4×4 SUVs are often considered as superb, all-round cars. With a combination of size, power and modern design, they are a comforting choice to many road-users today. What differentiates 4x4s from most other types of cars are predominately its size and ‘going-anywhere’ capability.

With this in mind, there is an outstanding range of 4x4s on the market. But which one is the best all-round 4×4? This is a difficult question to answer as each 4×4 will often have their own unique selling point and advantages.

Here are Carleasing’s available offers on some of the best 4x4s currently on offer.

Audi Q5

Regarded as one of Carbuyer’s Best 4x4s, the Audi Q5 is an exceptionally well-made 4×4, with one of the ‘best interiors in its class, featuring high-quality materials and a thoroughly modern design’ (Carbuyer’s Audi Q5 summary).

The 2018 version of the Q5 is a thorough re-work from previous models with a strong balance between performance and economy, achieving 150 – 286 bhp whilst returning an average of 42-57 mpg.

TopGear’s review on the 2018 Q5 regard it as the “perfect evolution of the super-popular Q5. The same, just better. Spot on.” Whilst the price is not exactly cheap once all the features are compiled together, the Q5 is a frequent bestseller in its segment.

Performance wise, the Q5 comes with four different diesel versions and one petrol version. More details on the exact engine specifications can be found in TopGear’s Driving section on the A5’s review.

Just like with any 4×4, the A5 doesn’t disappoint in terms of space. The Q5 seats is able to seat five people, and with it achieving 610 litres of available capacity. 1550 litre capacity can be achieved providing the rear seats are folded down.

As far as technology and interior goes, all Q5s comes with power-opening boots, along with five different modes for the gearbox and engine. A digitalised infotainment screen is also featured and can grow to 8.3 inches if the model is upgraded (which is recommended by Carbuyer’s review) as users will get a touchpad complete with handwriting recognition. More details on the Q5’s interior features are available at Carbuyer’s Q5 review.

Equally important to any potential buyer, price will play a considerable part in the final decision. The overall price for the Audi Q5 ranges from £33,355 to £57,045. Carleasing prices ranges from £373.97 to £418.46 per month for a 24 month contract. However alternative contracts and prices are available depending on the individual model. More information can be found on Carleasing’s Q5 price page.

Land Rover Velar

The Velar is a combination of modern, luxurious and expensive features with technological sophistication and “the highly accomplished ride and handling to be considered superior to the premium-branded medium-sized SUVs” (Autocar’s review on the Velar).

Carwow argues that it “bridges the gap between the smaller Evoque and the larger Range Rover Sport”. The strong, stylish design is seen to be more eye-catching than its competitors such as the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5.

As with any 4×4, size is what helps sell the car. The Velar is no different. The 558 litre boot capacity can easily accommodate for the family. The 40:20:40 split when seats are folded down allows users to carry three passengers in the rear with plenty of luggage in the boot at the same time.

All models are equipped with a futuristic-looking dual-screen infotainment system, allowing the 4×4 to follow the high-tech, modern car trend. Whilst the lack of a satellite navigation system slightly lets the Velar’s technological credibility down, the fully digitalised instrument panel along with a centre console with refined graphical resolution is a significant improvement from previous models. On the whole, the high-tech features that come with the Velar is a huge part of it’s general appeal.

An in-depth review of the Velar’s interior features can be found at Carwow’s Land Rover Velar Review.

Fuel economy will ultimately differ depending on the model, but Miles Per Gallon (MPG) ranges from 34-49. More information can be found in Carwow’s Velar specifications. As for performance, every model comes with 4-wheel drive with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Users can choose from a range of three petrol and three diesel engines. More detailed information on the Valer’s performance can be found on Autocar’s Valer Review.

As far as driving goes, Carwow’s expert Mat Watson argues “The Valer’s relatively comfortable on the move, but the optional air suspension is a must-have feature.” Such features will inevitably increase the price which is something worth noting for the Velar.

In terms of pricing, offers range from £44,830 – £72,630. But as for leasing offers, pricing ranges from £397.57 to £682.84 for a 24 month contract. However, prices will differ depending on models available and length of contract. More information can be found on Carleasing’s Land Rover Valer pricing page.

The Mondial de l’Auto, otherwise known as the Paris Motor Show, is one of the biggest events on the motoring calendar and has caught the attention of popular motorist magazines including Top Gear, Autocar and Autotrader. Held in in Porte de Versailles exhibition centre, the Paris Motor Show features a selection of new and upcoming cars from some of the biggest car manufacturers in the world.

Whilst the event has showcased some of the more extravagant upcoming vehicles, there were a number of significant new launches that appealed to many interested motorists.

Here are some of the launches that may be of interest to you.

BMW 3 Series Saloon

Exterior Shot of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon

One of BMW’s biggest seller, the 7^th generation 3 series saloon is set to release in March 2019 with a bigger, technologically upgraded and lighter design. The new 3 series will feature new interior technology including a 12.3 inch digital cockpit (which is the first time in a 3 series) as well as an upgraded infotainment system allowing the driver to access it through a centre console, speech recognition or gesture control. Other technological additions include the removal of a manual handbrake with a switch replacing the older version, providing more space for interior usage. Equally worth noticing is the new 3 Series saloon will be available in a plug-in hybrid version for the first time.

For more detailed information and specifications on the details of the 7^th generation 3 Series Saloon, take a look at TopGear’s review on the 3 series, or Autocar’s 3 Series review.

Interior view of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon

As far as pricing goes for this next generation 3 series, the stated price will begin at £33,610. Given that this version is set to release in 2019, why not take a look at our current leasing offers available for the current BMW 3 Series? Offers range from £287.04 – £293.57 for a 24 month contract, however alternative contract lengths are available.

Land Rover Defender

One of the more exciting cars that has caught the attention of popular motorist magazines is the new Land Rover Defender, set to launch in 2020.

This modified version is a new Defender, although many of the details are disclosed until closer to the official release date, a spokesperson has stated from Jaguar Land Rover that “We can confirm that the Defender programme is progressing well and has reached an exciting stage of its development.” It was also noted that the 2020 version Defender will be “true to its heritage, while meeting the requirements of a changing global market.” (Quotes from TopGear’s brief insight into the Land Rover Defender 2020)

As the original defender was a significant part of the world’s motoring landscape, the 2020 version has a lot of potential to live up to. More information on what can be expected from this hot new 4×4 can be found at Autocar’s blog post on the latest Defender.

According to Autocar’s post on the new Defender, pricing has tipped to range from £40,000 to £70,000. As official leasing prices have not been announced yet, why not look at our current leasing offers for Land Rover availability?

Audi A1

Having already mentioned the Audi A1 in a previous blog post on What’s New From Audi, the A1 has once again come into the spotlight and attracted a lot of attention at the Paris Motor Show 2018.

This modern-day hatchback was a prominent feature in the Paris Motor Show, largely because of it’s general attractiveness to a variety of potential customers. This model will be Audi’s smallest car and will be available to order in the UK from November 2018 at £18,000.

The second-generation A1 has the aim of drawing new and young customers to the brand with its sporting credentials by offering three different trim level: SE, Sport and S Line, as well as a S1 model coming out later in 2019 with 230 bhp. Autocar’s post on the A1’s announcement at the Paris Motor Show stated that ‘the sportier A1 will draw heavily on high-tech safety and convenience kit.’

Technology is also a significant feature with the A1. Besides the virtual cockpit with a digital 10.25 inch instrument cluster, the A1 will feature a ‘pre-sense front’ which uses radar-sensing technology to notify the driver of nearby surrounding obstacles. Not only this, but according to Autoevolution’s post on the upcoming A1, the A1’s ‘phone box’ will improve reception’ and ‘inductive charging is also featured’. All in all, the A1 is certainly a small hatchback that is attracting a lot of attention in customer’s eyes.

Leasing prices for the A1 Sportback have not been announced yet, however previous Sportback versions are available on Carleasing Sportback Leasing offers page. Prices range from £259.82 to £321.79 per month for a 24 month contract. However, alternative contract lengths are available.

It is certainly an exciting time in the motor industry and there a lot to look forward to in the near future. Stay updated on new Car leasing offers on our official website.

The Ford Focus is one of Britain’s most renowned family-friendly, cost-efficient cars currently out there on the market. It’s attractive pricing and general feel for handling places sits well in customer’s eyes. However, its head-to-head rival, the Volkswagen Golf sits in a close second place on WhatCar’s UK Best selling cars.

In this blog, we will be taking a look at these key rivals to provide a comprehensive overview on where these market-leaders stand.

Starting off with the 2018 Ford Focus, from an immediate glance customers can resemble the front grille from previous Focus models, ensuring customers can still feel a part of the Ford family. However the striking and sporty design is evident from every angle, allowing Ford to maintain an upgraded, aesthetic edge in its newest generation of cars.

Exterior view of the 2018 Ford Focus

Exterior design manager Jordan Demkiw stated to Autoexpress that “The Focus is now lower and wider than before. We have been able to achieve all the good metrics of car design while offering more space.”

The updated appearance doesn’t stop at the exterior design. Whilst many of the engines from previous models are carried over, a new 1.5 litre three cylinder turbo powered petrol engine comes with it, producing 148-180 bhp. The added cylinder deactivation system allows users to be more fuel-efficient with their driving when it comes to travelling long distances.

Along with the fourth-generation’s sharp design and added technology, the Focus arrives with seven different trim levels (Style, Zetec, ST-line, ST-line Z, Titanium, Titanium X and Vignale), allowing for a more selective, customer experience.

As far as driving experience goes, Autocar’s review on the 1.5 Litre version of the Focus stated that “It drives really nicely. As in best-in-class nicely.”

They also go on to state that the 1.5 version is “quiet and smooth”, with it achieving 51.4 mpg on the new and updated fuel cycle.

Their overall opinion was that the compelling design, driving quality, added technology and various features within the car makes the Focus “a compelling proposition”.  Their verdict was “the new Focus keeps its sport at the top of the dynamic tree but adds extra functionality too.”

Exterior, driving shot of the Ford Focus 2018

It seems then that the new Focus is certainly a worthy player in the hot hatchback sector. As for pricing, leasing prices start from (as per 26/09/18)  £160.38 – £470.40 for a 24 month contract, however alternative contract lengths are available on Carleasing’s pricing page.

As attractive as the latest Focus maybe, we should not be too hastily to ignore the Focus’s main rival, the Volkswagen Golf.

The VW Golf is another key player in the hot hatchback sector, with it remaining as Europe’s biggest selling new car and was the UK’s most popular family hatchback in 2017.

Much like the Ford Focus, the Golf is classed as a superb, all rounder that offers everything that most people will need in a car.

What is worth noting however, is that according to Whatcar.com’s review on the latest Golf Hatchback, it “doesn’t dominate its class in the way previous versions did… that’s down to the competition upping its game rather than VW’s standards slipping.

This should not however put off customer attention in anyway. The new Golf comes in a range of models starting from S trim, and rises through to SE, SE Nav, GT and R-line. This is not accounting for any of their five performance alternatives, or the more eco-efficient versions such as their previous Bluemotion version.

As for power, VW will make their current 128 bhp version of the 1.5 TSI engine available for the 2018 Golf at a lower price point. However a 148 bhp engine can be achieved with the GT or R-line version. More information on engine specifications and power can be found at Whatcar’s Golf Review.

Equally important to any consumer is fuel-efficiency, and no doubt the Golf lives up to these expectations. All versions of the 2018 Golf offer promising fuel economy, with the 1.0 TSI Litre version claiming to reach 60.1 mpg and the 1.6 TDI version reaching 72.4 mpg, substantially triumphing over the Ford Focus.

As far as interior goes, Autocar state that the “advancement of Golf generations is nowhere more apparent than on the inside.” They argue that the Golf “remains the uber-Hatchback.” Through the Vienna leather upholstery, dual zone analogue instruments, and various other technological features, the Golf is the “perfect compromise of bottom-line cost and understated taste.”

Interior view of the VW Golf

As for an overall verdict, Autocar’s review on the 2018 Golf argue that the “facelifted Golf remains at the head of the pack, and by doing so keeping the Ford Focus, Seat Leon, (and other key rivals) at arms length.”

Leasing prices for the 2018 VW Golf Hatchback starts at (as per 26/09/18)  £181.81 – £319.68 for a 24 month contract, however other contract lengths are available at Carleasing’s pricing page.

Overall, both hatchbacks are incredibly worthy and credible opponents in the car market, as evident from current UK best-selling car polls. If distinguishing features and pricing does not sway consumer opinions, perhaps brand loyalty will ultimately make the final decision.