Written by Menswear Style in Cars on the 11th June 2020

Being environmentally conscious is seeping into every aspect of consumer culture. From the food we eat to the clothes we wear; more and more people are looking to make more eco-friendly choices and consider the environmental consequences of their purchases. When it comes to leasing a vehicle, there is no exception. Cars vary widely when it comes to emissions and their impact on the planet. So, for those of us who want to make a more environmentally sound choice when we choose a car to lease, here are the top five most eco-friendly cars to choose from.

Nissan LEAF Hatchback 

One of the most popular electric cars in Britain, and Europe’s best-selling electric car in 2018, the Nissan LEAF has a functional and spacious design that is comfortable and practical, and comes at a much lower price tag than some other electric car models. With a 40kWh battery and a max range of 242 miles, the LEAF can charge up from a 50kW quick charger, giving you around 80% capacity in just 40 minutes. Its attractive design, well-proportioned interior, and extended driving range – managing around 150 miles between charges in standard guise – make the Nissan LEAF a more accessible electric vehicle for the environmentally-conscious consumer.

Hyundai IONIQ 

The Hyundai IONIQ is a unique mid-sized hatchback that allows you to choose between petrol/electric hybrid, petrol/electric plug-in hybrid or pure electric. It’s a green car that you can have in three states of electrification. This three-pronged approach allows for low or even zero CO2 emissions, and the car is designed with efficiency in mind. With a 1.6-litre petrol engine, electric motor, and battery pack, it can travel 30 miles on electric power alone. With the best of the traditional family car design, its aerodynamic profile allows for maximum drive efficiency with low drag.

Volkswagen e-Golf 

With a battery range of 186 miles, the Volkswagen e-Golf has more than enough power to get you through your daily commute. It handles just like a standard Golf, agile enough to navigate through those tight city streets, and enough grip to allow you to enjoy cross country driving. Its near-silent electric motor makes the Volkswagen e-Golf a peaceful drive, and you can lease this car knowing that you are doing your part for reducing your carbon emissions.

Toyota Prius 

The Toyota Prius is synonymous with the hybrid. This low emissions petrol-electric pioneer has been around since 1997, updating and improving ever since. With its futuristic lines and sharp tail, the Prius is designed to cut through the air and reduce drag cleanly. Inside, it is designed not only for low emissions, but the dashboard has user-friendliness in mind. For those concerned about their fuel consumption, the Toyota Prius is perfect for the eco-conscious driver.

BMW i3 

In 2015 the BMW i3 won Green Car of the Year, and it's easy to see why. The BMW i3 is cutting edge with its electric car technology and is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles. This city car is designed for a premium feel with its minimalist design and optional wood trim. Its compact dimensions hide a spacious four-seater cabin. In 2016, an update added a new 22kWh battery pack to improve the car’s range by 50%, making it even better for longer journeys. Official figures put the range at around 190 miles, which is more than enough to cover most journeys. With zero emissions, it is one of the greenest cars you can lease today.

When you choose to lease a car, consider an electric or hybrid to make your journeys more environmentally friendly, and do your part to lower your carbon emissions. If you're looking to lease an electric car in the UK, Sensible Cars Leasing has a great range to choose from.

We list the Nissan Leaf Hatchback, Hyundai IONIQ, Volkswagen e-Golf, Toyota Prius, and BMW i3 in this auto guide to The Top 5 Most Eco-Friendly Cars.