Four best small SUVs to lease
It’s no secret that more and more drivers are looking for the commanding road presence and high-seating-visibility that comes with an SUV. This is what led Nissan to initially create the Qashqai back in 2007 and thus the lucrative crossover segment was created.
Crossovers are essentially small SUVs for those of you who like the chunky looks of an SUV albeit with the practicality and drivability of a hatchback. To help you in your search, we’ve listed four of our picks for the best small SUVs to lease right now.
Suzuki Ignis
The Suzuki Ignis has come a long way from its big and clunky roots. The most recent incarnation is actually quite small; just 3.7m long and 1.7m wide. But that doesn’t mean it’s no longer capable.
There’s traction-enhancing four-wheel drive as an option if you want to take it off-road, and mid-range spec levels and above give you sliding seats to prioritise boot or rear leg space.
It’s a relatively nifty SUV off the mark and it performs admirably well off-road, in part due to its hill-descent control, which isn’t something you usually find in vehicles this small. And for the most part, it’s a very comfortable ride.
When you reach higher speeds cabin noise becomes more noticeable, but that’s not uncommon in cars of this class.
Also inside, there’s a good vantage point for the driver with enough customisability in the seat to suit almost everyone. And although the Ignis’ interior isn’t all that eye-catching, it does what it needs to.
We’d say this is a great car for those who want a small SUV for city driving, perhaps some light off-roading. Anything else, and you might find it becomes a touch tiresome.
Nissan Juke
The original Nissan Juke was launched in 2010 to build on the success of the Qashqai by offering a similar model albeit with a more dynamic proportions.
The second generation model did away with the divisive styling of the first-gen model and does a great job of bringing its styling up to date with its aggressive headlights and a sleeker overall shape.
To drive, the Juke is as pinpoint as you’d expect. The ride is comfortable and precise, and there’s very little road noise that sneaks into the cabin.
The suspension handles even Britain’s roughest roads well, so for taking it around town or blasting up and down the motorway, the Nissan SUV will have no problem impressing.
One thing that may frustrate you a touch is the Juke’s visibility; which out the front is fine, but from the rear isn’t all that great. However, all models feature rear parking sensors as standard, so at least Nissan has addressed the situation.
Inside, as you’d probably expect, there’s tech galore. Even the entry-level models receive an eight-inch touchscreen display housing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
As well, there’s also a load of driver aids, such as lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and sat-nav.
For a small SUV, there’s also a decent amount of space and storage, with a good-sized boot and plenty of cubby holes dotted throughout.
Audi Q2
The Audi Q2 is Audi’s baby SUV. Following the roaring success of other Q models and the success of the crossover market the Q2 was a the next step.
As you’d expect, everything on and in the Q2 comes with exceptional build quality. And, as is becoming the norm nowadays with Audi, there’s some great standard tech on offer, too.
Alongside Audi’s brilliant MMI infotainment system, there’s smartphone interfacing, cruise control, two SD card readers and a powered tailgate – which is a really nice touch for a car of this size.
There are also LED lights as standard, which really add to the Q2’s sleek styling, and the ride is as good as anything else in its class thanks to Audi’s progressive steering.
Of course, you can choose to upgrade your Audi if you’re willing to spend a little more cash, which will give you better styling and more equipment.
Ford Puma
The Ford Puma is top of the smallest SUV on this list simply because it’s one of the best on the market.
The Ford Puma used to be a small coupe when it was launched in the late 90s, with Ford reviving the badge for the crossover segment a few years ago. Since then it has only grown in popularity.
Complete with a hybrid engine in most models, the Ford Puma offers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. It’s comfortable, too, and can handle stop-start city driving and long motorway stretches with ease.
Seating wise, you’re not sat as high as you might be in some other small SUVs, but that’s the trade-off you have to make for sleeker, sportier styling. And although you’re closer to the ground, visibility is still very good.
All Pumas come with rear parking sensors as standard, although are missing LED headlights. They’re an optional extra, so you can add them if you wish, but we’d hope to see them as part of the entry-level spec on all SUVs nowadays.
Inside, though, you’re not short on much. There’s lane keep assist, variable driving modes and a wireless charging pad for your phone. It’s also pretty scratchy-plastic-free, making the Puma a comfortable place to be on those longer journeys.
Finding the right small SUV for you
If you like the look of any of these deals and you’re ready to take your next step, you can get your finance approved in minutes by using our quick and easy online application form – all without damaging your credit score.
