Latest news with #LeasingOptions
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Labour dealt major blow as petrol and diesel drivers take same action
The Labour Party government has been dealt a major blow as motorists 'hold off' going electric. Experts have warned that drivers will only be able to get the £3,750 Electric Car Grant on certain vehicles. Mike Thompson, chief operating officer at Leasing Options, said "there's been a lot of confusion around vehicles that will qualify for the new scheme, and we really hope the Government clears things up soon". He added: "What we do know is that to qualify, the car needs to have a recommended retail price of £37,000 or less. That means straight away, popular models like the Tesla Model Y are off the table. READ MORE State pensioners 'caught off guard' after becoming 'casualty' of HMRC "On top of that, the size of the grant will depend on how sustainable the vehicle is. The greenest models could get up to £3,750, while band two models could be eligible for £1,500." "There's also a safety element involved, and some brands won't qualify if they don't meet certain standards," he added. "And when you consider that 54 per cent of people say cost is still the biggest thing holding them back from going electric, it's clear support like this is needed to make EVs more affordable for everyone," Thompson added. Thompson said: "Right now, with the details of the Government scheme still up in the air, there have been reports of a lot of drivers holding off on EV purchases, hoping to take advantage of any discounts when the rules are clearer." One motorist said: "I can buy an electric Mini made in Oxford and shipped to China for £6000 less than I can buy a similar car in UK. Electric cars in China are half the cost of similar cars here but the infrastructure is in place there for charging cars whereas in uk we are a decade behind especially in the rural communities. To charge an electric car in China costs between 10p - 20p but in Rip off Britain it's 9p a kw at home and sometimes up to £1 a kw in public…" "Many people are waking up to that electic vehicles are not as economical and cheap to run as the government and car manufacturers have told us, and are still buying diesel and petrol car's," another wrote.
Auto Express
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car Deal of the Day: Mazda CX-30 offers plenty of fun for under £217 a month
Fun to drive; high refinement levels Comfortable, well made interior Just £216.96 a month The Mazda CX-30 stands out in the small SUV class for a number of reasons. But easily the most compelling reason why you'd buy one is simply because it's great fun to drive. Judging by this deal, though, you can factor in excellent value for money, too. Advertisement - Article continues below Scouring the Auto Express Find a Car service, we found Leasing Options is offering Mazda's smallest SUV for a bargain £216.96 a month. This three-year deal requires a £2,953.51 initial payment to get things moving, and mileage is capped at 5,000 a year. But should you need more, an 8,000-miles-a-year limit can be had for less than £14 extra a month. The CX-30 is a genuinely enjoyable drive, and it embarrasses plenty of other more expensive and prestigious small SUVs. At its heart is a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine. No, that isn't a typo – Mazda really does fit a large-capacity engine to a small car. It's a rarity these days, but Mazda believes that higher-capacity engines are cleaner and give better fuel economy. Mazda says you'll likely see just over 47mpg in normal driving. With 138bhp, the engine performs smoothly, delivering strong refinement and punchy performance. Here, it's matched to an excellent six-speed manual gearbox that's precise and a joy to use. Along with the enthusiastic engine, there is engaging handling to match. Meanwhile, the interior is well made and the tech is easy to use. It's not the roomiest small SUV around, that's for sure, but it has that enjoyment factor in spades. Plus, standard equipment is good – this Prime-Line trim gets you 16-inch alloys, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, radar cruise control, LED headlights, and rear parking sensors. The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Find A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top Mazda CX-30 leasing offers from leading providers on our Mazda CX-30 page. Check out the Mazda CX-30 deal or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here… Find a car with the experts Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra slash electric car prices Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra slash electric car prices Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra aren't waiting around for the government grant by cutting £1,500 from their EV prices Car Deal of the Day: MGS5 EV for under £200 a month is a true bargain Car Deal of the Day: MGS5 EV for under £200 a month is a true bargain The ZS EV's replacement is an excellent small electric SUV, and our Deal of the Day for August 4 How green is an EV? BMW reveals the surprise truth about EV vs ICE carbon footprints How green is an EV? BMW reveals the surprise truth about EV vs ICE carbon footprints The new BMW iX3 will have less of a carbon footprint than the petrol-powered X3 after just 12,428 miles of driving
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers warned to never wear popular fashion item as woman almost dies
People with long hair should avoid wearing this item when driving (Image: Getty) People with long hair have been reminded to keep one item out of the car at all costs to avoid causing major damage if an accident occurs. Some people have nearly lost their lives as a result of wearing them, urging other drivers to do the same. Mike Thompson, chief operating officer at Leasing Options, warned that wearing clothing or accessories that restrict movement or control while driving could cause drivers to face serious consequences. Punishments can include a £100 fine and three penalty points if their clothing hinders their ability to drive safely. Mike explains that Rule 97 of the Highway Code specifically states that "drivers must not wear clothing that restricts their movement or interferes with their ability to operate the controls properly'. But, with popular fashion choices constantly changing and evolving, there's a chance your trendy outfit choices could lead to major issues while driving. Some come with added dangers that could land people with serious injuries, enough to make anyone think twice before getting behind the wheel in the same situation again. With summer underway and the hot weather forecast to return, many people with long hair will be pulling it back to stay cool and maintain focus when getting behind the wheel. However, one popular hair accessory could put your life at risk if you decide to keep it in while on the road. As convenient as claw clips can be, they could cause serious injuries if you happen to be involved in a car crash. The Highway Code reminds drivers not to let fashion override safe choices The danger of claw clips is primarily due to the distractions they can cause and their sharpness. If a driver is adjusting or fixing their claw clip while driving, they are, without thinking, diverting their attention from the road. In a car crash, loose hair clips can cause injury by becoming a projectile or pressing against the back of the driver's head. The Mirror has reported on several incidents involving these hair accessories. Jeena Panesar put her hair up in a claw clip before heading out to her car on January 24, 2023. But, she was left fearing she would die after it sliced through her scalp and became lodged in her head during a crash. She was driving home from work in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, when her vehicle hit a tree and the car skidded for 50 metres before flipping over. The crash threw Jeena against the roof and crushing the clip into her head. Several incidents involving these hair accessories have been reported When deciding what to wear while driving, safety should be a priority before style. One of the most dangerous items someone can wear during the summer is flip-flops or 'Birkenstock' style sandals. While they are comfortable in the pool and on the beach, studies have shown that motorists who drive wearing flip-flops have less control over their pedals. Similarly, heavy boots like Dr Martens can be dangerous to drive in due to their heavy and rigid design. Mike said: 'This can affect a driver's ability to change pedals, which is crucial while driving quickly. To make sure you maintain control, it's best to wear comfortable, secure shoes like trainers while driving, as these are the safest shoes to wear while on the road. If you don't typically wear these shoes, make sure to keep a spare pair in the boot, as something you can quickly change into.' Restricting your feet can mean you have issues using the pedals of your car in an emergency (Image: Gary Scott via Getty) Flowy dresses and maxi skirts are a great way to cool down during summer, allowing for breathability. However, long dresses can get caught under pedals, causing problems with the pedals or even overflowing onto the gearbox, making it harder to change gears safely. To avoid this, make sure your skirts and dresses aren't too loose while driving or keep them tucked securely under seatbelts. Throughout summer, sunglasses are a wardrobe staple for many, and you can always be guaranteed to spot someone rocking a pair of sunglasses in a convertible. However, before you get behind the wheel of a car, it's important to make sure that your shades aren't too dark to drive in. Mike said: "If your sunglasses make it difficult for you to see the road clearly, it may be best to just stick with keeping the sunshade down instead.'
Auto Express
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car Deal of the Day: a family-friendly Renault Captur for just £161 a month
Smart looks inside and out Easy to drive; strong standard kit list Just £160.85 a month With the spotlight firmly on Renault's reimagined electric cars like the retro 4 and 5, it's easy to forget models like the Captur. This Renault Clio-based SUV has been around for a while, but it still stacks up well against the competition, thanks to great tech, efficient powertrains, and, judging by this deal, excellent value for money. Leasing Options is offering the baby high-riding Renault for a measly £160.85 a month right now. This two-year deal only requires a £2,280.19 initial payment to get the things moving, while mileage is limited to 5,000 miles a year. Just over £17 extra a month, though, allows this limit to be raised to 8,000 a year if you need. Advertisement - Article continues below This deal is for the entry-level Evolution trim, which, rather impressively, gets you 17-inch diamond-cut alloys, a 10.4-inch touchscreen with a Google-based operating system, a rear-view camera, and automatic climate control. Under the bonnet lies one of Renault's 1.0-litre petrol engines. Admittedly, this isn't the quickest engine around, with 0-62mph taking a very leisurely 14 seconds. But, on the plus side, it's smooth enough, and the six-speed manual gearbox is a delight to use. Fuel economy, meanwhile, stands at nearly 48mpg. While speed isn't on the Captur 1.0 Tce's side, comfort most certainly is. It's a very soft-riding car, giving a cosseting ride. At cruising speeds, the Captur belies its size and feels very refined; it's also super-quiet at higher speeds. Thanks to a refresh last year, the exterior neatly covers the Captur's age, and the interior is nicely modern too thanks to an overhauled infotainment set-up. The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Find A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top Renault Captur leasing offers from leading providers on our Renault Captur page. Check out the Renault Captur deal or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here… Find a car with the experts Electric cars driven until they die: the truth about EV range Electric cars driven until they die: the truth about EV range Five EVs under £24k have joined Dacia's Spring on the UK market. How far can you go on a budget? We find out New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by a huge £7k New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by a huge £7k Citroen's revamped flagship C5 Aircross SUV is available to order now with hybrid or electric power Car Deal of the Day: Polestar 4 is a head-turning EV for a super cool price Car Deal of the Day: Polestar 4 is a head-turning EV for a super cool price The 'car with no rear window' is looking seriously cheap on lease right now. It's our Deal of the Day for July 28
Auto Express
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car Deal of the Day: Cupra Terramar is an upmarket family SUV without a premium price tag
Upmarket look and feel Practical family SUV; frugal mild-hybrid power Just £238.85 a month – cheapest we've seen so far Ever since the Volkswagen Group hived off Cupra from its SEAT mother-brand in 2018, it has traded on an image of upmarket performance cars with a strong dose of everyday ease-of-use. Advertisement - Article continues below Since then, Cupra's model range has broadened and its latest offering is the Tavascan – a family-sized SUV with that distinctive racy image. However, our Deal of the Day goes to show that this premium appeal doesn't have to come with a premium price tag. Leasing deals on the Terramar have been slowly getting cheaper and cheaper in recent months, with this offer being the cheapest we've seen so far. Via the Auto Express Find a Car service, Leasing Options is offering the sporty SUV for just £238.85 a month right now. An initial payment of £3,216.19 is all that's needed to get the ball rolling, and it's a two-year deal with a 5,000-miles-a-year cap. But should you need more, an 8,000-miles-per-annum plan can be arranged for just an extra £22 a month. This deal only gets you the entry-level V1 trim. But, with Cupra's mission to offer a premium feel on all of its cars, you won't feel short-changed with the cheapest model. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below V1 trim gets you 18-inch alloys, LED front lights and rear lights with configurable designs, three-zone climate control, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, front bucket seats, plus a 12.9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and sat-nav. Powering this Terramar is one of Volkswagen Group's excellent 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged mild-hybrid petrol engines. With 148bhp, it's a punchy unit and is paired with a slick seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, while that mild-hybrid system boosts fuel economy to over 47mpg. It's a nice car to drive, with sharp steering helping to give a sporty feel. The inside reflects Cupra's premium aspirations with a high-quality feel and plenty of copper detailing. It's a roomy SUV, too, with a 540-litre boot that can be enlarged to 630 litres when the rear seats are slid forwards. The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Find A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top Cupra Terramar leasing offers from leading providers on our Cupra Terramar page. Check out the Cupra Terramar deal or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here… Find a car with the experts New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount? Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount? The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3… Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop The second of Merc's new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
