Car leasing is becoming more popular because of how it is cheaper on a monthly basis, you can stretch your budget to afford higher cars and you can hand the car back without extra cost, therefore avoiding the depreciation. There are lists everywhere for the most popular selling cars every year with the Ford Fiesta topping most. But what are the most leased cars of 2016?

The list is very different as cars being leased are very different from those being bought. It appears that the cars being leased are more expensive than those being purchased, therefore proving that leasing cars make those with higher price tags more affordable.

5. Range Rover Evoque

The Range Rover Evoque is the premium mid-size SUV. The baby Range Rover has a gorgeous interior with a great mixture of expensive leather and fittings, whilst having plenty of space for each passenger. The ride in the Evoque is smooth and comfortable and it has minimal body roll in the corners.

The Evoque has a variety of engines on offer including a 2.0-litre diesel engine developing 180hp and a thirstier 2.0-litre petrol engine, which is also the quickest model. There is a third option in the form of a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 150hp; however, this model only comes with two-wheel-drive. Then again the Evoque, whilst being a Range Rover, is unlikely to be taken off-road often and therefore is optimised to be a road-going SUV.

4. Kia Sportage

Whilst the Evoque covers the premium SUV market, the Kia Sportage is the more affordable model. It was designed to beat the Nissan Qashqai and in terms of leasing, it succeeds. The Kia has its bold styling going for it, ensuring it stands out from the crowd.

The Kia Sportage is both affordable and practical, especially when compared to many of its more expensive rivals. Thanks to its tall body there is plenty of space within in terms of headroom and legroom for everyone. The boot is rather spacious, also. The ride is relaxed and quiet, it copes well in the corners and is fun to drive.

The engines powering this car vary between three diesel units and two petrol alternatives. The cheapest diesel model is powered by a 1.7-litre engine, which is also the cheapest to run in terms of fuel economy. However, there are two 2.0-litre diesel engines on offer that are both quicker. One produces 136hp and the more powerful model puts out 180hp.

3. Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Leasing gives you the opportunity to stretch your budget. You no longer have to be satisfied with the affordable hatchback like you do when you are on a finance agreement. With a car leasing agreement, you can treat yourself to a premium hatchback like that of the Mercedes A-Class. This could be why it was the third most leased car in 2016.

The A-Class handles well in the corners, looks great on the road and accelerates smoothly and quickly. It has a selection of engines on offer including both petrol and diesel options. The diesel engines are usually the most efficient and cheapest to run, whilst those petrol engines deliver the fastest performance.

Inside the A-Class you get a premium experience. It is spacious, ensuring you and your passengers will enjoy the ride in comfort. There is a great infotainment system too that mirrors your smartphone in the centre dash and the boot capacity is impressive, ranging from 340 litres up to 1,157 litres.

2. Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes takes second place as well with the C-Class for the same reason that the A-Class does. Saloons are popular cars and through leasing drivers are able to get a Mercedes C-Class for a more affordable price.

There is a reason the C-Class is constantly the default choice for those looking for premium mid-sized saloons. It is luxurious on the inside and sleek on the outside. There is plenty of space for your passengers in both the front and the back and the boot is brilliantly practical.

When it comes to performance, this C-Class is lighter and more agile than ever. There is a great collection of petrol engines delivering the speed you desire, too. They are decent with regards to fuel efficiency, but if you want great running costs, you need to check out the diesel engines on offer. You can save a lot of money on your monthly budget with an efficient diesel.

1. Volkswagen Golf

The title of the most leased car of 2016 goes to none other than the Volkswagen Golf. This isn't a surprise considering how popular the Golf is in general terms. It is an excellent hatchback that is constantly rated highly by reviewers and customers alike. Thanks to leasing agreements, it is easier for drivers to drive away with a Golf thanks to the lower monthly payments.

Volkswagen always aims to make affordable cars at premium quality. That is why the interior of the Golf is closer to its rivals like the Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class than it is the Ford Focus for example. It is made from quality materials, with plenty of space and a comfortable environment.

When it comes to performance, buyers have loads of engines on offer. As with all the other models on the list, the Golf has fast petrol engines and efficient diesel engines. However, the Golf also has a petrol-electric hybrid option and an all-electric model available ensuring you can get truly efficient with your driving.

Car leasing is a great way of getting cars like these that seem financially out of reach on finance options thanks to the lack of balloon payments at the end and lower monthly payments. If you are interested in any of these cars or any other car on leasing, Hippo Leasing has a variety of different deals available.

Promoted by Christopher Edwards - 30 Apr 2017