Deciding on the engine type is one of the most important decisions when considering which car to lease. Given there are a lot of options, there are a lot of factors to consider when considering which option is better for you.

That is why we have made a summary of all engine types for you to help you understand your options better. Keep in mind, since we lease new vehicles only, the information on engine types will be based on new vehicles only.

Is a petrol engine right for me?

Petrol engines are still the most popular engine option because they’re cheaper to buy or lease and also, because they are cheaper at the pump too! They have greater fuel efficiency for shorter distances, therefore, people who usually take short trips prefer petrol engines.

However, they have higher CO2 emissions than diesel. This might be the reason why people might shift to alternatives like hybrids and electrics in the future.

Pros

  • Good for shorter distances
  • Petrol is a cheaper fuel
  • The fumes are less harmful
  • Maintenance or service cost is lower in petrol engines
  • They are slightly quieter, with fewer vibrations making it a smooth drive
  • Monthly payments are smaller

Cons

  • For longer trips, they are less efficient
  • CO2 emissions are higher
  • Less suitable for towing as there is less torque

Is a diesel engine Right for me?

Diesel engines are not seen in as good a light these days. This is because the hydrocarbon emissions have a negative impact on our health. However, diesel seems to be a practical option in the short-term especially if you’re traveling long distance. It is also a good option for towing and off-road driving.

Pros

  • It produces 20% less CO2 emissions
  • It is better for towing
  • It has better long distance drivability

Cons

  • Fuel price is higher
  • There are more exhaust fumes
  • Servicing is more expensive<
  • Monthly payments can be higher

Green Vehicles

Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV) or Green Vehicles have lower running costs and they don’t have as much of an impact on the environment. If you want to go green, there are three main vehicle types. The conventional hybrid, the plug-in hybrid, and the full-electric vehicle.

Is an electric car right for me?

A full-electric vehicle runs on an electric motor and has no standard combustion engine. It produces zero emissions and is known as the most environmentally friendly vehicle. As there are no fuel costs, it is also cost-effective. Some well-known electric vehicles include Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, and Tesla Model S.

Pros

  • It is great for the environment considering it has zero emissions
  • The driving experience is almost silent
  • Electricity is generally cheaper than petrol and diesel
  • These vehicles are exempted from congestion charges as well as fuel duty
  • Maintenance and service cost is about 35% cheaper
  • Better suited for shorter distances
  • Offers a smooth ride

Cons

  • Frequent charging is required
  • Charging stations are quite hard to find, although this is improving quickly
  • Plans have to be made ahead of time as it takes time to fully recharge
  • Not suited to longer distances
  • Battery performance can be affected by hot and cold weather
  • Not all garages can repair or service these vehicles

Is a Conventional Hybrid right for me?

Hybrid vehicles combine a combustion engine with at least one electric motor. They produce very low emissions. They generate their electricity using two techniques while you drive. The first is regenerative braking in which heat and kinetic energy wasted during braking is converted into electrical energy and is then stored in the battery. The second technique is an electrical generator which runs directly off the combustion engine.

When you’re driving at a low speed, the power will be drawn from the electric motor. However, as the speed increases, the hybrid will smoothly combine the standard combustion engine with the electric motor to meet the greater demand.

Is a Plug-in Hybrid right for me?

While in conventional hybrid (HEV), electricity is generated as you drive, it is not the same case with Plug-in hybrid (PHEV). A plug-in hybrid vehicle has to be plugged into a power outlet to charge its battery. It has a greater range on pure electric power.

The plug-in hybrid will use its electric motor until it reaches its limit. After the limit is reached, then the combustion engine will start to kick-in and will supply added power to the motor.

Pros

  • It is great for the environment considering it has lower emissions
  • More suited to shorter distances
  • Most of them are free of congestion charge
  • For PHEV, there is self-charging. You just have to fill with fuel
  • There are petrol and diesel options
  • Generally quieter

Cons

  • Less suited to longer distances
  • Plug-ins take time to charge
  • The purchase price is quite high so lease payments are also high
  • They can be expensive to repair
  • There are fewer charging stations compared to fuel stations
  • All garages are not able to service or repair the vehicle

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