IRVINE, Calif. -

With Oct. 1 marking the traditional start of the new model year, manufacturers are offering some hot deals on leases as this date approaches, perhaps in an effort to help dealers move 2013 model-year vehicles off their lots.

Kelley Blue Book picked out some of the best lease deals for this month — many of which may turn up again for dealers as used inventory since  leasing is currently exceeding pre-recession popularity.

In fact, Experian Automotive reported that of all new vehicles financed in Q2, leases accounted for an all-time high of 27.64 percent during the timeframe, up from 24.4 percent in Q2 of 2012.

According to the latest State of the Automotive Finance Market report from Experian, the average monthly payment for a lease contract written in the second quarter came in at $408 for 35 months.

But some of the models KBB cited for consumers show luxury car leases under $300 monthly.

Like this one, for example: Available through Sept. 30, consumers can rent an Infiniti G37 Coupe Journey for $299 a month on a lease term of 24 months and a down payment of $2,999.

"October 1 is the traditional start of the new model year, and car dealers hate to begin the new year with a big inventory of previous model year vehicles on hand, so now is a particularly good time to look for deals," said Jack Nerad, executive editorial director at Kelley Blue Book.  "You should remember, though, that any 2013 model you buy will be a year older in just a matter of days."

It may be a year older, but that means it may be a "year" closer to being traded in or sent off to auction to fill dealers’ pre-owned inventory.

In fact, if results from a Swapalease.com study revealed earlier this month are any indicator, dealers may be seeing these off-lease units show up a bit more in the coming years as leasing is rising in popularity.

According to the results of the online survey presented to more than 800 drivers in June, 40.7 percent of respondents said they are extremely likely to lease their next vehicle. This figure compares with 29.6 percent of respondents who said they were extremely likely to lease during the same time a year ago.

And though a couple luxury models made it onto the list of "Hot September New-Car Deal Picks" from KBB, the Chevrolet Malibu LS topped the list for cheapest lease with a $169 monthly payment for a 36-month-lease; that is the rate with a $2,369 down payment and an MSRP of $22,805.

Next up was the Ford Focus SE, with a $22,805 MSRP and a monthly payment of $179. This rate is for a 24-month-lease with a $2,138 down payment.

Rounding out the top three is the Nissan Leaf S with a MSRP of $29,650 and a monthly payment of $199. This deal is for a 36 month lease and a down payment of $1,999.

See below for KBB.com’s full list of hottest September leasing deals: