OSV

The UK's Trusted Leader in Car Leasing and Sales

Tax benefits of leasing a car for business

What are the tax benefits of leasing a car for your business? Business leasing is one of the most popular ways for business owners to get a new car and it’s a method that has been around for several years.

One of the key reasons that business car leasing is popular is because it has a great number of tax benefits. It’s these benefits that will very often sway businesses to choose business leasing over the other methods that are available to them.

So, what exactly are these incredible tax benefits and is there anything you should be aware of before you make any decisions?

In this article, we look at the implications of business car leasing and the tax benefits and how they apply to you and your business.

What are the tax benefits of leasing a car for a business?

As we have mentioned previously, there are lots of tax benefits of leasing a car for business. Most of these benefits are relevant if you get a vehicle through a Business Contract Lease or Business Contract Hire.

These are the most common forms of business leasing, where you have a vehicle, or a fleet of vehicles, for a set period of time while making fixed monthly payments. At the end of your contract, the vehicles are returned and you have nothing more to pay, subject to mileage and condition restrictions.

Many of the tax benefits apply to Business Contract Hire, so this will be the car leasing option we will talk about in this article.

It’s good for company accounts

Irrespective of the broker or dealership you use, or the vehicle you choose, the biggest advantage to business leasing is that it is tax-efficient, meaning that it’s good for company accounts. This is due to the fact that it doesn’t show up as a liability on your company balance sheet.

Your company balance sheet is important as it’s what other businesses will use to judge whether to give you a credit line.

hand holding car keys in air

When you make a major purchase through your business, such as a property or a vehicle, you need to think about how it will impact on your balance sheet.

If you decided to purchase a single vehicle, or a fleet of vehicles for your business then this is something that will show up on your balance sheet as a huge liability.

If you borrow money to buy several vehicles that cost £25,000 each, it would look like you had borrowed a considerable amount and therefore had a large financial sum against your business. It could, therefore, hinder your chances of borrowing more in the future.

However, if you get the vehicle (or vehicles) with a Business Contract Hire agreement then it won’t show as a liability, or an asset, on your company balance sheet. Instead, it is an “off-balance sheet”. This is seen as one of many tax benefits for a business as it means that you can apply for more credit lines and leasing a car isn’t seen as a liability.

Want to find out more about the different finance options available? Download our FREE guide.

You can offset the rental

What about offsetting the rental? Is a business car lease tax deductible? If you have a limited company then you can offset the monthly rental against your end-of-year Corporation Tax. If you’re a sole trader or in a partnership then you can offset the monthly rental payments against your yearly taxation.

Therefore, business leasing can be seen as very tax-efficient.

How much you can offset against the monthly rental depends on the CO2 emissions of the car or cars you are leasing. If the vehicle emits more than 110g/km of CO2 then you can claim 85% back. If it emits less than 110g/km, then you can claim 100% back.

The exception to this is if you have leased a van. If you have then no matter the CO2 emissions of the vehicle, you can always claim 100% of the monthly rental back.

Another advantage is that you can claim back 50% of the initial payment and monthly rentals. This is because, technically, you’re renting the vehicle rather than owning it.

Saving money and reduce taxes

You can only claim 50% back, as HMRC assumes that you use the vehicle for business travel 50% of the time and personal journeys (including your commute to and from the office) for the other 50%. There is, however, one exception and that is if the vehicle is classified as a ‘pool car’.

A pool car is a vehicle driven by multiple employees for business purposes, such as travelling to and from meetings or training days. A pool car is also left on business premises overnight and on weekends. If your vehicle is a pool car then you are able to claim 100% back.

If you are claiming that a vehicle is being kept on-site when not in use then you need to be honest, as this is something HMRC will check up on. If you’re claiming 100% back and you use the vehicle for any personal errands, HRMC will find out.

You can claim back on excess mileage and maintenance agreements

When you get a vehicle with a Business Contract Lease, you will also have agreed on a fixed mileage. If you, or your employees, go over the agreed mileage then you will be subject to an excess mileage charge. You will have been made aware of the charges prior to signing your contract and they can be anything from 1p per mile + VAT to £1 per mile + VAT.

It is partly due to the possibility of additional charges that many people opt for higher mileage. However, it’s not always the best decision.

The excess mileage charge is considered a service charge, meaning you can offset 100% of it against Corporation Tax. You can also claim 100% of the VAT back on your VAT return.

With this being the case, it’s definitely worth thinking about leasing a vehicle with lower mileage and paying the excess mileage charge. It can prove to be more tax-efficient, as long as you budget for the excess mileage.

If you decide to get a maintenance agreement for your vehicle, or fleet, then this is also considered a service charge by HMRC.

A maintenance agreement is an additional monthly fee that covers all service costs for the duration of your contract. This could be especially appealing if you have leased a fleet of vehicles.

If you have a maintenance agreement then, according to UK government rules, you can offset 100% against Corporation Tax and 100% of the VAT. This is the case whether you have a lease or purchase agreement.

What are the tax implications of business car leasing?

One of the things that make business leasing so appealing is the fact that there aren’t many tax implications.

However, there is one tax implication that you should definitely be made aware of before you decide whether or not you want to lease company vehicles with business leasing.

You will have to pay more National Insurance

If you’re a sole trader, your business is a limited company, you’re a Director, or in a Partnership then you will have to pay more in National Insurance.

This is because you’re providing your employees with a benefit and therefore HMRC says you have to pay more in National Insurance for the benefit. This increase in National Insurance isn’t only if you have a company vehicle, it is the case if you get any benefits from your business.

How much you pay in National Insurance depends entirely on the value of the vehicle.

In conclusion, as we have stated, there are huge tax benefits to business leasing. These include:

  • The vehicle (or fleet of vehicles) is “off-balance sheet”
  • You can also claim back 100% of the charges on the excess mileage fee and the maintenance agreements.

Business leasing is a great option if you’re looking for a vehicle, or vehicles, for your company and feel that these tax benefits are ones that will make a difference.

When did car leasing become popular?

When did car leasing become popular? Car leasing has been around for decades. While it was generally for business customers only, it wasn’t long before the world was introduced to private leasing.

Popular in the United States, it was brought over here and slowly gained traction.

But, who even invented car leasing? And when did car leasing become popular?

In this article we look at the history of the car leasing industry, and when exactly it became popular.

Who invented car leasing?

Leasing ultimately started as an Asset Finance Facility. This is where you offered security to a bank or lender of the asset you wanted to buy.

So, if you didn’t pay your payments, the bank or lender would come along and take the Asset away from you.

And, banks will always be around when people need to borrow money, so the automobile industry is of great interest to them. The goods are expensive and most people can’t just pay for a vehicle outright.

It was the Ford Motor Company that introduced private contract hire to the UK. However, it was very expensive and didn’t really take off.

When was car leasing introduced to the UK?

It was in the early 90s, after the success of the personal contract purchase, that Ford Motor Company tried to introduce the idea of contract hire to the UK.

While it wasn’t successful at first, the principal had been set. And, by 1993 vehicle brokers started appearing. It was their task to take the idea of the contract hire agreement to small-medium-sized businesses.

Two people shaking hands and handing over car keys when did car leasing become popular

The banks were only interested in the big fleets as they had been looking after them for years with Asset finance products. Back in the 90s, it was not unusual to sell a car as brand new even though it had been sitting in a compound for six months or more.

The brakes would be seized because it hadn’t moved for its entire life, it would need a respray or even mechanical work before it actually got to the customer. No manufacturer would want to admit to a mass of cars sitting around. But, everything will sell at a price.

Clearing these cars would be achieved by either selling them into the Daily Rental market at big discounts or by going to the newly established brokers.

Of course, nothing stays very secret for long, and the word soon got out.

When did car leasing become popular?

Over the years, word got around that you could get yourself a great offer on a lease. This led to more brokers being opened up.

At the time, the industry as a whole had very little regulations. Pretty much anything went, as long as it was legal. Of course, this was pretty much the same with every industry, not just the motor industry. A lot has changed in twenty years!

Anyway, a lot of banks wanted a piece of the action. Vehicles are expensive, and they could lend a lot of money to a lot of people this way. But, many made big mistakes.

Contract hire requires the bank to make an educated guess on what a vehicle is worth in 2, 3, 4, or 5 years time. And, with the pressure of having a foothold in this sector, many overvalued what the vehicles would be worth at the end of the agreement. Therefore, many lost millions of pounds.

Some even stepped out of the marketplace totally. Meanwhile, the customers were winning. They were driving lovely new cars for less than they could buy them for.

When did leasing become more regulated?

In 2008, the whole country was hit by the “Great Recession”. First, it was the housing market, then it was the automotive industry.

Vehicle prices crashed, and stocks and dealerships increased sharply. Banks ran out of money and more customers were handing vehicles back than were being delivered.

“As a leader in the vehicle brokerage industry for over 25 years, OSV is attuned to the concerns of our customers. Our emphasis on offering choices, contract hire, and personal contract hire has
provided peace of mind for thousands of our clients, and 
reflects our proactive approach to addressing 
uncertainties and provide flexible options tailored 
to our client’s unique requirements.“ Andrew Kirkley director

Manufacturers had to take control of what was being produced, otherwise, there was a genuine danger that dealerships across the country were going to fail. So they did.

Manufacturing was now controlled, thousands were made redundant and slowly the vehicles were being cleared from the compound.

Much of this was done by utilising contract hire. Its success was that “cash was King” and every business owner knew to keep cash in the bank. So, those expensive company cars were leased.

By 2010, momentum was picking up in the contract hire market. People and companies wanted to hold onto cash, manufacturers wanted to keep volume going and banks wanted to lend money safe in the knowledge that, if things did go wrong, they could take the car back.

It was a win-win situation for all involved.

Late 2011 was the beginning of monthly growth in the broker contract hire market. In 2014, figures were up by 40%, and in 2015 there was a further growth of 27% and it shows no sign of slowing down.

Thanks to the recession getting rid of weaker companies, regulations controlling the industry, and word of mouth, people and companies are seeing the benefits of contract hire.

It’s a hugely successful concept in which all parties win. The industry keeps the factories busy, banks lend money safely, and customers get great cars at low prices.

Benefits of business car leasing

Leasing is one of the most popular ways to get a new company car, which also comes with many business benefits.

Business car leasing is a particularly attractive option, as it’s a way to get a new vehicle, or a fleet of vehicles, without spending a lot of money or having it tied up in depreciating assets.

So, what are the benefits of business car leasing?

In this article, we look at the benefits of business car leasing and how it can be a benefit to you and your company.

What is business car leasing?

Before we go any further into the benefits of business car leasing, let’s take a quick look at what a business car lease actually is.

We will primarily be talking about Business Contract Hire, which happens to be the most popular form of business car leasing and the one that has the most business benefits.

The key points of a business car lease are the following:

  • The contract is for a set period of time – usually between 24 to 60 months
  • You make fixed monthly payments
  • You have a set mileage for the duration of the contract
  • You are contractually obliged to keep the vehicle in good condition – in line with the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear standards
  • When the contract is up, you hand the vehicle back with nothing more to pay, subject to mileage and condition restrictions.

So those are the basics when it comes to business car leasing.

As we have previously mentioned, we will be focusing mainly on Business Contract Hire.

What are the benefits of business car leasing?

Okay, so what are the benefits of business car leasing?

Vehicle leasing is extremely popular with businesses, and that’s due to the fact that there are so many benefits to business car leasing. We’re going to talk about the benefits and how business leasing can be great for you and for your business.

What are the tax benefits of business car leasing?

One of the biggest bonuses of business car leasing is the tax benefits. This is one of the main reasons why businesses often opt to get a car lease through Business Contract Hire.

According to HMRC, if you have a vehicle on a Business Contract Hire agreement, then technically you are renting it. Therefore, if your business is VAT registered you can claim 50% of the VAT back on the monthly and initial rental payments in your quarterly VAT return.

You can only claim 50% back as HMRC assumes that you will be driving on company business half the time and for personal errands the other half.

If you have no intention of the vehicle being used for personal journeys (including the commute to and from work) then it is possible for you to claim 100% of the VAT back on monthly and initial payments.

If the vehicle is kept securely in your place of work when not in use, and other employees of the company are allowed to use it, then the car will qualify as a ‘pool car’. It will be necessary to notify HMRC that the vehicle is a ‘pool car’ and they will then allow you to claim 100% of the VAT back.

However, it’s worth being aware that normally, you will only be able to claim back 50% of the VAT as most companies like to use their company vehicles for the daily commute, business travel, and personal journeys on the weekends and outside of working hours.

Another benefit of a company car lease is that the liability of the vehicle does not show on the company accounts. It can be an “off-balance sheet”. All Limited company accounts have a balance sheet containing all the business assets and how much is owed.

However, a Business Contract hire agreement doesn’t show up as a liability. Considering a new vehicle can often cost upwards of £30,000, this is a huge benefit to the business. If the business has strong accounts then it’s possible to set up credit facilities for it, as well as borrow money.

You can also offset the monthly rental payments against your monthly tax bill. How much you can offset depends on how much CO2 your vehicle emits.

If the vehicle emits more than 110g/km of CO2 then you can only claim 85% of the monthly rental against profits. However, if the car emits less, then it’s possible to claim 100% back.

What are the cash flow benefits of business car leasing?

Another one of the benefits of business car leasing is the positive effect on cash flow. Everyone knows that in business, cash is king. And it’s an unavoidable fact that cars are expensive.

Leasing a vehicle ensures that your cash isn’t fully invested in a depreciating asset. Opting for a lease means you’re not committing a significant amount of money to purchase a car outright, freeing up funds for the day-to-day operations of your business

Whether you choose to put more down initially and have smaller monthly payments or pay more monthly in order to put down a small initial payment is up to you. Regardless, you have more money in the bank that will enable you to do your daily business.

When you lease a car, you’re not paying for the entire vehicle; instead, you’re covering the cost of its depreciation. This is different from a purchase scheme like Hire Purchase, where you pay for the entire vehicle gradually over a specific period

A car lease is a great way to free up funds for your company.

What are the time-saving benefits of business car leasing?

Another benefit of business car leasing is simply the fact that it can save you time. Car leasing is a very convenient way of getting a single new company car or a whole fleet.

If you decide to go through a vehicle broker, like OSV, then we can make it even simpler. All you need to do is:

1. Get in touch with us

2. Tell us your budget, the vehicle you’re interested in, and the mileage you need

Then we deal with the rest.

We can search for the perfect vehicle to fit your needs and then present you with the options we discover so you can choose which is the best for you. It’s that straightforward.

Another important factor is that the monthly payments are fixed, and Vehicle Excise Duty, often referred to as Road Tax, is often included. It’s also possible to get a maintenance agreement that will cover all the servicing costs for the duration of your contract.

A maintenance agreement is a small additional fee and essentially staggers the cost of the servicing across the duration of the contract, instead of having to fork out the full amount when the time comes.

Which is cheaper – personal or business leasing?

If you have a business, it’s possible you’re wondering whether you should go for a personal lease or a business one. You may have also noticed that company car leases often have lower monthly payments than the same vehicle on a personal lease.

Due to strict financial regulations, the full purchase price of a vehicle has to appear on all documents with a personal lease. However, if you get the same vehicle on a business lease the price doesn’t have to appear. This means that manufacturers are more inclined to put a bigger discount on a business lease.

We briefly touched on how the cost of a lease is determined earlier. Essentially the cost of a lease is worked out by looking at the difference between the purchase price and the residual value of the vehicle. This difference is then divided into monthly payments.

Therefore, the smaller that difference is, the lower the monthly payments you have to make. As the purchase price is often lower for a company car lease, the cost of a business lease is cheaper.

A company car lease is very appealing to many, and it’s easy to see why. There are huge benefits to business car leasing, including the positive effect it has on company cash flow and tax benefits.

It’s also incredibly convenient, time-saving, and a very good way to attract the best employees when a company vehicle is offered as part of the job package.

We talk to businesses every day and are often asked to explain the many business benefits of leasing a car. So if you have any questions, then get in touch and let us help you.

Credit check when leasing a car? 5 things to know

Are you thinking of leasing a car, but aren’t sure how to prepare for a credit check? Unsure how this will impact your credit score? Have you ever wondered why a Finance House will carry out a credit check before your finance is approved?

In this article, we take a look at why a credit check is carried out, the information that shows up in your credit report, the steps you can take to improve your credit score going forward, the impact that getting a vehicle lease will have on your score and whether leasing a car can be done without having a credit check.

1. Why is a credit check carried out when leasing a car?

A credit check is the best and most reliable way for a Finance House to discover whether you will be able to make the monthly payments for leasing a car or not.

Your credit score will show the underwriters whether you’ll be able to make the payments, the higher your credit score the better. 

Person going through and filling out a paper document

Because you don’t own the car, the Finance House needs reassurance that you’re going to be able to meet the commitment of your monthly payments.

The easiest way of determining your financial commitments is to take a look at your credit score.

As much as we are sure they would like to, finance houses can’t look at each case on an individual basis of leasing a car, so they do a quick credit check that is done by a computer.

2. What information is on my credit report?

Your credit report will actually tell you a number of things about your financial status as well as information about you. The things you will be able to see on your credit report include:

  • Name and date of birth
  • Electoral roll information
    • Including information about past addresses
  • List of credit accounts
    • Including accounts that have been closed and settled in the past six years
    • Information on credit limits and loan amounts on mortgages
  • Credit cards and loans
    • Details of your current account overdraft
    • Information about application searches
    • Any missed or late payments and how many
  • Any financial links to other people
    • If you have any joint credit applications
  • Any history of debt problems including bankruptcies or CCJs.

A credit report will go back six years and will also include information showing whether your identity has been used for anything fraudulent.

As you can see, there’s quite a lot of information to be obtained from your credit report that the underwriters need to go through.

3. How can I improve my credit score?

If you’re concerned that your credit score isn’t what you want it to be, there are some things that you can do to improve it going forward. These things include:

  • Paying bills on time
    • This one may seem obvious, but it’s actually the easiest way to improve your credit rating
  • Keep your credit card balances low
    • Having a high debt-to-credit ratio could be considered a sign that you’re facing financial difficulties
  • Only open new credit accounts if you need them
    • Having too many open credit accounts can be detrimental to your credit score
    • Having too few accounts is also bad, so ensure you have a healthy mix of accounts
  • Pay off any debt
    • You can also improve your credit score by paying off any existing debt you may have.
Credit check - person handing over their credit card

Where can I check my credit score?

If you’re thinking of leasing a car and want to be prepared, there are quite a few places online where you can check your credit score. At OSV, we use Experian most of the time, but there are others available.

Some websites will charge you for the service, however, the following will allow you to conduct a check without any fees:

4. Does leasing affect my credit score?

Any loan will have an effect on your credit score. From a credit standpoint, car leasing is exactly the same as getting a car loan.

Over a third (35%) of your credit score is based on your payment history, and car leasing is a payment. So, leasing does impact your credit score.

A further 25% of your credit score is the length of your credit history and the number of new accounts or enquiries you have.

Person checking their credit check details online

Can car leasing positively affect my credit score?

It’s important to be aware that car leasing will likely have a negative effect on your credit score before it has a positive one, but this is the same as any loan you get on your credit account.

However, as long as you stay on track with your payments and ensure that they are all made on time, it will improve.

If you don’t have much of a credit score, because, for example, you’ve not had time to build one, then leasing a car can be a great way to build your credit rating. 

As a car lease is an instalment account it can improve your credit score simply by appearing on your credit report.

10% of your credit score is the type of credit you use. So having a varied number (but not too many) of accounts open can improve your credit score.

While car leases are instalment accounts, credit cards are revolving accounts. So, if the only debt you have is credit card debt, adding an instalment account will improve your credit mix.

Can car leasing negatively affect my credit score?

Need to check if car leasing will affect your credit score? There is a chance that a car lease will have a negative impact on your credit score.

As with any sort of repayment, if you miss an instalment then this will have a negative effect on your credit score.

If you open a new account or request new credit then your credit score can go down, though this is dependent on how many applications you have made in the past six months. 

New enquiries will stay on your credit file for two years. However, the good news is that any negative impact on your score from said searches is normally removed after 6 months.

Though a car lease may have a negative impact initially, as long as you keep making your payments on time then your credit score will improve.

 

Are you eligible to finance a car?

5. Can I lease a car without a credit check?

The short answer to this question is ‘no’.

If a vehicle broker or a leasing company claims you can lease a car through them without a credit check then we would advise you to be very wary.

There will be leasing companies and vehicle brokers that allow you to lease if you have a bad credit score, but they will still have to carry out a credit check.

We would never recommend you go through a leasing company that doesn’t carry out a credit check as it’s unlikely they will be reputable, and this means that if you experience any problems during the leasing process you won’t be protected by organisations such as the FCA and BVRLA.

If you don’t want a credit check because you have bad credit, then the best thing to do would be to find a reputable vehicle broker that has been set up specifically to help individuals or businesses with bad/poor credit.

Unfortunately, OSV has not been set up to aid those with bad/poor credit or CCJs and would therefore be unable to help you finance a vehicle. 

So, as you can see, a credit check is a vital part of the car leasing process. Not only does it provide the Finance House with information about your credit, but also reassurance that you are able to meet the monthly payments you are committing to when you lease a vehicle.

Leasing can also be a really good way to build your credit rating, especially if your credit record is new. Making regular monthly payments and having a different type of credit account can also contribute towards building your credit score.

If you want to check your credit score before you apply for a lease then there are multiple online resources available that are free to use.

A credit check isn’t something to fear, it’s simply a way for a Finance House to reassure themselves of your financial status.

Do you have other burning questions? Need to get them answered? Or maybe you are ready to start your vehicle search? Book your FREE consultation with one of our vehicle specialists now.

Is car leasing worth it?

Are you wondering “Is car leasing worth it”? Is it good value for money? Maybe you know people that have leased before but you are just not sure if it is right for you. 

There are so many different elements to take into consideration for example the ins and outs of a car leasing contract, how it works, and whether is it worth the money.

OSV took to their 87k YouTube subscribers asking the question ‘Do you think car leasing contracts are good value for money?’. Here is what they said: 

Image of a poll that reads

The poll collected 895 votes in 2 days and 73% of those voted that car leasing contracts are not good value for money with a small 27% seeing the benefit to leasing a vehicle. 

As we can see, there seems to be the notion that car leasing is not worth it. But why is that and is that correct? Let’s find out. 

The general consensus among the comments is that it depends on the vehicle. However, many people believe that it makes sense when leasing a premium vehicle, but is this true? 

When considering high-end luxury saloons, it’s usually a wise choice to opt for a lease when purchasing a new vehicle. This is because manufacturers provide substantial support for this specific category of cars, resulting in a higher presence of these vehicles on the roads.

Not all of us could afford to purchase one of these high-performance premium vehicles outright and therefore leasing might be the most suitable option. 

When it comes to mainstream vehicles, each brand designates certain models for either high production volumes or traditional retail sales.

For instance, take the Ford lineup. The Fiesta, Focus, and Mondeo are considered high-volume production vehicles, and they often come with substantial discounts when leased.

In contrast, the C-Max and S-Max are primarily intended for retail sales, and while they may offer some low APR and retail incentives, the discounts they provide are not nearly as generous as those available on the mainstream models. Therefore, purchasing these models tends to be a more sensible choice.

However, again purchasing may not be the right solution for you, and it may be that car leasing is worth it for your specific needs.

So, we would encourage you to speak with our Vehicle Specialists to explore your options in more detail. 

Another reason raised for voting against car leasing is that you do not own the vehicle, and some cannot understand paying for something that will not be theirs.

Overall, the understanding is that a car leasing contract is great for the incredible discounts available on high-volume cars, but also for convenience. In a car leasing contract things like warranty issues, depreciation and road tax isn’t something that you have to worry about.  

We have addressed what our audience thought about the question ‘Is car leasing worth it?’ so let’s dive in and understand how a car leasing contract works including the advantages and disadvantages, the benefits to businesses, and of course answering the ultimate question: is car leasing worth it?  

What is a car leasing contract and how does it work?  

A car leasing contract is a long-term agreement usually between 2 – 5 years where you pay a fixed monthly cost for a vehicle. At the end of the agreement, you give your vehicle back with nothing further to pay subject to mileage and condition.

When you lease a vehicle you never actually own the vehicle and therefore have no responsibility for its value of it. You are effectively renting the vehicle for the agreed time period.  

Leasing a vehicle is an attractive option for both individuals and business owners due to the multitude of benefits that come with car leasing. 

What are the advantages of a lease?  

So, let’s explore the benefits of leasing your next vehicle and why 27% of our audience deemed car leasing as something worth considering. The advantages of leasing include: 

  • Fixed monthly payments  
  • Road tax included  
  • No need to worry about vehicle depreciation  
  • No risk of negative equity  

The great thing about leasing is you know what you are going to pay from the very beginning, there are no hidden costs, for example when leasing a vehicle, you see upfront the fixed monthly costs you have to pay throughout the contract.

Everything besides the costs for fuel and possible damage is presented to you right from the start. So, you won’t need to worry about guesstimating vehicle costs throughout the lease, as everything is shown to you ahead of time.  

Are you someone who loves to have the latest technology, safety equipment, and stylings in your vehicle? Or maybe you like to upgrade your vehicle every few years. If this is you, then leasing could be the perfect option. It not only means you get to drive the most up-to-date vehicles, but it also saves you money in the long run. But how? 

Let me explain…  

When you lease a vehicle, you don’t have to worry about selling it at the end of the contract, as you are renting the vehicle for a set period of time.

Your monthly payments are often lower than they would be on a Contract Purchase agreement as the payments on a vehicle lease cover the amount that the vehicle will depreciate over the time that you have it. 

This also means that the depreciation of the vehicle isn’t something that concerns you as there is no risk of you being in negative equity. So it may well be that car leasing is worth it for you.

All you need to think about is the latest vehicle you’d like to lease, and we take care of the rest. Although it is important you are aware that you will be responsible for the fair wear and tear of the vehicle at the end of the agreement. 

A car leasing contract also gives you the opportunity to drive the latest vehicles on the market, which may not be a sustainable option if you were to outright purchase it – you also often get a much bigger discount when you lease as opposed to buying high volume cars such as the flagship saloons mentioned earlier on. 

What are the disadvantages of a lease? 

We’ve spoken a bit about the basics of a car leasing contract and the great benefits you can expect, but it is also important that you are aware of the possible disadvantages when it comes to considering if car leasing is worth it. These include: 

  • You don’t own the vehicle and there is no option to own 
  • The contract is for a set period of time 
  • Mileage and Condition charges will apply 
  • The vehicle has to be serviced at an approved dealer 
  • Servicing is not included in your lease unless you take out a maintenance package 

When leasing a vehicle you are effectively renting it for a fixed period of time. This fixed contract also means that, although you do not actually own the vehicle, you are responsible for it until you give it back. This may lead people to question whether car leasing is worth it.

This means you must cover the service fees and any damages to the vehicle. One way to save money and eliminate worry would be to add a maintenance package to your car leasing contract.  

If at some point you decide to leave your car leasing contract early you’ll be faced with fees that are unknown until the time of leaving. You can get an early termination figure at the start of your contract, but it completely depends on what happens to the vehicle in terms of depreciation.  

In car leasing contracts your road tax is included, however with this comes a downside as if the Government decides to increase the cost of road tax for your vehicle then the additional cost will be passed onto you.  

Additionally, if you miss any payments throughout your lease contract, your credit score could be affected. For more about what you need to know about credit checks and car leasing read our in-depth article for the ultimate guide. 

What are the business benefits of a lease? 

If you’re a business owner in need of a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles, you may ask yourself “Is car leasing worth it for my business?” the answer really does depend on your business and the vehicle you are looking for.  

You may be a business that wants to own vehicles which would mean that a lease wouldn’t be suitable for you. Whereas other businesses will see a vehicle as a depreciating asset and would rather focus on developing their business than deal with the hassles of purchasing and selling vehicles themselves. So these businesses could benefit from the cost and time savings that come with car leasing. 

Advantages of leasing for business include: 

  • No need to worry about depreciation 
  • Maintenance package 
  • Time savings 
  • Tax benefits 

With a car lease contract, as a business you don’t have to worry about the depreciation of the vehicle, re-selling it once you want to upgrade, or paying tax on it. 

Another attractive reason for business car leasing is the option to add a maintenance package – this is particularly useful if you’re getting a fleet of vehicles.

A maintenance package relieves the stress of sorting out any accidents employees have, checking that drivers have got driving licenses, vehicles haven’t gone over the agreed mileage, and more.

Having this support package ensures you have more time for yourself and the development of your business. For more in-depth information about the benefits of business car leasing read our detailed article here. 

So, for a busy business, whether you need just one vehicle or a fleet for your employees, being able to save time and money for your company could definitely make car leasing worth it. We would always recommend that you speak to your Accountant before committing to any finance or lease scheme. 

What are the business disadvantages of a lease?  

In terms of how and if car leasing is a disadvantage for your business, there really is not a lot to say. If you compare a car leasing contract to a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), then perhaps there isn’t quite as much certainty of the costs of leaving a lease early compared to a PCP.  

If a lease contract for your business seems too expensive, you want to keep the vehicle for longer than five years or you simply question “Is car leasing worth it?”, it could be that leasing a car is the wrong option for you or you just need some more information from our experienced team.

If you’re really unsure about the best option for you and your business when getting a vehicle, we recommend talking to one of our Vehicle Specialists and together navigate the best solution for you.  

Is car leasing worth it? 

You now have all the important facts about leasing so, is car leasing really worth it?  

The answer is it really does depend on you as an individual or your business and your needs. A vehicle lease is worth it if:

  • You need to save time 
  • You want to enjoy tax savings if it is a business rental 
  • You don’t want to worry about vehicle depreciation 
  • You prefer fixed monthly payments 
  • You don’t want to own your vehicle 
  • You want to change your vehicle regularly 

Many people don’t realise that with leasing your fixed monthly payments are covering the depreciation of the vehicle which for premium vehicles can depreciate at a slower rate, in turn, this can be the reason for monthly payments being lower and making high-end, premium vehicles more accessible via leasing.  

However, it doesn’t mean vehicle leasing is your only option or that it is right for you. At OSV we provide all finance options which you can learn more about in our Finance section or speak with one of our Vehicle Specialists

Is car leasing right for me? 

Now that we have explored if car leasing is worth it, you may be wondering if it is the right option for you or your business. Let me ask you a few questions: 

Are you looking at adding vehicles to your current fleet?  

Do you want the latest vehicle?  

Would you prefer fixed monthly payments? 

Are you happy to return the vehicle at the end of the agreement? 

Are you happy upgrading your vehicle every two to five years?  

If you’ve answered yes to any of these then it’s highly likely a car leasing contract is right for you. However, if you are unsure, have more questions, or would like to explore your options, our team of experienced vehicle specialists are on hand to help. 

BMW 1 Series review: A Premium Family Hatchback

The BMW 1 Series has undergone a major redesign for its third-generation model, moving to front-wheel drive while maintaining its fun, sporty character. 

As an entry-level model in BMW‘s range, it makes an appealing option for growing families seeking a premium hatchback

This review provides an overview of the new BMW 1 Series key features and highlights why it’s a practical yet exciting choice. 

If you’re more of a visual learner, take a look below and watch our own review of the BMW 1 Series:

What’s the exterior of the BMW 1 Series like? 

Let’s delve the review into the design of the third-generation BMW 1 Series. This compact member of the BMW lineup is built upon the versatile UKL2 modular platform, which was purposefully engineered to provide ample passenger and storage space within the cabin for smaller models.  

This platform was initially introduced with the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer in 2014 and is also utilised in several of the brand’s SUVs, including the X1, X2, and MINI Countryman.  

To enhance the 1 Series’ focus on driving dynamics, certain adjustments have been made to the chassis and traction control system, resulting in an improved driving experience. 

BMW 1 Series review exterior

Beginning at the front of the car, you’ll immediately notice the iconic BMW kidney grille, which stands out as a distinguishing feature.  

Notably, this grille design differs slightly from other BMW models as it’s the first time the chrome elements in the kidney grille meet in the centre, and it’s not as prominent as the bold grille found on the BMW iX.  

This unique grille design adds to the car’s identity, although it’s a feature that may elicit either strong affection or aversion. 

The hood of the 1 Series is somewhat shorter compared to its predecessor, which has resulted in increased cabin space. This change is due to the new transverse engine layout, which powers the front wheels. 

In terms of dimensions, the vehicle’s length remains consistent at 4,319mm, identical to the previous model. However, it’s ever so slightly wider at 1,799mm and shorter in height at 1,434mm.  

These differences in size compared to its competitors are relatively minor, with only a 10mm advantage in length over the Mercedes A-Class, and it takes up slightly more space in your driveway than the Audi A3

The wheelbase, which represents the distance between the front and rear axles, measures 2,670mm, making it 20mm shorter than the previous model.  

Fortunately, thanks to the revised engine layout, this reduction doesn’t result in a loss of cabin space. 

What is the boot space like? 

Let’s shift this review and focus to the rear of the BMW 1 Series and see how much cargo it can accommodate.  

When you open the rear door, you’ll notice that it swings out wider and lower than the previous 1 Series, making it convenient when you have numerous bags to manage.  

Inside, you have 380 litres of storage space, a 20-litre improvement over the previous model and more than what the Mercedes A-Class offers.  

This is sufficient to comfortably fit two large suitcases or four carry-on bags, with additional room under the boot floor for items you like to always keep in the car. 

BMW 1 Series boot

If you need even more space, you can fold down the rear seats, increasing the boot capacity to 1,200 litres, perfect for those trips to the local tip with bulky items. 

For those who regularly travel with a fully loaded boot for work or leisure, consider the optional Comfort Pack 1.  

For an additional £1,500, this pack includes a tensioning strap, black netting, a 12V socket for charging devices, and a stainless-steel loading sill.  

Additionally, for £150, you can add the 40:20:40 Split Folding Rear Seats, ideal for accommodating passengers in the back while carrying long items like skis or golf clubs. 

A bit frustrating is that the Automatic Tailgate option, handy for managing multiple items, is only available with Comfort Pack II.  

However, when it comes to the often-bothersome parcel shelf, BMW has thoughtfully included a slot for it just below the boot floor, allowing you to keep it out of the way. 

Now, it’s time to step into the front. But before we do, take note of the metal handles on the door, which opens easily and swings wide for added convenience. 

How does the interior of the BMW 1 Series feel? 

Now, let’s shift this review and take a closer look at the front of the BMW 1 Series. Let’s break down what’s on offer step by step. 

BMW 1 Series interior

Front Seats: In the 118i M Sport model, the front seats are upholstered in luxurious black Dakota leather with perforation, available as an optional configuration for £1,150. Several upholstery options exist, but standout choices include Mocha Dakota Leather and Magma Red with grey highlights. 

The sport bucket seats are exceptionally comfortable, thanks in part to these armrests (not sure of their technical name) on the sides. Note that these armrests are available in all derivatives except the base-level SE model. 

Front seat height isn’t electronically adjustable; you’ll need to use the manual lever on the driver’s right-hand side and the passenger’s left side. This provides flexibility for finding the most comfortable driving position.  

You can also adjust the multi-function steering wheel, featured in the M Sport trim, with a three-spoke design and various buttons for tasks like changing information on the digital cockpit and answering calls hands-free. 

Driver’s Area: On the driver’s door, you’ll find buttons for locking and unlocking the vehicle and controlling the windows.  

The SE and M Sport trims come with electrically adjustable mirrors, a nice touch. Just below the right-side air vent on the dashboard are controls for the headlights. 

Above the rearview mirror, there are buttons for adjusting cabin lighting and making an emergency call if needed.  

Beneath the central display, which we’ll explore in more detail shortly, you’ll discover two cup holders, perfect for your morning beverage or a water bottle.  

If your bottle doesn’t fit, try placing it in one of the door bins on the driver’s or front passenger’s side. 

Ignition and Controls: If you’re accustomed to BMW’s Start/Stop button, you’ll find it to the right of the gearstick in the 1 Series.  

The design of this control area is appealing, with buttons for different driving modes contrasting nicely with the Start/Stop button.  

The gear shifter separates these controls from BMW’s intuitive toggle for navigating the infotainment display. 

Climate Control: Above this area, you’ll find all the climate controls you might need, and the M Sport and M135i models offer heated front seats, perfect for those chilly winter mornings. 

Interior Build Quality: As expected from BMW, the interior boasts impressive build quality.  

The dashboard feels robust, the leather-covered steering wheel provides a good grip, and there are elegant design details like stitching on the doors.  

Despite being the entry-level model in the BMW lineup, it maintains that essential premium feel. 

Rear Seats: The third-gen models of this car offer enhanced rear seat comfort for growing families. You’ll appreciate the 3.5 cm increase in legroom.  

However, taller passengers might feel cramped due to limited headroom, especially with the optional panoramic sunroof.  

The rear windows roll down completely, and the central armrest serves as a cup holder but could be more comfortable with leather upholstery. 

The middle rear seat is decent for short journeys. When the rear seats fold down, you get a generous 1,200 litres of cargo space, making it quite spacious for this segment. 

What tech is on offer? 

Let’s start with the central screen, which is the highlight of the technology features. It’s an 8.8-inch touchscreen included in the BMW Live Cockpit Plus suite.  

You can upgrade to a larger 10.25-inch screen with Live Cockpit Professional, available in the Tech 2 Package. The M135i hot hatch includes this upgrade.  

You can interact with this screen using a toggle, tapping icons, or shortcut buttons on the gear lever. It’s one of the best infotainment systems with a user-friendly interface and minimal lag. 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard but may require a CarPlay subscription after the first year. You can also use BMW’s voice recognition or gesture control.  

BMW tech

For music enthusiasts, the standard six-speaker, 100-watt stereo system is decent. If you want a premium audio experience, you can upgrade to the 16-speaker, 464-watt Harman Kardon system for £750. 

Now, let’s talk about the digital cockpit display behind the steering wheel. It’s a 5.1-inch screen for essential driving information.  

With the £1,500 Technology Pack 2 or the M135i, you get a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument display. In the Tech 2 Package, all trims except the base model receive a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.8-inch touch display. 

Other notable features include ISOFIX fittings on the front passenger seat, glovebox size, and an infotainment system inspired by the BMW 3 Series.  

Every trim comes with an 8.8-inch central display, upgradable to 10.25 inches in some trims, and standard in the M135i. Live Cockpit Professional in the Tech 2 Package offers various control options, including touch, gesture, iDrive buttons, and voice commands.  

BMW’s app allows for car unlocking using NFC technology. Smartphone integration includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a possible CarPlay subscription after the first year. 

What kind of engine does a BMW 1 Series have? 

Let’s explore the range of engines and powertrains available for the front of the car. Despite being BMW’s entry-level model, there’s a diverse selection to choose from. 

Starting with the petrol options, the base-level 118i comes with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine. You can opt for either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic for an extra £1,350.  

This engine provides 140HP and 220Nm of torque, enabling a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 132mph. The manual achieves up to 47.1mpg, while the automatic delivers 45.6mpg. CO2 emissions are around 121g/km for the manual and 114g/km for the automatic. 

For those seeking more power in a petrol variant, there’s the M135i xDrive, featuring a potent 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 306HP and a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds. 

BMW engine

If you prefer diesel, the entry-level 116d has a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 116HP and 270Nm of torque. It achieves 0-62mph times of 10.3 seconds (manual) and 10.1 seconds (automatic) with a top speed of 124mph. Fuel efficiency is excellent, offering up to 62.8mpg, and CO2 emissions stand at 103g/km. 

Above that is the 118d, featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with 150HP and 350Nm of torque, achieving similar performance to the 118i. 

Lastly, the 120d xDrive combines a 2.0-litre diesel engine with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, delivering 190HP and 400Nm of torque.  

It accelerates from 0-62mph in 7 seconds, making it the fastest diesel variant. However, it sacrifices a bit of fuel efficiency, achieving 53.3mpg with CO2 emissions at 119g/km. 

Should you buy, lease or finance the BMW 1 Series? 

Considering a BMW 1 Series? If you want a stylish premium family car with superb build quality, great standard features, and a class-leading infotainment system, it’s a strong choice. 

The 1 Series stands out as one of the best premium family hatchbacks available, ideal for families who want BMW’s reliable reputation.  

To get the ball rolling on your brand-new BMW 1 Series, book a free consultation with one of OSV’s vehicle specialists by clicking the banner below or just grab your phone and give us a call on 01903 538835 and we’d be more than happy to help you get behind the wheel of this premium vehicle. 

Make sure to check out our BMW 1 Series review video if you’d like to see it in action, head over to our list of official OSV Car Reviews to consider your perfect vehicle and subscribe to our YouTube channel for even more motoring content. 

How reliable is Maserati? An unbiased look at the luxury brand

  • Is Maserati reliable?
  • How reliable is the Maserati GranTurismo?
  • How reliable is the Maserati Ghibli?
  • Is the Maserati Levante a reliable car?
  • Why is Maserati unreliable?
  • What are some of the common Maserati problems? 
  • How reliable are surveys and consumer reports?
  • Should I buy, lease or finance a Maserati?

Concerned about buying a brand-new car but want to make sure you’re making the right choice? Maybe you’re looking for a luxury vehicle that will suit your needs but are worried about its reliability? This article will focus on answering the question “How reliable is Maserati?”, as well as reviewing individual vehicles, to help you make the best and most educated decision possible. 

Maserati is known for producing luxurious and fast cars. Their logo is shaped like Neptune’s trident, inspiring a vision of luxury, elegance and speed.

Founded by four brothers in Modena, Italy in 1914, the company was purchased by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in 1993.

In recent years, Maserati has become more popular. Since 2013 the company has experienced an increase in sales and in 2017 they sold over 51,000 units globally.

But, despite bespoke interiors, high performance and Italian style, there is one thing that plagues Maserati, and that’s dependability.

In this article, we look at how reliable the exclusive Italian brand is to run, taking into account the average cost of repairs, the amount of time that the cars are off the road due to faults, and the general wear and tear you can expect to experience with your new Maserati.

Maserati badging

Is Maserati reliable?

The brand isn’t known for being overly reliable, suffering several issues, with the most common faults being electrical or affecting the axle and suspension.

Unfortunately, while Maserati is becoming increasingly popular among buyers, its reliability has not improved. Since 2016, Maserati has repeatedly earned a low reliability rating in the ReliabilityIndex rankings, coming 40th out of 40 brands.

In the most recent ReliabilityIndex rankings, the luxury manufacturer has earned a rating of ‘Poor’. In 2016 their point score in the Index was 697, in 2019 this has increased to an incredibly impressive 774 (though in this case, the more points a brand has, the lower the reliability rating).

The next closest manufacturer to Maserati is another luxury brand, Bentley, which has a reliability index score of 530 (just 1 point more than they earned in 2016).

Green background with white text that reads Looking for a luxury vehicle? 
Our Vehicle Specialists can help you find the perfect one! 

Book a Consultation Today

How reliable is the Maserati GranTurismo?

The GranTurismo is probably one of the best-known models by Maserati and almost 4500 of them have been sold across Europe since 2010.

Focusing more specifically on the Maserati GranTurismo, we can see that when it comes to reliability, it fares slightly better than when looking at the brand overall.

Is Maserati reliable? Maserati GranTurismo

According to the latest information from ReliabilityIndex, the GranTurismo has a rating of 748, so it’s still not incredible, but an improvement on 774. Though reliability is considered low for Maserati, many of the issues that contribute to the low score the manufacturer has been awarded occur later in the vehicle’s life.

So, if Maserati is your dream and you are considering getting a lease, it’s worth considering purchasing a maintenance package. There are ways to make your dream a reality without hurting your wallet.

As with any luxury vehicle, the repair costs are not kind to the bank balance, with the average working out at £1,157.70. While being repaired you can also expect to be waiting around a little, with repairs taking almost 5 hours, on average.

The key issue you should expect to encounter with the GranTurismo with the axle and suspension, which accounts for 38.30% of the car’s problems.

Another thing to consider when looking to purchase the Maserati GranTurismo, if you’ve been won over by the sleek styling of the powerful car, is the running costs.

Maserati claims you’ll get 20 mpg combined (that’s 13 in cities, 29 on motorways), but in reality, this will be much lower if you use the impressive 4.7-litre motor to its full potential. The car will also be in the top band when it comes to Vehicle Excise Duty due to CO2 emissions of 331g/km. And, as with any sports car with the power that you can get from the GranTurismo, you can expect the insurance to be extremely expensive.

When you register your new car with the DVLA (in the UK) you will also find you are expected to pay a £390 per year surcharge (once the car is 12 months old, and until it turns six) as the Maserati GranTurismo has a list price of over £40,000.

Interested in the Maserati GranTurismo? Get in touch with our experienced team. Call us now on 01903 538835 or request a callback.

Is the Maserati Ghibli reliable?

The Maserati Ghibli is a very popular model from the Italian brand if the 22,684 sold across Europe since 2014 is anything to go by.

However, just as with the GranTurismo, there are issues with reliability, with reviews from owners proving very mixed. Many specifically cite reliability as the issue they have had with their new vehicle.

Some have had trouble with the brakes, while others have found that the battery drains too quickly. One owner even stated that their Ghibli had been in the garage four times in the first twelve months.

Is Maserati reliable? Maserati Ghibli

In their own road test of the Ghibli, AutoExpress found that the car was lacking in build quality, missing the precision of the German equivalents (specifically mentioning the BMW 5-Series). There were also issues with the infotainment system, power-steering and brakes.

That said, as with every vehicle and every owner, some Maserati Ghibli drivers have had no problems at all with the reliability and when asked, gave it five stars.

When it comes to safety, the 2013 version of the Ghibli rated well, earning five stars from Euro NCAP for the multiple safety features, including airbags, pedestrian protection and safety assist.

The Ghibli isn’t exactly low-cost to run, however, expenditure isn’t as high as for the GranTurismo.

Maserati claims that the Ghibli can do 48mpg, however, this depends greatly on the model selected. Miles per gallon varies from 29 to 48 mpg combined (20-37 city, 40-58 highway).

If you select the lower-powered twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with 350bhp, indications are that you will get 32mpg and CO2 emissions are 207g/km, putting you at the higher end of the vehicle excise duty table, with the first payment upon registration amounting to £1,280.

If you decide that you would like the higher-powered Ghibli S with 404bhp then the miles per gallon drop to 29mpg combined and emissions of 223g/km CO2.

Like the GranTurismo, the Ghibli has a list price of over £40,000 and, therefore, will have a surcharge of £390 per year for years three to six.

Green background with white text that reads Interested in the Ghibli? 

Book a FREE Consultation

Is the Maserati Levante a reliable car?

With Maserati dipping into the SUV market with the Levante, Maserati seems to be branching out from its usual vehicles, such as sports cars and luxury saloons. This full-size SUV, measuring over 5 metres long, is bigger than its rivals but with its appearance resembling coupés, it manages to hide its bulk quite well. 

Using a modified version of Ghibli’s platform, you’d expect this vehicle to have improved on its reliability. But is this the case? 

Maserati Levante

While Euro NCAP hasn’t crash-tested it yet as previously mentioned, it shares most of its mechanical architecture with the Ghibli which received 5 stars for safety when it was tested by Euro NCAP back in 2013. 

AutoExpress awarded this vehicle a 3.5 out of 5 stars for reliability and safety, criticising the build quality, saying it wasn’t “as good as you might expect”. However, they do highlight and praise the three-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

This warranty beats its rivals’ warranty, such as the Audi Q7’s 3-year/60,000-mile guarantee. However, they do comment that while Porsche, BMW and Mercedes-Benz all offer the same cover, if you choose one of its rivals, you’re less likely to suffer from smaller issues – if historical data is anything to go by. 

This vehicle is available with either a petrol or diesel powertrain, both of which are 3-litre V6 powerplants. The more economical diesel has a power output of 275hp, whereas the petrol “S” form has 430hp. 

Unfortunately, this isn’t the cheapest car when it comes to running costs. The official fuel-consumption claims state that the diesel version is at 31mpg, while the petrol “S” version is at 22.4mpg. On the other hand, the CO2 figures are 238g/km and 286g/km respectively. 

If you go with the petrol version of this vehicle, it will also put you on the higher end of the vehicle excise duty table, with the first payment upon registration amounting to £2,605. On the other side, the diesel version, with the lower CO2 emissions, amounts to £2,220. 

Green background with white text that reads Love the look of the Levante? 
Chat to our team of Vehicle Experts today! 

Book a FREE Consultation

Why is Maserati so unreliable?

But, why is Maserati so unreliable? They’re an exclusive brand, I hear you cry! With bespoke designs and engineering, they shouldn’t be unreliable. You’re right, in theory. But in reality, you’ll find that many luxury cars have issues when it comes to reliability.

Is Maserati reliable? Maserati GranCabrio

There are a few reasons for this.

One of the main reasons they place so far down on the reliability tables is that when they do go wrong, the cost of repairs is quite high.

Maseratis can also take a long time to repair as their parts are harder to source and replace due to the limited number of suppliers of rarer components. These two factors bring down the manufacturer’s dependability and therefore, reduce their reliability score in comparison with other brands.

As much as it is a great thing, and adds to the uniqueness of Maserati, another reason that ultra-luxurious brands like Maserati and Aston Martin are considered unreliable is due to one of their key selling points; bespoke engineering.

You would be forgiven for thinking that having a bespoke model made to your specific requirements would make the individual models more reliable but this isn’t always the case. More modern, mass-production manufacturing techniques make more reliable models than bespoke engineering.

Also, Maseratis aren’t really your everyday car. It’s unlikely that your Ghibli, Levante or GranTurismo is the car you use for the weekly supermarket shop! Luxury cars aren’t designed for constant use, and if they are used a lot then they do wear down quite quickly and relatively easily.

So there are quite a few reasons why Maserati might be considered unreliable.

It is also worth considering product recalls. Since 2018 there have been 58 Maserati recalls in the UK. These include:

  • The front-wheel bearing can become noisy and if ignored can fail and cause loss of vehicle control 
  • The right-hand door of the GranCabrio can open unexpectedly 
  • The headlamp vertical beam is out of compliance on the Levante 
  • Internal malfunctions of the control unit in the GranCabrio 

What are some of the common Maserati problems?

It’s always good to know what problems you may encounter further down the line with your car, so here are some common problems you may experience with your Maserati:

  • Brakes
    • The brakes work, but if the fluid isn’t replaced regularly then they can get a bit wooden
  • Stone chips
    • Due to the fact that Maserati models are quite low to the ground,  this means it’s possible you will end up with stone chips under the wheel arches, especially if you’re going to be driving fast (which, chances are, you will in a Maserati), so when checking for damage and wear, examine the wheel arches for stone chips, especially if you are thinking about buying a secondhand model
  • Problems with the clutch
    • Some Quattroporte owners have only reached 12,000 miles before having to get their clutch replaced.

If you are looking at buying a second-hand Maserati, then it’s worth asking about these issues before you buy.

Green background with white text that reads Need a reliable vehicle? 
Our team of specialists can help! 

Arrange a Consultation Today

How reliable are surveys and consumer reports?

Consumer reports and surveys are an accurate way of determining how reliable a car brand is. Companies like WarrantyDirect, which sell extended warranties, record when someone makes a claim.

This data is collated and used to determine the makes and models that are dependable and which ones aren’t.

Consumer feedback is also very accurate as it gives us a good idea of what the car is like to drive on a daily basis. After all, the owners are the ones who know their cars the best. They are also the ones paying for the repairs.

Surveys and reports

That said, when you have a brand as exclusive as Maserati, you can run into some trouble. This is mainly due to the fact that there aren’t that many Maseratis on the road, therefore you do have a smaller sample size than you would for a brand such as Ford, for example.

If we look at what Which? has to say, we can see that they have very little information about Maserati as they don’t have a sample size big enough to draw conclusions from.

However, we can work with what we have and we can work with what ReliabiltyIndex (a subsidiary of WarrantyDirect) has concluded and from what owners on the likes of AutoExpress have to say.

As it stands, consumer reports and surveys are still some of the most reliable ways of determining how dependable a car is, even cars as exclusive as Maserati.

Should I buy, lease or finance a Maserati?

There’s no denying it, Maserati design and build beautiful cars. From the mid-sized Ghibli to the sleek lines of the GranTurismo.

Unlike cars such as the Ford Tourneo or VW Golf, Maserati models have been designed with luxury in mind. They are the sort of car people admire as you drive along the motorway as you head off on a weekend getaway.

Maserati

Maserati knows the people who buy their cars. They know that the ones who buy or lease their cars are looking for a unique vehicle, one that is designed for the individual. Maserati’s marketing focuses on the fact that their cars are bespoke, for the aficionado.

When it comes to manufacturers like Maserati a lease is ideal. A lease with a maintenance plan takes away any concerns you may have about reliability scores and possible costly repairs.  You can have all the luxury with none of the worry.

You can drive the car for 2, 3 or 4 years, safe in the knowledge that, should anything happen, you are covered and when the lease contract ends, you can upgrade to the next model.

If you are looking at a Maserati, then you are looking for a beautiful car that doesn’t stand a chance of being ignored when it’s being driven. A Maserati is not easily forgotten.

Conclusion: How reliable is Maserati?

In conclusion, Maserati isn’t very dependable. At all. Their exclusivity means that they do not have the mass-production set-up that many of their competitors have, which goes some way in improving reliability.

This also means that they are expensive to repair and the parts can take a long time to source. But, this all comes with the package. If you get a car that is that exclusive, then it will cost you a lot to repair and the bespoke design may mean you run into trouble later down the line.

Ultimately, though, if you buy a Maserati, it’s not because you are looking for a reliable car to do your weekly shop in. You buy a Maserati because it looks good, it drives incredibly and it’s about as exclusive as you can get.

But, if you are looking for a reliable sports car, then the Maserati is slightly more reliable than Aston Martin and Ferrari.

Green background with white text that reads Interested in a Maserati? 
Let us help you find your ideal vehicle! 

Schedule a FREE Consultation

Reliability ratings and repair costs were compiled in September 2019.

This article was last updated in October 2023.

Nissan Qashqai Review: The ULTIMATE Family SUV?

Is it time for a new family SUV that’s stylish, spacious, and packed with safety tech? In our Nissan Qashqai review, we tackle the question: Is the new third-gen Nissan Qashqai your ideal family car?

The original Qashqai, introduced in 2006, set the trend with its sleek exterior, roomy interior, and elevated driving position. It inspired rivals like the Ford Kuga and Volkswagen Tiguan, shaping the SUV market.

Despite not having an electrified version, the Qashqai dominated the UK market in 2021, ranking as the best-selling SUV with over 30,000 registrations and the 7th best-selling vehicle overall.

It faces competition from electrified models like the Peugeot 3008 and Ford Puma, as well as premium alternatives like the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA, and Volvo XC40.

In this comprehensive Nissan Qashqai review, we’ll dive into the latest third-gen model, examining its evolution from its predecessor and determining if it’s the top choice for a family SUV today.

What is the exterior of the Nissan Qashqai like?

Let’s jump into the Nissan Qashqai review, starting with the facelifted front end. It’s bolder than the second-gen Qashqai, with striking LED headlights giving it a feline touch. The grille impressed us with its piano black trapezoidal design and chrome accents.

The massive bonnet and side crease lines add to its distinctive, powerful, and sleek appearance, making it stand out among family SUVs.

In our review, we chose Ceramic Gray paint, which we loved, and paired it with a contrasting pale black roof, one of the available two-tone options.

These cost around £1,145, and there are more choices, including metallic colours. Feel free to reach out to our team for further details on customization.

While the new Qashqai offers personalization, if you prefer the standard colour, it’s Flame Red, also seen on the Nissan Juke. These colours enhance the car’s design.

The crease lines continue along the side profile, leading to alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches. We opted for the top-tier “Tekna+” trim with 20-inch alloy wheels, which impressed us with their design. However, note that larger wheels can transmit more road imperfections, affecting the ride comfort. Keep this in mind when choosing your configuration.

Following those crease lines, let’s look at the door mirrors. These electronically folding mirrors are not only heated for those chilly mornings but also fully adjustable from the inside for your preferred angle.

They include a handy blind-spot monitoring feature, lighting up when a car passes closely and featuring indicator lights on the mirror’s end, adding a high-tech touch to the Qashqai.

Exterior Nissan Qashqai review

We also appreciated the chrome inlay along the windows and colour-matched door handles. The chrome roof rail, while stylish, may not be the most practical feature.

On the bright side, there’s a beautiful glass sunroof that really enhances the cabin’s ambience and is a standout feature of the Qashqai. It adds a delightful touch of brightness and life to the interior.

Moving to the back, the Qashqai offers rear privacy glass, a shark-fin antenna, and a sporty rear spoiler—a nod to the crossover SUV trend. The rear light clusters merging around the tailgate add a nice touch, although the overall rear design is somewhat generic for a family SUV.

Despite the typical SUV appearance, the Qashqai maintains its identity, especially noticeable in the changed front end. The rear features a large privacy glass panel, Qashqai badging, and a silver-finished rear bumper.

What is the boot like? 

The Nissan Qashqai now features an electronically operated tailgate, a first for this model, making it convenient for handling heavy shopping bags. While its boot space isn’t as generous as the Skoda Karoq or Volkswagen Tiguan, it still offers practicality.

The available space varies by trim level. Entry-level Visia and Acenta Premium trims provide 504L of boot capacity. However, higher-spec trims (N-Connecta, Tekna, and Tekna+) reduce it to 479L due to a height-adjustable boot floor.

While this lowers capacity, it’s a practical feature, and you can remove it for extra space, making it worthwhile, especially with the top-tier Tekna+ trim.

Boot Nissan Qashqai review

It’s worth noting that the Bose sound system, present in the top-spec model, occupies an additional 40L of space, which might disappoint those looking for maximum utility in the highest trim.

The Nissan Qashqai’s boot comes with practical features like a 12-volt socket on the right, a tethering hook on the left, hooks on the base for securing objects, and useful cubby holes for items prone to rolling.

To expand the boot capacity, simply fold down the rear seats; they’re spring-loaded for easy folding in a 60/40 arrangement. The height-adjustable boot floor, aligns with the seats, eliminating any floor gap. This SUV offers between 1379 and 1447L, depending on the variant.

For more details, including information on entry-level trims with extra boot space, reach out to OSV’s Vehicle Specialists at 01903 538835 or book a FREE consultation using the banner below, at your convenience.

What does the interior offer?

The latest Qashqai has transformed its once uninspiring interior into a smarter, more appealing space. Highlights include a premium leather steering wheel and dash with elegant stitching.

This attention to detail extends to the rear cabin, a rarity in affordable SUVs. The air conditioning unit, adorned with Piano Black buttons, complements the infotainment screen border.

interior of Nissan Qashqai

While some areas, like the dashboard and footwell, feature cheaper materials, the overall build quality is commendable, especially considering its affordability in the family SUV segment.

With five upholstery options available, the Qashqai offers a range of choices as you move up the trim levels.

The seats in the Qashqai offer excellent adjustability for finding your ideal driving position, allowing for a high vantage point on the road. Visibility is outstanding thanks to slender side pillars, reducing blind spots at junctions.

Models from “Tekna” upwards even feature electrically adjustable lumbar support. However, sitting all the way back can become uncomfortable on longer journeys due to an uncomfortable spot.

The front cabin is spacious, ensuring you won’t feel cramped beside your front passenger. The bulky centre console effectively separates the spaces without feeling confining.

The impressive glass sunroof floods the cabin with light when retracted, creating a calming atmosphere, making it a must-have feature in the Qashqai.

Rear seats

Moving to the rear cabin, the doors open nearly 90°, making it easy to install a child’s seat using Isofix fittings. The new Qashqai’s increased length creates ample headroom, even with the optional glass sunroof. Legroom is reasonable but depends on front seat positioning, and the supportive rear seats ensure comfort.

Backseat passengers have seat-back pockets for magazines or tablets. However, rear door bins are small and oddly shaped. The windows don’t fully wind down, a common feature in many modern vehicles.

While rear passengers share the front climate control, there are USB and USB-C ports for their convenience.

If there’s no middle passenger, the centre armrest offers cupholders but is somewhat uncomfortable due to the plastic design. The middle seat is tolerable for shorter journeys, but the transmission tunnel, while not massive, could be flatter for comfort and space optimization. Note that the middle seat is higher than the others.

What tech is on offer? 

On the left of the steering wheel, you’ll find media controls for the infotainment system and a scroll wheel to navigate the driver display. On the right, there are cruise control settings, and paddle shifters, and even with an automatic transmission, you can switch to manual mode for on-the-fly gear changes.

The driver display is sharp and easy to read. It includes a rev counter on the left and a speedometer on the right, displaying speed limits, fuel levels, and basic info.

You can access various options, like a drive computer, tire pressure, compass, music controls (via Apple CarPlay), and customizable driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. The display is 7 inches standard but upgrades to 12 inches from the Tekna trim onwards.

Additionally, higher-spec trim levels offer a 10.8-inch heads-up display, a favourite feature. It projects speed limits, your speed, and turn directions onto the road ahead, eliminating the need to look away from the road for crucial information.

Centre console

The media display, surprisingly smaller than the driver display, measures about 9 inches in the Tekna+ trim. Despite some critics, Nissan’s infotainment system has its merits.

It’s responsive, features sharp graphics, and large icons for quick glances while driving. Shortcut buttons at the bottom offer easy access to essential functions. Navigation is relatively speedy, and you can connect your smartphone through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Other amenities include DAB radio and Bluetooth. With the top-tier “Tekna+” trim, you get the impressive Bose premium 10-speaker sound system.

Below the “Tekna+” centre console lies the neatly designed air conditioning cluster. It houses buttons for the heated steering wheel and seats, along with satisfyingly tactile controls for air conditioning intensity and temperature.

Further down, you’ll find a wireless charging pad, a 12-volt socket, and the start/stop button. The electronic parking brake, featuring an auto-hold function, is conveniently located for easy use.

However, the placement of the driving mode selector in front of the centre console might not be ideal for some, and there are a couple of cupholders between the seats.

Between the seats is a centre compartment with a handy tray for keys. Lift the tray, and it locks to the lid, revealing a deep compartment with USB-C and USB ports. The glove box, unfortunately, has limited space due to a fuse box on the left side. However, door bins are generously sized, providing good overall cabin storage.

Additional features in the Qashqai include an auto-dimming rear-view mirror to reduce glare from vehicles behind. Lighting controls are on the ceiling, along with the controls for the retractable glass sunroof. The interior is a significant improvement over the second-gen Qashqai.

If you’re considering it for your growing family or practical needs, feel free to explore your options with one of our Vehicle Specialists. Call us at 01903 538835 or click the banner below to schedule a chat with our experts; we’re here to assist you.

Visibility remains a standout feature in this Nissan Qashqai review, with a wide windscreen providing an excellent view of the road. Thin side pillars reduce blind spots at junctions and roundabouts, though slightly larger mirrors would have been a plus.

The rearview mirror offers fantastic visibility, but rear privacy glass can limit visibility when checking blind spots. Overall, the Qashqai excels in visibility, a key reason many choose it over rivals.

The Qashqai’s suspension offers a soft ride, particularly with 17 or 18-inch wheels, effectively absorbing pothole impacts. However, with 19 or 20-inch wheels, as in the Tekna+ trim, the ride becomes less comfortable, transmitting road imperfections into the cabin.

The larger wheels can also create a slight roar during acceleration on dual carriageways or motorways, but they provide a relaxing and comfortable cruise once at speed. Your choice of wheel size should align with your driving needs and conditions, considering factors like road quality and speed.

What kind of engine does a Nissan Qashqai have? 

Under the hood, you have a choice of two 1.3-litre petrol mild hybrid powertrains. These mild hybrids use a small lithium-ion battery recharged through regenerative braking, capturing energy when you slow down.

You can select from two power outputs and pair it with either a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission, which we chose.

Nissan Qashqai engine

However, we found the CVT automatic experience less satisfying. Starting from a standstill can be jolty, making it a bit slow to accelerate, and requiring careful traffic judgment. Engaging the “Sport” mode helps for quicker overtaking on highways.

While not thrilling, the Qashqai prioritizes family-friendly practicality, which has made it popular in the UK. It offers comfort and style for your A-to-B journeys.

Standard models feature torsion beam rear suspension, but higher-spec versions with 20-inch wheels and all-wheel drive have a multi-link suspension setup. This improves body control, especially in tight turns, thanks to the sturdy side cushions that keep you securely in place despite some body roll.

What is the driving experience like? 

The Qashqai’s steering is light, making it easy to navigate city streets, though the turning circle could be tighter for easier parking between cars. The panoramic view monitor and front/rear parking sensors, available with top-tier trims, provide helpful assistance when parking.

For safety, choosing the automatic transmission enables the ProPilot safety tech, including Navi-link, advanced autonomous cruise control that works in busy motorway traffic. This feature is exclusive to the CVT automatic.

If you opt for the manual, you’ll have adaptive cruise control and standard safety features like autonomous emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Nissan’s strong safety record means you can trust its safety features.

Which Nissan Qashqai makes the best company car? 

The first available hybrid is the 1.3L DIG-T petrol mild hybrid, delivering 138bhp. It behaves similarly to the more potent powertrain but comes at a more affordable price point.

With a 0 to 62 time of 10.2 seconds, it’s respectable for a large SUV. The combined cycle offers a fuel efficiency of 44.7mpg, reducing your visits to the fuel station.

However, for company car considerations, this unit emits 143g/km of CO2, placing it in a higher benefit-in-kind tax band for 2022 to 2023. An option like the Nissan Leaf, which is fully electric with zero emissions, might be worth exploring for lower tax implications.

It’s important to note that the X-Tronic automatic gearbox is only available with the more powerful 156bhp unit, with the manual as a £1,600 saving over the automatic. The manual is fairly responsive.

With the more powerful unit, you can choose between two or four-wheel-drive, though the latter is exclusive to the automatic gearbox. The four-wheel-drive variant achieves 41.2mpg and may be suitable for towing needs, but CO2 emissions can rise to 156g/km, impacting company car considerations.

The two-wheel-drive variant offers three driving modes: “Eco,” optimizing fuel efficiency; “Standard”; and “Sport” for faster acceleration.

The four-wheel-drive variant adds “Snow” and “Off-Road” modes, useful for challenging conditions.

Nissan’s e-power technology uses a 1.5L petrol engine to generate electricity for a lithium-ion battery, powering electric motors on the front axle.

This technology, adapted from the all-electric Leaf, offers superior fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions compared to traditional combustion engines. The e-pedal technology, found in the Nissan Leaf, allows for regenerative braking to enhance fuel efficiency.

It’s a great option for those interested in some of the benefits of EV driving without range anxiety or charging infrastructure concerns. For more details, feel free to reach out to our Vehicle Specialists.

Which Nissan Qashqai model is best? 

Let’s break down in this Nissan Qashqai review the different trims, including which could be the best for you.

Nissan Qashqai Visia 

Nissan Qashqai Visia

As for trim levels, the entry-level variant is “Visia” and prices start from £24,555. With this trim, you receive a whole host of standard equipment with the Nissan Qashqai.

However, the “Visia” trim includes a shark fin antenna, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors, a seven-inch driver display behind the steering wheel, Bluetooth, the driving as mentioned above modes, and the smallest 17-inch steel wheels, which could be a benefit if you want your Qashqai to have a smooth ride quality.

Nissan Qashqai Acenta Premium 

Acenta Premium

Next up the ladder is “Acenta Premium”, the second of five trims available. Prices start from £27,155 depending on whether you’ve gone for the six-speed manual or X-Tronic automatic transmission.

This variant adds auto-folding door mirrors, a two-way manually-adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat, a rear-view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an eight-inch media display in the centre console, meaning you have to go for this trim level to receive any kind of infotainment.  

Nissan Qashqai N-Connecta 

N-Connecta

If you want even more tech, go with “N-Connecta“. Prices start from £29,190 and you get larger 18-inch alloy wheels and rear privacy glass.

In terms of tech, you get front parking sensors to complement the rear parking sensors, and around view 360° monitor (which makes parking a breeze), you also get a larger nine-inch media display integrated with the NissanConnect services.  

Nissan Qashqai Tekna 

Tekna

At the top of the range is the “Tekna” trim, starting at £31,865. For an extra £2,675, you get valuable additions: an eight-way electric driver’s seat adjustment, a wireless charging pad, and a power tailgate for convenience.

Tech-wise, there’s a 10.8-inch heads-up display, a larger 12.3-inch driver display, and the heat pack with heated front seats, steering wheel, and windscreen for chilly mornings.

Styling enhancements include 19-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, a glass roof with roof rails, and the option for a premium Bose sound system. “Tekna” is our standout trim, offering comprehensive tech at a competitive price compared to rivals.

Nissan Qashqai Tekna+ 

Tekna+

The highest-spec trim level is “Tekna+” and this starts from £35,195, which is quite a significant premium over the previous “Tekna” trim. Unfortunately, it doesn’t justify those extra costs in our opinion.

With this trim, you get the premium Bose sound system as standard and the biggest selling point is the larger 20-inch alloys.

You also get full weight adjustment for the lumbar support and quilted premium leather seat fronts, but is all this worth an additional thousand pounds? We don’t personally think so, but we’ll leave it up to you.

If you want to maximize your specification as much as possible then opt for “Tekna+” and you will benefit from everything previously mentioned. 

Nissan doesn’t make it that easy to understand the different trims, so if you’d like to dive into these in a bit more detail, and chat through your options with one of our Vehicle Specialists, we’d be more than happy to find your perfect variant. Please get in touch on 01903 538835 or just click the banner below to book a date or time that works best for you for a quick chat. 

Nissan Qashqai review: Should you buy, lease, or finance the new Nissan Qashqai? 

As we come to the end of this Nissan Qashqai review, let’s evaluate what we’ve covered so far. The Nissan Qashqai has several compelling reasons to consider. Its elevated driving position provides an excellent view of the road, offering the same advantage it’s known for in the small SUV segment.

It excels in comfort, especially during cruising, providing a smooth and relaxing ride. Inside, you’ll find premium materials and improved tech, creating an intuitive and functional interior.

The safety features are impressive, and higher-spec trims offer excellent practicality, including a height-adjustable boot floor. While this feature impacts overall boot space, you can expand it by folding down the rear seats, making it ideal for family outings or accommodating bikes.

On the downside, the Nissan Qashqai may not excite those seeking a punchy performance; it offers a smooth and relaxing drive instead, emphasizing family-friendly practicality in this review.

The automatic CVT transmission, while smooth, has occasional gear change sensations and starting jolts that could have been refined. With larger wheels on the highest-spec trims, road imperfections are more noticeable, potentially causing discomfort.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Qashqai is an excellent choice for growing families. If you’re considering it, explore our latest offers on the Nissan Qashqai and connect with our Vehicle Specialists at OSV for personalized advice. Visit our YouTube channel for official OSV Car Reviews, including the Nissan Qashqai review, or read our written car reviews if you’re still exploring your options.

Kia e-Niro Review: Which trim should you go for?

Want to switch to electric with the Kia e-Niro, but not sure which battery or trim level to choose? Read this Kia e-Niro review to find out which one will work best for your individual needs. 

Winning multiple awards, such as Best Company Car at the 2021 Business Motoring Awards, Best Small Electric Car for Long Distances and Best Electric Small SUV at WhatCar’s 2021 Awards, Kia has certainly made its mark on the electric vehicle market.

But what does each model feature? Which of the batteries should you go for? And which trim is your best option? This Kia e-Niro review will answer any questions you may have.

parked up showing off the front and side of the car

What do you need to know about the Kia e-Niro batteries and motors? 

39-Kilowatt-Hour Battery 

We’re going to start by talking about the entry-level version 39-kilowatt-hour battery. It’s paired with a 134-brake-horsepower electric motor, delivering 350 Newton metres of torque.

As for top speed, you’re looking at 96 miles per hour so you won’t be breaking any Nürburgring records in this SUV. It can go from 0 to 60 in 9.5 seconds, so it’s not the quickest off the block, but it’s a little faster than the Citroën ë-C4.

If you want to eke as much performance as possible out of the e-Niro, you will need to consider the higher-level variant, which we’ll talk about in a moment.  

Both of the e-Niro models are one-speed auto and while this doesn’t sound like much, the transmission is fantastic. As soon as you put your foot down on the accelerator, that performance is immediate and it’s very exhilarating.

While Kia claims an official range of 180 miles, realistically, you’ll be able to travel around 140 miles on a single charge.

This does, of course, depend on how you drive on a day-to-day basis. Kia also claims a city driving range of 251 miles, and while this does sound rather impressive, this is more for people who live in a congested city and don’t regularly drive above 30 MPH.

You can squeeze quite a lot of range out of this vehicle but you will need to consider whether you want a vehicle of this size to drive around the city, perhaps a city car or another vehicle such as the Honda e or the Renault ZOE would be more suitable for your needs. 

How fast will this car charge?

The charging cables will plug into your mains, 230-volt unit, and when you do, this e-Niro will top up from 0 to 100 in a whopping 18 hours.

It’s not the quickest in the world but if you’re having a lazy weekend and you just want the car to get up to 100% battery by the time you start work on Monday, this is an absolutely fine solution.

However, if you do need it to charge a bit faster than 18 hours, then you can install a 7.2-kilowatt AC wall box and this will charge the car from 0 to 100 in 6 hours and 10 minutes so perfect for when you come back from work and plug it in – it will be at full battery by the time you set off again the next morning.

If you’re travelling up the country and you get a bit of range anxiety, perhaps it’s dipping below what you expected and you need to pull over and top that battery up, you can do it from a 50-kilowatt DC charger and that will top up the battery from 0 to 80% in just 57 minutes, so enough time to just grab a magazine or grab some lunch and wait for the car to recharge.

Alternatively, you can plug it into a 100-kilowatt DC charger, it’ll do it slightly faster, in 54 minutes. As you can tell, you’ve got quite a few options when it comes to charging the Kia e-Niro and it all depends on how quickly you want to charge it.

Close-up of the engine

64-Kilowatt-Hour Battery 

Next up, is the 64-kilowatt-hour battery variant. It’s paired with a 201-brake-horsepower electric motor, producing 395-Newton-meters of torque and as such, performance is improved: top speed now reaches 104MPH and it can go from 0 to 60 in 7.5 seconds.

That performance is immediately sent to those front wheels, making it feel very rapid for a car of this size. This is absolutely the version to go for if you want to get the most performance possible out of the e-Niro.

Now, this is where things get interesting: Kia claims a maximum electric range of a whopping 282 miles, which is incredibly impressive for an electric car.

It outperforms the Škoda ENYAQ iV 60 and the Renault ZOE. Kia has stated a city range of 382 miles, so if you’re driving this quite sensibly throughout the city, you won’t need to plug it in very often, especially when using the regenerative braking to pump some extra juice back into the battery.

So, if you’re looking for a small electric SUV with one of the best ranges out there in 2022, the Kia e-Niro is simply a fantastic choice.

A larger battery unfortunately does mean slower charging times: using the 230-volt AC socket, you’ll get a 0 to 100 slow charge in 29 hours, hopefully, you won’t need your car for a while because it’s going to be stuck in your garage charging away.

If you do need to charge just a bit faster than that, you can plug it into a 7.2-kilowatt AC charger and it will charge from 0 to 100% in about nine and a half hours so not too bad, just make sure to plug it in as soon as you get home from work.

When you’re travelling up the country, a DC 50-kilowatt charger will achieve a 0 to 80 charging time of around one hour and 15 minutes, so a little bit longer than the 39-kilowatt-hour battery variant but still enough time to grab some lunch and have a bit of a chill out at the motorway service station.

From a 100-kilowatt-hour charger, it will take 54 minutes just like the last model, again, pretty quick for charging an electric car.

Do either of these engines appeal to you? Our Vehicle Specialists are on hand to help! Book a Consultation Today

Is the Kia e-Niro a good company car? 

It has no exhaust as it’s fully electric, so it emits zero grams per kilometre of CO2.

That puts it firmly in the 1% benefit-in-kind tax bracket for 2021-2022, so you’re already taking advantage of some significant savings in terms of company car tax.

This is a very cheap car to run: you’ll already be taking advantage of the fact that recharging is cheaper than refuelling, and if you charge at night, you can take advantage of discounted rates as well.

You’ll also be exempt from congestion charges in London, as well as Clean Air Zones in other cities across the UK and you won’t have to pay any road tax.

All these benefits add up to what is quite a significant saving over time – although the initial outlay may be higher than a petrol or diesel car, you do reap the rewards quite early on.

If you’d like to find out a bit more about the benefits of switching to electric, check out OSV’s Electric Vehicle Hub, as it has all the information you need, plus offers on the latest electric cars.

Alternatively, you can check out our article on the (plug-) ins and outs of electric cars. If you’d like to explore your options further with one of our vehicle specialists, we’ll be happy to tell you a little bit more about each of those power trims to help you find the one that best meets your particular needs.

Perhaps, you want to find the best balance between performance and range. We can help you do that, so do get in touch on 01903 538835 or just click the banner below to book your free consultation today.

See the Kia e-Niro as your new company car? Schedule your FREE Consultation now

What are the different Kia e-Niro trims on offer and their prices? 

Kia e-Niro 2 Trim 

As for trim levels, it starts with the entry-level “2” variant. That starts from around £32,895.

Highlights of this trim include the eight-inch touchscreen display in the centre console, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smart cruise control comes as standard.

You get a wealth of equipment as standard with this entry-level trim. 

The 2 Trim of the Kia e-Niro

Kia e-Niro 3 Trim 

The next trim is the “3” variant and it starts from £37,400. With this, you get the larger 10.25-inch central display, a wireless phone charger, and black leather upholstery on the now-heated seats.

You will need to weigh up if these extra little bits and bobs are worth the significant premium over the previous variant. 

The 3 Trim

Kia e-Niro 4+ Trim 

Lastly, we’ve got the “4+” variant which starts from £39,695. This is the model we chose for our car review, meaning if you watch our video and you love pretty much everything you see, it’s the one to go for.

Highlights include an eight-speaker JBL sound system, the rear parking sensors are now complemented by front parking sensors, an 11-kilowatt 3-phase charger, and ventilated seats which are well-suited for those hot summer days. 

4+ Trim

 

What should you do next? 

Whether you’re looking to use a Kia e-Niro as a company car or for personal use, one of these models will surely cater to your needs.

Hopefully, with the help of this Kia e-Niro review, you’re ready to make an informed decision on which model will be your new EV.

But if you’d like to find out more about what this car offers, check out our full Kia e-Niro review article. Alternatively, you can also check out our detailed Kia e-Niro review video on our YouTube channel

Still the BEST? Watch our official car review here

However, if you would like to discuss your options, make sure to call us at 01903 538 835 or click the banner below to arrange a free consultation with one of our Vehicle Specialists.

Ready to get behind the wheel of your own Kia e-Niro? Our team of vehicle experts can help! Book a Consultation Today

Is Kia e-Niro still the BEST Electric SUV?

Worried about how the 2030 petrol and diesel ban will affect you and your family? Maybe you’re thinking about going electric with a practical small SUV? The Kia e-Niro could be the car that convinces you to make that switch. 

When the all-electric version of Kia’s popular SUV launched back in 2018, it shook up the electric vehicle segment. This is a car that offers the extended range of a Tesla for a fraction of the cost, all in a body style that’s suitable for a growing family.

As such, it’s pretty unsurprising that it’s been the recipient of numerous awards over the years. For example, it was named “Crossover of the Year” at the UK Car of the Year awards as well as “Best Small Electric Car” at WhatCar’s 2021 ceremony.

All the high praise is very beneficial for the e-Niro as it helps it stand out in a very competitive segment. As such, it faces an incredible amount of competition, not only from other electric SUVs but electric cars in general, of all shapes and sizes, vying to be the first car customers choose to make that all-important switch to electric with. 

On the SUV side of things, its biggest competitors are the Citroën ë-C4, the Peugeot e-2008 and the Hyundai KONA Electric, if you want to stick with a Korean branding model. They’re all significant rivals to the Kia e-Niro.

Then, you’ve got the hatchback EVs. These are generally more affordable than their SUV brethren and include the Nissan Leaf, the Renault ZOE and more recently, the Volkswagen ID.3

If you’re thinking about going electric with your next car, will the e-Niro fit your needs perfectly or should you consider one of its competitors? We’re going to help you decide by giving you a comprehensive rundown of this EV.

Still the BEST? Watch our official car review here

What is the exterior design of the Kia e-Niro like? 

Starting with the exterior, we chose Yacht Blue for our e-Niro review. Our presenter, Tom, usually isn’t keen on blue cars but found this one surprisingly appealing, highlighting its design features.

Yacht Blue is a premium colour, costing more than the standard Silky Silver. Other premium options include Midnight Black, White Pale, and Interstellar Grey.

The e-Niro Colour Options: Runway Red (Standard), Interstellar Grey, Midnight Black, White Pearl, Yacht Blue, Steel Grey (Premium)
The Kia e-Niro parked up showing off the front and side of the car

The e-Niro boasts chrome-coated door handles, which, while shiny, tend to show fingerprints. The SUV features electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors that fold in when locked and out when unlocked.

They also light up when overtaking and sending notifications. Roof rails are handy for trips, and it comes with 17-inch alloy wheels (not upgradable).

The wheelbase is 2851mm, providing extra cabin space. The width is 1,805mm, making it not too large but still convenient in tight spaces. The height is 1560mm.

The Kia e-Niro parked, showing off the side of the vehicle

The e-Niro’s front design includes “solar glass” on the windscreen and windows to reduce heat buildup and intense sunlight. It handles sunlight well, even without needing to pull down the mirror.

LED daytime running lights and rear combination lamps come standard on all trims. We opted for the top-spec “4+” trim with bright LED headlights featuring automatic mode for convenience. Unlike traditional cars, there’s no grille; instead, a large intake cools the battery.

The charging point easily pops out from the front plastic strip, unique among electric cars. The turquoise strips on the lower front add vibrancy and personality.

The front of the e-Niro, with an OSV numberplate

At the rear, the e-Niro features rear privacy glass on the boot lid. However, it lacks an automatic tailgate, requiring manual operation.

With 451 litres of luggage space, it surpasses both the standard e-Niro and the Nissan Qashqai by 70 and 20 litres, respectively.

The square-shaped boot offers easy accommodation for items of varying sizes, with a low lip for convenient loading. It’s spacious enough for sports equipment like skis and golf clubs when necessary.

The boot with charging cables inside

Additional features include convenient covers with hooks to secure rolling objects in the boot. Under the boot floor, there’s space, ideal for charging cables or valuables.

Notably, not all electric vehicles offer this feature. If more space is needed, the rear seats fold down in a 60/40 arrangement, providing a total of 1,405 litres of space.

Unfortunately, a 40/20/40 arrangement isn’t available, so consider alternative solutions for bulky items.

An example of the 40/60 seating arrangement viewed from the back of the

If the e-Niro is piquing your interest and you’d like a little bit more information, get in touch with one of OSV’s vehicle specialists!

They will be more than happy to help, just click the banner below to book your free consultation today or you can just pick up a phone and call us right now on 01903 538 835

Could the Kia e-Niro be your perfect electric SUV? Find out with the help of our Vehicle Experts today. Book a FREE Consultation

How does the interior feel? What tech is on offer? 

Inside the e-Niro, the “2” trim offers Black Part Cloth with leather upholstery, while the “3” and “4+” trims feature black leather seats with premium white stitching reminiscent of BMW.

The interior feels both luxurious and comfortable. However, upholstery choices are limited to these options. All trims come with power-adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat, a commendable standard feature.

The “2” trim has manual seat adjustment, while the “3” and “4+” trims offer eight-way power adjustability for a customized driving position. Ample headroom and generous legroom are provided, and heated seats are included in the “3” and “4+” trims for added comfort during cold weather.

The interior boasts a heated steering wheel (available on “3” and “4+” trims) and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. You’ll find a 12-volt socket below the climate controls and two USB ports for device charging, though they’re not USB-C.

The centre compartment features two cup holders and extra storage, including another USB port. Side bins offer additional storage space. The cabin impresses with numerous cubby holes and ample storage options.

We added a panoramic sunroof for sunlight, and there’s a sunglasses compartment, a rare find in newer cars. A standard glove box provides storage for manuals and other items.

Close-up of the seats

The dashboard design, though minimalist, complements the cabin nicely. While we spotted some cost-effective materials, we weren’t bothered given it’s a Kia, not a BMW.

We especially liked the glossy material in the infotainment setup and digital cockpit. A standout feature is the abundance of physical buttons for climate, radio, and screen controls, a welcome departure from the touch-sensitive buttons in many new cars.

The “2” trim features an 8-inch touchscreen with DAB radio, Bluetooth, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Opting for the “3” and “4+” trims gives you a larger 10.25-inch display. While the infotainment screen takes a bit to start up, it’s user-friendly, intuitive, and responsive with clear graphics. Unfortunately, there’s no rotary dial like in BMWs and MINIs; you’ll need to tap the screen, which may accumulate fingerprints and require occasional cleaning.

The “3” and “4+” trims include a wireless charging pad. The “2” and “3” trims offer a decent six-speaker audio system suitable for everyday use. However, for audiophiles seeking higher fidelity, the “4+” trim boasts an eight-speaker JBL sound system. Additionally, there’s a 7-inch digital cockpit display behind the steering wheel for essential driving information, easily adjustable using buttons on the steering wheel.

The Centre Console

In the rear of the e-Niro, headroom and legroom surpass the Peugeot e-2008 and Hyundai IONIQ Electric. The sloping roof offers ample headroom, and tall passengers won’t touch the roof lining.

Legroom is good, but the raised floor due to the battery can make sitting feel slightly awkward—a common feature in electric vehicles.

Despite the central armrest with cup holders, the rear seats lack sliding or reclining options and can’t fold for additional cargo space. While reasonably comfortable, it could be more practical.

Share your thoughts on the interior in the comments, and for more information, contact our vehicle specialists at 01903 538835 or visit our EV Hub for comprehensive electric vehicle details.

Unsure of whether or not to go electric? Discover everything you need to know about EVs. Visit Our EV Hub.

What is it like on the road? 

Driving the e-Niro is a pleasant and comfortable experience. The driver’s seat offers excellent adjustability, allowing for a commanding view of the road.

The seats are comfortable, and the electric motor’s quiet operation eliminates the noise associated with combustion engines. The subtle hum when accelerating takes some getting used to but isn’t bothersome.

Enabling the VESS (Virtual Engine Sound System) adds a nostalgic, electric ambiance to the drive, reminiscent of Disneyworld’s monorail or Epcot’s test track ride—a positive aspect of this car’s electric character.

 driving past the camera

Let’s talk about regenerative braking. You can adjust its intensity with the switches on the steering wheel, offering three levels. When you lift off the accelerator, power goes back into the battery, slowing the car.

At level 3, you can essentially drive using just the accelerator, lifting off to brake. While it may seem daunting at first, it provides a convenient and relaxing driving experience.

What is our verdict on the Kia e-Niro? 

Considering a Kia e-Niro? If you want a compact yet spacious electric SUV with an impressive range, great standard features, and awards to its name, it’s a strong choice.

The 282-mile range with the 64-kilowatt-hour battery is remarkable. The e-Niro stands out as one of the best electric SUVs available, ideal for families who want range assurance and Kia’s reliable reputation. For more on trims and models, check our Kia e-Niro models article.

To get the ball rolling on your brand-new Kia e-Niro, book a free consultation with one of OSV’s vehicle specialists by clicking the banner below or just grab your phone and give us a call on 01903 538 835 and we’d be more than happy to help you get behind the wheel of this fantastic electric vehicle.

Make sure to check out our Kia e-Niro car review video if you’d like to see it in action, head over to our list of official OSV Car Reviews to consider your perfect vehicle and subscribe to our YouTube channel for even more motoring content.

Ready to switch to electric? Have a chat with our Vehicle Experts Now! Book your FREE Consultation Today

Citroën e-C4 Review: Electrifying Comfort?

Looking for an electric family car? Meet the Citroën e-C4, the electrified version of the popular C4 Coupe SUV. It’s part of the growing trend of electric SUVs. Competing with models like the Peugeot e-2008 and Kia e-Niro, as well as hatchbacks like the Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen ID.3, what sets the e-C4 apart?

This car shines with exceptional cabin comfort, advanced tech, practicality, a good electric range, and a remarkably smooth, quiet ride. If you seek these qualities in your an electric car, the e-C4 could be the perfect fit.

What does the interior of the Citroën e-C4 offer? 

Our initial impression of the Citroën e-C4 was highly positive. The interior exudes a premium and plush feel, showcasing excellent build quality. In contrast, the Volkswagen ID.3 disappoints with its abundance of cheap, hard plastics.

The e-C4 boasts a cohesive interior with a high-quality dashboard material that extends throughout the cabin. While it leans towards a consistent design, it complements the central display beautifully.

Gloss black surrounds enhance the infotainment screen, and silver accents grace the air vents. Citroën’s interior design here takes inspiration from Mercedes and BMW, resulting in a fantastic outcome.

Interior

Citroën’s seats offer standard lumbar support across the range, ensuring comfort for long motorway journeys. While adjustability is ample, there’s no electric memory seat option.

Instead, you’ll find manual levers on the right side of the seat to control height, slide, and recline. It’s straightforward to find your perfect driving position.

However, the wide side pillars leading to the roof can make the front feel a bit cramped, though headroom remains sufficient.

Front seats

What tech does the Citroën e-C4 come with? 

The Citroën e-C4 features a 10-inch HD touchscreen with Bluetooth, DAB radio, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you prefer, you can mirror your smartphone apps on the screen.

While there’s some slight input lag, it’s a significant improvement from previous models. The software is well-organized and user-friendly.

Additionally, the elevated dashboard display is easy to see while driving. You can charge your smartphone wirelessly or through USB-C and standard USB ports, offering great convenience.

Touchscreen

We configured the Citroën e-C4 with the optional heads-up display. This pops up when you turn the car on and it projects the speed and speed limit directly in front of the driver, which is handy.

However, if you don’t want to configure the vehicle with this display, you do get a driver display behind the steering wheel that shows your speed, mileage left on the battery, and the selected drive mode. 

Head-up display


Inside, we truly appreciate the physical climate control buttons. They’re a preferred choice over touch-sensitive controls found in the Volkswagen ID.3 or integrated infotainment screen buttons like the Citroen C3 Aircross. If you’re interested in other Citroën models, check out our C3 Aircross review.

Additionally, there are handy storage cubbies throughout the cabin, including one with a 12-volt socket for your smartphone. Hidden cupholders slide under the front seats, and the glove box offers standard size and decent storage.

Centre console

How is the Citroën e-C4’s rear space? 

The rear space in the Citroën e-C4 is decent, offering sufficient legroom and generous headroom. However, the middle seat is slightly elevated due to the battery underneath, resulting in compromised headroom and a less comfortable experience. We recommend it for short journeys only.

We were also disappointed by the absence of a sliding rear bench, a practical feature found in the Citroën C3 Aircross. This addition could enhance the e-C4’s versatility. Otherwise, the rear space is standard and functional.

Rear space

Other features in the rear of the cabin include a pouch in front of the rear seats, perfect for an iPad or magazines, you also get your own climate controls which allow you to adjust the intensity of the airflow, and a couple of USB ports.

Also, if there isn’t a middle passenger, you can fold part of the middle seat down, providing you with a couple of cup holders. Overall, we were pretty impressed with the back.

How is the Citroen e-C4’s exterior styled? 

Let’s begin with the front end of the Citroën e-C4’s exterior design. LED headlights are standard on all trims, accompanied by striking V-shaped daytime running lights.

These lights also feature a charming “welcome and goodbye” function, adding personality.

The front lacks a traditional grille, typical for electric cars. Instead, it has a small air intake at the top and a larger one at the bottom for battery cooling.

The only drawback we noticed was the two large indents on the bonnet. Nevertheless, overall, it’s a sleek and uncomplicated design, making it one of Citroën’s best-looking models currently available.

Citroen e-c4 front

As for the Citroën e-C4’s wheels, you’ll receive 18-inch CROSSLIGHT diamond-cut alloys.

You get these regardless of which e-C4 trim level you opt for and they look fantastic as they nicely complement the rest of the exterior design. 

Wheels

Just in case you need reminding that it’s an electric car, you have some e-badging near the wing mirrors. Speaking of which, the body-coloured door mirrors fold electronically inwards when you lock the car and outwards again when you unlock it.

They also feature indicators on the side. Sitting nice and flush against the doors are the body-coloured handles, matching the rest of the exterior.

You also get tinted rear glass with the charging flap, just underneath the left rear glass. 

Wing mirrors

The wheelbase, which is the difference between the front and rear axles, is 2,670 millimetres, which is exactly the same as the standard C4.

In fact, dimensions are pretty much identical to the standard C4, however that car is only five millimetres longer and wider.

It’s nice to see that by going electric with this vehicle, you’re not sacrificing any practicality or space that may be available with the non-electric version. 

Citroen e-C4 rear

On the rear end of the Citroën e-C4 are the darkened LED light clusters, a slight spoiler (which we were slightly confused at as it’s not a particularly sporty car), and a rear-view camera, hiding just underneath the Citroën logo.

Otherwise, that’s it for the rear. We quite liked the rather angular and aggressive design on the rear end, but let us know what you make of it.

How big is the boot on a Citroën e-C4? 

Let’s move on to the boot storage. The Citroën e-C4 offers 380 litres of luggage space, which is around the same size as the Volkswagen ID.3, but 70 litres less than the larger Kia e-Niro, so that’s something to bear in mind.

The loading lip is quite low, making it really easy to load luggage into the back. You can fit about five carry-on luggage underneath the parcel shelf, and by removing the shelf, it gives you some more space to play with. 

Citroen e-c4 boot

On either side of the boot, are some hooks to attach any objects that like to roll around while on the move, and a storage compartment.

You also get a height-adjustable boot floor, and when it’s completely flat and you fold down one of the rear seats, there’s no awkward gap, making it really easy to slide awkwardly sized items like golf clubs or camping equipment into the rear space. 

Boot close up

To maximize luggage space, fold down the rear seats, and you’ll have a total of 1,250 liters of room, which we find ample for large suitcases or trips to the tip.

There’s also convenient space beneath the boot floor for your charging cables. Our main gripe is the lack of 40/20/40 rear folding seats, which would allow passing objects into the rear cabin by folding down the middle seat.

However, this is a minor concern. Overall, we’re pleased with the practicality of the boot space.

How was our Citroën e-C4 test drive? 

The Citroën e-C4 may feel somewhat sluggish compared to other electric cars, especially at speeds of 50 to 70 MPH, which is a downside.

However, it excels in comfortable and quiet city driving at around 30 MPH. While not sporty, it boasts light steering and handles well with good road grip. There’s a bit of body lean in the corners.

Compared to the Volkswagen ID.3 or Kia e-Niro, it’s less agile. If a more dynamic driving experience is a priority, consider those models. Nevertheless, the e-C4 offers a satisfactory driving experience overall.

Citroen e-c4 driving

The Citroën e-C4 impresses with exceptional sound insulation, delivering an incredibly quiet ride. This feature is perfect for peaceful trips with tired kids or for maintaining a tranquil atmosphere after a long workday.

As an electric car, it offers regenerative braking, allowing you to recharge the battery while driving. Unlike some electric cars with firm accelerator pedals, the e-C4’s pedals are light, making regenerative braking easy and rewarding.

Citroen e-C4 driving

The seating position in the e-C4 is lower than expected, but it gives the car a sporty vibe. However, the angled pillar affects visibility, making it a bit challenging to judge gaps at junctions or roundabouts.

Rear visibility isn’t great either, and while rear parking sensors are standard, it’s not ideal that safety features compensate for design shortcomings.

Driver display

What are the Citroën e-C4’s specifications? 

The Citroën e-C4 offers one electric motor and a 50-kilowatt-hour battery, delivering 136hp and 300Nm of torque. It reaches a top speed of 93MPH with a 0 to 60 time of 10 seconds, which, while decent, might disappoint those seeking instant electric acceleration.

Compared to rivals like the Volkswagen ID.3 (6.6 seconds) and Nissan Leaf (around 8 seconds), it falls behind in acceleration. However, it’s important to note that Citroën prioritizes comfort over performance in its design.

Citroen e-C4 battery

What is the range of a Citroën e-C4? 

The e-C4 claims a range of about 217 miles, but real-world conditions like speed, road quality, and weather affect it. In our experience, it showed 200 miles one night but dropped to 144 miles after a cold night.

Generally, expect around 140 miles in real-world driving, sufficient for most daily commutes. Charging at home overnight on cheaper tariffs makes it convenient. Plus, as electric cars emit no CO2, they’re an excellent choice for company cars, offering significant savings.

How long does it take to charge a Citroën e-C4? 

Charging the e-C4 from 0 to 100% on a domestic socket takes about 24 hours, the slowest option. We recommend installing a 7-kilowatt-hour home wall box for faster charging.

The included 7.4-kilowatt-hour single-phase charger reduces the time to around 7 and 1/2 hours.

For travel, 100-kilowatt DC chargers at supermarkets and motorway stations provide an 80% charge in just 30 minutes, ideal for a quick break. You can also opt for an 11-kilowatt three-phase charger.

Citroen e-c4 charging

What Citroën e-C4 trims are available? 

Sense 

The entry-level trim, “Sense” starts at £29,995 and comes well-equipped with features. It includes Glossy Black colour accents, 18-inch Aeroblade alloy wheels, a 10-inch touchscreen with voice commands, Bluetooth, USB, DAB/AM/FM radio, and a wireless mirror screen.

You also get dual-zone automatic air conditioning, heated mirrors, adjustable front seats with lumbar support, and tinted windows with matte black detail.

Safety features like Citroën Smart Pad Support, Connect Box Emergency and Assistance, and the Standard Safety Pack are standard. This pack includes Active Safety Brake, Speed Limit Information, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Alert, and Forward Collision Warning.

The “Sense” trim offers a great entry-level choice, as higher trims don’t significantly raise the price or add many more features. Ideal for those who don’t need all the extras.

Citroen e-c4 sense

C-Series Edition 

Moving up to the “C-Series Edition” at £31,995, you get more for the £2,000 increase. It adds front, rear, and lateral parking sensors with a reversing camera, Blind Spot Detection, Citroen HiFi System, Keyless Entry and Start, heated steering wheel, and Anodised Bronze colour accents.

This trim also includes the Safety Pack Plus as standard, offering Advanced Active Safety Brake, Speed Limit Information, Extended Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Attention Alert with lane departure detection, and Forward Collision Warning.

It comes with Citroën Connect Nav featuring TomTom Live services, unlike the previous trim where it’s an optional extra. Additionally, you get a Driver’s Head-Up Display, projecting essential driving info onto the road ahead. If you want these extras, this trim is a great choice.

C-Series edition

Shine Plus 

For the driver seeking top-notch features, “Shine Plus” is the choice, starting at £34,995.

It adds wireless smartphone charging, 18-inch diamond-cut Aeroblade alloy wheels, and an optional driver’s seat with electrically adjustable lumbar support, backrest, height controls, and massage functions (extending to the front passenger seat).

The safety pack is enhanced to the Highway Driver Assist and Safety Pack Plus, featuring Advanced Active Safety Brake, Speed Limit and extended Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Attention Alert with lane departure detection, and Forward Collision Warning.

If you want the ultimate specification, this trim is the one to go for.

Shine plus

If you have any further questions or want to personalise the Citroën e-C4 to your exact needs, then make sure to get in touch with one of our Vehicle Specialists by calling 01903 538835 or you can click the banner below to book a date or time for a chat at a time that suits you. 

Green background with white text that reads Unsure which trim would suit your needs? Talk to our Vehicle Experts can find your ideal vehicle! Schedule a FREE consultation

Should you buy, lease, or finance a Citroën e-C4? 

We absolutely enjoyed our time with this vehicle and found it preferable to the e-Niro. It offers a smooth, leisurely, relaxing, and quiet driving experience. Inside, the cabin is rich with high-quality materials and advanced tech.

Despite its size, the e-C4 accommodates four adults comfortably for long journeys, and it benefits from Citroën’s strong reliability record.

Citroen e-c4 exterior

It does have a few downsides though.

The range isn’t as good as the Volkswagen ID.3 or the Kia e-Niro and the acceleration is somewhat disappointing, however, if you flick the car into the “Sport” mode, it is a lot more fun to drive than in the “Normal” mode.

Finally, if we’re being very nit-picky then it could be a bit more spacious. 

eC4 badging

Otherwise, we absolutely loved the Citroën e-C4 and if you’re thinking about making the switch to electric soon, this should definitely be on your list.

To explore the e-C4 more closely with one of OSV’s Vehicle Specialists and get behind the wheel of your brand-new electric car, then get in touch today on 01903 538835 or you can just click the banner below to book a consultation at a time that works for you.

Also, to get a better look at this vehicle, check out our OSV Car Reviews on the Citroën e-C4 on our YouTube channel. Alternatively, you can also read our written car reviews, here on our website. 

Nissan Juke Review: Time for a facelift?

In need of a spacious, practical, and fun-to-drive SUV with a distinctive personality? Meet the Nissan Juke. Read on for everything you need to know in our official Nissan Juke review.

Launched in the UK in 2019, this second-gen model promised enhanced performance, technology, personality, and a fun driving experience.

The original Juke pioneered the crossover SUV segment, boasting high-riding height, SUV aesthetics, and an appealing design. It sold a million units in Europe, laying the groundwork for today’s competitive small SUV market.

Direct rivals include the Ford Puma, Škoda KAMIQ, and Volkswagen T-Roc, while comfort-focused alternatives encompass the Citroen C3 Aircross, Honda HR-V, and SEAT Arona.

With no shortage of competition, we’ll delve into how the Juke stacks up in this comprehensive review. Discover all you need to know in this Nissan Juke review.

What does the Nissan Juke look like? 

Starting with its exterior design, the second-generation Juke features a striking coupé crossover body style with a sporty floating roofline.

In any Juke version, you’ll find five doors, five seats, a roomy cabin, and a decently sized boot, which we’ll discuss later.

Our Car Review model was configured in the “Tekna” trim, one level below the top-spec “Tekna+”. Notable features include 19-inch alloy wheels, an upgrade from the standard 17-inch wheels that get larger as you move up the range.

We also chose the optional two-tone paint, combining Pearl Black for the body with Fuji Red on the roof and door mirrors, enhancing the car’s personality.

Standard paint options offer a choice of 11 colours, and we recommend the two-tone scheme for added flair.

The door mirrors, matched to your chosen body colour, feature integrated turn signals and are heated for fog-free mornings.

They also electronically fold when the car is locked, offering comprehensive functionality. The door handles sit flush with the rear window, a design we appreciate and wish to see more of in the market.

Rear windows are equipped with privacy glass, ideal for shielding young passengers from the sun during naps. A rear spoiler contributes to the sporty appearance, though it doesn’t notably enhance performance.

Nissan Juke review exterior

The wheelbase has been extended by 105 millimetres to 2,636 millimetres, creating extra cabin space. The Juke is now 35 millimetres wider (1,800 millimetres) and 75 millimetres longer (4,210 millimetres), giving it a more imposing presence, accentuated by the distinctive honeycomb-designed front grille.

The front features standard full LED headlights in the iconic circular design typical of the Nissan Juke.

Green background with white text that reads Like the sound of the Nissan Juke? 
Chat with our Vehicle Experts to get your brand-new SUV 

Book your FREE Consultation Today

How big is the boot? 

The Nissan Juke boasts a bold, angular rear design leading to the boot, offering 422 litres of space, a 20% increase from the original model.

While it offers less space than rivals like the Škoda KAMIQ, Volkswagen T-Cross, and Ford Puma, it falls short of the Renault Captur, which provides up to 536 litres.

The square-shaped boot is practical for various items, with a height-adjustable boot floor provided in all trims, reducing loading lip height. Folding down the rear seats is seamless and creates a flat loading surface, useful for larger items.

There’s a hidden deep space beneath the boot floor for additional storage. Folding the rear seats in a 60-40 configuration, with the removal of the parcel shelf, expands the capacity to 1088 litres, quite sufficient for this size of car.

While the rear seats don’t slide like in the Volkswagen T-Cross, it’s a feature more typical of luxury segments in this category.

Boot

What does the interior offer? 

The Nissan Juke’s interior impresses with quality materials, soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and door trims, and premium Enigma Black leather and Alcantara seats.

Even with mid-range trims like the “Tekna,” you’ll find a comfortable and well-made cabin. While it’s not as luxurious as some premium rivals like the Audi Q2, it offers affordability.

The steering wheel trim choice was less appealing, feeling a bit cheap. However, there’s ample adjustability in the steering wheel and seats to find a comfortable driving position.

The manual seat adjustment, although lacking electric or memory functions, is easy to use. Tall drivers will appreciate the generous legroom.

The Juke’s elevated seating provides a commanding road view, although the windscreen size could be larger. Nevertheless, small pillars and large door mirrors enhance visibility for parking and navigating tight spots.

Nissan Juke review interior

The Nissan Juke provides practical storage solutions. There’s a convenient smartphone storage area near the center console, although it lacks wireless charging.

Two cupholders are available between the front seats, and the door bins can easily accommodate 500ml bottles. Additionally, the center console offers extra storage space. Notably, the glove box is impressively spacious, one of the largest we’ve seen in a while.

In the rear cabin, there’s more room compared to the previous Juke, with 5.8 centimeters of extra knee room and one additional centimeter of headroom. This ensures that even passengers over six feet tall will be comfortable.

The rear seats offer good lumbar support, enhancing overall comfort. However, the aggressively tapered rear window line can make the rear feel slightly compact, creating a cozy environment.

Isofix fittings are available on both rear seats and the front passenger seat. There’s a single USB port to share, along with a small compartment between the two front seats, suitable for storing small items like sweets or a smartphone.

The middle seat is decent for short journeys but not ideal for longer trips, as it lacks comfort. If you sit in the middle, you’ll encroach on the personal space of other rear passengers. Nevertheless, it surprised us with its support.

What tech is on offer? 

With the “Tekna” trim we selected, you’ll have an eight-inch central display equipped with the NissanConnect infotainment system. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to mirror your smartphone apps on the screen if you prefer.

Comparing it to infotainment systems in Mercedes and BMW vehicles, this screen is functional but not particularly exceptional. There’s a slight half-second delay when switching between different options, which can be a bit annoying.

Additionally, the icons on the screen can appear small, especially when you’re glancing at them while driving. It would have been helpful to have an option to increase the font and icon sizes. A slight angle adjustment towards the driver would also improve visibility while driving.

One positive aspect is the presence of physical buttons below the screen for easy navigation to the menu, map, and camera functions, which is preferable to touch-sensitive buttons found in some other models.

The graphics are reasonably sharp, particularly when using the TomTom maps navigation system with live traffic updates. You can also access in-car Wi-Fi for connecting your devices and utilize Google Assistant to control various car functions, including lighting and route planning.

Console

Below the screen, you’ll find unique-looking air vents that offer a satisfying click when adjusted. Further down, the climate controls are thoughtfully designed, featuring physical buttons for temperature adjustment, air intensity, and heated seats.

Beneath these controls, there’s a 12-volt socket and a USB port. The dashboard is logically organized into tiers, with the screen on top, followed by the air vents, climate controls, airbag, and a convenient phone storage compartment at the bottom. Nissan has done a great job with this layout.

Behind the steering wheel, there’s a seven-inch digital driver’s display that shows your speed and activated safety assistance features.

Interestingly, there’s also a traditional analogue speedometer on the right side, providing redundant speed information, which might seem a bit inefficient.

Notably, the “Tekna” trim and above come with the Bose Personal Plus sound system, featuring eight speakers, including two in the front seats. It delivers fantastic audio quality for an enjoyable listening experience on the go.

The NissanConnect Smartphone Companion app, when paired with the car, allows you to lock/unlock the vehicle with your smartphone and check oil and tire pressure, offering added convenience.

Nissan Juke driver display

What kind of engine does a Nissan Juke have? 

115HP 1-Litre DIGT 3-Cylinder Petrol Unit 

The bonnet lever is oddly placed on the front passenger side, just below the left-most air vent, but it’s easy to use with a single pull. To fully open it, there’s a yellow latch under the bonnet that needs to be moved all the way to the left.

However, the bonnet doesn’t stay up on its own, so you’ll need to use the rod from the bottom of the bonnet to keep it open.

The Nissan Juke offers only one powertrain option, which is a bit disappointing. It’s equipped with a 1.0-liter turbocharged DIGT three-cylinder petrol engine, producing 115 horsepower and 200 Newton-meters of torque.

With the manual gearbox, it goes from 0 to 62 MPH in 10.7 seconds, and with the automatic gearbox, it takes 11.1 seconds.

Its top speed is 112 MPH. While it might not feel as punchy as equivalent engines in rivals like the Škoda KAMIQ and Volkswagen T-Roc, it performs well for overtaking on the motorway or dual carriageway once up to speed.

Nissan Juke review bonnet

The Nissan Juke offers a choice between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic gearbox. The manual is responsive at slow speeds in urban areas but has a slight delay when accelerating from a complete stop, which requires careful judgment at roundabouts.

The seven-speed automatic, which we tested, can feel a bit jerky at slow speeds and tends to downshift unnecessarily on steep inclines, but overall, it performed well.

The Juke is only available in front-wheel drive, with no all-wheel-drive option, making it unsuitable for off-road driving.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the manual gearbox achieves up to 47.6 miles per gallon on the combined cycle, while the automatic achieves 46.3 miles per gallon.

With the start-stop function enabled, it provides feedback on your efficiency. In terms of CO2 emissions, it produces up to 134 grams per kilometer, placing it in the 30 benefit-in-kind tax bracket for 2021 to 2022.

If you’re considering this car as a company vehicle and want more significant savings, you might want to explore Nissan’s electrified options like the LEAF or ARIYA. These models have different body styles but offer better economy.

Green background with white text that reads Not sure whether the Juke fits your needs? 
Our team of Vehicle Experts are here to help! 

Book a FREE Call Today

Are Nissan Jukes easy to drive? 

The Nissan Juke offers a leisurely driving experience with its firm suspension, providing a smooth ride over bumps. However, on faster roads, you’ll feel some impact from bumps, even with larger 19-inch alloy wheels.

Despite the wheel size, the ride quality doesn’t significantly change, but the Juke excels in body control, maintaining stability when navigating sharp turns and corners. It exhibits minimal roll and sway for a car in its class, surpassing competitors like the Ford Puma in this aspect.

The Juke features light steering, which is easy to handle but lacks a certain level of feedback, making it less thrilling to drive. Overall, while it’s a comfortable and capable SUV, it may not deliver an exhilarating driving experience.

Driving

The one-litre petrol engine is generally quiet, but it produces a peculiar whistling sound during hard acceleration, which can be a bit annoying. However, this noise is easily drowned out by the radio or music.

Unfortunately, there is noticeable tire and wind noise in the cabin, possibly due to the 19-inch alloy wheels on our model. Opting for smaller wheels or considering the Volkswagen T-Cross, known for its quietness, may help reduce this noise.

The Nissan Juke offers good visibility thanks to its high-riding height and slim side pillars. However, rear visibility is limited due to the chunky rear pillars and small side windows, a result of the coupe-like body style.

Parking can be a bit challenging, but center trims and above include a rear-view parking camera, upgraded to a 360° camera with “Tekna” and “Tekna+” trims. While not the clearest view, it’s functional and provides a bird’s eye view for precise parking.

Which Nissan Juke model is best? 

Nissan Juke Visia 

The Juke starts from around £19,200 and climbs up to £27,200 if you opt for one of those higher-spec trims.

The entry-level one is “Visia” and it comes with a great deal of standard equipment: you get electronic windows, air conditioning, a DAB radio, idle stop-start, cruise control, and you’ll see all those controls on the steering wheel.

It also includes a wide variety of other features. You do get a 4.2-inch driver display, however, if you’re into your tech, you’ll want to climb up the range a bit more. 

Nissan Juke Visia

Nissan Juke Acenta 

Next up, is the “Acenta”. This is priced from £20,800 and it gets a couple of extra features: you’ll receive 17-inch Sakura wheels, a rear-view camera on a much larger 8-inch touchscreen, you also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so if you want to mirror your smartphone apps onto the screen, that’s the one to go for.  

Acenta model

Nissan Juke N-Connecta 

In the middle of the pack is “N-Connecta” and that starts from £22,800, so an extra couple of grand over the Acenta trim.

It’s here that you get the seven-inch driver display, you get TomTom navigation and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and keyless start, meaning you can throw your keys anywhere in the car and take off, without worrying about where they are.

The air conditioning has also been upgraded to climate control. You receive some nice extra features with this trim.

Juke N-Connecta

Nissan Juke Tekna 

Next up is the trim that we’ve configured our Juke with, the “Tekna”, it starts from £24,300.

With this trim, you get the much larger 19-inch alloy wheels, which look fantastic, you get the Bose Personal Plus sound system that sounds brilliant and you get the heat pack, so you get a heated front seat and a heated front screen as well, so you don’t have to worry about that frosting up.

Meaning, all your winter problems are solved with this trim. In case you’re wondering, the exact configuration we had with the Fuji Red roof, comes to around £25,400.

If you’d like a bit more information about this particular configuration, just get in touch with one of our vehicle specialists and they’d be happy to provide you with all the information that you need. 

Tekna model

Nissan Juke Tekna+ 

Last up is “Tekna+”. That’s the top of the range trim and that starts from £25,700. It’s essentially just a cosmetic pack, so you still get those 19-inch alloys, though they are now the Akari alloy wheels, which just look a little bit more elaborate than before.

There are a few interior styling packs to choose from, including Fuji Red, Light Gray, and Pearl Black. You get a satin silver front bumper finisher and a few exterior styling packs to choose from.

So, if you want to get the most out of your Juke and make it your own, personalize it as much as possible, this is the trim that you should choose. 

Nissan Juke Tekna plus

Is the Nissan Juke a reliable car? 

The Nissan Juke impressively earned a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, outperforming the Škoda KAMIQ in pedestrian and child occupancy tests.

It boasts a comprehensive set of safety features, including intelligent emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, intelligent lane intervention, and traffic sign recognition.

Opting for the “Tekna” trim adds more safety tech, such as rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring. These features enhance safety, making the Juke a great choice for families. For more on Nissan’s reliability, you can refer to our Nissan reliability article.

Brakelight

What are the Nissan Juke Pros and Cons? 

If you’re considering whether to buy, lease, or finance a Nissan Juke, here’s our take:

Initially, we had mixed feelings about this car, but after spending time with it, we’ve grown to love it. The standout exterior design sets it apart from other small SUVs, making us believe it doesn’t need a facelift.

The interior offers remarkable comfort, even when compared to more expensive cars. While the tech isn’t as advanced as premium brands like BMW, Mercedes, or Audi, it’s well-implemented, and the Juke boasts a five-star safety rating.

The ample boot space, adjustable boot floor, and cozy cabin make the Juke a great choice for growing families. Plus, the entry-level trim comes with plenty of standard features, and as you move up the range, it only gets better. Pricing is also more competitive than key rivals.

However, there’s only one engine option, which is a bit limiting. We hope Nissan introduces a more powerful engine or a plug-in hybrid in the future. But if you prioritize comfortable and stylish transportation from A to B, the Juke is an excellent choice.

For comparisons with similar vehicles, check out our OSV Car Reviews, or reach out to our specialists at 01903 538835 or by clicking the banner below to book a free consultation. You can also find our official OSV Nissan Juke Review on our YouTube channel and explore more motoring content.

Green background with white text that reads Ready to explore your options? 
Our Vehicle Experts are ready to help you find your next vehicle! 

Book your FREE Consultation Here
Next Page » « Previous Page