Renault Clio hatchback review
Top 10 best Motability cars 2022
We pick out 10 cars that are great options for Motability users in the UK
Motability is a clever leasing scheme that helps those with reduced mobility in the UK, letting them use their higher rate mobility allowance to get into a car that’s right for them. There are plenty of options available, so we’ve picked the top 10 best Motability cars available today.
If you are eligible for the ‘Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment’ or the ‘Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance’ (HRMC DLA) then you will be able to claim for a Motability car. The payments go directly from the Department of Work and Pensions to Motability and you get the car for three years.
Top 10 cars with the biggest boots 2022
The Motability scheme has been in place for over 40 years and with approximately three million vehicles supplied. The range of cars that Motability supplies fits the needs of those that take up the scheme; everything from small city cars for the able-bodied that need a low-cost, reliable vehicle all the way to modified and converted larger vehicles for wheelchair-accessible-vehicles (WAVs) or those needing extra assistance. It is also possible to get vehicles configured for partial mobility, for example someone with the use of one leg or arm. In between there is everything from electric cars, to SUVs, and estate cars.
Those specialised converted vehicles need to fit your own unique set of circumstances, so here we’ve concentrated on the cars with the best value and best Car Buyer scores available on the motability scheme.
Motability isn’t immune to the current vehicle shortages, so if you are looking to join the scheme or replacing your existing vehicle you should check with your dealer for expected wait times.
The Scheme has some rules and limitations that you will need to consider. Firstly the pre-VAT value must be less than £25,000. Some vehicles may be above this threshold, which means an ‘advance payment’ is needed to make up the difference. Not all vehicles are available on the scheme to prevent fraud on very expensive cars, but there is still a wide selection including a small number of prestige brands.
Here are our picks of the best Motability cars you can get right now.
The Renault Clio has never enjoyed quite the same success in the UK as the Ford Fiesta, but the latest generation is certainly good enough to change that. While the stylish looks are evolutionary, there’s a much bigger change inside; Renault has given its smallest model an array of premium-feeling soft-touch plastics, and the technology count has significantly increased.
High-spec models get a huge 9.3-inch touchscreen, while every model of the Clio gets LED headlights, cruise control and auto emergency braking. The popular 99bhp petrol engine is available in the three main trim levels with no advance payment, while high-mileage drivers might be drawn to the 1.5-litre diesel.
The VW T-Cross is a small SUV closely related to the Polo and it shares many traits with the popular supermini. It’s easy to drive, comfortable, has plenty of tech in the cabin and looks smart too. The light steering and availability of an automatic gearbox are useful too.
The 1.0-litre TSI engine is a punchy performer but is still economical and quiet, so it’s the best option. Choose it in SE trim and there’s no extra to pay each month, though you’ll have to put down some extra cash for the automatic gearbox if you need that version.
The Ford Puma is a small SUV that’s related to the hugely popular Fiesta supermini. The Fiesta isn’t offered on Motability at the moment but the Puma is very similar, and since it offers a higher driving position, some will find it even more appealing. The big boot and useful storage space will be useful too.
The best option is the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol model in Titanium trim, which is available with a very small advance payment and gets all the equipment you need including smartphone connectivity for the excellent infotainment system. The Puma is great to drive and comfortable too, so it’s an excellent choice.
The latest Volkswagen Caddy is a vast step forward over the old model with an all-new design that shares several parts with the latest Golf, including its engines and on-board technology. Inside, the interior is now more car-like as well, with an impressive infotainment system and touch-sensitive climate controls fitted as standard. Buyers can also upgrade to a larger screen and a digital dial cluster. Access is easy through either one of the front doors or via one of the sliding rear doors which provide a wider space to step in and out, and there are five or seven-seater layouts available depending on how many passengers you plan to carry.
Despite it’s van origins, the Caddy is actually based on the same ‘MQB’ platform as the latest Golf, providing a much more refined, car-like driving experience than other MPVs. Power comes from a choice of a 1.5-litre petrol engine or a 2.0-litre diesel. The petrol engine produces 112bhp whereas the diesel is available in either 101 or 120bhp outputs. All are economical, with the petrol managing around 44mpg, while both diesels can return over 55mpg - meaning every version of the Caddy should be affordable to run.
The Skoda Kamiq is the brand’s smallest SUV model, sitting beneath the larger Karoq and Kodiaq models. Despite its entry-level status, the Kamiq benefits from smart design and packaging and boasts an impressive 400-litre boot, and plenty of headroom for rear seat passengers. While ‘sportiness’ is not the aim of this compact SUV, it does secure to drive on the road with composed handling, and it's also refined at motorway speeds.
The Kamiq is available with a choice of two petrol engines: a 1.0-litre three cylinder with either 94 or 109bhp, or a larger, 1.5-litre four-cylinder with 148bhp. When equipped with a six-speed manual, all engines can return around 50mpg, while opting for a DSG automatic gearbox reduces fuel economy to around 47mpg. SE Drive trim is the pick of the range as it comes with plenty of standard kit, including 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, rear parking sensors and a 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen with sat-nav.
Kia’s latest Ceed range is handsome, well-equipped and comes with the company’s excellent warranty. The hatchback, XCeed crossover and Ceed Sportswagon estate models are all available on Motability without paying anything in advance.
We’ve chosen the estate for this list because of its huge boot, which is nearly class-leading at 600 litres, while the ‘2’ and ‘3’ trims are available without advance payment. Despite this, the ‘2’ gets cruise, air conditioning, smartphone mirroring and heated wipers, and ‘3’ adds even more equipment. You’re limited to the 118bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine, but it’s a good option that is capable of around 50mpg and reasonable acceleration.
The petrol up! is the only one that can be had with no advance payment but nearly the full range is available - with none costing the total weekly allowance.
The car’s square, slightly utilitarian form results in more interior space and flexibility than you might expect, so when you get seated, you may be surprised at how much room you have. It’s also well built, which translates into a relatively refined driving experience on motorways.
You’re not just limited to petrol and diesel cars on the Motability scheme. There are a handful of electric models like the Renault ZOE to pick from, too. The ZOE offers a decent amount of space for four adults, and is capable of up to 245 miles of range. Topping up the battery is an easy task as well, with a 50kW rapid changer taking an hour to replenish the battery from zero to 80%, compared to nine hours using a home wallbox charger.
The only model available without an advance payment is the mid-range Iconic trim, which gets you a slick 9.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, climate control, alloy wheels and wireless phone charging. It’s practical, too, with a 338 litre boot - large enough to cover the majority of regular trips and longer journeys.
Eco-friendly hybrids and electric cars can be ordered on Motability but the choice is a little limited if you’re not wanting to pay an advance payment. Luckily, the Kia Niro is practical, spacious and comes with a fairly generous kit list.
The styling is quite SUV-like, and there’s more room for passengers than in the similarly sized Toyota Prius. Fuel economy is good at nearly 60mpg, and even the ‘2’ trim (the only one available for nothing upfront) has desirable features like a reversing camera, Apple/Android connectivity and dual-zone climate control. It also offers a fuss-free driving experience and a 427-litre boot.
The Dacia Duster might look unassuming but it’s actually an incredibly practical SUV that’s very good value, especially given it uses a lot of Renault parts. On the outside it has a toughened look thanks to a raised ride height and a mix of black and silver bodywork cladding. Inside, there’s room for five adults and a large 445 litre boot space.
The base-spec Essential model is the only version available with an advance payment, getting you the frugal 89bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine. It’s well equipped, too, with Bluetooth connectivity, electric front windows, air conditioning, DAB Radio and remote central locking.
Looking for the most effortless way to get from A to B? Check out our list of the top 10 most comfortable cars
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