Monday, February 28, 2005
Vauxhall Astra Estate - Substance with style
The new Astra estate offers style and substance" is the proud proclamation at the head of the press pack that accompanied the launch of Vauxhall's new load-lugger. And while such boasts are normally reserved for cars exhibiting none of the claimed qualities, Vauxhall has a point in the case of the Astra, which is loaded with both.
Following hot on the heels of its fivedoor sibling, the Astra estate has just gone on sale in the UK with prices ranging from £13,045 for the 1.4 life to £18,695 for the 1.9CDTi in Design trim. Intermediate stages are Club, SXi and SRi, the latter two being the more sporting versions. Whether fleets want their young service engineers bombing around in sporty service vehicles remains to be seen. But where a degree of choice is offered, the young bucks may well appreciate the chance to stand out a little from the crowds of similar vehicles already on the road. Car rental uk
It's often said that the heart of any good car is its engine - more on this note later - but in the case of an estate then load volume is also critical. With a 90mm longer wheelbase than the five-door version and the old estate, the new model boasts a 470-litre load volume with the rear seats in place, and up to 1550 litres when loaded up to the roof with the rear seats folded.
The stated payload is 525kg and with the rear seats folded the load space can swallow items up to 1819mm in length. Sill height is 591mm and there's a stainless steel strip on the rear lip to protect the car from damage when loading heavy items. Load lashing points are provided to help keep bulky items in place and there's additional out-of-sight storage under the luggage compartment floor and in the side of the load area. Car rental uk
Engine options are comprehensive, with four petrol units and four diesels. Petrol versions range from a 90bhp 1.4-litre unit through 105bhp 1.6-litre and 125bhp 1.8-litre to the muscular 170bhp 2.0-litre turbo. The latter produces 184lb.ft of torque between 1950-4000rpm and propels the car to 60mph in 8.3 seconds, going on to a top speed of 135mph. CO2 emissions of 218g/km might cause drivers to think twice, however, as the top performing diesel is only a whisker behind in terms of performance and considerably lower in terms of BIK tax liability. With 150bhp on tap and 236lb.ft of torque, the 1.9CDTi is decidedly brisk and that extra mid-range pull ensures that even when fully laden, the engine will not be straining to climb hills or accelerate past slower cars. car rental uk
There are two 1.7-litre units with 80bhp and 100bhp respectively, alongside a 120bhp version of the 1.9. All four are Euro IV-compliant and CO2 emissions range from 132g/km and 135g/km in the 1.7s to 159g/km from the two 1.9-litre units.
The three smaller petrol engines and the 1.7-litre diesels are married to a five-speed manual transmission, while the 2.0-litre turbo and both 1.9 diesels have a six-speed gearbox. A four-speed automatic is available as an option on the 1.8-litre petrol, while the latest version of the Easytronic automated manual gearbox is available on the 1.6.
Spring and damper settings are the same as for the five-door version, hence ride and handling are virtually identical in the standard chassis. Several clever options are available, however, including the adaptive IDS chassis with electronic damping control, steering-linked Adaptive Forward Lighting that shines around corners and a Towing Pack that incorporates automatic load levelling, Hill Start Assist and a TrailerStability Programme, all for £350.
There's plenty of opportunity for customizing the Astra estate to meet individual drivers' needs, with a wide range of infotainment options offered alongside the chassis enhancements. Front, side and - in most models - front and rear curtain airbags are standard and all rear seatbelts have three fixed points. Mountings are in place for an ISOFIX child seat and there's an audible and visible warning for the front safety belts.
FWOVERVIEWNew Astra has already made a significant impact on the fleet market and the estate will follow in its footsteps. Sharp styling with excellent proportions combine with a classy interior, excellent ride and high level of standard specification. Throw in eight good engine options and you can't go far wrong.
VAUXHALL ASTRA 1.7 CDTI (80BHP)OTR price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£15,595Engine cyl/cc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/1,686ccMax power . . . . . . . . . . . . 80bhp @ 4,400rpmMax torque . . . . . . . . . . . 125lb.ft @ 1,800rpm0-62mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.4 secsTop speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104mphCombined MPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57.6mpgCO2 emissions . . . . . 132g/km (15% in 05/06)
Following hot on the heels of its fivedoor sibling, the Astra estate has just gone on sale in the UK with prices ranging from £13,045 for the 1.4 life to £18,695 for the 1.9CDTi in Design trim. Intermediate stages are Club, SXi and SRi, the latter two being the more sporting versions. Whether fleets want their young service engineers bombing around in sporty service vehicles remains to be seen. But where a degree of choice is offered, the young bucks may well appreciate the chance to stand out a little from the crowds of similar vehicles already on the road. Car rental uk
It's often said that the heart of any good car is its engine - more on this note later - but in the case of an estate then load volume is also critical. With a 90mm longer wheelbase than the five-door version and the old estate, the new model boasts a 470-litre load volume with the rear seats in place, and up to 1550 litres when loaded up to the roof with the rear seats folded.
The stated payload is 525kg and with the rear seats folded the load space can swallow items up to 1819mm in length. Sill height is 591mm and there's a stainless steel strip on the rear lip to protect the car from damage when loading heavy items. Load lashing points are provided to help keep bulky items in place and there's additional out-of-sight storage under the luggage compartment floor and in the side of the load area. Car rental uk
Engine options are comprehensive, with four petrol units and four diesels. Petrol versions range from a 90bhp 1.4-litre unit through 105bhp 1.6-litre and 125bhp 1.8-litre to the muscular 170bhp 2.0-litre turbo. The latter produces 184lb.ft of torque between 1950-4000rpm and propels the car to 60mph in 8.3 seconds, going on to a top speed of 135mph. CO2 emissions of 218g/km might cause drivers to think twice, however, as the top performing diesel is only a whisker behind in terms of performance and considerably lower in terms of BIK tax liability. With 150bhp on tap and 236lb.ft of torque, the 1.9CDTi is decidedly brisk and that extra mid-range pull ensures that even when fully laden, the engine will not be straining to climb hills or accelerate past slower cars. car rental uk
There are two 1.7-litre units with 80bhp and 100bhp respectively, alongside a 120bhp version of the 1.9. All four are Euro IV-compliant and CO2 emissions range from 132g/km and 135g/km in the 1.7s to 159g/km from the two 1.9-litre units.
The three smaller petrol engines and the 1.7-litre diesels are married to a five-speed manual transmission, while the 2.0-litre turbo and both 1.9 diesels have a six-speed gearbox. A four-speed automatic is available as an option on the 1.8-litre petrol, while the latest version of the Easytronic automated manual gearbox is available on the 1.6.
Spring and damper settings are the same as for the five-door version, hence ride and handling are virtually identical in the standard chassis. Several clever options are available, however, including the adaptive IDS chassis with electronic damping control, steering-linked Adaptive Forward Lighting that shines around corners and a Towing Pack that incorporates automatic load levelling, Hill Start Assist and a TrailerStability Programme, all for £350.
There's plenty of opportunity for customizing the Astra estate to meet individual drivers' needs, with a wide range of infotainment options offered alongside the chassis enhancements. Front, side and - in most models - front and rear curtain airbags are standard and all rear seatbelts have three fixed points. Mountings are in place for an ISOFIX child seat and there's an audible and visible warning for the front safety belts.
FWOVERVIEWNew Astra has already made a significant impact on the fleet market and the estate will follow in its footsteps. Sharp styling with excellent proportions combine with a classy interior, excellent ride and high level of standard specification. Throw in eight good engine options and you can't go far wrong.
VAUXHALL ASTRA 1.7 CDTI (80BHP)OTR price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£15,595Engine cyl/cc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/1,686ccMax power . . . . . . . . . . . . 80bhp @ 4,400rpmMax torque . . . . . . . . . . . 125lb.ft @ 1,800rpm0-62mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.4 secsTop speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104mphCombined MPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57.6mpgCO2 emissions . . . . . 132g/km (15% in 05/06)
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Vauxhall Vectra SRi
Latest addition to our long-term test fleet is a Vauxhall Vectra SRi, powered by a 150bhp, 1.9-litre diesel engine. It is with us for a year, which provides the opportunity to look in a bit more detail than usual at some of the technology in the car, the most impressive of which is undoubtedly Adaptive Forward Lighting or AFL for short. For those who bunked off physics at school, light does not bend - no matter who you are. However, by developing a system that combines swivelling lights with an additional bulb, Vauxhall has indeed made it possible to see round corners.
The aim of AFL is to make driving in the dark and in bad weather conditions easier and above all safer. According to the latest figures from Germany's Federal Statistics Bureau, more than 40 per cent of all automobile accidents resulting in death occur at night, despite the fact that there is up to 80 per cent less traffic on the road than during the day. Available on the car rental fleet?
It does this in three ways. In bends, the headlight swivel by up to +/- 15 degrees, depending on steering wheel input. At junctions and narrow bends, a turning light provides wide-angle lighting. The illumination is nearly 90 degrees to the direction of travel over a distance of around 100 ft from the car. This turning-light is designed to function only at speeds up to 30 mph so that it does not activate in situations like lane changes on the motorway. Key benefit is that dark junctions become significantly safer. Finally, at motorway speeds the light angle on dipped beam rises slightly, illuminating the road ahead for a greater distance.
Before I tried the system I was naturally sceptical and while it is an expensive £850 optional extra, it comes into the 'wouldn't be without it' category as of now.
ROSS DURKIN
VAUXHALL VECTRA SRI 1.9 CDTI 5DROTR Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£19,665Max power . . . . . . . . . . . .150bhp @ 4,000rpmMax torque . . . . . . . . . . . .232lb.ft @ 2,000rpm0-62mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.8 secsTop speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135mphCombined MPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47.9mpgCO2 emissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159 g/km
The aim of AFL is to make driving in the dark and in bad weather conditions easier and above all safer. According to the latest figures from Germany's Federal Statistics Bureau, more than 40 per cent of all automobile accidents resulting in death occur at night, despite the fact that there is up to 80 per cent less traffic on the road than during the day. Available on the car rental fleet?
It does this in three ways. In bends, the headlight swivel by up to +/- 15 degrees, depending on steering wheel input. At junctions and narrow bends, a turning light provides wide-angle lighting. The illumination is nearly 90 degrees to the direction of travel over a distance of around 100 ft from the car. This turning-light is designed to function only at speeds up to 30 mph so that it does not activate in situations like lane changes on the motorway. Key benefit is that dark junctions become significantly safer. Finally, at motorway speeds the light angle on dipped beam rises slightly, illuminating the road ahead for a greater distance.
Before I tried the system I was naturally sceptical and while it is an expensive £850 optional extra, it comes into the 'wouldn't be without it' category as of now.
ROSS DURKIN
VAUXHALL VECTRA SRI 1.9 CDTI 5DROTR Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£19,665Max power . . . . . . . . . . . .150bhp @ 4,000rpmMax torque . . . . . . . . . . . .232lb.ft @ 2,000rpm0-62mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.8 secsTop speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135mphCombined MPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47.9mpgCO2 emissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159 g/km
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Vauxhall Astra Estate
The new Astra estate offers style and substance" is the proud proclamation at the head of the press pack that accompanied the launch of Vauxhall's new load-lugger. And while such boasts are normally reserved for cars exhibiting none of the claimed qualities, Vauxhall has a point in the case of the Astra, which is loaded with both.
Following hot on the heels of its fivedoor sibling, the Astra estate has just gone on sale in the UK with prices ranging from £13,045 for the 1.4 life to £18,695 for the 1.9CDTi in Design trim. Intermediate stages are Club, SXi and SRi, the latter two being the more sporting versions. Whether fleets want their young service engineers bombing around in sporty service vehicles remains to be seen. But where a degree of choice is offered, the young bucks may well appreciate the chance to stand out a little from the crowds of similar vehicles already on the road.
It's often said that the heart of any good car is its engine - more on this note later - but in the case of an estate then load volume is also critical. With a 90mm longer wheelbase than the five-door version and the old estate, the new model boasts a 470-litre load volume with the rear seats in place, and up to 1550 litres when loaded up to the roof with the rear seats folded. Available on the car rental fleet?
The stated payload is 525kg and with the rear seats folded the load space can swallow items up to 1819mm in length. Sill height is 591mm and there's a stainless steel strip on the rear lip to protect the car from damage when loading heavy items. Load lashing points are provided to help keep bulky items in place and there's additional out-of-sight storage under the luggage compartment floor and in the side of the load area.
Engine options are comprehensive, with four petrol units and four diesels. Petrol versions range from a 90bhp 1.4-litre unit through 105bhp 1.6-litre and 125bhp 1.8-litre to the muscular 170bhp 2.0-litre turbo. The latter produces 184lb.ft of torque between 1950-4000rpm and propels the car to 60mph in 8.3 seconds, going on to a top speed of 135mph. CO2 emissions of 218g/km might cause drivers to think twice, however, as the top performing diesel is only a whisker behind in terms of performance and considerably lower in terms of BIK tax liability. With 150bhp on tap and 236lb.ft of torque, the 1.9CDTi is decidedly brisk and that extra mid-range pull ensures that even when fully laden, the engine will not be straining to climb hills or accelerate past slower cars.
There are two 1.7-litre units with 80bhp and 100bhp respectively, alongside a 120bhp version of the 1.9. All four are Euro IV-compliant and CO2 emissions range from 132g/km and 135g/km in the 1.7s to 159g/km from the two 1.9-litre units.
The three smaller petrol engines and the 1.7-litre diesels are married to a five-speed manual transmission, while the 2.0-litre turbo and both 1.9 diesels have a six-speed gearbox. A four-speed automatic is available as an option on the 1.8-litre petrol, while the latest version of the Easytronic automated manual gearbox is available on the 1.6.
Spring and damper settings are the same as for the five-door version, hence ride and handling are virtually identical in the standard chassis. Several clever options are available, however, including the adaptive IDS chassis with electronic damping control, steering-linked Adaptive Forward Lighting that shines around corners and a Towing Pack that incorporates automatic load levelling, Hill Start Assist and a TrailerStability Programme, all for £350.
There's plenty of opportunity for customizing the Astra estate to meet individual drivers' needs, with a wide range of infotainment options offered alongside the chassis enhancements. Front, side and - in most models - front and rear curtain airbags are standard and all rear seatbelts have three fixed points. Mountings are in place for an ISOFIX child seat and there's an audible and visible warning for the front safety belts.
FWOVERVIEWNew Astra has already made a significant impact on the fleet market and the estate will follow in its footsteps. Sharp styling with excellent proportions combine with a classy interior, excellent ride and high level of standard specification. Throw in eight good engine options and you can't go far wrong.
VAUXHALL ASTRA 1.7 CDTI (80BHP)OTR price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£15,595Engine cyl/cc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/1,686ccMax power . . . . . . . . . . . . 80bhp @ 4,400rpmMax torque . . . . . . . . . . . 125lb.ft @ 1,800rpm0-62mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.4 secsTop speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104mphCombined MPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57.6mpgCO2 emissions . . . . . 132g/km (15% in 05/06)
Following hot on the heels of its fivedoor sibling, the Astra estate has just gone on sale in the UK with prices ranging from £13,045 for the 1.4 life to £18,695 for the 1.9CDTi in Design trim. Intermediate stages are Club, SXi and SRi, the latter two being the more sporting versions. Whether fleets want their young service engineers bombing around in sporty service vehicles remains to be seen. But where a degree of choice is offered, the young bucks may well appreciate the chance to stand out a little from the crowds of similar vehicles already on the road.
It's often said that the heart of any good car is its engine - more on this note later - but in the case of an estate then load volume is also critical. With a 90mm longer wheelbase than the five-door version and the old estate, the new model boasts a 470-litre load volume with the rear seats in place, and up to 1550 litres when loaded up to the roof with the rear seats folded. Available on the car rental fleet?
The stated payload is 525kg and with the rear seats folded the load space can swallow items up to 1819mm in length. Sill height is 591mm and there's a stainless steel strip on the rear lip to protect the car from damage when loading heavy items. Load lashing points are provided to help keep bulky items in place and there's additional out-of-sight storage under the luggage compartment floor and in the side of the load area.
Engine options are comprehensive, with four petrol units and four diesels. Petrol versions range from a 90bhp 1.4-litre unit through 105bhp 1.6-litre and 125bhp 1.8-litre to the muscular 170bhp 2.0-litre turbo. The latter produces 184lb.ft of torque between 1950-4000rpm and propels the car to 60mph in 8.3 seconds, going on to a top speed of 135mph. CO2 emissions of 218g/km might cause drivers to think twice, however, as the top performing diesel is only a whisker behind in terms of performance and considerably lower in terms of BIK tax liability. With 150bhp on tap and 236lb.ft of torque, the 1.9CDTi is decidedly brisk and that extra mid-range pull ensures that even when fully laden, the engine will not be straining to climb hills or accelerate past slower cars.
There are two 1.7-litre units with 80bhp and 100bhp respectively, alongside a 120bhp version of the 1.9. All four are Euro IV-compliant and CO2 emissions range from 132g/km and 135g/km in the 1.7s to 159g/km from the two 1.9-litre units.
The three smaller petrol engines and the 1.7-litre diesels are married to a five-speed manual transmission, while the 2.0-litre turbo and both 1.9 diesels have a six-speed gearbox. A four-speed automatic is available as an option on the 1.8-litre petrol, while the latest version of the Easytronic automated manual gearbox is available on the 1.6.
Spring and damper settings are the same as for the five-door version, hence ride and handling are virtually identical in the standard chassis. Several clever options are available, however, including the adaptive IDS chassis with electronic damping control, steering-linked Adaptive Forward Lighting that shines around corners and a Towing Pack that incorporates automatic load levelling, Hill Start Assist and a TrailerStability Programme, all for £350.
There's plenty of opportunity for customizing the Astra estate to meet individual drivers' needs, with a wide range of infotainment options offered alongside the chassis enhancements. Front, side and - in most models - front and rear curtain airbags are standard and all rear seatbelts have three fixed points. Mountings are in place for an ISOFIX child seat and there's an audible and visible warning for the front safety belts.
FWOVERVIEWNew Astra has already made a significant impact on the fleet market and the estate will follow in its footsteps. Sharp styling with excellent proportions combine with a classy interior, excellent ride and high level of standard specification. Throw in eight good engine options and you can't go far wrong.
VAUXHALL ASTRA 1.7 CDTI (80BHP)OTR price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£15,595Engine cyl/cc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/1,686ccMax power . . . . . . . . . . . . 80bhp @ 4,400rpmMax torque . . . . . . . . . . . 125lb.ft @ 1,800rpm0-62mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.4 secsTop speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104mphCombined MPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57.6mpgCO2 emissions . . . . . 132g/km (15% in 05/06)
Monday, February 21, 2005
New Launches for February
Mercedes-Benz A-class
Mitsubishi Lancer
Skoda Octavia estate
New Chevrolet marque
MARCH
Renault Laguna
BMW 3-series
Alfa Romeo 147
Honda CR-V diesel
Nissan Murano
Nissan 350Z roadster
BMW 3-series
THE new 3-series is a marked improvement in every way over the last one – and the outgoing model was still the class-leader in its last year. The interior is improved, although no more space has been liberated, while ride and handling are better and the engines, from the 320d to the 330i, are superb.
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.
How many will be available on the car rental tariff?
Mitsubishi Lancer
Skoda Octavia estate
New Chevrolet marque
MARCH
Renault Laguna
BMW 3-series
Alfa Romeo 147
Honda CR-V diesel
Nissan Murano
Nissan 350Z roadster
BMW 3-series
THE new 3-series is a marked improvement in every way over the last one – and the outgoing model was still the class-leader in its last year. The interior is improved, although no more space has been liberated, while ride and handling are better and the engines, from the 320d to the 330i, are superb.
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.
How many will be available on the car rental tariff?
Friday, February 18, 2005
Audi A2 1.4 TDi
Motor manufacturers have two choices as far as model strategy is concerned. Diversify into an increasing number of market niches or go out of business. Plodding on with the same old model line-up simply isn't an option in a market where the number of sub-sectors seems to be growing at a pace which would have been unthinkable twenty years ago.
The only note of caution that needs to be sounded here is one of logical progression and there's no shortage of examples in motoring's "hall of errors" of cars that were simply beyond the manufacturer's traditional customer base and which, upon reflection, were probably not such a good idea in pure profit terms.
Volkswagen Group doesn't slip on too many banana skins and, with the notable exception of the VW Phaeton, has managed to organise its brands in such a way that it covers virtually the entire passenger car market without excessive overlap and, hence, intra-brand price competition.
Not quite in the same league as the Phaeton is Audi's A2 - an extremely clever car that hasn't quite caught the imagination of a well-heeled clientele already on its guard against small German cars following the Mercedes-Benz A-Class's highly public Elk test problems.
A2 features some highly advanced technology. It is the only small car in the world to use a body shell constructed entirely from aluminium - technology which it shares with the Audi A8. The Audi space Frame (ASF) concept involves panels that are integrated into a highstrength aluminium frame structure in which they have a loadbearing role. The space frame proper - weighing just 75kg - consists of extruded sections which are connected by vacuum die-cast sections. In conjunction with high-strength aluminium panels the frame is highly rigid yet very light.
As a result, the overall weight of the 1.4Tdi is just 1134kg and its 89bhp, three-cylinder engine propels the car to a top speed of 118mph and enables it to reach 62mph in 10.9 seconds. Mid-range pull is exceptional for such a small unit and it maintains motorway speeds with ease, but the story does not end there. Combined fuel consumption of 65.7mpg cannot fail to impress, while C02 emissions of 116g/km from the Euro IV engine put the A2 in fleet's BIK bargain basement.
The interior is highly spacious for a car with such a small footprint on the road and luggage space is on a par with cars one or two classes above. Added versatility comes in the form of rear seats that can be folded individually, collectively or removed altogether. Rear passengers enjoy the benefit of a deeper footwell than those in the front, allowing them to sit in a more upright position without knocking their knees on the front seats. Car rental fleet?
With so much in its favour you would expect the A2 to be a bestseller, but other factors come into play and this is not the case. Standard equipment includes traction control, ESP, transponder immobiliser and electric front windows. However, with a list price of £15,410, the omission of basic creature comforts such as air conditioning and a CD player appear decidedly miserly when compared to rivals' offerings in this class. Climate control is an £800 extra even on the SE model, while a single-slot CD player adds a further £200.
The A2 is packed with electronic gadgetry designed to keep the car and its occupants firmly on the road surface. Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), EBD, ESP, ASR and ABS all come as standard, ensuring that the A2 does not suffer the same embarrassment as the A-Class. Unfortunately, for all this technological wizardry the engineers seem to have overlooked a requirement which for many drivers will be closer to home - that of a comfortable ride. Firmly on the road describes it exactly, while at motorway speeds the sensitivity of the steering makes it hard for the driver to stay in lane if there is a momentary distraction.
Rear visibility is badly impaired by the rear spoiler and to make matters worse, the designers have opted for side mirrors that favour form over function and offer only a partial view of the road behind.
Those for whom the latest technology is all important cannot fail to be impressed with the A2's credentials. But with rivals offering so much more in a more user-friendly form it is not surprising that the accountants at VAG are asking questions about the future of the A2 project.
ROSS DURKIN
AUDI A2 1.4 TDI 5DROTR Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£15,410Max power . . . . . . . . . . .89bhp @ 4,000rpmMax torque . . . . . . . . . .144lb.ft @ 2,200rpm0-62mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10.9 secsTop speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118mphCombined MPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65.7mpgCO2 emissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 g/kmTypical monthly rental . . . . . . . . . . . . .£316
The only note of caution that needs to be sounded here is one of logical progression and there's no shortage of examples in motoring's "hall of errors" of cars that were simply beyond the manufacturer's traditional customer base and which, upon reflection, were probably not such a good idea in pure profit terms.
Volkswagen Group doesn't slip on too many banana skins and, with the notable exception of the VW Phaeton, has managed to organise its brands in such a way that it covers virtually the entire passenger car market without excessive overlap and, hence, intra-brand price competition.
Not quite in the same league as the Phaeton is Audi's A2 - an extremely clever car that hasn't quite caught the imagination of a well-heeled clientele already on its guard against small German cars following the Mercedes-Benz A-Class's highly public Elk test problems.
A2 features some highly advanced technology. It is the only small car in the world to use a body shell constructed entirely from aluminium - technology which it shares with the Audi A8. The Audi space Frame (ASF) concept involves panels that are integrated into a highstrength aluminium frame structure in which they have a loadbearing role. The space frame proper - weighing just 75kg - consists of extruded sections which are connected by vacuum die-cast sections. In conjunction with high-strength aluminium panels the frame is highly rigid yet very light.
As a result, the overall weight of the 1.4Tdi is just 1134kg and its 89bhp, three-cylinder engine propels the car to a top speed of 118mph and enables it to reach 62mph in 10.9 seconds. Mid-range pull is exceptional for such a small unit and it maintains motorway speeds with ease, but the story does not end there. Combined fuel consumption of 65.7mpg cannot fail to impress, while C02 emissions of 116g/km from the Euro IV engine put the A2 in fleet's BIK bargain basement.
The interior is highly spacious for a car with such a small footprint on the road and luggage space is on a par with cars one or two classes above. Added versatility comes in the form of rear seats that can be folded individually, collectively or removed altogether. Rear passengers enjoy the benefit of a deeper footwell than those in the front, allowing them to sit in a more upright position without knocking their knees on the front seats. Car rental fleet?
With so much in its favour you would expect the A2 to be a bestseller, but other factors come into play and this is not the case. Standard equipment includes traction control, ESP, transponder immobiliser and electric front windows. However, with a list price of £15,410, the omission of basic creature comforts such as air conditioning and a CD player appear decidedly miserly when compared to rivals' offerings in this class. Climate control is an £800 extra even on the SE model, while a single-slot CD player adds a further £200.
The A2 is packed with electronic gadgetry designed to keep the car and its occupants firmly on the road surface. Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), EBD, ESP, ASR and ABS all come as standard, ensuring that the A2 does not suffer the same embarrassment as the A-Class. Unfortunately, for all this technological wizardry the engineers seem to have overlooked a requirement which for many drivers will be closer to home - that of a comfortable ride. Firmly on the road describes it exactly, while at motorway speeds the sensitivity of the steering makes it hard for the driver to stay in lane if there is a momentary distraction.
Rear visibility is badly impaired by the rear spoiler and to make matters worse, the designers have opted for side mirrors that favour form over function and offer only a partial view of the road behind.
Those for whom the latest technology is all important cannot fail to be impressed with the A2's credentials. But with rivals offering so much more in a more user-friendly form it is not surprising that the accountants at VAG are asking questions about the future of the A2 project.
ROSS DURKIN
AUDI A2 1.4 TDI 5DROTR Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£15,410Max power . . . . . . . . . . .89bhp @ 4,000rpmMax torque . . . . . . . . . .144lb.ft @ 2,200rpm0-62mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10.9 secsTop speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118mphCombined MPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65.7mpgCO2 emissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 g/kmTypical monthly rental . . . . . . . . . . . . .£316
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Volkswagen Fox
VOLKSWAGEN is set to replace its smallest car with a bigger model that will be substantially cheaper to buy.
A new supermini called the Fox will become the Volkswagen UK price leader when it takes over from the Lupo early next year.
But the Brazilian-built three-door car will be bigger, have a larger interior and come with a sliding rear seat arrangement similar to that just launched on the Golf Plus to provide greater versatility as a load carrier.
Featuring sporty looks and front styling similar to the Golf, the new model will have a choice of petrol and diesel engines sized at 1.2 and 1.4 litres.
A Volkswagen spokesman said: ‘Although it is still a long way from the showrooms, it has been decided to market this car as a high-value model. That means we will be aiming to price it from around £6,500 so it can compete with cars like the Fiat Panda. Will it be on the car rental fleet?
‘This will be a change from the marketing approach we took with the Lupo, which costs from £7,880 and was intended to offer Golf-type quality in a city car package.’
Introduced in five-door form in 2003, the Fox is Brazil’s sixth best-selling car and leads its segment. Extra production facilities are now being installed at the factory in Sao Paolo.
A new supermini called the Fox will become the Volkswagen UK price leader when it takes over from the Lupo early next year.
But the Brazilian-built three-door car will be bigger, have a larger interior and come with a sliding rear seat arrangement similar to that just launched on the Golf Plus to provide greater versatility as a load carrier.
Featuring sporty looks and front styling similar to the Golf, the new model will have a choice of petrol and diesel engines sized at 1.2 and 1.4 litres.
A Volkswagen spokesman said: ‘Although it is still a long way from the showrooms, it has been decided to market this car as a high-value model. That means we will be aiming to price it from around £6,500 so it can compete with cars like the Fiat Panda. Will it be on the car rental fleet?
‘This will be a change from the marketing approach we took with the Lupo, which costs from £7,880 and was intended to offer Golf-type quality in a city car package.’
Introduced in five-door form in 2003, the Fox is Brazil’s sixth best-selling car and leads its segment. Extra production facilities are now being installed at the factory in Sao Paolo.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Winning formula - Ford Focus
Along with new Mondeo, the Focus was the start of Ford Europe's giant product leap. Despite selling in huge numbers, nobody could say that previous Fords were design classics, whereas current Fords tend to be - in dynamic terms anyway - best-in-class.
This is probably down to two people, Richard Parry-Jones for the engineering and J Mays for the styling. Richard is Ford through-and-through, but J Mays was headhunted from Audi where he was Head of Design (he is now responsible for Ford styling Worldwide). He subsequently recruited Chris Bird, the designer of the original Audi A4 who has since become Design Director Ford Europe and has brought Audi disciplines to Ford design management. The chief designer of the new Focus is Claudio Messale, who has attempted to bring some Italian flair to what was already an excellent piece of design.
In the lower-medium sector, every manufacturer looked to Golf - the undisputed classicon - for a benchmark. Volkswagen took perceived quality to new levels in the Mk 4 Golf and caused other manufacturers to raise their games to the point that the Mk 5 Golf no longer has any real advantage over its competitors. Whereas VW had to lift the dynamic qualities of the Golf to match Focus, Ford had to lift perceived build qualities to match those of the Golf. And judging by the tighter panel gaps and improved interior materials they have succeeded.
New Focus shares its underpinnings with Mazda 3, Volvo S40 and V50 and of course Focus C-Max, though they all look very different and buyers really do benefit from the cost savings of joint development. The new Focus has styling cues reminiscent of the new Volvo S40 and its styling is certainly less of a dramatic leap forward than was current Focus over the old Escort. This is a process of evolution, says Ford, doubtless mindful of not wishing to move too far away from a winning formula in the design of the current model.
As is customary, the new car is bigger with a 25mm longer wheelbase, 40mm wider track and a 113mm longer boot. Extra interior room has been gained by pulling the windscreen forward by 140mm and the extra boot length increases capacity to 475 litres. The aim of the design team was to build on the driving qualities, with improved cabin comfort and ambience. Ford has worked hard on NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) and has achieved a great deal in this area. The engineers felt that the original Focus had room for improvement in terms of road and engine noise, and interior plushness and so have focused on these areas.
Ford had the benefit of being last to upgrade its lower-medium contender and has been able to benchmark against the high standards already set by Golf, Astra and BMW's new 1 Series. They would have no excuse not to come out best and on reflection they have succeeded, although it is close. Who would have thought that Ford and Vauxhall could match VW and BMW for cabin quality?
Initially, Ford will offer four petrol engines: 1.4-litre (80bhp), 1.6-litre (100bhp), 1.6-litre (115bhp), 2.0-litre (145bhp) and two diesel engines: 1.6-litre (110bhp) and 2.0-litre (136bhp) with a 1.6-litre (90bhp) diesel from February 2005 and undoubtedly more higherpower engines to follow. The 1.6 115bhp engine (Duratec Ti-VCT to give its full title) is new and very sophisticated, with variable camshaft timing which improves airflow and delivers more power and torque, yet improves economy by 5%
There are six trim levels starting with the Studio and splitting into the comfort orientated LX and Ghia and the sporty - Sport, Zetec and the new range-topping Titanium. At their press conference Ford showed a slide with a question mark above the Titanium model and this could well be an ST version.
Despite the rapid growth of diesel power, Ford reckons that 70 per cent of Focus sales will be petrol and the body split will be 73 per cent 5-door, 12 per cent estate, 10 per cent 3 door and 5 per cent 4 door (due February 2005). The forecast trim breakdown is 5 per cent Studio, 45 per cent LX, 25 per cent Zetec, 20 per cent Ghia and 5 per cent Titanium, though these predictions are rarely accurate and Ford will hope to sell more of the more profitable, high-specification cars. The new Focus will be available for ordering in October 2004 and on sale next January.
The original Focus was met with rave reviews and often described as a masterpiece with high levels ofcomfort and wonderful steering and handling. Ford had previously attained best-seller status with mediocre cars, but Focus would deserve its number one position. In fact 4,000,000 Focuses have been sold since its launch in 1998 and, because of the demand, there has been no over-supply and residual values remain very good for a high-volume hatchback. The car has proved durable and five and six-year-old cars still look current and drive as well as when new.
Despite the current model still having class-leading dynamic qualities, Ford wanted to do better with the new Focus and move the car towards the premium sector with higher levels of perceived quality. They have certainly achieved this and if the interior badges were removed, this could easily be a BMW or Audi. The dashboard is a huge improvement on the current car which tended to be stylized for the sake of it. The new instrument cluster is perfectly situated in front of the driver and the audio and air conditioning controls are intuitive, with no need to refer to the hand book.
When it comes to driving, the best just got better with an incredibly fluid feel to the steering and a wonderful handling/ride balance. The 2.0 TDCi is the real peach, giving much better real world performance than the 2.0-litre petrol, but with less noise and far better fuel consumption.
FW OVERVIEWFord staked a lot on the original Focus and their investment paid off with profitable best-seller status. They are again pushing the boundaries forward with even better build and dynamic qualities at an even more competitive price. Some may feel that the avant-garde appearance of the original has been toned down, but there is no doubt that the Focus will remain number one, despite strong opposition from Golf, Astra and BMW 1 Series.
FORD FOCUS 2.0 TDCIOTR price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TBAEngine cyl/cc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/1,997Max power . . . . . . . . . . . 135bhp @ 4,000rpmMax torque . . . . . . . . . . . 236lb.ft @ 2,000rpm0-62mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.3secsTop speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125mphCombined MPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51.4mpgCO2 emissions . . . . . 148g/km (15% in 04/05)
This is probably down to two people, Richard Parry-Jones for the engineering and J Mays for the styling. Richard is Ford through-and-through, but J Mays was headhunted from Audi where he was Head of Design (he is now responsible for Ford styling Worldwide). He subsequently recruited Chris Bird, the designer of the original Audi A4 who has since become Design Director Ford Europe and has brought Audi disciplines to Ford design management. The chief designer of the new Focus is Claudio Messale, who has attempted to bring some Italian flair to what was already an excellent piece of design.
In the lower-medium sector, every manufacturer looked to Golf - the undisputed classicon - for a benchmark. Volkswagen took perceived quality to new levels in the Mk 4 Golf and caused other manufacturers to raise their games to the point that the Mk 5 Golf no longer has any real advantage over its competitors. Whereas VW had to lift the dynamic qualities of the Golf to match Focus, Ford had to lift perceived build qualities to match those of the Golf. And judging by the tighter panel gaps and improved interior materials they have succeeded.
New Focus shares its underpinnings with Mazda 3, Volvo S40 and V50 and of course Focus C-Max, though they all look very different and buyers really do benefit from the cost savings of joint development. The new Focus has styling cues reminiscent of the new Volvo S40 and its styling is certainly less of a dramatic leap forward than was current Focus over the old Escort. This is a process of evolution, says Ford, doubtless mindful of not wishing to move too far away from a winning formula in the design of the current model.
As is customary, the new car is bigger with a 25mm longer wheelbase, 40mm wider track and a 113mm longer boot. Extra interior room has been gained by pulling the windscreen forward by 140mm and the extra boot length increases capacity to 475 litres. The aim of the design team was to build on the driving qualities, with improved cabin comfort and ambience. Ford has worked hard on NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) and has achieved a great deal in this area. The engineers felt that the original Focus had room for improvement in terms of road and engine noise, and interior plushness and so have focused on these areas.
Ford had the benefit of being last to upgrade its lower-medium contender and has been able to benchmark against the high standards already set by Golf, Astra and BMW's new 1 Series. They would have no excuse not to come out best and on reflection they have succeeded, although it is close. Who would have thought that Ford and Vauxhall could match VW and BMW for cabin quality?
Initially, Ford will offer four petrol engines: 1.4-litre (80bhp), 1.6-litre (100bhp), 1.6-litre (115bhp), 2.0-litre (145bhp) and two diesel engines: 1.6-litre (110bhp) and 2.0-litre (136bhp) with a 1.6-litre (90bhp) diesel from February 2005 and undoubtedly more higherpower engines to follow. The 1.6 115bhp engine (Duratec Ti-VCT to give its full title) is new and very sophisticated, with variable camshaft timing which improves airflow and delivers more power and torque, yet improves economy by 5%
There are six trim levels starting with the Studio and splitting into the comfort orientated LX and Ghia and the sporty - Sport, Zetec and the new range-topping Titanium. At their press conference Ford showed a slide with a question mark above the Titanium model and this could well be an ST version.
Despite the rapid growth of diesel power, Ford reckons that 70 per cent of Focus sales will be petrol and the body split will be 73 per cent 5-door, 12 per cent estate, 10 per cent 3 door and 5 per cent 4 door (due February 2005). The forecast trim breakdown is 5 per cent Studio, 45 per cent LX, 25 per cent Zetec, 20 per cent Ghia and 5 per cent Titanium, though these predictions are rarely accurate and Ford will hope to sell more of the more profitable, high-specification cars. The new Focus will be available for ordering in October 2004 and on sale next January.
The original Focus was met with rave reviews and often described as a masterpiece with high levels ofcomfort and wonderful steering and handling. Ford had previously attained best-seller status with mediocre cars, but Focus would deserve its number one position. In fact 4,000,000 Focuses have been sold since its launch in 1998 and, because of the demand, there has been no over-supply and residual values remain very good for a high-volume hatchback. The car has proved durable and five and six-year-old cars still look current and drive as well as when new.
Despite the current model still having class-leading dynamic qualities, Ford wanted to do better with the new Focus and move the car towards the premium sector with higher levels of perceived quality. They have certainly achieved this and if the interior badges were removed, this could easily be a BMW or Audi. The dashboard is a huge improvement on the current car which tended to be stylized for the sake of it. The new instrument cluster is perfectly situated in front of the driver and the audio and air conditioning controls are intuitive, with no need to refer to the hand book.
When it comes to driving, the best just got better with an incredibly fluid feel to the steering and a wonderful handling/ride balance. The 2.0 TDCi is the real peach, giving much better real world performance than the 2.0-litre petrol, but with less noise and far better fuel consumption.
FW OVERVIEWFord staked a lot on the original Focus and their investment paid off with profitable best-seller status. They are again pushing the boundaries forward with even better build and dynamic qualities at an even more competitive price. Some may feel that the avant-garde appearance of the original has been toned down, but there is no doubt that the Focus will remain number one, despite strong opposition from Golf, Astra and BMW 1 Series.
FORD FOCUS 2.0 TDCIOTR price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TBAEngine cyl/cc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/1,997Max power . . . . . . . . . . . 135bhp @ 4,000rpmMax torque . . . . . . . . . . . 236lb.ft @ 2,000rpm0-62mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.3secsTop speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125mphCombined MPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51.4mpgCO2 emissions . . . . . 148g/km (15% in 04/05)
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Volkswagen - Fox
VOLKSWAGEN is set to replace its smallest car with a bigger model that will be substantially cheaper to buy.
A new supermini called the Fox will become the Volkswagen UK price leader when it takes over from the Lupo early next year.
But the Brazilian-built three-door car will be bigger, have a larger interior and come with a sliding rear seat arrangement similar to that just launched on the Golf Plus to provide greater versatility as a load carrier.
Featuring sporty looks and front styling similar to the Golf, the new model will have a choice of petrol and diesel engines sized at 1.2 and 1.4 litres.
A Volkswagen spokesman said: ‘Although it is still a long way from the showrooms, it has been decided to market this car as a high-value model. That means we will be aiming to price it from around £6,500 so it can compete with cars like the Fiat Panda.
‘This will be a change from the marketing approach we took with the Lupo, which costs from £7,880 and was intended to offer Golf-type quality in a city car package.’
Will it be able to compete against the mini-cooper and be available on the car rental fleet?
A new supermini called the Fox will become the Volkswagen UK price leader when it takes over from the Lupo early next year.
But the Brazilian-built three-door car will be bigger, have a larger interior and come with a sliding rear seat arrangement similar to that just launched on the Golf Plus to provide greater versatility as a load carrier.
Featuring sporty looks and front styling similar to the Golf, the new model will have a choice of petrol and diesel engines sized at 1.2 and 1.4 litres.
A Volkswagen spokesman said: ‘Although it is still a long way from the showrooms, it has been decided to market this car as a high-value model. That means we will be aiming to price it from around £6,500 so it can compete with cars like the Fiat Panda.
‘This will be a change from the marketing approach we took with the Lupo, which costs from £7,880 and was intended to offer Golf-type quality in a city car package.’
Will it be able to compete against the mini-cooper and be available on the car rental fleet?
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Mini goes topless
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. Available on the cer rental fleet?
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)
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)
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Electric Scooters - on the car rental fleet?
ELECTRIC scooters are becoming the latest fashion accessory to have on the streets of London.
Pop stars and celebrities are clambering over themselves to get their hands on the latest models in a bid to be seen as doing their part towards the environment.
But it is not just the rich and famous who are enjoying the benefits of these two-wheeled electric motors, with more and more fleets considering the advantages. So much so that one London-based company now leases electric scooters solely to businesses and fleets.
Scootaround was launched in October 2003 to cater for the needs of fleets wanting to lease a scooter.
The group, which also leases petrol-powered scooters and electric cars, is able to supply vehicles nationally as well as in London. Will they become available on the car rental fleet?
Daniel Showman, chairman of Scootaround, said: ‘We are a start-up company, but are growing beyond our means. We initially started working with local authorities.
‘There is still a lot of work here, but we are also working with public limited companies and are currently in talks with Royal Mail and British Airways, but generally we are working with big companies which have environmental concerns. ‘The leading local authorities are quite keen on the environmental side of things and have been asking for electric scooters.’
As part of the lease package, fleets get delivery, servicing, a helmet, padlock and chain, vehicle replacement within 24 hours and road fund licences, where applicable, all included. Aside from the environmental benefits of leasing a scooter, fleets operating in the London area will be exempt from congestion charging penalties. As the company only deals with fleets, customer service levels are high according to Showman.
He said: ‘The first thing we would do is discuss a customer’s immediate requirements as well as incorporate it into the long-term objectives of a customer.
‘We try to make the fleet manager’s life as easy as possible. In the past, fleets which have converted to bikes either go for the cheapest bike or are sold the wrong type.
‘We offer a range of suppliers, we stop and ask what the bike will be used for and ensure the right bike is supplied.’
Electric scooters are limited in terms of the mileage they can complete before running out of power.
However, a new hybrid scooter is due to be produced and Showman is hoping it will bolster sales even further.
He said: ‘Electric scooters are limited in terms of mileage. We are looking to push electric vehicles but in 12 months time there will be a new dual-powered petrol/electric bike that will eliminate the mileage problem.’
For details, log on to: www.scootaround.co.uk
Source Fleet News
Pop stars and celebrities are clambering over themselves to get their hands on the latest models in a bid to be seen as doing their part towards the environment.
But it is not just the rich and famous who are enjoying the benefits of these two-wheeled electric motors, with more and more fleets considering the advantages. So much so that one London-based company now leases electric scooters solely to businesses and fleets.
Scootaround was launched in October 2003 to cater for the needs of fleets wanting to lease a scooter.
The group, which also leases petrol-powered scooters and electric cars, is able to supply vehicles nationally as well as in London. Will they become available on the car rental fleet?
Daniel Showman, chairman of Scootaround, said: ‘We are a start-up company, but are growing beyond our means. We initially started working with local authorities.
‘There is still a lot of work here, but we are also working with public limited companies and are currently in talks with Royal Mail and British Airways, but generally we are working with big companies which have environmental concerns. ‘The leading local authorities are quite keen on the environmental side of things and have been asking for electric scooters.’
As part of the lease package, fleets get delivery, servicing, a helmet, padlock and chain, vehicle replacement within 24 hours and road fund licences, where applicable, all included. Aside from the environmental benefits of leasing a scooter, fleets operating in the London area will be exempt from congestion charging penalties. As the company only deals with fleets, customer service levels are high according to Showman.
He said: ‘The first thing we would do is discuss a customer’s immediate requirements as well as incorporate it into the long-term objectives of a customer.
‘We try to make the fleet manager’s life as easy as possible. In the past, fleets which have converted to bikes either go for the cheapest bike or are sold the wrong type.
‘We offer a range of suppliers, we stop and ask what the bike will be used for and ensure the right bike is supplied.’
Electric scooters are limited in terms of the mileage they can complete before running out of power.
However, a new hybrid scooter is due to be produced and Showman is hoping it will bolster sales even further.
He said: ‘Electric scooters are limited in terms of mileage. We are looking to push electric vehicles but in 12 months time there will be a new dual-powered petrol/electric bike that will eliminate the mileage problem.’
For details, log on to: www.scootaround.co.uk
Source Fleet News
Monday, February 07, 2005
Astra Hatch Back
VAUXHALL executives say residual value predictions for its Astra Sport Hatch buck trends in the fleet market.
Experts predict that the new vehicle will fetch a higher residual value as a used car than its five-door equivalent.
It points to figures from residual forecast expert CAP, which says the vehicle will command a £300 residual value premium compared to the five door after three-years/60,000-miles, especially on sportier SXi and SRi derivatives.
The industry norm, however, is for three-door models generally to achieve lower prices than their five-door equivalents, company bosses say.
CAP’s New Car Monitor shows that the Astra 1.8 SRi Sport Hatch will achieve a residual value of £5,375, compared to £5,075 for the five-door Astra, while the 1.9 CDTi SRi (120) should achieve £5,800, compared to £5,500 for the five-door model.
Vauxhall chiefs believe that the forecast residual values will translate to more competitive contract hire rates for the new car, which goes on sale in April.
On the Car rental fleets?
Source Fleet News
Experts predict that the new vehicle will fetch a higher residual value as a used car than its five-door equivalent.
It points to figures from residual forecast expert CAP, which says the vehicle will command a £300 residual value premium compared to the five door after three-years/60,000-miles, especially on sportier SXi and SRi derivatives.
The industry norm, however, is for three-door models generally to achieve lower prices than their five-door equivalents, company bosses say.
CAP’s New Car Monitor shows that the Astra 1.8 SRi Sport Hatch will achieve a residual value of £5,375, compared to £5,075 for the five-door Astra, while the 1.9 CDTi SRi (120) should achieve £5,800, compared to £5,500 for the five-door model.
Vauxhall chiefs believe that the forecast residual values will translate to more competitive contract hire rates for the new car, which goes on sale in April.
On the Car rental fleets?
Source Fleet News
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Fiat Stilo
There's a popular saying that you only get one chance to make a first impression. Well, to some extent that holds good for the motor industry, but it doesn't stop a manufacturer from making improvements to a model where it finds a need to do so.
Such is the case with Fiat's Stilo, launched at a time when Fiat in Italy was receiving some negative press comment on account of its falling European sales figures and industrial unrest. Rover's 75 suffered a similar fate, being launched at the Birmingham Motor show on the same day that parent company BMW announced the possible closure of Longbridge... it certainly doesn't help. Against a backdrop like this the original Stilo didn't get off to the ideal start and UK fleet buyers were understandably a little cautious about exactly where the brand was going.
Fiat's answer is a new Stilo which, while not dramatically different in appearance, has a higher level of specification, better materials and some improvements to the exterior styling.
The 20-model UK line-up, priced from £9995 to £16,095 on-the-road, embraces three body styles - 3-door, 5-door and the Multi Wagon estate. A price reduction by an average of 3.5% across the entire range (representing a saving of some £500) reinforces the Stilo's value-for-money proposition. Even at entry level, standard equipment specification includes Dualdrive electric power steering, 'My Car' function customisation, front and side airbags, electric windows, remote central locking, 'Follow Me Home' headlamps and electric child security locks.
Our long-termer is the 2.4-litre in Prestigio trim. It's potent five-cylinder, 20-valve engine delivers 170bhp at 6000rpm and 165lb.ft of torque at 3500rpm - a relatively low engine speed for petrol engines which provides better in-gear acceleration. Top speed is 136mph and 60mph is reached in 8.5 seconds.
Combined fuel consumption is 28.8mpg and CO2 emissions are 233g/km, making this a less than tax-efficient model compared to most diesels. That said, with an on-the-road price of just £14,395 drivers will have to go a long way to find another car in this class with similar size, performance and specification for a lower price.
First impressions of the new Stilo indicate that Fiat has continued to make improvements in build quality and, though our test car is fitted with leather seats which are an £800 option, the interior looks and feels more in keeping with its rivals than was the case when the car was first launched. Exterior panel fit and shut lines are also up with the best in class now.
Overall styling is decidedly understated coming from a manufacturer that also boasts models such as the Multipla. Critics claim that it is lacking in personality but, had Fiat gone too far the other way, fleets would have said it was too wacky to be mainstream fleet.
In the end, it will be a little like those Italian designer shoes that you see in so many of the high street stores nowadays. You don't dare to try them on until one day you see a colleague in a pair and then you wish you had bought them for yourself. Be bold.
FIAT STILO 2.4 PRESTIGIO 5DROTR Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£14,395Max power . . . . . . . . . .170bhp @ 6,000rpmMax torque . . . . . . . . . .163lb.ft @ 3,500rpm0-62mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.5 secsTop speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136mphCombined MPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28.8mpgCO2 emissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233 g/kmTypical monthly rental . . . . . . . . . . . . .£317. Car rental for the future?
Such is the case with Fiat's Stilo, launched at a time when Fiat in Italy was receiving some negative press comment on account of its falling European sales figures and industrial unrest. Rover's 75 suffered a similar fate, being launched at the Birmingham Motor show on the same day that parent company BMW announced the possible closure of Longbridge... it certainly doesn't help. Against a backdrop like this the original Stilo didn't get off to the ideal start and UK fleet buyers were understandably a little cautious about exactly where the brand was going.
Fiat's answer is a new Stilo which, while not dramatically different in appearance, has a higher level of specification, better materials and some improvements to the exterior styling.
The 20-model UK line-up, priced from £9995 to £16,095 on-the-road, embraces three body styles - 3-door, 5-door and the Multi Wagon estate. A price reduction by an average of 3.5% across the entire range (representing a saving of some £500) reinforces the Stilo's value-for-money proposition. Even at entry level, standard equipment specification includes Dualdrive electric power steering, 'My Car' function customisation, front and side airbags, electric windows, remote central locking, 'Follow Me Home' headlamps and electric child security locks.
Our long-termer is the 2.4-litre in Prestigio trim. It's potent five-cylinder, 20-valve engine delivers 170bhp at 6000rpm and 165lb.ft of torque at 3500rpm - a relatively low engine speed for petrol engines which provides better in-gear acceleration. Top speed is 136mph and 60mph is reached in 8.5 seconds.
Combined fuel consumption is 28.8mpg and CO2 emissions are 233g/km, making this a less than tax-efficient model compared to most diesels. That said, with an on-the-road price of just £14,395 drivers will have to go a long way to find another car in this class with similar size, performance and specification for a lower price.
First impressions of the new Stilo indicate that Fiat has continued to make improvements in build quality and, though our test car is fitted with leather seats which are an £800 option, the interior looks and feels more in keeping with its rivals than was the case when the car was first launched. Exterior panel fit and shut lines are also up with the best in class now.
Overall styling is decidedly understated coming from a manufacturer that also boasts models such as the Multipla. Critics claim that it is lacking in personality but, had Fiat gone too far the other way, fleets would have said it was too wacky to be mainstream fleet.
In the end, it will be a little like those Italian designer shoes that you see in so many of the high street stores nowadays. You don't dare to try them on until one day you see a colleague in a pair and then you wish you had bought them for yourself. Be bold.
FIAT STILO 2.4 PRESTIGIO 5DROTR Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£14,395Max power . . . . . . . . . .170bhp @ 6,000rpmMax torque . . . . . . . . . .163lb.ft @ 3,500rpm0-62mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.5 secsTop speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136mphCombined MPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28.8mpgCO2 emissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233 g/kmTypical monthly rental . . . . . . . . . . . . .£317. Car rental for the future?
Friday, February 04, 2005
Contract hire survey: Luxury sports cars
GREAT looks, performance, a measure of practicality and some of the strongest residual values in the industry. These cars are no longer the pariahs in fleet they once were. Our panel investigates.
UK drivers get a taste for glitzy motoring
YOU only have to look at the number of Audi TTs sold over the past few years – about 10,000 a year in the UK – to see just how popular convertible sports cars have become in the corporate arena.
It’s down to a number of factors but, as a nation, we’ve become better off, more successful in business and more concerned with luxury items.
It also helps that there are some seriously good convertible sports cars out there, that are no longer uncomfortable, awkward to drive and poorly put together. Owning a convertible in winter is not the chore it used to be and even ragtops like the TT, Z4 and Boxster will withstand a fierce winter easily.
The Mercedes-Benz SLK is the only one here that has a full hardtop and it’s a big improvement over its rather effete predecessor.
The new Boxster is a development of a winning car, while the Z4 has managed the same trick over the Z3 as the SLK by beefing up more.
Honda’s S2000 is one for the enthusiasts with its fantastic high-revving engine, while the Lotus Elise is for drivers who like their motoring raw.
Audi TT 1.8T Quattro 225
P11D price: £29,6272004 CO2 BIK tax bill (22%/40%): £2,086/£3,7922004 VED bill: £160
Rental Rates
LeasePlan Fleetline £543.76Lex Vehicle Leasing £497.01Custom Fleet £545.89DCSFM £551.93Lloyds TSBautolease £427.72
BMW Z4 3.0i SE
P11D price: £31,4522004 CO2 BIK tax bill (22%/40%): £2,145/£3,9002004 VED bill: £160
Rental Rates
LeasePlan Fleetline £572.54Lex Vehicle Leasing £563.62Custom Fleet £599.53DCSFM £608.95Lloyds TSBautolease £572.04
Honda S2000
P11D price: £27,4022004 CO2 BIK tax bill (22%/40%): £2,050/£3,7272004 VED bill £160
Rental Rates
LeasePlan Fleetline £513.39Lex Vehicle Leasing £495.41Custom Fleet £537.59DCSFM £516.63Lloyds TSBautolease £497.23
Lotus Elise 111R
P11D price: £27,9952004 CO2 BIK tax bill (22%/40%): £1,724/£3,1352004 VED bill: £160
Rental Rates
LeasePlan Fleetline £673.85Lex Vehicle Leasing £561.63Custom Fleet £653.79DCSFM £573.19Lloyds TSBautolease £631.93
Mercedes-Benz SLK 200K
P11D price: £27,8422004 CO2 BIK tax bill (22%/40%): £1,715/£3,1182004 VED bill:£160
Rental Rates
LeasePlan Fleetline £484.91Lex Vehicle Leasing £505.73Custom Fleet £477.26DCSFM £518.90Lloyds TSBautolease £483.10
Porsche Boxster 2.7
P11D price: £32,3202004 CO2 BIK tax bill (22%/40%): £2,275/£4,1372004 VED bill: £160
Rental Rates
LeasePlan Fleetline £625.53Lex Vehicle Leasing £563.46Custom Fleet £620.08DCSFM £605.73Lloyds TSBautolease £608.22
Dean WoodwardConsultancy manager, DaimlerChrysler Services Fleet Management
This basket of vehicles is clearly aimed at the user- chooser driver or those in the fortunate position of having a high cash allowance.
Their primary attraction will be badge, looks, performance and price. Practicality, economy and wholelife costs are of secondary concern, with drivers choosing for a specific purpose such as raw power or status.
The well-balanced, mid-engine Boxster and Elise both provide the ultimate drive and, for someone wishing to enjoy an exciting open-top driving experience, the SLK, Z4, S2000 and TT will provide this in varying degrees of comfort.
When it comes to price and performance, the S2000 and TT perform well but lack the status in the car park.
The SLK and Z4 have the additional advantage of being sports models from prestige manufacturers. However, with the heritage and breeding of Porsche and Lotus, the driver’s thirst for exhilaration will be quenched.
Tracy McMahonPricing manager, Lloyds TSBautolease
The com-petition is fierce in this sector, with some new models really upping an already high ante.
The two most competitive cars here, in terms of a corporate choice, are the BMW Z4 and the Mercedes-Benz SLK.
The Z4 has a more rugged appearance than the Mercedes, possibly appealing to men more than women. The Mercedes comes with a new steel Vario-roof, a clever feature specially created for the SLK. When the roof is up, it is significantly less noisy than the Z4. But the roof does have its downside – it takes longer to operate and removes vital boot space. When it comes to rentals, the SLK is more competitive than the BMW.
The new Porsche Boxster may look unchanged on the outside but has undergone a number of changes, including improved suspension, increased legroom, boosted bhp and many more technical enhancements.
Steve JonesPricing manager, Lex Vehicle Leasing
I know what you’re thinking – you’ve never seen a more unlikely bunch of fleet cars, but actually this is a fast growing sector in contract hire.
With more freedom to choose, a significant number of drivers are looking at cars that give them real car-park kudos.
For many people their choice of car will come down to looks, badge and the opinion of the motoring media, but there are more practical considerations.
The more specialist the car, the less dealers and the less fleet-focused the manufacturer. The Boxster and the Elise are superb sports cars, and dynamically the pick of the bunch, but tracking down your nearest dealer, and getting the car serviced on the day you’re available, could be a challenge.
The other four cars are capable, and maybe more importantly are backed up by a big network of franchised dealers. In terms of picking one out, all four hold up excellent residuals and performance way in advance of saloons with a similar price point.
My advice on picking one out? Arrange a test drive for each car, take a photo outside your local pub and spend the long winter nights making your mind up.
Nick AuldTrade services manager, Custom Fleet
THIS is not your typical fleet choice list but the rise of the user-chooser means this class of car cannot be ignored in fleet terms. Because they are all so atypical, appeal is dependent on individual choice.
The new Mercedes SLK comes top. It has a wider general appeal than its predecessor with improved overall performance and has the lowest list price and best holding costs, all of which combine to make it £146 a month cheaper than the rapid Lotus Elise, our back-marker from a fleet perspective.
The Audi TT roadster offers a fantastic open-top driving experience and is our second rated car, but is still £68 a month dearer than the SLK. For sheer all-out driving fun, the Honda S2000 is only beaten by the Elise but is far more useable.
The BMW Z4 styling doesn’t appeal to everyone and is a massive £122 a month costlier than the SLK – but is a much quicker car. The Porsche Boxster has lost some of its prestige appeal due to its ubiquity and has quite horrendous SMR costs.
The costliest to run in every aspect is the Lotus Elise, which is completely impractical as a fleet car but excellent fun.
David HarnettHead of LeasePlan Fleetline
ThE SLK wins this category. It has reliability for low maintenance costs, the Mercedes badge for class-leading residuals and the technology that gives a fantastic coupe and convertible in one car. The competition is varied. The upgraded Boxster is an improvement on an already legendary car.
However, the initial price and lack of standard options is always going to raise question marks despite the excellent wholelife costs.
The Z4 is a vast improvement on the Z3 and the SMI pack helps keep maintenance costs in check. The starting price is expensive and the residual, although strong, is not in the same bracket as the Mercedes.
The S2000 could be a genuine rival to the SLK. The handling is now much better but the look is not as fresh as the other models in the category.
The TT’s engine is good and the styling still turns heads but it is a becoming much more common sight on the roads, which means its appeal is reducing.
On performance and excitement alone, the Elise would win but practicality and reliability factors mean the Elise needs to be a second car for occasional and weekend use.
How the panel voted
1. Mercedes-Benz SLK 200K
The new SLK was the resounding winner from our panel, who agreed unanimously that it was the best choice. A hard roof, great looks, strong residuals and decent fuel economy made it unbeatable.
2=. Audi TT 1.8T Quattro 225
The TT is getting long in the tooth, but it’s such a classic design that it is still desirable. Joint second is a good effort for a car whose residuals are starting to suffer. It is still the darling of corporate drivers.
2=. BMW Z4 3.0i SE
When totted up, the Z4’s scores from the panel were all over the place, which reflects its love-it or loathe-it styling. But there’s no denying it’s a great drive with a great engine and solid costs.
3. Honda S2000
Honda’s S2000 doesn’t quite have the same brand strength as the German cars, which is reflected in its attractiveness to corporate customers. It’s also more of an edgy, high-revving car.
4. Porsche Boxster 2.7
The Boxster came fifth, surprisingly, but the panel concerns itself mainly with running costs. For some drivers, it will be a case of hang the cost – it has to be a Porsche. And why not?
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
New Model - Fiat's Stilo
First impressions don’t always last
There's a popular saying that you only get one chance to make a first impression. Well, to some extent that holds good for the motor industry, but it doesn't stop a manufacturer from making improvements to a model where it finds a need to do so.
Such is the case with Fiat's Stilo, launched at a time when Fiat in Italy was receiving some negative press comment on account of its falling European sales figures and industrial unrest. Rover's 75 suffered a similar fate, being launched at the Birmingham Motor show on the same day that parent company BMW announced the possible closure of Longbridge... it certainly doesn't help. Against a backdrop like this the original Stilo didn't get off to the ideal start and UK fleet buyers were understandably a little cautious about exactly where the brand was going.
Fiat's answer is a new Stilo which, while not dramatically different in appearance, has a higher level of specification, better materials and some improvements to the exterior styling.
The 20-model UK line-up, priced from £9995 to £16,095 on-the-road, embraces three body styles - 3-door, 5-door and the Multi Wagon estate. A price reduction by an average of 3.5% across the entire range (representing a saving of some £500) reinforces the Stilo's value-for-money proposition. Even at entry level, standard equipment specification includes Dualdrive electric power steering, 'My Car' function customisation, front and side airbags, electric windows, remote central locking, 'Follow Me Home' headlamps and electric child security locks.
Our long-termer is the 2.4-litre in Prestigio trim. It's potent five-cylinder, 20-valve engine delivers 170bhp at 6000rpm and 165lb.ft of torque at 3500rpm - a relatively low engine speed for petrol engines which provides better in-gear acceleration. Top speed is 136mph and 60mph is reached in 8.5 seconds.
Combined fuel consumption is 28.8mpg and CO2 emissions are 233g/km, making this a less than tax-efficient model compared to most diesels. That said, with an on-the-road price of just £14,395 drivers will have to go a long way to find another car in this class with similar size, performance and specification for a lower price.
First impressions of the new Stilo indicate that Fiat has continued to make improvements in build quality and, though our test car is fitted with leather seats which are an £800 option, the interior looks and feels more in keeping with its rivals than was the case when the car was first launched. Exterior panel fit and shut lines are also up with the best in class now.
Overall styling is decidedly understated coming from a manufacturer that also boasts models such as the Multipla. Critics claim that it is lacking in personality but, had Fiat gone too far the other way, fleets would have said it was too wacky to be mainstream fleet.
In the end, it will be a little like those Italian designer shoes that you see in so many of the high street stores nowadays. You don't dare to try them on until one day you see a colleague in a pair and then you wish you had bought them for yourself. Be bold.
FIAT STILO 2.4 PRESTIGIO 5DROTR Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£14,395Max power . . . . . . . . . .170bhp @ 6,000rpmMax torque . . . . . . . . . .163lb.ft @ 3,500rpm0-62mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.5 secsTop speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136mphCombined MPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28.8mpgCO2 emissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233 g/kmTypical monthly rental . . . . . . . . . . . . .£317
Will it become available on the car rental fleet?
Source Fleet world
There's a popular saying that you only get one chance to make a first impression. Well, to some extent that holds good for the motor industry, but it doesn't stop a manufacturer from making improvements to a model where it finds a need to do so.
Such is the case with Fiat's Stilo, launched at a time when Fiat in Italy was receiving some negative press comment on account of its falling European sales figures and industrial unrest. Rover's 75 suffered a similar fate, being launched at the Birmingham Motor show on the same day that parent company BMW announced the possible closure of Longbridge... it certainly doesn't help. Against a backdrop like this the original Stilo didn't get off to the ideal start and UK fleet buyers were understandably a little cautious about exactly where the brand was going.
Fiat's answer is a new Stilo which, while not dramatically different in appearance, has a higher level of specification, better materials and some improvements to the exterior styling.
The 20-model UK line-up, priced from £9995 to £16,095 on-the-road, embraces three body styles - 3-door, 5-door and the Multi Wagon estate. A price reduction by an average of 3.5% across the entire range (representing a saving of some £500) reinforces the Stilo's value-for-money proposition. Even at entry level, standard equipment specification includes Dualdrive electric power steering, 'My Car' function customisation, front and side airbags, electric windows, remote central locking, 'Follow Me Home' headlamps and electric child security locks.
Our long-termer is the 2.4-litre in Prestigio trim. It's potent five-cylinder, 20-valve engine delivers 170bhp at 6000rpm and 165lb.ft of torque at 3500rpm - a relatively low engine speed for petrol engines which provides better in-gear acceleration. Top speed is 136mph and 60mph is reached in 8.5 seconds.
Combined fuel consumption is 28.8mpg and CO2 emissions are 233g/km, making this a less than tax-efficient model compared to most diesels. That said, with an on-the-road price of just £14,395 drivers will have to go a long way to find another car in this class with similar size, performance and specification for a lower price.
First impressions of the new Stilo indicate that Fiat has continued to make improvements in build quality and, though our test car is fitted with leather seats which are an £800 option, the interior looks and feels more in keeping with its rivals than was the case when the car was first launched. Exterior panel fit and shut lines are also up with the best in class now.
Overall styling is decidedly understated coming from a manufacturer that also boasts models such as the Multipla. Critics claim that it is lacking in personality but, had Fiat gone too far the other way, fleets would have said it was too wacky to be mainstream fleet.
In the end, it will be a little like those Italian designer shoes that you see in so many of the high street stores nowadays. You don't dare to try them on until one day you see a colleague in a pair and then you wish you had bought them for yourself. Be bold.
FIAT STILO 2.4 PRESTIGIO 5DROTR Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£14,395Max power . . . . . . . . . .170bhp @ 6,000rpmMax torque . . . . . . . . . .163lb.ft @ 3,500rpm0-62mph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.5 secsTop speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136mphCombined MPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28.8mpgCO2 emissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233 g/kmTypical monthly rental . . . . . . . . . . . . .£317
Will it become available on the car rental fleet?
Source Fleet world
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Luxury Sports Cars
GREAT looks, performance, a measure of practicality and some of the strongest residual values in the industry. These cars are no longer the pariahs in fleet they once were. Our panel investigates.
UK drivers get a taste for glitzy motoring
YOU only have to look at the number of Audi TTs sold over the past few years – about 10,000 a year in the UK – to see just how popular convertible sports cars have become in the corporate arena.
It’s down to a number of factors but, as a nation, we’ve become better off, more successful in business and more concerned with luxury items.
It also helps that there are some seriously good convertible sports cars out there, that are no longer uncomfortable, awkward to drive and poorly put together. Owning a convertible in winter is not the chore it used to be and even ragtops like the TT, Z4 and Boxster will withstand a fierce winter easily.
The Mercedes-Benz SLK is the only one here that has a full hardtop and it’s a big improvement over its rather effete predecessor.
The new Boxster is a development of a winning car, while the Z4 has managed the same trick over the Z3 as the SLK by beefing up more.
Honda’s S2000 is one for the enthusiasts with its fantastic high-revving engine, while the Lotus Elise is for drivers who like their motoring raw.
Audi TT 1.8T Quattro 225
P11D price: £29,6272004 CO2 BIK tax bill (22%/40%): £2,086/£3,7922004 VED bill: £160
Rental Rates
LeasePlan Fleetline £543.76Lex Vehicle Leasing £497.01Custom Fleet £545.89DCSFM £551.93Lloyds TSBautolease £427.72
BMW Z4 3.0i SE
P11D price: £31,4522004 CO2 BIK tax bill (22%/40%): £2,145/£3,9002004 VED bill: £160
Rental Rates
LeasePlan Fleetline £572.54Lex Vehicle Leasing £563.62Custom Fleet £599.53DCSFM £608.95Lloyds TSBautolease £572.04
Honda S2000
P11D price: £27,4022004 CO2 BIK tax bill (22%/40%): £2,050/£3,7272004 VED bill £160
Rental Rates
LeasePlan Fleetline £513.39Lex Vehicle Leasing £495.41Custom Fleet £537.59DCSFM £516.63Lloyds TSBautolease £497.23
Lotus Elise 111R
P11D price: £27,9952004 CO2 BIK tax bill (22%/40%): £1,724/£3,1352004 VED bill: £160
Rental Rates
LeasePlan Fleetline £673.85Lex Vehicle Leasing £561.63Custom Fleet £653.79DCSFM £573.19Lloyds TSBautolease £631.93
Mercedes-Benz SLK 200K
P11D price: £27,8422004 CO2 BIK tax bill (22%/40%): £1,715/£3,1182004 VED bill:£160
Rental Rates
LeasePlan Fleetline £484.91Lex Vehicle Leasing £505.73Custom Fleet £477.26DCSFM £518.90Lloyds TSBautolease £483.10
Porsche Boxster 2.7
P11D price: £32,3202004 CO2 BIK tax bill (22%/40%): £2,275/£4,1372004 VED bill: £160
Rental Rates
LeasePlan Fleetline £625.53Lex Vehicle Leasing £563.46Custom Fleet £620.08DCSFM £605.73Lloyds TSBautolease £608.22
Dean WoodwardConsultancy manager, DaimlerChrysler Services Fleet Management
This basket of vehicles is clearly aimed at the user- chooser driver or those in the fortunate position of having a high cash allowance.
Their primary attraction will be badge, looks, performance and price. Practicality, economy and wholelife costs are of secondary concern, with drivers choosing for a specific purpose such as raw power or status.
The well-balanced, mid-engine Boxster and Elise both provide the ultimate drive and, for someone wishing to enjoy an exciting open-top driving experience, the SLK, Z4, S2000 and TT will provide this in varying degrees of comfort.
When it comes to price and performance, the S2000 and TT perform well but lack the status in the car park.
The SLK and Z4 have the additional advantage of being sports models from prestige manufacturers. However, with the heritage and breeding of Porsche and Lotus, the driver’s thirst for exhilaration will be quenched.
Tracy McMahonPricing manager, Lloyds TSBautolease
The com-petition is fierce in this sector, with some new models really upping an already high ante.
The two most competitive cars here, in terms of a corporate choice, are the BMW Z4 and the Mercedes-Benz SLK.
The Z4 has a more rugged appearance than the Mercedes, possibly appealing to men more than women. The Mercedes comes with a new steel Vario-roof, a clever feature specially created for the SLK. When the roof is up, it is significantly less noisy than the Z4. But the roof does have its downside – it takes longer to operate and removes vital boot space. When it comes to rentals, the SLK is more competitive than the BMW.
The new Porsche Boxster may look unchanged on the outside but has undergone a number of changes, including improved suspension, increased legroom, boosted bhp and many more technical enhancements.
Steve JonesPricing manager, Lex Vehicle Leasing
I know what you’re thinking – you’ve never seen a more unlikely bunch of fleet cars, but actually this is a fast growing sector in contract hire.
With more freedom to choose, a significant number of drivers are looking at cars that give them real car-park kudos.
For many people their choice of car will come down to looks, badge and the opinion of the motoring media, but there are more practical considerations.
The more specialist the car, the less dealers and the less fleet-focused the manufacturer. The Boxster and the Elise are superb sports cars, and dynamically the pick of the bunch, but tracking down your nearest dealer, and getting the car serviced on the day you’re available, could be a challenge.
The other four cars are capable, and maybe more importantly are backed up by a big network of franchised dealers. In terms of picking one out, all four hold up excellent residuals and performance way in advance of saloons with a similar price point.
My advice on picking one out? Arrange a test drive for each car, take a photo outside your local pub and spend the long winter nights making your mind up.
Nick AuldTrade services manager, Custom Fleet
THIS is not your typical fleet choice list but the rise of the user-chooser means this class of car cannot be ignored in fleet terms. Because they are all so atypical, appeal is dependent on individual choice.
The new Mercedes SLK comes top. It has a wider general appeal than its predecessor with improved overall performance and has the lowest list price and best holding costs, all of which combine to make it £146 a month cheaper than the rapid Lotus Elise, our back-marker from a fleet perspective.
The Audi TT roadster offers a fantastic open-top driving experience and is our second rated car, but is still £68 a month dearer than the SLK. For sheer all-out driving fun, the Honda S2000 is only beaten by the Elise but is far more useable.
The BMW Z4 styling doesn’t appeal to everyone and is a massive £122 a month costlier than the SLK – but is a much quicker car. The Porsche Boxster has lost some of its prestige appeal due to its ubiquity and has quite horrendous SMR costs.
The costliest to run in every aspect is the Lotus Elise, which is completely impractical as a fleet car but excellent fun.
David HarnettHead of LeasePlan Fleetline
ThE SLK wins this category. It has reliability for low maintenance costs, the Mercedes badge for class-leading residuals and the technology that gives a fantastic coupe and convertible in one car. The competition is varied. The upgraded Boxster is an improvement on an already legendary car.
However, the initial price and lack of standard options is always going to raise question marks despite the excellent wholelife costs.
The Z4 is a vast improvement on the Z3 and the SMI pack helps keep maintenance costs in check. The starting price is expensive and the residual, although strong, is not in the same bracket as the Mercedes.
The S2000 could be a genuine rival to the SLK. The handling is now much better but the look is not as fresh as the other models in the category.
The TT’s engine is good and the styling still turns heads but it is a becoming much more common sight on the roads, which means its appeal is reducing.
On performance and excitement alone, the Elise would win but practicality and reliability factors mean the Elise needs to be a second car for occasional and weekend use.
How the panel voted
1. Mercedes-Benz SLK 200K
The new SLK was the resounding winner from our panel, who agreed unanimously that it was the best choice. A hard roof, great looks, strong residuals and decent fuel economy made it unbeatable.
2=. Audi TT 1.8T Quattro 225
The TT is getting long in the tooth, but it’s such a classic design that it is still desirable. Joint second is a good effort for a car whose residuals are starting to suffer. It is still the darling of corporate drivers.
2=. BMW Z4 3.0i SE
When totted up, the Z4’s scores from the panel were all over the place, which reflects its love-it or loathe-it styling. But there’s no denying it’s a great drive with a great engine and solid costs.
3. Honda S2000
Honda’s S2000 doesn’t quite have the same brand strength as the German cars, which is reflected in its attractiveness to corporate customers. It’s also more of an edgy, high-revving car.
4. Porsche Boxster 2.7
The Boxster came fifth, surprisingly, but the panel concerns itself mainly with running costs. For some drivers, it will be a case of hang the cost – it has to be a Porsche. And why not?
For car rental visit executive cars on www.spiritrentacar.co.uk
UK drivers get a taste for glitzy motoring
YOU only have to look at the number of Audi TTs sold over the past few years – about 10,000 a year in the UK – to see just how popular convertible sports cars have become in the corporate arena.
It’s down to a number of factors but, as a nation, we’ve become better off, more successful in business and more concerned with luxury items.
It also helps that there are some seriously good convertible sports cars out there, that are no longer uncomfortable, awkward to drive and poorly put together. Owning a convertible in winter is not the chore it used to be and even ragtops like the TT, Z4 and Boxster will withstand a fierce winter easily.
The Mercedes-Benz SLK is the only one here that has a full hardtop and it’s a big improvement over its rather effete predecessor.
The new Boxster is a development of a winning car, while the Z4 has managed the same trick over the Z3 as the SLK by beefing up more.
Honda’s S2000 is one for the enthusiasts with its fantastic high-revving engine, while the Lotus Elise is for drivers who like their motoring raw.
Audi TT 1.8T Quattro 225
P11D price: £29,6272004 CO2 BIK tax bill (22%/40%): £2,086/£3,7922004 VED bill: £160
Rental Rates
LeasePlan Fleetline £543.76Lex Vehicle Leasing £497.01Custom Fleet £545.89DCSFM £551.93Lloyds TSBautolease £427.72
BMW Z4 3.0i SE
P11D price: £31,4522004 CO2 BIK tax bill (22%/40%): £2,145/£3,9002004 VED bill: £160
Rental Rates
LeasePlan Fleetline £572.54Lex Vehicle Leasing £563.62Custom Fleet £599.53DCSFM £608.95Lloyds TSBautolease £572.04
Honda S2000
P11D price: £27,4022004 CO2 BIK tax bill (22%/40%): £2,050/£3,7272004 VED bill £160
Rental Rates
LeasePlan Fleetline £513.39Lex Vehicle Leasing £495.41Custom Fleet £537.59DCSFM £516.63Lloyds TSBautolease £497.23
Lotus Elise 111R
P11D price: £27,9952004 CO2 BIK tax bill (22%/40%): £1,724/£3,1352004 VED bill: £160
Rental Rates
LeasePlan Fleetline £673.85Lex Vehicle Leasing £561.63Custom Fleet £653.79DCSFM £573.19Lloyds TSBautolease £631.93
Mercedes-Benz SLK 200K
P11D price: £27,8422004 CO2 BIK tax bill (22%/40%): £1,715/£3,1182004 VED bill:£160
Rental Rates
LeasePlan Fleetline £484.91Lex Vehicle Leasing £505.73Custom Fleet £477.26DCSFM £518.90Lloyds TSBautolease £483.10
Porsche Boxster 2.7
P11D price: £32,3202004 CO2 BIK tax bill (22%/40%): £2,275/£4,1372004 VED bill: £160
Rental Rates
LeasePlan Fleetline £625.53Lex Vehicle Leasing £563.46Custom Fleet £620.08DCSFM £605.73Lloyds TSBautolease £608.22
Dean WoodwardConsultancy manager, DaimlerChrysler Services Fleet Management
This basket of vehicles is clearly aimed at the user- chooser driver or those in the fortunate position of having a high cash allowance.
Their primary attraction will be badge, looks, performance and price. Practicality, economy and wholelife costs are of secondary concern, with drivers choosing for a specific purpose such as raw power or status.
The well-balanced, mid-engine Boxster and Elise both provide the ultimate drive and, for someone wishing to enjoy an exciting open-top driving experience, the SLK, Z4, S2000 and TT will provide this in varying degrees of comfort.
When it comes to price and performance, the S2000 and TT perform well but lack the status in the car park.
The SLK and Z4 have the additional advantage of being sports models from prestige manufacturers. However, with the heritage and breeding of Porsche and Lotus, the driver’s thirst for exhilaration will be quenched.
Tracy McMahonPricing manager, Lloyds TSBautolease
The com-petition is fierce in this sector, with some new models really upping an already high ante.
The two most competitive cars here, in terms of a corporate choice, are the BMW Z4 and the Mercedes-Benz SLK.
The Z4 has a more rugged appearance than the Mercedes, possibly appealing to men more than women. The Mercedes comes with a new steel Vario-roof, a clever feature specially created for the SLK. When the roof is up, it is significantly less noisy than the Z4. But the roof does have its downside – it takes longer to operate and removes vital boot space. When it comes to rentals, the SLK is more competitive than the BMW.
The new Porsche Boxster may look unchanged on the outside but has undergone a number of changes, including improved suspension, increased legroom, boosted bhp and many more technical enhancements.
Steve JonesPricing manager, Lex Vehicle Leasing
I know what you’re thinking – you’ve never seen a more unlikely bunch of fleet cars, but actually this is a fast growing sector in contract hire.
With more freedom to choose, a significant number of drivers are looking at cars that give them real car-park kudos.
For many people their choice of car will come down to looks, badge and the opinion of the motoring media, but there are more practical considerations.
The more specialist the car, the less dealers and the less fleet-focused the manufacturer. The Boxster and the Elise are superb sports cars, and dynamically the pick of the bunch, but tracking down your nearest dealer, and getting the car serviced on the day you’re available, could be a challenge.
The other four cars are capable, and maybe more importantly are backed up by a big network of franchised dealers. In terms of picking one out, all four hold up excellent residuals and performance way in advance of saloons with a similar price point.
My advice on picking one out? Arrange a test drive for each car, take a photo outside your local pub and spend the long winter nights making your mind up.
Nick AuldTrade services manager, Custom Fleet
THIS is not your typical fleet choice list but the rise of the user-chooser means this class of car cannot be ignored in fleet terms. Because they are all so atypical, appeal is dependent on individual choice.
The new Mercedes SLK comes top. It has a wider general appeal than its predecessor with improved overall performance and has the lowest list price and best holding costs, all of which combine to make it £146 a month cheaper than the rapid Lotus Elise, our back-marker from a fleet perspective.
The Audi TT roadster offers a fantastic open-top driving experience and is our second rated car, but is still £68 a month dearer than the SLK. For sheer all-out driving fun, the Honda S2000 is only beaten by the Elise but is far more useable.
The BMW Z4 styling doesn’t appeal to everyone and is a massive £122 a month costlier than the SLK – but is a much quicker car. The Porsche Boxster has lost some of its prestige appeal due to its ubiquity and has quite horrendous SMR costs.
The costliest to run in every aspect is the Lotus Elise, which is completely impractical as a fleet car but excellent fun.
David HarnettHead of LeasePlan Fleetline
ThE SLK wins this category. It has reliability for low maintenance costs, the Mercedes badge for class-leading residuals and the technology that gives a fantastic coupe and convertible in one car. The competition is varied. The upgraded Boxster is an improvement on an already legendary car.
However, the initial price and lack of standard options is always going to raise question marks despite the excellent wholelife costs.
The Z4 is a vast improvement on the Z3 and the SMI pack helps keep maintenance costs in check. The starting price is expensive and the residual, although strong, is not in the same bracket as the Mercedes.
The S2000 could be a genuine rival to the SLK. The handling is now much better but the look is not as fresh as the other models in the category.
The TT’s engine is good and the styling still turns heads but it is a becoming much more common sight on the roads, which means its appeal is reducing.
On performance and excitement alone, the Elise would win but practicality and reliability factors mean the Elise needs to be a second car for occasional and weekend use.
How the panel voted
1. Mercedes-Benz SLK 200K
The new SLK was the resounding winner from our panel, who agreed unanimously that it was the best choice. A hard roof, great looks, strong residuals and decent fuel economy made it unbeatable.
2=. Audi TT 1.8T Quattro 225
The TT is getting long in the tooth, but it’s such a classic design that it is still desirable. Joint second is a good effort for a car whose residuals are starting to suffer. It is still the darling of corporate drivers.
2=. BMW Z4 3.0i SE
When totted up, the Z4’s scores from the panel were all over the place, which reflects its love-it or loathe-it styling. But there’s no denying it’s a great drive with a great engine and solid costs.
3. Honda S2000
Honda’s S2000 doesn’t quite have the same brand strength as the German cars, which is reflected in its attractiveness to corporate customers. It’s also more of an edgy, high-revving car.
4. Porsche Boxster 2.7
The Boxster came fifth, surprisingly, but the panel concerns itself mainly with running costs. For some drivers, it will be a case of hang the cost – it has to be a Porsche. And why not?
For car rental visit executive cars on www.spiritrentacar.co.uk
