New figures released by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) show that more people than ever are leasing cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Almost one in 20 of all new leased cars registered in the final quarter of 2015 was a plug-in vehicle and more than 25% of lease cars now sit in VED band A (sub 100g/km CO2), compared to the overall market share of 20% in 2015.
Here at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, we are already seeing the impact of greener, more fuel-efficient vehicles. In 2015, 18% of cars leased with us had CO2 emissions under 100 g/km, demonstrating the ever-increasing demand for pure and plug-in hybrid electric cars, as well as low-emission petrol and diesel vehicles.
If you’re looking to lease a new green car, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has put together a list of the top ten cars with CO2 emissions of under 100g/km that customers leased with us in 2015 to help you find the right low-emission vehicle to suit you. Let’s check them out….
1. Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost 125 Titanium 5dr
Topping the list of the most popular lease green cars with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts customers in 2015 is the UK’s bestselling car of all time – the Ford Fiesta.
Refreshed in 2014, the Ford Fiesta is one of the best superminis on the market with few rivals matching up to its versatility, comfort and an overall driving enjoyment. Thanks to its range of frugal petrol and diesel engines, the Ford Fiesta is one of the most cost effective lease cars on the market.
In 2015, the Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost 125 Titanium 5 Door accounted for 8% of lease sales in the green car segment with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, winning over lease drivers with its award-winning 125 bhp Ecoboost engine, its combined fuel-efficiency of up to 65.7 MPG and CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km.
The popular Titanium model also offers plenty of kit for your money adding Ford’s innovative SYNC system, Bluetooth, DAB radio/CD player, LED daytime running lights, air conditioning and 16’’ alloys to an already generous standard specification.
2. Volvo V40 D2 (120) R Design Nav
Following closely behind the Ford Fiesta is the Volvo V40 D2 (120) R Design Nav, the second most popular green car leased by Nationwide Vehicle Contracts customers in 2015.
With its sleek design, impressive interior comfort and high performance levels, the Volvo V40 is a classy lease alternative to the more expensive Volkswagen Golf. The Volvo V40 D2 (120) R Design Nav model particularly impresses when it comes to fuel efficiency, with the nippy 120 bhp diesel engine delivering a combined fuel consumption of 78.5 MPG and CO2 emissions of 94 g/km.
The high-spec R Design Nav model boasts a generous specification as standard including Bluetooth, sat nav, DAB Digital radio, LED daytime running lights, electronic climate control, R Design nubuk/leather sports upholstery and 17" Ixion alloy wheels.
3. Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Blue Drive SE 5 Door
If you’re in the market for a low emission family hatchback, then check out the Hyundai i30.
Refreshed in 2015 sporting a sleek new look, the Hyundai i30 remains a popular lease choice with families thanks to its spacious interior and low running costs. The latest Hyundai i30 also features cutting-edge technology with features such as rear parking sensors, cruise control and an easy-to-use touch screen with satellite navigation available on SE Nav and Premium models.
The Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Blue Drive SE 5 Door caught the eye of our customers in 2015 thanks to its impressive fuel consumption of 78.4 MPG and CO2 emissions of just 94 g/km. The popular SE model also boasts a generous specification as standard including Bluetooth, cruise control, rear parking sensors, LED daytime running lights, air conditioning and 15" alloy wheels. What’s not to like?
4. Renault Clio 5 Door 1.5 dCi 90 Dynamique S Nav
The Renault Clio has always been a popular contender in the competitive supermini market but thanks to engine improvements, the latest model is also surprisingly green.
Originally launched in 1990, the latest Renault Clio was refreshed in 2012 boasting a sleek new design and the latest in-car technology. Improvements were also made under the bonnet to deliver power and performance with fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions.
If fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions are at the top of your list, check out the Renault Clio 5 Door 1.5 dCi 90 Dynamique S Nav with its 90 bhp diesel engine delivering an impressive combined fuel consumption of 85.6 MPG and CO2 emissions of just 85 g/km.
Like the other models in the list, the Clio also doesn’t disappoint when it comes to equipment, with the popular Dynamique S Nav offering cruise control, rear parking sensors, satellite navigation, LED daytime running lights, auto climate control and 17" Desire alloy wheels for a surprisingly low monthly rental.
5. Citroen C1 Airscape 1.0 VTi Feel 5 Door
When Citroen added a folding fabric roof to their popular C1 model, many wondered if the new Citroen C1 Airscape would catch on. It did!
With its distinctive exterior style, compact dimensions and nippy engine range, the Citroen C1 Airscape looks as good as it drives, making it a popular lease alternative to the Hyundai i10 and Skoda Citigo.
Add a low monthly rental, low running costs and low CO2 emissions of just 95 g/km and it’s no surprise that the Citroen C1 Airscape 1.0 VTi Feel 5 Door was the fifth most popular green car leased with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts in 2015.
Standard features on the popular Feel model include Bluetooth, DAB audio, LED daytime running lights, air conditioning and 15" steel wheels.
6. Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 5dr
Despite the emissions scandal last year, the Volkswagen remains a popular lease choice with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts customers thanks to its striking exterior design, comfortable interior and impressive reliability.
The most popular green model with our customers in 2015 was the Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI 110 Match Edition 5dr with its 110 bhp diesel engine delivering a combined fuel consumption of 74.3 MPG and CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km.
The mid-spec Match model also offers plenty of kit for your money including Bluetooth, front and rear optical and audible parking sensors, sat nav, DAB digital radio, air conditioning and 16" Dover alloy wheels.
7. Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 PHEV GX4h Auto
All the benefits of a 4-wheel drive with the low running costs of a hybrid, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a popular lease choice with personal and business alike, and the seventh most popular ‘green’ car leased with us in 2015.
The Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 PHEV GX4h Auto offers significant advantages over other SUVs in the market with its petrol/plug-in electric hybrid engine delivering ultra-low CO2 emissions of 42 g/km and a whopping combined fuel consumption of 156 MPG.
Other features on the above model include Bluetooth, cruise control, HDD navigation system, DAB digital radio, LED daytime running lights, dual zone climate control, leather upholstery and 18" 8 spoke alloy wheels.
8. Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVT-i X 5dr
With its fresh fun design, compact dimensions and economical 1.0 litre engine, the second-generation Toyota Aygo is a serious contender in the city car market and popular lease option for ‘green’ leasers.
Available with three or five doors, the Toyota Aygo is an agile and nippy city car which is extremely cheap to run, making it a popular lease choice for drivers on a budget.
The Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVT-i X 5dr was the model popular sub 100g/km CO2 model in the range with our customers in 2015, with its nippy 68 bhp petrol engine producing a combined fuel consumption 68.9 MPG and CO2 emissions of just 95 g/km.
Standard features on the popular VVT-I trim include USB connection, LED daytime running lights, auxiliary input socket and 14" steel wheels.
9. Peugeot 2008 Crossover 1.6 BlueHDi 120 Allure
Giving the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a run for its money in the competitive crossover/SUV segment is the Peugeot 2008 Crossover, taking the penultimate slot in our Top 10 Lease Green Cars list.
Designed to compete with the popular Nissan Juke, the Peugeot 2008 Crossover offers the practicality of an estate car with the low running costs of a hatchback.
The most popular sub 100g/km CO2 model leased with us in 2015 is the Peugeot 2008 Crossover 1.6 BlueHDi 120 Allure, winning over lease customers with its 120 bhp diesel engine, combined fuel consumption of 76.3 MPG and CO2 emissions 96 g/km.
The standard specification on the popular Allure model is equally impressive, offering customers Bluetooth, cruise control, rear parking aid, DAB digital radio, LED daytime running lights, dual zone automatic air conditioning and 16" Hydre anthra alloy wheels all as standard.
10. Peugeot 108 1.0 Active 5dr
Peugeot also claim the tenth and final spot in our Top 10 Lease Green Cars list with the Peugeot 108.
Like the Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo, the Peugeot 108 is small, stylish and packed full of kit, offering great value for money and low running costs.
The most popular model with our customers in 2015 was the Peugeot 108 1.0 Active 5dr thanks to its low CO2 emissions of just 95 g/km, combined fuel consumption of 68.9 MPG and nippy petrol engine delivering 68 bhp.
The popular Active model also boasts a generous specification as standard including Bluetooth, DAB digital radio, LED daytime running lights, air conditioning and 15" steel wheels.
Thinking of leasing a low-emission car? View our latest lease deals on a wide range of Electric and Hybrid cars or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts today on 0345 811 9595.
