Ignition November 2013

Ignition Issue 17 Nov 2013

Car views and news by FleetNews

FIRST DRIVE: SEAT LEON ST

Stylish Leon gets booted and suited GO Estate will be ideal for many companies’ needs ●

Registrations flat GO in fleet sector ●

Top four manufacturers all see sales drop in October

All the latest GO cars tested ●

Reports include BMW i3 and Citroën Grand C4 Picasso

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F IR S T DRI V E

PRACTICALITY IN A DESIRABLE PACKAGE

Leon ST provides capacious carrying capacity and low running costs

SEAT LEON ST NEED TO KNOW

n First estate version of the Leon n 87g/km of CO2 Ecomotive available from launch

T

2.0 TDI FR

By Simon Harris he Leon is proving to be a significant car for Seat. Its previous two generations have been offered only as a five-door hatchback, but the latest version was planned with multiple body styles from its inception.

Seat has long offered a compact estate car in the Ibiza ST (and previously the Cordoba Vario estate based on earlier versions of the Ibiza) and for a few years at least produced a medium-sized estate car in the Exeo ST. The Exeo, of course, was little changed from the Audi A4 that was finally discontinued in 2009 and gave Seat a relatively quick entry into the D-sector. The Exeo saloon was rarer than the ST, and while it did much to lift the image of the brand, it wasn’t really the best load carrier.

In fact, the new Leon ST has a much more practical and roomier luggage compartment. For a start the minimum luggage capacity is 587 litres – 145 litres greater than the Exeo ST and puts it ahead of many other C-sector and D-sector estates, including the Ford Focus and Ford Mondeo.

It might not quite have the capacity of the best C-sector rivals with the seats folded and up to roof height, but 1,470 litres will be more than adequate for most, and is almost 300 litres more than the Exeo ST. It comes with a ‘twin floor’, which allows the loading area to sit flush with the boot lip, or sit lower to expand the luggage area. Customers can also choose a

FIRST DRIVE

FIRST LOOK

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

Interior quality is among the class best

New IS luggage is more comfortable than before Minimum capacity is 587 litres folding front passenger seat to offer 2.5m of load length on one side of the car from tailgate to dashboard.

The Leon uses Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, which forms the basis of the latest Golf, Skoda Octavia and Audi A3. It has allowed considerable weight loss compared with previous generation cars and includes a range of hi-tech features.

Highlights include full LED headlights (available in the optional technology pack), and Seat Easy Connect colour touch-screen. The car also offers post-collision braking (to avoid the car rolling away after an impact resulting in further crashes), drowsiness detection, high-beam assistant and lane assist.

The Leon ST also offers a radar-based cruise control system, automatically maintaining a set distance with the vehicle in front.

It will arrive in January, at the same time as new fuel-saving Ecomotive models arrive in the range. These use a 110hp 1.6 TDI engine producing 184lb-ft of torque and CO2 of 87g/km, which equates to 85.6mpg on the combined cycle.

The only diesel we have been able to sample so far is the 150hp 2.0 TDI. It has CO2 of 106g/km and fuel economy of 68.9mpg on the combined cycle.

It’s an enjoyable car to drive, with incisive turn-in and neat handling. Performance is both potent and refined, while the Leon’s interior – something way behind rivals for perceived quality in its previous incarnation – is now among the very best.

It ride is perhaps at the firmer end of the spectrum, but provides greater comfort than the Exeo ST did, and most occupants shouldn’t find cause for complaint.

Only recently have we been able to expect such strong performance combined with (on paper at least) low fuel consumption, and the Leon ST manages to deliver is a desirable, practical and attractive package.

COSTS P11D price £22,335 BIK tax band 16% Annual BIK tax (20%) £715 Class 1A NIC £493 Annual VED £0 then £20 RV (4yr/80k) £5,975/27% Fuel cost 9.25ppm Running cost 32.82ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,968 Power (hp) 150 CO2 (g/km) 124 Fuel economy (mpg) 58.9 Max speed (mph) 134 0-62mph (sec) 8.4

To compare running costs, click here

F IR S T LOOK

NISSAN QASHQAI

ON SALE: FEBRUARY

Simon Harris gets under the skin of the second-generation Qashqai crossover AERODYNAMICS New Qashqai cuts through the air with greater efficiency than its predecessor thanks to a drag co-efficient of 0.32. The result is lower CO2, improved economy and greater stability at speed.

LIGHTING All models feature LED daytime running lights.

Certain versions are equipped with full LED power for both dip and main beam. These use 50% less power than xenon bulbs.

CHASSIS Suspension There are two suspension choices depending on whether two- or four-wheel drive models are selected, with more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension for the latter. Advanced double-piston shock absorbers deliver improved ride quality.

Chassis Control The Chassis Control system combines three elements: n Active Ride Control monitors the wheel speed to detect undulations which could potentially upset the pitch of the car body and applies subtle braking to compensate. n Active Engine Brake harnesses the power and controllability of the Xtronic transmission to add a degree of engine braking while cornering. n Active Trace Control monitors the behaviour and trajectory of the car, and applies subtle braking to provide the best traction and the least understeer.

Steering Nissan has created a two-mode steering system that drivers can switch between. In Normal mode, the Qashqai offers light responses that are suited to urban driving, low-speed manoeuvring and cruising. In Sport mode, the system provides more feedback to the driver and requires more steering effort.

ENGINES Diesel The 110hp 1.5-litre dCi engine offers greater in-gear flexibility thanks to a 15lb-ft increase in torque. It has CO2 of just 99g/km. Introduced on the current Qashqai, the 130hp 1.6-litre dCi engine has CO2 of 115g/km and an official fuel economy of 64.2mpg.

Petrol A 115hp 1.2 DIG-T engine emits 129g/km of CO2 (15g/km less than the outgoing 1.6-litre petrol unit), with economy of 50.4mpg. A 150hp 1.6 DIG-T unit is set to join the range in the autumn of 2014. This will provide economy of 50.4mpg and CO2 of 132g/km.

FIRST DRIVE

FIRST LOOK

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

Boot The boot has a capacity of 430 litres with the rear seats in position – 20 litres more than the outgoing model. Load space flexibility has also been improved with a tailgate that now opens 150mm higher and includes a dual-floor system designed to provide a flexible load space.

FUEL PRICES

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

TECHNOLOGY Nissan Safety Shield packages comprise: Front Collision Avoidance By scanning the road ahead using a builtin radar system, the Qashqai is able to apply its brakes fully to bring the car to a complete stop if necessary.

Driver Attention Support Qashqai is able to detect when the driver is becoming drowsy and shows a dashboard alert if steering becomes erratic.

Traffic Sign Recognition Speed limit signs are read by the frontfacing camera and displayed to the driver.

Lane Departure Warning Lane Departure Warning detects if the car is starting to drift out of lane. If it does, a warning is given to the driver.

Blind Spot Warning Nissan’s system uses the rear-view Around View Monitor camera to detect vehicles in the hidden blind spot areas on both sides of the Qashqai.

Seats Engineers used advanced medical scanning techniques and were inspired by NASA to analyse pressure and blood flow in the lower back of seated passengers.

Gearboxes Nissan offers a new Xtronic CVT on the 1.6 dCi. It mimics multi-ratio automatic gearboxes during hard acceleration, with stepped changes.

Moving Object Detection The Qashqai is available with front and rear parking sensors. It also benefits from an enhanced version of the existing model’s Around View Monitor.

Intelligent Parking Assist Intelligent Parking Assist requires only 80cm in addition to the length of the car to automatically steer the car into position.

New NissanConnect with smartphone integration NissanConnect includes Bluetooth audio streaming and phone integration as well as aux-in, USB slots and DAB radio.

T E S T ED T HIS MON T H

BMW i3 eDrive auto

The BMW i3 must be the most eagerly-awaited electric car since the Nissan Leaf was introduced in 2011. Like the Nissan, the i3 is a purpose-built battery electric car.

Looking like nothing else in BMW's range, the i3’s styling will certainly grab the attention of other road users as it travels along in silence.

A compact four-seater with a plug-in range of up to 100 miles, the i3 has been engineered with trademark BMW characteristics – it’s rearwheel drive and has 50:50 front to rear weight distribution.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Hyundai i10 1.0 S

Economy-minded corporate sector customers are being lined up for a key role in a plan to drive Hyundai above 100,000 sales a year in the UK. Bosses at the revitalised South Korean brand believe that bigger, more sophisticated versions of the popular i10 city car will appeal to the growing number of business motorists who want to cut their transport costs.

“I think a considerable number of fleets are looking to downsize as they counter the continual rise in operating costs,” said Hyundai Motor UK president and CEO Tony Whitehorn.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Mazda3 2.2D SE-L Fastback

Previous generations of the Mazda3 have struggled to make an impact on the fleet sector, but the Japanese manufacturer says the new model will ‘transform’ the company car market.

Claims of a class-leading mix of economy, emissions and performance should be taken seriously when they come from Mazda.

Much of this knowledge centres on Mazda’s Skyactiv programme of paring back weight and maximising the efficiency of every component.

The manufacturer says part of this thinking is to offer ‘right-sized’ engines.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

FIRST DRIVE

FIRST LOOK

TESTED THIS MONTH

Citroën Grand C4 Picasso 2.0 HDI

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

With a premium-like market position and seats for seven adults, the Grand C4 Picasso people carrier is expected to outsell its five-seat sibling by more than two to one after it launches in the UK in January.

This MPV provides more room for occupants than Citroën’s current seven-seater and has equipment levels that more than suit the familyoriented company car users and Motability recipients that Citroën has in its sights.

The fleet sector is expected to account for 75% of its 14,000 full-year sales.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Škoda Rapid Spaceback 1.6 TDI SE

Some people questioned Škoda’s decision to bring a budget hatch model to the UK with the Rapid late last year. Škoda had succeeded in losing its budget-brand image and had begun to establish itself as a high-value and quality alternative to mainstream manufacturers.

While the Rapid felt like a slight disappointment to those aware of how far Škoda has come in terms of quality, the Spaceback helps to fill a gap in the brand’s range, now that the Octavia has become more of an aspirational purchase.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Lexus LS600h Premium

It might sit at the exclusive end of the market, but for Lexus the LS is a car that showcases its technology, quality and comfort.

The premium division of Toyota has a longstanding reputation for service excellence at both manufacturer and dealer level, but its strategy of focusing on petrol hybrid engine technology has offered attractive paper figures for CO2 and fuel consumption but very high running costs – sometimes more than double its closest competitors.

Does the LS change that? Partially.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

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

Big four see sales fall in flat month Fleet proportion of UK registrations at lowest October level since 2009

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By Jay Nagley, Redspy Automotive t 77,780, fleet registrations rose by a negligible 0.17% in October. That meant the fleet proportion fell to 49.4%, its lowest October figure since 2009.

It also means that the fleet proportion for the whole of 2013 is likely to be around 47.5%, again well below the long-term average.

The proportion is likely to rise in 2014, however, as retail sales will no longer have the boost from PPI compensation payments, and the fleet market should benefit from rising business confidence.

At a manufacturer level, the top four brands all saw a fall in fleet registrations in October, which is unusual in a flat market.

The interesting development was that BMW fell by 18% while Audi rose by 11%. That sets up a quite a battle for supremacy for 2013 as a whole: the gap between the two German brands is fewer than 1,100 units for the first 10 months of the year.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz continues to play catchup. Its sales were up 37% for the month and 20% year-to-date, but there is no prospect of it catching its German rivals in the foreseeable future.

Mazda3 should help Mazda become a serious fleet player again

Behind Mercedes-Benz, Nissan continues to have a good run, despite the fact that the Qashqai is now on run-out. All eyes will be on the second-generation Qashqai in 2014: it is the most important model changeover in the history of Nissan in the UK. In fact, most Japanese brands are having a good time at present. Toyota was up 18% last month helped by the new Auris, while Honda rose 53% thanks to its new 1.6-litre diesel engine.

However, Mazda enjoyed the best performance, up a whopping 246% last month. This is due to the falling yen plus the new Mazda3, which means Mazda can become a serious fleet player – as it was a few years ago before the rise of the yen.

The Koreans are having a quieter 2013. Hyundai's registrations fell by 27%, but is still ahead for the year, while Kia is pretty well flat for both periods.

However, Chevrolet (down 35% year-to-date) is now so far behind it is barely in sight. It has been outsold more than 6:1 this year by Kia and more than 7:1 by Hyundai. How the Korean-owned Hyundai-Kia does a better job of understanding UK buyers than a company that is part of the same family as Vauxhall, is one of the industry’s great mysteries.

FIRST DRIVE

FIRST LOOK

DRIVEN THIS MONTH

October Manufacturer fleet 2013 fleet 2012

Ford 10,756 11,102 Vauxhall 10,755 11,931 Volkswagen 6,825 6,861 Audi 5,360 4,838 BMW 5,196 6,366 Mercedes-Benz 4,461 3,268 Nissan 4,429 3,907 Peugeot 3,862 3,979 Hyundai 3,054 4,189 Toyota 2,521 2,130 Kia 2,515 2,486 Skoda 2,400 1,716 Citroën 2,354 2,997 Honda 1,974 1,288 Volvo 1,838 1,701 Renault 1,591 1,531 Fiat 1,472 1,224 Mini 1,343 1,172 Land Rover 1,325 1,183 Seat 1,014 1,443 Mazda 751 217 Jaguar 340 460 Lexus 323 246 Chevrolet 259 287 Suzuki 255 200 Jeep 227 109 Alfa Romeo 149 213 Porsche 129 68 Mitsubishi 123 136 Smart 54 228 Chrysler 44 62 Dacia 28 0 Bentley 28 38 SsangYong 23 29 Subaru 23 22 Aston Martin 22 56 Other 57 63 Total 77,880 77,746

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

% change fleet 2013

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

YTD fleet 2012 % change

-3.12% 133,625 134,949 -0.98% -9.86% 117,593 113,795 3.34% -0.52% 89,551 89,350 0.22% 10.79% 62,687 60,031 4.42% -18.38% 63,711 63,491 0.35% 36.51% 48,638 40,466 20.19% 13.36% 48,570 43,918 10.59% -2.94% 50,818 51,786 -1.87% -27.09% 34,891 32,813 6.33% 18.36% 30,250 28,904 4.66% 1.17% 28,963 28,911 0.18% 39.86% 24,262 20,111 20.64% -21.45% 32,026 27,620 15.95% 53.26% 20,854 18,845 10.66% 8.05% 18,377 16,248 13.10% 3.92% 13,403 13,536 -0.98% 20.26% 17,400 12,006 44.93% 14.59% 14,191 16,729 -15.17% 12.00% 13,619 11,936 14.10% -29.73% 17,373 16,960 2.44% 246.08% 8,900 5,882 51.31% -26.09% 6,126 6,121 0.08% 31.30% 3,872 3,694 4.82% -9.76% 4,681 7,152 -34.55% 27.50% 5,219 4,703 10.97% 108.26% 803 794 1.13% -30.05% 1,601 3,015 -46.90% 89.71% 928 738 25.75% -9.56% 1,891 1,184 59.71% -76.32% 1,518 1,737 -12.61% -29.03% 1,378 1,237 11.40% – 410 0 – -26.32% 337 347 -2.88% -20.69% 209 286 -26.92% 4.55% 630 725 -13.10% -60.71% 265 303 -12.54% -9.52% 541 887 -39.01% 0.17% 920,111 881,210 4.41%

F UEL P RICE S

6

8

13

1 BIRMINGHAM Diesel 136.08 Unleaded 129.54 LPG 69.4

6 EDINBURGH Diesel 135.74 Unleaded 128.78 LPG 68.3

2 BRIGHTON Diesel 136.38 Unleaded 128.97 LPG N/A

7 EXETER Diesel 136.5 Unleaded 130.9 LPG N/A

3 CAMBRIDGE Diesel 139 Unleaded 130.96 LPG 73.07**

8 GLASGOW Diesel 134.9* Unleaded 128.01 LPG N/A

4 CARDIFF Diesel 136.03 Unleaded 128.81 LPG N/A

9 LEEDS Diesel 139.4** Unleaded 131.6** LPG 66.9*

5 DERBY Diesel 135.72 Unleaded 131.27 LPG 69.9

10 LIVERPOOL Diesel 135.23 Unleaded 129.9 LPG N/A 11 LONDON Diesel 137.02 Unleaded 130.36 LPG 70.18

9

10 12

5 1 4 7

13 3 11 2

12 MANCHESTER Diesel 136.54 Unleaded 129.79 LPG 67.9 13 NEWCASTLE Diesel 135.88 Unleaded 126.03* LPG N/A 14 NORWICH Diesel 137.5 Unleaded 128.41 LPG 69.23

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

EL EC T RIC F L EE T SUP P L EMEN T

Key reasons to consider latest electric vehicles Manufacturers are committed to making alternative fuels such as pure electric, hybrid, range-extender, and plug-in work as a viable alternative to the conventional diesel (and petrol) engine.

Take-up has been slow for both cars and vans, but more models are coming to market, including premium all-electric cars and range-extenders for the first time.

The latest Electric Fleet supplement – published with the December 5 issue of Fleet News – looks at practical examples of fleets that are making electric vehicles work for them and considers how you can make them work for you.

Key features include: n Baroness Kramer, Minister of State for Transport, on the role fleet operators have to play in the take-up of ultra-low emission vehicles n BMW, Ford and Volkswagen Group’s EV plans n Driver training tips for EVs and hybrids n Leasing company electric vehicle strategies from Alphabet, Arval and Zenith n Findings from the Plugged-in Fleets Initiative n Cenex’s view on the uptake of EVs n A guide to installing charging points at offices n Fleet case studies: Siemens: on finding the right application for electric vehicles Police Scotland: the role of electric vehicles on police fleets Oxford City Council: why electric vehicles are a cost-effective alternative to the grey fleet

FleetNews

DECEMBER 5 I S SUE

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The Ultimate Driving Machine

Some people follow. Others like to lead. If that’s you, you might be interested in the electric BMW i3, seamlessly designed to combine the benefits of an electric car with ultimate driving pleasure. Your BMW Account Manager will be able to discuss the advantages of introducing electric vehicles into your fleet, along with the benefits of BMW i.

To find out more or to arrange a demonstrator*, contact your BMW Account Manager on 0800 777 113, or visit www.bmw-i.co.uk

TEST DRIVE 0800 777 113

*Demonstrator subject to applicant status and availability. Official fuel economy figures for the BMW i3: mpg N/A, CO2 emissions 0 g/km, nominal power output (electric motor) 75/102 kW/hp at 4,800 rpm; peak power output (electric motor) 125/170 kW/hp, total average energy consumption per 62 miles/100 km (combined cycle) 12.9 kWh, customer orientated range 80–100 miles, total range (combined cycle) 118 miles. Official fuel economy figures for the BMW i3 with Range Extender: mpg 470.8, CO2 emissions 13 g/km, total average energy consumption per 62 miles/100 km (weighted combined cycle) 11.5 kWh, customer orientated range without use of Range Extender 75-93 miles, weighted combined cycle total range 211 miles, weighted combined cycle range without use of Range Extender 106 miles.

Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

We’ve thought of everything...

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As the global leader in cleaner full petrol hybrids, we’ve put our minds to creating a range of solutions to meet your needs. So fleet managers and companies can enjoy cost effectiveness, drivers can enjoy style and performance, and you’ll all benefit from the fuel efficiency, tax savings, less time off the road and peaceof-mind services.

Put our thinking to the test. Call 0844 701 6186 or visit us online to arrange your extended test drive.

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OUR F L EE T

SEAT LEON

1.6 TDI SE

Practical and comfortable hatchback ticks all the boxes as a fleet car NEED TO KNOW

n Average test fuel economy of 64mpg n Mystery over 'skittles' appearing on dashboard

COSTS P11D price £18,615 BIK tax band 14% Annual BIK tax (20%) £521 Class 1A NIC £360 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 (hp) 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 64 Current mileage 11,400

T

By Maurice Glover ailored to the needs of the fleet driver, the Leon SE has ticked all the boxes during a fairly intensive period of use that has involved several thousands of motorway miles and two trips across the Channel.

This is an easy car to drive and one that remains comfortable during the occasional busy days that can stretch to more than 500 miles – all of which can be covered without the need for refuelling, thanks to economy that provides a generous range considering the moderate 50-litre fuel tank.

With a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, the Leon has generous interior space and a particularly roomy rear seat, while a boot capacity of 380 litres with the rear seats in place makes the car one of the most useful in the sector.

It’s very practical, too, thanks to load lash points in the boot and handy ‘secret’ containers under the front seats. But one disappointment is that the car doesn’t have a completely flat floor when the rear seats are folded – the fact that the squabs remain in place means the backrests lie on top, creating a lip that makes it difficult to push items forward when loading from the rear.

However, while there has been no mystery over the faultless performance of the car, I can't get to the bottom of why skittles have been making regular appearances on the dashboard over the past few months.

With no apparent reason, the trio of pins often replace the usual trip reading soon after the ignition is turned on and remain in view for half a minute or so.

Just why they come into view I don't know because there’s no mention of them in the comprehensive handbook that comes with the car.

*Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

Click here for previous Seat Leon tests

Leon has boot space of 380 litres with rear seats in place

FIRST DRIVE

FIRST LOOK

KIA CEED

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

1.6 CRDI 3 ECODYNAMICS

Practical hatchback has been hiding a storage secret from our tester NEED TO KNOW

n High level of attention to detail n Test fuel economy falls slightly to 53.3mpg

Seats in the Kia Ceed are extremely comfortable

A

By Sarah Tooze fter eight months testing the Ceed, I thought that there was nothing left to surprise me.

But I recently discovered a storage place for sunglasses, just below the interior light switches (pictured below); simply press a button and the storage holder pops down.

It’s a small touch but it’s an indication of the attention to detail that Kia has made with the Ceed. There are lots of other practical features that I like, such as the hooks in the boot for shopping bags – including a hook on the underside of the parcel shelf – and the placement of cubby holes and cup holders.

I’ve also come to appreciate how comfortable the driver’s seat is after driving a Nissan Juke for a week. I like a seat with padding that moulds around your back and I felt the difference when I switched back into the Ceed.

There are other features which Kia has thought of that a driver might take for granted, such as the way that the fuel filler cap opens.

Kia has opted for the European preference for the fuel filler cap to be linked to the central locking system so that it can Ceed has a handy be opened with just a push rather than holder for a separate release lever inside the car. sunglasses Again, it’s a small touch that shows the thought that has gone into the Ceed.

On the downside, my fuel economy has dipped slightly in recent weeks from 54.1mpg to 53.3mpg after a spell of short journeys.

COSTS P11D price £20.040 BIK tax band 15% Annual BIK tax (20%) £601 Class 1A NIC £415 Annual VED £0 RV (4yr/80k) £4,250/21% Fuel cost (ppm) 8.68 AFR (ppm) 12 Running cost (4yr/80k) 31.56ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,582 Power (hp) 126 Torque lb-ft 191 CO2 (g/km) 100 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 74.3 Max speed (mph) 122 0-62mph (sec) 11.5 Test mpg 53.3 Current mileage 7,780 *Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

Click here for previous Kia Ceed tests

OUR F L EE T

VAUXHALL AMPERA

ELECTRON

Range-extender has used just 12 gallons of petrol to travel 2,100 miles NEED TO KNOW

n Regeneration technology charges battery while car is slowing down n Current test fuel economy of 177mpg

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 (hp) 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 164 (lifetime average 177)) Current mileage 11,795 *Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/40k)

Click here for previous Ampera tests

Ampera is Vauxhall's cleanest car with CO2 emissions of 27g/km

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By John Maslen

ith more than 2,000 miles of electric driving under my belt, I have become adept at one of the key skills needed for emission-free motoring – the regeneration game.

This isn’t a homage to Saturday night game show legend Bruce Forsyth, although it is a good game (good game); it is actually a way to ensure your store of battery power takes you that little bit further.

In the world of Vauxhall Ampera drivers, braking is for losers, literally. If you have invested precious electrons in powering the Vauxhall’s cleanest car to cruising speed, it is a waste to lose that energy when you brake.

Instead, the Ampera starts scrubbing off speed by using your momentum to power a dynamo that recharges your batteries.

This happens when you take your foot off the accelerator, or when you brake lightly. When you press harder, the brake pads take over, although you will be wasting energy through clouds of brake dust and heat. Once you understand the system, it changes your driving style completely.

This careful conservation of power combined with my mileage profile, which is suited to the Ampera’s 30-mile real-world battery range, means that I am currently achieving 164mpg, while the car has a lifetime fuel economy of 177mpg.

Over the past 2,100 miles, I have needed to use the range-extender petrol engine technology on only a few occasions, using about 12 gallons of fuel and, if I play my cards right, my fuel economy will only increase in the coming months.

FIRST DRIVE

FIRST LOOK

VOLVO V60

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

D6 HYBRID SE LUX NAV

Familiarisation visit from Volvo sheds light on many of car's functions

T

By Simon Harris wo weeks into our appraisal of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, a member of the Volvo hybrid handover team visited us. The intention is that any ‘owner’ of the car (whether corporate or retail) should spend a few days after a basic handover getting used to it. Then, in everyday use, questions might arise that can be resolved during the visit.

The session is planned to last for up to 90 minutes and covers every aspect of the car, including the multi-media interface and charging the vehicle.

Even though I must have driven thousands of miles in a Volvo S60s and V60s in the last few years, I hadn’t realised exactly how much could be controlled and set.

Likewise, there were numerous options regarding charging the vehicle, such as different settings to precondition the interior temperature. For example, if charging indoors, the heating uses electricity from the mains. But when charging outdoors, diesel is used to fuel the heating. One or both heated seats can also be selected to come on in time for departure.

The majority of mileage so far has been for commuting, with the engine running for perhaps only a few minutes each day. It has meant we have comfortably achieved more than 150mpg in day-to-day use, although the reading for average fuel economy soon begins to drop when the five-cylinder motor kicks in.

One minor concern at the moment: how would the diesel particulate filter regenerate properly if I were to only see the engine run intermittently and only for a few miles a day? DPFs require a spell as sustained high speed in order to burn away the trapped soot particles.

No doubt Volvo has thought of this, but I don’t know the answer just yet.

NEED TO KNOW n 90-minute visit from Volvo answers any driver queries n Average test fuel economy of 135.4mpg

COSTS P11D price £49,220 BIK tax band 5% Annual BIK tax (20%) £984 Class 1A NIC £340 Annual VED £0 RV (4yr/80k) £9,000/18% Fuel cost (ppm) 4.11 AFR (ppm) 18 Running cost (4yr/80k) 61.67ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 2,400 Power (bhp) 285 (engine/electric) Torque lb-ft 472 (engine/electric) CO2 (g/km) 48 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 148.7 Max speed (mph) 143 0-62mph (sec) 6.9 Test mpg 135.4 Current mileage 3,100 *Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

V60 has mainly been used for commuting

Click here for other V60 Hybrid tests

OUR F L EE T

2.0 TDI HIGHLINE BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Classy saloon beats key upper-medium rival hands down for efficiency NEED TO KNOW

n Average test fuel economy of 55mpg n Conveys sense of cocooned quality

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 55 Current mileage 10,216

*Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

Click here for previous Passat tests

Passat is no slouch when it comes to overtaking

T

By Stephen Briers he Mazda6 has the looks and the power, but the Volkswagen Passat beats it hands down when it comes to efficiency.

That’s my conclusion after having spent an equal amount of time (three months) in each of these family car fleet contenders.

So it comes down to which you value most as a fleet decision-maker and/or a company car user-chooser.

First some facts. The Mazda6 averaged 49mpg in normal everyday driving (where normal means treading the line between eco and enjoyment) while the Passat achieved 55mpg.

What does that 6mpg equate to? Over 12,000 business miles, the Mazda6 would cost £1,528 in fuel; the Passat is less expensive to the tune of £166. That equates to £500 over three years or £50,000 for a fleet of 100 such cars.

The Passat is a clear winner when it comes to fuel efficiency, despite having an official figure substantially lower than the Mazda6’s 67mpg. However, the ratio of efficiency to performance is weighted in the Mazd6’s favour.

It offers 150bhp versus the Passat’s 140bhp and torque of 280lb-ft against 236lb-ft. The difference is noticeable: the Mazda is much keener to accelerate away from a standing start than the Passat and is a much more confident companion when it comes to overtaking.

That said, the Passat is no slouch itself although it does convey more of a sense of cocooned quality than fervent sportiness. It doesn’t demand to be driven hard.

FIRST DRIVE

FIRST LOOK

TESTED THIS MONTH

TOYOTA AURIS

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

HYBRID EXCEL 1.8 CVT

A vast improvement over predecessor, but trip computer remains gloomy NEED TO KNOW

n Auris is more upmarket than its predecessor n No compromise over practicality

COSTS The Auris could be mistaken for a Hyundai i30 from the back

A

By Simon Harris few hundred miles behind the wheel of the Auris has made me realise what a big improvement this car is over its predecessor.

It looks more distinctive (at least from the front – the rear could be confused with a Hyundai i30), feels more upmarket and seems more capable.

I spent six months in a diesel version of its predecessor in 2007 and, even then, it was competent but had no real USP. It also had a deeply pessimistic trip computer with the temperament of Eeyore from the Winnie the Pooh books.

Boot space was also reduced compared with the standard Auris because the car had to accommodate a battery and other hybrid components.

The latest Auris Hybrid is less of a compromise as it was conceived with a petrol-electric hybrid as one of the powertrain options from the start. It means there’s no reduction in boot space.

On a recent long journey, the low fuel warning light came on and I decided to let it run for a while before refuelling. I filled up with 12 miles of indicated range left, expecting the Auris to take almost a full tank of fuel.

After taking on board 36 litres of unleaded and not a drop more, I wondered if Toyota had installed a smaller tank on the hybrid model to ensure there was no impact on luggage space.

After checking I found the hybrid has the same 50-litre tank as other Auris models, but the trip computer seemed as gloomy as ever. Despite being a new model in the physical sense, disposition is perhaps tougher to change.

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 (hp) 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 55.4 Current mileage 12,170 *Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

Click here for previous Auris hybrid tests

OUR F L EE T

FORD KUGA

2.0 TDCI ZETEC AWD

Extra grip in winter from four-wheel drive system comes at a cost NEED TO KNOW n CO2 of 154g/km puts Kuga in 25% BIK tax band n Higher running costs than twowheel drive model

COSTS P11D price £23,665 BIK tax band (2013/14) 25% Annual BIK tax (20%) £1,183 Class 1A NIC £816 Annual VED £175 RV (4yr/80k) £8,675/37% Fuel cost (ppm) 13.31 AFR (ppm) 15 Running cost (4yr/80k) 36.94ppm

SPEC Engine (cc) 1,997 Power (hp) 140 Torque (lb-ft) 236 CO2 (g/km) 154 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 47.9 Max speed (mph) 117 0-62mph (sec) 10.7 Test mpg 37.2 Current mileage 5,336

"T

By Gareth Roberts he worst winter in decades,” warned one national newspaper this week and “Arctic blast to hit Britain” predicted another.

But as the headline writers attempt to cause cold weather panic among the masses, I felt remarkably calm in the face of such meteorological scaremongering.

The reason why? Well, if we do succumb to another ice age, at least I will be able to navigate the frozen tundra in our all-wheel drive (AWD) Ford Kuga.

Traditionally, many fleets have employed a blanket ban on having four-wheel drive vehicles on their company car choice lists.

However, a few have softened their stance in recent years after heavy snowfall made some roads difficult to navigate in a two-wheel drive car.

The offer of improved driver safety through greater grip in an AWD car clearly has its advantages. But fleets should consider the flipside in terms of fuel usage, emissions, tax and ultimately cost, as we did before choosing this version.

For starters, our AWD Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Zetec has CO2 of 154g/km compared to the 139g/km offered by the 2WD variant.

The impact on benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax is stark. Our AWD model is in the 35% BIK tax band compared to 22% for the 2WD, while it also has a higher P11D price.

In fact, VED, fuel costs, depreciation and SMR are also dearer for the AWD model.

It all adds up to total running costs for the AWD version of £29,544, not including Class 1A NIC, VED or insurance, for an operating cycle of 48 months/80,000 miles and £27,280 for the 2WD model.

*Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

Click here for previous Kuga tests

Our Kuga has returned an average test fuel economy of 37.2mpg

FIRST DRIVE

FIRST LOOK

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

MAZDA6

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

2.2 D 150 SPORT NAV

Concept car looks mean saloon could easily be picked on style alone Mazda6 looks great in Soul Red and on 19-inch wheels

NEED TO KNOW

n Muscular looks give Mazda6 real road presence n Firm ride

COSTS

H

By Luke Neal ow often does a car manufacturer wow us with a concept drawing or pre-production prototype only to leave us slightly disappointed when the actual car that goes on sale resembles little of that concept?

It's a little like in the fashion world when, more often or not, the over-the-top, outrageous outfits that are first seen on the catwalk rarely make an appearance on the high street.

Mazda, however, has done an outstanding job of bringing its Takeri concept into production. The Mazda6 is a great-looking car from every angle and has real road presence which is helped by its physical size.

It is longer, wider and lower than the Volkswagen Passat I had previously been running, which adds to the Mazda's muscular looks. It looks great, too, in the Soul Red paintwork on our car (a £660 option – more expensive than the standard metallic palette at £520) and on 19-inch wheels.

So much so that you'd be forgiven for choosing the Mazda6 on style alone, certainly ahead of the Passat The Takeri which looks bland in comparconcept car ison. Those looks, however, do come at a price. Mid-corner bumpsorunevenroadsurfaces can unsettle the ride making the car feel a little skittish. The ride is also quite firm.

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 47.8 Current mileage 14,272

*Running cost data supplied

by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

Click here for previous Mazda6 tests

le b w o vaila n s ies a u t unit c a ort t n opp o C ited

lim

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FIRST DRIVE

FIRST LOOK

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

AUDI A3 SPORTBACK

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

1.6 TDI SPORT

Correctly inflating tyres has a beneficial effect on hatchback's economy NEED TO KNOW

n Drivers should carry out regular tyre checks n Average test fuel economy of 58.4mpg

COSTS

A3's sat-nav can help you find somewhere to fill up

O

By Andrew Ryan ur Audi A3 Sportback has given me a firm reminder of why it is important to keep tyres correctly inflated.

Due to one reason or another, I've been remiss in regularly checking them over the past few weeks, and when I finally got around to it at the weekend I found all four tyres were significantly down on the recommended pressures.

This was quickly rectified and, judging by the fuel economy from my first three commutes since, it was a situation I shouldn't have allowed myself to get into.

Previously, the trip computer was indicating I'd achieved 56-60mpg at the end of my 35-mile journeys, but this has risen to 63-66mpg.

Is this a coincidence? Possibly, as there are many other factors which influence fuel consumption such as temperature, traffic and speed, so I won't know what effect my correctly-inflated tyres will have for a few more journeys yet.

Hopefully this will increase my average test economy of 58.4mpg (calculated real-word economy, not as indicated on the trip computer), which has given a near-600-mile range on a tankful.

Running the car low on fuel has highlighted a useful feature of the A3: when it detects the diesel has fallen below a certain level, a warning (see picture above) appears on the media system's screen asking if you want to be directed to a nearby filling station.

This hasn't yet proved useful for me yet, but for anyone who needs fuel while in an unfamiliar area, this should be a very welcome offer.

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 58.4 Current mileage 7,075 *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...

Mercedes C-Class On sale: Summer 2014 Price (est): starting from £28,000 What’s new: All-new C-Class expected to be debuted at Detroit in January. It is 100kg lighter than the outgoing model – largely due to extensive use of aluminium – resulting in a 20% improvement in fuel consumption. It’ll be styled like a smaller S-Class and will also include a host of technology from the company’s flagship model, including a fatigue monitor and Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control.

Citroën C4 Cactus On sale: TBC Price (est): from £14,000 What’s new: Based on the C-Cactus concept car seen at Frankfurt. It will come with Airbump – essentially bubble wrap on the doors to prevent dings from car parks – as well as a new PSA BlueHDi diesel engine. It’s also thought that we’ll see the Cactus with PSA’s hybrid air powertrain within a couple of years – this combines a petrol engine with a hydraulic pump and motor powered by compressed air, returning in excess of 94mpg.

CO2 emissions: from below 100g/km

BMW 2 Series On sale: March 2014 Price (est): from £24,265 What’s new: The 2 Series is a continuation of BMW’s range shake-up. Like the 3 Series Coupé became the 4 Series, the 1 Series Coupé has become the 2 Series. Official pictures have been released ahead of its unveiling at the Detroit Motor Show in January. It looks typically BMW. Engines: Three versions of 2.0-litre diesel: 218d (141bhp), 220d (181bhp) and 225d (215bhp). Petrol: four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo 220i (181bhp), M235i 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo (321bhp).

CO2 emissions: From 111g/km.

Rivals: Audi A3 saloon, Mercedes-Benz CLA

FIRST DRIVE

FIRST LOOK

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OUR FLEET

COMING SOON

New models you need to know about in the next few months Ford Transit Courier On sale: spring 2014 Price: £TBC

Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid On sale: March 2014 Price (est): £35,000 (including £5,000 grant)

What’s new: Based on the same platform as the Ford Fiesta, the company’s new compact van will rival the likes of the Citroën Nemo and Fiat Qubo.

It’ll have a total loadspace of 2.3cu m and the longest load length in its class at 1.62m.

Engines: two diesels – 1.5 TDCi (75bhp) and 1.6 TDCi (95bhp); 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol CO2 emissions: from 100g/km

What’s new: Capable of running on two electric motors for up to 32.5 miles before the 2.0-litre petrol engine kicks in, the Outlander PHEV will have a combined fuel economy figure of 148.7mpg.

It’s practical too, like you’d expect from an SUV, with a boot space of 463 litres. Normal charging takes five hours, or there’s also the choice of a quick charge of 30 minutes.

CO2 emissions: 44g/km

Porsche Macan On sale: May 2014 Price (£43,300-£59,300)

What's new? Another Porsche SUV – like the Cayenne but smaller. It shares its underpinnings with the Audi Q5 and it's now on show at the Los Angeles motor show, where it was unveiled this week. Who can blame Porsche for wanting to tap into the popular mediumSUV market? The all-turbo engine and all-PDK (doubleclutch auto gearbox) line-up includes a 258hp V6 diesel in the Macan Diesel S, with lowest CO2 emissions of 159g/km.

Rivals: Audi SQ5, Infiniti QX70, Range Rover Sport

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