Six best cars to lease under £400
If your monthly budget stretches to up to £400, you open yourself up to an outstanding selection of brand-new vehicles from top-tier manufacturers such as Range Rover, Audi, BMW, VW and Volvo.
And to help you find the right one for you, we’ve highlighted six vehicles which we think are great value for money – all of which can be leased today with no deposit and under £400 a month.
Range Rover Evoque | £361 Monthly
The Range Rover Evoque has fast become one of the UK’s most beloved SUVs. Stunning styling both inside and out, it’s a true example of expert motoring craftsmanship.
To drive, it eclipses anything else in its class both on and off-road. You feel at one with the car from a high vantage point, and the steering is smooth and accurate. It’s exceptionally roomy and comfortable, too.
In this model, the 2.0-litre D165, there’s 163bhp at your disposal through a six-speed manual gearbox – automatics are also available. There’s also 1.6-tonnes of towing capacity and you can even carry 75 kilos of equipment on the roof.
Stepping inside, everything is expertly put together, and it really feels like a luxurious SUV. There’s a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear parking aids, lane-keep assist, voice control, wade sensing – if you decide to take it off-road – and driver condition monitoring, to ensure you’re always safe behind the wheel.
When it comes to high-quality value for money, a stunning drive, and first-class engineering, the Evoque ticks all the boxes.
Audi A4 | £340 Monthly
As compact executive saloons go, the Audi A4 is up there with the best. Its styling is sharp yet reserved, which is a theme that continues throughout the rest of the vehicle.
To drive, the feel behind the wheel is precise and exact. You always feel in control, whether that be on long-distance cruises or traversing higher-speed country roads.
In the 35 TFSI Sport, which is available for £340 a month with no deposit – there’s a raft of tech and amenities to help amplify the Audi’s high-quality finish.
At the centre of the interior sits a 10.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen infotainment display featuring MMI Navigation plus and 3D maps, Audi park system plus with front and rear sensors, smartphone interface, virtual cockpit and a rear-view camera.
Under the bonnet sits an impressive 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 150bhp. It’ll take you from 0-60mph in a little over eight seconds, which isn’t lightning-fast, but considering the A4 will cover over 550 miles from a full 54-litre tank, it’s not a bad compromise.
Shop The Audi A4 35 TFSI Sport Now
Volkswagen Golf | £258 Monthly
Now in its eighth generation, the all-new Volkswagen Golf is the best one yet; offering modern styling, a comfortable ride, plenty of practicality and lots of tech.
The Golf has always been a great driver’s car, and this one is no different. Behind the wheel, you feel at one with the road; connected better than any other hatchback – including those from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.
To make it even better, in the R-Line – which is available for just £258 monthly with £0 upfront – you also get dynamic exterior styling cues, front sports seats, driver profile selection, tinted windows and interior ambient lighting – of which there are 30 changeable colours available depending on your mood.
That’s on top of the crystal-clear 10.25-inch pro touchscreen infotainment system, wireless connection and wireless charging.
On release, VW labelled the eighth-generation Golf as the “Digital Golf”. And, apart from its superb mechanics underneath, it’s very well deserving of that title as it takes the Volkswagen hatchback into a new, more modern era.
Seat Ateca | £271 Monthly
Without a doubt one of the most underrated SUVs on the road today, the Seat Ateca is a true testament to outstanding value for money.
Sharp looking, it’s an SUV for everyone. And if you have a budget of £400 a month, you can drive away a brand-new Ateca and still have plenty left over for insurance and running costs.
In the 1.5 TSI EVO FR – which you can lease from just £271 monthly with no deposit – there’s a plethora of well-finished amenities, including front and rear LED lights, dual-zone climate control, leather touches and self-park.
There’s also sat-nav, keyless entry, wireless charging and full link smartphone integration, giving you access to everything you need while you’re on the move.
To drive, the Ateca is one of the best. It rolls a little more than something of the Range Rover Evoque’s calibre, and it’s not an out-and-out off-roader. But for tarmac driving, both on the motorway and around town, the Seat Ateca is an exceptional SUV.
BMW 3 Series | £332 Monthly
The BMW 3 Series is the car all others in its class are judged against. And it has been since its launch in the early 1980s.
Now in its seventh generation, it’s still the class leader thanks to its unmatched drive, aggressive styling and exceptionally well-crafted interior.
For some time, the 3 Series was a good driver’s car. But that was about it. Now, it looks incredible and inside you’re greeted by a wall of outstanding aesthetics and functionality.
In the 318i M Sport – which you can lease for £332 a month with no upfront payment – there’s a sensational amount of goodies at your fingertips. From the pair of high-definition screens housing BMW’s excellent iDrive infotainment system and the instrument display to its sports steering and voice assistant. Every single component is excellent and of the highest quality.
Really then, if you’re looking for a compact executive saloon, and you have a budget of £400 a month, the BMW 3 Series is the car you should choose.
Volvo XC40 | £329 Monthly
If sophistication, durability and contemporary styling are high up on your list when it comes to new car shopping, you must include the Volvo XC40 in your decision process.
Stunningly unique modern looks, the XC40 is a genuinely brilliant and expressive SUV. It’s one that allows you to showcase your personality and taste while still retaining an executive feel.
In the 1.5-litre T3 Momentum – which you can lease from £329 with £0 deposit – there’s an aura of prestige thanks to its pair of crystal clear digital displays – one for infotainment and the other for the driver’s instrument cluster – voice control, Volvo On Call and drive mode selector – ensuring your vehicle is always in sync with your driving mood.
At the front, there’s a 163bhp petrol engine which is driven by a six-speed manual gearbox – automatics are also available. The response is sharp and pokey, and although it won’t be setting any land-speed records anytime soon, this XC40 still covers a 60mph sprint from a standing start in under nine seconds.
So, if you’re looking for a classy yet playful SUV that allows you to showcase your differences while enjoying strong manufacturing, the Volvo XC40 is one you absolutely must consider.