When summer arrives, your car becomes more than just a way to get from A to B — it’s your weekend getaway vehicle, your family holiday hauler, and sometimes your personal air-conditioned sanctuary.
Modern cars are better equipped than ever to handle hot weather, long journeys and busy family life. Whether you’re heading off on a road trip or just braving the school holiday traffic, these are the features that make summer driving simpler, safer and more comfortable.
And if your current car doesn’t have these, it might be time to consider a new lease. Here’s what to look out for — and how to get it without breaking the bank.
1. Climate Control That Works With You
Forget fiddly dials and uneven blasts of hot air. Most modern cars come with dual-zone or tri-zone climate control, letting the driver, passenger — and even rear-seat passengers — set the temperature that works for them.
2. Ventilated and Heated Seats
We all love leather interiors — until we sit on them after the car’s been baking in the sun.
Ventilated front seats gently blow cool air through the seat cushions to keep you comfortable, especially on longer journeys. And if you’re driving at night or early in the morning, heated seats still come in handy.
Many high-spec lease options offer this as standard — often more affordable than you’d expect.
3. Sliding Panoramic Sunroofs
Nothing screams summer like open skies. A panoramic sunroof lets in natural light and fresh air — without the full-blown wind tunnel effect of an open window.
Some models even feature auto-dimming or solar-reflective glass, which helps keep the cabin cooler without shutting out the sunshine.
4. Built-In Navigation with Live Traffic
Nobody wants to be stuck in a jam when the temperature hits 30°C.
Modern lease cars often come with built-in sat-nav systems that offer live traffic updates, dynamic rerouting, and EV charger mapping. That means you can avoid delays and keep the journey smooth — no overheating and no missed exits.
Plus, many systems integrate with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can use your favourite apps hands-free.
5. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
When you’re facing long motorway drives or stop-start traffic to the coast, features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and traffic jam assist are game changers.
They don’t just improve safety — they reduce fatigue, which is especially important in warm weather when focus tends to slip.
These features are common in most new cars. You can find them on many of our in-stock special offers.
6. Smart Storage and Cooling
Many modern vehicles include clever storage, even with features like cooled glove boxes that can be especially useful if you’re travelling with kids, pets or planning picnics and beach days.
Need room for paddleboards or bikes? Look for SUVs with fold-flat seats and roof bars built in.
7. Rear Privacy Glass and Sunshades
Tinted rear windows do more than just look sleek — they help block UV rays and keep passengers cool. Some family-focused models also include built-in rear sunshades or retractable blinds, ideal for young children or longer trips.
Why Leasing Is the Easiest Way to Upgrade
If your current car doesn’t offer these summer-friendly features, leasing is the simplest way to upgrade without the big upfront costs. You’ll get:
- A brand-new vehicle with the latest technology
- Fixed monthly payments to make budgeting easier
- Road tax included throughout your term
- Optional maintenance packages to keep you covered
And if your needs change? You’re not locked in long term. Lease terms from Car Leasing Made Simple are flexible, and our team is here to help you choose the right car for summer — and beyond.
Final Thoughts: Drive the Smart Way This Summer
Modern cars offer more than comfort — they keep you safer, calmer and better equipped to handle long summer drives.
If your air con isn’t cutting it, the seats feel like a sauna, or you’re juggling endless cables just to keep devices charged — it might be time to consider leasing.
Take a look at our current in-stock offers, and see how easy it is to upgrade to a car that’s ready for whatever summer throws at you.