Car Rental Road Raves

The 5 Series Touring has never caught the public's imagination in the same way as the saloon.Despite the fact that the UK is an 'estate' market, UK sales of the current Touring were just 5.8% of total Touring sales in 2003 despite BMW GB representing more than 10% of World wide sales. This can't be down to the product, as the current 5 Series Touring is as good as any estate.
Certainly, BMW staff have no suggestions as to the reason. What it does mean is that if they can uncover and solve the problem, they can double sales with the new Touring from only 2,142 in 2003, of which just 14 were the highly desirable 540i.
While the current 5 Series Touring was always considered to be stylish and elegant the new car does tend to make it look somewhat staid. Conservative buyers may favour the Touring over the saloon as the most controversial feature (the boot) is obviously missing on the 'estate'. It could be said that the Touring is one of the best of the Bangle designs as it looks like a more muscular and contemporary version of the old car, without any of the 'excesses' of other Chris Bangle-designed BMWs.
Four models will be available at launch; 525i SE (192bhp) and 545i (333bhp) petrol versions and 525d SE(177bhp) and 530d SE (218bhp) diesels. In Spring 2005 these will be joined by 520i SE and 530i SE petrols. TheGermans have a new game called 'Bockspringen' (or in English, Leapfrog) - Mercedes Benz had a 204bhp diesel so BMW launched a 218bhp unit, only to be pipped by Audi with 225bhp. It seems now that BMW has decided to hang on to the record for longer this time with an autumn launch of a 'stonking' two-stage turbo 3.5-litre six-cylinder diesel with 272bhp.
Quite frankly, the current 530d already goes like a sports car and, while probably 75% will be automatic, the 6-speed manual suits the car better and is quieter and smoother, not that there is anything wrong with the automatic. As usual the 525i needs revving and the 525d is more than adequate. For enthusiastic drivers the real peach is the 545i which is so fast yet so smooth and rewarding to drive. Surely more than 14 people will be seduced by this car in a full year.
BMW has honed the steering and suspension progressively and introduced more lightweight materials to the extent that these cars seem an extension of the driver - the word that comes to mind is 'silky'. As is the custom these days, the latest version is bigger in all dimensions than the current car and this is certainly felt in the interior, which is a very comfortable place to be, even in the back. Some may mourn the loss of the traditional BMW dashboard - which was all about function - with one that is more about form.
The I Drive is there in simplified form and, like so much about BMW at the moment, opinions are split. But those who take the trouble to learn the system will be well rewarded. Safety is also well provided for across the range, with a full tally of airbags and a five-star Euro- NCAP rating seems on the cards.
BMWs are much better specified these days and you can actually buy one without recourse to the options list.For best RVs, metallic paint and leather are essential (standard on some models) and, for the larger engines, automatic.
This car (particularly in diesel form) is ideal for senior managers who need extra space, as the RVs will undoubtedly remain class-leading and leasing rates will be very competitive. Tax avoiders will have to specify one of the diesels, which have impressively low CO2 figures.
FW OVERVIEWWhile it is difficult to improve a winning formula, BMW has moved the 5 Series Touring on yet again with even better dynamic qualities. The jury is still out on the styling but once detractors are familiar they will probably come round. BMW has more competition than ever, particularly from the recently launched A6, and it is going to be a tough fight for market leadership
BMW 530D SE TOURINGOTR price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £33,930Engine cyl/cc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6/2,993ccMax power . . . . . . . . . . . 218bhp @ 4,000rpmMax torque . . . . . . . . . . . 369lb.ft @ 2,000rpm0-62mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.2secsTop speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151mphCombined MPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39.2mpgCO2 emissions . . . . . 192g/km (27% in 04/05)

Source Fleetworld

The original Mini was a phenomenon and so is the latest BMW-built car, except this time it is actually designed to make a profit. Since launch in 2001 a staggering 400,000 have been built (the half million will be reached in the Autumn). The car is sold in 73 markets and, needless to say, the UK is the most successful, followed by Germany, Italy, Japan and incredibly the USA. In 2003, 40,500 Minis were sold in the UK through 150 of the 152 BMW dealers. While there was never an official convertible version of the original Mini it was inevitable there would be one based on the latest car. After all, the British love affair with open motoring continues to gather pace with sales rising from just 0.93% of the market in 1993 to a remarkable 3.8% or 98,316 in 2003. This is despite the UK suffering rainfall on an average 184 days per year. MINI UK estimates that in a full year the Convertible will represent 20% of UK sales, which would be around 10% of the UK convertible market.
BMW is renowned for the quality of its engineering and the Mini Convertible is no exception. The conversion to open car is carefully executed and the structure suitably strengthened. The only down side of this is the extra weight which does tend to affect performance on the One and Cooper models. Generally, convertibles are not bought for their performance so it is not a real problem.
Fortunately, the extra weight has not affected the handling and the Convertible is as much fun to drive as ever. To get the best out of these cars, high revs are needed, which may not suit older drivers. But according to the company's marketing department, MINIs are bought by customers as old as 90.
The MINI One Convertible costs £13,325, the Cooper £14,625 and the Cooper S a heady £17,595. These prices represent a premium of around £3,000 over the saloons, which seems a lot until the extra standard equipment and ingenious electro-hydraulic hood is taken into account. Not only does this open or close in 15 seconds, but it has a unique 'sunroof' position which can be opened at speeds up to 75 mph.
The apparently high purchase price is not the whole story for, thanks to residual forecasts even higher than the saloon and low maintenance charges, these cars will give very attractive whole-life costs, probably in line with a Fiesta, Corsa or Clio. MINI UK reckons that 60% of Convertibles will be the Cooper version with 20% each for the other two.
The cars come well equipped with ABS, EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), and CBC (Cornering Brake Control). Further safety features include ventilated front disc brakes (solid at the rear), Run Flat Indicator, four airbags and rollover bars. Unusually in a car in this price range, Park Distance Control is standard. All windows are electric with a one-touch control for all four and the door mirrors are electric. A remote control alarm and immobilser is provided, together with remote central locking and radio/cassette with 6 speakers (CD changer wiring is installed).
The Cooper additionally features 15-inch alloy wheels, footwell lights and body coloured door mirrors. The Cooper S specification is much more comprehensive and includes 16-inch alloy wheels, Automatic Stability and Traction Control, 6-speed manual gearbox, sports suspension and seats, leather rim steering wheel and gear lever, twin chrome tailpipes and runflat tyres. As would be expected from BMW, there are many options which are cheaper when grouped together in various 'packs'.
The car drives just as a BMW designed Mini should and provided high engine speeds are used, gives excellent performance. Once at motorway speeds the car is remarkably quiet with the hood up and perfectly acceptable with it down when the rear wind deflector (a £160 option) considerably reduces buffeting.FW OVERVIEWThe only thing which might put fleet managers off the MINI convertible is the cloth hood, which is so attractive to vandals. Otherwise, this is a great car to motivate employees both young and more mature. The running costs will be extremely low and MINI UK and their dealers offer excellent back up.
MINI COOPER 1.6 CONVERTIBLEOTR price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£14,625Engine cyl/cc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/1,598cc Max power . . . . . . . . . . . 115bhp @ 6,000rpmMax torque . . . . . . . . . . . 111lb.ft @ 4,500rpm0-62mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.8secsTop speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120mphCombined MPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39.7mpgCO2 emissions . . . . . 175g/km (21% in 04/05)

LAUNCH dates for key fleet models.

JANUARY

Kia Sportage
Citroen C3 Stop & Start
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Ford Focus
Audi A4
Volvo S40 1.6/1.6 diesel
SEAT Toledo

FEBRUARY


Mercedes-Benz A-class
Mitsubishi Lancer
Skoda Octavia estate

MARCH


Renault Laguna
BMW 3-series
Volkswagen Golf GTI

THE latest Golf GTI is a sporty car with much of the charisma of the earliest versions. Powered by a 200bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre FSI engine, the GTI is offered in three-door and five-door variants and is far more fun to drive than third and fourth-generation predecessors. Expect strong residuals from this petrol model.

Mercedes-Benz A-class

FEBRUARY heralds the launch of an all-new Mercedes-Benz A-class which has been developed jointly with the smart forfour and Mitsubishi Colt. More dynamic styling – and a three-door version for the first time – as well as new engines should make it a more desirable prospect.


Source fleet news

Renault Modus
With its new baby called Modus, Renault seeks a similar evolutionary progression with the Clio to that it performed when it developed the Scenic version of the Megane. While the Scenic established the 'compact MPV' segment, Modus might be described as a 'supermini MPVÕ.' Built on a platform that will be the basis of the next-generation Clio, Modus offers greater versatility than the Clio, high equipment levels and a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines.
Not a replacement for Clio - which continues in three or five door form - the five-door Modus will stand wheel-to-wheel in the showrooms with Renault's well-established supermini. The closest competition to Modus is from cars such as the Toyota Yaris Verso, Vauxhall Meriva and Ford Fusion.
It has most of the distinctive styling cues now common to all current-generation Renault products. In the metal, with its smiley face, big eyes and crisp lines, Modus looks cute, contemporary and stylish. There is a large rear tailgate incorporating a secondary, bottom-hinged opening hatch called a 'boot chute', that allows smaller items to be loaded/unloaded when the car is in a tight parking space - and Renault also offers the clever 'Velofix' bike rack attachment system.
Inside, Modus is deceptively roomy - although lanky drivers might like a little more leg room. In the rear is what Renault calls a 'Triptic' bench, with a middle seat that can be folded up to allow the seats to be slid for-and-aft to allow generous rear legroom, or left in place to give seats for three. The bench also has a one third/two thirds split-folding facility and can be tipped forwards to provide a flat-floored load area.
There are numerous cubby-holes, pockets and bins for the stowage of car-clutter - including under-floor storage and a space under a hinged panel in the front passenger seat for car or driver documents etc.
Renault reckons that some 35 per cent of Modus sales will be to fleet customers - about the same figure achieved by Clio. Rather surprisingly, it also estimates that - initially at least - only around 20 per cent of sales will be of diesel engined versions. A more realistic guess would be that diesel-powered variants will account for a higher percentage than Renault's estimate. As well as delivering far superior economy and emissions ratings, the 1.5dCi is the most pleasant version to drive. Renault predicts that the best selling version will be the petrol-powered 1.4 16v Dynamique.
On the road, Modus feels agile and grippy. To optimise the car's slightly greater height - compared with Clio - the driving position is a little more upright, but not excessively so. On poor road surfaces, Modus feels rigid and taught - but with plenty of suspension suppleness. Unlike some electrically power-assisted systems (EPAS), Modus' is pleasantly and appropriately weighted for this type of car. Even in diesel form, Modus delivers the kind of refinement that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago for a car of this size and price.
Renault's products are doing particularly well these days when it comes to the Euro NCAP safety ratings and Modus has become the seventh Renault to achieve a top, five-star rating and also scored a best-in-class four-star score for child protection. Low insurance groupings begin at 2E for the entry level 1.2 Authentique, rising to 6E for the 1.6-litre Privilege.
There are four specification levels - Authentique, Expression, Dynamique and Privilege. Entry-level price is £9,250 for the 1.2 16v Authentique rising to £13,000 for the range-topping 1.6 16v 113 Auto. Standard equipment across the range includes ABS with Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, electric front windows, height adjustable steering wheel, ISOFIX child seat attachment system, remote central locking, 'see me home' headlights, four airbags and electric variable-assist power steering.
Expression specification adds things such as two more airbags, body colour bumpers, and electric door mirrors while Dynamique versions have charcoal grey upholstery, leather-trimmed steering wheel, alloys and integral front fog-lamps.
The range-topping Privilege has a plusher interior, automatic front wipers and headlights, child surveillance mirror, cornering headlights, manual air conditioning and a 60-Watt single CD RDS radio with four speakers. Option packs include the 'Cool Pack' which, at £950, features panoramic sunroof and manual air-conditioning. There is also a 'Chill Pack' at £800 providing climate control and sun blinds.
Modus is a logical development of the Clio - just as Scenic was of Megane. Like a mini-Espace, it combines practicality and versatility with good road manners and refinement. A tempting addition to the menu of well-packaged and boldly designed cars in Renault's current catalogue.

Source Fleetworld

BMW is planning its largest ever launch to the fleet and leasing sectors for the new 3-series.
Bernard Bradley, general manager, sales, says the firm has increased resource massively to launch the new car, with thousands of demonstration drives and numerous events reflecting the importance of the fleet industry to the car. He said: ‘It’s a substantial increase from years ago, and an increase in resource and commitment to the corporate market.
‘We first showed the car to leasing companies and the guides within the first week of November, and the reaction was very positive. From January to March we have a nationwide roadshow. In mid-February, 100 fleets will be invited to the Athens international launch, then from March to May we’ll have a demo programme with 600 drives. In April there’s a ride and drive at Rockingham, with leasing companies inviting 1,200 customers while there will be dedicated corporate demos at dealers.’

Source Fleet News

JEEP has introduced a new version of the Cherokee for 2005, with a more powerful version of the 2.8 CRD motor offering more power, lower fuel consumption and Euro IV compliance.
Jeep has also changed the interior, with a new dashboard, wider, more comfortable seats and flatter-folding rear seats.
Side curtain airbags have become standard on Limited models. The outside has also been given a makeover. The car now has a new grille featuring integrated fog lamps.
The Euro IV compliant version of the 2.8 CRD is now the only diesel offered and features a variable geometry turbocharger to boost power to 161bhp at 3,800rpm and improve torque to 295lb-ft at 1,800rpm.
Six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions are available on the diesel while the Jeep Pioneer commercial vehicle has an auto option for the first time.
The 2.4-litre petrol has only the manual, and the 3.7-litre V6 is auto only.
Prices start at £17,995 on-the-road for the 2.4-litre Cherokee Sport and £24,520 on-the-road for the 2.8 CRD Limited.
Safe driving goals THE footballers taking part will initially complete a driver risk assessment to determine their risk exposure rating.
The assessment will be followed by a two-hour interactive workshop looking at key driving issues such as speed awareness, driver fatigue, the impact of alcohol and drugs, mobile phone usage and observation and manoeuvring.


Source Fleet News

THE Rooneys, Owens and Beckhams of the future are to undergo fleet-style driver training.
Huge wages which allow young footballers to get behind the wheel of powerful cars has prompted the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) to team up with DriveTech.
While it might seem at first glance that the scheme is intended to help players avoid crashing their Ferraris and Porsches and ending up being featured in the pages of The Sun, it will in fact focus on safer driving and the impact on the community of dangerous driving rather than how to drive a supercar.
The PFA recognised that its younger members were among some of the most at-risk on the roads, and called in experts from the fleet industry to assess that risk.
Hundreds of young professionals will be offered the three-hour awareness programme. The training is provided free to all trainees and youth team players at the 92 Premier League and Football League clubs. Up to 1,500 people will be put through the training. PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said: ‘We believe this initiative will reduce the risk of death or serious injury on the roads involving young professional footballers. During the first half of 2005, we hope all clubs will hold courses.
‘It will focus on the consequences of decisions they make while behind the wheel.
‘I believe that each player’s attitude and behaviour while driving will be enhanced as well as their competency to drive. It will not teach players how to drive, but it will teach them how to drive safely.’
DriveTech’s risk management partner, Volkswagen, will provide two new Golf GTIs to help with the PFA programme.
Chris Howell, DriveTech chairman, added: ‘Not only are young drivers the most vulnerable on our roads, but young professional footballers frequently drive powerful cars. There are a number of tragic examples of footballers’ careers ending because of wrong decisions made while behind the wheel.’


Source Fleet News
Source Fleet News

Nowadays, to say that in a blindfold test you would not believe certain contemporary diesel-engined cars were not petrol-powered, has become something of a clich?. It is also fast becoming true to say that a goodly number of current derv-burners are actually better 'driver's cars' than their petrol-engined stable-mates. This is the case with BMW's new 535d, which entered the showrooms in late December.
Offered either as a saloon or an estate car - BMW prefers to use the term 'Touring' - and in either SE or Sport specification, this new variant of BMW's best selling executive express combines considerable performance and delightful handling with great refinement and fuel-efficiency.
Sales of diesel-engined BMW 5 Series models in the UK have soared in recent years. In 2002, 39 per cent of 5 Series Saloon and 56 per cent of Touring models were diesel powered, rising to 48 per cent and 68 per cent respectively in 2003, the run-out year of the previous model. In 2004, sales of diesel-engined 'new' 5 Series Saloon models accounted for approximately 54 per cent and 74 per cent for the Touring. Since around 70 per cent of BMW's UK customers are business or company car users, there's no doubt that this new diesel variant will be an important fleet prospect in BMW's product portfolio. Prices range from £36,575 for the 535d saloon to £41,225 for the 535d Sport Touring.
When first introduced, the styling of this 5-Series was regarded by some as being 'controversial'. As so often happens, familiarity breeds acceptance and with the model now a familiar sight on the streets, the 5 Series has more than acceptable presence in the top execs' bays in the company car park. The Touring especially, is a successful blend of elegance and functionality.
It is from behind the wheel that the 535d is at its most impressive. That big, three-litre straight-six diesel has a silky-smooth tick-over. Even from outside, it is a very unobtrusive engine. The unit is based on the 3.0-litre single turbo diesel engine common to the 3, 5, 7 and X5 models. Its sequential twin-turbocharger technology is claimed to be responsible for the broad spread of power throughout the rev. range. This version of the engine delivers nearly 20 per cent more power than the single turbo unit. With an immense amount of torque available from as low as 1,500rpm, acceleration is quite breathtaking. A standstill to 62mph time of just 6.5 seconds would have been thought worthy of a supercar not so many years ago. To achieve such performance with a relatively slow-revving and torquey diesel unit is remarkable. Transmission of the power is via the familiar - and excellent - six-speed ZF gearbox.
Much of the success of the 5 Series has been its appeal to corporate and fleet buyers, and BMW expects the new 535d to continue this trend. With relatively low emissions and EU4 compliancy, there's little doubt the appeal will continue. BMW's 'Service Inclusive' service and maintenance package for the 535d should also simplify the sums for fleet managers. Costing £1,000, all routine service and maintenance repairs that fall outside the comprehensive three-year warranty are covered for a period of five years or 60,000 miles. Glass's Guide expects a new BMW 535d SE Saloon to retain 41 per cent after three years or 60,000 miles.
Safety spec includes driver and front passenger airbags, door airbags, head airbags for front and rear passengers - plus a full menu of electronic aids including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) which comprises ABS, Automatic Stability Control, Corner Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control and Dynamic Traction Control. There is a Tyre puncture warning system and ISOFIX anchorages for two child seats too.
As is customary with BMWs, the general level of standard equipment is 'adequate' - but the extensive optional equipment list is always there to provide a buyer plenty of scope for adding to the basic on-the-road prices.
The stunning 3.0-litre diesel engine makes a good car even better. Performance and refinement at this level would have been unthinkable not so very long ago. Styling is not to everyone's taste, but there's no denying the eternal appeal of that BMW badge in the company car park.

Source Fleetworld.

Police drivers accused of dozing at the wheel 20 January 2005
EXECUTIVES in charge of the UK’s police fleets are considering controversial claims that their drivers are three times more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel than the general public.
A study of more than 500 police officers found that 72% admitted to falling asleep while driving during the previous 12 months, compared with an average of 20% for all motorists.
The report claims that of those officers who fell asleep, nearly one-third had done so more than five times in the past year with one in eight reporting falling asleep more than 10 times.
The document also claimed that 89% of those surveyed who are ranked inspector or above have ‘drifted off’ in their cars, while the figure for constables and sergeants was 76%. For clerical and civilian staff it is 45%.
What was not made clear was whether the description of ‘falling asleep behind the wheel’ includes ‘microsleeps’ – where the driver’s eyes close for a fraction of a second longer than they should do.
The findings are produced in a report by sleep research group Awake.
The group suggested organisational factors could make police officers vulnerable to tiredness with nearly 70% of the sample of police officers being owed rest days, with an average debt of five days.
The research also concluded that many police officers were suffering ‘profound levels of tiredness’. The Association of Chief Police Officers was unable to comment on the claims, first published in The Daily Telegraph, while Awake was yet to provide a more in-depth background to its research.
The issue of health and safety involving the police force was covered at last year’s National Association of Police Fleet Managers conference.
It was said that police fleets still had a long way to go when it comes to health and safety due to a lack of co-ordination between departments (Fleet NewsNet, August

So this is it. In fleet terms, it's the Rumble in the Jungle, the Thrilla in Manilla. Its the Match of the Hatch.

2004 has been a year of vast change in the lower-medium sector and it's barely recognisable from 2003, when many of the models, such as the Focus, Golf and Astra and Xsara, were ageing and the Megane was only getting established.

All six of these cars are core fleet models, which will sell thousands of vehicles a year through the leasing industry. So they need to be able to combine solid, depending running costs with strong RVs to ensure the best rental rates. The carmaker that has really got the knack of doing this over the past few years is Volkswagen. The Golf haas been a darling of the leasing industry for years. Will the same new one continue in the same view or have the new Focus, Astra and C4 got what it takes to wrestle the mantle off it?

In terms of the actual car on the street, the new Vauxhall and Ford are at least on a par with the VW, if not better. Will that reflect in the figures?
The two most established fleets cars here are the 307 and the Megane, but has the market moved on so fast this year that it has left them behind?


This year has been one of the enormous change in the lower-medium hatchback sector. How do the new models shape up against each other?

CITROEN C4 1.6 v VTR 5dr

The newsest addition to the sector is the Citroen C4, which is a stylish car. It is completely different to the outgoing Citroen Xsara, offering innovative technology such as the Lane Department Warning System.

Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec 5dr

A year ago this was a two horse race-Ford Focus for car fans, Volkswagen Golf for badge enthusiasts. This year, all the bets are off. Fords latest Focus is more competent than ever. Handling and road holding are improved, build quaility is superb and rear-end styling is great. But the front is more corporate and a less leading edge.

Peugeot 307 1.6 16V SE 5dr

The 307 was stunning at launch but it is now looking tired and in need of a facelift, while the interior is plasticky and reliability and RV's are not the best.

Renault Megane 1.6 VVT Privilege 5dr

The Megane is a fantastic funs design with great new gadgets and class-leading safety.
The Peugeot 307 and Renault Megane show how fast this sector moves and how unforgiving it is. Both are capable but neither looks like generating a cult following.

Vauxhall Astra 1.6i 16v SXi 5dr

As ever a very popular choice, the Astra is transformed, streets ahead of its predecessor and every aspect of the car an improvement- don't expect this model to be a used-car bargain in three years time.

Volkswagen Golf 1.6 FSI S 5dr

The Golf is all about evolution, not revolution. Cabin space and refinements are better. It has all the trappings of the brand, and tackles the old car's weakness but, unless it's the new GTI, it struggles to incite real emotion.






.

Volkswagen has revealed its eagerly awaited new Passat, which will be officially unveiled at March's Geneva show before UK sales start in the summer.

A significant leap in quality over the current model-which itself forged an upmarket reputation eight years ago-the new Passat seeks to occupy a market position ahead of Ford's Mondeo and Vauxhall's Vectra, knocking on the door of prestige badge products such as BMW's 3-series and Audi's A4.

On the outside, cues from the Concept C and R show cars, such as the large chrome grille; are evident and are set to make their way onto future VWs. On the inside, cabin quality levels are said to move the current car's reputation on even further. Interior technical innovations include an electronic parking brake and dual zone climate control as standard while Bluetooth phone compatibility and a higher quality sound system will also be available.

Handling should be improved, too, thanks toa new four-link rear suspension system and a body that's some 57% stiffer.

As is the trend for nearly all new cars, the 2005 Passat is bigger in every way than its predecessor and with lenght up 62mm to 4770mm, its only 48mm shorter than the Mercedes E-class, but some 174mm longer than the Vauxhall Vectra. Coupled with a 6mm increase in the wheelbase, VW claims more legroom as a result, while bootspace groows 90 litres to 565 litres.

Four engines will be available from launch including a 115ps 1.6-litre FSI petrol, a 140ps 2.0-litre GSI petrol, a 105ps 1.9-litre TDI diesil and a 140ps 2.0-litre TDI diesil. VW's DSG gearbox will be available on the diesils shortly after launch, with six-speed tiptronic autos for the petrols. Four-wheel-drive 4motion models will follow later.

"It is a case of business as usual" said a spoksman for VW. "The new car will continue to be a mass market product with premium values that appeals to both retail and fleet buyers. But like the previous generation, the new Passat will move even further upmarket thanks to improved levels of perceived quality.

Large, luxury 4x4s are generally bought second-hand by people who expect high levels of specification. That means models with leather, seven seats and all the goodies as standard. These will give you the best returns at resale.

According to the Fleet Auction Group this end of the market is subject to a fairly strict maximum three year/60,000 mile replacement cycle, so it tends to be newer defleeted vehicles going through the company's auction halls. Models with decent specs have been holding up well, with exceptional examples finding trade buyers at anything between 105% and 119% of guide prices. Fleet Auction Group report that somer petrol versions have struggled for buyers, largely because of high fuel consumption.

A vehicle that guzzles fuel is the big, petrol-engined jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee, yet demand for used models has been consistently high. The 4x4 is now good value, and £10,000 buys a clean, highly specced four-year old. The diesils offer better fuel consumption but remains fairly scarce at auction, so prices remain keen.

The best perfomance in this category is the BMW X5. They are very scarce, too, so when they appear prices go through the roof. A 50,000-mile petrol Sport on a 01/Y plate made over £25,000 at a recent sale, well over 50% of the cars original cost. However, a diesil that was a year older sold for more than £31,000, though petrols with higher specifications also made good money.

Favoured by well-off urban parents, the Mercedes M-class has been around for years. However, lots of families still aspire to owning a Merc, which is why even a five year-old ML320 with 70,000 miles on the clock made £12,750 at a recent auction.

Despite being seen as the next step down from the BMWs and Mercs, the Mitsubishi Shogun has a huge following at auction. Reliability and ability to tow a trailer make the 3.5-litre diesi; popular with those that actually treat their 4x4's as a workhorse. High spec is provided as standard on most models, with seven-seat models making more money thank five-seaters.

Frw Volvo XC90s have hit auction, but when they do they're snapped up quickly by volvo dealers or traders. The seven-seat layout has been a big hit and the diesil SE is the preferred model. Options such as entertainment packs with DVD and rear screens bump and RV's more than items such as sat-nav.

Finally Land Rover Discovery prices will fall slightly now the new shape is going on sale. However, higher spec current models are still in high demand. Diesils are popular, and the seven-seater is desired by families thanks to the extra seating flexibility. V8 petrols are quite scarce, but when they crop up lots of people want one.

Look at the range of 4x4's on the spirit rent a car web site at www.spiritrentacar.co.uk

Crushing Move.

The government has revealed a crackdown aimed at clearing abandoned cars from the Uk's street with local councils being given greater powers to fine offenders. Investigating and removing such cars cost local councils £26m each year. Some much money to spend a more deserving cause. What do you think?

Corsa Voted Top.

Vauxhall's Corsa has been voted the number one training car by the Approved Driving Instructors. The survey was carried out for the ADI by its own insurance brokers.

Volvo Seats Come Top.

Volvo has come out safest in the "2005 Dynamic Seat Assessments" carried out by the International Whiplash Prevention Grou[ (did you know that one exsists?) which includes the UK's Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre in Thatcham.

Mini Trap Detector.

Speed trap detector firm Origin Technologies has launched its Origin b2 Solo. The new smaller system can detect GPS and laser detection systems including Truvelo, Gasto SPECS and mobile/handheld laser traps. One to go for.

Free Safety Guide.

Leadinf company car scheme provider Alphabet is offering all UK employees free copies of its new safe driving guide for their fleet drivers. Called "Drive alert Arrive alive" if offers tips on driving safely in icy weather. To get your free copy guide call 0870 50 50 100.

Nissan's Pathfinder all-wheel-drive sports utility vehicle is due to g on sale this March. Power comes from Nissan's new 2.5-litre YD series four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, which features a second generation common rail technology that is claimed to combine class-leading power and torque with good economy. The pathfinder features independant suspension all-round, which gives car-like on-road dynamic performance, says the company, aided by an enchanced version of the electronically controlled 4x4 transmission fitted to X-TRAIL.

The European version of the Nissan Murano- a "cross-over" that has the height of a 4x4 and the lines of a sport car - is powered by a version of the 3.5-litre petrol V6 from the 350Z, coupled to a continously variable transmission that features a six speed manual mode. There will be just one version of Murano on sale in Europe and the level of standard equipment is high: saltellite navigation with traffic-message channel providing real-time traffic updates; a colour rear-view parking camera; a high-spec Bose sound system; a bi-xenon headlamps and leather trim.

Is this the sort of spec we can look forward to in the future, where do we go from here?

It will not belong before all these vehicles are offered on the car rental fleets, then we can look forward to a great drive every time.

FIAT IDEA

Benefiting from the company's unrivalled expertise in the field of small cars, the new Fiat Idea is a class-leading, up to the minute vehicle with all the versatility and practicality demanded by the modern family. Its inspired design means that although its exterioir dimensions are only marginally bigger than the average supermini, its interior space is enormous. The Fiat Idea's comprehensive equipment specification includes ABS, remote central locking, driver and passenger front airbags, electric front windows. Fiat Auto has also equipped the new Idea with class leading levels of both passive and active safety.
Incorporating true Multi Purpose Vehicle levels of interior flexibility and practicality, the new Fiat Idea offers exceptional quality, comfort and specification levels, combined with unrivalled safety and outstanding value for money. Five versions of the Idea are available and the choice of enginnes include Fiat Auto's award-winning 1.3 litre 16-valve 70bhp Multijet diesel engine.

FIAT MULTIPLA

Fiat Auto's New Multipla, which is on sale now, is the second generation of Fiat Auot's unique, award winning mid-size MPV.
While retaining all its highly praised interior design features, the New Fiat Multipla has undergone significant exterior styling changes. It remains the only car currently available in the UK fleet market to combine true multi-purpose vehicle flexibility with full-sized seating for six adults in two rows of three, together with class-leading luggage space in a surprising compact package.
Since its UK introduction four years ago, the remarkable Multipla has won some 14 UK media awards, including, in April this year, What MPV and 4x4's MPV Mastermind 2004.
Even at entry level, standard equipment specification has been carefully considered to enhance life for the company car driver - including power assisted steering, CD player, remote central locking & electric front windows and heated folding door mirrors.

Source Fleet World.

Expected to reach showrooms early next year, the new Focus in three-door, five door and estate models will be joined by a four door version later in 2005. The new models adopt the same 12,500-mile service intervals as the C-Max. A stiffer body is said to aid handling and ride, while the adoption of electric-hydraulic power-assosted steering is claimed to provide easier parking, without sacrificing high-speed feel.

New features with Focus include keyless entry; solar-reflecting windscreen that blocks five times more radiation than standard tinted glass and improves the efficiency of air-conditioning; swivelling front head-lamps, and wire-less technology that allows the connection of cellphones and laptops, together with voice command of audio, telephone, climate control, in-car entertainment and navigation systems. The new Focus also offers optional side airbags and inflatable side curtains in many EU markets, seatbelt pretensioners with load limiting retractors and ISOFIX child seat fittings, while optimised dual front airbags are standard equipment.

ONE MINUTE TEST


WHATS NEW

Earlier in 2004 the Voyager got a makeoverr including new lights and bumpers and revisions to kit levels.

EXCELLENT

Luxury goodies in the range-topping LTD XS trim level, such as the powered sliding doors and tailagate, will wow passers-by and please passengers.

GOOD

Still one of the very few MPVs that chauffeur fleets will accept as prestigious enough to carry VIPs.

AVERAGE

Driving dynamics are some way off class leading, but if you drive with passenger consideration that's not too much of a bind. Seats are heavy to move around.

POOR

Lighting systems, trip cumputer, air-con, radio systems and door switches all seem to randomly placed with little thought to simple operation.

VERDICT

The only prestigious MPV some VIPs will be seen stepping out of it. A must for chauffeur fleets looking for a posh people carrier.

source; Tristan Young.

A EUROPEAN Commission move attempting to block VAT reclaims on business mileage could leave UK fleets out of pocket by tens of millions of pounds every year.
The EC is pressing ahead with a court hearing it hopes will enforce a Directive that would ban companies from reclaiming the VAT on fuel if an employee has paid for it and then reclaimed the cost.
The Advocate General has asked the European Court of Justice to declare the UK in violation of the 6th VAT Directive. This potentially leaves UK businesses unable to reclaim millions of pounds of VAT incurred from business mileage expenses.
The EC claims that VAT is only recoverable when a transaction takes place between two VAT-registered companies.
If UK domestic law is amended as a result of any court ruling then employers may only be able to reclaim VAT on fuel transactions via a purchasing system, such as fuel cards or company credit card, that allows for billing to be made in the name of the fleet. Experts have described the level of awareness of the dispute between the UK and the European Union over the 6th VAT Directive as ‘worryingly low’.
A company running a fleet of 100 vehicles, with drivers averaging about 5,000 miles per year, will reclaim up to £23,000 a year from HM Customs & Excise. This could be blocked if the EU Directive was enforced.
No date has yet been set for the court hearing and until any decision is made – and the UK law changed – fleets can still use existing procedures of pay-and-reclaim.
Any changes though would have a major impact on UK businesses.
Mike Waters, head of market analysis at leasing and fleet management company Arval, which operates the AllStar fuel card, said: ‘Companies will either have to overhaul their fuel procurement systems, by introducing a purchasing mechanism that allows for billing to be made in the name of the employer, or they will be unable to continue to reclaim the VAT on fuel.
‘If the decision goes against the UK, it could also potentially impact on other staff paid expenses, such as hotel accommodation, which is traditionally paid for by the employee and then reclaimed.’