Gateway2Lease at Fleet Procure Live: What caught our eye at Millbrook

Fleet Procure Live! returned to Millbrook last week, bringing together leasing brokers from across the UK for a full day of ride-and-drive sessions, product demos, and a first look at some of the newest models heading to market. With more than 100 vehicles available to explore on the famous proving ground, it’s one of the best opportunities in the industry to get hands-on with the cars our customers will soon be asking about.

Gateway2Lease has been a family-orientated firm since its founding in 2008, so it was fitting that our representatives at this year’s event were Felice and Matt Di Cello, our father-and-son procurement duo.

Between them they boast an impressive 45 years of automotive experience, and events like this are exactly where that expertise pays off.

Seeing the cars in person, talking to manufacturers, and more importantly, actually driving the new models helps us make better decisions about what we recommend to our customers, be it for business or personal lease. So here’s our thoughts on some of the cars at Fleet Procure Live!.

Aion V – a new name with a very strong first impression

One of the biggest surprises of the day was the Aion V, a new entrant to the UK market. The brand’s “Great 8” plan — eight years of warranty, servicing, and MOTs included — immediately caught our attention, but the car itself made an even stronger impact.

Matt took it out on the Millbrook track and came back genuinely impressed. The interior quality, the generous trim levels, and the way it handled the circuit all felt far more polished than you’d expect from a newcomer.

Definitely one to watch as it arrives in the UK.

BYD - new launches and familiar favourites

BYD had a strong presence at the event, and it’s clear the brand is continuing to build momentum in the UK.

On display was the BYD Atto 2, a brand-new compact EV that’s likely to appeal to drivers looking for something efficient and affordable. Nearby was the BYD Seal, the sleek saloon we currently have a great deal on, and one that continues to impress with its blend of performance, range, and value.

And for something a little different, the highly anticipated Dolphin Cargo made an appearance. It’s a van conversion of the popular Dolphin hatchback, and it’s a clever, compact solution for urban businesses that need zero-emission practicality.

Polestar 5 – a new flagship taking shape

One particular new saloon turning heads throughout the day was the Polestar 5, a brand-new launch and a clear step up in ambition for the brand.

It’s still early days, but the design, proportions and presence suggest Polestar is aiming squarely at the premium end of the market. Definitely one we’ll be keeping a close eye on as more details emerge.

Chery Tiggo 4 – another new arrival

Chery is another brand expanding into the UK, and the new Tiggo 4 was on display as part of its growing line-up.

It’s a compact SUV with a clean design and competitive spec sheet, and it’s good to see more choice entering the market, especially for customers looking for value-focused alternatives to the established names.

Models we already know well and have strong offers on

Alongside the new launches were several familiar faces that we currently have excellent deals on, including the Renault 4 and the MG IM6.

Seeing them again in person reinforces why they’re proving so popular with our customers: good range, strong equipment levels, and competitive pricing make them easy recommendations for both personal and business leases.

Why events like this matter

For us, Fleet Procure Live! isn’t just a day out at Millbrook.

It represents a chance to stay ahead of what’s coming, understand how new models feel in the real world, and make informed decisions about the vehicles we offer. With so many new brands entering the UK and established manufacturers pushing into new segments, being hands-on is more important than ever.

As well as enjoying their time in the Bedfordshire sunshine, Matt and Felice came away with plenty of insights, and a long list of cars we’ll be watching closely over the next few months.

As always, the goal is simple: make sure our customers get the best possible choice, the best possible value, and the best possible support.