As we embark into the height of British summertime, the interest in more “warmer” climate friendly cars does start to increase. The convertible lease car has, from our perspective, seen steady decline over the years.
Partially, this is down to economic pressures and restrictions, as many households cannot simply afford the luxury of having the weekend cars. We are thinking about the car which sits in a garage or on the drive for long periods of time until the driver finally manages to have a quick drive.
Cars as a luxury item is still a possibility for the elite or the fortunate, but for many a car is a practical tool which transports them to and from work and ensures mobility for their family.
As a result, it is very rare we get a request for an additional car; many drivers are simply looking for vehicles which serve a variety of purposes. We also think the inconsistent weather in the UK makes a convertible a risky choice, as there are maybe 30-40 actual days in the year where you cannot actually enjoy it!
That being said, there is no denying that the convertible leasing options are fantastic machines and, if your circumstances afford it, are a great way to enjoy motoring.
The car pictured here, the BMW 2 SERIES CONVERTIBLE 218i M Sport 2 door [Nav] Manual, is definitely a great vehicle.
Our existing business contract hire customer had a low-mileage employee who no longer needed a practical car. With grown-up children and a short commute to work, their existing BMW 1 series hatchback simply was not necessary. Additionally, as their mileage fell in and around 8,000 miles per annum, there was no consideration on the engine – it was always going to be the petrol as opposed to the 220d diesel option.
For low-mileage drivers, going for a petrol is often the more practical of positions.
In terms of the car shown, the 218i M Sport convertible beemer, the customer elected for the following configuration:
· Alpine White- Solid Paint
· Hexagon cloth/Alcantara – Anthracite/Blue
· Aluminium hexagon interior trim with estoril blue finish
· 18″ light alloy wheels – M Double spoke style 461M
As the M Sport is the top of the tree in this range (sitting above the SE and Sport), you get some nice specification as standard – front sports seats, sports suspension, navigation, 18” alloys, Bluetooth, insulated glass, dynamic traction control, hill start assist, stop/start, body coloured features, LED lights, multifunction steering wheel, crash sensors, run flat tyres, Thatcham 1 category alarm, rear parking sensors and ambient lighting. In terms of additional specification consider – heated seats, heated steering wheel, windscreen with grey shadeband and front parking sensors for the ultimate mix.
On the technical-side, company car drivers can note the P11d at £27,235.00 and CO2 of 130g/km. The 1499CC engine delivers 136ps, combined MPG at 50.4 and 0-62 times of 8.8 seconds. Service intervals are every 24 months or 18,000 miles, whichever lands sooner.
Do consider the driver-maintained vs funder-maintained agreement.
So would the BMW be your convertible choice or would you consider the Mercedes SLC or cheaper Mazda MX-5?
Let us know you thoughts!
Click Here to find the best personal and business lease deals online on the all new BMW 2 Series Convertible.
