Manchester, known as England’s capital of the north, is a city that’s constantly evolving. From its industrial roots to its modern status as a hub for culture and innovation, it’s a city that’s well and truly on the up.
Thanks to its bustling population and strong economy, Manchester attracts its fair share of professionals and families, and amid this growth, car leasing has surged in popularity.
Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has helped over 9,000 Mancunians get behind the wheel of their dream car, perfect for navigating the busy streets of Deansgate or exploring the trendy Northern Quarter.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at the top lease car models in Manchester, exploring why they’re so popular and what makes them perfect for urban driving. We discuss:
If you're looking to get on the roads in Manchester, there's plenty of amazing cars to choose from. Whether you live in the heart of the city or in the suburbs, a reliable and modern car is essential for a life in the city.
Here's our seven best cars to choose from if you live in Manchester:
Most popular lease cars in Manchester
1. Nissan Qashqai
The Qashqai is the standard setter for modern SUVs and is the first port of call for loads of drivers in Manchester. It’s not hard to see why; it blends performance, style, and versatility in a car that’s perfect for urban driving.
2. Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson is a mid-sized SUV that puts practicality at its heart. It’s perfect for families of all ages, and thanks to its facelift in 2024, it is one of the most stylish SUVs on the market.
3. SEAT Ibiza
If you’re after a good all-rounder, look no further than the Ibiza. It’s nippy enough to handle Manchester’s busy city centre while also offering enough space and technology to keep the family happy.
4. Peugeot 208
The days of Peugeot being boring are long gone, and the 208 is leading the charge. A stylish hatchback that’s brilliant to drive, you can’t ask for much more from a city car.
6. Citroen C3 Hatchback
Citroen has always been a good choice for urban drivers, and the C3 Hatchback is no different. With its eye-catching air-bump panels and pleasant interior, it’s a great companion for nipping around the city.
7. Volkswagen Golf Hatchback
The Golf can stake a serious claim to being one of the best all-rounders on the market, and it will ensure you’re happy, no matter where in Manchester you live. Ideal for a whole range of drivers, the Golf provides great tech, a punchy powertrain, and brilliant onboard technology.
While the cars above are exceptional in their own right, they are the perfect companion to driving in Manchester.
Manchester drivers need a car that can handle pretty much anything thrown at it, such as unpredictable weather (tell me about it!), urban congestion, and poor road conditions.
In addition, the Peak District is just a stone's throw away, and while it offers breath taking views and scenery, it requires a modern car that’s up to the task. A car in Manchester needs:
- Fuel efficiency - With rising fuel prices and Manchester’s busy traffic, fuel-efficient cars help keep running costs down while reducing your environmental footprint, important in contributing to Manchester’s clean air initiatives.
- Family-oriented - Many of these cars, such as the Nissan Qashqai and MG4, offer spacious interiors and advanced safety, making them perfect for school runs or weekend trips.
- Affordable - Leasing ensures you can drive a modern car without the high upfront costs, making it an attractive option for Mancunians managing a budget.
- Modern - Packed with features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced safety features, these cars suit Manchester’s tech-savvy and forward-thinking population.
Manchester is a city that caters to all, and because of this, you need to ensure your car fits your needs.
- Commuters - Small to medium-sized cars are best for commuters, especially those heading into the heart of the city. You can’t go wrong with a car like the Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Yaris Cross, or the BMW 1 Series.
- Families - SUVs and Crossovers such as the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai offer space and comfort without having to break the bank.
- Luxury seekers - If you want to ride in style, premium cars such as the Tesla Model 3, Audi A5 Saloon, and BMW 3 Series Saloon are great options.
- Eco-conscious drivers - Electric and hybrids are a great choice for Mancunians, and there are plenty of options available, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and MG4.
With Manchester’s push for cleaner air, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular for Mancunians.
Greater Manchester alone has more than 1,300 EV chargers, meaning you’re never too far away from a station to top up your battery (TfGM).
EVs also allow Mancunians to enjoy cutting-edge technology, such as advanced driver assistance systems, regenerative braking, and one-pedal driving!
If you’re a Mancunian, you’ll know all about Manchester’s famously unpredictable weather. From wet and windy winters to congested streets in the summer, Mancunians need a car that can handle it all.
Here are some considerations when leasing in Manchester:
- Rain - Manchester is known for its rain, and features like rain-sensing wipers or advanced traction control are helpful.
- Fog - Manchester is susceptible to cloud cover, which can cause fog. Features like LED headlights, automatic high beams, and heated windscreens are helpful.
- Terrain - For those escaping to the Peak District or Lake District on the weekend, cars with high ground clearance, good suspension, and storage space are useful for longer journeys.
Manchester is a city that’s full of life, and the cars on the road reflect the energy. From compact city cars to spacious SUVs, leading offers Mancunians the perfect way to drive their dream car.
Whether you’re after fuel efficiency, affordability, or modern tech, leasing provides the flexibility to drive the car you need without the commitment of long-term ownership.
Ready to find the car that fits your Manchester lifestyle? Browse our latest leasing deals and discover why leasing is perfect for city drivers.
