The best cars available on Motability

It’s a system by which those who receive certain disability-related benefits – usually the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance – can apply to lease a new car, which is usually replaced every three years.

Motorists can use the whole of their allowance to pay for the vehicle, or just part. Vehicles with a list price of more than £25,000 require an advance payment, too.

There’s a wide range of choice available, so those on the scheme don’t have to be limited by what they drive. Everything from tiny city cars to sporty models are available.

For the more severely disabled, Motability also provides wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs), which can accommodate wheelchair users as passengers or in some cases, even as a driver. However, these tend to be made by specialist converters to meet an individual’s own needs, so we’ve concentrated on standard cars here.

For most, we’ve also added an automatic gearbox for added ease of driving.

Small car: Volkswagen up!

Weekly rental: Total Motability Allowance

Advance payment: £0

With more space than you expect, this small but practical city car can easily fit buggy or large suitcase in the rear. The rear seats can be folded which allows for for extra space, as well as an extra luggage compartment if you need extra loading space.

Mid-sized car: SEAT Ibiza

Weekly rental: Total Allowance

Advance payment: £0

The latest SEAT Ibiza comes with the latest technology to give you a safer, easier, more fun-filled way to travel. For a practical Motability vehicle, the SEAT Ibiza is a great choice, and it's one that will offer you a versatile option, too. 

Family car: Peugeot 5008

Weekly rental: Total allowance

Advance payment: £2,999

With 7 individual seats, the PEUGEOT 5008 can be configured in a way to perfectly meet your needs. Intelligent features including removable seats in row 3 and flat folding front passenger seat* help to increase practicality even further. 

SUV: T-Cross

Weekly rental: Total allowance

Advance payment: £0

The Volkswagen T-Cross is a brilliant small SUV. The T-Cross provides the excellent handling of a hatchback, with the added storage space and comfort of an SUV.

Convertible: Mini Cooper Convertible

Weekly rental: Total allowance

Advance payment: £1,749

Our first choice in this category would be the brilliant Mazda MX-5 – but it’s not necessarily the best choice for those with mobility issues due to its tiny cabin and low-slung driving position. The Mini Convertible is far from a poor substitute, though – great to drive, fun to look at and dripping with charm.