Discovery 4

The Land Rover Discovery 4 has been named as the Best 4×4 at the What Car? Awards 2010. The Discovery 4 saw off tough competition from the BMW X5, Mercedes ML and the Lexus RX450h, with its new efficient LR-TDV6 3.0 twin-turbo diesel engine.

Steve Fowler, editor of What Car? said,” Thanks to a recent comprehensive update, the Discovery is shining brighter than ever….It is its ability to excel at so many different roles that makes it so appealing. As well as offering executive car comfort and MPV practicality, it’s still a real go-anywhere off roader”.

Used Car Expert Magazine has revealed the top 5 best and worst performers in 4X4 vehicle depreciation over a three year period. Depreciation is the biggest cost to a motorist and when you buy your vehicle this is something you may not really consider.

That is why contract hire is such an attractive option as the risk on depreciation is with the leasing company, not you. This is also why a car that costs more to buy may actually have a lower rental on contract hire.

Here are the findings from Used Car Expert:

Cooper Zeon 4XS

Cooper Tire, the US tyre manufacturer has launched their first ever UHP 4X4/SUV premium tyre, the Cooper Zeon 4XS, in the UK. The tyre was designed and built by British engineers based at Melksham,Wiltshire.

This new tyre is specifically designed to fit the Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touraeg, BMW X5, Volvo XC90,  Audi Q7 and Mercedes M-Class and is available to buy in V, W and Y speed ratings.

33% stronger sidewall

If you drive a 4×4 you will be pleased to know that BFGoodrich has launched the second generation of its celebrated off-road tyre, the Mud Terrain T/AKM2. This new tyre replaces the Mud Terrain T/AKM and is the market leader in the off-road category vehicle market.

Robustness was the top priority when the engineers built this one and they have produced a tyre capable of overcoming harsh, uneven, muddy and rocky surfaces. Three technologies have been incorporated into the T/AKM2 – aggressive sidewall lugs, cut and chip-resistant sidewall compounds and stronger sidewall cords. All three of these have been tried and tested already on one of the most successful tyres in off-road racing, the BFGoodrich Krawler TEK.

The side wall cords of the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/AKM2 are up to 33% stronger than the previous tyre. The TriGard 3-ply casing has much stronger cords and this significantly improves sidewall damage resistance. The thick lugs on the shoulders of the tyre also provide superior grip and enhanced protection. Use of the new cut and chip-resistant rubber compound ensures the risk of tearing your tyre is much reduced.

Mud Terrain T/AKM2

The new tyres will be available in 16 sizes in 15-inch, 16-inch and 17-inches, diameters from 215 to 305mm and 85 to 70 series aspect ratios and with a Q speed symbol. The M+S marking on the sidewall of the tyre will also indicate the tyre has been approved for usage in mud or snow. 4×4 car leasing is available off the site now including BMW X5, Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7.

New BMW X1

BMW started a new segment ten years ago when they launched the X5, which has had critical acclaim worldwide with over 1.5 million units sold. BMW X3 and the BMW X6 then followed and now BMW is introducing a new model called the BMW X1.

Key styling has been taken from the X5 but the concept of a sports activity vehicle is now available in a much smaller and affordable package. Power comes from a choice of three diesel engines and for the first time on a BMW you also have the option of rear-wheel drive (sDrive) or four-wheel drive (xDrive).

The new range – key data

Most BMW X1′s come standard with a six-speed manual gearbox however the xDrive2.3d SE has a six-speed Sport automatic gearbox with gear change paddles on the steering wheel. Apart from the xDrive23d SE, all the models in the range sit nicely under the new tax threshold of CO2 emissions of160g/km. Fuel economy looks good with combined mpg ranging from 44.8 to 54.3 depending on which model you choose. 

As you would expect from BMW, all models have the highly recommended BMW EfficientDynamics technology incorporated into the package and for the first time on an X product, Auto Start-Stop has also been introduced (manual cars only). The rest of efficiency attributes include Brake Energy Regeneration, optimised aerodynamics, optimum shift indicator and on-demand use of ancillary units to name just a few.

New BMW X1

The styling of the new BMW X1 is sleek, stylish, sporting and practical and the profile of the car doesn’t do justice to the space inside, which comfortably seats five adults plus luggage. All the main controls and dashboard display inside the car are angled towards the driver, another nice touch. You also gets loads of storage space with large door pockets, trays and other storage areas to keep your personal effects.

The BMW X1 goes on sale in the UK on the 24th October 2009 however the sDrive18d and xDrive1.8d variants will not be out until December. Full BMW car leasing pricing is currently available on all other makes and models.

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

BMW has launched the 5 Series Gran Turismo combining a coupe-like silhouette, to the luxurious interior of a BMW 7 Series whilst providing the functionality of a BMW 5 Series Touring or X5. The 5 Series Gran Turismo is available as a four-seat Executive specification for a luxurious spacious feel or in a five-seat SE specification for a blend of practicality and  sophistication.

Three class leading engines will be available at launch as follows.

* Electronically limited.

The biggest seller in the UK is predicted to be the BMW 530d GT with its 2,993cc six cylinder engine powering the car from zero to 62mph in 6.9 seconds and with a top speed of 149mph (where permitted). The BMW 535i GT is the first ever to combine a single turbo with VALVETRONIC – BMW’s system that varies how much the engine’s valves open for optimum efficiency. The top of the range BMW 550i GT is powered by a 4,395cc V8 engine with twin turbo technology and reaches 62mph in 5.5 seconds.

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

CO2 figures are 173 g/km for the BMW 530d GT, 209g/km for the BMW 535i GT and 263g/km for the BMW 550i GT. All the cars come as standard with BMW’s new eight-speed automatic gearbox and this all-new transmission is six per cent more fuel efficient than on the previous six-speed automatic. These new cars are packed to the highest specification, as you would expect with Dakota leather upholstery, four-zone air conditioning, panoramic sunroof and metallic paint as standard options.  

BMW has identified three types of buyer for this new model:

- Those who like the idea of a SUV/SAV and the practicality that brings, but may not like the styling of such a vehicle.

- BMW drivers who want the luxury of the 7 Series in a design that’s more coupe in profile.

- Finally those who just want to be different and are open to new concepts.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo goes on sale in October 2009 and the 530d SE GT is expected to start from £40,000. if you can’t wait BMW car leasing prices on all the BMW model ranges are available now.

The winners at the prestigious “Fleet News Awards 2009″ were announced last night at the Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane, Mayfair, W1. Manufacturers, Contract Hire Leasing companies, Fleet Managers and other motoring related service companies were all recognised for their hard work and commitment throughout 2008.

The full roll call of winners is as follows.

Fleet Manager Awards.

New Fleet Manager of the Year – Alan Tegge, British Standards Institution.

Boardroom Initiative of the Year - Avon Cosmetics.

Fleet Manager of the Year , sub 100 vehicles – Rob Paddock, Commercial Group.

Fleet Manager of the Year, 101 to 400 vehicles – Marie Jarrold, British Car Auctions.

Fleet Manager of the Year, 500+ vehicles – Gerard Finn, Avon Cosmetics.

Service Company Awards

Best Environmental Initiative - Leaseplan.

Best Safety Initiative – Fleet Support Group.

Best Leasing Initiative – Arval UK.

Best Short-term Rental Initiative – Europcar.

Best Customer Services Initiative – Zenith Provecta.

Manufacturer Awards

Best Small Car – Ford Fiesta,

Best Small Family Car – Volkswagen Golf.

Best Large Family Car – Mazda6

Best People Carrier – Ford S-Max.

Best Small SUV – Ford Kuga.

Best Large SUV- BMW X5.

Best RV star – Mini

Best Small Premium Car – BMW 1 Series.

Best Large Premium Car – Audi A4.

Best Executive Car – BMW 5 Series.

Best Luxury Car – BMW 7 Series.

Fleet News Headline Awards

Fleet of the Year – IBM.

Fleet News Hall of Fame Award – John Bradley, MBE, Hampshire constabulary.

Fleet Manufacturer of the Year – Ford.

Fleet Supplier of the Year – Kwik-Fit Fleet.

Company Car of the Year – Audi A4.