Contract hire a Ford Focus

The Ford Focus was one of the best sellers in February and we currently have the Ford Focus 1.6 Studio 5-door hatchback on a contract hire with full maintenance from only £180.99+VAT per month (business users only on this one).

This is based on a 2-year contract, 10,000 miles per annum, full maintenance contract hire (servicing, mechanical repair, tyres, batteries and exhausts) and 6 rentals in advance.

The Ford Focus Studio offers you 47.9 combined mpg and CO2 emissions of 136g/km and at this rental is a special offer not to miss. Other terms and models are also available by filling out one of our Contact Forms.

Honda CR-V

Honda is unveiling the first engine from their new Earth Dreams Technology range at the Geneva Motor Show 2012 this week. The 1.6-litre i-DTEC  is the first in a new generation of fuel-efficient and low-co2 engines being introduced to Honda models over the next three years.

The models lining up next to the new 1.6 litre i-DTEC engine include the stunning Honda NSX Concept and the European Honda CR-V Prototype. The European CR-V Prototype provides the first official showing of the styling direction for the all-new, fourth-generation CR-V, set to go on sale in autumn 2012.

The CR-V Prototype has taken a bold styling direction with a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward with improved aerodynamics. Its vertical taillights remain for the new model and now feature a more three-dimensional style that wraps further into the overall design of the vehicle.

The Honda CR-V is one of the world’s top-selling SUVs and is sold in more than 160 countries throughout Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Africa. This European 4th Generation CR-V SUV will make its official debut at the Paris Salon in the autumn of 2012.

Honda EV-Ster

Honda is also showing the EV-STER, the next-generation electric small sports concept model in the form of an electric rear-wheel-drive two-seater convertible sports car. Plus, two new Jazz derivatives are also being shown for the first time.

The Jazz Si features an upgraded sporty suspension package and has styling changes to the interior and the exterior. The second variant, the Jazz 1.2 with Idle Stop, delivers a reduction in CO₂ emissions of 3g/km compared to the standard 1.2 model.

In addition, Honda is also displaying the rest of its car model line-up comprising of the new Civic, the hybrids – Jazz, CR-Z and Insight – as well as the Accord range in Saloon and Tourer guise. The FCX Clarity, the world’s first production fuel-cell vehicle, makes another appearance at Geneva as well. Honda contract hire on all the current range is on the site now.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz UK has maintained its record 4.8 per cent market share in February and for the year to date position, according to the latest car and van registration figures released by the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders). 

In February, Mercedes-Benz new car registrations showed an 11.0 per cent increase to 2933 new cars and the year to date figure of 9182 vehicles is a rise of 17.2 per cent, compared with the first two months of 2011.  

Their sales success has been shared by both private retail customers and fleet users alike (28.5 per registered by private buyers YTD and fleet has risen 39.4 per cent).

The new UK-only Mercedes-Benz E-Class Executive SE has really proved its popularity, contributing to a YTD increase of E-Class Saloon registrations of 21.2 per cent, to 1400 new cars. 

The smart range has also seen improvements of over 38 per cent for both the fortwo coupe and fortwo cabriolet, with 516 new smarts already taking to the roads so far this year. The new generation Vito van has also sold well with a 59.5 per cent increase in registrations, to 654 new vans YTD.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd, commented: “Our fast start to 2012 continues throughout the range, and it’s great to see more private customers choosing to buy a new Mercedes-Benz.  The team’s fleet focus is particularly clear with the success of the new Executive SE version of the E-Class Saloon”.

Mercedes-Benz has also just launched the all-new A-Class at the Geneva motor show, and the B-Class Sports Tourer arrives in UK this month. Mercedes-Benz contract hire is on the site now for all current new models.

Volkswagen Amarok Canyon

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has unveiled an extreme version of the successful Amarok pick-up at the Geneva International Motor Show, with its new Amarok Canyon concept vehicle.  

This concept model has been specially configured for the popular extreme sport of ‘freestyle kayaking’ and the show car illustrates how versatile pick-up configurations can be created, for any sports enthusiast, or for any other commercial usage.  

Every aspect of the Amarok Canyon concept has been designed to meet the requirements of this extreme sport, from the pick-up’s running gear to details of the cargo box.

The Amarok Amazon concept pick-up is taller and wider than the production Amarok, and its colour is also more exotic.  The pick-up’s body, shimmers in the three-layer effects of its bright ‘Baladi Orange’ paint, and the vehicle has been raised by 40 mm with a body lift kit.

Volkswagen Amarok Canyon

When the tyres are included, the concept is a full 85 mm taller than the production Amarok model, plus it comes with auxiliary headlights mounted on its roof, smoked rear lights and the colour-contrasting underbody protection. Two electrically deployed tread plates also make it easy for all passengers to step into and out of the pick-up, despite the raised ride height.

The wheel housings were also widened by 35 mm on each side to make room for the large AT tyres, size 275/65 R 18, mounted on ‘Durban’ type wheels painted in ‘High Gloss Adamantium Dark’.

The two carbon fibre kayaks are securely mounted to the cargo floor with the paddles firmly latched in place on the inside surface of the tailgate. All other sports gear such as white-water helmets, flotation devices and rafting shoes, are also stowed securely.

Inside, the leather seats have two-tone styling, with the seating surfaces finished in ‘sterling’ colour, while the head restraints and the side supports are offset in ‘adamant’ colour.

The Amarok concept vehicle is powered by a 2.0 TDI bi-turbo with 180 PS, which provides a maximum torque of 400 Newton metres over engine speeds ranging from 1,500-2,250 rpm.  The switchable 4MOTION all-wheel drive system also ensures effective power transfer to the wheels, even in the toughest off-road conditions.

If you are interested in an Amarok pick-up then we have the current range on the site now on Volkswagen contract hire.

Skoda Superb Estate

The SKODA Superb Estate has just retained its crown as ‘Best Estate Car’ in the awards given out by the consumer motoring website CarBuyer. The Superb Estate had won the title last year at the first CarBuyer awards, and despite stiff competition, it triumphed again in 2012.

Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler called the SKODA Superb Estate’s win “well-deserved” and he added: “This cements its position as the best estate car you can buy, whatever your budget. The Superb continues to impress for its practicality and versatility, without compromising on the detriment of driving manners. Crucially for today’s car buyers, it’s well priced, cheap to run, reliable and backed up by dealers who will fall over themselves to make sure you’re kept happy.”

If you are interested in getting a new SKODA then we have SKODA contract hire prices on the site now for all the latest Superb Estate models.

Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Jaguar has released the first images of their new XF Sportbrake before its official unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show next week. This is a new model based on the XF platform and offers a maximum load volume of 1,675-litres

However there has only been a small increase in weight and footprint and hence you have a chassis structure that equals the rigidity of the saloon, so that the XF Sportbrakes retains the handling characteristics of the conventional XF saloon.

The strong silver signature line running the length of the car is extended while the C-Pillar is finished in gloss black, a design feature shared with the XJ saloon. Slim rear light units extend into a strong chrome crossmember and the result is a car that blends style and function with the rear seat occupants also benefitting from 48mm of extra rear headroom.

The large tailgate can be specified with power struts, opening to reveal a wide and highly versatile load space for the family. It offers 550-litres with the rear seats up, and 1675-litres with the seats folded.

New Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Standard equipment on the XF Sportbrake includes remote fold levers that are mounted within the boot area to lower the rear seats. In addition, powerful LEDs throw a pool of light onto the ground when the boot is open, while the tailgate itself features a soft close function as well.

The boot floor has a panel that splits into three sections to allow smaller loads to be neatly wedged in and to avoid your precious or fragile cargo being thrown about. It has self-levelling air suspension that offers superb driving dynamics and means the Sportbrake can also serve as an accomplished tow vehicle if required.

The Jaguar XF Sportbrake will be powered by a range of efficient yet powerful diesel engines in 2.2-litre four cylinder and 3.0-litre six-cylinder, both directing drive through the rear wheels via an advanced eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Vehicle prices and specifications will be announced nearer the time of the launch of the XF Sportbrake,  which looks set to take place in the third quarter of 2012.

Jaguar contract hire on the current Jaguar model range is on the site now.

Hyundai ix35 SUV

The Hyundai ix35 1.7 CRDi Style 5-door (2WD) is currently on offer on the site on Hyundai contract hire leasing from only £198.94+VAT per month (business users) or £240.73 including VAT for personal users. This smart looking SUV is an ideal family car and returns 48.7 combined mpg and has CO2 emissions of just 139g/km.

The terms of the Hyundai contract hire leasing offer are based on a 4-year contract, 10,000 miles in advance, non-maintained with a six-month initial rental. Other terms on this new car are available by filling out one of our Contact Forms.

Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 compact premium SUV has just been awarded the top rating among small SUVs in the “Small Off-Road 4×4″ class of EuroNCAP’s testing programme. In addition the Audi A6 range was also awarded five stars in its own EuroNCAP test.

The Audi Q3 received five stars, the highest possible score, for passive crash safety and the testers at EuroNCAP also assessed the Audi Q3 for its adult occupant protection in a frontal or side collision, child safety and pedestrian protection, returning a top rating of five stars too.

Audi Q3 Safety features

The Audi Q3 has a fasten seatbelt reminder for the front and rear seat passengers as standard. EuroNCAP also liked the specially-designed front end of the Q3, that helps to mitigate the consequences of a collision and offers greater pedestrian protection.

It also features a number of  other active safety options, for example the Audi side assist system activates at speeds above 19mph to help drivers change lanes on motorways and dual carriageways. Two radar sensors in the rear observe what is happening behind the Q3 to a distance of 70 metres.

If another vehicle is travelling in the blind spot or approaching rapidly, the so-called information stage is activated. A yellow LED indicator illuminates in the casing of the driver’s side mirror and you only see this when looking directly into the mirror. If you decide to activate the indicator to change lanes, the indicator becomes brighter and pulsates, warning you of the other vehicle.

Or you have Audi’s active lane assist that starts operating at speeds of 40mph and above. This uses a camera mounted in the base of the rear view mirror to detect lane markings on the road. It monitors up to a distance of more than 50 metres and a coverage angle of roughly 40 degrees. The course of the Audi Q3 is monitored between the lanes and if the car approaches a line without an indicator being activated, the system helps the driver to steer back into the lane by “intervening gently” in the steering.

Audi A6

The Audi A6 also picked up its own five-star rating in its Euro NCAP test, placing it among the safest cars in its class for adult occupant protection in a frontal or side collision and the child safety and pedestrian protection. 

It also features a number of active safety options, including the full range of Audi pre sense systems, lane assist, the head-up display, night vision assistant with pedestrian alert function, and Audi park assist, plus the adaptive light and high-beam assist systems are also available as cost options. Audi contract hire is on the site now for all new models.

The Audi Q3’s EuroNCAP test results can be found @

http://www.euroncap.com/results/audi/q3/2011/446.aspx

New Berlingo

Citroen’s latest Berlingo and Dispatch vans will make their debut at this year’s CV Show 2012, from 24th to the 26th April, at the NEC in Birmingham. The latest models will be shown alongside other Citroen LCV models including the Nemo and Relay ranges. plus some models from the Relay Specialist range.

Berlingo

The latest Berlingo has a wider, more defined grille incorporating updated chevrons and a new front headlight arrangement, plus the wider air intake on the front bumper gives the vehicle a much more powerful stance on the road. Inside, the existing upholstery has been replaced by Citroen’s new ‘Gazyban’ grey trim for increased comfort and a more modern look and feel.

It has a maximum load capacity of 4.1 cubic metres, sliding side doors and 60/40 rear doors opening to 180 degrees and can carry two euro pallets easily. For even greater versatility, the Extenso folding passenger bench seat for two is standard on all LX and Enterprise models.

The new Berlingo comes in one petrol and four diesel powertrains, with improved fuel efficiency and environmental performance. The HDi 75 now emits only 133g/km of CO2 and the HDi 90 emits 138g/km, with the ‘greenest’ and most fuel efficient Berlingo, the e-HDi 90 Airdream EGS6.  This latter model features e-HDi micro-hybrid technology with Stop & Start and a six-speed automated manual gearbox, and delivers even lower CO₂ emissions of just 123g/km.

New Dispatch

Dispatch

The Dispatch also gains a new front end, plus it comes with enhanced equipment such as hill-start assist and the same fixed speed limiter functionality as the Berlingo. Or, Grip Control is also available, that allows you to choose four driving modes- normal, all-terrain, snow or sand. This advanced anti-skid option optimises the vehicle’s traction and adapts to all road driving conditions.

The Dispatch emissions fall to 177g/km from 182g/km for models powered by the HDi 90 engine and from 179g/km to 168g/km with the HDi 125 engine.

Scott Michael, Citroon’s Commercial Vehicle Operations Manager, commented,“Our CV Show display demonstrates Citroen’s advanced technology, which results in some of the most fuel efficient and lowest emission vehicles available in the UK. Today’s Citroen LCV range offers UK businesses an unrivalled choice of vans, enhanced traction vans, platform cabs, crew vans, chassis cabs, chassis crew cabs and specialist bodied vehicles”. Citroen van contract hire is on the site now.

David Cameron and Nick Clegg

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, have just had a MINI Adventure by getting behind the wheel of a brand new MINI in Paris, in support of the “GREAT” Britain Campaign. The “GREAT” Britain campaign is all about promoting the best of Britain around the world. This initiative also follows the Prime Minister driving the two millionth MINI off the production line at MINI Plant Oxford, just a few months ago.

The Prime Minister said: “MINI is a fantastic success story and I’m delighted that the company is supporting GREAT, our campaign to promote Britain abroad. We want to welcome the world to Britain in 2012 and show everyone what makes our country such a great place to live, work, visit and invest.”

Tim Abbott, Managing Director, BMW Group UK said “As a global brand with its roots firmly planted in the UK, MINI demonstrates the best of British manufacturing, expertise, innovation, design, culture, heritage and style. We are delighted to support the “Great” Britain campaign and to celebrate and encourage others to experience all that is great about Britain.”

Since 2001, over 1.5 million of the two million British-built MINIs have been exported to customers in more than 90 countries across the world from Australia to Venezuela. The company produced 191,474 vehicles in 2011 and was the third largest vehicle manufacturer in the UK.  

There are currently five MINI models built in the UK, namely Hatchback, Convertible, Clubman, Coupe and soon to be launched Roadster and MINI contract hire is on the site now for all latest versions.