Isuzu Rodeo pick-up

TV chef Mike Robinson has covered over 24,000 miles in his first year as a brand ambassador for Isuzu and gives an insight into his daily life and how well his Rodeo pick-up meets his own personal needs in an exclusive video at the official Isuzu UK YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/isuzuofficial).

Mike has a 3.0-litre Isuzu Rodeo Denver Max Plus pick-up  and he estimates that more than 20 per cent of his driving is off-road.  This Rodeo pick-up gets him across the challenging terrain of local country estates and the length and breadth of Britain while filming his new ITV cookery show, Countrywise Kitchen.

Mike said,“As well as cooking, for several years I’ve managed a country estate, keeping wildlife and game stocks controllable and sustainable.  I needed a dependable workhorse pick-up and bought my first Rodeo in 2005.  It proved incredibly robust, utterly reliable and virtually unstoppable off-road, but it was also comfortable and quiet on the motorway”.

The Isuzu Rodeo prices start at £13,995 (CVOTR) for the entry-level 136bhp 2.5 Rodeo Single Cab 4×2, and rise to £23,495 (CVOTR) for the top-of-the-range five-seater, 163bhp 3.0 Denver Max LE Auto.  The full range of Isuzu pick-ups (as well as all other pick-up manufacturers) are on the site on Isuzu contract hire.

All-new Volvo V40

Volvo has reported that car sales, of the fastest growing luxury car brand in 2011, shows no sign of slowing down for the first two months of 2012.

The latest figures from the SMMT show that year-on-year, Volvo has increased its sales performance by 13.4%.  In particular, the Volvo XC60 SUV is continuing where it left off in 2011 by being one of Volvo’s top selling models, followed by its siblings, the S60 and V60.

Volvo has also just unveiled its all-new V40 at the Geneva Motor Show, a five-door, five-seat hatchback that is set to enter the competitive premium five-door segment in July of this year. 

The all-new V40 aims to take on the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 with a mix of Scandinavian design, its enhanced safety features, plus offering you the driving dynamics never seen before in a Volvo.

Volvo has always had a strong brand for safety and the all-new V40 sees the introduction of the world’s first pedestrian air-bag, amongst the many new safety and technology features on the new model. 

2012 will also see the launch of the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid, the Volvo V60 D6, which is due to start production in October.  With emissions of just 49 g/km of CO2 (NEDC combined, Hybrid mode) and fuel consumption of over 100 miles per gallon (combined fuel cycle), it is sure to be of interest if having a fuel-efficient and low CO2 car is high on your shopping list.

The V60 D6 gives the driver the option of how he or she wants the car to be powered (electric or combustion engine), plus it offers you the feature of engaging both power options at the same time, to offer a maximum output of 215+70 hp, with all-wheel drive capability.

The full range of current Volvo cars are on the site now on Volvo contract hire, including the popular XC60.

CAP data

Great article in the newspaper today about car depreciation with CAP data provided on how the value of different cars falls over time. CAP is the UK’s leading vehicle information company and produces the Cap Black Book, that many motor traders use in the UK to calculate used car values.

The article features a variety of models from 4x4s, City Cars, Executive to Hatchbacks and showed how different cars lose more money over time, than others.

For example in the Hatchback category, six models were highlighted with a projection of how much they would be worth in three years time, compared to their original purchase price today;

Top models for holding their value

1. Audi A3 Sportback (cost: £22,495) - worth 66.5% in 3 years.
2. Nissan Qashqai+2 diesel (£21,905) – 64.6%
3. Subaru Impreza Diesel (£21,795) – 61.5%

Ones that don’t hold their value as well

1. Renault Megane Sport (£15,523) – worth 19.2% in 3 years.
2. Chevrolet Lacetti (£13,715) – 18.8%
3. Chrysler PT Cruiser (£16,677) -18.6%

This is why many new car buyers look at contract hire leasing as a means of getting their new car as contract hire protects you from car depreciation. With contract hire leasing, you will see that even though a car costs more to buy, its contract hire rental may be lower than a car that is cheaper to buy outright. With contract hire leasing, all you pay is the monthly rental and just hand the car back at the end of the contract.

The best way to see this is to try our Vehicle Leasing Type Shopper and select the type of car you want and your monthly budget range, to see what you can afford.

Ford Focus and Ford Ranger

Mike Penning MP, the Road Safety Minister, has commended Ford on their five-star safety achievements and presented them with their Euro NCAP Advanced Awards for the Ford Focus and Ford Ranger pick-up during a visit to Dunton Technical Centre, Essex.

Euro NCAP, is the independent car safety organisation, and the new Ford Ranger was awarded a five-star rating after the pick-up passed even tougher crash tests. The Ford Ranger pick-up is the only vehicle in its class to be awarded a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP.

Euro NCAP spokesman, Michiel van Ratingen, said: “Our scoring system has been revised to place even greater emphasis on the importance of pedestrian protection. The new Ford Ranger is the only vehicle in its class to achieve the marks we now demand of a five-star safety rated vehicle.” Ford contract hire is on the site now.

Range Rover Evoque

The Range Rover Evoque received 12 per cent of MSN Cars reader votes and beat home grown rivals like the Aston Martin Virage and McLaren MP4-12C into second and third, to become  “Car of the Year 2012″.

More than 30,000 readers of the MSN Cars website were surveyed to find the car that has most captured their imagination during the past 12 months.

Tom Evans, managing editor of MSN Cars, said,”"The Evoque is a thoroughly worthy winner, and a British one too. The enthusiasm for this global smash hit is palpable. It has gorgeous looks, strong performance both on and off the road, and can still return up to 63 miles-per-gallon. Huge congratulations to everyone at Land Rover.” We have Range Rover Evoque contract hire on the site now on all models.

Mazda CX-5

Mazda has just announced the prices for their all-new CX-5 Compact crossover SUV which will offer 18 models priced from just £21,395 (OTR).  The all-new CX-5 model also introduces innovative fuel-saving SKYACTIV technology, with fuel economy up to 61.4mpg (combined) and CO2 emissions as low as 119g/km. There will also be a choice of petrol and diesel engines with 2-wheel or all-wheel drive models.

Engine and trim levels

The all-new Mazda CX-5 will be offered with a choice of two engines choices, with three power outputs (2.0-litre SKYACTIV 165ps petrol and 2.2-litre SKYACTIV 150ps or 175ps diesel), manual and automatic transmissions, 2-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), plus four equipment levels – SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav.

Four petrol models and six diesels will come with 2-wheel drive only, while all-wheel drive will be available for the eight diesel models.  Prices for the 2.0-litre petrol versions start from £21,395 (OTR) for the CX-5 SE-L and rise to £23,995 for the CX-5 Sport NAV.

The diesel CX-5 prices for the 2.2-litre 150ps models begin at £22,995 for the SE-L and step up to £24,295 for the SE-L Auto, to £25,595 for the Sport Nav and £24,695 for the entry-level AWD model.  Prices for 2.2-litre 175ps diesel models kick-off at £27,195 for the CX-5 AWD Sport. 

You can also choose from eight exterior colours and black cloth or leather interior trim in black or stone, depending on your model of choice.

Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda UK, said,“As well as delivering a thrilling drive, great fuel economy up to 61.4mpg and low emissions down as low as 119g/km – thanks to its clever SKYACTIV technology – the all-new Mazda CX-5 will offer motorists in Britain excellent value for money”.

Vehicle specification

The all-new CX-5 is well specified, with CX-5 SE-L models coming with 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, dual‑zone climate control air-conditioning, Smart City Brake Support and privacy glass, plus front and rear parking sensors. 

If you move up the CX-5 range, Sport grade models will feature 19-inch alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with Active Front Lighting System, full leather trim, heated front seats, powered driver’s seat and a reversing camera.

SKYACTIV technology

If you want to find out more about Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology there is also a dedicated website located  at: www.mazdaskyactiv.co.uk . We should also be loading Mazda contract hire prices shortly for the all-new CX-5 model range.

SsangYong Limited Edition Korando LE

SsangYong has launched a new limited edtion Korando LE that is distinguished by its special 18 inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler and privacy glass. Inside the car, the Korando LE includes heated front seats, leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, cruise control and rear parking sensors.

The Korando is styled by Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ital Design and this latest addition to the Korando crossover model line-up is also covered by the standard 5 year unlimited mileage warranty available on all SsangYong cars and priced from just £17,995 on the road.

The limited edition Korando LE is available in Grand White as standard, metallic Vitamin Red or Space Black. It is powered by the 173bhp 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 360Nm of torque with CO₂ emissions of only 157g/km, with the same mechanical specification as the two wheel drive Korando S.

Steve Gray, marketing and communications director of SsangYong Motor UK, said,“We have tailored this car for today’s tough economic motoring conditions, both out on the road and in the wallet. As a crossover it provides the perfect solution to meet virtually every motoring requirement.  Several cars in one, it’s the family hatchback for the daily school or commuter run; a load lugger for that long distance cross-country dash, and the perfect tow car – thanks to its 2 tonne towing capacity – for hauling the caravan or boat to your summer holiday destination”

SsangYong contract hire prices on this new model will be loaded shortly.

Fiat 500 TwinAir

The Fiat 500 has just won the City Car honours in the 2012 BusinessCar Awards, for the fourth consecutive year. This award is voted for by the readers of BusinessCar magazine and is decided entirely by the business car industry, carrying with it the approval of the fleet market. The vote was also for the entire 500 range rather than just a specific model showing how extensive the Fiat 500 range is.

“Fiat’s 500 has again proved to be a business car market favourite, and Fiat’s advancement with its TwinAir technology has enhanced the excellent city car’s appeal to the sector,” commented Paul Barker, editor, BusinessCar. “The readers of BusinessCar are obviously fans of the 500’s combination of fun and frugality, having picked it as their favourite city car for the fourth year in a row.”

The Fiat 500 is available with a choice of low CO2 emissions Euro 5 engines, the 85bhp 0.9-litre TwinAir, 69 bhp 1.2-litre and 100bhp 1.4-litre petrol, and the 95 bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel. Fiat 500 contract hire is on the site on all models.

up! five-door

Volkswagen’s award-winning up! city car is now easier than ever to get into with the introduction of the new five-door model. The new five-door up! has a 2.42 m long wheelbase that offers you impressive interior space, a large 251-litre boot, an efficient three-cylinder engine, new-to-the-class safety features plus an innovative infotainment system. 

Rear passengers in the five-door up! will benefit from exactly the same space as those in the three-door model, with 947 mm of headroom (versus 993 mm in the front) and 789 mm of legroom.  The rear seat base is also set a little bit higher than that in the front, at 378 mm (versus 306 mm) giving rear passengers a clearer view of the road ahead.

the up! five-foor comes front and side airbags, ABS with Hydraulic Brake Assist, Isofix child seat preparation in the rear and standard ESP (on all but the entry level Take up! model). It can also be ordered with an optional City Emergency Braking system.  The innovative City Braking System uses sensors to scan the space ahead of the vehicle, applying the brakes automatically if it detects that the car is about to hit an object in front. The up! has a five-star Euro NCAP rating and also the Advanced Award from the European New Car Assessment Programme as well.

Thr first UK deliveries of the five-door Volkswagen up! are expected to start in the second half of the year with prices yet to be confirmed. Volkswagen contract hire prices for the three-door up! are on the site now.

BMW contract hire prices have just been updated and the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics 4-door diesel saloon is on offer on the site from only £287.27+VAT. This superb contract hire offer is based on a 4-year contract, 6 rentals in advance, non-maintained, 10,000 miles per annum and is for business users only.

The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics is a dream for any company car driver with CO2 emissions at just 109g/km, combined mpg at 68.9, yet still offering superb performance with a 0-62mph time at just 8.0 seconds.

Other terms are available from our car finance partner on shorter contracts. If you are interested in finding out more about this offer, adding your accessories, or anything else, fill out the Contact Form today.