Thinking of buying on a PCP (Personal Contract Plan), we have five cars for €250 or less per month writes Geraldine Herbert
Citroen C4 Cactus
Citroën C4 Cactus
The name may evoke images of a sandy desert but the natural habitat of Citroën’s new C4 Cactus is the supermarket car park. The distinctive plastic panels fixed to the doors, known as Airbumps, are to protect from bangs and dents to doors caused by wayward supermarket trolleys so it makes an ideal small family car. Slip behind the wheel and it is comfortable with beautifully cosseting seats. Look closely at the dash and the lack of a rev counter suggests this is not a car for setting scorching lap times at the Nürburgring but rather a comfortable cruiser that is all about practical family motoring. There is a range of petrol and diesel engines to choose from and our pick is the 1.6 Blue diesel promises an incredibly healthy average of up to 3.4 l/100km (83mpg) with CO2 emissions of just 89g/km. A special edition Rip Curl model has just been added to the range and comes with an intelligent traction system that allows drivers to select different modes to deal with different types of surfaces such as snow, mud and sand.
Starting Price: €17,795
PCP per month: €207.45
MINI Cooper S
MINI Cooper S
From its inception, MINI has been about the driving experience, flip the toggle switch starter and it pulses red on ignition. Built on a platform that also underpins the new generation BMW models, the MINI is now even more comfortable. The Cooper S, the current flagship of the line-up, is remarkably smooth in its acceleration. Low and flat, this four-seater really stays planted on curvy roads. The gearbox shifts quickly and responds smoothly and while the 0-100 time of 6.8 seconds is not a ripping speed, it is thrilling enough when accompanied by a distinctive engine note. The Cooper D ticks the emissions and economy boxes but the Cooper S is the one for sheer fun. But be warned, opt for the Volcanic Orange paint work and you won’t go unnoticed, by anyone.
Starting Price: €29,545.37
PCP per month: €246.75
Nissan Qashqai
Nissan Qashqai
Nissan may not have reinvented the wheel when they launched the Qashqai but they certainly came close and spawned a whole raft of imitators with this clever crossover. The real strength of this car lies in its practicality and versatility; it blends a hatchback and a compact 4×4 with all the flexibility and adaptability of an MPV so it makes an ideal family car. It is now a lot classier behind the wheel and there is a much more premium feel throughout. It is also a good size with more than enough room for five adults and plenty of room for heads and shoulders. There is a choice of FWD and 4WD, 1.2 litre turbo petrol and 1.5 or 1.6 litre diesel engines. The second generation Qashqai not only has more kerb appeal but under that smart styling lurks a very tempting family car that is hard to beat
Starting Price: €25,620
PCP per month: €247.20
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Tucson
Since its launch last year the Tucson has become the Ireland’s best selling car. Inside it is well laid out but it is the space that sets it apart. Passengers can travel in comfort with no compromise to the boot space which is one of the largest in its segment. Power is from a 1.6 2WD petrol, a 1.7 2WD diesel or a 2.0 litre diesel that is available as a 2WD or 4WD option and can be chosen with either the manual or automatic gearbox. Designed, built and tested in Europe, the Tucson is relaxing to drive, the steering feels satisfyingly responsive and the suspension absorbs even the worst bumps. Compact on the outside and spacious on the inside it is easy to see why so many Irish buyers have opted for the Tucson.
Starting Price: €26,245
PCP per month: €250
Skoda Superb
Skoda Superb
Skoda’s flagship model lives up to its name supremely. With signature strong Germanic design lines the exterior is considerably smarter in the all new Superb launched late last year. Inside high-quality interior materials are used throughout but it is the rear leg room where the Superb really shines – there’s plenty of space for 2 tall adults to stretch out and the boot is huge – in fact it’s nearly easier to climb in rather than reaching to retrieve items from the cavernous space. There is a huge engine range and all are more efficient from 1.6TDI to a 2.0TDI while petrol options include a new 2.0 TSI petrol with 280bhp and an optional seven speed DSG automatic gearbox. Skoda’s Superb is pretty unbeatable as a blend of comfort, space and economy. It is not as cheap as it once was but it still offers excellent value for money.
Starting Price: €27,500
PCP per month: €249
Also check out PCP deals from €150 or less per month PCP deals from €200 or less per month, PCP deals from €300 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
31st January, 2017
