Vehicle Search
Manufacturer Search
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
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.
