Welcome back to Lease of the Week. Each week I select a car with the best leasing deals I can find – breaking down why the car is recommendable, its key rivals and why it represents such good value for money.
Last week it was a bestseller that caught my eye, the Nissan Qashqai. This week I’ve settled on a car I’ve not seen that many of driving around in the wild. A car that’s bound to turn heads and garner attention, especially if its finished in a bold colour.
Smart #1
From £229 per month
We rate the interior highly, which is stylish, well-equipped and finished to excellent quality. It’s clever too with plenty of storage nooks dotted around and room for even the lankiest of passengers despite the modest dimensions. The rear seats even sit on runners which means you can choose between more legroom or a bigger boot. Disappointingly, boot space varies from 273-323 litres, far from class-leading even in the biggest configuration.
We like the comfort offered, the suspension is squidgy and the seats are remarkably supportive too. Performance is also solid, even without opting for the too-fast-for-its-own-good Brabus examples which boast a ridiculous 428hp and 543Nm of torque.
The best deals are for Pro+ trim, and while we prefer the Premium’s extra kit, you won’t ever accuse a Pro+ of being barren. As well as the larger 66 kWh battery pack capable of an official 261-miles of range, there’s 19-inch alloy wheels, two-zone climate control, heated and electrically adjustable front seats with driver’s memory function, a powered tailgate, sliding and reclining rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a 12.8-inch infotainment. All welcome premium features in this price range.
The deals fluctuate a fair bit but there’s a plethora available for under £300 per month, including a smattering with very low initial rental fees.
There are loads of rivals to fend off in the small SUV class, and plenty hover around the same price point as the Smart. The new Ford Puma Gen-E, for example, has nearly twice the boot space, but the interior is a massive step down and looks plainer than flour next to the zesty #1.
A Kia Niro EV is a tempting proposition, and similarly priced, but the Smart trounces it for low-speed comfort. Look beyond electric small SUVs and the #1 looks even more tempting and value for money. At its cheapest, the #1 is competing with the likes of the Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen T-Cross, and offers far more in the way of premium features than either.
To find out more, read our full Smart #1 review
Pros
- Spacious and flexible interior
- Strong performance and good range
- Lots of standard kit
Cons
- Small boot
- Annoying driver attention software
These deals are indicative examples of some packages available as of 9 June 2025, but are subject to change without prior notice. Everyone’s financial circumstances are different and the availability of credit is subject to status. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Parkers cannot recommend a deal for you specifically.
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