Thinking of buying on a PCP (Personal Contract Plan), we have five cars for €300 or less per month writes Geraldine Herbert
Honda HR-V
Honda HR-V
Honda may have pioneered the concept of the small sports utility vehicle (SUV), when the original HR-V model was launched in 1998, but it was Nissan that changed the way we think about family motoring with its Qashqai. Designed to appeal to young families unimpressed by the typical mini-MPV, the latest HR-V was launched in 2015 and is designed to plug the gap in Honda range between the Jazz and CR-V.Inside, it is understated and stylish, overall the visibility is good and it is brimming with much of the technology drivers have come to expect. The HR-V also offer a boot capacity of 453 litres capacity and the versatile ‘magic seats’ offer the ability to carry long, tall, or wide items in numerous configurations. On the road, it is not the most dynamic compact SUV but it’s got great visibility and is easy to drive plus the use of space inside is very clever.
Starting Price: €23,995
PCP per month: €255
Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander received some significant styling tweaks for 2016 and the range now includes seven seat, five seat and plug in Hybrid versions. There is an up-dated 2.2L Euro 6 diesel engine producing 5.3 l/100km (53.29 MPG) the 4WD 7 Seat Outlander returns 5.8 l/100km (48.70 MPG). The Outlander PHEV is a well worth considering with a 50km electric range and also emits just 44g/km CO2 and can potentially return 1.9L/100km or a staggering 148mpg depending on how it is actually used. The batteries can be recharged using a normal household plug and can take up to 5 hours to fully charge. All Outlanders feature an extensive range of safety features including speed limiter, brake assist and hill start assist and seven airbags as standard plus Mitsubishi’s large SUV received the full 5 stars when tested by the Euro NCAP. Practical, economical and affordable, the five seat Outlander starts from €31,500 but the plug in hybrid is considerably more expensive and priced from €49,900 costs more than €500 per month on a PCP. The hybrid is a good choice for long with a short to medium commuting distance but for anything longer the diesel would be a better option.
Starting Price: €31,500
PCP per month: €268
Toyota C-HR
Toyota C-HR
We love the bold styling of Toyota’s all new C-HR with its bulging fenders and falling roofline, it is angular and edgy in a way we have not seen before from the Japanese car maker. Slightly smaller than the RAV4 at just under 5 metres long, 1.8 wide and 1.5 high rivals to the C-HR include the Mazda CX-3, Honda’s HR-V, the Mitsubishi ASX and Nissan’s Qashqai. Powering the new SUV is a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with 85kW/185Nm along with a full hybrid version. The C-HR is not only compact and stylish but its also fuel efficient and in hybrid form it returns a combined fuel consumption of only 3.7 l/100 km. Inside, the daring look of the exterior is toned down a little but it is contemporary and uncluttered. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual gearbox or an automatic Continuously Variable Transmission. With three grades to choose from if you like the looks the C-HR certainly stands out from the crowd.
Starting Price: €26,895
PCP per month: €269
Audi A3
Audi A3
Revamped last year, the ever evolving A3 is certainly holding its own within the Audi family taking design inspiration from its considerably more expensive siblings. Changes to the exterior and interior are subtle but there now is a comprehensive range of engines including the 1.0 TFSI 3 cylinder model with an output of 115bhp. There are 2 further petrol models in the 1.4 TFSI (150bhp) and the high performance S3 with a 2.0 TFSI engine (310bhp). The diesel models include the 1.6TDI (110bhp) and 2.0TDI (150bhp) in which the Quattro all-wheel drive version is available. On the road, the Audi A3 is not quite as forgiving as some rivals but it soaks up potholes and bumps well. One of the most sophisticated hatchbacks around, the A3 exudes an air of quality and class but you will pay a premium for the badge so resist the temptation to add too many extras.
Starting Price: €26,960
PCP per month: €279
Mercedes A Class
Mercedes A Class
Unrecognizable from the model it replaced, the current A-Class is longer, wider and slicker. It is not only one of the best looking hatchbacks around but it is the most affordable car with a three-pointed star. Inside the interior is a delicate mix of carbon-fibre trim and minimalist sophistication and is far more reminiscent of the SLS supercar than a traditional Mercedes. There’s a good choice of petrol and diesel engines. The A-class is light and nimble with decent feedback from the steering and even at high speed it is quiet while the ride quality is easily a match for rivals.
Starting Price: €25,505
PCP per month: €270
Ford Kuga
Ford Kuga
A new Kuga arrives in showrooms around the country this month and benefits from a revised front end with tweaked grille design and LED headlights. Overall it is more stylish with real road presence, whether at the school gates or in the supermarket carpark. Changes inside are subtle but include a larger central interface screen that allows drivers to control audio and navigation functions, plus connected smartphones using simple, more conversational voice commands, with Ford’s new SYNC 3 connectivity system. There are nice tactile surfaces and good quality throughout. While the cabin feels roomier, when compared to rivals it is by no means huge. For 2017, a 1.5-litre diesel and 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol will be added to the range and the Kuga is available in two- or four-wheel drive options. The Kuga will also be offered in two new trim lines, ST and Vignale, Ford’s highest trim-level. With a smart interior, stylish looks and a new range of efficient engines the Kuga is a good choice for a family car.
Starting Price: €33,345
PCP per month: €284
Also check out PCP deals from €150 or less per month , PCP deals from €200 or less per month, PCP deals from €250 or less per month, PCP deals from €350 or less per month
All prices are based on a 30% deposit. To find out more about PCP and whether it is the best option for you check out our PCP Guide.
Geraldine Herbert
7th February, 2017
