The Best New Cars of 2015...So Far
We’re more than halfway through 2015, which means it’s time to look back and reflect on some of the best cars released this year. From city cars to saloons, we’ve been treated to some excellent new models so far.
It’d be too easy to fill this post with supercars no-one will ever be able to afford, so we’ve stuck purely to affordable cars that suit all kinds of drivers and budgets. If any of them capture your interest, keep an eye on the Blue Chilli Car Leasing website - we may have car leasing deals for them soon.
Fiat 500X
The Fiat 500 is one of the most popular cars in the UK, so it’s understandable that Fiat are expanding the range.
The 500X is bigger, better and more grown-up than its predecessor and aimed at a slightly different audience. This crossover is a good all-rounder, with a decent 138bhp 1.4 litre engine that outpowers the standard 500 by some distance. There’s also a choice of 93bhp 1.3, 118bhp 1.6 or 138bhp 2.0 litre diesel engines. It combines this power with a smooth ride and fantastic control.
If you’ve always liked the retro stylings of the 500, but felt put off by its slightly small size or lack of power, the 500X could be the new car for you.
Honda Civic Type-R
The first thing most people will notice about this hot hatch is its looks. Frankly, it looks like it's come from the future and we thoroughly expect it to divide opinion once more of them hit the road. We’re big fans, though, and it’s certainly a car to consider if you want something eye-catching!
Underneath the stylish exterior lies a seriously powerful car. With a 306bhp 2.0 litre engine, the Civic Type-R is capable of 0-62 in 5.7 seconds. Fortunately, all that power is combined with superb handling and a comfortable ride.
The Type-R comes with climate and cruise control, a parking camera and LED headlights as standard, and a surprising 498 litres of boot space too.
Jaguar XE
Jaguar’s latest saloon looks fantastic, is economical and offers a range of engines from an entry level 161bhp 2.0 litre diesel to a rip-roaring 335bhp V6 petrol engine. What more could you ask for?
As you might expect from a saloon, comfort is favoured over power with sharp steering and a stylish interior. Its low carbon emission - the entry level diesel puts out 99kg/km of CO2 - means that it’s one of the cheapest saloons to tax as well.
Peugeot 208
Superminis are all the rage at the moment and the 208 is a worthy addition to a crowded market. Its sporty yet refined design is eye-catching enough without being too outlandish. Its wide range of engines offer some very low tax rates (in fact, the 1.0 litre petrol costs nothing to tax) and excellent fuel efficiency, with the 1.6 litre BlueHDI diesel capable of 94.2mpg.
It’s not the most powerful supermini on the market, but if you’re looking for a reliable all-rounder, you can’t go wrong.
Volvo XC90
The XC90 was recently named Auto Express’ Car of the Year and it’s not hard to see why. This seven-seater is hugely spacious, with 451 litres of boot space when all 7 seats up, 1,102 with 5 seats and a massive 1,951 with just the front 2 seats. It’s practically van sized!
This practicality is matched by the XC90’s performance. While it won’t win many races against high-end hot hatches, it’s comfortable and smooth; ideal if you go on a lot of long family journeys.
The SUV D5 diesel engine (just one of many options) is remarkably efficient too, capable of 48.7mpg.
So, that’s space, performance and efficiency - the XC90 is all you could ask for from a family car. Oh, and it doesn’t look too bad either!
What’s your favourite car of 2015 so far? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter. And if you’d like to learn more about our contract hire and leasing offers, get in touch!
