Ignition August 2012

Ignition Issue 3 August 2012

Brought to you by FleetNews

ON TEST: ALFA ROMEO MITO

Mito sets new class standards GO Petrol Alfa achieves 98g/km of CO2 ●

Downsizing is GO here to stay ●

Sales figures show fleets are opting for smaller-engined cars

All the latest GO cars tested ●

Reports include Ford B-Max, Audi Q5 and VW Beetle

Subscribe to Ignition

Download Ignition

Contact us

W H AT 'S NE W

A REAL ITALIAN CHARMER Fun car comes with sub 100g/km CO2 emissions, 67.3mpg and 10% BIK

ALFA ROMEO MITO NEED TO KNOW n Mito now offers petrol and diesel versions with less than 100g/km n Petrol Twinair has lower BIK tax than diesel variants n Twinair priced from £14,150 OTR

0.9 TWINAIR SPRINT

By Simon Harris

Choosing a diesel engine in a small car has often been a difficult decision to justify. The higher price of diesel engine cars over petrol equivalents, along with higher pump prices, made the higher mileage required to break even more difficult to achieve on a small car.

However, if a fleet policy operates a CO2 cap at 100g/km, the choices in the small car sector were usually restricted to diesel.

But petrol choices are growing, not least because of the relatively recent introduction of Fiat’s two-cylinder Twinair engine, introduced almost two years ago on the 500, and now available in Chrysler Ypsilon, the new Panda, the 2012 Punto and the Alfa Romeo Mito.

In the niche that the Mito competes in – going up against distinctive three-door small cars such as the Mini, Audi A1 and Citroën DS3, among others – no rival currently offers a petrol engine with CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km.

The Twinair uses a 895cc engine with a turbo to produce 85bhp (other variants are in the pipeline with higher and lower power outputs), and achieves 98g/km with fuel consumption of 67.3mpg on the combined cycle.

As well as giving BIK taxpayers access to the 10% bracket, it also qualifies for

WHAT'S NEW

TESTED THIS MONTH

CARMAKER NEWS

OUR FLEET

ACCIDENTS

SALES FIGURES

DEFLEETING

COMING SOON

A charismatic alternative to its rivals The award winning TwinAir engine technology

a 100% discount on the London congestion charge.

The Twinair also comes with a few changes to the Mito, and aside from new colour and trim combinations, the DNA power and chassis settings now remain in the mode the car was left in when switched off rather than defaulting to N or ‘natural’ mode.

Although called natural, power is actually capped in this mode so the car doesn’t feel as lively or responsive as in D ‘dynamic’. But with restricted power it also helps achieve these impressive fuel consumption and CO2 numbers, effectively running as if it were a 75bhp car.

However, in Dynamic mode Alfa has injected the fun factor and the Mito makes for a rewarding driving companion.

The two-cylinder engine had an off-beat burble and with the turbo behaves much like a diesel in how it delivers its power. You don't need to keep it in gear for long before speed starts to build, but searching for high-rev thrills will take its toll on fuel consumption.

The Mito is also a charismatic car to sit in, and the use of Italian text on the dials (‘benzina’ on the fuel gauge and ‘acqua’ on the water temperature gauge) helps make the car feel special.

Materials feel a step up from typical small cars, and on a par with rivals from Mini and the Citroën DS3.

Not only does Alfa give drivers the choice of sub-100g/km diesel and petrol models in the Mito range, it also offers charismatic alternative.

COSTS P11D price £14,095 BIK tax band 10% Annual BIK tax (20%) £282 Class 1A NIC £194 Annual VED £0 RV (4yr/80k) £3,625/26% Fuel cost (ppm) 9.03 AFR (ppm) 15 Running cost (4yr/80k) 26.29ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 875 Power (bhp) 85 Torque lb-ft 107 CO2 (g/km) 98 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 67.3 Max speed (mph) 108 0-62mph (sec) 12.5

*Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

T E S T ED T HIS MON T H

Chevrolet Cruze SW

Maurice Glover “According to company officials, the arrival of the SW signals the end of the road in Britain for the saloon version of the Cruze.

“The potential of 60mpg-plus from an engine that delivers lively performance is the key feature of a model that could take annual sales of the Cruze range to around 4,000 in 12 months.

“A five-year warranty could add to the appeal for user-chooser drivers who like the idea of having an alternative to mainstream C-segment models in the company car park.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Volkswagen Beetle

Simon Harris “The interior does away with the iconic vase and, while relying on familiar-looking Volkswagen switches and buttons, it still has a unique feel.

“The petrol engines are the latest versions of Volkswagen’s low-displacement turbo-charged units, so for the power they deliver they are relatively clean.

“The turbo helps make the most of the 105bhp, while the auto makes it easy to drive.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid

Simon Harris “For a handful of urban-based user-choosers, or those with a particular aversion to diesel engines, there is now a high-performance petrol-electric hybrid in the BMW ActiveHybrid 3.

“It isn’t cheap, with prices starting at £40,225 OTR for the entry-level SE. “The extra power and substantial torque allows the ActiveHybrid3 to accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds, two-tenths faster than a 335i.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

WHAT'S NEW

TESTED THIS MONTH

Chevrolet Volt

CARMAKER NEWS

OUR FLEET

ACCIDENTS

SALES FIGURES

DEFLEETING

COMING SOON

Debbie Wood “Not only is it Chevrolet’s first mass-produced hybrid car, but it also introduces its extendedrange electric technology for the first time in the UK. “The interior feels more like a cockpit, with touchsensitive dashboard controls and two large screens that replace conventional instruments usually found in the dashboard.

“Easily the highlight is the sweeping white touchscreen centre console which adds an upmarket and hi-tech flavour to the interior.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Audi Q5

Simon Harris “While BMW seems to have dominated introductions in the SUV sector, Audi has followed it with products that seem just as desirable.

“Like the X3, the Q5 will be all-wheel drive only in the UK, but Audi will be introducing the 143bhp version of the 2.0 TDI by the end of the year.

“Changes for the facelift include a new shape for the LED daytime running lights as well as a smartened-up interior with more chrome trim and other revisions.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Ford B-Max

Simon Harris “The car comes with sliding rear doors and no fixed B-pillar to allow an enormous opening to the car for passengers, making it very easy to get in and out.

“Ford suggests rivals for the B-Max would be cars like the Citroën C3 Picasso and the Vauxhall Meriva.

“It’s surprisingly nimble, despite its height, in tight urban environments with stop-start traffic, with an engaging feel to its steering and remains impressively composed.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

NE W S

Hummel oversees Honda fleet recovery But fleet director is now off to join Glass's as UK sales director

H

By Stephen Briers onda is on the road to recovery in the fleet sector, with registration up so far this year by 33% in ‘true fleet’ to 10,114.

The new Civic has been the main driver of sales in the corporate market but a number of model launches over the next few years should provide a further fillip to registrations (see panel, above right).

This year, across fleet and retail, Honda expects to sell 62,000 cars; by 2014/15 that figure will rise to 90,000 for a 4% share of the market, according to

outgoing fleet director Ed Hummel (see panel, below).

“We have no ambition to go beyond that. We will be profitable and able to keep the Swindon plant very productive,” he said.

The Civic will account for around half of total sales, rising from just over 25,600 in 2013/14 to almost 30,600 in 2014/15, which includes the Wagon due to be launched in 2014.

Fleet will account for no more than a third of Honda’s sales volume; a directive from the Japanese board has set that ceiling. That sets a limit of around 30,000

Glass's career opportunity was 'too good to ignore' Ed Hummel leaves Honda at the end of September to join pricing and data guide Glass’s as UK sales director.

He departs after 18 months leading the fleet team, during which time he has implemented many changes. While he concedes he is sorry not to see them through, he says the opportunity at Glass’s was too good to ignore.

“There is a new management team at Glass’s including a new executive chairman,

Martin Stewart, who used to be Sky’s financial officer. He is an inspirational leader of that business,” Hummel said.

“It is also being restructured and I am heading the new sales team at a time when we have great new products coming through, such as GlassNetRadar.

“We plan to take the fight to CAP, especially on the manufacturer and leasing company side – we’ll shake it up a bit.”

WHAT'S NEW

TESTED THIS MONTH

CARMAKER NEWS

OUR FLEET

ACCIDENTS

Honda’s model launch plan 2012-2014

SALES FIGURES

DEFLEETING

COMING SOON

Civic The 1.6-litre 120PS diesel engine, with sector-leading emissions of just 94g/km, will be launched at the end of the year. Honda hopes for a two percentage point uplift over the 2.2-litre diesel, taking residuals to 40% over three years/60,000 miles. An estate (Wagon) will be launched in 2014.

CR-Z New version of the hybrid sporty coupe due in 2013 S-CUV new segment for Honda; smaller than the CR-V, sitting between the Qashqai and Juke Jazz All-new, due in 2014. It is likely to get a lower powered version of the 1.6-litre diesel.

cars in fleet, still plenty of opportunity for growth. This CR-Vs next year with around a third going to fleet. year Honda will sell 22,000 cars to fleets.

Targets are SMEs, Motability and the public sector.

“We are ahead of where we expected to be which It will be launched with a 2.2-litre diesel offering is down to the Civic. We had set conservative figures emissions of 149g/km (down from 179g/km on the for it,” said Hummel. current model) and a 2.0-litre petrol.

Almost all Honda’s fleet sales are to leasing and A two-wheel drive 1.6-litre diesel (the same engine corporate customers. The company does a small as the Civic) CR-V will follow in October 2013 with amount of Motability but no major daily emissions expected to be below 120g/ “We are ahead rental business. km. It will eventually account for around of where we However, it does have agreements half of CR-V sales. with two rental businesses. A contract expected to be The sports utility vehicle also signals a with Thrifty was set up as part of Honda’s which is down to new equipment grade strategy for commitment to keep its customers Honda, one that was initiated after feedthe Civic” mobile by providing them with a replaceback from Martin Ward, manufacturer Ed Hummel ment car while theirs is in for repair. relationships manager at CAP. Thrifty was supplying competitors' cars so Honda The current SE+ becomes the S on the new model, set up a rental arrangement consisting of around while the ES becomes the SE. Sitting between the SE 600-700 cars a year; Thrifty’s commitment is to and the range topping EX (which remains unchanged) ensure at least a third of Honda drivers are given a is a new trim level, the SR. Honda if their car breaks down.

Honda is confident that residual values will be The company also supplies around 200 cars a year around 39-40% over three years/60,000 miles. to Local Car and Van Rental for dealers that run It claims that service, maintenance and repair rental franchises. will be the cheapest in the segment at around A key model launch for Honda later this year is the £1,750 which should result in competitive leasing CR-V, due in October. Honda hopes to sell 17,000 rates.

C A RM A K ER NE W S

Honda reveals European version of new CR-V

Nissan unveils vision for London 'black cab'

Land Rover is claiming improved efficiency, more space and better refinement in the fourthgeneration Range Rover which makes its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, when order books will open and prices and specifications revealed. Deliveries start early in 2013.

New all-aluminium construction has resulted in a 420kg weight saving, which, combined with new suspension, should mean more responsive and composed behaviour on road, while improvements in engine efficiency will mean better fuel consumption and CO2 emissions

Nissan has unveiled a vision for the future of the London ‘black cab’, the Nissan NV200 London Taxi.

The NV200 London Taxi will offer significantly reduced CO2 outputs compared to current taxi models, a focus in line with the Mayor Boris Johnson’s air quality strategy for London.

An all-electric e-NV200 concept is also set to undergo trials in the Capital.

The Mayor has joined disability groups and the influential London Taxi Drivers’ Association in welcoming the launch of the Nissan taxi.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Renault ' to return to profit'

Prices and specification revealed for revised G-Class

Seven months after Renault UK announced a model and dealer cull, it says everything is on track for a return to profitability by the end of 2013.

It’s been a difficult few months for the French manufacturer in the UK car. The first six months of the year saw 7,896 units registered to fleet, compared to 19,674 for the same period in 2011.

And last week, it reported global first-half year profits had fallen by 39% to £615 million, down from £980m a year earlier, blaming a deteriorating demand in Europe because of the sovereign debt crisis.

Mercedes-Benz has announced UK prices and specifications for the revised G-Class which is now available to order.

The luxury 4x4 has been updated with the latest engine technology as well as improved comfort and safety.

Priced from £82,945 OTR for the G350 Bluetec, the G-Class has increased levels of standard equipment including new LED daytime running lights and a reworked interior that, for the first time, is fitted with COMAND Online.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

WHAT'S NEW

TESTED THIS MONTH

CARMAKER NEWS

OUR FLEET

Volvo special editions cut BIK tax bills

ACCIDENTS

SALES FIGURES

DEFLEETING

COMING SOON

SsangYong to launch double-cab pick-up

Volvo has announced a new Business Edition specification in the S60, V60 and V70 line-ups.

With a higher level of specification than the outgoing ES and ES Nav variants, which the Business Editions replace, they come with a reduced price tag of up to £3,000 compared to the ES, which will cut a driver’s annual BIK tax liability.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Facelift for Lexus flagship brings improvements Lexus has revealed a revamped LS model range, comprising the LS 460, LS 600h and an F Sport version of its flagship model.

The most obvious changes are the exterior styling, , but the updates include improved driving dynamics, better sound insulation and more sophisticated and effective preventive safety systems. In all more than 3,000 changes have been made to the current LS.

SsangYong will launch the Korando Sports pick-up truck in October. And UK MD Paul Williams believes it will appeal to business users as well as some retail customers.

He also believes better engine refinement, a more sophisticated suspension set-up and a longer warranty than is typical on a pick-up truck will help win new customers. The Korando Sports will join the commercial vehicle version of the Rexton in the range.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Ford to continue downsized engine trend

BMW to launch 320i EfficientDynamics

Ford is planning to replace its two small diesel engines with a single unit that offers various power outputs.

The new 1.5-litre diesel, part of Ford’s diesel engine partnership with PSA Peugeot-Citroën, will first appear in new B-Max, which is now available to order. Initially it will be offered as a 75bhp engine alongside the 95bhp 1.6 TDCi,. According to Ford of Britain MD Mark Ovenden, the company will discontinue the 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre TDCi.

BMW will launch its first petrol low-CO2 champion in November with the 320i EfficientDynamics saloon. It produces 170bhp, but has CO2 emissions of 124g/km, putting it in the same 15% BIK tax bracket as the current 109g/km 320d EfficientDynamics saloon with the latter carrying the 3% BIK supplement on diesels.

And it comes in at £2,250 cheaper (£25,730 OTR) than the 320d EfficientDynamics, meaning BIK on the petrol car, and NI contributions, will be lower.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

OUR F L EE T

FORD GRAND C-MAX

2.0 TDCI TITANIUM

A new battery has sorted out the key fob in this excellent family car NEED TO KNOW

Grand C-Max belies its size with an involving driving experience

n Double Fleet News Award winner in 2011 n Flexible and roomy interior n Test fuel economy of 41.7mpg

COSTS P11D price £24,275 BIK tax band 24% Annual BIK tax (20%) £1,165 Class 1A NIC £804 Annual VED £170 RV (4yr/80k) £5,625/23% Fuel cost (ppm) 12.96 AFR (ppm) 15 Running cost (4yr/80k) 39.45ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,997 Power (bhp) 140 Torque lb-ft 236 CO2 (g/km) 48.7 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 48.7 Max speed (mph) 123 0-62mph (sec) 10.5 Test mpg 41.7 Current mileage 3,364

*Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

I

By Stephen Briers n the last review of the Ford Grand C-Max we reported on some issues with the remote control key fob which had, on three occasions, refused to unlock the car. The issue, we surmised, was likely to be either a depleted battery in the fob or the car’s battery going into early snooze mode (if the car is unused for several weeks, the battery goes into stand-by to prevent it being drained by the clock and alarm sensors).

Exacerbating the situation was the fact that while the emergency manual key hidden within the fob unlocked the car, it didn’t deactivate the alarm.

Fortunately, at the point at which people were starting to stare, the remote control fob woke up, enabling me to disarm the alarm. Since the last review, we’ve switched fobs. So far, so good; it appears the issue was a worn battery.

The Grand C-Max has been an excellent family-orientated fleet car in its time with us. On a number of occasions all seven seats have been called into action.

Each can easily accommodate an adult with ample leg and head room. The downside to using all seven seats is limited boot space; it’s sufficient to carry a few shopping bags, but not for weekend luggage. But the seating flexibility offers a clear advantage over an estate car.

One quibble is the Grand C-Max’s barge-like turning circle. On several occasions we’ve been caught out reverse parking, resulting in some embarrassing three-point shuffles. That aside, our first two months with the Grand C-Max have been, on balance, a positive experience.

WHAT'S NEW

TESTED THIS MONTH

CARMAKER NEWS

SEAT EXEO ST

OUR FLEET

ACCIDENTS

SALES FIGURES

DEFLEETING

COMING SOON

2.0 TDI SPORT TECH MULTITRONIC

Sporty extras can make for a less than comfortable ride

G

By Simon Harris iven that there are very few similarities between a road car and a race car, I’ve always been mystified by the application of the word ‘sport’ or ‘sporty’ when it comes to something you don’t need a racing licence to drive. But it’s a term we seem to understand in relation to road cars, often the top equipment grade with larger wheels and lowered and/or stiffer suspension.

And so our Sport Tech Exeo is distinguished from the SE tech by its sports suspension and larger 18-inch wheels, sports seats (more sculpted and with black leather side bolsters and grey Alcantara centre parts) and bi-xenon headlights with adaptive front lighting.

Anyone taking a conventional car around a racetrack will know that after a few laps the brakes would become too hot, and other components would face unusually high levels of stress. However, I expect the large wheels and firm suspension would make the car behave impeccably on a smooth racetrack surface.

And so to the 18-inch wheels and sports suspension of the Exeo ST. The first four miles of my commute are on uneven fenland roads. And during this part of the journey the Exeo picks up every tiny bump and lets everyone know about it, throwing around any objects in the car that haven’t been tied down. It’s a shame, as the Exeo is an engaging car to drive, and sacrificing comfort for theoretical agility around a track isn’t what this driver would want.

The Exeo ST boasts larger 18-inch wheels

NEED TO KNOW n Sport Tech trim includes sports suspension, 18-inch wheels and sports seats

COSTS P11D price £26,010 BIK tax band 23% Annual BIK tax (20%) £1,196 Class 1A NIC £826 Annual VED £135 RV (4yr/80k) £5,558 Fuel cost (ppm) 12.43 AFR (ppm) 15 Running cost (4yr/80k) 42.24ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,968 Power (bhp) 143 Torque lb-ft 236 CO2 (g/km) 146 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 51.4 Max speed (mph) 125 0-62mph (sec) 9.6 Test mpg 45.3 Current mileage 5,013

*Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

OUR F L EE T

1.7 CDRI 2 TECH

KIA OPTIMA

Optima rises to the 'Can you go camping in a Kia?' challenge

T

By John Maslen he past few weeks have been a voyage of discovery for our Kia Optima, including the ‘can you go camping in a Kia?’ challenge, which involved finding out if our fleet workhorse's 505-litre boot could cope with everything a weekend in a field could throw at it. Although there is less air space to play with than a Volkswagen Passat (565 litres), it still swallowed everything from a tent to chairs, kitchen unit, beds and bags.

I also discovered a new benefit of Bluetooth technology on the way to a weekend of changeable weather and poor food hygiene. My phone wirelessly links to the Optima through Bluetooth technology and I have discovered that it doesn’t just provide hands-free conversation, it also encourages safe texts. When an SMS message reaches the phone, the in-car system’s voice tells you who is texting and offers the choice of ‘read it’ or ‘end’. If you say ‘read it’, the car then reads out the text. It struggles with some words, but overall it is brilliant. A few years ago, this would have been technology solely for the use of prestige saloon drivers, but Kia is bringing this safe technology to the masses.

However, while modern technology is brilliant, sometimes it is important to pay attention to the basics too, as I have discovered with the Kia’s handbrake. There is very little movement to engage it and it requires a lot of strength to ensure it is sufficiently secure. If there was one improvement to be made the Kia, in my view I would choose this one.

NEED TO KNOW n Seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty n CO2 emissions of 128g/km n Optima is far superior to many other budget alternatives

COSTS P11D price £21,695 BIK tax band 19% Annual BIK tax (20%) £824 Class 1A NIC £567 Annual VED £0 then £100 RV (4yr/80k) £5,425 Fuel cost (ppm) 11.09ppm AFR (ppm) 18 Running cost (4yr/80k) 35.77ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,685 Power (bhp) 134 Torque lb-ft 239 CO2 (g/km) 128 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 57.6 Max speed (mph) 125 0-62mph (sec) 10.2 Test mpg 55.0 Current mileage 9,500

The Optima swallowed a weekend's camping gear with relative ease

*Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

WHAT'S NEW

TESTED THIS MONTH

CARMAKER NEWS

OUR FLEET

ACCIDENTS

SALES FIGURES

NISSAN QASHQAI

DEFLEETING

COMING SOON

1.6 DCI N-TEC+

Qashqai fuel economy bucks trend for a pleasant surprise

S

By Debbie Wood ome of my colleagues are getting increasingly frustrated with the fuel economy in test cars being sometimes far off the official mpg figures. Although the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) testing cycle is only supposed to be referred to as a benchmark, is it too much to expect to be producing fuel consumption close to these figures? In some new cars you can end up way off the mark.

The NEDC test is performed in a laboratory and does not take into account all the factors that will affect real-world mpg like driving style, weight, use of air conditioning, weather or traffic conditions.

The Qashqai, with an official combined figure of 62.8mpg, has bucked this trend, regularly surpassing this figure on longer, motorway journeys and sometimes achieving over 70mpg, without needing to turn off the air con or adapt my driving style. Our long-termer comes with some additional standard features to help drivers improve economy, including stop-start technology, advisory gear change alerts and cruise control but city driving and short trips see the figure drop to as low as 50mpg.

The Qashqai continues to impress and has provided an all-round package that is clearly capturing the public's imagination, with 27,156 new car registrations in 2012 so far, resulting in the SUV ranking sixth most popular car this year to date.

The Qashqai exceeds official fuel economy figures on longer journeys

NEED TO KNOW n 70mpg+ on some longer, motorway journeys n Stop-start technology standard n Sixth best selling new car in UK so far this year

COSTS P11D price £23,090 BIK tax band 17% Annual BIK tax (20%) £785 Class 1A NIC £542 Annual VED £0, then £30 RV (4yr/80k) £6,100/26% Fuel cost (ppm) 10.46 AFR (ppm) 13 Running cost (4yr/80k) 35.32ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,598 Power (bhp) 130 Torque lb-ft 236 CO2 (g/km) 119 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 62.8 Max speed (mph) 118 0-62mph (sec) 10.3 Test mpg 57.6 Current mileage 6,511

*Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

OUR F L EE T

VAUXHALL INSIGNIA

2.0 CDTI EXCLUSIV ECOFLEX

Stop-start uncertainty fails to take the shine off a sterling performance NEED TO KNOW

n Stop-start system behaving erratically n Insignia ideal for long distances n Real-world fuel economy in excess of 50mpg

Ecoflex makes Insignia particularly good for motorway cruising

COSTS P11D price £22,195 BIK tax band 17% Annual BIK tax (20%) £755 Class 1A NIC £521 Annual VED £0, then £30 RV (4yr/80k) £4225 Fuel cost (ppm) 9.95 AFR (ppm) 15 Running cost (4yr/80k) 35.95ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,956 Power (bhp) 130 Torque lb-ft 221 CO2 (g/km) 116 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 64.2 Max speed (mph) 129 0-62mph (sec) 10.4 Test mpg 54.2 Current mileage 6,800

*Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

I

By Maurice Glover t’s taken less than three years for stop-start technology to win a front-line role. But will this fuel-saving gadgetry prove to be reliable in the long term?

The question is prompted by the behaviour of the system fitted to our long term Insignia: it was on for 2,600 miles but then turned itself off and remained dormant during the three days it took to drive a further 600 miles.

Over the considerable distance the car has covered in the meantime, the equipment has failed to operate on three more occasions but has come back to life after only relatively short periods, adding to the mystery of its on-off behaviour.

For all that, the Insignia is putting in a sterling performance in every other respect and is turning out to be a star act when it comes to operating efficiency.

Backed by a generous tank capacity, the car’s ability to return regular consumption figures on the better side of 50mpg makes it ideal for drivers who need to cover long distances without the penalty of wasting valuable time on service station forecourts and the higher gearing of the Ecoflex packaging gives our model a particularly relaxed cruising gait to make light of motorway mile munching. The relatively generous Exclusiv specification also provides all the conveniences that help cut the stress of long periods at the wheel.

With stretching room for occupants, this is comfortable transport and I’m impressed that you can adjust the height of the driver’s seat and change the level of lumbar support by pressing a couple of buttons – an unexpected touch of luxury in this class of car.

WHAT'S NEW

TESTED THIS MONTH

CARMAKER NEWS

OUR FLEET

ACCIDENTS

SALES FIGURES

DEFLEETING

COMING SOON

2.0 TDI S

AUDI A5 SPORTBACK

An elegant performer rises above some wet seat problems

T

By Gareth Roberts

he fuel economy, emissions and relative benefit-in-kind tax bracket have all been considered while having Audi’s revamped A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI S Line on long-term test.

All are important to the fleet manager, but what about driver appeal.

The badge remains coveted among company car drivers, along with the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, while the lines of A5 Sportback will surely add to the German marque’s appeal.

It has four frameless doors and a long, tapering roofline, giving it a coupé-like appearance, yet with the practicality of a much larger car.

However, during the UK’s recent rainy season, frameless doors have equated to water on the driver’s seat every time the door was opened following a shower. No matter how careful I was, water from the door frame would make a beeline for my seat. Even when pulling out of a car park with an open window, water on the roof joined me in the car.

Nevertheless, what are minor gripes shouldn’t detract from what is a very elegant car. In a way, it even bucks Audi’s mantra of evolution rather than revolution.

However, whether good looks are enough to overcome issues with fuel economy covered in previous reviews it remains to be seen.

The Audi badge is still coveted by user-choosers

NEED TO KNOW n Economy falls far short of claimed 61.4mpg n CO2 emissions of 120g/km

COSTS P11D price £31,145 BIK tax band 18% Annual BIK tax (40%) £2,242 Class 1A NIC £773 Annual VED £0, then £30 RV (4yr/80k) £8,598 Fuel cost (ppm) 12.10 AFR (ppm) 18 Running cost (4yr/80k) 50.33ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,968 Power (bhp) 177 Torque lb-ft 280 CO2 (g/km) 120 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 61.4 Max speed (mph) 142 0-62mph (sec) 8.5 Test mpg 44.3 Current mileage 13,470

*Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

OUR F L EE T

HONDA JAZZ

1.3 I-VTEC IMA HS HYBRID CVT

Supermini replacement must keep practicality but offer sub-100g/km

I

By Sarah Tooze t’s safe to assume a new Jazz is now in the pipeline, given that Honda has recently changed the Civic and we’ll see a new CR-V this autumn.

If I was with Honda’s designers rights now I would be wrestling with what I see as the major challenge – reducing CO2 emissions without sacrificing the Jazz’s magic seats.

It was a challenge they weren’t able to overcome with the current Jazz hybrid which has emissions of 104g/km. Honda suggested that to make the Jazz sub-100g/km it might have needed a larger battery and that would have made it difficult to accommodate the magic seats, which add a great deal of flexibility and practicality.

But now that Toyota’s Yaris hybrid has arrived on the scene with 79g/km, I think it’s something Honda needs to address.

While the Jazz looks a little sharper than in its early days it’s still a tad on the conservative side, although the recently-announced Jazz Si looks a bit feistier with larger wheels and a sports styling kit.

I’m not overly keen on the interior’s styling and, as noted in a previous review, the glove box doesn’t sit at the best height.

But I’d like Honda to retain the elevated seating position for the driver.

I’m undecided about the Eco Assist feature which sees the speedometer changing colour depending on how economically you’re driving. From a driver’s point of view it can be slightly distracting. Perhaps going for a more ambient lighting would help.

NEED TO KNOW n Next Jazz needs to offer sub-100g/km but keep magic seats n Rival Toyota Yaris hybrid has 79g/km n Eco Assist dashboard lighting can be distracting

COSTS P11D price £16,100 BIK tax band 11% Annual BIK tax (20%) £369 Class 1A NIC £295 Annual VED £0 then £20 RV (4yr/80k) £5,425 Fuel cost (ppm) 11.09ppm AFR (ppm) 18 Running cost (4yr/80k) 35.77ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,339 Power (bhp) 100 Torque lb-ft 147 CO2 (g/km) 104 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 62.8 Max speed (mph) 109 0-62mph (sec) 12.1 Test mpg 50.5 Current mileage 8,752

Jazz looks sharper than in its early days

*Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

F UEL P RICE S

WHAT'S NEW

TESTED THIS MONTH

CARMAKER NEWS

OUR FLEET

6

10

14 9 8

14

12

COMING SOON

6 INVERNESS-SHIRE Diesel 142.00 Unleaded 137.60 LPG 85.00

2 DERBYSHIRE Diesel 141.00 Unleaded 136.00 LPG 68.40

7 KENT Diesel 140.80 Unleaded 136.10 LPG 70.80

3 GREATER LONDON Diesel 140.20 Unleaded 135.50 LPG 71.40

8 LANCASHIRE Diesel 140.40 Unleaded 135.60 LPG 68.30

4 HEREFORDSHIRE Diesel 142.20 Unleaded 138.90 LPG N/A

9 LANARKSHIRE Diesel 140.40 Unleaded 135.60 LPG 67.50

5 HERTFORDSHIRE Diesel 140.60 Unleaded 135.60 LPG 70.90

10 LINCOLNSHIRE Diesel 140.90 Unleaded 136.60 LPG 67.50 11 OXFORDSHIRE Diesel 141.20 Unleaded 136.30 LPG 72.90 12 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Diesel 141.20 Unleaded 136.40 LPG 74.70

1 13

DEFLEETING

1 CAMBRIDGESHIRE Diesel 141.40 Unleaded 136.80 LPG 75.20

11

2 4

SALES FIGURES

ACCIDENTS

5 3

7

13 NORTH YORKSHIRE Diesel 140.90 Unleaded 136.30 LPG 68.90 14 SOMERSET Diesel 142.00 Unleaded 137.30 LPG 74.70

For full UK fuel price figures Click here

AC CIDEN T S

9

things to do in the event of an accident

1

STOP

2

HAZARD LIGHTS

In the event of any accident you must stop at the scene.

Once you have stopped your vehicle, switch on your hazard lights to alert other road users.

3

NOTE THE REGISTRATION NUMBER

Make sure you note the registration number of all vehicles involved, plus make, model and colour if possible.

5

7

DO NOT ADMIT FAULT

8

NOTIFY YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY

9

ANIMALS

Take a picture at the scene or make a sketch, including street names, vehicle locations and direction of travel, skid marks and vehicle damage.

This could create problems for you and your insurance company.

ALERT THE EMERGENCY SERVICES

If anyone is injured, collision damage has caused a hazard or other vehicles leave the scene of the accident without stopping, dial 999.

4

6

CARRY A NOTEBOOK AND CAMERA

You have a duty to notify your insurance company immediately. Give them all the details you took from the scene.

If an accident results in the injury of a horse, cattle, donkey, sheep, pig, goat or dog, there is a legal obligation to stop and alert the authorities.Â

NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS

Obtain names and contact details of those involved in the accident, including any witnesses, as well as anything else that may be of importance (eg road conditions).

Click here to download a PDF of our tips to distribute to your drivers

WHAT'S NEW

TESTED THIS MONTH

CARMAKER NEWS

OUR FLEET

ACCIDENTS

SALES FIGURES

DEFLEETING

COMING SOON

F L EE T S A L E S F IGURE S

Fleet sales figures indicate downsizing is here to stay Fleets are continuing to opt for smaller-engined models

O

By Jay Nagley, Redspy Automotive verall fleet sales were down just 0.16% in July, wildly out of line with overall UK growth figures, which reported a huge drop of 0.7% in GDP in the second quarter – that is an annual decline of 2.8% which is on the border between recession and depression. Clearly, one of these two statistics must be misleading: either we are having terrible economic times and the car market is being forced to an artificially high level, or the economy is doing better than the official figures suggest. We think it is the latter,

Focus 1.0 Ecoboost is popular despite its small engine size

Hyundai sales figures were up 63.4%

that the economy really is broadly flat and the GDP figures will have to be significantly revised.

Within the car market, Ford proudly claimed that it had increased its share of the fleet market to 15.9% year to date from 15.4% for the same period in 2011. That is true, but its share rise has more to do with the fall in sales by Vauxhall than a big rise in Ford registrations. Ford does make one interesting point, however. It says 40% of sales of the Focus 1.0 Ecoboost engine are to fleets and insists that there is no resistance to the engine’s diminutive physical dimensions. That is pretty strong evidence that the downsizing trend is here to stay: if fleet managers are happy to buy medium-sized cars with 1.0-litre engines, then anyone will be. It will be interesting to see what will be the smallest engine in the 2013 Mondeo.

The biggest improvement this month came from Hyundai, up a massive 63.4%. It has now overtaken Toyota, which in turn is just ahead of Kia. These three marques are now in an intense war of their own, and it will be very interesting see how their fleet registrations develop in the final quarter of the year. Will one or all of them have an improbably good December as they seek end-of-year bragging rights?

Of the other Asian brands, Suzuki has more than doubled its fleet sales so far this year, while Mazda and Mitsubishi are both down by about 50%. The clue to the contrasting fortunes is that relatively few Suzukis come from Japan (around 85% are made in either Europe or India) while virtually all Mitsubishis and Mazdas do come from their home country. With the strength of the yen, these two companies have very little room for manoeuvre when it comes to dealing in the fleet market.

WHAT''S NEW

TESTED THIS MONTH

CARMAKER NEWS

OUR FLEET

ACCIDENTS

SALES FIGURES

DEFLEETING

COMING SOON

July July YTD YTD Manufacturer 2012 2011 % change 2012 2011 % change

Ford 10,825 11,915 -9.15% 96,436 94,185 2.39% Vauxhall 11,672 11,647 0.21% 79,870 100,118 -20.22% VW 7,503 9,037 -16.97% 63,032 64,614 -2.45% Audi 5,138 5,023 2.29% 41,578 40,006 3.93% BMW 4,255 4,988 -14.70% 41,541 41,797 -0.61% Peugeot 3,985 4,121 -3.30% 35,295 33,419 5.61% Nissan 4,491 3,974 13.01% 30,521 27,574 10.69% Mercedes-Benz 3,691 3,252 13.50% 28,120 25,807 8.96% Hyundai 2,719 1,664 63.40% 20,717 14,361 44.26% Toyota 2,345 2,122 10.51% 20,564 16,845 22.08% Kia 2,892 2,523 14.63% 20,036 15,231 31.55% CitroĂŤn 2,359 2,040 15.64% 18,325 18,096 1.27% Skoda 1,734 1,739 -0.29% 14,442 12,556 15.02% Honda 1,361 962 41.48% 12,721 10,998 15.67% Mini 1,174 867 35.41% 11,883 10,283 15.56% Volvo 1,134 1,242 -8.70% 11,832 12,085 -2.09% Seat 1,080 1,651 -34.59% 11,594 10,798 7.37% Renault 883 2,409 -63.35% 8,785 22,083 -60.22% Fiat 1,088 713 52.59% 8,163 5,841 39.75% Land Rover 1132 1006 12.52% 7,931 6,875 15.36% Chevrolet 529 534 -0.94% 6,248 3,809 64.03% Mazda 380 467 -18.63% 4,105 7,899 -48.03% Jaguar 471 457 3.06% 4,088 3,724 9.77% Suzuki 273 153 78.43% 2,765 988 179.86% Lexus 235 136 72.79% 2,676 2,023 32.28% Alfa Romeo 265 316 -16.14% 2,221 3,924 -43.40% Chrysler Jeep 254 44 477.27% 1,375 564 143.79% Smart 104 69 50.72% 1,151 968 18.90% Mitsubishi 46 150 -69.33% 954 2,024 -52.87% Subaru 29 10 190.00% 587 499 17.64% Porsche 86 86 0.00% 547 443 23.48% MG 4 13 -69.23% 423 60 605.00% Other 40 133 -69.92% 300 2,345 -89.01% Bentley 38 18 111.11% 262 243 7.82% SsangYong 40 0 0.00% 186 1 18,500.00% Aston Martin 20 22 -9.09% 178 233 -23.61% Total 74,275 75,503 -1.63% 611,452 613,319 -0.30%

DE-F L EE T ING

Year-on-year prices rise in str Stock shortage remains an issue as average age and mileage increases

U

than it first seems and is reflective of a significant

By Gareth Roberts sed fleet car values have increased in average mileage increase of more than 10,000 miles.

Year-on-year, nine of the 10 segments showed an value by up to 15% year-on-year, as increase in value, with only mini-MPVs lagging behind. stock remains in short supply.

BCA’s figures show that fleet and lease cars averBCA reports a 15% jump in values, aged £8,053 in July, up just £11 month-onwhile Manheim say the month, but the highest average monthly selling price for de-fleeted vehicles has value since Pulse began reporting in 2005. risen by more than 12% since July, 2011.

BCA’s communications director Tony This is despite an increase in both average Increase in 4x4 Gannon said: “The combination of lower new values at age and mileage at Manheim, at three car sales and the tendency for vehicle owners Manheim months and 162 miles respectively. to extend their replacement cycles simply The average selling price of ex-company means less stock is available to be sold. cars rose for half of the 10 vehicle “The real shortage is of good quality, ready segments, most notably for 4x4s, up more Average values to retail used cars, which is leading to fierce than 16% despite a rise in average age and for fleet and competition and generally rising values for mileage. Manheim says that this could lease cars at BCA the best examples.” potentially be down to an increase in the The National Association of Motor Auctions volume of large 4x4s in the basket.

(NAMA) reports that during July the average Compact executive models also saw an increase of almost 6% despite a rise in average values of used cars sold at auction across the board increased from £4,577 to £4,690, equivalent to a 2% mileage.

In contrast, Manheim reports mini-MPVs vehicles increase between June and July. The fleet sector saw the largest fall at just over 11%, although this recorded a more modest increase of 1%.

Andrew Hulme, NAMA chairman, said: “The followed a rise of 10% in June so is less dramatic

16%

£8,053

£6,620 £6,6 99

£8,053

July

£6,699

£8,042

Jun

£7,934 £6,634

May

£7,640 £6,712

Apr

£6,427

Mar

£7,714 £6,270

Feb

£6,157

£7,435

Jan

£5,561

£7,658

Manheim

Dec

£5,794

£7,388

Nov

£5,939

£7,287

Oct

£6,154

Sept

£5,945

Aug

July

£5,905

£7,000

£7,222

£7,557

BCA

£7,795

Average fleet and lease used values

WHAT'S NEW

TESTED THIS MONTH

CARMAKER NEWS

OUR FLEET

ACCIDENTS

SALES FIGURES

DEFLEETING

COMING SOON

rong market for ex-fleet cars combination of auction shortages and sales conversion rates increasing from 72% to 77% in July has helped to produce positive prices.

“Over the past couple of months with fewer cars concentrating trade demand, prices have been pushed up. This reduces the supply again and the cycle is repeated.”

Although the market for de-fleeting is facing the inevitable effects of the summer, things have not been as gloomy as first predicted.

The positive sentiment of the Jubilee and Olympic Games seems to have echoed through the used car market, with volumes recovering and values looking far healthier than this time last year.

Daren Wiseman, valuation services manager at Manheim Auctions, concluded: “While there is still a deal of uncertainty in the marketplace, the fleet sector is looking more buoyant than we might have expected six months ago. It will be interesting to see how the

Values are looking much healthier than this time last year latter portion of 2012 compares with the first half, as the first half of 2012 has looked far more positive for fleet managers looking to dispose of stock than the latter part of 2011, with percentage of new price retained also higher than the last six months of the previous year.”

Average LCV values recover in July Monthly values in the fleet and lease LCV sector improved from £4,965 in June to £5,029 in July, according to BCA. Performance against CAP climbed by two points to 99.8%, while retained value against manufacturer recommended price over 44 months and 72,000 miles was 31.96%, marginally up on June.

The year-on-year figures again highlight the longer term value growth across the fleet and lease sector. July 2012 was £416 (9%) ahead of the same month last year – despite the average van being two months older and 9,000 miles higher this year.

Duncan Ward, BCA’s general manager for

commercial vehicles, said: “Values remain relatively high because there is a real shortage of good quality, ready to retail used vans, which is leading to fierce competition and generally rising values for the best examples. This stock shortage is a long term issue and is unlikely to change while new van volumes languish well below pre-recession levels and the wider economic conditions remain so challenging.”

Ward concluded: “We have been advising our sellers for some time to review their remarketing activity to ensure their vans are presented in the most saleable condition to meet the demand that is there.”

C OMING S OON

COMING SOON...

BMW is introducing a new entry-level 1 Series variant with the launch of the three-door version. The 114i uses a version of the 1.6-litre petrol engine found in the 116i and 118i, producing 102bhp and with CO2 emissions of 132g/km, and P11D prices from £17,125 for the three-door, with annual BIK tax bills starting at less than £600. The five-door variants start with a P11D of £17,655 for the 114i ES.

BMW 114 I

On sale: September

Vauxhall has expanded its Tech Line trim aimed at company car drivers to include the Zafira Tourer MPV with prices starting from £19,785 on-the-road. The Zafria Tourer Tech Line comes with Navi 600 satellite navigation system, Bluetooth and 17-inch alloy wheels as standard. This is in addition to features such as chrome lower window mouldings and dark tinted rear glass. Four engines are offered: a 1.4 Turbo and 1.8-litre petrol or one of two 2.0-litre diesel units with 130PS or 165PS.

VAUXHALL ZAFIRA TOURER TECH LINE On sale: September

WHAT'S NEW

TESTED THIS MONTH

CARMAKER NEWS

OUR FLEET

ACCIDENTS

SALES FIGURES

DEFLEETING

COMING SOON

The new models you need to know about for the next 3 months Customers will be able to order the new Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake from mid-September, with prices starting at £49,360. The estate version of the CLS is a five-seater and a load area that expands from 590 litres to 1,550 litres with the rear seats folded. The CLS Shooting Brake will be available either as a 204bhp 250 CDI, a 265bhp 350 CDI or a high-performance CLS63 AMG. Standard equipment includes satellite navigation, leather upholstery, parking sensors, metallic paint and 18-inch alloy wheels.

HONDA CR-V On sale: October

MERCEDESBENZ CLS SHOOTING BRAKE On sale: September

Honda says the new CR-V is significantly more efficient than the current model, thanks in part to a new Eco Assist function, but also because, unlike today's car, a two-wheel drive model will be available. A 2.2-litre 148bhp i-DTEC diesel will offer just under 60mpg – a big improvement over today's 43.5mpg, 171g/km diesel.

One efficient day to help reduce costs Create your bespoke package for top best practice insights from industy experts

Breakout sessions include: Grey Fleet Management

Accident Prevention

• Understand the cost and risk of your grey fleet - and what you need to do about it

• The three keys to crash reduction – reduce all incidents by focusing on the driver, vehicle and journey

• New options to replace the grey fleet

• Expert guidance on key elements of accident prevention driver training, tracking, incentivising drivers, regular vehicle checking, inspections and licence checking

• Case study – how one fleet successfully made the change

Duty of Care • How a duty of care solution can reduce the number and severity of accidents • Why safety policies will cut fuel use and vehicle emissions • Quick ways to reduce your fleet costs through improved driver skills and behaviour

Fleet Software • Use fleet software to identify savings on the 3 largest fleet costs: fuel, accidents and maintenance

• Using technology to drive safety improvements – best practice ideas for introducing new systems

Funding • Facing the future of funding – overview of funding choices that could benefit your business • Blueprint for better fleet finances – how to choose the best funding option for your business • Adding value – how to adopt a partnership approach for a more effective fleet

• Software strategies to help you manage risk and grey fleet

Telematics / Journey management

Accident Management

• Telematics briefing – keeping up-to-date with trends that can help your business

• Crash course – understanding the timeline and consequences of accidents

• How this can improve safety, efficiency and cost aspects for your business

• How to minimise downtime and manage costs following collisions

• Telematics on the frontline – how technology is saving money and improving every day

• Case studies - how innovative thinking can have a real impact

• Critical actions you must take following incidents

Headline sponsor

Session sponsors

For further information please email sandra.evitt@bauermedia.co.uk or call 01733 468123.

www.fleetnewscongress.co.uk