Motoring expert Richard Aucock has reviewed some of his top cars that are available on the Motability Scheme with no Advance Payment. From city-friendly small five-door cars to high-riding SUVs, there’s a great range of affordable options to choose from.
There are currently over 900 cars available on the Motability Scheme, of all shapes and sizes. No matter what your needs are, there should be a new car to suit you. Right now, there is also a great choice of cars available with no Advance Payment. They help make the Motability Scheme even more affordable – particularly as there are even several cars that cost less than your weekly allowance.
Here, I’ve picked out a broad range of six cars with no Advance Payments. They include city-friendly small five-doors, family-focused five-door hatchbacks, and high-riding SUVs with practical interiors and big boots. There’s even a modern electric car, which has plenty of space and a long driving range.
These six cars really represent the diversity and affordability of the Motability Scheme. The prices shown are valid for applications placed before 31st March 2024.
The next price list will be released on 1st April, prices can go up as well as down.
Hyundai i10
What sort of car is it?
The Hyundai i10 is a fun city-sized car that is small on the outside but surprisingly big on the inside. It has five-door practicality and a fuel-efficient 1.0-litre petrol engine. It looks smart and has a friendly face with a distinctive grille.
Why is it so popular?
The Hyundai i10 is one of several cars available on the Motability Scheme that is less than your weekly allowance. This 1.0 Advance model is just £54.61 a month, with nil Advance Payment. This affordability makes the little i10 a really appealing car. It’s fun to drive, and the light controls mean it’s effortless and easy as well.
It is very well equipped, with air conditioning, an 8.0-inch touchscreen that links up to Apple and Android mobile phones, and even a colour reversing camera. The five-seat interior has genuinely adult-friendly space front and rear. Even the 252-litre boot is a decent size for a small car, holding two large suitcases.
The SE Drive model I’ve chosen here comes well-equipped with a touchscreen sat-nav, smart rear privacy glass and even a luxurious heated steering wheel. The 108bhp 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is punchy and fuel-efficient, averaging 48mp. There’s also the added convenience of a DSG automatic transmission, which makes driving this car a breeze.
Toyota Yaris
What sort of car is it?
The Toyota Yaris is a popular supermini-style small car from the world’s biggest car maker. Despite its sporty appearance, it has five-door practicality, and comes as standard with the fuel-saving Toyota hybrid system. The technology is fully automatic, meaning you simply shift the standard automatic gearbox into ‘D’ and the car does all the work.
Why is it so popular?
This Toyota Yaris Icon is remarkably affordable right now. It has no Advance Payment and, at £71 a week, costs less than your weekly allowance. It’s really well-equipped, with all the features you’d expect of a modern small car, including a feature-packed touchscreen in the dashboard.
The petrol-electric hybrid engine is very clever. You don’t need to plug it in, as it recharges on the move, yet still offers a surprising amount of pure-electric driving. This saves fuel, cuts emissions and makes it really smooth to drive. The automatic gearbox adds convenience too. This is car also be driven by under-25s.
Skoda Kamiq
What sort of car is it?
The Skoda Kamiq is a small SUV car with a higher seating position than regular small cars. This helps make it easier to get in and out of. It’s recently been updated, with more distinctive styling that helps it be more assertive-looking on the road.
Why is it so popular?
The Skoda Kamiq 1.0 TSI is a great choice for those seeking a punchy petrol engine with plenty of pulling power and good economy. It’s refined and easy to drive, while proving more than able even at motorway speeds.
The sheer spaciousness helps make it a good car for long trips. The interior has lots of room and the boot is a large 400 litres. It has space for three large suitcases, with plenty of room left over. This SE grade has a good amount of standard equipment and the robust, simple interior is easy to use. It is packed with clever, practical touches, too.
Vauxhall Astra
What sort of car is it?
The Vauxhall Astra is one of the best-known cars on the road. A family-style five-door hatchback, this latest model has a head-turning new look that means it is one of the most stylish new cars on the road too. The interior is also futuristic, with a wraparound dual-screen layout and sleek appearance.
Why is it so popular?
This sleek Vauxhall Astra Design comes with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine that produces a punchy 128bhp, giving it lots of pulling power in reserve. A six-speed manual gearbox adds to the flexibility, and makes long journeys a breeze. It’s good on fuel, too.
The Astra has five doors and a boot big enough to take three large suitcases. It’s a fun-to-drive car, with precise handling and great stability on the motorway, and I also found the refinement impressive. The displays are modern-looking, with lots of features, but there’s still a row of buttons and a voice assistant, to help make it easier to use.
Cupra Born
What sort of car is it?
Cupra is a sporty brand that’s been developed from SEAT. The Cupra Born is an all-electric hatchback car, that combines zero-emissions driving with the excitement and distinctiveness of the fast-growing Cupra brand. I love the copper-coloured details and sporty appearance.
Why is it so popular?
This Cupra Born has a 58kWh battery with an electric driving range of up to 264 miles. If you have a driveway, your dealer can arrange a wall box, so you can charge it at home. The Cupra Born can also use speedy public chargers for quick top-ups on long trips.
Because electric cars tend to be more space-efficient, the Cupra Born has a roomy interior, and the seats are easy to get in and out of. The 385-litre boot is a good size too. Being an EV means it is refined to drive, with silent acceleration and great responsiveness. It’s sure to put a smile on your face during a test drive.
MG HS
What sort of car is it?
The MG HS is a large family SUV that was refreshed last year to make it look even more modern and upmarket. It now has glitzy 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and ultra-bright bi-function LED headlights. For those seeking a distinctive yet affordable large car with a big boot, it’s a really good choice to consider.
Why is it so popular?
The MG HS has lots of showroom appeal. The high-set seats give a good view out. There’s plenty of space in the rear seats and the huge 463-litre boot is wide and long. Folding the rear seats gives even more space.
The 1.5-litre petrol engine produces a generous 160bhp, meaning performance is lively. It also ensures it copes well even when fully laden. The MG HS SE version is available on the Motability Scheme for nil Advance Payment – and if you want even more luxury features as standard, the Trophy version costs just £199.
Interested in joining the Scheme?
Enjoy everyday freedom with a brand-new, reliable vehicle on the Motability Scheme. Simply exchange your qualifying mobility allowance for a brand-new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair and our worry-free package.
Remember, every lease comes with a full package:
- Insurance for up to three drivers (this doesn’t have to be you)
- Full RAC breakdown assistance
- Servicing and maintenance
- Plus a lot more – see what you’ll get in our worry-free package
Am I eligible?
You need to receive one of these qualifying mobility allowances, with at least 12 months left, to be eligible to join the Motability Scheme.
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