The Motability Scheme remains a great value way to lease a safe, reliable and practical new car. There are hundreds of models on the Scheme to choose from. All cars come with the Motability Scheme’s full lease package. This includes insurance, road tax, servicing and breakdown cover.
Research has shown that the Motability Scheme is the cheapest way to lease a new car. Overall savings from the full package can exceed 40% compared to a regular car lease. The support available from the Motability Scheme is second to none, too.
Leasing a new car is an exciting prospect these days. The latest cars are better than ever thanks to the growth of technology. They are packed with features that make driving easier, safer and more comfortable. Modern high-efficiency petrol engines are really economical too. This means your new car can save money on your fuel bills.
Because petrol and diesel cars are being phased out from 2030, I have also included some electric cars (also known as EVs) here. More affordable EVs are being added to the Motability Scheme all the time. Use the clever comparison page to see how different electric cars compare for range and value for money.
When you lease your first electric car, Motability Scheme customers with off-street parking will get a home charger installed at no extra cost. This means you can charge at home in the cheapest way. You can start each day with the convenience of a fully charged battery, too.
If you cannot have a home charge point installed, you’ll get a subscription to bp pulse. This gives you access to the UK’s largest public charging network. All EV customers will also receive a Motability Go Charge card. This provides access to more than 50,000 public chargers in the UK.
If you’re wondering whether an EV might work for you, take a look at the Motability Scheme’s unique new set of interactive tools. These will help you explore running costs, charging options and personalised EV suggestions.
These are my choices with no or low Advance Payment this quarter, but there are plenty more new cars available on the Motability Scheme to suit all needs. Read on to be inspired about your next new mobility car!
My top pick for boot space: Dacia Jogger
No Advance Payment
The Dacia Jogger is a unique car. It has the body shape of an estate, the style of an SUV, and is even able to seat seven people inside across three rows of seats. It really is the Swiss Army Knife that is available on the Motability Scheme for no Advance Payment.
Why is it so popular?
The Dacia Jogger is a winner in terms of boot space. Even with all seven seats in place, there is 212 litres of space. In five-seat mode, it has a huge 712 litres. The third-row seats can also be removed. They weigh 10kg each, about the same as a carry-on suitcase. With the middle seats folded too, the Dacia Jogger has an enormous 1,807 litres of space.
The Dacia Jogger’s 1.0-litre turbo engine has more punch than you might think. It’s a smooth little engine even takes motorway runs in its stride. It is paired with a light and easy six-speed manual gearbox. This setup is also surprisingly good on fuel for such a roomy car.
Alternatives to consider: The Renault Symbioz is worth checking out if you’d prefer a crossover SUV with a big boot. It has space of up to 492 litres – and high-spec version have a sliding rear seat that expands it yet further. Up to 624 litres of boot space is on offer with the rear seat slid fully forward.
My top seven-seater: Chery Tiggo 8
£3299 Advance Payment
The Chery Tiggo 8 is a striking upmarket seven-seat SUV from this new Chinese brand. It certainly looks like a premium machine, with a classy front grille and some tasteful colour choices. The version I’ve chosen here has a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with the added benefit of 4x4 all-wheel drive. This makes it ideal for wintery weather.
Why is it so popular?
The Chery Tiggo 8 has been very well-received since its launch in the UK. It’s scooped several awards already, thanks to being such a well-rounded and practical SUV. There’s certainly no shortage of space inside. It feels confidence-inspiring behind the wheel, and middle-row passengers have plenty of space as well.
The third-row seats are great for children. They also fold flat into the floor, so you can expand the boot from 117 litres to almost 500 litres, while still carrying five people. Add in lots of standard equipment and easy to see the appeal of this advanced seven-seater.
Alternatives to consider: The Volkswagen Tayron is a tempting seven-seat alternative to the Chery Tiggo 8. The 2.0 TDI Match version is available for an Advance Payment of £3,199, or £100 less than the Chery.
My top pick for under-25s: Renault Captur
£245 Advance Payment
Imagine how cool it would be to drive a stylish crossover SUV when you’re aged under 25? The swish-looking Renault Captur allows you to do exactly that. I reckon it’s a really exciting choice for those aged under 25.
Why is it so popular?
The Renault Captur provides the commanding SUV-style seating position that’s so popular these days. The surprisingly upmarket interior also has an advanced 10.4-inch infotainment system. It is fitted with a premium Arkamys sound system. This has digital enhancement to make music sound as immersive as possible.
This Renault Captur has a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine. It’s really good on fuel, with a claimed average of nearly 50mpg. Low CO2 emissions mean it’s good for the planet as well. It’s also worth noting the Renault Captur has standard climate control. This keeps the interior at a temperature of your choosing no matter what the weather is like outside. It means one less thing to worry about for under-25s when they’re driving.
Alternatives to consider: The Kia Stonic 1.0T Pure is another small crossover SUV available for no Advance Payment. It also a car suitable for young drivers, and is a great alternative to the Renault Captur. A recent facelift has refreshed the design and interior, too.
My top electric car: Suzuki e Vitara
No Advance Payment
The Suzuki e Vitara is an electric alternative to the long-running and popular petrol-powered Vitara small SUV. Ideal for use in the city, the e Vitara is even more compact, measuring less than 4.3 metres long. It is Suzuki’s introduction to the world of electric motoring.
Why is it so popular?
The Suzuki e Vitara is a good-looking car, with rugged styling. It looks confident, and is available in a nice range of colours. Inside, it has a raised driving position, so it feels safe behind the wheel. The seats are comfortable and there is a good mix of buttons and knobs alongside the digital displays.
This Suzuki e Vitara has a 49kWh battery. This gives it a range of 213 miles. If you need to go further, a bigger battery is available, but this is a usable range for town driving. Remember, the Motability Scheme will also help you with charging. If it is your first electric car, you can choose a wall box. Those without a driveway get a subscription to bp pulse.
Alternatives to consider: The Mini Countryman is a very interesting electric car alternative to the Suzuki e-Vitara. It has an Advance Payment of £949, and this secures you a roomy five-seat SUV with a generous 290-mile EV range. It’s a fun car to drive, too.
My top pick with no Advance Payment: Nissan Juke
No Advance Payment
The Nissan Juke is a popular small SUV that’s built in Britain. It’s really found favour among buyers here in the UK. It is an appealing car to lease on the Motability Scheme too, as it is available for no Advance Payment.
Why is it so popular?
The Nissan Juke is a really good-looking car. It has distinctive styling that means you won’t mistake it for anything else. This fun design is carried through inside. I love the cockpit-style feel to the interior. Updates a few years back added a large format Google-based infotainment system too. It’s a great setup.
The Nissan Juke I’ve chosen here is the Acenta Premium model. It has a good amount of standard equipment. This includes a useful rear parking camera, along with rear parking sensors. It is fitted with a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine that will average nearly 49mpg. It’s a smooth, refined engine with good performance both in the city and on the motorway.
Alternatives to consider: The Nissan Juke often vies with the Ford Puma in the UK’s top 10 best-selling cars chart. This makes the practical Puma a good alternative to the funky Juke. Particularly as the 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid Titanium version is currently available for no Advance Payment as well!
My top UK-made car: Mini Cooper
No Advance Payment
The Mini Cooper is an iconic car that is proudly built in Britain. This latest generation of the new Mini is the most sophisticated yet, sharing lots of onboard technology with BMW. It still retains the classic Mini design though, especially in the three-door hatchback model I’ve picked here.
Why is it so popular?
It’s easy to love the design of the Mini, but this latest version has taken things to a new level inside too. It keeps the famous round centre display, which is reinvented here as an extra-large full-colour touchscreen. It looks fabulous, and is packed with useful tech to help make driving easier and safer.
This Mini Cooper C Classic has a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. It a great performer, with a fun and raspy feel. All Minis now have an automatic gearbox, so they’re easier to drive. That characterful Mini feel behind the wheel won’t fail to put a smile on your face, with superb steering and handling. The Mini Cooper also handles longer motorway trips with ease, thanks to comfortable seats and a stable, refined feel.
Alternatives to consider: The Mini Cooper is a city-friendly car – but an even more city-friendly choice is the Dacia Spring. Currently available for no Advance Payment, it has the added benefit of being electric. The Expression version costs less than your weekly allowance too, at just £76 a week.
My top pick for accessibility: Skoda Fabia
£99 Advance Payment
The Skoda Fabia is a well-liked small car. It’s larger on the outside than many supermini small cars. This translates into a roomier interior. Skoda has also thoughtfully designed it to make sure it is nice and easy for people to get in and out of.
Why is it so popular?
In terms of well-placed controls and an easy-to-use drive, the Skoda Fabia scores highly. It’s really user-friendly, and all shapes and sizes will be able to find a comfortable driving position. It’s good in the rear too. Some small cars can feel a little cramped in the back, but not the Skoda Fabia.
The good news continues when you open the boot. It has a huge 380-litre load area. That’s as big as many larger hatchback cars, and is enough space for three 120-litre suitcases with space to spare. The 1.0-litre MPI 80 engine of the version I’ve chosen here is very good on fuel and perfect for the city. The Skoda Fabia’s affordable Advance Payment of just £99 rounds means it’s an accessible car to lease as well.
Alternatives to consider: If you want an accessible small car, the Honda Jazz is well worth a look. It’s currently available on the Motability Scheme for an Advance Payment of £749. This gets you a roomy five-door with the added bonus of Honda’s ingenious ‘Magic Seats’ in the back. The hybrid engine adds fuel-sipping efficiency as well.
My top pick for city driving: Hyundai Inster
No Advance Payment
The Hyundai Inster is a futuristic-looking small electric car. The styling is really distinctive, and the appeal continues inside as well. It’s a superb car for city driving, particularly as it is available for no Advance Payment.
Why is it so popular?
There are several versions of Hyundai Inster currently available to lease on the Motability Scheme. All have the larger 49kWh battery, giving a generous electric range of up to 229 miles. If you stick to the city, it might be higher still. The version I’ve chosen here is the Inster 02 fitted with the Tech Pack. This adds on useful technology to help keep you safe on the road.
The Hyundai Inster may be compact on the outside, but it’s surprisingly roomy inside. It has a commanding driving position that feels secure, and the seats are very comfortable. The dashboard looks like that from a more upmarket car. Rear seats space is surprisingly generous. The Hyundai Inster has a 238-litre boot, and if you slide the rear seat forward, it expands to 351 litres. Fold the rear seats and this expands to well over 1,000 litres of space.
Alternatives to consider: For those who love driving in the city but don’t fancy an electric car, the Kia Picanto is a good alternative. There is a range of models available for no Advance Payment, including my pick, the stylish-looking GT-Line S. You have a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes too, both for no Advance Payment.
Interested in joining the Scheme?
Exchange your qualifying mobility allowance for a brand-new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle), scooter or powered wheelchair with the Motability Scheme.
You’ll get a full package. We’ll cover your insurance, servicing and breakdown.
Am I eligible?
You need to receive one of the qualifying mobility allowances, with at least 12 months left, to be eligible to join the Motability Scheme.
About the writer
Richard Aucock(opens in a new window) has been a professional motoring writer since 1998. He’s written about the car industry for the Motability Scheme since 2009. He has many key roles in the motoring world, including the UK juror for AUTOBEST, a juror for the World Car Awards, and Vice Chair of the Guild of Motoring Writers. Richard is also the director of Motoring Research(opens in a new window), a leading UK publisher in the industry.
