The cheapest car lease deals available today
Car leasing is one of the most convenient ways to enjoy a new car. Here are the cheapest leasing deals around...
Leasing a car can be one of the easiest routes to a new car — and as our leasing deals show, they also be among the cheapest, too.
And cheap leasing deals aren't just for small cars, either. Our list below shows a wide range of models, from hatchbacks to SUVs, plus petrol and diesel models, too. You can follow the links below to read review of each car, and click through to arrange a lease deal today.
So, what is car leasing? The simplest way to think of it is in terms of a long-term rental. You pay an upfront deposit, followed by monthly payments before handing the car back at the end.
There are many advantages to car leasing, not least because in many cases it can be cheaper than using other kinds of finance, such as PCP or HP. And it means you don't need to worry about depreciation — the value a car loses over time — because you'll never actually own the car.
As with any kind of finance arrangement, you should think carefully about the best option for you, because while car leasing suits a huge number of people, its suitability will ultimately come down to your personal set of circumstances. If you're not sure, or want to find out more, then read our what is car leasing feature.
But if you think car leasing is the right move for you, then you'll have a wide selection of new cars to choose from. Indeed, if you can think of a car that’s possible to buy new, the chances are you’ll also be able to lease it. Here are the top 10 cheapest car lease deals that are available right now, and we’ve provided the links so you can take the next steps and order the cars online.
Note: in order to make the deals comparable, they’re based around paying six months rental up front, over 36 months, and with a mileage limit of 10,000 miles per year. The precise amount you’ll pay could change depending on your circumstances and your desired colour and interior options.
Prices correct at time of writing.
Strengths
- Very comfortable for a small car
- Smart and high-quality interior
- Punchy and frugal 1.2 Puretech 100 petrol engine
Weaknesses
- Steering wheel design can cause issues
- So-so infotainment system
- Rivals are more fun to drive
Model 1.2 PureTech Allure | Monthly rental £207.59 | Initial payment £1245.94 | Length of agreement 36 months | Annual mileage limit 10,000 miles
There’s a lot of choice for the small car buyer, but the Peugeot 208 is one of the best. It’s extremely comfortable, has an impressive interior and frugal engines which provide plenty of pep.
The 99bhp 1.0-litre is our pick of the range, and it’s the one that attracts the keenest leasing deals right now. It pulls well from low revs and punches well above its weight on faster roads, and while the Audi A1 is more agile, the Peugeot makes for a better cruiser.
Mid-spec Allure trim is our favourite for its dual-zone climate control, privacy glass, automatic wipers and power-folding door mirrors, as well as a 3D-style driver display and extra parking aids. That’s in addition to heated door mirrors and automatic lights fitted to other models.
Read our Peugeot 208 review
Our pick: 150KW Comfort 61kWh 5dr Auto
Strengths
- Competitive pricing
- Smart interior
- Well equipped
Weaknesses
- Thirsty petrol engine
- Fidgety ride
- Poor head room in the back
Model 1.6 TGDI Comfort DCT | Monthly rental £274.36 | Initial payment £1646.16 | Length of agreement 36 months | Annual mileage limit 10,000 miles
Omoda isn’t a brand that will be familiar to everyone, but is part of a wave of SUVs arriving from China. The Omoda 5 is the first model to arrive here, and is a competitively-priced family SUV that counts the Kia Sportage and MG HS among its rivals.
While there’s an electric version, called the Omoda E5, the regular 5 is powered by a 183bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine which needs working hard, when it can become quite coarse. It doesn't deal with bumps as well as a Sportage, although handles pretty well.
It has a smartly-styled interior and a responsive touchscreen. All models are well equipped, but the high-spec Noble trim mentioned here wants for very little – remarkable, given the current leasing rates.
Read our Omoda 5 review
Strengths
- Lots of standard safety kit
- Great driving position
- Smart interior
Weaknesses
- So-so performance
- Some rivals are more fun to drive
- Lacks the seating flexibility of many rivals
Model 1.3 DIG-T MHEV N-Connecta | Monthly rental £287.98 | Initial payment £1724.88 | Length of agreement 36 months | Annual mileage limit 10,000 miles
The Nissan Qashqai is the grandfather of the family SUV scene, and now well into its third generation, it remains a strong contender; even if we think the Kia Sportage and Skoda Karoq are better – but more costly – alternatives.
It’s the entry-level 1.3 DIG-T 140 engine which we rate most highly, and the 18in wheels which come as standard on the N-Connecta trim (which helpfully has the keenest lease rates) provides the best ride comfort.
N-Connecta is also the sweet spot when it comes to equipment, serving up a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, wireless charging, rear privacy glass and ambient interior lighting.
Read our Nissan Qashqai review
Our pick: 1.6 E-Tech FHEV 145 Techno Esprit Alpine 5dr Auto
Strengths
- Attractively priced
- Spacious and practical
- Very generously equipped
Weaknesses
- Could be better to drive
- Some rivals are plusher inside
- Renault’s warranty isn’t the strongest
Model 1.6 E-Tech Techno | Monthly rental £297.26 | Initial payment £1783.56 | Length of agreement 36 months | Annual mileage limit 10,000 miles
The Renault Symbioz is a family SUV very much in the mould of the Nissan Qashqai, but unlike that household name, the Symbioz is only available as a hybrid.
It doesn’t feel nearly as poky on the move as the Qashqai e-Power (Nissan’s take on the hybrid formula), but it is quiet and the smaller 18in wheels fitted to to Techno models should take some of the firm edge off higher-spec models which are shod with 19in wheels.
All versions come with a great deal of kit as standard, and this entry-level Techno has adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, a wireless phone-charger and a 10.4in infotainment touchscreen. That said, if you can get a good lease deal, then we recommend the Techno Esprit Alpine for its plusher interior and extra safety features.
Read our Renault Symbioz review
Strengths
- Remarkably roomy rear seats
- Huge boot by class standards
- Comfortable ride
Weaknesses
- No sliding or reclining rear seats
- Not especially well equipped
- Other small SUVs have a higher driving position
Model 1.0 TSI Monte Carlo Edition | Monthly rental £298.69 | Initial payment £1792.14 | Length of agreement 36 months | Annual mileage limit 10,000 miles
You could be forgiven for overlooking the Skoda Kamiq in favour of one of its more flamboyantly styled rivals, such as the Ford Puma or Nissan Juke – but you’d be missing a trick, because Skoda’s smallest SUV is a brilliant all-rounder.
We reckon the 113bhp 1.0-litre engine is the best bet because it feels pretty perky and makes it more relaxing at speed than the less-powerful version. As a bonus, it also attracts the lowest monthly leasing costs. In any guise, though, the Kamiq is comfortable, practical and has a great interior.
Ordinarily, we think the entry-level SE trim is the best, but here the high-spec Monte Carlo trim attracts the best leasing deals. It counts 18in black alloy wheels, sports front seats, a panoramic sunroof, beam-shifting matrix LED headlights, a heated steering wheel and a rear-view camera among its standard features.
Read our Skoda Kamiq review
Our pick: 150kW V1 58kWh 5dr Auto
Strengths
- Good range between charges
- Relatively fun handling
- Quiet cruising manners
Weaknesses
- Much pricier than an MG4
- Awful touch-sensitive dashboard buttons
- Slightly firmer ride than a VW ID 3
Model e-Boost 59kWh V1 | Monthly rental £306.82 | Initial payment £1840.92 | Length of agreement 36 months | Annual mileage limit 10,000 miles
Not only does the Cupra Born look more racy than the VW ID 3 on which it’s based, but it feels a whole lot more sporty, too. In fact, it’s one of the better electric cars to drive, if you exclude the likes of electric hot hatches such as the very focussed Hyundai i30 N.
The Born V1 included here has a 59kWh battery, which is good for 266 miles under official figures, although in our range tests, we achieved 219 miles in the summer and 182 miles in winter.
Our pick of the range is the entry-level V1 model because it’s the most sensibly-priced, as our leasing deal shows. It includes LED headlights, climate control, parking aids and 19in alloy wheels, which covers most bases.
Read our Cupra Born review
Our pick: 1.0 TSI Match 5dr
Strengths
- Spacious, flexible interior
- Impressive for safety
- Good to drive
Weaknesses
- Only slightly cheaper than the superior T-Roc
- Engines could be more flexible above town speeds
- Top-spec Style and R-Line trims too pricey
Model 1.0 TSI Life DSG | Monthly rental £330.25 | Initial payment £1981.50 | Length of agreement 36 months | Annual mileage limit 10,000 miles
The T-Cross is one of Volkswagen’s three small SUVs, sitting alongside the sleeker Taigo and slightly larger T-Roc. Yet with sliding rear seats, it’s arguably more versatile than either.
On the move, the T-Cross delivers a good combination of comfort and handling – better than the Citroën C3 Aircross and Kia Stonic – although the Ford Puma has it licked for driving fun. The 1.0 TSI 95 engine is our pick of the range because it delivers great real-world fuel economy, but the 113bhp version highlighted here is a little nippier.
We reckon the Match trim is the sweet spot, but even so, the entry-level Life model we’ve featured includes all the basics, including 16in alloys, adaptive cruise control, air-conditioning and ambient interior lighting.
Volkswagen T-Cross lease deals
Read our Volkswagen T-Cross review
Strengths
- Good to drive
- Excellent interior space
- Smart and sturdy-feeling interior
Weaknesses
- Seat Ateca is more fun to drive
- VarioFlex seats no longer standard
- No hybrid options
Model 1.5 TSI ACT Sportline | Monthly rental £336.42 | Initial payment £2018.52 | Length of agreement 36 months | Annual mileage limit 10,000 miles
Our reviews described the Skoda Karoq as ‘top drawer’, which is high praise indeed. It’s closely related to the Seat Ateca, which isn’t quite as comfortable, and the more expensive VW Tiguan. We think the Karoq is the best of the three.
The Karoq range includes a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, but we think the 1.5 TSI listed here is the best because it’s nippy around town and punchy on the motorway. Regardless of engine choice, it’s comfortable and quiet, making it a good long-distance cruiser.
We usually think the mid-spec SE L is the best choice, because it balances price and equipment very well, but keen deals on the higher-spec Sportline impress. Just remember that the Sportline’s panoramic roof does rob some headroom.
Read our Skoda Karoq review
Our pick: 1.5 MHEV Sprint 5dr Auto
Strengths
- Composed handling
- Strong equipment list
- Easy-to-use controls
Weaknesses
- Disappointing interior plastics
- Not the most practical in the class
- Not quite as refined as other premium rivals
Model 1.5 VGT MHEV Veloce DCT | Monthly rental £346.61 | Initial payment £2079.66 | Length of agreement 36 months | Annual mileage limit 10,000 miles
Alfa Romeo has a long history of producing stylish models which feel sporty to drive, and here the Tonale family SUV largely delivers. It’s fun in the same way a low-slung hatchback is, although the BMW X1 still has the edge here.
The best leasing deals are for models fitted with our favourite engine, a 1.5-litre petrol with fuel-sipping mild hybrid tech because it’s plenty quick enough, and official fuel economy sits close to 50mpg, matching the likes of the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.
Ordinarily we think the entry-level model is the best, but a strange quirk of leasing deals sometimes mean higher-spec models are cheaper. It’s the case here with the Veloce, which counts 19in alloys, heated and cooling front seats, a heated steering wheel and adjustable suspension among its highlights.
Read our Alfa Romeo Tonale review
Our pick: 1.5 TSI 150 SE L 5dr
Strengths
- Spacious for four with a massive boot
- Easy to live with
- Optional DCC suspension boosts comfort
Weaknesses
- More composed, rather than thrilling to drive
- More entertaining rivals can be had for less cash
- Fiddly heater controls
Model 2.0 TSI vRS DSG | Monthly rental £360.68 | Initial payment £2164.08 | Length of agreement 36 months | Annual mileage limit 10,000 miles
Fast estate cars that aren’t priced like the BMW M3 Touring are few and far between. Indeed, it’s really only the Cupra Leon Estate, Volkswagen Golf R Estate – and the car we’ve highlighted here – the Skoda Octavia vRS Estate, that fit the bill.
Yes, the Cupra and VW are faster and more exciting to drive, but the Octavia has the edge when it comes to practicality – especially its massive boot – and it’s pretty comfortable. It should cost you less to run than its rivals, too.
Plenty of equipment is fitted as standard, including racy exterior styling, 19in alloy wheels and sports seats, beam-shifting Matrix LED headlights and a foot-operated electric bootlid. That’s in addition to Skoda’s now-familiar touches, such as umbrellas in the doors and a removable rubbish bin.
Read our Skoda Octavia vRS review
FAQs
If you’re looking to put a new car on your driveway with the least hassle, then it’s well worth looking at a lease car. With no depreciation to worry about, or the complexities of continuing or ending a PCP deal, they are as straightforward as it gets.
If you don’t plan to keep your car at the end of a PCP deal, a car lease could even save you a great deal of money in the long run.
We have more information in our what is car leasing feature.
Like PCPs, you’ll have to work within a strict mileage limit, and the car must be returned in good condition at the end of the agreement. Excess mileage charges, and fees to repair damage can be significant.
Also, leasing is among the least flexible finance options. That means if you come into financial difficulty, it can be costly and difficult to end a car leasing agreement early.
Shopping around for the best deal in the first place is the easiest way to keep your leasing costs low. What Car?’s car leasing deals are a great place to start.
Carefully consider your mileage: an annual 6000-mile limit will be far cheaper than 10,000 miles, so try to avoid paying for what you won’t use. But beware excess mileage charges, which can soon add up if you underestimate your mileage.
Do the maths to decide whether it’s better to build in maintenance packages to the lease deal, or deal with them separately. The same applies to insurance.
Consider a shorter agreement, but remember that most lease deals will require a number of months paid up from as an initial rental.
Most regular lease agreements don’t include car insurance, so in these cases you’ll need to arrange it yourself. But many leasing providers offer insurance and maintenance packages. Sometimes this can be more cost-effective – and certainly easier – but it pays to run the numbers first.
Remember that most leasing deals will require you to have fully-comprehensive insurance.
The cheapest car leasing deals generally start from around £150-160 a month for small affordable models, while the most expensive, luxurious models can cost several thousand pounds a month.
Aside from the size and value of the car, there are a range of variables which will influence your monthly payments. These include:
- The length of the agreement. Deals are usually available from between one and five years, but three years is the most common length. Generally speaking, the longer the agreement, the greater the monthly repayments. However, taking a succession of short lease deals can be a false economy once you factor in the cost of more frequent initial payments.
- The size of the one-off payment you’ll make at the beginning of the agreement. Typically this will be the equivalent of anywhere between one month and 12 months. The larger this initial upfront payment, the smaller your monthly costs will be.
- The number of miles you’ll travel annually. The higher the mileage limit, the higher your monthly repayments, but bear in mind that excess mileage fees for exceeding your limit can be steep.
In order to lease a car, you need to be over the age of 18 and have a valid driving licence. You will also need to have a reasonably good credit score – a measure of how well you manage your money and how likely you are to be able to repay debt.
In order to lease a car, you’ll need some basic information and documentation. This is likely to include:
- Proof of your name, current and previous addresses, your date of birth and marital status. You’ll need with photo ID, usually a driving license or passport
- Your employment status, including the name of your employer and contact details
- Your bank account details to arrange payments and for the leasing company to assess affordability
Proof of address usually requires a utility bill, bank statement, council tax bill or correspondence from HMRC.
As you near the end of your car lease, it’s likely that the leasing company will get in touch to arrange the collection of the car at a mutually convenient time, date and location.
You’ll be expected to ensure the car is in good condition, and within the guidelines the leasing company will set out – generally it will follow the BVRLA’s Fair Wear and Tear guidelines. It’s a good idea to get any damage repaired yourself before the car is returned, because you could be charged far more for the work by the leasing company.
Gather all sets of keys and all the car’s paperwork – the inspector who collects the car should prompt you for anything that’s missing. They will also give the can an appraisal, noting any damage, and the vehicle’s mileage.
A service or maintenance agreement can usually be added as an extra when taking out a lease deal. Typically these will cover the costs of regular servicing, but can also cover consumables such as tyres and brakes.
As ever, you should study the costs carefully before you commit to get the best deal for your circumstances.
