Motoring expert Richard Aucock reviews his six top car picks with no Advance Payment available on the Motability Scheme this quarter, including an electric modern MINI SUV, an agile city car and a British-built favourite.
The Motability Scheme price list is updated every three months. The prices shown here are valid between April 1 and June 30 2026. Remember, prices can go up or down.
The Motability Scheme is one of the most affordable ways to lease a brand-new car. As I’ll show here, dozens of cars are available with no Advance Payment.
No matter what new Motability Scheme car you choose, you will get the same all-inclusive leasing package. All major costs of motoring, including car insurance, servicing and routine repairs are covered in your lease, as well as breakdown cover.
The new car market is changing fast. The drive to zero emissions means the car industry is switching over to electric. Lots of new electric cars, also known as EVs, are now being launched. The UK’s commitment to phase out regular petrol and diesel cars from 2030 is driving this.
If you have a driveway, your first electric car lease includes a home charger and standard installation. This is the cheapest charging option. It could save you a lot of money compared to running a petrol or diesel car.
However, if you’re not yet ready to make the switch to electric, do not worry. As I’ll show here, there’s still a broad range of petrol cars available on the Motability Scheme. This is part of a mission to offer the right car for everyone, no matter what your mobility needs.
These are my six top choices of cars this quarter. They show the range of choice available on the Scheme to suit all independent mobility needs. Read on to be inspired about what could be your next new car!
MINI Countryman E
No Advance Payment
The MINI Countryman E is an electric version of the famous British brand’s family-sized SUV. Recent updates have extended the EV range to an impressive 307 miles. Tweaks elsewhere mean it is more energy-efficient to drive, too. The 66kWh battery can charge from 10-80% in 29 minutes at a rapid public charger.
Why is it so popular?
The MINI Countryman is a very roomy car. Measuring over 4.4 metres long, its boxy design translates into plenty of space inside for the driver and passengers. The raised seating position is comfortable. I also love the 24cm round centre touchscreen display. It uses cutting-edge ultra-bright OLED technology.
The MINI Countryman has a large 450-litre boot, which is practical and well-shaped. Fold the rear seats and it expands to 1,450 litres. Meanwhile, Classic spec is customisable with some fun colours and trims available. It has an upmarket, premium feel inside. This marks it out as something a bit special.
View the Mini Countryman.
Alternatives to consider: If you’d rather have a roomy seven-seater, why not try the Dacia Jogger? This SUV-estate has a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. In Essential spec, it is available on the Motability Scheme for no Advance Payment.
Keeping prices affordable
As well as rising global costs, the Government’s Autumn Budget introduced tax changes to the Motability Scheme, increasing the cost of delivering the all-inclusive package.
There are still lots of affordable cars on the Scheme this quarter, including 37 vehicles with no Advance Payment and more than 80 with an Advance Payment under £500. This includes SUVs and cars with larger boots, if space is important to you.
Dacia Sandero Stepway
No Advance Payment
The Dacia Sandero Stepway is a practical small hatchback. It is available both with no Advance Payment and for less than your weekly allowance, at just £80 a week. Stepway spec gives it a crossover makeover, with a raised ride height and rugged body styling to shake off city scuffs. This makes it a popular version in the Dacia Sandero range.
Why is it so popular?
The Dacia Sandero Stepway has recently been facelifted. This brings a new-style front end, rear lights and other design tweaks. It looks even more stylish, with Stepway models featuring rugged-looking roof rails and this Essential spec getting snazzy wheel trims.
The facelift enhances the Sandero Stepway’s many strengths. The interior is user-friendly, and safety assist tech is improved. I like the clever media control system. This lets you use your smartphone via an app. The redesigned driver’s seat is more comfortable, and rear space is improved. The 328-litre boot is a good size, and the 1.0-litre turbo engine is more than powerful enough. It can average over 50mpg too.
View the Dacia Sandero Stepway.
Alternatives to consider: The Vauxhall Corsa is another small hatchback available for no Advance Payment. Right now, it is offered in Ultimate spec, which brings a superb level of standard equipment.
Volkswagen Taigo
No Advance Payment
The Volkswagen Taigo is a small SUV with a racy coupe-inspired rear end. It is a stylish alternative to the Volkswagen T-Cross and is currently available on the Motability Scheme for no Advance Payment. It comes with a fuel-sipping engine capable of over 52mpg.
Why is it so popular?
The Volkswagen brand needs no introduction. It is a byword for dependability and practicality. The Taigo lives up to this reputation, offering a practical interior despite its stylish lines. In the front, it feels good to sit in, with a smart-looking dashboard. This Match trim is well-equipped, featuring an advanced electronic driver display. It has a useful rear-view parking camera as standard.
Along with useful rear seat space, the Volkswagen Taigo also has a roomy 440-litre boot. This is larger than many family-sized hatchbacks. As the opening is a little higher off the ground, it is easy to load. Another useful Taigo feature is standard keyless access. This means it locks and unlocks without having to press the remote key fob.
View the Volkswagen Taigo.
Alternatives to consider: The Ford Puma is another small SUV which puts design at the top of the agenda. A UK best-seller, it too is now available on the Motability scheme for no Advance payment.
Kia Picanto
No Advance Payment
The Kia Picanto is a stylish city car that is one of the most affordable cars on the Motability Scheme. Not only is it available for no Advance Payment, it also costs less than your weekly allowance, at just £78.45 a week.
Why is it so popular?
The Kia Picanto was facelifted a little while back. It now has a bold front end with distinctive LED running lights inspired by Kia’s range-topping SUVs. The model I’ve picked here is the GT-Line version, which adds a racy bodykit and smart alloy wheels. It is a real head-turner.
The Picanto is a well-equipped small car, with the latest in touchscreen infotainment technology. It pairs seamlessly with both Apple and Android smartphones. There’s a good amount of electronic safety assist tech to keep you safe. It is also roomier inside than you’d think, with OK rear seat space and a handy 255-litre boot. The 1.0-litre petrol engine will return nearly 49mpg as well.
View the Kia Picanto.
Alternatives to consider: If you’d prefer an electric city car, the Hyundai Inster is for you. It is similarly compact and has battery electric drive with a range of up to 229 miles. It looks really smart and distinctive, too.
Toyota Urban Cruiser
No Advance Payment
The Toyota Urban Cruiser is a new electric SUV from this famously reliable Japanese brand. The Design model I’ve chosen here has a large 61kWh battery. This gives a driving range of up to 265 miles. It is also currently available on the Motability Scheme for no Advance Payment.
Why is it so popular?
The Toyota Urban Cruiser is the smallest electric car in its range. It is still a practical car though, measuring nearly 4.3 metres long, giving boot space of up to 310 litres. A novel feature is sliding rear seats, allowing you to balance boot space and rear passenger room.
The Urban Cruiser has a rugged look on the outside, which carries through to the interior. It feels safe and secure to sit in. The flat-bottom steering wheel makes it easier to get in and out. Electronic displays are combined with tactile physical controls. There’s also a Toyota smartphone app so you can oversee charging and climate control remotely.
View the Toyota Urban Cruiser.
Alternatives to consider: If you live nearer to a Suzuki dealer, why not try the Suzuki e-Vitara? It is closely related to the Toyota Urban Cruiser. The 49kWh Motion version is available on the Motability Scheme for no Advance Payment.
Nissan Juke
No Advance Payment
The Nissan Juke is one of the most popular new cars in the UK. Both designed and built in Britain, it is a real UK success story. This well-equipped Acenta Premium model is now available on the Motability Scheme for no Advance Payment.
Why is it so popular?
The Nissan Juke is a very distinctive-looking small SUV. It has a high-riding body style with bold design details. Distinctive LED running lights mark it out on the move and there are some bright colour choices too. You’ll certainly stand out if you choose Iconic Yellow!
The interior combines a wide-format touchscreen with easy-to-use physical heater controls. It has a clear view out and feels safe and confident to sit in. Nissan has optimised the boot design and the 422-litre space is practical. The fun-to-drive Juke’s 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine is economical too, which helps make it cheap to run.
View the Nissan Juke.
Alternatives to consider: The stylish Mazda CX-30 is an interesting alternative to the Nissan Juke. Another reliable Japanese small SUV, it uses an eco-tuned 2.5-litre engine to deliver similar fuel economy to the Juke. It has a bit more power, too. Prime-Line spec is well equipped, and it is available for no Advance Payment.
Interested in joining the Scheme?
Exchange your qualifying mobility allowance for a brand-new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair with the Motability Scheme.
You’ll get a full package. We’ll cover your insurance, servicing and breakdown.
*About the writer
Richard Aucock has been a professional motoring writer since 1998. He’s written about the car industry for the Motability Scheme since 2009. He has many key roles in the motoring world, including the UK juror for AUTOBEST, a juror for the World Car Awards, and Vice Chair of the Guild of Motoring Writers. Richard is also the director of Motoring Research, a leading UK publisher in the industry.
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