Vauxhall Frontera has become the most-requested model on the Leasing.com platform for 2026, accounting for 7.2 percent of all vehicle enquiries received to date.
Leasing searches for the Frontera jump sharply
Between January and September 2026, searches for the Frontera rose by an astonishing 10,963 percent compared with the same period in 2025, according to the marketplace’s data.
The surge comes as drivers face high fuel costs and a lingering cost-of-living squeeze, prompting a shift toward affordable crossovers that promise lower running expenses.
Another newcomer, the BYD Sealion 7, recorded a 793 percent increase in enquiries, showing growing interest in budget-friendly utility vehicles.
Trailing the Frontera, the Jaecoo 7 generated 3.3 percent of total enquiries. The Chinese-made model, named Leasing.com’s “Car of the Year” for 2025, was the UK’s most-registered new car in March and has remained in the top three for the year.
Its brand and sister line Omoda have together exceeded 100,000 sales, reinforcing the appeal of value-oriented crossovers in the market.
Such rapid adoption mirrors earlier spikes seen when other value-oriented crossovers entered the market, suggesting that price-sensitive buyers quickly rally behind new options that combine practicality with a modest price tag. The pattern reflects how quickly consumers respond when a vehicle offers both affordability and practicality.
The Kia Sportage holds the final spot among the top three, responsible for 2.4 percent of enquiries, while family-focused utility vehicles occupy seven of the ten leading positions on Leasing.com’s list.
Among newer entrants, the all-electric Leapmotor B10 contributed 1.8 percent of enquiries, indicating that electrified models are also gaining traction. This momentum shows the growing relevance of electric options even within budget segments.
Mike Fazal, CEO of Leasing.com, said, “Buyers are no longer sticking automatically to the car brands their parents drove or renewing former leases out of habit. Value for money is driving choices now, which explains why stylish, practical crossovers like the Jaecoo 7 are performing so well.”
He added, “What is really striking from our fresh data is that the top five market newcomers are all Chinese-manufactured models. Drivers are genuinely engaged and excited to see what these new brands bring to the table.”
