All-new VW Sharan

Volkswagen has launched their all-new Sharan people carrier making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The new vehicle is based on a completely new platform and now features twin sliding doors and a seven seat configuration. It is also 220mm longer than the old model and is also wider and lower, yet the weight has only increased by 30kg.

The access to the rear seats is via a large pair of sliding doors, which can be specified with electric motors to operate automatically if required. The centre row also has three individual seats that can be easily moved back and forth or just folded to create a flat loadspace.

All-new Volkswagen Sharan

The all-new Sharan is powered by a range of four petrol TSI and TDI diesel units linked to a six-speed manual or DSG (auto) gearboxes.

The entry level petrol model is the 1.4-litre TSI developing 150PS which returns 38.1 mpg and has a CO2 emissions of 172g/km. The 2.0-litre petrol model (mated to the DSG gearbox) develops 200PS and returns 32.8 mpg and has a CO2 figure of 201g/km.

The diesel range will probably be the popular option with company car drivers, with the 2.0-litre TDI 140PS returning 52.3 mpg while emitting only 143g/km. The 170PS 2.0-litre diesel returns 49.5 mpg and emits 152g/km of CO2. All models, except the 200PS model, come with Stop-Start and regenerative braking technology as standard.

The new Sharan will also offer for the first time, Adaptive Chassis Control offering you three driving experiences; normal, comfort and sport and in addition will also have Park Assist as an option. It will go on sale later in 2010 when full prices and all vehicle specifications will be announced.

New Astra ecoFLEX

Vauxhall is introducing an ecoFLEX model to the Astra range promising low CO2 emission of 109g/km  and 67.3 combined mpg. The Astra ecoFLEX hatchback will be the first range to get the new improved 1.3 CDTi 95PS diesel engine which has recently been seen in the new Corsa.

The diesel engine is paired with a five-speed transmission, with new gear ratios to offer improved fuel economy and it also features a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). This model is also going to be available in the five-door SRi model as well, thereby offering sporty looks and great economy and is also available in the standard S, Exclusiv and SE trims.  With its low CO2 and great fuel economy it is bound to be a favourite with  fleet company car drivers.

GET YOUR ONLINE QUOTE HERE

25th January 2010 -  Company car drivers and company Directors will have the Audi A5 2.0-litre TDI Coupe ”Start Stop” on their shopping list for its good looks, great brand name, excellent fuel economy (55.4 combined mpg) and low CO2 emissions at only 134g/km. Audi car leasing for this model starts from only £365.41+VAT per month and if your budget can stretch you can even step up to the SE model at £378.35+VAT per month. 

The Audi car leasing terms are based on the following;

- Non-maintained business contract hire leasing over a three year term at 10,000 miles per annum.

- Only 3 months rental in advance followed by thirty-five subsequent rentals (38 payments in total)

- “With maintenance”, metallic paint and other vehicle options can be added at an extra cost.

- The image shown may not represent the exact model.

CLICK TO GET ONLINE QUOTE

24th January 2010- Company car drivers will be looking closely at the Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi Exclusiv 5-door diesel hatchback as it offers great looks, comfort, reliability, plus 48.7 combined mpg and has a CO2 emissions output of 154g/km. Vauxhall contract hire for this superb car starts from £279.87+VAT per month.

 The Vauxhall contract hire terms are based on the following;

- Non-maintained business contract hire over three years at 10,000 miles per annum.

- Three months initial rental in advance followed by 35 subsequent rentals. (38 payments in total)

- “With maintenance”, metallic paint and other vehicle options can be added at an extra cost.

- The image shown may not represent the exact model.

New 3 Series Coupe

BMW has announced a raft of changes to the 2010 versions of their 3 Series range, offering more powerful and efficient engines plus design changes and interior enhancements as well.

On the outside the revised Coupe and Convertible feature new front and rear LED lights, a revised kidney grille (with twisted chrome band), a new front air dam, rear valance and side rocker panels. At the rear all red light clusters feature LED light bars and the cars also get a restyled rear bumper that visually reduces the perception of height, giving a more dynamic stance.

There are three new exterior colours to choose from namely Vermillion Red, Deep Sea Blue and Mineral White. Inside Dakota Leather is now standard on all Coupe and Convertible models while new Anthracite Bamboo trim offers a new fresh appeal.

The new 2010 models get more powerful and efficient engines with the BMW 320d Coupe and 320d Convertible now delivering 184hp. This has shortened the zero to 62mph time for the Coupe to 7.5 seconds, improving combined fuel economy to 60.1 mpg and lowering CO2 emissions to 125g/km. The Convertible reaches 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds has a combined mpg of 55.4 mpg and a CO2 at 135g/km.

New 3 Series Convertible

The new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon also offers a remarkable 109g/km CO2 and 68.9mpg, which for a combustion engine in a car of this size is remarkable. This model is expected to be of greatest interest to company car drivers. Other additions to the range include the 318d version in the Saloon and Tourer ranges offering sub 120g/km CO2

The new BMW 3 Series range goes on sale on March 20th, 2010 and BMW car leasing on all the new models will be loaded in due course.

Brake, the road safety charity, is targeting fleet managers with a new safety campaign  aimed at educating them and their company car drivers to improve safety on UK roads. A dedicated website has been set up with a range of e-learning tools to help promote the campaign. There will also be a series of one-day workshops for fleet managers.

The dedicated website is located at www.pledgetodrivesafely.org

The seven road safety critical pledges being promoted via the campaign are as follows.

- Sober up

- Wake Up

- Buck Up

- Check up

- Belt Up

- Shut Up

- Slow Down

Mary Williams OBE, Chief Executive at Brake said,”The Pledge is a simple campaign with simple messages, but with enormous potential to save lives. I urge fleet managers to attend the workshop and to get started with rolling out these fantastic new resources”.

The Fuelcard Company, one of the UK’s leading fuel card providers, has undertaken research into present-day driving distractions. Disturbingly they found, that even though drivers are four more times likely to crash while using a mobile, only 12% had stopped making calls whilst the car is in motion and almost 40% don’t own a hands free kit.

Jakes de Kock, The Fuelcard Company Marketing Director, said ” These findings highlight that whilst we are all aware of the risks of using a mobile phone when driving, many people are ignoring them which is incredibly dangerous- both to the driver and the company. If there is an accident and the correct procedures haven’t been followed, Courts will hold fleet managers and company owners accountable and this could result in legal action against them”.

The research also found that other potential distractions include changing a CD/radio station, altering a SatNav, minding children, lighting a cigarette and even having a conversation. The Fuelcard Company is urging fleet managers to review the legislation and establish a strict mobile-while-driving policy to ensure all company car drivers (and all other staff as well) follow the guidlines, to reduce the risks of accidents and prosecution.

With the Corporate Manslaughter Act now incorporating The Health and Safety Offences Act 2008, fleet or company car drivers, and even the Directors of the Company, are at risk of long jail terms. You can be prosecuted for dangerous driving by allowing texting or even answering a call in your vehicle, under your duty of care responsibilities.