What is a Saloon Car? What to Know When Leasing

Ah, the saloon car, arguably the most timeless car class on the market. Offering a blend of elegance and practicality, the saloon car has an appeal and aura about it that sets it aside from the rest. 

They're a great choice if you want to drive something that screams, "I've got my life together" while saying, "I'm great fun at after-work drinks". A great balance… 

If you're considering leasing a saloon car, a few questions are probably running through your head. Are they practical? Will they suit the needs of my family? Are they worth the money? 

In this blog, we dive into the world of saloon cars and explain why leasing one might be the best decision you've ever made.

We discuss:  

Saloon cars have a boot lid hinged below the back window, meaning the boot is separate from the passenger compartment. It's different from a hatchback, which has a full-height boot lid. 

The best example of a saloon car is the BMW 3 Series Saloon or Audi A4 Saloon. 

Other characteristics of saloon cars include a long body, four doors, and a fixed roof. They're typically aimed at drivers seeking a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. 

So, you fancy a saloon car. But what's it going to bring to the table? 

• Good looks - Saloon cars are undoubtedly some of the best-looking cars out there. Combining the sporty features of a coupe with the class of an estate car, saloons are sure to raise eyebrows. Think about it: you're meeting a new client for the first time. You want your car to make a great first impression, and a saloon will definitely do that. 
• Luxury interiors - Climb inside a saloon car, and you'll be greeted by a state-of-the-art interior. Leather seats, modern technology, you name it, saloon cars have it all. 
• Comfortable ride - The term 'saloon car' originates from the luxury carriages on a train, so the car had to match for comfort. Designed to be long-distance cruisers, saloon cars are as comfortable as they are good-looking. Most models will come with various driving modes, and you might even find adaptive suspension on board. 

If you're thinking about leasing a saloon for the first time, here's what you need to consider: 

• Can be expensive to run - Typically, saloon cars come with powerful engines and loads of modern technology. This means that if something goes wrong, you may have to fork out more money than you would for a hatchback or SUV. If you're worried about this, consider a maintenance contract which covers all essential servicing.  
• Not great off-road - If you live in a rural area, you might run into a few complications driving a saloon car. They have less ground clearance than other cars, meaning that bumpy roads or potholes are more likely to cause damage. 
• Limited cargo space - Saloon cars have a separate boot for storing luggage, but this means they are smaller than other cars. You'll struggle to fit larger items like golf clubs or a road bike in a saloon car's boot.

When leasing a saloon car, you need to think about where you'll be driving and what you'll be using the car for. Think about the required practicality, performance, and versatility needed. 

Here's what we'd recommend based on a few different profiles: 

• Stylish - BMW 3 Series Saloon. It looks good, drives good, and feels good. You cannot go wrong with the 3 Series Saloon. 
• Luxury - Mercedes-Benz S Class. This is a car fit for a king. Every detail is remarkable, from the stitching on the seats to the infotainment system. We guarantee you'll be comfortable in the S Class. 
• Technology - Audi A8 Saloon. Featuring a digital cockpit, a pair of screens on the centre console, and over 40 driver-assistance systems, the A8 Saloon is a tech-wiz's dream. 
• Practicality - Skoda Octavia. The Octavia is arguably one of the most complete cars on the market. Put it in any situation, and it will deliver the goods. It has a spacious interior, a massive boot, and loads of technology at an affordable price. It's also a cheap saloon car compared to others. 
• Family - Volkswagen Arteon Fastback. The days of boring Volkswagen family saloons are long gone. The Arteon Fastback is good to drive, spacious, and has loads of equipment to keep your family happy. 

So, if you're looking to make a statement on the road, don't hesitate to lease a saloon car. Providing the perfect balance of practicality and panache, a saloon car is a driving advertisement that you mean business. 

Although they may cost a little more than a hatchback or an SUV, they will be worth it for pure enjoyment. 

Looking for more leasing advice? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts produces a range of car leasing guides, such as our Fair Wear and Tear Guide.

We are also one of the UK's largest car and van leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need. For more information, check out our leasing deals or call us on 0345 811 9595.