New research shows that the majority of vehicles leased by UK motorists during the past year were electrified.
More than two thirds (67 percent) of Leasing Options customers opted for either a plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicle during 2025.
A survey of 1,000 drivers also found that reliability was the single most important factor when choosing a new car. Forty percent of those questioned put it first on their list.
Price and value for money were next in order of significance: a consideration for close to a third (29 percent) of respondents.
This focus on cost is borne out by the rapid rise in the level of interest around new-entrant Chinese marques such as BYD and Jaecoo.
Reliability tops the list of must-haves
Technology and in-car features mattered to just 12 percent of the drivers surveyed. And design was significant to just five percent, suggesting UK lease customers can really put a price on style.
Mike Thompson, COO at Leasing Options, commented: “As rising car costs continue to mount pressure on motorists, drivers are looking more than ever for vehicles that are not only reliable and durable, but offer strong value for money.
“Unexpected breakdown costs can place a huge strain on households, so models with a reputation for dependability are becoming the go-to choice.”
Drivers make the switch to Cupra
The survey also found that brand loyalty is very much a thing of the past. Some 93 percent of respondents said they were open to switching to a new car brand for the best deal.
Seat's sporty spin-off, Cupra, led the way for drivers making a change, accounting for 18.3 percent of brand switches. This was followed by Nissan on 13 percent and Vauxhall on 12.2 percent.
Notably, Cupra has anticipated the zeitgeist, expanding its range of plug-in hybrid and electric models.
Mike Thompson adds: “Newer players like Cupra are gaining traction by offering competitive pricing and well-specced electric models. With cost pressures continuing, manufacturers will need to focus on keeping production costs down and ensuring their vehicles deliver dependable performance.”
No stopping the rise of SUVs
The motivation for switching car manufacturers is similar to those that shape new vehicle choices overall.
Lower running costs mattered to 19 percent of respondents, with cheaper leasing and initial payments a factor for the same percentage, too.
Greater practicality was important to 15 percent of people, matching the continuing trend for customers to opt for SUVs.
Recent data shows that two thirds (66 percent) of new vehicle registrations in the UK are for SUVs – an increase of 30 percent in the last four years alone.
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