera and keyless starting.

Read our full Skoda Elroq review >>

Version 1.5 SKYACTIV-G Exclusive-Line Roadster | List price £28,605 | Deposit £3000 | Monthly payment £364

For more than three decades, the Mazda MX-5 has proved that you don’t need a big budget to put a fun sports car on your driveway, and that’s certainly true if you take advantage of a good PCP deal. With the smaller 1.5-litre petrol engine fitted, performance is lively; especially around town. Head out onto a country road, however, and you’ll find the MX-5’s light weight makes it more entertaining around the bends than the BMW Z4. Even so, its softly-sprung suspension helps take on potholes with ease.

Given the MX-5’s diminutive dimensions, the MX-5 has enough room for two occupants and just enough boot space for a weekend away. What’s more, its interior is smart and offers a clear and comfortable driving position. In mid-range Exclusive-Line trim, the MX-5 has a good amount of standard kit, including keyless entry, climate control and a Bose surround sound system.

Read our full Mazda MX-5 review >>

Version 64kWh SE Long Range | List price £31,495 | Deposit £3000 | Monthly payment £367

The electric family SUV segment is a crowded one, but the MG S5 manages to stand out. For starters, performance is impressive, with the SE Long Range’s 228bhp electric motor helping the S5 reach 60mph in 6.1sec during our tests. That’s quicker than any Kia EV3 can manage. This version of the S5 also gets a 61.7kWh battery to officially cover 298 miles; about the same as the equivalent Skoda Elroq will cover. While firm suspension means the S5’s ride isn’t as smooth as the EV3’s, it helps it to feel composed around corners.

There’s no doubt the S5 has all the kit you need. Even entry-level SE trim features 17in alloy wheels, a reversing camera and adaptive cruise control. There’s plenty of interior space, too, with enough leg and head room in the back for six-footers. At 453 litres, the S5’s boot has enough room for seven carry-on suitcases, too.

Read our full MG S5 review >>

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