Choosing a new car with an amazing driver’s seat could be the difference between a comfortable life while out on the road or a constant feeling of anxiety before every journey. It’s no surprise then that car manufacturers invest so much time and effort researching how to make their seats as comfortable and as easy to get into as possible, but despite this very few models come with electrically adjustable seats as standard.
For many people with a disability, including wheelchair users, amputees and arthritis sufferers, an electrically adjustable car seat could make getting into and out of a vehicle far easier. Many vehicles with electric seats also include a feature called 'memory' function, which means the car seat can be moved automatically into pre-set positions at the push of a button. As a bonus, most powered car seats can also be heated, making cold frosty mornings much easier to live with. Some of the cars available through the Motability Scheme even include a massage function!
Here’s our pick of the 10 best Motability cars with electrically adjustable seats.
For day-to-day driving, the fifth generation Corsa 5 door is better than ever before. If you're looking for something fun, frugal and cheap to run, there aren’t many better small cars out there. The Vauxhall Corsa 'Ultimate Nav' trim comes with an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with a handy massage function. You also get heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
The latest version of the Ford Focus offering slicker looks, higher interior quality and extra technology. This car is still as rewarding to drive as it's always been, plus there's also greater efficiency under the bonnet thanks to the addition of a hi-tech range of petrol and diesel engines. The Ford Focus 'Titanium X' trim comes with sports-style heated front seats (partially finished in ‘leather’) with contrast stitching and a 6-way power-adjustable driver seat.
The Hyundai IONIQ was the first Motability car that could be ordered as a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid or as a 100% electric vehicle. If you want to keep your initial outlay as low as possible the hybrid version is the one to go for, and the 'Premium SE' trim is the level that comes with an electric driver's seat with memory function as standard. In addition, the front and rear seats are all finished in leather and heated, while the front seats also feature a handy ventilation function to keep you cool during the hot summer months. The 'Premium SE' comes with a heated steering wheel as well.
This fourth generation SEAT Leon is a Focus-sized model that offers Motability customers smarter styling, improved media connectivity, extra safety provision and some fresh new engine options, including mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid engine technology. The SEAT Leon 'FR Sport' trim boasts a great specification that includes power adjustment on the driver’s seat. Both the front seats are also heated, as is the steering wheel.
Another fresh new MG model - and this time it's not an SUV. Launched in the Autumn of 2020, the MG5 EV is an electrified compact estate with an impressive 214-mile driving range (WLTP), a spacious cabin and a huge 578-litres of boot space with the rear seats in place (fold them down and it increases to 1456 litres). The top 'Exclusive' version comes with leather-style upholstery and heated front seats featuring six-way electric adjustment for the driver. In fact, the 'Exclusive' trim versions of the MG ZS, the larger MG HS and the electric MG ZS EV all get a 6-way electric adjustable driver’s seat.
SEAT's recently updated Ateca SUV feels rejuvenated following significant facelift both inside and out. There are fresher looks, a more modern-looking dashboard, more frugal engines and stronger safety features. Just like the Leon, the 'FR Sport' trim of the Ateca SUV gets an electrically adjustable driver seat. In addition, both the leather sports seats in the front are heated.
The Hyundai Tucson is a sharp-suited, mid-sized family SUV aimed at Motability customers who want a car in the Qashqai-class that’s practical, safe and loaded with all the latest cutting edge tech. Choose the 'Premium' trim and both the driver and passenger seats can be adjusted electrically. As a bonus, both the front and the rear outer seats are heated, plus all the seat facings are finished in leather.
Like the Hyundai IONIQ, the Kia Niro is available as a hybrid, PHEV plug-in hybrid or as a full-electric car (the e-Niro). Here, our focus is on the hybrid version, and if you want an electric driver's seat, you'll have to choose the smart Niro '4', which also gets the memory function feature. In addition, the front seats are heated and ventilated, while the outer seats in the back of the car are also heated.
Volvo's XC40 is much more than just a smaller version of the brand's larger XC60 SUV. It gets its own platform together with a very distinct design to set itself apart, and the result is an impressive alternative to premium-branded compact SUV from rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the BMW X1. It’s currently one of the best-selling models available through the Motability Scheme, thanks in no small part to its class-leading safety standards and the quality of the overall finish. Choose either the 'R-Design Pro' or the 'Inscription' variants of the XC40 and you’ll get a power driver seat with memory function, so you’ll easily find the perfect driving position. Each driver can have his or her personal settings. Both the front seats are also heated. The top 'Inscription Pro' trim also includes a power passenger seat.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is as classy as you'd expect a premium 'C'-segment crossover to be from the Stuttgart brand. Thorough engineering borrowed from the Mercedes A-Class hatchback means that there's plenty to like, with its primary selling points focusing on quality and efficiency. If you want your GLA to come with electric seats as standard, you’ll need to go straight to the 'Premium Plus' trim. The 'Premium Plus' comes with electrically adjustable front memory seats with lumbar support. The lumbar support is adjustable, with a choice of four settings. The memory programming includes all seat adjustment functions, including seat height, seat cushion angle and seat backrest inclination. The front seats are also heated, with three different heat settings.
Finding the right vehicle, with the right seats and then the best driving position can make all the difference when you need a comfortable car that you can easily get into and out of.
The vast majority of new cars don't come with power or heated seats as standard, but manufacturers often give customers the option to upgrade the seats in their car when the order is placed, but this can often be an expensive optional extra. Increasingly, it's included as a part of a special pack where you may end up having to pay for additional features you don't want or need. On the other hand, if the option pack also includes features that you would like on your next Motability car and you can afford it, it can be a cost-effective way to add some of the latest high-tech options to your vehicle.
If you need a bit more help getting into and out of a vehicle, there are a number of fairly simple accessories available that you can fit to a vehicle to help when sitting down or standing up, like a strap on the car door to pull on, a bar attached to the door pillar to give you something to push against, or a leg lifter to help you lift your legs over the sill of the vehicle.
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Vehicles and specification correct at time of publication. Please check with your local dealership and the vehicle manufacturer website for more information.
