Body Styles Explained

Choosing the right lease vehicle is about more than the brand or colour – it is about finding a body style that fits your lifestyle and requirements. From compact and efficient vehicles for city streets, to practical family cars with generous space, and reliable vans suited for business, each body style is designed with a clear purpose.

At Gateway2Lease, the aim is to make it easy to understand the different options so you can select a vehicle that meets both personal and professional needs. This guide explains the most common body styles available when browsing lease deals, highlighting key features and who they suit best.

Hatchback

Hatchbacks are amongst the UK’s most popular vehicle types. They’re economical, nimble around town, and feature a lift-up rear boot that makes loading simple. Perfect for everyday life without feeling bulky.

Popular models: VW Golf, Ford Focus, Peugeot 208, Audi A3 Sportback

Best for: Commuters, couples, small families

Find your next lease car with our hatchback lease deals.

Saloon

Saloons offer a smooth, quiet drive and a touch of class. With four doors and a separate boot, they feel spacious and are often chosen for their comfort and executive feel – a great choice for business drivers.

Popular models: BMW 3 Series, Audi A5, Tesla Model 3

Best for: Business users, long-distance drivers

View saloon lease deals.

Estate

Flexible, roomy, and family-friendly

Estate vehicles combine the comfort of a saloon with extra rear space for luggage, sports gear, or pets. They are practical while maintaining a modern, refined design, offering car-like handling with additional storage.

Popular examples: Audi A6 Avant, Skoda Superb Estate, VW ID 7 Tourer

Best for: Families, pet owners, adventure seekers

Check out our latest estate car leasing offers.

Crossover

Compact, versatile, and perfect for everyday life.

Crossovers combine the practicality of a small SUV with the efficiency and handling of a hatchback. They often have a slightly higher driving position than a hatchback and more interior space but remain easy to park and manoeuvre in city streets.

Popular models: Nissan Juke, Kia Sportage, Peugeot 3008, Cupra Formentor.

Best for: Urban drivers who want extra space, comfort, and a higher view of the road

Explore our crossover lease offers.

SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)

Confident, capable, and versatile

SUVs are a popular choice for their high driving position, spacious cabins, and sense of security. From compact crossovers to large seven-seaters, they’re available in petrol, hybrid, and electric versions to suit every need.

Popular examples: VW T-Roc, Volvo XC60, Audi Q5, Land Rover Defender

Best for: Families, rural drivers, those who value comfort and safety

Browse SUV lease offers.

7-Seater

Room for everyone – and everything

If you regularly travel with family, friends, or colleagues, a 7-seater provides the flexibility you need. Many offer fold-flat rear seats, letting you switch easily between passenger and luggage space – ideal for growing families or shared travel.

Popular models: Skoda Kodiaq, Peugeot 5008, VW Tayron, Kia EV9

Best for: Larger families, group travel, car sharers

Discover 7-seater lease options.

Coupe

Sporty, stylish, and built to impress

Coupes are all about design and driving enjoyment. With two doors and an aerodynamic roofline, they offer an engaging drive and striking presence. They are less practical than other vehicles but perfect for those who value performance and personality.

Popular models: BMW 4 Series, Porsche 911, Alpine A110, Mercedes CLE

Best for: Style-conscious drivers and weekend enthusiasts

Check out our latest coupe lease deals.

Convertible

Open-top fun and everyday flair

Convertibles (or cabriolets) bring freedom to every drive. With retractable roofs, they let you enjoy the open air when the sun’s out – and stay snug when it’s not. They’re enjoyable to drive as they are to look at.

Popular models: MINI Convertible, BMW Z4, VW T-Roc Cabriolet

Best for: Those who love driving for pleasure

See convertible lease options.

Pickup

Rugged, reliable, and ready for hard work

Pickups combine utility and style, offering a practical open rear bed and strong towing ability, along with plenty of interior comfort. They’re tough enough for the worksite yet refined enough for everyday driving.

Popular models: Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max

Best for: Tradespeople, outdoor workers, towing and transport

Did you know? There are various pickup styles, including extended cab and double cab options. View our Pickup Body Styles Guide for more information.

Van

Practical, versatile, and business-ready

Vans are the go-to choice for businesses and professionals who need load space, durability, and comfort. From compact city vans to large panel vans – and increasingly, electric models – there’s one for every job.

Popular models: VW Transporter, Ford Transit Custom, Renault Trafic

Best for: Businesses, delivery drivers, tradespeople

Explore your options: Vans come in a variety of body styles, from chassis cabs to luton vans and crew vans. Check out our Van Body Styles Guide for a full breakdown.