Car Rental Road Raves

Mercedes Benz C Class

2008-05-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

It’s amazing what a bodykit and a set of larger alloy wheels can do for a car.car rental uk national car rental
Take the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class. In its standard form it’s a perfectly attractive car, but adding some select AMG bodystyling parts turns it into a far more noticeable and desirable model.car rental uk
The AMG kit comes as standard when you upgrade to Sport trim and gives the C-Class much more in the way of visual clout, from the chunky six-spoke alloys to the deeper front and rear bumpers and prominent three-pointed star nestling in the front grille.car rental uk national car rental
It looks the part, which is good news in a sector where drivers prefer their car to look sporty (think Audi S line and BMW M Sport).car rental uk alamo car rental
The subject of this test is the ultimate incarnation of the recently-launched C-Class estate (discounting the extreme C63 AMG).
The C320 CDI Sport tops the regular range and makes a convincing case as a desirable all-round car.car rental uk
Outside is the aforementioned sports styling pack while under the bonnet is the common rail 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 engine that also plies its trade in the larger E, CLK, S, R, ML and GL models.
So, as the smallest car to package this engine, it’s fair to assume that the C320 CDI isn’t short of power.car rental uk national car rental
With 224bhp and 376lb-ft of torque, this engine delivers effortless performance through the standard-fit seven-speed automatic gearbox.
This performance is delivered with such smoothness that it would be hard to argue for the merits of the petrol C350 V6.

Mazda

2008-05-20T02:35:00.000-07:00

It’s normally at about this time, a few months into the ownership of a new car, that I start finding the things I don’t like about it.car rental uk
After the initial rush of picking up a new machine and revelling in its freshness, the novelty wears off and little niggles begin to emerge, stimulating enough of my wrath to easily fill a page with ranting.
Which is why it has been extremely annoying to find that the Mazda6 I took custody of at the beginning of the year has so far been completely dependable.national car rental
I mean, how dare Mazda put together a car that has developed no discernable major faults and draws admiring glances most times I take it out?car rental uk national car rental
Are they trying to put me out of a job?
Well, they won’t get away that easily.
Ok, so the visual impact of the car and its sports appearance pack hasn’t worn off yet.alamo car rental
It still looks sleek and mean, and barely a few days go by without someone asking me about the car when I’m at the supermarket or filling up with diesel.car rental uk national car rental
And, admittedly, the engine has bedded in nicely and continues to impress with its smoothness and refinement once up to temperature.
Yes, it’s very comfortable for hours on end, with seats that are supportive when the going gets twisty and fitted in just the right way for an ideal driving position.
But so what?
As a Fleet News employee, it is my duty to uncover faults and deride what needs to be derided. car rental uk national car rental
Little things like an increasingly satisfying gearbox and perfectly spaced aluminium pedals won’t throw me off, and neither will the excellent Bose stereo and auxiliary input socket that allows me to listen to my iPod.
Sure, the handling is excellent, the boot spacious and the back seats easily accommodating for three adults.
But that won’t stop me savaging it like the cynical hack I am.
Oh no. car rental uk

Renault Koleos

2008-05-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

Renault hasn’t done a ‘proper’ 4x4 before, save for the Megane Scenic RX4 a few years ago.
That was described as a crossover vehicle – a cross between an MPV and a four-wheel-drive. car rental uk national car rental
The new Koleos, however, is different – it’s a crossover vehicle that offers “MPV levels of comfort and genuine off-road ability”… Wait, hang on a minute. car rental uk national car rental
OK, so maybe Renault has done a crossover before, but as far as the French carmaker is concerned, the RX4 didn’t count.
It placed emphasis mostly on the MPV side of things, whereas the Koleos is far more geared to off-roadness. car rental uk
Sort of. guy salmon
The Koleos marks the start of a concerted effort by Renault to branch out into the world of 4x4s, and although it says it doesn’t want to just rebadge an existing off-roader, this new vehicle shares its underpinnings with technology swiped from its partner Nissan.car rental uk national car rental
The Koleos is, essentially, an X-Trail in a fancy French chapeau.
This is no bad thing, as the X-Trail has proven credentials over the rough stuff, and Renault is counting on these skills to establish its own credibility in the sector.car rental uk
The Koleos comes with either full four-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, aimed at those for whom the driveway of their house is as off-road as they will ever get.national car rental
And herein lies the problem.
The Koleos has some decent off-road capability, but Renault admits that very few customers will actually use the thing beyond the school-run and motorway journeys.car rental uk
This is a vehicle designed to show the world that Renault can do capable 4x4s, even if no-one will take advantage of its technology. guy salmon
Of course, one could level the same observation at the likes of Range Rover et al. car rental uk

Ford Kuga

2008-05-12T02:40:00.000-07:00

You really can’t fault Ford’s consistency, on two counts.
Firstly, if there’s a niche going strong, it will be years after everybody else has done it before the Blue Oval joins in with one of its own products.
Secondly, when Ford brings out new products these days, invariably they are of the very highest quality. car rental uk national car rental
The new Ford Kuga pretty much ticks these two boxes.
So slow to market, it’s behind even the usually glacial decision-making process of Volkswagen, yet in nearly every way it oozes quality, style and sophistication. car rental us national car rental
Even the name is spot-on, sounding like chunky Lion King pup Simba’s younger brother, and reflecting its compact, muscular appearance.
Indeed, in a sector where looks and image are vitally important, Ford’s director of design Martin Smith has aced it with the Kuga, taking the four-square SUV proportions that attract families and imbuing it with little flourishes here and there that make it the best looking of its kind on the market in my eyes. guy salmon
Then there’s the driving dynamics, which Ford reckons are class-leading, a solid dependable diesel engine, a wide range of lifestyle options and equipment, strong residual values and class-leading CO2 figures.
Before you ask, this isn’t an advertorial paid for out of Ford’s advertising budget, and I apologise if it sounds like one, but this really is a fantastic car.alamo car rental
Let’s temper things before it gets too sycophantic.
There are no door bins on the back doors, which is ridiculous.
And if it’s raining, water will disastrously leak on you through the split rear tailgate when it’s open. car rental uk
Make sure your drivers understand these inadequacies before opting for three years of limited storage and wet-necked hell.
Ford has only 6,000-7,000 Kugas to sell in the UK annually, as production is limited. car rental us national car rental
That means there will be plenty of disappointed customers who didn’t act quickly enough.
Of those available, it is reckoned that around two-thirds will be retail sales. car rental uk
I’d think this was utter tosh at the best of times – with the lowest CO2 in its class, priced at around £20,000 and made by the fleet industry’s largest manufacturer, I’d be amazed if only a third went to fleets.
But Ford has a bit of a thing about talking up its retail share at the moment, and it’s a message that is getting repeated often enough to make you think there’s a deliberate communication strategy going on.
Whatever the theory of the marketing, what are the 2,000 lucky company car drivers going to get with the Kuga? national car rental
Apart from the handsome appearance, the interior also feels well made, clear and functional without being dull, with enough space front and rear without being exceptional (it is built on the Focus platform, after all).
There are two trim levels – Zetec and Titanium – with the first starting at £20,500 and the higher model at £22,500. car rental uk
The Zetec has interior colour styling cues inspired by trainers and sports bras, with flashes of blue or orange across the seats and doors.
The Titanium’s more low-key colour scheme works much better.

Saab 95

2008-04-15T05:47:00.000-07:00

CHANCELLOR TURNS HIS BACK ON BIOFUELS, SAYS SAAB

In response to the Chancellor’s announcement that the fuel duty rebate for biofuels will expire from 2010 Jonathan Nash, Managing Director of Saab Great Britain,car rental uk ‘fears that the government has turned its back on biofuels. car rental uk national car rental’‘I am deeply disappointed that the Chancellor has announced the removal of the fuel duty rebate for biofuels from 2010.car rental uk alamo car rental The lack of long term consumer incentives for the use of high blend biofuels is a clear indication of the Government turning its back on this technology.car rental uk national car rental’‘Although the Chancellor has stated he will encourage the development of sustainable biofuels by increasing the buy-out price for suppliers under the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation, we are fearful that this will do nothing to encourage the use of E85 and could drive up the cost of eco-friendly bioethanol E85 at the pump for the consumer.car rental uk’‘The UK continues to fall behind other European countries where a more generous package of incentives is encouraging consumers and fuel providers to embrace this exciting technology right now, and reduce the environmental impact of their new car purchase. car rental uk

Nissan Pathfinder

2008-04-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

More power, better handlingWith a powerful engine, dynamic handling and incredible traction, car rental uk national car rental the Pathfinder is at home on any surface. In fact, you’ll be able to take your family anywhere!

ENGINE
HANDLING
2.5-litre common rail diesel engine
Maximum traction with ALL MODE 4x4 system Dynamic performance Front and rear independent suspension Hill Descent Control & Hill Start Assist
2.5-litre common rail diesel engine With the 171HP dCi engine, Pathfinder can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 11.8 seconds and can achieve up to 28.8 mpg on the combined cycle.car rental uk national car rental And with 403Nm of torque, you can haul 3000Kg of boat, trailer or cargo.Back to top
Maximum traction with ALL MODE 4x4 system Mud, rain or snow – the Pathfinder’s ALL MODE 4x4 electronic system offers maximum traction and instant response. uk car rental alamo car rentalWhatever the weather or surface, you have the confidence of knowing that the four-wheel drive will engage automatically when conditions demand it. For really tough terrain, engage low-ratio and enjoy controlled progress.

Chrysler Concept Cars

2008-04-01T03:07:00.000-07:00

Combining refinement, function and style, the Chrysler Nassau concept explores a new expression of the Chrysler brand. The four-door, four-passenger Chrysler Nassau luxury coupe is, a more emotional and artistic articulation of what it means to be a Chrysler. car rental uk national car rental
Though built on a full-size 120-inch wheelbase, the Nassau appears more visually compact than a comparable Chrysler 300C. car rental uk national car rental Though the arc of the roof resembles that of a coupe, the Chrysler Nassau concept is in fact a four-door hard top with front and rear side glass that retracts fully, revealing the absence of an above-the-belt B-pillar. The crisp but fluid A-line that closes slightly against the rising belt is also of particular note. car rental uk alamo car rentalFronting the long hood is a new interpretation of the eggcrate Chrysler grille, rendered in chrome and satin aluminium. Bracketing the grille and sweeping rearward nearly to the wheel openings, the long, narrowing headlamps and their upper chrome brows combine with the rising sculptured line of the upper fascia to subliminally evoke the uplifted wings of the Chrysler badge. car rental uk national car rental Stepping into the Chrysler Nassau, one enters a new world of luxury specially designed to a younger, aspiring audience. The presiding interior theme is one of flowing seamless sculpture composed of leathers and fabrics derived from futuristic architectural interiors. car rental uk The instrument panel is a showcase for new technologies in data display, personal control interface, and home theatre-inspired entertainment. Gear selection is accomplished via a pod control mounted on the instrument panel while the steering wheel incorporates auxiliary paddle shifters. alamo car rental

Land Rover Discovery 3

2008-03-31T03:58:00.000-07:00

Whatever the surface, Discovery 3 takes it on with confidence and safety. The Terrain Response® dial, standard on derivatives with Air suspension, gives access to over fifty-nine years of Land Rover 4x4 expertise and state-of-the-art dynamic technology.car rental uk national car rental Cruising on tarmac, driving over grass, gravel or snow, taking on mud & ruts, crossing sand and crawling over rocks, Terrain Response® is your own off-road driving expert. car rental uk alamo car rental Simply turn the dial and Discovery 3´s engine, transmission, suspension and Traction settings reconfigure for optimum driveability in all conditions. car rental uk
Enlarge Image

Electronic cross-linked Air suspension
Long-travel, all-independent suspension allows extreme wheel articulation, for example, ruts and rocks are conquered with ease. car rental uk national car rental. Optional four-corner cross-linked Air suspension provides class-leading car-like ride and handling, both on and off-road, as well as a constant, level ride height, irrespective of the number of passengers or load distribution. car rental uk alamo car rental Ride height can also be raised by up to 125mm to clear tricky obstacles, or lowered by 50mm for easy access and loading. car rental uk

Peugeot

2008-03-28T01:55:00.000-07:00

The 308 RC Z, a veritable elixir of driving pleasure in the purest sense, presented by Peugeot as the embodiment of driving pleasure, capable of arousing strong feelings and emotions thanks to its lightweight construction, its efficiency and its respect for the environment. car rental uk national car rental. The 308 RC Z is a useable, modern 2+2 coupé.The 308 RC Z concept car is powered by a 1.6 liter THP turbo-charged petrol engine created from the all-new range of engines designed and developed jointly by PSA Peugeot Citroën and the BMW Group.Using revised engine management software specially developed for the concept car, the 1.6 liter THP engine produces a maximum power of 160 kW (≈218 bhp). It is, however, characterized by its incredible flexibility, thanks to a maximum torque of 280 Nm produced from a very low engine speed (or 300 Nm with the overboost function). car rental uk alamo car rental. These values ensure remarkable responsiveness under all driving conditions.The engine is fitted with an entirely new 6-speed manual gearbox. car rental uk national car rentalThis engine helps to give the 308 RC Z a particularly efficient compromise between performance and fuel consumption.

Astra VXR

2008-03-27T03:54:00.000-07:00

There are plenty of hot hatches on the market, but it's the Astra VXR that's the undisputed Ring leader…
And to prove it, Vauxhall has pulled the wraps off the Nürburgring edition, named after the car's spiritual home, where much of its pre-production development was carried out. car rental uk national car rental
Based on the standard Astra VXR and priced at £20,995, each individually numbered Nürburgring edition will come with an exclusive all-white paint finish and lightweight white 18-inch alloy wheels, equipped with bespoke Dunlop tyres, are also specified. Other exterior features include dark tinted windows, carbon fibre effect mirrors and B-Pillars and distinctive chequered flag body graphics, to further emphasise the car's incredible performance. car rental uk alamo car rental
Mechanically similar to the standard VXR, the Nürburgring Edition produces 240PS in factory tune, giving it the ability to accelerate from 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Each UK-specification car will also come provided with a Remus Sports Exhaust, developed with Vauxhall's BTCC race team, Triple-Eight Race Engineering. car rental uk national car rental
Like the standard car, the Nürburgring Edition benefits from a six-speed manual gearbox and lowered, uprated VXR suspension with ESP as standard. Ventilated 321mm diameter disc brakes at the front and 278mm diameter discs at the back help slow things down, while blue-painted calipers remain a VXR trademark. alamo car rental
The Nürburgring Edition theme continues inside, with carbon fibre detailing on the door trims and fascia, leather trim with the Nürburgring circuit graphic embossed into the unique Recaro front seat backrests and an individually numbered plaque showing each car's build number.
In fact, the only thing it doesn't come with is one of those Nürburgring bootlid stickers you can buy when you do a lap of the circuit. Such a shame, as it means you'll have to drive it there and buy one yourself.

Why Spirt Rentacar

2008-03-25T04:40:00.000-07:00

At Spirit we provide a fantastic range of vehicles from hundreds of locations all at great prices. Whatever vehicle you want from the latest model hatchback or family saloon, to exciting performance and luxury cars or even a van for that important move. car rental uk national car rental
I have been a frequent user of car rental for many years and all too often found myself disappointed with the deal and the service. It seemed no rental company really cared about me as a customer and made me want to come back to them again. So I started Spirit Rent a Car to provide the kind of service that I, as a customer wanted to buy. car rental uk alamo car rental>
Its our role at Spirit to get you a great rental deal, to make sure the service and the vehicles are of the highest standard because we want you to come back again and again and to recommend us to your friends and family for car rental in the UK. car rental uk national car rental
To provide our rental vehicles we use only the best award winning rental companies. Because we deliver them high volumes of business they give us great terms which we pass on to you. We manage the rental companies on your behalf making sure that you receive the service you deserve, the service that I would want. car rental uk
If you are reading this page the chances are that you have rented a vehicle before that you want to rent again but are not going back to the company you used last time. I understand how you feel, that is why I started Spirit Rent a Car.national car rental
Join the growing number of people who have found in Spirit the great deals and services that they want provided by a small team who really care about wanting you to come to us every time you need to rent

Jaguar XF

2008-03-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

Today is a landmark day for Jaguar as What Car? – one of the most influential motoring publications in the UK – confirms it has voted the Jaguar XF its 'Car of the Year'. This is an incredible achievement and no one should underestimate the importance of these awards to all of us. They carry international significance and most definitely influence customer choice. car rental uk national car rental
Voted 'Best Executive Car', the XF also took the "Car of the Year" award in the face of extremely tough competition and trounced all its main competitors in the segment from BMW, Mercedes and Audi. XF has already received a host of significant awards including 'Car of the Year' from The Sun newspaper, 'Limo of the Year' from Top Gear magazine, 'Interior of the Year' from CAR magazine and the 'Design Award' from Autocar magazine. alamo car rental car rental uk
Be the first to see and drive the Jaguar XF at Lookers Ipswich and Bury St. Edmunds. The car will be launched on Thursday 7th February and demand is already extremely high. car rental uk

Land Rover 3

2008-02-29T02:39:00.000-08:00

Whatever the surface, Discovery 3 takes it on with confidence and safety. The Terrain Response® dial, standard on derivatives with Air suspension, gives access to over fifty-nine years of Land Rover 4x4 expertise and state-of-the-art dynamic technology. car rental uk. National car rental.Cruising on tarmac, driving over grass, gravel or snow, taking on mud & ruts, crossing sand and crawling over rocks, Terrain Response® is your own off-road driving expert. Simply turn the dial and Discovery 3´s engine, transmission, suspension and Traction settings reconfigure for optimum driveability in all conditions. car rental uk
Go to Terrain Response® feature demonstration (1MB)

Enlarge Image

Electronic cross-linked Air suspension
Long-travel, all-independent suspension allows extreme wheel articulation, for example, ruts and rocks are conquered with ease. national car rental Optional four-corner cross-linked Air suspension provides class-leading car-like ride and handling, both on and off-road, as well as a constant, level ride height, irrespective of the number of passengers or load distribution. Ride height can also be raised by up to 125mm to clear tricky obstacles, car rental uk or lowered by 50mm for easy access and loadingnational car rental

Range Rover

2008-01-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

The third Range Rover model -- representing only the second major design update in 32 years -- was officially introduced to the world at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2002. The new model was developed during BMW's period of ownership of Land Rover from 1995 to 2001. The redesign was given a high priority by BMW, with a total "clean sheet" approach resulting in the claim of most expensive development program for any vehicle, ever. The challenge was to update the on-road car rental uk national car rentalperformance and handling from the pedestrian standards of past Range Rovers to levels more competitive with contemporary luxury sedans, while also improving on past Range Rovers' supreme off road abilities. guy salmon (For more information on the developent process, see the RR III Development Page in the Model Year Details section). The designers succeeded brilliantly in improving both on-road handling and off-road ride through the use of a highly innovative cross-coupled independent airbag suspension.car rental uk alamo car rental Acceleration was also improved, although still marginal compared to competing Jeep and Ford models. But the new Range Rover is bigger, better looking, has a fantastic interior, marginally faster, much more refined and of course even more luxurious than its predecessor. car rental uk national car rental
Reassuringly, full attention was paid to off-road capabilities to ensure it is still the "king off road" -- its main selling point in an increasingly crowded luxury SUV market. Following the tradition of all Range Rovers to date, further innovation in suspension design is largely responsible for these remarkable dual personality capabilities.car rental uk It is acknowledged that most buyers may never use its stupendous off road capabilities, but knowing the capability is there is the reason people will shell out $70,000 for a Range Rover when they could get an equally luxurious Cadillac Escalade or Lexus LS470 (or a faster BMW X5 or Mercedes ML500) for less. It's the same reason people will continue to buy Ferraris even though most never actually use their 170 mph capabilities. national car rental
Contrary to earlier rumors, the vehicle is manufactured on a new production line in Land Rover's home town of Solihull, England. Overall, the new Range Rover is a landmark engineering achievement, fully worthy of the Range Rover name. guy salmon
Return to top Body Shape
The redesign continued the recent trend in this market segment towards larger vehicles, expanding the Range Rover's length by another 9.5 inches to 195 inches, providing a body as cavernous as a Toyota Land Cruiser. guy salmonWheelbase is increased by five inches from 108 to 113 inches. The modern monocoque construction techniques did not prevent a 500 lb weight gain, but included retention of the trademark Land Rover aluminum for the hood, front fenders and door panels.

Audi R8

2008-01-15T05:58:00.000-08:00

But it was nothing to the car that was waiting for me in London. The Audi R8.
I had seen pictures of this mid-engined supercar and they left me underwhelmed. I thought it looked a bit boring, like a slightly bigger version of the TT. And it wasn’t going to be a real supercar, was it? Not when you remember Audi owns Lamborghini. I mean, why make a car to compete with your own brand? That’d be stupid. car rental uk national car rental
This view is reinforced when you climb inside. There are very few supercar extravagances. There’s no panic handle. No stitching made from yellowhammer feathers. No titanium machinegun triggers. It’s very grey, very Audi, very normal. And that’s fine, actually, because there are very few traditional supercar drawbacks either. alamo car rental
You can see out, there’s room for your head, even if you have truly enormous hair, and there’s space for briefcases and whatnot on a shelf behind the seats. It’s big in there; much bigger than you’d believe.
Then you set off and there are no histrionics. The exhaust makes a deep, meaningful rumble, but as is the way in Jaguar’s XK you can’t really hear it when you’re inside .car rental uk guy salmon
So it’s spookily quiet, and that’s just the start of it. Because it is also spectacularly comfortable. I don’t mean comfortable . . . for a sports car. I mean it’s so comfortable you can run over anything up to a medium-sized fox and not even notice. Couple this to the usual array of Audi in-car entertainment – sat nav, a hi-fi from Bang & Olufsen no less – and you have a car that, like the Porsche 911, you really could live with every day.
You needn’t even worry about the engine.car rental uk national car rental It’s not a W16 with eight turbos and plugs that foul themselves at every set of lights. It doesn’t run on fertiliser and grated tiger chippings. Instead, it’s the 414bhp 4.2 V8 from the RS 4. I’ve described this as one of the best engines made today and a drive in the R8 has not changed my mind. It does everything, brilliantly. car rental uk guy salmon
Of course, you cannot really expect a quiet, comfortable car with the engine from a saloon to perform well on a track. The suspension would be too soft. The power not quite grunty enough. The track is Lambo land. The Audi belongs in a city, soothing the fevered brow of the man with the midlife crisis, while massaging his ego, all at the same time. Wrong. Very, very wrong. In fact the Audi is outstanding when there’s nothing coming the other way. It’s not blisteringly fast. From rest to 120, it goes at almost exactly the same rate as the Porsche 911 Carrera S. And flat out it’ll be out of steam before it gets to 190. But to dismiss it for this is to miss the point.alamo car rental

Volvo V70

2008-01-14T03:11:00.000-08:00

The new V70 is much more refined that the outgoing model and will, I hope, manage another 145,000 miles without any repairs being needed! Car rental uk national car rental alamo car rental.It is quick off the mark and powers away effortlessly via its amazing D5 engine. europcar car rental uk. The interior is greatly improved and very modern looking but very functional. car rental uk The computer controls for all major functions such as security, radio, lights etc is easy to use and programme. The electronic brake takes a bit of getting used to. Comfort is without doubt greatly improved and the seats, as ever, are the most comfortable of any car in its class. car retnal uk national car rental Highly recommended. alamo car rental

Vauxhall Vectra

2008-01-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

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. Car Rental Uk National car rental
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. Car rental uk. Car rental uk national car rental. 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.car rental uk national car rental. 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. Car rental uk national car rental. Source ROSS DURKIN

Mercedes R Class

2008-01-10T04:44:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz R-class
YOU may have drivers on your fleet who, buried within them, have a deep-seated subconscious desire to drive around in a grand sports tourer. They will not know it yet, but the appearance of the Mercedes-Benz R-class could trigger this dormant urge and send them to your door. car rental uk That's because the R-class is the answer to a question not yet posed. It is an estate/MPV/saloon/hearse hybrid, with six seats, four-wheel drive, big engines and lots of space. Mercedes-Benz calls it a Grand Sports Tourer, or GST. We were here with the Renault Vel Satis and Avantime a few years back - minus one seat - and nobody could work them out then. car rental ukBut Mercedes-Benz has ploughed on with its own crossover vehicle and there is enough early evidence to suggest that, on a global basis at least, it will be a success. That's because the R-class is designed with the US in mind. Its size, six chairs, huge cupholders, blacked-out windows and drivetrain configuration suggest it is pitched at Americans tiring of SUVs. It is even built in the US, at the Tuscaloosa plant, home of the M-class. Apparently, US buyers want four-wheel drive for the extra safety it brings and that is why this odd choice is the only option, rather than Mercedes-Benz's more traditional rear-wheel drive set-up. car rental uk. National Car Rental
The fact is that the heavier, thirstier four-wheel drive system makes no sense at all, until you consider that the US market will take most of the volume, and it is a lot cheaper to build it on the M-class platform in the States rather than ship S- or E-class modules over from Europe. Mercedes-Benz reckons on selling 1,800 in a full year in the UK with half of these being the diesel version, but by the very nature of the car this has to have been somewhat plucked out of thin air. True, there is nothing like it on the market but, after spending some time with the R, the multitude of abilities it has slowly dawn on you. car rental uk For a start, anything of this vastness is going to find some friends looking for ultimate carrying ability. At more than five metres long and nearly two metres wide for the long wheelbase version, the R-class is a big hulking piece of metal and head-turning elegance is certainly not a strength. car rental uk. National Car Rental

Mercedes Benz

2008-01-08T02:55:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its second new model series in a month with the new R-Class six-seater, which made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show this week. Car Rental uk
The R-Class takes the different parts of existing vehicle categories, such as a potential for car rental in the UK sporty saloon, estate, MPV and SUV, which Mercedes says, "is all about the three Ds: Dimensions, Design and Dynamism". The new model will be available with two engine variants. The V8 powerplant under the bonnet of the R 500 propels it from 0-62.5 mph in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 149mph. Also in the engine line-up is a new six-cylinder power unit with third-generation common-rail, direct-injection technology. Car Rental uk

Volvo

2006-03-22T03:40:00.000-08:00

HAVE always had a soft spot for Volvo’s S60. While everyone else ignores it in favour of its German premium rivals, for a long time I’ve admired its svelte body, long- legged nature and the supreme level of comfort it offers. car rental uk
But it is no sports saloon in the mould of BMW’s 3-series. It lacks the involving steering and supple chassis which its German rival majors on. But I defy anyone to name a more comfortable car in this class. car rental uk
The seats are something else – generously padded, they make long distance work a treat.
But as soon as you corner enthusiastically you slide off the side – it’s then that you realise they are designed to cosset rather than grip you. So instead of thinking of the S60 as a sports saloon, I prefer to call it a GT. It has that loping gait which suits the grand tourer title down to a tee.
Even the gear change has a long, lazy feel about it. car rental uk
But this doesn’t matter too much, because such are the reserves of power on offer from this new D5 diesel engine that even a lazy gearchange doesn’t blunt your progress.

This engine is something else. At 185bhp it rockets the S60 to the top of the sub-3.0-litre diesel premium upper-medium power charts.
But it doesn’t feel like a diesel because it revs keenly and cleanly all the way up to the red line, all the while emitting that unusual Volvo five-cylinder howl which has become the firm’s trademark.
Mid-range power is very strong, which makes overtaking anything between the 50-70mph mark so easy that it doesn’t even need you to change down into fourth gear. Leave it in fifth, roll on the throttle and the S60 picks up its skirt and surges forward. The ride is biased towards comfort, although this can be changed by pressing the 4C button and switching from Comfort to Sport. car rental uk
This firms up the ride, but to be honest there’s little point as it just turns the S60 into a hard-riding car rather than a more toned sports saloon.
And the steering is nothing to write home about either. The actual turn-in is quite direct, but there’s none of the feedback you get from a 3-series. And while we’re talking steering, the turning circle on the S60 is poor. Several times while driving the car I went to park in a space and completely missed it as there’s not enough turn on the wheels.
But on the plus side, the interior is a triumph, with a sloping centre console mounted slightly towards you and fairly high up, meaning most controls are within your eye line. car rental uk

Volvo s60

2006-01-23T03:49:00.000-08:00

Honda

2005-12-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

MY initial excitement about a bespoke Honda bike rack fitted to the CR-V was fairly short lived.
The Honda was whisked off to a dealership which promptly fitted the rack and returned the car with a bike rack which is certainly bespoke. Car rental uk
On the positive side, the bikes can be securely locked to the rack, unlike those portable carriers. It is very stable with no wobbles – even at high speeds – and it is easy to load as the bikes don’t have to be lifted very high.
However, I was expecting one of those little gadgets like you buy in Halfords for about £50, but it is more like a mini trailer. It juts out almost a metre from the back of the CR-V but only accommodates two bikes. car rental uk
It can be removed, but it is a cumbersome and difficult manoeuvre. Opening the rear door is impossible unless you tilt the rack and again this is a difficult operation. Since the rack has been fitted, all shopping bags now have to sit on the back seat and my usual reverse parking technique has gone out of the window with all that extra clobber on the back.

The final sting in the tail is the price. It costs a whopping £700 to have the rack attached to the CR-V – I could have bought a second car for the same price. car rental uk
I’ve since discovered that Argos now sells a portable bike rack for 4x4s. It fits over the spare wheel, carries three bikes and costs a mere £69.99. Buying one of these would leave £630 over Honda’s version, enough for a week’s cycling holiday in the South of France.
Bike racks aside, the CR-V is a joy to drive. It is still returning a healthy 36.1mpg, slightly lower than my last figure, but lugging a couple of mountain bikes around could have been the cause.
Honda has also been very clever with the compact styling and useful storage areas inside the cabin. There are cup holders and cubby holes almost everywhere. The dash-mounted cool box only stores two cans of drink but is useful on long journeys and the retractable tray in between the driver and passenger seats is handycar rental

Volvo S60

2005-12-08T06:16:00.000-08:00

New Passat Revealed

2005-12-02T02:19:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen has revelaed the first pictures of its eaglerley waited new passat, which will be officially revealed later this year. Car rental uk

A significant lea in quality over the current model, which itself forged an upmarket reputation eight years ago. Car rental uk

On the outside, cues from the concept C and R show cars such as the large chrome grill are evident and are set to make their way onto future VW's. On the inside cabin quality levels area said to move the current cars reputation on even further. Car rental uk,

Handling has been omrpoved also, thanks to a new four-link rear suspension system and a bodys thats some 54% stiffer. Car rental uk,

New Launch Toyta Hilux

2005-10-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

IN September, Nissan set the scene for a battle royale in the 4x4 pick-up sector by launching the new Navara, a vehicle which left the opposition standing in terms of size, power and driveability.
Just a month later, Toyota has replied with a new Hilux. With a new Mitsubishi L200 on the way early next year, Britain’s pick-up sector is about to move on to a whole new playing field.
Built in South Africa, the new Hilux will be offered in single and double-cab formats but with only one engine – a common rail 2.5-litre diesel offering 102bhp – way short of the Navara’s staggering 174bhp. But Toyota officials say that this model is the first of a roll-out of other variants. Both higher-powered versions and a king-cab will be available next year. car rental uk
Outside, the new Hilux is considerably bigger than the old one. Its length has increased by 340mm to 5,255mm, largely because of a longer wheelbase, which now measures 3,085mm. The width has grown by 65mm while the height adds 30mm over the old model. The load area also grows, so single-cab models have 15% more space while double-cabs increase by 30%.
The cabin now looks more like a car, with conventional-style controls and switches, rather than the van-style controls the old one had. In the double-cab, Toyota claims there is as much legroom as in a upper-medium car. car rental uk
Three grades will be on offer – H2, H3 and Invincible. Basic models have ABS brakes, driver and passenger airbags, electric windows, air-conditioning, remote central locking and CD player.
While companies buying the Hilux for business use won’t be affected by benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax considerations, drivers who choose these vehicles as a way of cutting their tax bills – and there are quite a few – are about to be hit in a big way.
Until April 2007, BIK tax is based on a £500 loading, which means a 22% taxpayer will only have to cough up £110 a year. After that date the loading will increase to £3,000, meaning an annual tax bill of £660. It’s a big leap but even the higher cost is still a reasonable amount for a vehicle of this type.
Behind the wheel
The Hilux looks very similar to the Navara – and no doubt when the new Mitsubishi L200 arrives next year it will look similar, too. They are big, brash, bold and beautiful if you like that sort of thing. car rental uk
Only double-cab versions were on offer for our test drive and once aboard, it was obvious that Toyota’s boast of car-like cabins was not an idle one. Front seats are wide and comfortable while there is plenty of legroom for rear seat passengers.Gone are the old ‘Tonka-toy’ knobs and switches, replaced by a stylish car-like dash and upmarket fixtures and fittings.
The roads around Marbella revealed plenty about the new Hilux. On fast roads it struggled – 102bhp isn’t a lot for a titan like this and with no load on the back, it whined and groaned like a cissy even on relatively gentle inclines.
But heading off-road the Hilux was more impressive. While our ‘dirty’ section wasn’t too challenging, there were some pretty steep slopes to negotiate, along with rough pits and lots of loose shale and with four-wheel drive selected and second gear engaged, there was never any suggestion that it was going to struggle.
The five-speed manual gearchange was slick and the power steering light yet precise. The Hilux retains its second gear lever for changing between two and four-wheel drive while the Navara has a switch on the dashboard.
Driving verdict car rental uk
SO far, with just the Nissan Navara and Toyota Hilux to choose from, it seems fleets have a stark choice – raw power from the Navara or the Hilux’s lower running costs.
For those who feel the Navara is too powerful and the Hilux too weak, maybe it would be better to wait and see what extra power Toyota will offer next year. Or will Mitsubishi play a sneaky hand and pitch its new L200 halfway between the two?car rental uk

Volvo S60 D5

2005-09-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

I HAVE always had a soft spot for Volvo’s S60. While everyone else ignores it in favour of its German premium rivals, for a long time I’ve admired its svelte body, long- legged nature and the supreme level of comfort it offers. car rental uk
But it is no sports saloon in the mould of BMW’s 3-series. It lacks the involving steering and supple chassis which its German rival majors on. But I defy anyone to name a more comfortable car in this class. car rental uk
The seats are something else – generously padded, they make long distance work a treat.
But as soon as you corner enthusiastically you slide off the side – it’s then that you realise they are designed to cosset rather than grip you. So instead of thinking of the S60 as a sports saloon, I prefer to call it a GT. It has that loping gait which suits the grand tourer title down to a tee.
Even the gear change has a long, lazy feel about it. car rental uk
But this doesn’t matter too much, because such are the reserves of power on offer from this new D5 diesel engine that even a lazy gearchange doesn’t blunt your progress.

This engine is something else. At 185bhp it rockets the S60 to the top of the sub-3.0-litre diesel premium upper-medium power charts.
But it doesn’t feel like a diesel because it revs keenly and cleanly all the way up to the red line, all the while emitting that unusual Volvo five-cylinder howl which has become the firm’s trademark.
Mid-range power is very strong, which makes overtaking anything between the 50-70mph mark so easy that it doesn’t even need you to change down into fourth gear. Leave it in fifth, roll on the throttle and the S60 picks up its skirt and surges forward. The ride is biased towards comfort, although this can be changed by pressing the 4C button and switching from Comfort to Sport. car rental uk
This firms up the ride, but to be honest there’s little point as it just turns the S60 into a hard-riding car rather than a more toned sports saloon.
And the steering is nothing to write home about either. The actual turn-in is quite direct, but there’s none of the feedback you get from a 3-series. And while we’re talking steering, the turning circle on the S60 is poor. Several times while driving the car I went to park in a space and completely missed it as there’s not enough turn on the wheels.
But on the plus side, the interior is a triumph, with a sloping centre console mounted slightly towards you and fairly high up, meaning most controls are within your eye line. car rental uk

Honda CR-V 2.2iCDTi

2005-09-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

BMW 523i

2005-09-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

BMW makes excellent engines. Few other manufacturers produce such a wide range of motors that combine performance, economy, character and reliability.
From the punchy 2.0-litre diesel up to the storming 5.0 V10 in the M5, BMW has an engine to suit any buyer. car rental uk
But there has been the odd runt in the pack. Generally they are at the bottom of each range: the 116i and 318i smack of engines for those desperate to drive a BMW but who don’t have the resources to do it properly. car rental uk
In fact, many of the entry-level four-cylinder petrol BMWs over the years have attracted derisory attention, which might well be why the 5-series Touring range starts with a six-cylinder, in the form of the 523i SE. car rental uk
It has a good pedigree, being hewn from the same lightweight block as the 258bhp 3.0-litre motor, and featuring high-revving Valvetronic technology.
The 523i isn’t actually a 2.3-litre engine. It’s a 2.5-litre unit, the same as in the 525i but with less power. It has 174bhp, while the full-fat 525i has considerably more with 215bhp. But the new 520d will have 167bhp, and that leads to a question which is not easy to answer in the positive for the petrol. Why would you buy a 523i? car rental uk
BMW is about to have all the bases covered at this end of the market. The forthcoming diesel will do the job from a running cost point of view, as well as having a lot more grunt than the 523i, which is useful if a driver uses the Touring for heavy loads.
The 525i will offer the sportier power delivery that some drivers want from a petrol-engined car. So what does the 523i offer?
Less performance, for one. With four up and load on board, the lack of power and torque is noticeable.
Although it has a respectable 0-62mph time of just under nine seconds, it is in the mid- range that it lacks punch. car rental uk
Being a BMW six-cylinder, it makes a brawny noise under acceleration, and is whisper quiet when cruising, but compared with what the bigger petrol offers and what the small diesel will, it doesn’t come up to the mark. Its combined fuel consumption figure of 32.5mpg is also almost identical to the 525i at 31.7mpg, so there is no great advantage there either.
The main one is price: the 523i is £600 cheaper. But it will be £900 more expensive than the 520d.
Everywhere, BMW has a model that has it licked.
Viewed in isolation against other manufacturers’ efforts, the 523i is a decent engine in a good car. But line it up against the other engines in the 5-series range and it looks weedy, with not especially good fuel economy and high-ish emissions.
So it boils down to this: the 523i is a car for drivers who really don’t want a diesel but can’t stretch to the extra money required for a 525i. In this case, the 523i is the Touring for them.

Mercedes-Benz B class

2005-09-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

MERCEDES-BENZ is hitting back. Tired of volume brands narrowing the quality gap to its premium products, it is pitching its new B-class straight into the fleet heartland of MPVs like the Vauxhall Zafira as well as at hatchbacks like the Golf Plus.
By introducing the range at £16,995 for the B150, Mercedes is hoping to tempt company car drivers to trade in their current set of mainstream wheels to upgrade to a large hatch bearing the coveted three-pointed star. car rental uk
It expects to move 1,500 units during the remainder of this year, and 6,000 to 7,000 in 2006. At least 75% of these will be conquest sales, it predicts. The fleet market is expected to account for a third of total volume. car rental uk
The B-class’s target audience is the young and well-educated, and Mercedes-Benz expects 65% of its customers to be aged under 40. Unlike its smaller A-class sibling, mostly bought as the second car of the household, this model is designed to be the customer’s main transport.
Mari Dyson, product executive for the B-class, says this new market is of huge importance to the premium marque. Consequently the B-class’s arrival has been backed by an innovative marketing campaign. This has seen the creation of 44 individual 20-second TV adverts – one for every day of its launch campaign – each designed to demonstrate the car’s versatility.
This is supported by print and online advertising, and WAP downloads to customers mobile phones. The marketing bill alone comes to £4 million. car rental uk
Dyson said: ‘A lot of the onus is on us to drive the user- choosers to our dealers. ‘There’s a lot of direct marketing going out, and the website has been very busy. In fact more people have actively registered their details for this car than any other car we have launched.’
Residual values will differentiate it from the volume fare. CAP predicts prices after three years/60,000 miles in the high 30s for the diesel, which is five to six percentage points higher than volume MPVs such as the Vauxhall Zafira and Volks-wagen Touran, while it is at similar levels to the Golf Plus, which has nowhere near the adaptability.
Six powerplants are available, comprising two turbodiesels (B180 CDI and B200 CDI) and four petrols (B150, B170, B200 and B200 Turbo), all of which are offered in the A-class.
The B150 won’t be here until November, but all other versions are launched on September 15.
The range has two trim levels, standard and SE. Buyers will be underwhelmed by the standard trim, which includes steel wheels and black exterior details, so many people are expected to spend £950 upgrading to the more generous SE. car rental uk
At this level the B-class has a more eye-catching appearance, gaining 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome body details and a chrome radiator grille. Inside, the SE gets leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever, plus automatic headlight and wiper controls.
Both B200 models auto- matically get SE specification anyway, and the B200 Turbo receives even more equipment as well as a sports pack.
Depending on the depth of the buyer’s pocket, the B-class can still be up-specced from a list of more than 50 extra-cost options, including a removable passenger seat system and two choices of panoramic sunroof.
In the versatility stakes the B-class is left slightly behind by the volume mini-MPVs such as the Vauxhall Zafira or Mazda5 with their abundance of storage areas. Yet its passenger seats can be folded down easily, creating luggage space 60 litres larger than a C-class estate.
Naturally, there’s an array of safety systems including ABS with Brake Assist, ESP, traction control and six airbags. The B-class also has Mercedes-Benz’s’ new steer control system. When the car begins to oversteer, this automatically increases resistance in one direction to encourage the driver to correctly steer against the skid.
Mercedes expects it to perform well in Euro NCAP crash tests later this year. The A-class, with which it shares some architecture, gained five-stars for adult occupants and four stars for child occupants.
A similar sandwich floor concept is used on the B-class, ensuring that in a frontal collision the engine and transmission are pushed down beneath the cabin rather than back into the occupants. car rental uk

Mazda RX-8

2005-09-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

ACCELERATE to 90mph, take your hands off the steering wheel and slam on the brakes. That was the introductory instruction to a day with Prodrive for Mazda RX-8 drivers.
No way was I going to do something so foolhardy. But a minute later, I’d done just that – and lived to tell the tale. car rental uk
Anyone’s instinct behind the wheel is to stay in control, not to hand over the reins to a mere piece of metal – but the RX-8 rose to the challenge, bringing us to a halt exactly where Rod the instructor had predicted.
I shared my driving experience with half a dozen RX-8 owners courtesy of Mazda, which initially offered the free ‘professional driver development programme’ for a limited period to new buyers. car rental uk
That was 6,500 drivers and nearly two years ago. The scheme has proved so successful that it has been extended to meet continued customer demand.
All the owners I met were pretty impressed with their vehicle choice, apart from a few gripes alluding to slight corrosion, particularly on the optional silver ‘fins’ some of them had specified, and fuel economy. car rental uk
It’s true that parsimony is not the RX-8’s best attribute (Fleet News testers have rarely managed the claimed combined mpg figure of 24.8mpg and the car drinks oil) but, as we were told: ‘You don’t buy a sports car like no other to be frugal.’
The aim of the Prodrive course is to inform as well as to entertain and it lived up to its promise. Instructors included advanced driving specialists, Class 1 police drivers and former rally and race drivers. They were all friendly and jargon-free.
The exercises are designed to show off the Mazda’s state-of-the-art active and passive safety features as well as its performance and handling capabilities.
So the half-day track section includes a session on the skidpan with safety features temporarily disabled to demonstrate the advantages of ABS, EBD and traction control.
Circuit driving and high-speed braking are covered and speed merchants can test out their vehicles in safety, though probably not to the RX-8’s limits (said to be 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 146mph). car rental uk
RX-8 owners are likely to have a good idea already that they have purchased what amounts to a performance driving bargain. Anyone who hadn’t is likely to be in no doubt after their day out with Prodrive

Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro

2005-09-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

IT is a testament to Audi build quality that, despite having been on the Fleet News test fleet for nine months, when I first got into our A6 it felt as if I could have been driving it out of the showroom on its maiden voyage. car rental uk
I moved from the test fleet’s Saab 9-3 Convertible, which itself is no Amish homestead when it comes to luxury, but the Audi is overpowering in its grandeur and presents a definition of prestige motoring.
Outwardly, its appearance is deceptive. You would not know from looking at it that the latest incarnation of the A6 is the longest and widest car in its class. And it is 120mm longer and 45mm wider than its predecessor. car rental uk
Inside, there is a massive amount of space to the point of being Tardis-like. But unlike Dr Who’s dated time-travelling box, the Audi is a vision in subtle opulence and superb construction.
The twists in logic continue when you drive it. The light steering, whisper-quiet diesel engine and seat comfort make the driving experience of the A6 like that of a smaller car. car rental uk

There is plenty of choice in the A6 range of engines. The entry-level model comes with the 177bhp 2.4-litre V6 SE and then there’s the 255bhp 3.2 FSI SE and the newly-introduced 2.0-litre turbodiesel and 176bhp 2.7-litre TDI, with the range topping off with the 335bhp 4.2-litre V8 in the quattro SE. car rental uk
Our model is powered by the 3.0 TDI engine, delivering a maximum 225bhp at 4,000 revs and a 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds.
Being an automatic, there is a frustrating lag in initial acceleration but then be prepared to re-live the scene in Star Wars when the Millennium Falcon goes into hyperspace. It is that impressive.
There is no loss of composure, however, thanks to the latest model’s extra length and width. Speed-related power steering stops the steering wheel feeling too loose at high speeds, though this leaves little for thrill seekers who are after ‘seat-of-the-pants’ motoring.
But if you want to get somewhere as fast as the UK legal system allows and arrive cool and calm for a meeting, the A6 is the car to choose. car rental uk

Mercedes-Benz R-class

2005-08-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

Lexus RX400h

2005-08-28T04:12:00.000-07:00

IMAGINE a world where you really could have your cake and eat it... where you could enjoy all of the good things in life but didn’t have to put up with the associated downsides. car rental uk
It sounds like an impossible dream, and in most cases it still is. However, if you narrow down the parameters to cars, things start to look more promising. And if you want to drive a big, luxurious premium SUV, but don’t want to choke the planet with your noxious exhaust emissions, then the answer is staring you (literally) in the face. car rental uk
Lexus’ new RX400h is the ‘have your cake and eat it’ SUV. You get all of the traditional SUV attributes – high seating position, premium badge and ‘out of my way’ styling, yet you also get a petrol engine with an additonal electric motor. This means you get petrol performance with diesel economy. Perfect.

But the best thing is that this is alternative fuel technology which isn’t intimidating or time-consuming. car rental uk
Unlike a pure electric car, you haven’t got to recharge it at night and, unlike a dual-fuel car, you haven’t got to hunt around for a petrol station which has got an LPG tank.
Simply fill the Lexus with unleaded fuel and off you go. When you’re starting off or travelling slowly, only the electric motor is used, with the petrol engine chiming in as more power is required to boost acceleration. Brake or take your foot off the accelerator and the engine shuts down to save fuel. At the same time, generators use braking energy to recharge the batteries.
But the only way you notice you’re driving a hybrid is by looking at the various digital read-outs which monitor which power plant is turning the wheels and tell you how much energy you have regenerated. You just need to resist the temptation to keep looking at these readouts and focus on the road instead. car rental uk
Other than that, it’s just like driving the petrol RX300, which means you’re at the wheel of one of the best-handling SUVs, although the angular styling isn’t to everyone’s taste. Body roll is well contained and the RX turns in to corners very sharply for such a car. The ride can get a bit bouncy, but that’s the downside to having a car with such long suspension travel.
And bizarrely for a car with such environmentally-friendly pretensions, the RX400h is quicker than the RX300. With 208bhp, it has 7bhp more, but the headline figures don’t tell the whole story.
When you really stand on the RX400’s accelerator the 165bhp electric motor joins in, offering a surge of acceleration. It acts like a diesel engine, with the electric boost replacing diesel’s wall of torque.
It’s also diesel-like in its fuel consumption, returning a claimed average of 34.9mpg and CO2 emissions of just 192g/km (the same as a Vauxhall Astra 1.8 SRi). And that’s the beauty of this Lexus. It is a car of the future, available today, which requires no compromises. With the RX400h, you really can have your cake and eat it. car rental uk

Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDi DSG

2005-08-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

I HAVE driven a heck of a lot of cars in my time as a motoring journalist – big ones, small ones, fast ones, slow ones, good ones and awful ones.
But I reckon that of all the different vehicles tested, I have driven more Volkswagen Golfs than any other model – I even owned one a few years back. car rental uk
So stepping into the latest addition to our long-term test fleet – the Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI – was rather like meeting an old and trusted friend again.
That solid, functional dash was there to greet me – it’s not a lot different from the one in my old G-reg model, in fact – and those hard flat seats were as supportive as ever. As this model is a Sport version, it also has some nice side supports for when the going gets a bit racey. carrental uk
And – joy of joys – Volkswagen has sent us a Golf equipped with the new six-speed automatic DSG gearbox, so there will be no need to mess around with a clutch. A few years ago, you could almost count on one hand the number of fleet autobox cars on the roads but they seem to be gradually creeping into the British psyche, although it’s a slow process.
I got used to driving automatics while I was a resident of California a few years back and I can’t understand why anyone would want a manual – or stick shift, as the Yanks call them – in this day and age. car rental uk
This DSG box is a bit special. Unlike normal auto set-ups, there is no loss of power or fuel economy. It could prove a real boon to any driver who normally operates in a city or spends a lot of time sitting in traffic jams.
Our test car is clad in diamond black pearl effect paint, which gives it a more upmarket look than some of the pastel shades on offer, and has a smart set of 17-inch alloy wheels, which turned out to be a £445 option. Other paid-for extras are cruise control at £270, bi-xenon headlights with washers and automatic range adjustment at £725, rear parking sensor at £295, rear electric windows at £150 and a six-CD auto-changer at £395. car rental uk
This little lot adds £2,280 to the price of the car and increases a 22% taxpayer’s benefit-in-kind tax bill by £7.52 a month. Personally, if I was choosing this Golf as a company car, I’d have the alloys and parking sensor and not bother with the rest.
The Golf’s 103bhp 1.9-litre common rail turbodiesel unit is a nice middle-of-the-road choice. It’s nippy enough, with 0-60mph coming in 11 seconds and a top speed of 115mph, but doesn’t have the raw power of the bigger 2.0-litre GT diesel units which offer 138bhp and more feisty handling. An ideal fleet choice, I’d say. car rental uk
Fuel economy is reckoned to be a frugal 48.7mpg on the combined cycle. As the car is still on its first tankful of fuel after being delivered, we have yet to carry out a detailed fuel consumption analysis, but the fuel gauge seems to be holding up well so far.
After a couple of weeks behind the wheel of our new car, I can easily see why the Golf has become such an icon of style and reliability. It’s one of those vehicles in which the whole is much more than the sum of the parts. Quite what it is that makes the Golf better than its rivals isn’t exactly obvious, but when all the bits are screwed together, the Golf seems to work just perfectly.

New Launch Mercedes-Benz R class

2005-08-24T01:10:00.000-07:00

YOU may have drivers on your fleet who, buried within them, have a deep-seated subconscious desire to drive around in a grand sports tourer.
They will not know it yet, but the appearance of the Mercedes-Benz R-class could trigger this dormant urge and send them to your door. Car Rental uk
That’s because the R-class is the answer to a question not yet posed. It is an estate/MPV/saloon/hearse hybrid, with six seats, four-wheel drive, big engines and lots of space. Mercedes-Benz calls it a Grand Sports Tourer, or GST.
We were here with the Renault Vel Satis and Avantime a few years back – minus one seat – and nobody could work them out then. car rental uk
But Mercedes-Benz has ploughed on with its own crossover vehicle and there is enough early evidence to suggest that, on a global basis at least, it will be a success.
That’s because the R-class is designed with the US in mind. Its size, six chairs, huge cupholders, blacked-out windows and drivetrain configuration suggest it is pitched at Americans tiring of SUVs. It is even built in the US, at the Tuscaloosa plant, home of the M-class.
Apparently, US buyers want four-wheel drive for the extra safety it brings and that is why this odd choice is the only option, rather than Mercedes-Benz’s more traditional rear-wheel drive set-up. car rental uk

The fact is that the heavier, thirstier four-wheel drive system makes no sense at all, until you consider that the US market will take most of the volume, and it is a lot cheaper to build it on the M-class platform in the States rather than ship S- or E-class modules over from Europe.
Mercedes-Benz reckons on selling 1,800 in a full year in the UK with half of these being the diesel version, but by the very nature of the car this has to have been somewhat plucked out of thin air. True, there is nothing like it on the market but, after spending some time with the R, the multitude of abilities it has slowly dawn on you.
For a start, anything of this vastness is going to find some friends looking for ultimate carrying ability. car rental uk
At more than five metres long and nearly two metres wide for the long wheelbase version, the R-class is a big hulking piece of metal and head-turning elegance is certainly not a strength.
But interior adaptability is. In the long-wheelbase version we drove, with the four rear seats doubled over to create a flattish floor, there is an incredible 2,385 litres of volume with a load length of 2.2 metres. The E-class estate, previously the leader in the space race, manages 1,910 litres.
Unfortunately, there are to be none of the clever load restraints and rails offered in the E-class, so stopping shopping bags from rolling about the cavernous interior could be a problem.
The seats all slide and fold simply to create more or less legroom depending on what you need, to the point that those of a leggy frame in the second row can have nearly a metre of legroom.
Three engines will be available: two petrol and one diesel. The most powerful is the 306bhp 5.0-litre V8, followed by the 272bhp 3.5-litre V6. Both are fantastically thirsty, tasked as they are with heaving 2.2 tonnes about and drivers will be lucky to see the right side of 20mpg. Even gentle driving got us nowhere near that claimed figure. car rental uk
This should make the diesel the most popular choice, as is the case with most big luxury vehicles, and the R-class will be offered with the 224bhp 320 CDI unit, which it is claimed will do 30mpg. None were available at the launch but even hitting a real-world 25mpg will be a big improvement over the petrol cars.
The R-class will go on sale in spring next year and although prices are likely to be between £42,000 and £55,000, specifications are not yet finalised. Long-wheelbase models should be around £1,500 more expensive. car rental uk

Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI sport

2005-08-23T01:48:00.000-07:00

I HAVE driven a heck of a lot of cars in my time as a motoring journalist – big ones, small ones, fast ones, slow ones, good ones and awful ones.
But I reckon that of all the different vehicles tested, I have driven more Volkswagen Golfs than any other model – I even owned one a few years back.
So stepping into the latest addition to our long-term test fleet – the Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI – was rather like meeting an old and trusted friend again. Car rental uk
That solid, functional dash was there to greet me – it’s not a lot different from the one in my old G-reg model, in fact – and those hard flat seats were as supportive as ever. As this model is a Sport version, it also has some nice side supports for when the going gets a bit racey.

And – joy of joys – Volkswagen has sent us a Golf equipped with the new six-speed automatic DSG gearbox, so there will be no need to mess around with a clutch. A few years ago, you could almost count on one hand the number of fleet autobox cars on the roads but they seem to be gradually creeping into the British psyche, although it’s a slow process. Car rental uk
I got used to driving automatics while I was a resident of California a few years back and I can’t understand why anyone would want a manual – or stick shift, as the Yanks call them – in this day and age.
This DSG box is a bit special. Unlike normal auto set-ups, there is no loss of power or fuel economy. It could prove a real boon to any driver who normally operates in a city or spends a lot of time sitting in traffic jams.
Our test car is clad in diamond black pearl effect paint, which gives it a more upmarket look than some of the pastel shades on offer, and has a smart set of 17-inch alloy wheels, which turned out to be a £445 option. Other paid-for extras are cruise control at £270, bi-xenon headlights with washers and automatic range adjustment at £725, rear parking sensor at £295, rear electric windows at £150 and a six-CD auto-changer at £395. Car rental uk
This little lot adds £2,280 to the price of the car and increases a 22% taxpayer’s benefit-in-kind tax bill by £7.52 a month. Personally, if I was choosing this Golf as a company car, I’d have the alloys and parking sensor and not bother with the rest.
The Golf’s 103bhp 1.9-litre common rail turbodiesel unit is a nice middle-of-the-road choice. It’s nippy enough, with 0-60mph coming in 11 seconds and a top speed of 115mph, but doesn’t have the raw power of the bigger 2.0-litre GT diesel units which offer 138bhp and more feisty handling. An ideal fleet choice, I’d say. Car rental uk
Fuel economy is reckoned to be a frugal 48.7mpg on the combined cycle. As the car is still on its first tankful of fuel after being delivered, we have yet to carry out a detailed fuel consumption analysis, but the fuel gauge seems to be holding up well so far.
After a couple of weeks behind the wheel of our new car, I can easily see why the Golf has become such an icon of style and reliability. It’s one of those vehicles in which the whole is much more than the sum of the parts. Quite what it is that makes the Golf better than its rivals isn’t exactly obvious, but when all the bits are screwed together, the Golf seems to work just perfectly car rental uk.

Nissan Micra

2005-08-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

UNFORTUNATELY, the ‘160’ tag in this new range-topping Nissan Micra’s name doesn’t refer to its power output – instead it refers to the fact that this car has a 1.6-litre engine. Car rental uk
It means this is no scorching pocket rocket, more of a nippy sports model designed to inject some fun into the Micra range and, if you believe Nissan, challenge the might of the MINI One in the hearts and minds of user-choosers. Car rental uk

Ultimately, the little Nissan just doesn’t have enough presence to bother the hugely popular MINI, but it can give it a run for its money in terms of driving fun. With 108bhp and a kerb weight of just over a tonne to lug about, the Micra 160SR offers zesty performance in a fun chassis.
With lowered and stiffened suspension over standard Micras, and a steering rack with more feel engineered in, it offers a real fun drive.
While it is not blisteringly quick, the chassis and steering let you have a lot of fun behind the wheel without reaching silly speeds. Car rental uk
It also looks pretty cool, thanks to its 16-inch alloy wheels finished in a graphite grey colour, front, side and tailgate spoilers and dark tinted headlamp lenses. The sporty theme continues inside, with aluminium pedals, bespoke instruments, while there’s a generous list of standard equipment featuring a CD player, automatic wipers and air conditioning.
The price is pretty good, too. The three-door version costs £9,995 on-the-road, which undercuts the MINI One by £785. car rental uk
If it’s affordable, fun driving you want, the Micra 160SR is worth considering. But if it’s street cred you’re after, spend the extra on the MINI.

Jaguar XJ6 3.0 V6

2005-07-29T03:25:00.000-07:00

I HAVE to admit that I am anxious about the future of the Jaguar XJ6. Remember when Woody was supplanted in his owner’s affections by Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story? Very upsetting.
Well, with the arrival of a diesel XJ, the fuel du jour, I am rather concerned that executives, like hyperactive kids at Christmas desperate for the latest toy craze, will charge blindly for the derv option, completely forgetting that there is this perfectly good alternative powered by petrol.
So for the three months I report on our new long-term Jaguar, I shall be appealing to fleet managers to ensure that, when the managing director comes barreling through your door, slavering, wild-eyed over the XJ TDVi brochure, you sit him down, give him a cup of tea and push the XJ6 brochure under his nose as well. Car rental uk

Diesel is where it is at in the executive class: the Mercedes-Benz S-class mix is almost entirely diesel, and with the rave reviews the diesel XJ has been getting, Jaguar could also find itself in such a situation. Car rental uk
But Jaguar has an advantage with the XJ6 over its rivals. It is fantastic value for money for a luxury car, costing less than £40,000 for the entry-level model. Of the others, you can’t get an S-class for less than £44,000, an Audi A8 costs £47,000 and a BMW 7-series starts at £48,500.
With a £2,000 lower P11D price than the entry-level XJ TDVi, the XJ6 is about £700 more expensive a year in tax paid, but the performance and wonderful growl the Jag’s engine makes will be worth the extra money to some.
The fact that Jaguar suddenly finds itself in a situation where it has the best-selling luxury petrol car, and the most refined diesel as well, is testament to the skills still on show in the Midlands. Car rental uk
It might sound odd, but the XJ6 doesn’t really feel like all the other luxury saloons. They have an autocratic, tyrannical air: big imposing grilles to sweep the proles aside who hinder their vital progress, while the interiors are mostly like the lobbies of smoked-glass buildings – all imposing sweeps, wide open spaces and metallic surfaces.
The XJ feels altogether more intimate. From the driver’s seat it has the poise and lightfootedness of a smaller car, and doesn’t feel as though you are hauling a two-and-a-half tonne corporate intimidator about.
Why you get that feeling is because you aren’t. Thanks to its aluminium construction and sweeping body, the XJ6 is as feathery as you can get at this level, weighing in at a slimline 1,539kg – about the same as a Volkswagen Passat and half-a-tonne less than an S-class. Car rental uk
What this means is lower emissions, better performance and, hopefully, good fuel consumption. If I can wean myself off the noise under acceleration, I’ll have some decent economy figures for the next report.
What we expect
REFINEMENT, athleticism and easy pace – Jaguar’s XJ6 should deliver all of these attributes. It is not the biggest luxury saloon on the market, but we certainly expect it to be the one with the most character. Jaguars have always been good value to buy, but we will be looking at how its running costs stack up, and also keeping a close eye on reliability – historically not a Jaguar strength.

Mitsubishi Grandis

2005-07-26T03:59:00.000-07:00

Mitsubishi is currently bucking the downward trend in the car market. Sales are up 14% across its car and commercial division, and part of this is undoubtedly attributable to new models the Colt supermini and the strength of its 4x4 models such as the Shogun and L200 pick-up.
The promise of a more comprehensive car and commercial range over the next few years ensures Mitsubishi’s current 40,000 sales a year are certain to grow further. Yet despite some healthy fleet business, particularly among specialist operators, Mitsubishi UK managing director Jim Tyrrell states: ‘Mitsubishi doesn’t do fleet sales.’ car rental uk
But the new Mitsubishi Grandis DI-D diesel may just change that. Introduced in July last year, the Grandis won praise for its striking style and versatile interior. But with its 2.4-litre petrol engine and automatic transmission its appeal was always going to be rather limited.
However, by raiding the parts bin of Volkswagen, Mitsubishi has procured a 134bhp, 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine for its smart seven-seat people carrier. car rental uk

That’s certain to ensure a massive growth in sales, as diesel power currently accounts for 85% of full-sized MPV sales in the UK.
As a result, Mitsubishi expects to sell 4,000 Grandis DI-D models in its first year – alongside the 700 or so existing petrol sales.
Residual values are predicted to better the petrol model, with the DI-D versions expected to retain around 39% after three years/60,000 miles, compared with between 33% and 35% for the 2.4i models. car rental uk
And that’s likely to be of interest to fleet buyers. Andy Wertheim, manager, fleet and used sales, suggests the Grandis will be Mitsubishi’s second-biggest fleet seller behind the L200.
That’s hardly surprising as it offers a smart alternative to the full-sized MPV competition with its seven-seat potential (the two rearmost seats can be folded down into the boot floor to create a large boot area), is Euro IV- compliant, offers 42.8mpg official combined economy, CO2 emissions of 176g/km, putting it into the 22% company car tax band and has performance to better diesel rivals such as the Ford Galaxy, Peugeot 807 and Toyota’s Avensis Verso. car rental uk
Four trim levels will be offered from its September launch, with prices starting at £19,699 on-the-road.
Behind the wheel
Mitsubishi has not just added a diesel engine to the Grandis, but has also taken the opportunity to fine-tune its dynamics. Revised steering and suspension settings improve response in a bid to appeal to more enthusiastic drivers, despite its MPV status.
On the road, the changes have been reasonably effective. The steering is sharp, though still rather devoid of feel, and the six-speed manual transmission isn’t the slickest either.
However, the ride is good on both motorways and backroads – it is not ‘sporty’ as Mitsubishi suggests – but overall it is one of the better driving choices among the large MPV fraternity.
The 2.0-litre 134bhp engine delivers good performance, with a 0-62mph time of just 10.8 seconds and a potential top speed of 121mph. That gives the Grandis the power to compete with all-comers in its class.
Emissions are impressive too at 176g/km, while the official combined economy figure of 42.8mpg is also highly competitive. Unsurprisingly, the way the diesel performs is rather familiar to anyone who has experienced Volkswagen’s turbodiesels. That means a rather peaky power delivery – for a diesel it thrives on revs and its power comes in rather abruptly. It is also quite vocal under power, Mitsubishi not quite managing to deaden out sound as effectively as Volkswagen does. It quietens down at cruising speeds though, where the Grandis excels.
The interior is versatile with its variable seating for seven proving simple to use. Space is ample, too. However, the look and feel of the trim lacks the quality feel of rivals like Toyota’s Avensis Verso. You are compensated for this with excellent standard equipment – even the entry-level Classic model comes with alloy wheels, climate control, leather steering wheel, trip computer and front, side and curtain airbags.
Driving verdict
Now able to boast a competent all-rounder in the MPV class, the Mitsubishi impresses. Plentiful equipment, smart styling, an easy drive allied to a three-year unlimited mileage warranty ensures the Grandis DI-D is worth a look, even if interior quality and refinement could be improved upon.
Grandis

Porsche 911 Carrera

2005-07-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

I SUSPECT you opened this page expecting to read a gushing eulogy on the merits of the Porsche 911 with some flowery words about driving such a wonderful car. But let’s get the dull stuff out of the way first.
Predictable running costs. Reliability. Strong residual values. Car park cachet. In a wish list for the ideal company car these four themes would occupy the top spots. Car rental uk
And in each sector there is often a car that ticks these boxes more often than any others. But with sports cars, vehicles that fulfill these criteria are thin on the ground. Maserati 4200? Running costs are terrifying. Jaguar XK? On its way out and a cruiser. BMW 6-series? Odd looks don’t always play well. How about a Morgan Aero 8? As you can see, pickings are thin on the ground.
It’s fortunate then, that when the managing director wanders into the office, pondering his or her new car, the new Porsche 911 exists.
This is the ultimate company car. It has everything a fleet needs, applied to the extreme, exclusive end of transportation. For a start, the 911’s 3.6-litre six-cylinder boxer engine is one of the greatest powerplants ever fitted to a car. This is not only for the savage way it will fling you along, but for the fact that it works like clockwork. Car rental uk
A shrieking, highly strung thoroughbred Italian performance engine may evoke more emotion, but try doing 20,000 miles a year in one. It will not happen. It will in a 911.
And because the new 997-generation 911 is a development of a car which has been constantly tinkered and honed, modernised and perfected over 40 years and more than 50 models, Porsche knows its 911 inside out, which means running cost predictability.
It has even extended the service intervals of the new car to an impressive 18,500 miles, reducing the cost of servicing over three years by around a third compared to the 996 model. Car rental uk
CAP predicts a 911 Carrera will cost 63 pence per mile to run over 60,000 miles. That is not cheap at just under £40,000 in total, but 10ppm less than a Range Rover 4.4 V8, and about the same as a top of the range BMW 545i. I know which I’d rather spend my working life in.
As well as fantastic reliability that allows the 911 to be an everyday car, it also has almost unmatched residual values. According to CAP, thrash 60,000 miles out of one for the next three years and it will be still worth 52% of list price. This seems low though. Sold privately, it will fetch a much higher price than that.
In terms of cost to a driver, it will cost £8,200 a year in tax, and whether to run one as a company car depends more on office politics and mileage rates. To opt out and contract hire a 911 would be £1,200 a month – considerably more than the monthly tax bill of £689 for a top-rate payer. It is never worth doing unless the business mileage reimbursement rate is very generous.
In purely selfish individual terms, rather than the total cost to the company, how it makes sense to opt out of a company car scheme when you have an expensive car eludes me. Car rental uk
I apologise for the rather prosaic sermon on running costs and residual values. It’s over now. Part of the reason to start with that side of running a 911 is that any discussion of having one as a company car would be dominated by the cost of it, because there’s very little argument about the merits or otherwise of the car. It is utterly wonderful.

BMW M514

2005-07-14T03:51:00.000-07:00

SHALL we get the bad news out of the way first? Even if your managing director has the hefty sum of £61,760 allocated for his next company car, he couldn’t buy a BMW M5. In fact, you can’t buy one for the next three years unless you pay a premium and get one from the classified section of The Sunday Times. Car rental uk
The reason is simple – BMW and its M performance car division simply haven’t got the capacity to build any more of these awesome saloons; and demand for them is at such a level that the next three years’ production capacity is already sold. Just 450 right-hand drive cars will reach the UK each year.
The good news is that if you put a deposit down now, there are only 36 months to wait before your boss can get his hands on one of the finest sporting saloons ever built. car rental uk
BMW UK managing director Jim O’Donnell said: ‘If we could obtain more production I’m confident we could easily out-sell our record with the last M5 (the previous generation M5 sold 1,510 units in the UK between 1999 and 2003).
‘However, it appears we will be unable to get enough and the waiting list will continue to be a long one.’
With a 5.0-litre V10 engine producing a maximum of 507bhp (or ‘just’ 400bhp in its normal start-up mode) and a seven-speed SMG sequential manual gearbox operated by steering wheel-mounted paddles, this is Formula One technology in a vaguely sensible suit. car rental uk
In fact, the M5 could be mistaken for a 530d Sport, were it not for the four fat exhaust pipes exiting under the rear bumper, cooling vents in the front wing, subtle side skirts and bumpers and 19-inch alloy wheels. It is this ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ approach which ensures the M5’s appeal – owners don’t like to shout too much about their wealth and the performance of their car.
BMW says the typical M5 owner is a 45-year-old married man who is either a senior executive in a large company, a leading professional type or a successful business entrepreneur. He’s also got at least two other cars in his garage. car rental uk
And, unlike some businessmen who prefer to be chauffeured, the M5 driver will be doing his own work behind the wheel, which is hardly surprising when you consider the performance and technology on offer.
As well as the headline power and speed figures, there’s a host of technology packed into the M5 such as Drivelogic, a system which allows the driver to choose from 11 settings for the gearbox, from fully automatic for stress-free urban driving to neck-snappingly quick upshifts with the full-on mental setting.
Then there’s the brilliant Head-up Display which projects a rev counter and speedo somewhere towards the front of the bonnet, meaning you don’t have to look down at the instrument binnacle to see what speed or revs you’re doing. This is a great safety aid, and it can’t be too long before this technology starts to filter down to other BMW models in the range.
Another great feature is the active front seats with their inflatable side bolsters. As you corner, they inflate to hold you in place, and they work brilliantly. When you’re really cornering hard, as we were on a race circuit during the car’s launch, it felt as though you were being suffocated – they really do hold you that tight. car rental uk
So, that’s your boss’s appetite whetted for the M5. All you need to do now is put an order down for one and wait patiently for the next three years.
Behind the wheel
THE first challenge when you slide behind the M5’s three-spoke steering wheel is to decide which buttons to press.
You can choose to disengage the DSC traction control system if you wish, although it’s not advisable unless you have plenty of skill at the wheel. Then you’ve got to set the Drivelogic system to choose the right gearbox setting for your mood – there are 11 in total, from fully automatic to racecar sharp.
Then there’s the innocuous looking ‘M’ button on the steering wheel spoke. Pressing this button not only activates the Head-up Display, it also unleashes some extra power from the V10 engine. When the engine is started it is in default 400bhp mode until it is warmed up. But pushing ‘M’ gives you the whole nine yards, or 507bhp. This is where things get very interesting. Not only is the M5 searingly quick, but the V10 engine is also incredibly flexible. You can accelerate briskly from 40mph in seventh gear.
But it’s in full-on attack mode where the M5 takes your breath away. The sound of the V10 howling to the 8,250rpm red line is spine tingling.
And the M5 is not just a straight line demon. During the launch we were unleashed on a private race track to fully explore the M5’s handling limits. And it certainly grips well, with mild understeer in hairpins followed by some impressive power oversteer when exiting corners.
Driving verdict
ASTONISHINGLY quick, packed with gadgets and with understated styling, the M5 is a businessman’s express par excellence. For the executive in a hurry, there’s little to touch the awesome M5.

Nissan Navara

2005-07-10T04:29:00.000-07:00

BRITAIN’S double-cab 4x4 market is set to take a dramatic turn in August with the launch of the new Nissan Navara.
Until now, while all the offerings in the sector are tough and macho-looking, none manage to achieve a car-like driving quality on the road. All are slow and all, except the Toyota Hilux, have old-fashioned diesel engines rather than the more modern common rail versions. Car rental uk
With the launch of the new Navara, the Japanese maker has not only moved the sector’s goalposts – it has set a whole new playing field of its own. In short, the Navara is head and shoulders above the rest in handling and power.
Across Europe, the new vehicle will be available in two power outputs – 145bhp and 174bhp. But British buyers will only be offered the higher-powered version, putting the new Navara in a league of its own power-wise. Car rental uk
Torque is up, too. The old Navara was already market leader at 224lb-ft but the new model has a stonking 297lb-ft, putting it way ahead of the nearest rival, the Isuzu Rodeo, at 206lb-ft. Finally, British double-cab buyers have a vehicle to choose from that goes as well as it looks.
The new vehicle is based on the Nissan Pathfinder – it will roll off the same production line in Barcelona and shares its platform and even its dashboard.

There will be two models available – double cab and king cab – and prices will range from £14,695 for the standard king cab to £21,970 for the top-of-the-range double-cab Aventura (all prices exclude VAT). All have a payload above 1,045kg and a maximum towing weight of 2,700kg. As with most vehicles of this type, a myriad of styling accessories is available. car rental uk
The basic spec models have standard driver and passenger airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, alarm and immobiliser, remote plip locking and a CD player.
The basic model has steel wheels while the SE version adds 17-inch alloys, rail side steps, dual-zone climate control, leather steering wheel and electric heated door mirrors.
The Outlaw version adds roof bars for double-cabs, front foglamps, headlamp washers, rain sensing windscreen wipers, a six-CD player with steering wheel controls, cruise control and under-seat rear storage compartments while the Aventura has an electric sunroof, leather seats, power/heated front seats, side and curtain airbags, Nissan’s Birdview sat-nav system and Bluetooth phone integration

Volvo D5

2005-07-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

HAVE you noticed how you can buy August-dated magazines already? Well, the same marketing-led impatience is making its way into the car industry, and 2006 model year ranges are now being launched.
No model in the 2006 Volvo line-up, on sale now, has escaped the attention of the designers and marketing people, with specification changes and some very subtle styling revisions (like a new black grille on the S80). It’s the engineers who have been the busiest.
The single most significant change is the introduction of a heavily-revised version of the 2.4-litre five-cylinder diesel. It receives a boost in power from the 163bhp of the outgoing unit to 185bhp, and also gains a six-speed manual transmission as standard. A new six-speed Geartronic ’box will be introduced later this year. Car rental uk
The new D5 engine benefits from a particulate filter and Euro IV compliance and will be available in the S60, V70, XC70 and XC90. However, the increase in power is off-set by slightly higher emissions.
That’s not necessarily bad news though, as the changes bring the Volvo’s performance in line with many six-cylinder rivals, yet the five-cylinder turbodiesel still manages to undercut key competitors on emissions and price.Car rental uk
The introduction of the more powerful D5 allowed Volvo to offer a lower power version based on the same unit and delivering the same 163bhp as the outgoing D5.
Volvo S60 D5
Called the 2.4D, it too has Euro IV compliance and a particulate filter. The two new diesels give Volvo more breadth in the growing fleet diesel market, with the D5 able to compete with larger capacity rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, while the lower output 2.4D is better positioned against diesel rivals, offering up to 160bhp.
And the fleet market is clearly very important to Volvo’s UK success, with business sales growing markedly. Car rental uk
In its first full year on the market back in 2000 the S60 achieved 6,699 sales. Of those 42% were to fleet buyers. In 2004 there was a huge increase in the private/company mix with 3,860 of Volvo’s 6,000 UK S60s going to business customers. That represents 64% of S60s being bought with the company chequebook.
Unsurprisingly, it is diesels which make up a significant number of S60s sold in the UK market. Indeed, Volvo has seen its growth in diesel sales leaping from just 8% in 2000, to 59% in 2004. That latter figure significantly betters the 33% diesel sales exhibited in the overall UK market.
Both the S60 and V70 are available with the new 163bhp 2.4D and the 185bhp D5 units, while the four-wheel drive V70 AWD, XC70 and XC90 are only offered with the more powerful D5.
In the S60 and V70, diesels will claim around 60% to 65% of the range mix, with the XC90 significantly more at around 85%. Fleet sales for the XC90 stand at around 28%; a growth on the 19.6% figure the XC90s managed last year. car rental uk
Of those, the majority will be highly specified, with the bulk of sales in SE specification and above.
Few XC90s are ever specified without leather and sat nav, and both items are increasingly important to ensure good residual values.
To cater for this increasing demand for personalisation Volvo has introduced an Inscription range which gives customers greater freedom to choose from a wider and wilder range of leather trims, carpets and wood inlays in a similar fashion to schemes offered by BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover.
Inscription will be limited to tiny numbers, but even in standard guise the new Volvo ranges offer generous standard equipment. All Volvos from the S60 up come with a full compliment of airbags, ISOFIX child seat fittings, ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and DSTC (Directional Stability and Traction Control with Electronic Brake Assistance).
Additionally, they all come with equipment such as electronic climate control, a CD player and alloy wheels. Even the entry-level S-specification comes pretty much fully loaded with all the equipment you could conceivably need, though Sport and SE trim levels are also available on the S60 and SE, and Executive on the XC90 only.

Audi A8

2005-06-29T04:44:00.000-07:00

WITH sales trebling in the past decade, Audi’s success is attributable to a popular and wide-ranging model mix.
Topping the range is the A8, Audi’s technological flagship with its aluminium spaceframe construction. Audi boasts the A8’s body is 41% lighter than steel-bodied rivals, benefiting fuel economy and emissions, yet is also the most rigid.Car rental uk
If that’s news to you then it seems you’re unlikely to fit into Audi’s profile of a typical A8 customer. The company says A8 buyers are very well informed individuals with their ‘own resources’ who are discerning in their choice of luxury car. While that may be true for 66% of A8 buyers in 2004, the remaining 34% of A8s were bought with company money.

Year-to-date, the fleet sales figure currently stands at 32%, which is likely to be boosted with the launch of the facelifted models. This sees all A8s adopt the prominent framed grille previously only seen on the range-topping 6.0-litre W12 model.
Along with the new look comes the adoption of a new standard SE specification and the availability of cornering light technology, optional ceramic brakes which last for four times the life of conventional steel discs, a digital radio and a new Bang & Olufsen stereo system.
Revisions to the engine range include the new entry-level 3.2-litre FSI V6 petrol in place of the 3.0-litre engine and a new 4.2-litre V8 TDI to replace the 4.0-litre version.
The two new engines enter at entirely different points in the price spectrum. The currently front-wheel drive-only (quattro models will be available in the future) 3.2-litre V6 SE represents an entry point to the range at £47,930, or £51,300 for the long wheelbase version, and the 4.2-litre V8 TDI quattro is available from £58,605 or £61,975 for normal and long wheelbase respectively. Car rental uk
The 3.2-litre’s pricing represents a saving of around £1,000 compared to its direct BMW and Jaguar rivals, and a significant saving over the Mercedes-Benz S350.
With no direct competition, the A8 4.2 V8 TDI is on its own in pricing, its nearest rival on price being the £51,840 S320 CDI. But the S-class can only offer six cylinders and is more than 120bhp short of the Audi’s 326bhp.
Of the new engines, the 3.2-litre petrol is one fleet buyers are more likely to gravitate to. With CO2 emissions of 238g/km and combined fuel consumption of 28.8mpg it betters its key rivals on both counts.
With the 4.2 V8 TDI you get a combined consumption figure of 30mpg and a CO2 emissions of 258g/km, which is high compared to six-cylinder rivals, but given the large performance advantage it offers that’s hardly surprising. Car rental uk
However, the A8 4.2 V8 TDI offers buyers who might more usually opt for a fuel-guzzling 12-cylinder petrol engine a genuine alternative.
Behind the wheel
IT IS hardly surprising that the 4.2-litre V8 TDI offers spectacular performance, thanks to 326bhp and a whopping 479lb-ft of torque from 1,600-3,500rpm.
Combined with its quattro four-wheel-drive system, Audi’s big saloon is able to exploit that abundant power extremely well, reaching 62mph from a standstill in just 5.9 seconds. Its six-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox shifts smoothly, whether you choose to do so via the steering wheel-mounted paddles or leave it to its own devices.
After the relentless surge of the V8 TDI, the 260bhp 3.2-litre V6 seemed slow in comparison. It isn’t though, with a 0-62mph time of 7.7 seconds and plentiful mid-range acceleration. Both models exhibited remarkable refinement at high speed cruising on Germany’s autobahns.
The 3.2-litre FSI comes fitted with Audi’s Multitronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) gearbox but it lacks the slickness of the conventional automatic in the TDI. Car rental uk
The 3.2 FSI is front-wheel drive only, but you’re unlikely to notice the loss of two driven wheels unless you’re harsh with the throttle and switch off the traction control. It’s unlikely you’ll do so. Despite Audi claiming the A8 will appeal to enthusiastic drivers it’s a car better enjoyed for its cruising rather than sporting ability.
Ask the A8 to drive with the verve of a BMW 7-series and it simply doesn’t deliver, the suspension unable to match the BMW for bump absorption or fluidity, the A8’s steering feel also lacking the kind of feedback offered by the Seven.
Instead, enjoy the easy power delivery of both new engines and soak up one of the best interiors around – Audi is unsurpassed among its premium rivals for interior ambience, build quality and ease of operation.
Even its MMI (Multi Media Interface) system, which controls the A8’s numerous car and entertainment controls, is easy to use.
Driving verdict
WITH the same high level of comfort as before, but with better equipment levels and two impressive new engines, the A8 is a strong competitor in the luxury saloon market. However, adopting the bold new grille across the range might turn off some buyers who were previously attracted by the A8’s understated style.

Ford Focus 1.6i Ti-VCT

2005-06-28T02:34:00.000-07:00

THE Ford Focus is the UK’s best-selling car, and I’m starting to realise why the new version is continuing its success.
I’ve been driving our Titanium-spec 1.6 petrol five-door hatchback for almost two months, averaging about 300 miles a week, so it has given me plenty of time to get accustomed to motoring life in one of fleet’s stalwarts. Car rental uk.
The thing which stands out the most is comfort. Sometimes after a three-hour journey I’m ready to call the chiropractor, but it’s a different story in the Focus. This is mainly down to the seats, which are designed to support your back in all the right places. Something as simple as car manufacturers getting the seating right can bring joy to thousands of company car drivers. It is surprising how some firms struggle to master this. Car rental uk.
Other factors which ease a three-hour journey are the minimal cabin noise, especially on motorways, and the super-smooth suspension.
Ford has refined the new Focus with minimal gaps between body panels, thicker front door side glass and new double door seals all helping to block out wind noise. There’s nothing worse than having to crank up the stereo to drown out exterior noise.
Ford has also made the body structure 10% stiffer than the old model and added rear control blade multi-link suspension, which in layman’s terms means each rear wheel reacts independently when it hits a bump, helping to increase stability. Car rental uk
I don’t know what the technical terms mean, but they translate into a cushioned ride which irons out the hardest bumps on our roads.
And as well as comfort, the chassis and suspension also give confidence-inspiring front-end grip, meaning the Focus always feels planted to the road.
But while I’ve been enjoying the grip, I still haven’t got to grips with the £250 optional voice control system is fitted to our car.
This forms part of the advanced telephone pack which lets drivers control the Bluetooth-enabled telephone, stereo system, temperature control and satellite navigation by the sound of their voice. Car rental uk
So far I’ve failed to master the system, although this could be down to my Stoke accent, but I am determined to use it soon. I have used the satellite navigation system on several occasions, though. It gets drivers from A to B and it is really easy to choose locations through the touch screen.
I just want to view the map and my vehicle’s position but covering almost half the screen are buttons to alter the air-conditioning, radio volume, outside temperature, traffic alert, scale of map and vehicle positioning, making it far to busy.
Maybe once I’ve mastered the voice control these will miraculously disappear from the map – I hope so.
I’m also hoping fuel economy will improve. At present I’m averaging 35.3mpg, which is well short of Ford’s claimed 43.8mpg combined figure.
As most of my miles are being racked up on motorways, I’m a little disappointed with the Focus’ frugality. Model: Ford Focus 1.6i Ti-VCT Titanium 5drPrice (OTR): £15,825 (£20,025 as tested) Mileage: 3,005CO2 emissions (g/km): 155Company car tax bill (2005/6) 22% tax-payer: £52 a monthInsurance group: 7Combined mpg: 43.8Test mpg: 35.3CAP Monitor residual value: £5,374/34%HSBC contract hire rate: £322Expenditure to date: Nil

Audi A8 3.2 V6 FSI

2005-06-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

WITH sales trebling in the past decade, Audi’s success is attributable to a popular and wide-ranging model mix. Car Rental uk.
Topping the range is the A8, Audi’s technological flagship with its aluminium spaceframe construction. Audi boasts the A8’s body is 41% lighter than steel-bodied rivals, benefiting fuel economy and emissions, yet is also the most rigid. Car rental uk.
If that’s news to you then it seems you’re unlikely to fit into Audi’s profile of a typical A8 customer. The company says A8 buyers are very well informed individuals with their ‘own resources’ who are discerning in their choice of luxury car. While that may be true for 66% of A8 buyers in 2004, the remaining 34% of A8s were bought with company money.
Year-to-date, the fleet sales figure currently stands at 32%, which is likely to be boosted with the launch of the facelifted models. This sees all A8s adopt the prominent framed grille previously only seen on the range-topping 6.0-litre W12 model. Car rental uk.

Saab 9-3 Convertable 2.0t

2005-06-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

THE immortal lyric ‘summer’s here and the time is right for dancing in the street’ must be on a loop in the minds of staff at the UK offices of Saab this month.
Official sales figures for May show that Saab achieved its best share of the UK car market since imports began in 1960, with a tally of 2,382 cars, giving the company a record 1.27% share of the new car market.
For the first five months of the year, Saab’s registrations increased by 37% on 2004, at 11,229 cars. This success – much of it down to increased fleet sales through its closer links with Vauxhall – was achieved in a lacklustre market, down 3% compared to May 2004. Car rental uk.
Saab reported a 78% increase in 9-3 Convertible registrations during May in a booming ‘ragtop’ market. Six per cent of the cars sold were convertibles, up from 5.4% in 2004 and the highest share of the market ever held by the segment. So it is with unnerving timing that Fleet News begins a long-term test of a 9-3 2.0t convertible.
The range consists of three spec levels – Linear, Vector and Aero – and a choice of 1.8-litre 150bhp, 2.0-litre 175bhp and 2.0-litre 210bhp engines, all turbo-equipped, mated to five and six-speed manual or optional paddle-shift automatic transmission. Car rental uk.
All come with fully-automatic electric roof, alloy wheels, ‘infotainment system’ including single-disc CD player, seat-mounted head and thorax airbags as standard. Prices start at £24,405 for the 1.8t Linear and reach £29,905 for the 2.0T 210bhp Aero. Car rental uk.

Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch 1.8 16v

2005-06-16T02:50:00.000-07:00

I AM not sure fleets deserve the Astra Sport Hatch. In fact, at this price and with these looks, I’m not sure anybody deserves this car. It almost feels like cheating.
Surely a high-selling three-door hatch from a volume manufacturer with a 1.8-litre petrol engine for about £15,000 should be a sensible but mundane piece of kit. It should do its job quietly and studiously and not be seen making a fuss. Car rental uk
But the wild-looking Sport Hatch is an unexpected mould breaker. To own a car this alluring, shouldn’t you be paying much more money?
Quite simply, the sharp, raked shoulders and long, low sweeping roofline make this a car plenty of company car drivers, used to putting up with whatever comes their way, can be proud to own. Car rental uk
Driving around in it, I was utterly amazed by the amount of attention it received. For example, I found three young women, all with apparently good taste (in other words, they weren’t the type of Vicky Pollard, shotgun-riders-in-Max Power-cars that might have been attracted to hot Astras in the past), standing round it cooing in appreciation.
I would be willing to eat any hat I own if this sort of thing has ever happened in the history of the Astra before, and it shows just what a trick Ford has missed with the meek styling of the new Focus. Car rental uk
But the Sport Hatch is not just about cool, low-slung side windows and razored alloys. Underneath the chiselled muscles are good, honest Vauxhall mechanicals, well proven in the thousands of five-door Astras already sold. So it looks good, and you can depend on it to run reliably.
But the 123bhp 1.8-litre engine feels underpowered, although much of that is because it’s a car which looks as if it should be a scorcher, even when sitting still, so you’re psychologically set up for that. An equivalently-sized diesel would be quicker. Car rental uk

Mercedes CLS3509

2005-06-15T04:02:00.000-07:00

AS a piece of automotive sculpture, things really don’t get much better than this. Mercedes-Benz’s CLS is a saloon masquerading as a coupe... or is that a coupe masquerading as a saloon?
Either way, it’s a stunning car and, more importantly, one which really stands out. In the middle are four conventional doors, albeit with coupe-like shallow glass areas and a dramatically curved roofline. Car rental uk
But it’s at the back where things really get interesting. The rear slopes away from the roofline into an angular boot area, while at the front are a pair of aggressive-looking headlights which shroud the traditional Mercedes-Benz grille and its centrally-mounted three-pointed star.
It’s a major move away from the current family look and it presents executives with a new avenue if they want to add some flair to their next set of company wheels. Car rental uk
For businessmen right at the top of the corporate ladder, there are two V8 models – the CLS500 and 55 AMG, but for those who are still on the climb the CLS350 tested here has all the style of its bigger brothers but with less pace and some less gut-wrenching costs.
At a smidgen over £43,000 on-the-road, the entry-level CLS has pretty much every bit of kit you could possibly want, although leather seats are a noticeable omission – and a £1,100 option. Car rental uk
Power comes from a 272bhp 3.5-litre V6 engine coupled to 7G-Tronic, the world’s first seven-speed automatic gearbox.
The CLS doesn’t feel as quick as its on-paper performance claims, with the V6 really needing plenty of revs to get it going. But once cruising speed is reached the CLS changes character as it settles into a relaxed gait to cover miles with stylish ease. Car rental uk
This is a car you want to be seen in, so it makes no sense to drive too quickly. Rather like a shark stalking its prey, it’s best to approach other cars on motorways in a stealthy manner, let them take in the design details (the way the front arc of the wheel arch extends into a swage line which runs all the way to the rear lights is my favourite) as you cruise past and then disappear.
No car I’ve driven in recent months has received quite as many quizzical glances from other road users, so the CLS is certainly a car which you feel special driving.
As long as you love attention, this car is for you – shy types need not apply.
And there aren’t going to be that many on the road either. Mercedes-Benz plans to sell just 2,500 this year and 4,000 in 2006, with about 20% going to fleets (although that’s not including purchases made by company directors with their own cash). Of that figure, 65% will be the 350 model, with the 500 taking 30%.

Vauxhall Vectra Estate

2005-06-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

A NEAR 700-mile round trip to Wales gave me the ideal opportunity to put the Vectra through its paces around the stunning Cardigan coast in Wales.
The Jackson family did its best to take virtually all of our household possessions with us, excluding beds and kitchen sink, obviously. Car rental uk
And do you know what? Even with all the paraphernailia which comes with taking a youngster on holiday, the Vectra’s boot still wasn’t full.
And it was a bit of a luxury to be able to see out of the rear windscreen with the car packed – not something the Renault Grand Espace I drove before could claim. Car rental uk
But having been used to driving the airy Espace, I felt as though I missed out on the stunning Welsh views on our trip there as the Vectra’s roof seems to crouch down on you and the dashboard rises to meet it.
I know most cars in this sector are the same, but the Vectra’s dark interior doesn’t help create an airy feel.
The Vectra also seems sadly lacking in stash pockets front and back, and why, when there are two drinks holders next to the handbrake, don’t they securely take water bottles or drive-through cups?
And like other Vauxhalls, the Vectra has an infuriating indicator stalk – it resists the usual tap with a finger when you want to cancel it, which gets to be both distracting and annoying. Car rental uk
Like other testers I had the honeymoon period of showing off the motorised boot lid, but the novelty soon wore off when I was drenched while waiting for the slow moving tailgate to open.
It’s all well and good on a fine day, but in the pouring rain when you just want to open the boot it’s a pain in the rear!
I had the chance during the trip to be a rear seat passenger, and was surprised by the lack of a door stash pocket and electric windows, and although there was ample legroom, the seat comfort left a lot to be desired.
More importantly back in the front the lack of parking sensors, which on a vehicle of this length (4.82m) should be standard, are sadly missing, and I struggled without them. Car rental uk
However, one option I was glad of is the stunningly efficient satellite navigation system.
It was put to the test several times in the wilds of Wales and came shining through – finding obscure little villages with the minimum of fuss.
I have a few niggles with the Vectra, but it’s more annoyance than a deal-breaker.

Audi 3.0 TDI quattro

2005-06-13T16:09:00.000-07:00

EARLIER this year, our A6 took a colleague and three friends on holiday hundreds of miles away to a French ski resort.
The furthest I’ve ventured in it is to a business meeting in Birmingham, about 90 miles from the office. But while there may not be any obvious similarities between the two places, arriving fresh and relaxed is a vital requirement. Car rental uk.
And the Audi is such a comfortable motorway cruiser that drivers are guaranteed to arrive fresh and ready to seal the deal. Car rental uk
And they’ll also look good when they arrive, too. The A6 is a stunning looking car and any friends who have been driving in front of me have remarked how beefy the A6 looks in their rear-view mirror. The deep grille sets the car off beautifully and adds to its muscular shape.
Another plus point is how easy it is to switch off the passenger airbag, ideal if you need to carry children in the front. Not all cars have this facility and in those that do it can be difficult to locate the switch. In the Audi, it’s clearly marked in the glovebox and deactivated using the ignition key. A visible warning light stays on when the airbag is turned off so you’re reminded to switch it back on once an adult climbs aboard.
Last week, the car underwent some cosmetic repair after, we assume, someone hit the bumper with a shopping trolley, causing some quite deep scratches. A quick call to Flying Colours and a reasonable repair bill of £55 plus VAT and it’s now as good as new again. Car rental uk
Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro SE Tiptronic Price (OTR): £31,930 (£37,025 as tested)Mileage: 12,206CO2 emissions (g/km): 229Company car tax bill (2005/6) 40% tax-payer: £328 per monthInsurance group: 16Combined mpg: 33.2Test mpg: 32.4CAP Monitor residual value: £12,450/39%HSBC contract hire rate: £641Expenditure to date: £55 (bumper repairs)
Figures based on three years/60,000 miles

Octavia

2005-06-12T05:48:00.000-07:00

OUR Octavia set a record by having covered more than 10,000 miles before it even joined our long-term fleet. Car rental uk.
But the fact that it had so many miles showing soon proved a point we’ve often made about the way diesel engines mellow with age.
From the first time it was fired up, the 105bhp 1.9-litre TDI engine has behaved with the extra degree of smoothness that comes from a unit that is fully bedded-in.
And as the mileage now approaches 20,000, the Skoda is continuing to impress. Unless it is driven in manic fashion, it returns 55mpg, a figure likely to make the Octavia one of the cars of choice with company accounts departments. Even in press-on conditions, it still returns on the better side of 50mpg. Car rental uk.
That kind of parsimony also makes it a winner when you’re paying for your own fuel, of course, and economy of this order prompts me to wonder if this isn’t the most economical vehicle of its type currently available in the UK. Car rental uk.
Our Ambiente spec car has the comfort to go with its space and scores particularly high marks for rear seat accommodation.
I’m starting to regard this Skoda as being in a class of its own for all-round value. If there’s a better package on offer, I’d love to hear about it.
Model: Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI AmbientePrice (OTR): £13,800Mileage: 19,975CO2 emissions (g/km): 143Company car tax bill (2005/6) 22% tax-payer: £45 per monthInsurance group: 7ECombined mpg: 53.3Test mpg: 55CAP Monitor residual value: £4,550/33%HSBC contract hire rate: £287Expenditure to date: Nil Car rental uk.

Mercedes-Benz CLS3509

2005-06-10T03:36:00.000-07:00

AS a piece of automotive sculpture, things really don’t get much better than this. Mercedes-Benz’s CLS is a saloon masquerading as a coupe... or is that a coupe masquerading as a saloon?
Either way, it’s a stunning car and, more importantly, one which really stands out. In the middle are four conventional doors, albeit with coupe-like shallow glass areas and a dramatically curved roofline. Car rental uk.
But it’s at the back where things really get interesting. The rear slopes away from the roofline into an angular boot area, while at the front are a pair of aggressive-looking headlights which shroud the traditional Mercedes-Benz grille and its centrally-mounted three-pointed star.
It’s a major move away from the current family look and it presents executives with a new avenue if they want to add some flair to their next set of company wheels.
For businessmen right at the top of the corporate ladder, there are two V8 models – the CLS500 and 55 AMG, but for those who are still on the climb the CLS350 tested here has all the style of its bigger brothers but with less pace and some less gut-wrenching costs.
At a smidgen over £43,000 on-the-road, the entry-level CLS has pretty much every bit of kit you could possibly want, although leather seats are a noticeable omission – and a £1,100 option. Car rental uk.
Power comes from a 272bhp 3.5-litre V6 engine coupled to 7G-Tronic, the world’s first seven-speed automatic gearbox.
The CLS doesn’t feel as quick as its on-paper performance claims, with the V6 really needing plenty of revs to get it going. But once cruising speed is reached the CLS changes character as it settles into a relaxed gait to cover miles with stylish ease.
This is a car you want to be seen in, so it makes no sense to drive too quickly. Rather like a shark stalking its prey, it’s best to approach other cars on motorways in a stealthy manner, let them take in the design details (the way the front arc of the wheel arch extends into a swage line which runs all the way to the rear lights is my favourite) as you cruise past and then disappear.
No car I’ve driven in recent months has received quite as many quizzical glances from other road users, so the CLS is certainly a car which you feel special driving.
As long as you love attention, this car is for you – shy types need not apply. Car rental uk.
And there aren’t going to be that many on the road either. Mercedes-Benz plans to sell just 2,500 this year and 4,000 in 2006, with about 20% going to fleets (although that’s not including purchases made by company directors with their own cash). Of that figure, 65% will be the 350 model, with the 500 taking 30%

Vauxhall Zafira

2005-06-06T05:49:00.000-07:00

VAUXHALL is banking on sharper design and greater versatility to keep its next-generation Zafira range in pole position in the race for compact MPV sales.
Sleeker lines from the latest Astra and added interior space are set to be a recipe for success with corporate buyers despite the flood of recent rivals, believes fleet sales director Maurice Howkins. Car rental uk.
He said: ‘We have been delighted by the success of the Astra and have established that potential customers like the fact that the new Zafira has adopted its bold styling.
‘Making the car bigger all round is another significant reason why we’re confident of maintaining our position in what is becoming a crowded market.’ Car rental uk.
Howkins added: ‘We are convinced this design keeps us at the top of the tree. The appeal of the car has been widened and I’m looking to build on the achievements of its predecessor, even though we’ve decided to take out some of the short-cycle business which has helped fleets account for around 70% of total registrations.’
Vauxhall is understood to be pulling out of several short-cycle deals as it runs out supplies of the current Zafira, which achieved 50,000 registrations in 2004. Car rental uk.
Howkins said: ‘The reasoning behind this is our aim to give a better service to the business sector as well as catering for higher retail demand. And the prediction by CAP of a £700 to £800 uplift in three-year/60,000-mile residual values over the outgoing car confirms our view that the future looks good for this model.’
Longer, wider and featuring increased overhangs at the front and rear, the new car boasts a fresh appearance and looks a higher-grade product.
Though the engineering of its Flex7 seating arrangement remains unchanged, detail modifications make it easier to use and loadspace is up by 120 litres to a van-like 1,820 litres when the two rear rows of seats are folded flat. Car rental uk.

Saab Sport Wagon

2005-05-25T10:48:00.001-07:00

SAAB has finally announced details of the long-awaited estate version of the 9-3.
Called the 9-3 SportWagon, it will come with a full seven engine line-up and give Saab the opportunity to secure more fleet sales – a high volume area for lifestyle estates. Available for car rental uk.

Carrying huge loads is not the SportWagon’s prime strength. With a maximum load of 1,273 litres, it has only slightly more space than the likes of the small A4 Avant but does have a TwinFloor stowage facility. By pulling a chrome, aircraft-shaped handle, the main boot floor can be folded and relocated for access to a recessed sub-floor.
Full UK pricing, specifications and technical data will be announced Car rental uk.

Saab Sport Wagon

2005-05-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

Ford Focus 1.6iTi-VCT Tatanium

2005-05-20T06:45:00.000-07:00

EVER since the Ford Focus replaced the Escort back in 1998, it has consistently remained near the top of the sales charts as Britain’s best-selling car.
It was a breath of fresh air when it first hit the roads and, almost a decade later, its popularity shows no signs of abating. Car rental uk
Ford’s success with the Focus is down to several key ingredients. It is economical, it handles well, is easy to get parts for and often scores well in reliability tests.
Replacing a trusted favourite can be a difficult move for manufacturers with a faithful following but, with many drivers accusing the old Focus of becoming dated, in particular its interior, it had reached the end of its natural life-cycle, despite sales still going well. Car rental uk
The new model, our latest long-termer, has had a complete overhaul. It has a new shape, is larger than its predecessor, has much firmer handling and boasts a five-star occupant protection rating from Euro NCAP.
The Focus comes in six trim levels, from the entry-level Studio up to Titanium. Available in petrol or diesel, 1.4-litre, 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre and manual or automatic, there’s an option for most fleet tastes.Our version, the Titanium 1.6i Ti-VCT five-speed manual starts at £15,525 on-the-road but is fully loaded with extras, pushing the cost up to a whopping £20,025.I’m not sure how many cost-conscious fleet managers would spec a Focus up so much but, for an extra £4,200, we have the luxury of a DVD navigation system with six-disc CD changer, adaptive front lights, ESP, rear parking sensors and leather seats.It also includes an advanced telephone pack which means drivers with Bluetooth-enabled phones can use the same DVD navigation screen to make calls. It even downloads the contents of your phone address book on to the built-in screen and allows voice-activated control.The Titanium doesn’t feature the optional KeyFree System, which is a shame as it’s a useful and simple time-saving device which worked faultlessly on a previous long-termer, the Renault Megane.I actually preferred the sweeping irregular curves on the dash of the old Focus. They have been replaced by the sort of standard dash found in almost every other car. The exterior on our Focus is aquarius blue and contrasts with a blue and beige interior which extends across the dash. It is an acquired taste but works well and the two-tone look gives a sporty feel.The 1.6 petrol version feels a little slow. I’m not sure if this is because I’ve been driving diesels with more torque for the past six months or maybe it’s due to the low mileage on our long-termer. It has less than 1,000 miles on the clock, so hopefully once it has loosened up it will feel sprightlier. As the mileage is still low I’ll also leave the test mpg figure until my next update. What we expectWE’RE hoping the Focus lives up to its reputation as a class-leading fleet car. We will be getting to grips with the voice-activated controls on the audio and phone system so will report back in due time, and after a few more miles have been put on the clock the engine should also loosen up.The manufacturers‘WITH the new Focus we strived to set new standards in every area. This year our best-selling car has exceeded sales of 100,000 across Europe and is currently Britain’s best-selling car, becoming the top choice with both retail and fleet customers. We are confident that it will remain top of the tables for some time.‘Nearly six months after its initial launch, the Ford Focus made its auction debut recently. All models achieved a remarkable residual value in excess of 80% of list price.‘We are delighted with the positive response to the new Focus. Such a strong residual value is great news for retail and fleet buyers alike and testament to the increased quality and craftsmanship across the Focus range.’Steve Hood, marketing director, Ford of BritainSTANDARD 16-inch five spoke alloy wheels Sony audio system with single slot CD player ABS with EBD Control blade rear suspension Driver’s, front passenger, front seat side and side curtain airbags Intelligence protection system Immobiliser Thatcham category one alarm Air conditioning Front fog lights Auto lighting headlights Headlamp delay Rain-sensing wipers Electric front/rear windowsOPTIONS DVD navigation system with 6-disc CD auto-changer - £2,250 Advanced telephone pack – Bluetooth hands-free and voice control system £250 ESP with EBA and traction control £250 Adaptive front lighting system £250 Park assist – rear £200 Titanium leather styling pack – leather-trim seats, power seat adjust and metallic paint " Car rental uk.

BMW 320d

2005-05-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

IT IS becoming something of a rite of passage now for me to take a new long termer on the 600-mile round trip to Cornwall and back.
Our new 320d SE is the latest car to head down Rick Stein’s way and while it suggests that I really ought to go somewhere else on holiday every now and again, it proves a useful way of subjecting cars to all sorts of conditions, from motorways to winding country roads to bombarding seagulls. Car rental uk.
The A14, M6, M5 and A30 provide the high speed roads, while the rather grandly-named Atlantic Highway provides some twists and turns through the countryside. And as the 320d had been delivered the day I went, it was dropped in at the deep end, but it proved what I’d been suspicious of since I went on the international launch in January: this might be the best car in the world.
The 320d, like all truly great drivers’ cars, has a sweet spot. It will trundle about happily enough, but find yourself on a stretch of winding Cornish road not populated by those big mobile Tupperware boxes being towed by oblivious holidaymakers and it will come alive. Car rental uk.
Start to push the 320d and the steering just lightens slightly, then you start to feel the tyres working beneath, through the seat and your hands. The whole car seems to rise up on its toes, ready for the challenge ahead, all four corners sending you perfectly defined messages.
But don’t assume that just because it is great through a corner it has a stiff set-up. In fact it is beautifully damped, and although the ride is firm, it smothers any harshness and cruises silently on a motorway.
And it was doing 42mpg straight out of the box with the diesel engine pulling quietly but insistently. So it is quick, it handles beautifully, has good fuel economy, low emissions and excellent residual values.

It also has no iDrive system, which is a £1,585 option. Pretty much every BMW I‘ve driven for the past couple of years has had iDrive, but with the 320d I can’t work out what I’m missing apart from the obvious sat-nav. The radio and CD works fine without iDrive, the climate control works fine without it, and the dashboard has a more elegant sweep without that unsightly plastic tent bolted on to the binnacle. Car rental uk.
The 320d proved so popular that even the seagulls took a liking to it. A friend – hardly the most salty of seadogs – reckoned their poo-based bombardment was more to do with its sea-coloured paint than its flame surfacing lines. He theorised that they mistook it for water from above.
So what are its faults? There’s not a lot of room in the back, but then there never was and never will be, and from the C-pillar back I think the design looks like a far-Eastern copy of a 3-series.
We’ve got a lot more miles to do yet before a conclusion can be reached, but the 320d does everything in such a consummate way that, when you examine relative costs, it does more for its money than nearly anything else on the market and I can’t see our early opinion changing.
In fact, I’ll fling aside all journalistic cynicism and just say it: the BMW 320d is the best car in the world. Car rental uk.
What we expectTHE BMW 3-series has been one of the most popular company cars for years, and we expect more of the same with the new car. It has always retained strong residual values despite selling in huge numbers, and the new car should do the same. But it has to be a great driver’s car as well as a working tool, and in diesel form should return excellent fuel economy and good performance.
The manufacturer’s view‘THE BMW 320d saloon is a key model and although 2005 will not be a full sales year, great things are still expected of the 320d and the 3-series range as a whole. When focusing on the 320d with its predicted class-leading residual values of 50% after three years, it is easy to see why the order bank for this model swelled prior to launch.’ Author; Steve Moody

Vauxhall Tigra

2005-05-10T04:26:00.000-07:00

CAR manufacturers selling convertible models in the UK owe a debt of gratitude to Mercedes-Benz. Were it not for the launch of the original SLK with its folding metal roof, sales in the UK wouldn’t be at the level they are now.
We are one of the biggest markets in Europe for soft-tops (more than 70,000 cars are sold in the UK annually), and the SLK’s two-in-one coupe and convertible body has made these cars much more practical for buyers thanks to the absence of a fabric roof and the security implications that go with it.
And now Vauxhall is getting in on the act with the Tigra, a two-seater based on the Corsa chassis with a clever hard roof which retracts into the body at the touch of a button. Car rental uk.
It works on the same principle as the SLK’s, with a double hinged boot which either opens conventionally to allow access to the luggage compartment, or tilts the other way to let the roof fold into its home.

With the roof in place the Tigra is a cosy two-seater coupe, which means there’s none of the wind roar associated with fabric roofs. With its silver coloured rear window surround, it also looks really stylish.
And with the roof folded away, the smart looks continue as it disappears flush under the large bootlid to leave a slick convertible with a pair of silver roll-over hoops behind the headrests. Car rental uk
Inside there’s a very simple cabin with all the controls located on a silver slab of plastic in the centre console. Allied to silver rimmed instruments and a chunky three-spoke steering wheel, the Tigra makes for a pleasant place to be. In 1.8-litre guise as tested, the Tigra offers 125bhp, which equates to brisk acceleration – 0-60mph takes nine seconds. Its key rival, Peugeot’s 206CC, has 138bhp but in reality feels little quicker. Car rental uk.

Lexus GS20

2005-05-03T03:56:00.000-07:00

BUSINESS travellers of a nervous disposition who are about to board a plane seldom want to hear just how much their safety depends on technology.
In most aircraft there is no physical connection between the pilot and the bits which keep the plane under control, such as the wing flaps and engines – instead it’s all done by computers. This technology is increasingly common in cars and the new Lexus GS is a showcase for just what is possible.
Amid the technology it uses are accelerate-by-wire and brake-by-wire, meaning that when you press the brake pedal, the computer calculates your intentions and carries them out for you.
It is just one of a wealth of devices on the new GS designed to make it safer, more economical, quicker and more agile. Car rental uk
All models are fitted with ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, traction control and vehicle stability control as standard.

Adaptive cruise control, standard on the top-spec GS430 and available as a £2,100 option on the GS300 SE-L, also comes with a pre-crash system which prepares the car for an unavoidable impact by tightening the seatbelts. If the driver is braking too gently, the car will intervene to emergency brake when a collision becomes unavoidable.
The GS430 also gets the all-singing, all-dancing Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), which combines all the systems in one package and, in addition, can independently control the steering to ensure the vehicle responds correctly to a driver’s wishes in extreme situations.
The speed-sensitive steering, working with all the other hi-tech systems, can ‘take over’ the steering to get the car round a corner. Even the key does everything for you, with a smart entry and exit system to unlock the doors and start the engine at the push of a button while the key stays in your pocket. Car rental uk.
The new GS is the third generation of the luxury sports saloon first launched in 1991 and updated in 1997. Lexus is unveiling its future design philosophy with the latest model and the GS carries more on its shoulders than its predicted annual sales of 2,500 in a full year suggest.
This is a first salvo in a plan to relaunch the Lexus brand in Europe, appealing particularly to a group called the ‘informed luxury group’, thought to make up 36% of potential buyers who demand luxury but are open-minded enough not to only want one of the more traditional (for which, read German) brands.
For company car buyers, an open mind will be vital as the GS will not be offered with a diesel. Instead, drivers will have the choice of an all-new petrol 3.0-litre V6 with 249bhp and a six-speed automatic gearbox. An updated version of the firm’s stunning 4.3-litre V8 with 283bhp is also available. Car rental uk.

Volkswagen Fox

2005-04-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

BEFORE we start, let’s clear up this name issue. Volkswagen’s new city car is called the Fox, which replaces the Lupo and sits below the Polo but isn’t the same car as the former Polo Fox. Is that clear? Good.
The reason I mention this is because, having driven the Fox, the differences between the new entry-level Volkswagen and its established Polo supermini aren’t immediately clear. Car rental uk
Of course, the two cars look different (and from June the Polo will look even more so when it adopts the company’s new front-end lights from the Passat) but, in terms of size, space and performance, there doesn’t seem to be that much between them – except price.
By opting to have the car built in Brazil Volkswagen is able to offer the Fox at a very low price.
When it goes on sale in the UK next February, it is expected to cost less than the German-built Lupo it replaces. So prices could well be around the £7,000 mark for the entry-level 1.2 version (Polo prices currently begin at £9,125). Car rental uk
This engine, a three-cylinder unit with 55bhp, is expected to be the big seller and there will also be the choice of a 1.4-litre 75bhp engine in either petrol or 70bhp Euro IV-complaint diesel guise. The existing Lupo GTi, popular with younger drivers and not too pricey on insurance, will remain in the range for the time being.

But it’s in terms of size where the two models really overlap. The new Polo is 3.9m long while the Fox is just 88mm shorter, but in terms of width and height the Fox is larger. What this means is that the Fox has more interior space. Car rental uk
I’m somewhere between Peter Kay and Johnny Vegas in build, but during my test drive there was bags of space inside for me and my six-foot-plus co-driver. Our shoulders never touched and our heads were well away from brushing the headlining which, incidentally, is made from recycled fibres from a pineapple plant.
There’s also a neat sliding rear bench seat which can either give maximum rear passenger leg room or can be slid forwards to create a much bigger boot space. Set at its furthest position back, the Fox can accommodate a six-foot passenger in the rear behind a six-foot driver.
The amount of interior space on the Fox really is very impressive, which is the result of the car being designed as a five-door family car for South America and then being adapted as a three-door city car for Europe.
And since it went on sale in Brazil early last year, the Fox has been a huge success, selling around 300,000 units.
Volkswagen hasn’t set sales expectations for the Fox yet, primarily due to the fact that the domestic launch is so far away and specification and pricing isn’t certain either. Car rental uk
The wait is due to limited production of right-hand drive cars at the South American factory.
But what is certain is that the Fox will sell in much bigger numbers, both to fleet and retail customers, than the car it replaces. Last year, Volkswagen sold 2,549 Lupos in the UK and around 40,000 Polos. While the Fox won’t reach the levels of the Polo, expect to see many more Foxes on the road than Lupos.
In fleet terms, there are clear areas where it will do well. Volkswagen is already eyeing bodyshop courtesy car fleets and daily rental firms as key outlets, while companies wanting an affordable pool car for urban driving should all be interested.
Behind the wheelAS you’d expect from a car designed for use in the city, the Fox is an absolute doddle to drive – nicely light steering and gearchange, great visibility all round and short overhangs to make parking a cinch.
But the Fox is also pretty competent on the open road. I drove the entry-level 1.2-litre model, which is expected to take the lion’s share of sales, and found it comfortable and refined at motorway speeds. At 70mph the engine is turning over at about 4,000rpm but there’s no irritating buzz from under the bonnet and wind noise is well suppressed.
Around town the steering is nicely weighted and it offers a tight turning cycle – perfect for city work. And the gearbox works so well that you’d have to be the worst type of ham-fisted numbskull to miss a gear.
Inside, it’s all familiar Volkswagen fare, which means nice tactile plastics on the steering wheel and indicator stalks. The quality feel continues to the centre console.
The only disappointment is the quality of the plastics just below eye level, such as on the glovebox lid and door panels, which stand out in the cabin against the other trim.
But this car is built to a price, and it’s a price which will be below the Lupo it replaces. As an affordable city runabout, the Fox will take some beating.

Vauxhall Vectra Estate SRi 1.9 CDTi

2005-04-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

FINALLY, we can bring you a road test on our long-term Vectra 1.9 CDTi without the ongoing saga of the ‘widget’.
The ‘widget’ – or, in technical terms, ‘lug holder’ – has finally been fully restored after more than four months of waiting. Car rental uk.
Back in November, the car had the plastic casing on the rear seatback locking mechanism repaired but the lug holder, which secures the rear seatback in place, was put on order. The part finally turned up in March and is now firmly in place after a quick visit to our local dealer. Although a missing lug holder doesn’t affect the performance of the car, four months is quite a wait for a relatively insignificant part. Car rental uk.
The Vectra has been a firm favourite among the team – its practical load-bearing capabilities mean it is often borrowed to ship bulky items such as bikes, furniture and plants across the country.

Although it is one of the largest estates in its class, our model doesn’t come with standard parking sensors. I class myself as quite competent at parking, even when backing into tight spots, but sometimes the Vectra’s sheer rear-end bulk has me beaten. Car rental uk.
Even after two months of driving it, I occasionally have to get out of the car when reversing to see how close the wall/hedge/car is behind me. Just £400 will add this option and it’s well worth the money.
We have, however, got the optional £850 adaptive front headlights, and they’re great.
When the car turns a corner, the headlights swivel round too. I’ve found this useful when turning into my drive at night – and it gives next door’s cat a chance to escape. Car rental uk.
The electronic opening tailgate is another plus point and one I think should be standard on all vehicles. Approaching the car with bags of shopping or some of the numerous bulky items the Vectra can carry, a quick push on the key fob opens the boot lid gracefully before you’ve even reached it.
Another thing I love about the Vectra is its massive fuel tank. It holds 61 litres and means I only have to fill up once a fortnight. Even though I’m not reaching Vauxhall’s claimed combined economy figure of 46.3mpg, I’m averaging a decent 41.1mpg.

Mercedes-Benz M Class

2005-04-18T02:24:00.000-07:00

A NEW month, a new Mercedes. Seems you can’t move for new Mercedes-Benz models in 2005. This time, it’s the new ML off-roader, battle-ready to take on the new Land Rover Discovery, the versatile Volvo XC90 and the ageing but still sharp BMW X5. Which means there’s going to be quite a school-run showdown come September when the ML range arrives.
The M-class’s biggest change is the switch from a ladder frame to a monocoque chassis – a move prompted by drivers less concerned with off-road prowess and more with on-road comfort and dynamics.
The chassis sits on a new, more road-friendly suspension layout, with double wishbones at the front and a complex four-link set-up out back.
Buyers will have a choice of three engines. The entry-level petrol, the 272bhp 3.5-litre V6, is topped by the flagship 306bhp 5.0-litre V8. The 224bhp 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel will be followed in 2006 by a detuned 190bhp version of the same engine. Car rental uk.
Naturally, all powerplants are Euro IV compliant, with particulate filters an option on the diesels. The ML line-up is fitted with Mercedes-Benz advanced 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission, which permanently splits torque equally between front and rear axle. UK drivers will also have the choice of standard steel or optional air-sprung suspension.
Despite growing in all directions – 150mm longer (now 4,780mm) 71mm wider (now 1,911mm) and 5mm lower (now 1,815mm with roof rails) – the big Mercedes-Benz looks far more aggressive and athletic. This is helped by its long 2,915mm wheelbase, a massive 95mm increase, and its rakish windscreen angle. Car rental uk.
And yet model for model, the new ML is 50kg lighter than the outgoing range, because of the switch to car-like monocoque construction.
For a striking and confident-looking off-roader, the new M-class certainly looks the part. Its toothy grille, liberal touches of chrome and substantial cladding may not appeal to everyone’s taste, but there’s no denying its powerful and confident presence.
And it has a very American look to it – no surprise given it will be built by Americans at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Alabama – and America will be its biggest market. Car rental uk.

After a long hiatus, it appears that Mercedes-Benz build quality is back. The ML’s button-laden cabin feels bank-vault solid, and there’s an air of substance to all the driver touch-points. Only a few minor controls on the centre console that are made of hard shiny plastic and the overly enthusiastic sprinkling of chrome spoil the internal ambience. It’s spacious too.
Moving the gear lever from the central tunnel to the steering column has freed up more space. Carrying a pair of six-footers in the back is a cinch, but the third rear passenger won’t be as comfortable, perched over the transmission tunnel. The flat-floored boot is huge and can be further extended by flipping the rear seats forward.
The biggest shortcoming for Mercedes-Benz is that, unlike the new Discovery, there is no seven-seat option on offer, something likely to put off a number of family-oriented user choosers. Car rental uk.
But Stuttgart is hoping its new crossover six-seater R-class that arrives later this year will offer greater versatility, and a long-wheelbase ML is also expected.
The M-class will come filled to the brim with active and passive safety features. Expect at least 10 airbags, the usual sophisticated electronic parking, skid and stability controls, as well as the option of the Pre-Safe system first seen in the S-class. This uses ABS and ESP sensors to determine if the car is going to crash and pulls the seatbelts taut, the sunroof is closed and the electric seats are optimally positioned to benefit from the airbag protection. Active Neck-Pro head restraints are also an optional extra.
The new M-class is also going to be expensive. Despite its enhanced luxury and safety levels, prices are expected to climb by at least 10%, which means access to the ML club will cost at least £35,000. Steep. And that’s before you start ticking the long list of optional extras.

Vauxhall Astra Estate 1.9 CDTi 150

2005-04-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

THERE’S never a good time to be a sales rep, what with roadworks, congestion charging and pressure to make appointments. In fact, it’s probably one of the most thankless jobs around – spending the majority of your working life in a car ploughing up and down the nation’s road network.
Which is why the latest crop of lower-medium estate cars – the real bread and butter workhorses of any fleet – will be so welcome to your high- mileage drivers. Car rental uk.
Why? Because they’re so good and so much better than the models they replace.
Take Vauxhall’s latest Astra estate. It’s got great styling, a well-designed interior and it’s very good to drive. It’s a quantum leap from its predecessor, which is why the new model was recently named lower-medium car of the year at the Fleet News Awards. Car rental uk.
And as well as looking and driving so much better than before, the Astra feels different too. Vauxhall has invested a lot of time and money in improving quality and it is evident from the moment you grip the chunky door handle, to the thud of the door when it closes. Then there’s the steering wheel and dashboard, again both reassuringly chunky in feel. There are also nicely bolstered seats and a clear dash with aluminium- effect centre console.

There has been a similar level of improvement in the driving experience.
The Design model rides and handles better than any of the sporty models from the previous Astra generation. The front end is well planted to the road and the steering is very direct – just because cars like this are designed for motorways doesn’t mean they can’t be fun on the twisty roads. Car rental uk.
Our test car was fitted with the most powerful CDTi common rail diesel engine offered – a 1.9-litre unit with 148bhp. It has stacks of mid-range power which makes motorway driving incredibly easy.
If you want to accelerate into the fast lane, there’s no need to change down a gear or two – just plant your foot, give the turbo a moment to spool up and you’ll soon be up with the fast lane pace. And after having driven the Astra back-to-back with the Ford Focus, the Vauxhall is a better drive – it’s got a better gearbox and there’s less engine noise intruding into the cabin. It’s effortless, relaxed and comfortable – what more could you want? Car rental uk.
Well, as this car is designed to be a workhorse, how about a huge boot to carry samples? The Astra’s luggage compartment has been designed with a very low loading sill, making getting heavy items in less of a chore. It’s also slightly longer and has more carrying capacity than the Focus.
In fact, this new Astra does everything very well, so it’s disappointing to see it not perform as well in our running costs analysis (see panel right). The problem is that the CDTi 150 engine is only available in top-spec Design and SRi trim levels, meaning a high front-end price. Lower-spec, and cheaper, versions are available with the 128bhp engine, but they would be a better bet for fleets.

Volkswagen Passat

2005-04-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

VOLKSWAGEN is planning to put a sub-£15,000 price sticker on the new Passat range it will launch in summer.
In entry-level trim, the German company’s D-sector contender will be pitched to cost just 1.3% more than models from volume manufacturers, Fleet NewsNet can reveal.
Finishing touches are now being put on the marketing strategy that will allow British customers to pay substantially less for the lead-in 1.6-litre petrol S version than the £15,600 being asked for the car in domestic market showrooms. Car rental uk.
And executives at Volkswagen UK are aiming to step up the pressure on Ford, Vauxhall and Peugeot by pricing the version of the Passat they expect to be most popular – the 2.0-litre TDI SE 140 – only 1% higher than competitor models when specification levels are taken into account.

Volkswagen UK director Paul Willis said: ‘We are still working on the details, but I can tell you that our SE cars will include six-speed transmission, electronic handbrake, cruise control and 16-inch alloy wheels. This is specification packaging that puts us way ahead of our volume competitors.’
Speaking in Barcelona at the company’s second media launch of its next-generation model, Willis claimed that early indications from UK contract hire and leasing companies suggested residual values were set to be as much as 10 points higher than the previous Passat. Car rental uk.
He said: ‘This is good news. It puts us within spitting distance of Audi and BMW and I’m very pleased with the way things are shaping up.
‘To be honest, I was worried about the prospects for this car because the previous version had such a huge impact on the image of the brand. That resulted in very high demand and a dramatic improvement in our residuals.
‘I wondered if it would be possible to follow that level of achievement, but it looks like Volkswagen has moved the game on again. It’s most satisfying.’
Willis claims the new car’s pricing structure and strong residuals are paramount to his plans for the development of Volkswagen UK over the longer term. Car rental uk.
He said: ‘Believe me, we understand the supply and demand equilibrium.
‘While we don’t have ambitions for any large growth in volume, we do aim to retain our leadership of the saloon sub-sector in the UK. That is not the case in the rest of Europe, but the factory shares our goals. And while we are both working to increase our share of the UK market, we are dedicated to raising the quality of our business.
‘You only have to look at what goes on with competitor brands to see that anyone can sell cars at a discount, but achieving the right balance between volume and quality of share is more difficult. Our strategy is to undersell our share in the rental and other sub-sectors of the fleet market that can adversely affect residuals.
‘This is a declining sector, of course, and some of our rivals are pricing their products at less than the Golf, which is in the segment below the Passat. Clearly, that is a ridiculous situation – they’re trying to buy business and it’s small wonder you read about them being unprofitable.
‘We are working hard to position ourselves away from all that. The brands that achieve D-sector growth in future will be those that have value rather than forced discounts. The new Passat will be a strong user-chooser car – it has a beautifully sculptured appearance that excites me. I think it looks like a real winner.’ Car rental uk.
As already reported by Fleet NewsNet, standard safety equipment in the Passat will include electronic stability control, driver, front passenger, front side and curtain airbags, fast-response rear LED lights, active front headrests and Isofix child seat mountings. Keyless entry and an electronic parking brake are also standard-fit and a Bluetooth telephone unit, a 600 watt hi-fi system and dual-zone Climatronic air conditioning are among optional items, along with a 230-volt mains outlet in the rear compartment to power laptop or computer games equipment.
Behind the wheel

WITH longer, wider and taller bodywork to haul around, it comes as no surprise to find that the lowest-rung Passat engine needs to be worked fairly hard to keep up a brisk pace on fast cross-country routes.
How it will cope with lugging four or five occupants – and with its bigger boot crammed full of luggage – remains to be seen, but to be fair, the new 1.6-litre FSI motor performed with gusto on our short test drive near Barcelona.
Now mounted transversely to free up additional body space, the 113bhp unit becomes vociferous at high revs but does settle to a more relaxed gait in sixth gear on the open road.
Irrespective of speed or territory, progress in the 2.0-litre FSI version proves to be noticeably easier, however. In 147bhp guise, the Passat comes closer to achieving Volkswagen’s ambition of cutting the cost of motoring with the ambience to go with an upmarket brand.
When linked to the group’s own torque converter automatic transmission in particular, the stronger petrol motor has the laid-back demeanour of premium transport and combines lively output with a level of refinement that should concern Audi, let alone Ford and Vauxhall.
Curiously, the interior treatment of the entry-level version may well have stronger appeal to British tastes. Designed to be sporty as well as practical, its brushed aluminium fascia strip is neater and more visually appealing than some of the walnut-grain wood inserts used in the German-specification Highline versions we tried.

Mercedes ML off -roader

2005-04-10T03:06:00.000-07:00

This time, it’s the new ML off-roader, battle-ready to take on the new Land Rover Discovery, the versatile Volvo XC90 and the ageing but still sharp BMW X5. Which means there’s going to be quite a school-run showdown come September when the ML range arrives. Car rental uk.
The M-class’s biggest change is the switch from a ladder frame to a monocoque chassis – a move prompted by drivers less concerned with off-road prowess and more with on-road comfort and dynamics.
The chassis sits on a new, more road-friendly suspension layout, with double wishbones at the front and a complex four-link set-up out back.
Buyers will have a choice of three engines. The entry-level petrol, the 272bhp 3.5-litre V6, is topped by the flagship 306bhp 5.0-litre V8. The 224bhp 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel will be followed in 2006 by a detuned 190bhp version of the same engine. car rental uk.
Naturally, all powerplants are Euro IV compliant, with particulate filters an option on the diesels. The ML line-up is fitted with Mercedes-Benz advanced 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission, which permanently splits torque equally between front and rear axle. UK drivers will also have the choice of standard steel or optional air-sprung suspension. car rental uk.
Despite growing in all directions – 150mm longer (now 4,780mm) 71mm wider (now 1,911mm) and 5mm lower (now 1,815mm with roof rails) – the big Mercedes-Benz looks far more aggressive and athletic. This is helped by its long 2,915mm wheelbase, a massive 95mm increase, and its rakish windscreen angle.
And yet model for model, the new ML is 50kg lighter than the outgoing range, because of the switch to car-like monocoque construction.
For a striking and confident-looking off-roader, the new M-class certainly looks the part. Its toothy grille, liberal touches of chrome and substantial cladding may not appeal to everyone’s taste, but there’s no denying its powerful and confident presence. car rental uk.
And it has a very American look to it – no surprise given it will be built by Americans at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Alabama – and America will be its biggest market.

Nisan Primera 2.2 dCi SVE6

2005-04-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

OVER the past few days, I have developed a callus on my forefinger, having spent endless hours jabbing away at the pad of a calculator, testing and retesting my findings on the fuel economy of our long-term Nissan Primera. Car rental uk..
Since my last road test, I have completed a couple of long journeys up to the north of England. While it showed that the satellite nagivation, once mastered, is a wonderful piece of equipment, the fuel gauge seemed to move too quickly from brimming to empty. Car rental uk.
I was sure I was just being picky and expecting it to be super-frugal as I had just been testing a supermini, so I decided to get out my abacus and do some checking.
According to my real-life test figures, the Primera is averaging 33.7mpg, some way short of the combined official test figure of 46.3mpg.
The previous tester, Sandie Hurford, was achieving about 31mpg and my highest economy on a long run is 38mpg. It doesn’t make a lot of sense as the Nissan X-trail we had on test recently, which has exactly the same engine, was returning a combined figure of 38mpg. Car rental uk.
So this is where the calculator comes in. My digital fumblings reveal that the difference between the actual cost of fuel used and the predicted cost, according to the economy figures, is about £2,000 over 60,000 miles.
Compare this with other real-world figures from previous test cars, such as the Honda Accord 2.2 CDTi Sport, which delivered 48.1mpg, and the Vauxhall Vectra estate SRi 1.9 CDTi 150, which returned 42.6mpg.
For a fleet manager trying to control costs, this level of discrepancy can be a nasty surprise. Something tells me all is not well in the engine bay and I will be booking the car for a thorough going-over at the local dealership.
We will keep you posted but if you are a driver of a Nissan Primera and have a better or worse mpg than us, please email the details to kate.batchelor@emap.com so we can compare results

Peugeot 407 SW SE 2.2

2005-04-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

IT’S easy to understand the appeal of a big V8 or V12, but why my excitement over our long-term 407 SW’s far more modest 2.2-litre engine?
Visually, the engine is no Titian – and in place of the more usual six cylinders for an engine of this capacity, the SW makes do with four. But this is its appeal – it feels different, more visceral. It’s pure seduction. Car rental uk.
Four-cylinder engines are inherently unbalanced lumps, but Peugeot has countered this generic shortcoming by equipping the SW’s engine with twin balancer shafts to smooth matters out. And in daily use the engine has always remained unruffled all the way to its conservative 6,000rpm limit. But the 2.2-litre petrol unit is one for the enthusiast and not exactly hardcore fleet material. For that, Peugeot’s 407 range has some HDi-engined models that offer much improved economy with no loss in real day-to-day performance. Car rental uk.
I’ve abandoned all hope of bettering 30.1mpg. One week of unrealistic restraint did return 32mpg but the effort required defeats the 2.2’s raison d’être – driver enjoyment.
The SW’s avant-garde lines belie what a useful load carrier it is. Although overall ‘seats-down’ boot capacity is about 150 litres short of Renault’s Laguna Sport Tourer, the SW has resorted to some unorthodox solutions to maximise what it has. Its boot is wide and uncluttered by suspension turrets – springs and dampers are mounted horizontally beneath the boot floor. Car rental uk.
If you’re going to spend long hours out on the road, the 407 SW makes for a passable surrogate office. Push a lever under the front passenger seat, pull the backrest forward on to the seat base and, hey presto, a desktop big enough for a laptop PC.

Mercedes-Benz

2005-03-28T06:02:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its second new model series in a month with the new R-Class six-seater, which made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show this week.
The R-Class takes the different parts of existing vehicle categories, such as sporty saloon, estate, MPV and SUV, which Mercedes says, "is all about the three Ds: Dimensions, Design and Dynamism”. Car rental uk.
The new model will be available with two engine variants. The V8 powerplant under the bonnet of the R 500 propels it from 0-62.5 mph in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 149mph. Also in the engine line-up is a new six-cylinder power unit with third-generation common-rail, direct-injection technology.
The V6 272bhp petrol engine, the R 350 accelerates from 0-62.5 mph in 8.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 143mph.
All engine models are partnered as standard with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, which comes with Direct select. Car rental uk.
Gearshift buttons replace the centre console gear selector.
All-wheel drive, rear axle air-suspension and traction control system are all included as standard.
Mercedes customers also have the option of Airmatic all-round air suspension. This is interlinked with the ADS Adaptive Damping System, offering motorists the ability to raise the body by up to 50mm when driving along rough roads. At high speeds above 75mph, the body is automatically lowered by 20mm to reduce wind resistance.
Adaptive front airbags and front sidebags as well as windowbags and belt tensioners can all be found on the standard specification list of the new R-Class. Car rental uk.
Neck-Pro crash-responsive head restraints are available as an added option.
Extra options also include the chrome styling package for the exterior, a sports styling package featuring a styled instrument cluster, sports pedals, 19-inch wheels and power-adjustable sports seats upholstered in Alcantara/ARTICO man-made leather and an interior appointments package comprising of leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats and wood trim.
The new R-Class is being launched first in the US in autumn 2005. Deliveries to customers in Europe will begin early in 2006 with UK arrivals around spring 2006.

Renault Scenic-a true family vehicle

2005-03-15T03:04:00.000-08:00

The thought of being able to transport up to six children in a car may or may not be appealing, depending primarily on your attitude towards children. However, transporting them safely is another matter and while motor manufacturers cannot remove every risk from driving, they can do a great deal to protect the occupants of their cars in the event of a crash.Renault, more than any other, has taken this theme to extremes and achieved the much sought after five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating for its Grand Scenic, alongside six other cars in their range. Car rental uk.
Impressive stuff indeed and most reassuring if you are taking the whole family on a long trip.Our new long-termer is a Grand Scenic in Dynamique trim, powered by Renault's 1.9-litre common rail diesel engine. Styling is in the new Renault mould which dispels the myth that MPVs have to be a box on wheels. At 4.49 metres it is just 23cm longer than the five-seater Scenic, but this extra length adds considerably to the flexibility within the passenger compartment. Car rental uk.
Seats six and seven fold flat into the floor of the boot and can be raised or lowered via a mechanism so simple that even a seven-year-old child could operate it. The centre seats slide individually and offer plenty of room for three children, though three adults may find it a little snug. Naturally the designers have incorporated plenty of stowage space around the cabin, which is light and airy with a good view of the road for driver and passengers alike. Car rental uk.
Dynamique trim includes cruise control which was a welcome addition on a recent 700-mile round trip to Scotland. All Scenics come with keyless entry which proves convenient and simple. If the fat credit card style key is in your pocket, the car will open and start - easy. So far, ordinary driving has produced a return around the 40mpg mark, but handled carefully this could easily be improved upon... and we intend to.

Audi A6

2005-03-11T03:56:00.000-08:00

Whether based on the shape of Bernd Pischetstrieder's beard or the W of Walter de 'Silva, the new A6 grille is its most distinctive feature. Because so much attention is drawn to the front it is easy to miss the understated yet avant-garde elegance of the rest of the body.
In the UK Audi may have been seen as the poor relation to its German peers but few people realise that Audi sells more cars across Europe than BMW and that in the 1970s Audi UK sold more cars than BMW and Mercedes-Benz put together. Audi is 'on a roll' and thanks to a stream of excellent new products is, at the time of writing actually ahead of BMW on sales year-to-date for the first time in years. Car rental uk.
The new A6 can only enhance this success as Audi has taken the opportunity to leap-frog the com petition in virtually all respects. The new car is cheaper, bigger, more powerful and more sophisticated than the rivals. Not that the current A6 has been unsuccessful with over a million sold since its launch in 1997 of which more than 70,000 were in the UK
While never criticised for quality, style or image, some areas of Audi vehicle dynamics have come under scrutiny particularly ride and steering. Until the new car can be driven in this Country, the jury is out but ride and steering certainly seem much better. The car absorbs irregularities around town very well and at higher speeds there is little roll on corners with excellent body control. The body stiffness (up 34%) is evident as the overall feeling in this car is great refinement with low levels of tyre and wind noise and not a trace of vibration. The steering seems much more communicative but with a rather strange feeling around the straight-ahead and with very little self-centring. Certainly, this car can be hustled along very quickly in a way that belies its considerable size. The brakes are very reassuring without being over-servoed like some previous Audis. Car rental uk.
Audi's pioneering quattro permanent all-wheel drive has never really achieved the success it deserves, perhaps because people feel that it only really gives benefits in slippery conditions. What many people don't realise is that, on average the UK has 184 wet days a year. There is no doubt that quattro does give a great feeling of security and the fact that Audi's all-conquering A4 quattros were outlawed from the British Touring Car races for being too successful must mean something.
While there are just four engines at launch (2.4, 3.2 and 4.2 petrol and 3.0 diesel) all of them set new standards in the class. Far from struggling to move such a large car, the smallest engine gives tremendous response, wonderful smoothness and a surprisingly 'sporty', high-quality engine note. The 3.2 gives sports car performance yet with the same uncanny refinement and sporty engine note under acceleration. This is a different engine to the 3.2 fitted in the A3 and is a true 'V' configuration mounted longitudinally rather than the A3's 'VR' single-block transverse installation. The real gem in the range is the 3.0 TDI which gives even better real-world performance than the 3.2 but with better fuel consumption and Euro lV compliance will save the 3% BiK surcharge. It is all but impossible to tell that this is a diesel and at motorway speeds it is probably quieter than the 3.2 simply because it is so high geared. The 4.2 of course achieves almost supercar levels of performance, particularly in the mid range but is cathedral-quiet at cruising speeds. The familiar 2.0 litre TDI with 140 PS first fitted in the new A3 will be introduced later in the year and will undoubtedly offer adequate levels of performance with near 50 mpg economy and low emissions. Car rental uk.
Judging by the impressive safety equipment tally a good NCap result is guaranteed. Much attention has been given to protecting occupants in front-end collisions (the most common) and all hard components have been moved away from critical impact areas and the footwells cushioned by extensive padding- even the glove box release has been moved to a position high on the fascia. Twin stage front airbags, front/ side airbags and sideguard head airbags are fitted, all controlled by sensors around the car to ensure the most effective inflation.
The new A6 is a most comfortable car with excellent seats and a huge amount of space. The car is almost A8 size with an even larger boot and rear leg room is limousine-like. The car will come with all the expected equipment and the opportunity to choose from a huge option list
SummaryThis is the car that will finally allow Audi to challenge for top spot in the executive class. For middle and senior managers it has everything; size, room, performance, driving enjoyment and all at bargain price. Pleasing rates should be very competitive as the car will have class leading residuals and reasonable running costs.

BMW

2005-03-10T02:58:00.000-08:00

BMW has finally filled the only serious gap in its product portfolio. The thinking behind the new 1-Series appears to be based on a marketing premise that customers are prepared to trade up in terms of brand even if it means trading down in size and segment. Ken Rogers reports...
Speaking at the 1-Series press launch in France, product manager Chris Park graciously acknowledged a recent comment that the 1-Series was perhaps the 'most important small car in the past thirty years' - but suggested that it might be more appropriately described as the most important premium small car. Car rental uk.
Size-wise, 1-Series slots into the large C-segment, parked amongst the Golfs and Astras. But in marketing terms, as a BMW it is pitched more squarely against the likes of the AUDI A3, Mercedes A-Class and even the less expensive - but arguably more stylish - Alfa Romeo 147.
Its driver-appeal is considerable. Unique for its segment, it has its rear wheels driven, rather than those at the front and the engine is mounted well back in the chassis 'north-south' rather than 'east-west'. Careful packaging - for example, the battery is beneath the boot floor and there is no spare wheel - enables a near perfect 50:50 weight distribution. This is an important contributory factor to the beautifully balanced handling and very sharp steering response. A slight heaviness at parking speeds is soon accommodated and forgiven. Car rental uk.
Ride quality is on the firm side - partly due to the relatively inflexible side-walls of the low-profile run-flats - but not to the extent that it would seriously spoil even a sedate driver's enjoyment of the car.
So, driveability is undeniable, but it must be said that the styling is rather more controversial. Of course, style is a subjective matter and what some people may interpret as 'character' or 'presence' others will not. For example, the sculpted line near the base of the door edges and the 'concave' top edge of the sill itself give a simultaneous up-tilted effect to both the front and rear ends, which is not to everyone's taste. Car rental uk.
BMW seeks a higher percentage of women customers for its products with the launch of 1-Series. Currently, it enjoys a 21 per cent take-up of female customers, whereas it would like that figure to be closer to the 35 per cent that Audi claims. The target for 1-Series UK sales over the remainder of this year is around 5,500, with 17,000 throughout 2005. Around 30 per cent of those totals will be fleet purchases, predicts the company.
Top sellers, says BMW's Chris Park, will be the diesel-powered 120D and the petrol-fuelled 116i. As is so often the case these days, the diesel impresses more than the petrol-powered version. The 120D especially drives better, is more economical, is just as refined, is Euro 1V compliant - and is well worth the £530 price premium over the 116i. Its price may be higher but the company car driver will benefit from a much more favourable tax loading. Car rental Uk.
From launch (September 18th), there are four engine options beginning with the entry-level, 115bhp, 1.6-litre petrol unit in the 116i and the 150bhp, 1.6-litre unit for the 120i. Two diesel engines are offered, a 122bhp, 2.0-litre unit in the 118d and the superb 163bhp, 2.0-litre for the range-topping 120d. The entry-level 116i has a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the rest of the range has 6-speeds. Buyers of the 120i and 120d can also specify a 6-speed automatic gearbox with steptronic selection.
Prices start at £15,690 for the 116i rising to £20,700 for the 120d Sport. Throughout the range, ABS, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control are standard as is Cornering Brake Control and a Tyre Puncture Warning System. Six airbags are also standard, as are ISOFIX child seat restraints.
The interior is efficient but unexciting. Everything is in the right place, but the cockpit lacks the quality feel that oozes from other segment-competitors such as the A3 or Golf. Rear compartment accommodation is adequate but not exceptional - and boot space is moderate. However, there are a great many potential customers out there for whom the appeal of that blue, back and white segmented disc on the bonnet will be irresistible, for its own sake...
FW OVERVIEWAn inspiring car to drive, but subjectively less inspiring as a style statement - despite that charismatic badge on the bonnet. The 120d is the version to go for. The smooth and torquey diesel unit delivers deceptively potent performance together with class-challenging economy, refinement and eco-friendliness.

Volkswagen Golf GTI DSG 5dr

2005-03-08T02:23:00.000-08:00

THE Peugeot 206 GTi didn’t manage it. The new MINI did. Living up to a name, and a legend, is not an easy thing to do, especially for a performance, fun-to-drive brand.
The new Golf GTI has been launched with plenty of fanfare, some old chap in a suit splashing about oddly in the rain and many saying that finally, after some insipid – but high-selling – attempts, Volkswagen has captured the essence of the original GTI. Car rental uk.
Of course, it’s nothing like the original, which was a light-footed tinny thing. This is a heavy, more brutish vehicle for a different, more aggressive type of buyer.
As a package, the GTI hits all the right notes. It has big, bold alloys with axe-shaped spokes and a much more intimidating nose, with a deep black chin and striking honeycomb grille. Car rental uk.
Inside, there are plenty of elements that lift the GTI above the standard version, like the grippy, ergonomically-moulded leather steering wheel, which is flattened at the bottom like a racing car. There are also deep, comfortable sports seats that clamp the driver and passenger in place, as well as aluminium pedals. Car rental uk.
The seating position is exemplary, as the steering wheel will protrude as close to your chest as you need and the seats will also drop low. So all the contact points and positions are ideal for a fast car. The question is: will this be the first GTI for a long time to be a genuine blast rather than a lumpen car with a fancy badge?

Peugeot 407SW

2005-03-07T02:28:00.001-08:00

Peugeot 407 SWHot on the heels of its new 407 saloon launch, Peugeot has introduced the 407 SW - the initials unofficially standing for Sport Wagon. In showrooms now, the 407 SW is priced from £15,850 for the 1.8 S, rising to £23,350 for the 3.0-litre V6-powered Executive automatic. Car rental uk.
Take the badge off the rear tailgate and you could be forgiven for thinking that this is a car from the Saab stable, with its coupe-like styling and bold C-pillar. As a result, its profile lives up to expectations as far as the 'sport' element of the name is concerned and company car drivers who crave a little extra space for samples or luggage will appreciate the low sill height of the tailgate and unimpeded access. Car rental uk.
However, the 'wagon' part is less evident and readers who see the 407 SW as the natural successor to the cavernous 405 and 406 estate models will be surprised to learn that its loadspace is significantly less than its predecessors. For while rivals like Vauxhall and Ford have unashamedly gone down the route of the voluminous repmobile, Peugeot's designers have decided that there's more to be gained from being a lifestyle accessory than a leg-iron.
As far as size is concerned, the SW is some 87mm longer than the saloon - a function of a rear overhang of 1009mm compared to 922mm in the saloon. It is also slightly higher than the saloon, by 41mm, though this is to accommodate a different roof design rather than to provide more passenger headroom.
In volume terms, these dimensions translate into a modest increase in boot space over the saloon - 432 litres vs 455 litres (489 litres when the side storage compartments are taken into account). However, while the saloon's seats are fixed in place, those in the SW fold to reveal a flat load floor capable of swallowing up to 1365 litres of luggage and - with the front passenger seat folded flat - taking items up to 2700mm in length. Car rental uk.
By way of comparison, Vauxhall's Vectra offers 500 litres of luggage space in hatchback form, while the estate has 530 litres with the rear seat up and 1850 litres with them folded. Peugeot has no plans for a truly load-lugging estate version of the 407 and the battle lines between 407 SW and its rivals will be drawn according to the load space requirements of the commercial traveller.
Engine options mirror those of the saloon, with 1.8-litre, 2.0-litre, 2.2-litre and 3.0-litre V6 petrols, plus the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesels. Sales of Peugeot's 407 saloon have been predominantly to fleets and predominantly diesel and there's no reason to suppose that the SW will buck this trend, though its stylish looks and functionality will certainly give the range more retail appeal.
Pick of the engines is undoubtedly the 136bhp diesel developed jointly between PSA and Ford. Alongside CO2 emissions of just 155g/km and a combined fuel consumption of 47.1mpg, it offers a top speed of 126mph and accelerates from rest to 62mph in 10.1secs. For those with cash to burn, there's the 3.0-litre V6 petrol which, while marginally quicker than the HDi 136, is nearly twice the price in BIK terms and less enjoyable to drive.
Up-rated rear spring and damper settings on the SW are in place to accommodate heavier loads, though there's no self-levelling suspension on offer. Stiffer springs might mean a marginally firmer unladen ride, but only the most sensitive will find fault with the 407 SW's chassis, which combines excellent straight-line stability with an impressive performance on twisting roads. A double wishbone set-up is used for the front suspension, with a multi-link rear axle. Car rental uk.
The news that there's not going to be a load-lugging 407 estate might have raised a few eyebrows in solus Peugeot fleets, but those who are on user-chooser schemes will be attracted by the SW's smart styling and versatility. Standard specification and safety levels are impressive and the HDi 136 is a gem.

Vauxhall Vectra SRi

2005-03-06T12:15:00.001-08:00

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. Car rental uk.
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. Car rental uk. 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. Car rental uk.
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.
Source 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/kmTypical monthly rental

Vauxhall Vectra SRi

2005-03-06T12:15:00.000-08:00

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. Car rental uk.
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. Car rental uk. 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. Car rental uk.
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.
Source 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/kmTypical monthly rental

Mercedes A-class

2005-03-04T08:58:00.001-08:00

The new A-Class represents a significant improvement over the outgoing model, offering a better combination of ride and handling, allied to more powerful and fuel efficient engines, all of which is now available in a three-door body. Whatever the UK pricing range, fleet operators will be pleased to learn that Mercedes is predicting better residual values and more competitive contract hire rates.Eight years' ago Mercedes-Benz's A-Class was on a 'roll' - literally, after the company discovered during final trials that its new baby would need some expensive electronic damping systems to pass the infamous 'elk test' without tipping over.The technological might of Mercedes was humbled but eventually the handling problems with A-Class were sorted and after a production run of seven years and sales of 1.1 million cars, the company has unveiled the second generation. Car rental uk. The new A-Class features the second-generation of an electronic stability program (ESP) fitted to its predecessor to improve 'swervability' and the seven new, or re-engineered, four-cylinder engines are also available in a new three-door version.The new car employs the same 'sandwich' construction - a steeply-inclined engine and transmission means the powertrain is pushed under the floorpan and not into the passenger cell in the event of an accident - and is clearly recognisable as an A-Class, with a body that is fractionally wider and longer, but clever packaging inside breaks new ground.The boot capacity is now increased by some 15 per cent to 435 litres, while the interior can be adapted to suit the task in hand without the need to remove the rear seats. Car rental uk. The one-third/two-third split of the rear seating unit, incorporating seat cushions and backrests that can both be folded forward, makes it possible to produce a complete, flat loading area and increases the capacity of the luggage compartment to 1,370 litres.An added benefit is that the two-thirds' portion of the seat cushion can be removed and stowed under a height-adjustable luggage compartment floor to allow the stowage of taller objects.The nature of the last-minute discovery of the original A-Class's handling concerns precluded a back-to-the-drawing-board review of the car's suspension but now the new model features a 'parabolic', or curved, back axle that is claimed to offer more precise wheel location and improved roll support when cornering. In addition, a new damping system making its debut in a Mercedes is able to adjust the stiffness of an individual shock absorber to meet changing driving situations: under normal conditions, its soft settings translate into improved ride comfort while high-speed cornering causes the appropriate side to load up and reduce roll. Car rental uk. Under the bonnet, there are three, newly-developed and EU4-friendly CDI diesel units and a new, turbocharged 193bhp petrol engine with the A200 Turbo, along with revised and marginally enlarged versions of the petrol-powered A150, A170 and A200. Although power and torque output of diesel and petrol engines compared to the outgoing series has been lifted by as much as 38 per cent and 46 per cent, respectively, fuel consumption of petrol engines has improved by as much as ten per cent.The launch of the new A-Class also marks the introduction of a brand-new continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) called Autotronic. This is available with all engines and features a 'comfort' mode for optimum fuel economy or 'standard' setting, where the system is able to 'adapt' to driving styles and maintain higher or lower average engines speeds for greater or more relaxed performance. Alternatively, by moving the shift lever sideways, the driver can select one of seven stages in the system's range of ratios. There is also a new six-speed manual gearbox which, like Autotronic, comes as standard with A180 CDI, A200 CDI and A200 Turbo models.At the launch in Germany, journalists were not able to subject the A-Class to the 'elk test' but the car did feel more stable than its predecessor and new speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering offers a reasonable balance between feel and assistance. Car rental uk. The car's interior, in particular, now sports a fit and feel more in keeping with the three-pointed star and there is a marginal but welcome improvement in knee and shoulder room, while the space between front and rear seats puts it on a par with some medium-size saloons.

Mercedes A-class

2005-03-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

The new A-Class represents a significant improvement over the outgoing model, offering a better combination of ride and handling, allied to more powerful and fuel efficient engines, all of which is now available in a three-door body. Whatever the UK pricing range, fleet operators will be pleased to learn that Mercedes is predicting better residual values and more competitive contract hire rates.Eight years' ago Mercedes-Benz's A-Class was on a 'roll' - literally, after the company discovered during final trials that its new baby would need some expensive electronic damping systems to pass the infamous 'elk test' without tipping over.The technological might of Mercedes was humbled but eventually the handling problems with A-Class were sorted and after a production run of seven years and sales of 1.1 million cars, the company has unveiled the second generation.The new A-Class features the second-generation of an electronic stability program (ESP) fitted to its predecessor to improve 'swervability' and the seven new, or re-engineered, four-cylinder engines are also available in a new three-door version.The new car employs the same 'sandwich' construction - a steeply-inclined engine and transmission means the powertrain is pushed under the floorpan and not into the passenger cell in the event of an accident - and is clearly recognisable as an A-Class, with a body that is fractionally wider and longer, but clever packaging inside breaks new ground.The boot capacity is now increased by some 15 per cent to 435 litres, while the interior can be adapted to suit the task in hand without the need to remove the rear seats. The one-third/two-third split of the rear seating unit, incorporating seat cushions and backrests that can both be folded forward, makes it possible to produce a complete, flat loading area and increases the capacity of the luggage compartment to 1,370 litres.An added benefit is that the two-thirds' portion of the seat cushion can be removed and stowed under a height-adjustable luggage compartment floor to allow the stowage of taller objects.The nature of the last-minute discovery of the original A-Class's handling concerns precluded a back-to-the-drawing-board review of the car's suspension but now the new model features a 'parabolic', or curved, back axle that is claimed to offer more precise wheel location and improved roll support when cornering. In addition, a new damping system making its debut in a Mercedes is able to adjust the stiffness of an individual shock absorber to meet changing driving situations: under normal conditions, its soft settings translate into improved ride comfort while high-speed cornering causes the appropriate side to load up and reduce roll.Under the bonnet, there are three, newly-developed and EU4-friendly CDI diesel units and a new, turbocharged 193bhp petrol engine with the A200 Turbo, along with revised and marginally enlarged versions of the petrol-powered A150, A170 and A200. Although power and torque output of diesel and petrol engines compared to the outgoing series has been lifted by as much as 38 per cent and 46 per cent, respectively, fuel consumption of petrol engines has improved by as much as ten per cent.The launch of the new A-Class also marks the introduction of a brand-new continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) called Autotronic. This is available with all engines and features a 'comfort' mode for optimum fuel economy or 'standard' setting, where the system is able to 'adapt' to driving styles and maintain higher or lower average engines speeds for greater or more relaxed performance. Alternatively, by moving the shift lever sideways, the driver can select one of seven stages in the system's range of ratios. There is also a new six-speed manual gearbox which, like Autotronic, comes as standard with A180 CDI, A200 CDI and A200 Turbo models.At the launch in Germany, journalists were not able to subject the A-Class to the 'elk test' but the car did feel more stable than its predecessor and new speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering offers a reasonable balance between feel and assistance. The car's interior, in particular, now sports a fit and feel more in keeping with the three-pointed star and there is a marginal but welcome improvement in knee and shoulder room, while the space between front and rear seats puts it on a par with some medium-size saloons

Nissan 350Z Roadster

2005-03-02T09:50:00.000-08:00

AT the joint launch of the 350Z Roadster and Pathfinder, Nissan stated that its products could be considered either lifestyle or emotional choices. Good as the Pathfinder is, it is not likely to have you bubbling with excitement – that’s left to the 350Z. Emotional indeed.
The 350Z has been an extraordinary success for Nissan. Harking back to the 240Z of the 1970s it has not only aped its accessible, affordable performance and style, but its tremendous sales, too. Car rental uk
So far the Nissan 350Z has clocked up 100,000 sales worldwide and is currently the best-selling sports car in the hugely important American market. European sales since its September 2003 introduction now stand at about 10,000.
That means it can also claim to be the best-selling V6 sports car in Europe today, outselling even the V6 Audi TT. In the UK, the 350Z has been a strong seller since it was introduced to the market, the UK allocation selling as quickly as Nissan can make them. Car rental uk
The benefit of this is that used 350Zs command excellent resale values, the insatiable demand for new cars, and their limited supply make them highly sought-after on the used market with class-leading residual values. The same will happen to the new convertible version. CAP figures give the 350Z Roadster an RV of around 47% after three years/60,000 miles, marginally higher than the already impressive coupe. Car rental uk
With the 350Z Roadster joining the range, demand is only likely to increase. Available to order since October 15, 2004 at the appropriate time of 3.50pm, deliveries of Nissan’s new drop-top will commence from March 3. Two hundred and fifty have already been ordered, nearly half of the 600 available for 2005.
Those 250, and any more who place their order prior to that March 3 delivery date, get their Roadster for £26,000, or £28,500 with the GT pack.

A Winnign Formula - Ford Focus

2005-03-01T03:38:00.000-08:00

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. Car rental uk
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. Car rental uk
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. Car rental uk
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. Car rental uk
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. Car rental uk
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51.4mpg

Vauxhall Astra Estate - Substance with style

2005-02-28T04:18:00.000-08:00

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)

Vauxhall Vectra SRi

2005-02-23T09:41:00.000-08:00

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

Vauxhall Astra Estate

2005-02-22T10:29:00.000-08:00

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)

New Launches for February

2005-02-21T05:53:00.000-08:00

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?

Audi A2 1.4 TDi

2005-02-18T04:39:00.000-08:00

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

Volkswagen Fox

2005-02-16T02:32:00.000-08:00

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.

Winning formula - Ford Focus

2005-02-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

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)

Volkswagen - Fox

2005-02-12T09:53:00.000-08:00

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?

Mini goes topless

2005-02-10T08:26:00.000-08:00

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)

Electric Scooters - on the car rental fleet?

2005-02-08T06:04:00.000-08:00

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

Astra Hatch Back

2005-02-07T08:31:00.000-08:00

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

Fiat Stilo

2005-02-06T13:25:00.000-08:00

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?

Contract hire survey: Luxury sports cars

2005-02-04T02:20:00.000-08:00

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?

New Model - Fiat's Stilo

2005-02-02T08:35:00.000-08:00

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

Luxury Sports Cars

2005-02-01T06:14:00.000-08:00

An Estate for Conservative

2005-01-31T06:17:00.000-08:00

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

Source Fleetworld

Mini a roaring success.

2005-01-28T03:25:00.000-08:00

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

New Launches

2005-01-27T04:28:00.000-08:00

LAUNCH dates for key fleet models.

JANUARY

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

FEBRUARY

Mercedes-Benz A-class
Mitsubishi Lancer
Skoda Octavia estate

MARCH

Renault Laguna
BMW 3-series
Volkswagen Golf GTI

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

Mercedes-Benz A-class

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

Source fleet news

Renault's new baby

2005-01-26T03:53:00.000-08:00

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

Source Fleetworld

Fleet Launch of BMW 3-series

2005-01-25T11:41:00.000-08:00

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

Source Fleet News