Ignition by Fleet News - July 2013

Ignition Issue 13 July 2013

Car views and news by FleetNews

FIRST DRIVE: MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS

Is this the best car in the world?

GO S-Class sets new benchmark for luxury ●

Ford leads fleet GO sales growth ●

Registrations increase by largest amount for six months

All the latest GO cars tested ●

Reports include VW Golf Bluemotion, Audi A3 saloon

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F IR S T DRI V E

RAISING THE BENCHMARK MERCEDES-BENZ S350 NEED TO KNOW

n Larger, lighter and more efficient than predecessor n Best-in-class low CO2 emissions n Hi-tech showcase for safety, comfort and luxury

W

BLUETEC SE LINE

By Simon Harris

hen Mercedes-Benz introduces a new S-Class, it unashamedly talks of setting out to build the best car in the world.

It may sound like a bullish claim but it is worth indulging the German company as the S-Class is what others in the luxury saloon sector use as their benchmark.

In the UK, more than half of S-Class models sold are intended for fleet and business use, long-wheelbase models take a third of total sales and the diesel variant has been the most popular for the past 10 years, no doubt influenced by the high proportion of company purchases.

The new model line-up includes the latest six-cylinder Bluetec diesel, but choices have broadened to include a petrol-electric hybrid S400 L, while the petrol V8 is available in long-wheelbase S500 L form only.

Inside, two high-resolution colour displays greet the driver – the screen on the right (in right-hand drive models) serves as the instrument cluster, while the second screen shows infotainment and climate control functions.

The S-Class will be available in either SE Line or AMG Line equipment grades (AMG Line only on S500 L). The SE Line (starting at ÂŁ62,650 OTR for the S350 Bluetec SE Line) includes 18-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint, leather upholstery, reversing camera, Comand online multimedia and navigation system,

FIRST DRIVE

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

The S350 can take action to prevent or lessen the effects of rear-end collisions New IS is more comfortable than before intelligent light system, electrically-adjustable heated front seats, DAB and keyless start. It has high-gloss, dark brown eucalyptus wood trim.

AMG Line variants (starting at £67,685 OTR) add the AMG sports package (styling and chassis changes), visible exhaust pipe finishers, nappa leather upholstery, two-spoke steering wheel, high-gloss black poplar wood trim and brushed stainless steel pedals.

The S400 L hybrid has CO2 emissions of 147g/km and is in the same BIK tax band as the equivalent S350 Bluetec diesel models, but does not attract the 3% diesel supplement (the S350 Bluetec does for a couple more years), so for those who pay company car tax, there should be little to choose between them.

The 258bhp S350 Bluetec will still be the favourite, however, as there is currently no more capable vehicle on the road that performs the role of four-seat luxury express. It is relatively frugal, too, and achieves similar figures to the 204bhp front-wheel drive Audi A8 3.0 TDI and the best BMW can offer with the 730d.

It covers ground in near silence on the motorway and, although larger than its predecessor, never feels too big to tackle minor roads. The cabin remains a serene environment enveloping the occupants in luxury.

The latest safety systems available include more functions using the cameras hidden in a pod behind the rear-view mirror.

Depending on the features selected, the S-Class can follow the vehicle in front in stop-start traffic, remaining within the lane and braking to a standstill with no intervention from the driver other than to approve the car taking control. The lane-keeping system can also sense if the car is at risk of drifting toward an oncoming vehicle and use the braking system to bring the car back into line.

COSTS P11D price £62,455 BIK tax band 24% Annual BIK tax (40%) £5,996 Class 1A NIC £2,069 Annual VED £140 RV (4yr/80k) £16,900/27% Fuel cost 12.25ppm Running cost 77.51ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 2,987 Power (bhp) 258 CO2 (g/km) 146 Fuel economy (mpg) 51.4 Max speed (mph) 155 0-62mph (sec) 6.8

To compare running costs, click here

T E S T ED T HIS MON T H

Toyota Auris TS 1.8 Hybrid Excel

Significant reductions in benefit-in-kind tax liability promise to boost interest in the first compact estate model to feature a petrol-electric powertrain, predicts Toyota.

And hybrid versions should soon be accounting for the lion’s share of fleet take-up for the new Auris Touring Sports model, believes Toyota GB president Jon Williams.

“This is the right car for the times,” he said. “As the squeeze continues on business overheads, many drivers are putting their transport costs under the microscope."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Suzuki SX4 S-Cross 1.6DDI SZ-T 4WD

Suzuki has had a steadily growing presence in the fleet sector over the past few years, largely due to targeting the right type of business with the Swift – a competent and good value small car.

Its next new model will be aimed squarely at user-choosers and has used the hugely successful Nissan Qashqai as a benchmark.

The Suzuki SX4 S-Cross will arrive in the UK in October and of particular interest to fleets will be the diesel version – a 120bhp 1.6-litre engine supplied by Fiat – which offers CO2 emissions of 110g/km for the front-wheel drive version.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Audi A3 saloon 2.0 TDI Sport

Audi will be aiming to make the most of another chance to boost registrations in Britain when its next new car rolls into showrooms in September.

The manufacturer is convinced that a more upmarket version of its A3 will be so successful that it could create a fresh niche sales area in the compact premium sector, although it seems no one has alerted Audi to the slightly earlier arrival of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.

“We have a pretty good track record when it comes to spotting opportunities for growth,” said product marketing manager Rob Morris.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

FIRST DRIVE

TESTED THIS MONTH

Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Zetec Econetic

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

Ford is targeting fleets with a broader low-CO2 offering in the Focus range and catching up with the growing range of sub-100g/km medium cars on the market.

The five-door 1.6 TDCi Zetec Econetic emits 99g/km of CO2 to attract a benefit-in-kind rate of 14%. It also offers official combined fuel economy of 76.4mpg.

For even lower emissions, drivers can opt for the 88g/km Edge derivative which has less generous standard equipment, but for most people the Zetec should be the best compromise.

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Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI Bluemotion

A 15% fuel economy improvement is expected to drive the most frugal version of the Volkswagen Golf to the top of the wish-list for fleet operators battling to contain spiralling motoring costs.

Offering 88.3mpg on the official combined cycle, the latest Bluemotion model promises to deliver meaningful further reductions in operating overheads, believes Volkswagen UK product manager Mike Bennett.

“Economy approaching 90mpg from a vehicle with all the practicality, comfort and safety of the Golf has to be a very attractive proposition,” he said.

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Nissan Note 1.2 DIG-S Acenta

Nissan is keen to emphasise that its new Note isn’t a boxy people carrier like the old model. It’s gunning for the Ford Fiesta and does not want to be associated with the letters ‘M’, ‘P’ or ‘V’.

This is primarily down to the poor reception of the latest Micra prompting Nissan to revise its strategy in the small car segment.

With a range of technology available, Nissan is hoping to tempt younger buyers. This includes an around view monitor – first seen on the Qashqai – which displays a bird’s eye view image of the car.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

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

Fleet sector outshone by retail Business registrations increase as strong incentives drive private purchases

T

By Jay Nagley, Redspy Automotive he fleet proportion of the overall market was 50.2% in June. That was 3.5 percentage points down on June 2012, while year-to-date it is down three percentage points on the first half of 2012.

That suggests the decline in the fleet proportion is fairly consistent this year.

On the plus side, the fleet market is growing – just not as quickly as the retail market.

At 6.1%, the growth in the fleet market in June was the highest since January (6.4%). To put that into perspective, the retail market grew by a remarkable 21.3% in June, helped by strong incentives and a gradually more encouraging economic outlook (and, it has been suggested, compensation payouts from PPI mis-selling, which are frequently enough to put down a deposit on a new car).

At manufacturer level, Ford increased registrations sharply after a difficult start to the year due to supply shortages and a poor order bank.

Registrations of most Ford models were up in June, with the biggest rise coming from the new B-Max, which is now comfortably the best-selling B-segment MPV in both retail and fleet.

Ford’s main fleet rival, Vauxhall, grew broadly in line with the overall market, with most major models

Honda's market share should increase when its 1.6-litre diesel is offered in the CR-V

Ford's B-Max is the best-selling B-segment MPV in both fleet and retail markets

seeing sales increases. The exception was the Insignia (down 22% in June and down 20% YTD), reflecting the inexorable decline of upper-medium models.

The Ampera range-extender seems mortally wounded in the UK. Its fleet sales YTD are down by almost half to just 51 units, and its total sales YTD are down by more than a third to 150 units.

Of the other major fleet manufacturers, the biggest growth has come from Citroën (up 29.4% YTD). This has been spearheaded by the evergreen DS3, but all DS models have increased fleet sales significantly so far this year. DS models are currently taking 44.7% of total Citroën fleet sales.

Further down the table, Jaguar saw an uncharacteristic drop of 7.7% in June – the first time a sales fall has effectively been mandated by the Government. Its decision to reduce the write-down allowance limit to 130g/km of CO2, when Jaguar’s lowest figure was 133g/km, was an amazing gift to the German motor industry.

It will be a few more months before the tax incentivecompliant 2014 model year XF hits the roads.

The other company waiting for a new engine to lift its fleet fortunes is Honda – the 1.6-litre diesel will arrive in the CR-V later this year and should significantly lift its market share.

FIRST DRIVE

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

June June YTD YTD Manufacturer fleet 2013 fleet 2012 % change 2013 2012 % change

Ford 16,799 13,345 25.88% 81,129 85,611 -5.24% Vauxhall 14,499 13,516 7.27% 74,606 68,192 9.41% Volkswagen 10,906 10,329 5.59% 55,535 55,529 0.01% BMW 8,805 8,779 0.30% 36,092 37,286 -3.20% Audi 6,494 6,473 0.32% 37,677 36,440 3.39% Peugeot 5,487 5,739 -4.39% 31,465 31,310 0.50% Mercedes-Benz 5,178 4,581 13.03% 28,692 24,429 17.45% Nissan 4,787 4,911 -2.52% 29,874 26,030 14.77% Hyundai 3,846 3,973 -3.20% 20,613 17,998 14.53% Toyota 3,603 3,230 11.55% 18,151 18,219 -0.37% CitroĂŤn 3,449 3,150 9.49% 20,665 15,966 29.43% Kia 3,226 3,239 -0.40% 16,440 17,144 -4.11% Skoda 3,134 2,318 35.20% 13,960 12,708 9.85% Honda 2,477 2,579 -3.96% 11,879 11,360 4.57% Fiat 2,630 1,567 67.84% 9,777 7,075 38.19% Volvo 2,243 1,927 16.40% 11,195 10,698 4.65% Seat 2,137 2,035 5.01% 10,978 10,514 4.41% Mini 1,853 3,654 -49.29% 8,583 10,709 -19.85% Land Rover 1,436 1,297 10.72% 8,352 6,799 22.84% Renault 1,420 1,189 19.43% 7,231 7,902 -8.49% Mazda 685 570 20.18% 4,607 3,725 23.68% Jaguar 636 689 -7.69% 3,897 3,617 7.74% Chevrolet 627 712 -11.94% 3,144 5,721 -45.04% Suzuki 402 402 0.00% 2,615 2,492 4.94% Lexus 395 409 -3.42% 2,110 2,441 -13.56% Chrysler 103 175 -41.14% 825 723 14.11% Smart 102 255 -60.00% 1,093 1,047 4.39% Mitsubishi 97 52 86.54% 1,237 908 36.23% Alfa Romeo 91 315 -71.11% 983 1,956 -49.74% Porsche 77 78 -1.28% 475 461 3.04% Jeep 62 87 -28.74% 346 398 -13.07% Bentley 42 26 61.54% 178 224 -20.54% Dacia 42 0 0.00% 211 0 0.00% Subaru 39 13 200.00% 394 558 -29.39% Aston Martin 32 12 166.67% 184 158 16.46% SsangYong 10 10 0.00% 106 146 -27.40% Other 32 38 -15.79% 262 679 -61.41% Total 107,883 101,674 6.11% 555,561 537,173 3.42%

F UEL P RICE S

5

1 BIRMINGHAM Diesel 138.84 Unleaded 133.85 LPG 67.9

6 EXETER Diesel 140.9 Unleaded 136.12 LPG 71.9

2 BRIGHTON Diesel 138.25 Unleaded 132.76* LPG N/A

7 HEREFORD Diesel 138.65 Unleaded 135.9 LPG N/A

3 CAMBRIDGE Diesel 141.4** Unleaded 136.28** LPG 71.68

8 LEEDS Diesel 138.9 Unleaded 134.98 LPG 69.9

4 DERBY Diesel 138.1 Unleaded 134.08 LPG 68.9

9 LIVERPOOL Diesel 138.13 Unleaded 134.28 LPG N/A

5 EDINBURGH Diesel 139.9 Unleaded 134.15 LPG N/A

10 LONDON Diesel 140.14 Unleaded 134.58 LPG N/A 11 MANCHESTER Diesel 139.41 Unleaded 134.62 LPG 66.12*

8

9 11

4 1 7

6

13

12 3 14 10 2

12 NORWICH Diesel 140.3 Unleaded 134 LPG N/A 13 OXFORD Diesel 139.5 Unleaded 134.76 LPG 72.9** 14 WATFORD Diesel 137.9* Unleaded 133.52 LPG N/A

For full UK fuel price figures Click here * Cheapest ** Most expensive

OUR F L EE T

VAUXHALL AMPERA

ELECTRON

Range-extender averages 138.5mpg after first month with Fleet News NEED TO KNOW

n Plug-in charge allows 40 miles of range n BIK percentage charge of 5%

Ampera has official combined fuel economy of 235.4mpg

COSTS P11D price £38,940 BIK tax band 5% Annual BIK tax (20%) £389 Class 1A NIC £267 Annual VED £0 RV (4yr/40k) £12,825/33% Fuel cost (ppm) 2.6ppm AFR (ppm) N/A Running cost (4yr/40k) 74.36ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,398 Power (bhp) 150 (electric motor) Torque lb-ft 273 CO2 (g/km) 27 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 235.4 Max speed (mph) 100 0-62mph (sec) 8.7 Test mpg 138.5 Current mileage 9,200 *Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/40k)

Click here for other Vauxhall tests

I

By Simon Harris t’s more than a year since Vauxhall launched the Ampera in the UK, and Fleet News has recently taken delivery of one of those first vehicles.

Wearing a 12-plate and with almost 9,000 miles on the clock, it will be with us for the next six months which, with EV charging points at our Peterborough office, should give the Ampera a chance to shine.

I live 19 miles from the office so it’s possible for me to drive home from work and back the next morning without having to recharge. If I plot a route that takes me through the low speed limits of Peterborough city centre I can complete the route with seven miles of battery range left, according to the on-board computer.

I’ve also had cause to use the car for a few longer trips over the first month, but the advantage of the Ampera over a pure electric plug-in car is that this type of occasional journey can be done without having to worry about range.

The bottom line is that after four weeks and around 500 miles it has used about half a tank of petrol (the tank is only 7.5 gallons) as most miles have been covered under plug-in charge. This has given average fuel economy of 138.5mpg.

Of course, the official test cycle fuel consumption is a rather fanciful 235.4mpg, although readers will be familiar with the flaws of making fuel cost predictions on the basis of the official figures.

However, a fleet using the plug-in charge for 90% of the time could see a figure like that, and any company car achieving 138mpg would be music to the ears of any finance director.

FIRST DRIVE

TESTED THIS MONTH

TOYOTA AURIS

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

HYBRID EXCEL 1.8 CVT

Striking design distances new hatchback from its bland predecessor

I

By Andrew Ryan nteresting isn't a word normally associated with the previous-generation Toyota Auris, but the new model is a different case altogether.

If the last model's jelly-mould design could be likened to a shapeless tracksuit, the new one wears an altogether sharper suit.

A mix of straight lines, a steeply-raked windscreen, an angular front end and a back which has more than a passing resemblance to that of the Lexus CT 200h gives the new hatchback a purposeful look, while the cabin is full of swooping lines, as well as different shapes and materials for an ultra-modern appearance.

It looks like Toyota has made a concerted effort to distance its lower-medium car as far as possible from its predecessor, barring changing its name.

The good news continues with the level of standard equipment. Our test model is in top-of-the range Excel trim, and standard features include park assist, dualzone climate control, cruise control, heated front seats, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and keyless entry and start.

Safety equipment includes a driver's knee airbag, curtain airbag, whiplash injury lessening front seats, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, and vehicle stability control. The Auris has achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

Our test car is also fitted with the optional £650 Touch & Go media system, which includes a 6.1-inch touchscreen, sat-nav, Google local search connectivity and rear-view camera.

On the road, the early signs in our six-month test have been encouraging as the Auris offers plenty of refinement as well as a comfortable ride.

NEED TO KNOW

n CO2 emissions of 91g/km n 10% benefit-inkind tax rating

COSTS P11D price £22,090 BIK tax band 10% Annual BIK tax (20%) £442 Class 1A NIC £305 Annual VED £0 RV (4yr/80k) £5,425/25% Fuel cost (ppm) 8.41 AFR (ppm) 17 Running cost (4yr/80k) 32.79ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,798 Power (bhp) 98/80 (engine/electric) Torque lb-ft 105/153 (engine/electric) CO2 (g/km) 91 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 72.4 Max speed (mph) 112 0-62mph (sec) 10.9 Test mpg 58.8 Current mileage 6,327 *Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

An angular front end and steeply-raked windscreen give the Auris sharp looks

Click here for other Toyota tests

OUR F L EE T

2.0 TDI HIGHLINE BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Saloon performs rare trick of keeping both adults and children happy NEED TO KNOW n Solid lumbar support n CO2 emissions of 119g/km

COSTS P11D price £23,175 BIK tax band 18% Annual BIK tax (20%) £834 Class 1A NIC £576 Annual VED £0 then £30 RV (4yr/80k) £5,825/25% Fuel cost (ppm) 10.26 AFR (ppm) 14 Running cost (4yr/80k) 35.49ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,968 Power (bhp) 140 Torque lb-ft 236 CO2 (g/km) 119 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 61.4 Max speed (mph) 132 0-62mph (sec) 9.8 Test mpg 54.5 Current mileage 5,796

Click here for previous Passat tests *Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

Passat offers ample leg and headroom

L

By Stephen Briers umbar support is a wonderful addition to the modern driver seat. Those of us now suffering from spending their formative years slumped over school desks and, latterly, hunched over laptops, appreciate the respite offered by a forced upright position and support for the lower back.

Not only does this improve posture and reduce back pain, it also improves driver safety. Long journeys in our Volkswagen Passat mean less fidgeting now we have established the optimum seating position. And this means better concentration.

On some cars, the lumbar support appears to deflate during the journey; on the Passat it stays pretty solid, only occasionally requiring a minor readjustment.

Four months into our year-long test and I’m discovering new family-friendly features on the Passat. The latest was the centre arm rest in the rear seats which pulls down and clicks out to reveal handy cup holders which are perfect for kids’ water bottles (while offering a handy ‘seat’ for their favourite soft toys).

Meanwhile, for the grown-ups, the Passat offers, in addition to the aforementioned supportive seats, the triple-whammy of ample leg and headroom, a smooth ride and an iPod USB connection that actually works with a fifth generation model.

It’s a rare trick for a car to keep both adults and children happy, but the Passat ticks all the boxes for a family company car.

FIRST DRIVE

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

MAZDA6

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

2.2 D 150 SPORT NAV

Sophisticated hill-hold function proves almost undetectable

I

By Simon Harris n last month’s Mazda6 review I wrote about the lack of an automatic brake holding function. Mazda pointed out to me afterwards that it does, indeed, exist on manual versions of the car, such as ours, and that, despite 9,000 miles behind the wheel and three opportunities to drive the car at length before we took delivery, this feature had escaped me.

However, its deployment is not as obvious as it is in, for example, the Volkswagen Passat we are also running on test. The Passat has a button that ensures the auto-hold function is activated every time the car comes to a stop and the brake pedal is released.

For the Mazda6, the feature is activated only when sensors detect an incline of 2º or greater.

My commute doesn’t really contain many roads where this takes place. I live in Lincolnshire where the horizon is visible in all directions.

There are a few sliproad ramps, but it seems even these (or at least my stopping position on them) aren’t always steep enough to trigger it. I have since made a few concerted attempts at junctions where the car is facing uphill, and can verify that it does work, holding the car for a second after the brake pedal is released – enough time to find the biting point and accelerate away before the car rolls back.

I suspect the benefit of the system being so sophisticated as to use sensors to detect whether its activation is necessary is a reduction in brake wear; the technology means there would be fewer instances of wear from friction compared with a similar system that didn’t deactivate when not needed.

Mazda6's average test fuel economy is 51.4mpg

NEED TO KNOW

n Hill-hold function works on inclines of 2º or greater n Potential to help minimise SMR costs

COSTS P11D price £25,540 BIK tax band 16% Annual BIK tax (20%) £817 Class 1A NIC £564 Annual VED £0 then £30 RV (4yr/80k) £6,075/24% Fuel cost (ppm) 9.47 AFR (ppm) 18 Running cost (4yr/80k) 39.8ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 2,191 Power (bhp) 150 Torque (lb-ft) 280 CO2 (g/km) 108 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 67.3 Max speed (mph) 131 0-62mph (sec) 9.0 Test mpg 51.4 Current mileage 9,507

Click here for previous Mazda6 tests *Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

OUR F L EE T

D2 SE NAV

VOLVO V40

Hatchback may cost more than premium rivals, but what price safety?

NEED TO KNOW

n City Safety autonomous braking system is standard n Average test fuel economy of 52.5mpg

COSTS P11D price £22,740 BIK tax band (2013/14) 13% Annual BIK tax (20%) £591 Class 1A NIC £408 Annual VED £0 RV (4yr/80k) £6,602/31% Fuel cost (ppm) 8.31 AFR (ppm) 15 Running cost (4yr/80k) 33.06ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,560 Power (bhp) 115 Torque lb-ft 270 CO2 (g/km) 94 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 78.5 Max speed (mph) 118 0-62mph (sec) 11.7 Test mpg 52.5 Current mileage 14,250 *Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

Click here for previous V40 tests

V40 is in the 13% benefit-in-kind tax band

T

By Gareth Roberts hree months after first climbing behind the wheel of the Volvo V40, I will be sad to see it leave the Fleet News fleet.

Apart from its eye-catching good looks, I have been most impressed by its City Safety technology.

At first the intermittent beeping and flashing of lights warning of potential hazards tested my patience, but it was not long before it won me over.

At low speeds, the autonomous braking system uses a sensor positioned at the top of the windscreen to monitor an area 10 metres ahead of the car for vehicles which might present a threat of collision.

If a collision is likely, City Safety first pre-charges the brakes and makes the Emergency Brake Assist system more sensitive so that, if the driver should notice the risk, the car is ready to respond more quickly to their braking action. However, if the driver still takes no action and a collision becomes imminent, City Safety independently applies the brakes very hard.

The system can become frustrating when it picks up on parked vehicles which pose no threat at all when, for example, driving on a housing estate. But after having a vehicle suddenly brake in front of me, those minor irritations were put in perspective. The City Safety system cut in and applied the brakes and, while I reacted only a split second afterwards, any potential collision was avoided.

It’s true that the V40 D2 SE Nav’s P11D price of £22,740 may be slightly higher than some of its rivals, but what price safety? And, with CO2 emissions of 94g/km and fuel efficiency figures of 74.3mpg, even if I only managed a high of 56.5mpg, a 13% BIK tax band will only enhance its appeal.

FIRST DRIVE

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

1.6 I-DTEC ES-T

HONDA CIVIC

Estate version could address lack of rear headroom in hatchback NEED TO KNOW

n Tourer version unveiled at Geneva Motor Show n Average test fuel economy of 65.6mpg

COSTS Minor niggles have detracted from the experience of running a Civic

I

By John Maslen t seems the Civic will soon have a sibling in the form of a Tourer version that was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

I have high hopes that it may resolve some rear-seat shortcomings that are apparent in our long-term hatchback.

I was recently demoted to the back row and found the exterior styling made for much less headroom than I expected. At 5 feet 8 inches I am not particularly tall, but my head pressed firmly against the roof if I let it lean on the headrest.

It is difficult to be certain from the first pictures of the Tourer Concept, but the longer roof should provide a bit more space for rear seat passengers.

It would also be a good opportunity to make a couple of other minor tweaks that I would really like to see introduced.

The first is the placing of the fuel cap release. Its current home is out of sight in the driver’s footwell, next to the bonnet release. It’s very hard to reach and almost impossible to see without actually getting out of the car and bending under the steering wheel.

The second niggle nestles under the bonnet. A shortage of washer fluid had me reaching for the cap to top up the reservoir, at which point it dropped into the engine bay, a problem a little loop of plastic linking the washer bottle to the cap would avoid.

These are only minor niggles, but every little helps in the battle for company car drivers.

P11D price £21,720 BIK tax band 13% Annual BIK tax (20%) £565 Class 1A NIC £390 Annual VED £0 RV (4yr/80k) £6,725/31% Fuel cost (ppm) 8.31ppm AFR (ppm) 12 Running cost (4yr/80k) 30.3ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,597 Power (bhp) 120 Torque (lb-ft) 221 CO2 (g/km) 94 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 78.5 Max speed (mph) 129 0-62mph (sec) 10.5 Test mpg 65.6 Current mileage 4,735 *Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

Click here for previous Civic tests

OUR F L EE T

T27 2.0TDI BLUEMOTION

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

Bluemotion fuel-saving technology has helped van be surprisingly frugal NEED TO KNOW n Transporter provides exemplary service n Fuel-saving technology does not compromise ability

COSTS Price (exc VAT) £19,035 RV (4yr/80k) £4,675/25% Fuel cost (ppm) 14.57 Volume (cu m) 5.8 Running cost (ppm) 36.36 GVW (kg) 2,700 Towing (kg) 2,200

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,968 Power (bhp) 114 Torque (lb-ft) 114 CO2 (g/km) 166 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 44.8 Max speed (mph) 102 0-62mph (sec) 14.8 Test mpg 38.0 Current mileage 1,5,19

Click here for previous Transporter tests *Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

Transporter Bluemotion is helping Volkswagen push the boundaries of fuel economy

T

By Simon Harris hree months in the Volkswagen Transporter Bluemotion have flown by and during that time its work has covered varied tasks, from commuting to carrying to a few long-distance runs.

In that time it has proved surprisingly frugal, often achieving near the official combined figure of 44.8mpg when unladen, and still almost reaching 40mpg when worked hard.

The Bluemotion features would no doubt give it a small advantage over other similar Transporters in the range, but it’s good to see that Volkswagen is pushing the boundaries of fuel economy (along with other van manufacturers) and offering choices that would strike a chord with businesses' environmental policies.

As for comfort, the cab is pretty good for a van. I recently spent a week in another T5-derived vehicle, the Caravelle Business, which was leather-upholstered and gadget-laden, but the driving experience was similar with the exception of the six-seater’s 180bhp bi-turbo diesel and the seven-speed DSG automatic (although both are offered in the Transporter range). And it’s no surprise that the Transporter Shuttle is often seen on private-hire airport taxi duty.

One of the options has proved surprisingly useful – as well as providing an excellent non-slip surface, the £125 floor covering is also padded and helps reduce the risk of heavy non-tethered items moving during the journey. It allowed a number of heavy items of furniture to be moved without incident or damage.

FIRST DRIVE

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

A180 CDI BLUE EFFICIENCY SE

MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS

Renault-sourced diesel engine produces CO2 emissions of 98g/km Features such as cruise control are an optional extra

NEED TO KNOW n Standard safety equipment includes attention assist and collision prevention assist n Strong residual values

COSTS

U

By Sarah Tooze ntil recently, I wrongly assumed that the A-Class had a Mercedes-Benz engine under the bonnet. In fact, its 1.5-litre diesel engine has been supplied by Renault.

It’s the first time Mercedes-Benz has used an outsourced engine in its cars. So why has it chosen a Renault engine? It’s simply about lowering CO2 emissions.

The A-Class’s 98g/km CO2 figure isn’t quite class leading – the Volvo V40 has emissions of just 94g/km – but it is 1g/km below key premium rivals the Audi A3 1.6 TDI and the BMW 116d EfficientDynamics.

Aside from CO2 emissions, the A-Class’s safety equipment will appeal to fleets. Standard features include attention assist, brake pad wear warning indicator, collision prevention assist, crash-responsive emergency lighting, ESP with Acceleration Skid Control, and an anti-lock braking system with Brake Assist.

Our test car is also fitted with a lane tracking package (which includes blind spot assist and lane-keeping assist) for £770 and Pre-Safe anticipatory safety system for £340. But other features that a company car driver might expect to be standard, such as cruise control, are optional extras.

It doesn’t make it seem as good value as other C-segment cars we have recently tested although the badge brings the benefit of strong residual values.

P11D price £21,170 BIK tax band (2013/14) 14% Annual BIK tax (20%) £593 Class 1A NIC £409 Annual VED £0 RV (4yr/80k) £6,935/33% Fuel cost (ppm) 8.78 AFR (ppm) 12 Running cost (4yr/80k) 29.78ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,461 Power (bhp) 109 Torque lb-ft 192 CO2 (g/km) 98 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 74.3 Max speed (mph) 118 0-62mph (sec) 11.3 Test mpg 60.1 Current mileage 6,448 *Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

Click here for previous A-Class tests

OUR F L EE T

SEAT LEON

1.6 TDI SE

Range set to make greater impact in fleet sector with more variants NEED TO KNOW

n Official combined fuel economy of 74.3mpg n CO2 emissions of 99g/km

COSTS P11D price £18,435 BIK tax band 14% Annual BIK tax (20%) £516 Class 1A NIC £356 Annual VED £0 RV (4yr/80k) £4,940/27% Fuel cost (ppm) 8.48 AFR (ppm) 12 Running cost (4yr/80k) 27.97ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,598 Power (bhp) 103 Torque lb-ft 184 CO2 (g/km) 99 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 74.3 Max speed (mph) 119 0-62mph (sec) 10.7 Test mpg 62 Current mileage 2,500 *Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

Click here for all our Seat road tests

A package including LED headlights is available for free as part of a launch offer

I

By Maurice Glover mproved equipment levels and keen pricing promise to play a key role in turning the latest version of a popular Seat family car into a more tempting proposition in the fleet sector.

As the Spanish firm’s first C-segment model to embrace coupé and estate versions, the new Leon is about to get the wider base of appeal it needs to continue an impressive expansion in sales over the past four years.

For the moment, however, the third-generation hatchback is billed as a leader in its class and we’re putting the claim under scrutiny by adding the new car to our long-term test fleet.

Our 1.6 TDI SE is the model most suited to fleet use. In standard trim, it stands on 16-inch alloy wheels and boasts height and reach adjustable steering, air conditioning, cruise control, hill-hold, a handy centre adjustable armrest with a storage box underneath and a driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment.

As part of the new model launch offer, our car has LED headlights, digital radio and satellite navigation – initially packaged at the reduced price of £500 but now offered free until the end of September.

It also comes with tiredness recognition (£115), rain-sensing wipers and auto rear mirror (£100) and front and rear parking sensors with an optical display (£430), making it particularly well equipped.

With 1,900 miles on the clock, the TDI motor spins freely, pulling away with vigour.

From a cold start, it’s clear that a diesel engine lies under the bonnet, but the clatter soon dies away as the speed rises to make progress generally subdued.

FIRST DRIVE

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

AUDI A3 SPORTBACK

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

1.6 TDI SPORT

Is the ability to choose the handling style of your car really necessary?

NEED TO KNOW

n Drive select feature has five modes n Average test fuel economy of 50.6mpg

COSTS

Audi A3's interior is packed with technology

I

By Luke Neal t's mind-boggling to think of the kind of technology that is now available across most brands. It wasn't that many years ago when the optional extras list consisted of features such as electric windows, central locking and air conditioning, all of which are now largely fitted as standard on all cars.

Instead they have been replaced on the options list by equipment such as lane departure systems, reversing cameras and automatic parallel parking.

This improvement in technology and standard equipment is a good thing, as many features are systems you would now not want to be without, like sat-nav and parking sensors, although other 'advances' can be more gimmicky.

One feature on the A3 Sportback which, for me, falls between the two is the Audi ‘drive select’ system. This is a clever device which changes the car's driving characteristics at the touch of a button to best suit your needs. There are five modes to choose from: Comfort, Dynamic, Auto, Efficiency and Individual.

Aimed at long distances, Comfort adjusts your set-up to create a more relaxing ride. Dynamic changes the settings for a sportier driving experience, adjusting steering and throttle response. Auto mode adapts the system depending on the current driving situation while Individual allows you to configure the dynamics of the car to your own preferences.

Although I have tried out the different settings, I quickly reverted to Auto mode which I imagine most people do. Having a car with the ability to automatically optimise its performance depending on the situation is impressive enough, but the manual adjustment is just a little too close to gimmicky for me.

P11D price £22,320 BIK tax band 14% Annual BIK tax (20%) £625 Class 1A NIC £431 Annual VED £0 RV (4yr/80k) £7,375/33% Fuel cost (ppm) 8.48 AFR (ppm) 12 Running cost (4yr/80k) 31.3ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,598 Power (bhp) 147 Torque lb-ft 236 CO2 (g/km) 99 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 74.3 Max speed (mph) 121 0-62mph (sec) 10.9 Test mpg 50.6 Current mileage 2,198 *Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

Click here for previous A3 Sportback tests

T E S T ED T HIS MON T H

FOR A F UL L NE W C A R L AUNCH C A L ENDA R , CL ICK HERE

COMING SOON...

Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer On sale: winter Vauxhall will add a rugged, SUV-inspired, all-purpose estate to its Insignia range later this year.

Known as the Insignia Country Tourer and based on the Sports Tourer model but with all-wheel drive, higher ground clearance and chunkier styling, the new

car will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

There will be a choice of two turbodiesel engines: a 2.0-litre BiTurbo CDTi, producing 195bhp, and a 2.0-litre CDTi with 165bhp.

Suzuki Swift 4x4 On sale: August

Citroën Grand C4 Picasso On sale: winter Citroën has released pictures of its new Grand C4 Picasso and announced that CO2 emissions have been slashed across the range.

The 91bhp e-HDi Airdream combined with the semi-automatic gearbox emits 98g/km of CO2 with 74.3mpg. The more powerful e-HDi 115 is expected to be the biggest seller, and can achieve 70.6mpg while emitting 105g/km. A Euro6-compliant BlueHDi engine produces 110g/km of CO2.

Increased ground clearance and freshly facelifted, the Swift 4x4 uses a 94bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine to deliver occasional 4x4 ability in a compact package.

CO2 emissions are 126g/km and the car has a more rugged look than the standard car.

It’s priced at £15,739 on the road.

FIRST DRIVE

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

New models you need to know about in the next few months

Nissan Micra facelift On sale: September

Nissan has given its Micra a substantial makeover to make it more appealing to a wider audience thanks to quirky new looks and a raft of technology as standard.

Volkswagen Golf estate On sale: September

The new Volkswagen Golf estate is open for ordering, with prices starting at £17,915 on the road.

Priced at £765 more than the equivalent five-door Golf hatchback, the Golf estate is available in S, SE and GT equipment grades, with the same standard features. The Golf estate’s loadspace volume is 605 litres (loaded up to the back seat backrest).

The changes start outside, where the new grille brings the ‘face’ of the Micra in line with the rest of the Nissan range. The interior now benefits from dash-mounted aux-in and USB slots and will also be available with the latest NissanConnect navigation and communication system.

Mazda3 On sale: autumn

When the all-new Mazda3 goes on sale in the UK later this year, the model line-up will once again include two bodystyles – hatchback and a saloon called Fastback.

The 100bhp Skyactiv-G 1.5-litre petrol engine is a new, efficient design, delivering up to 56.4mpg (combined cycle) paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. CO2 is from 118g/km.

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