A 20% increase in the number of new 4x4 leases was seen by medium-term leasing specialist Equalease in October.

The company says that the increase during September, which also saw a similar rise compared to August, is becoming an established seasonal variation in medium term leasing for fleets that regularly change vehicles.

Managing director Paul Ashton, explained: “It is not surprising that as the winter months approach some drivers and fleets prefer to be using 4x4s, sometimes simply because they are more confident facing tougher weather conditions in an all-wheel-drive vehicle, but also sometimes because there is a genuine job need for a bigger vehicle with proper off-roading ability.

“What is new in this situation is the way that medium term leasing creates a situation where drivers can have a 4x4 for the winter months and then a choice of conventional cars for other times of the year. Our customers are learning that they can swap vehicles to match their seasonal needs.”

Equalease is one of a handful of companies that has developed 3-12 month car leases as a specialist product and says that it has a group of customers who are willing to pay a premium to change vehicle regularly.