The new BMW 1 Series

BMW is bringing out the second-generation BMW 1 Series premium compact range offering an even better blend of sporty driving and comfort. The rear-wheel drive BMW 1 Series is unique in its class by powering via the rear wheels and it comes with a range of super-efficient TwinPower petrol and diesel engines utilising BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology plus a new ECO PRO fuel saving mode as well.

BMW 1 Series rear

The new car is elegant, bolder and is 83mm longer than the outgoing model, 14mm wider and 30mm longer in the wheelbase, and now offers a higher quality interior with increased passenger space. There is also a new BMW 116d EfficientDynamics model on offer that emits only 99g/km of CO2, making it the first production BMW to break the 100g/km threshold.

Standard equipment across the new range includes Auto Start Stop, six-speed manual transmission, 16-inch light alloy wheels, four airbags, DSC+, Driver Performance Control with ECO PRO, BMW Business radio with single CD player, air-con, 60:40 folding rear seats, child seat ISOFIX attachments, Move cloth upholstery and leather steering wheel.

The other specifications are the SE, Sport and Urban each with their own standard accessory list plus of course the usual cost options to really personalise your car. The new BMW 1 Series goes on sale on the 1st September 2011 and BMW contract hire prices for the new models will be loaded shortly.

New Astra ecoFLEX

Vauxhall’s new Astra ecoFLEX 1.7 CDTi 130PS produces 20g/km of CO2 less than the Astra 1.7 CDTi 125PS and achieves its 99g/km CO2 figure using an all-new engine management system, a new variable geometry turbocharger, friction reduction to the piston rings and a friction-reduced six-speed gearbox.

All this new technology makes the new car a desirable fleet vehicle, offering 76.3 combined mpg yet still providing strong performance from the powerful diesel engine. CO2 reducing technology also includes Start/Stop, energy recuperation from the braking system, a clutch that activates the air-conditioning compressor only when needed, low rolling resistance tyres and standard LED daytime running lights (reducing energy consumption).

The ecoFLEX Astra should be in dealer showrooms later this year and full pricing and vehicle technical specifications should be released shortly. The car will be available in three trims: Exclusive, SE and SRi and we will load Vauxhall car leasing prices once the pricing has been announced.

Audi Q3 SUV

Audi has released the pricing and full vehicle specifications for their eagerly awaited Audi Q3 SUV, with first orders being taken in June and first deliveries expected in November this year. There are four engine derivatives available all with direct injection, turbo-charging and start-stop, namely the 2.0 TFSI 170PS, 2.0 TFSI 211PS, 2.0 TDI 140PS and the 2.0 TDI 177PS.

The efficient 2.0-litre TDI 140PS front-wheel drive model offers 54.3mpg capability and is likely to be a company car driver favourite. Other features in the range include new generation MMI navigation plus, online Bluetooth car phone with access to Google services, WLAN connectivity, Audi drive select with efficiency mode and parallel and perpendicular park assist. Audi car leasing on the Q3 is on the site now.

Saab 9-3 Aero Sportwagon MY12

Saab has announced its pricing and specifications for their Saab 9-3 MY12, offering a refreshed exterior and interior styling with a generous level of standard of equipment across the range. There are also two new petrol engines and the new model year now offers the most powerful sub 120g/km diesel saloon and estate in its class.

All MY12 9-3 models come with automatic dimming mirrors inside and also outside of the vehicle,electric folding mirrors and automatic rain sensing wipers. This is in addition to alloy wheels, leather trimmed interior, heated front seats, park assist, six airbags, and Bluetooth phone integration.

The two specification levels are SE and Aero and the new fresh look is distinguished at the front by new front bumpers, “ice block” headlamps and a new grille. At the rear, all Saloon variants now get a boot-mounted spoiler. The two new 2.0-litre petrol turbo engines produce 163bhp and 220hp and both are available in six-speed manual and automatic transmission. The new 220hp 2.0-litre petrol turbo Aero Saloon and Sportwagon is now the most powerful sub 160g/km petrol engine on the market.

However, the likely fleet favourite is probably going to be the 119g/km 9-3 1.9-litre manual twin-turbo diesel in Saloon or Sportwagon, with its class-leading emissions and powerful performance for a sub 120g/km car. Saab contract hire leasing prices on the models will be on the site shortly.

Lexus CT 200h

Lexus has released the prices and vehicle specifications for their Lexus CT 200h luxury full hybrid which will be available in three equipment grades – SE-I, SE-L and SE-L Premier. This luxury full hybrid emits only 94g/km of CO2, offers you 68.9 combined mpg and on-the-road-pricing starts from £23,485 for the SE-I (VAT at 20%).

Lexus CT 200h

The Lexus CT 200h SE-I has dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, 17-inch alloy wheels, push button start,wipers and LED daytime running lights as standard options.

Additional standard features on the SE-L (£25,200 OTR price) include leather upholstery, heated front seats and front rear parking sensors.

On the SE-L Premier (£30,635 OTR price) add LED headlamps, cruise control, smart entry system, electrically adjustable front seats, 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, HDD satellite navigation, Lexus Remote Touch multi-function control and rear parking monitor. Lexus business car leasing prices should be loaded shortly.

Punto Evo

The Fiat Group has announced the on the road pricing for the forthcoming Fiat Punto Evo which goes on sale in January 2010. The new Punto Evo will be available with a choice of five low CO2 emissions Euro 5 engines, all with Start&Stop as standard. Two of the new power units will also feature Fiat’s new MultiAir technology.

Five trim levels are available namely, Active, Dynamic, GP, Eleganza and Sporting and standard equipment in the entry level Active includes ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD, driver, passenger and knee airbags, radio/CD/MP3 player, power steering, electric mirror and Blue&Me infotainment. Fiat contract hire prices should be on the site shortly.

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:

Peugeot 5008

Peugeot has announced the pricing on their Peugeot 5008 compact seven-seater MPV, so Peugeot car leasing prices on this model should be available soon.

The car has three new trim levels -Active, Sport and Exclusive which all feature the seven-seat Multiflex seating system, allowing multiple configurations for different passenger/luggage requirements. All 5008 models come with 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, ESP, electric parking brake with Hill Assist and air conditioning.

This new MPV will be on sale in January 2010. 

New Volvo C30

The Volvo C30 is available in four trims, namely S, SE, Lux and R-DESIGN and you will have a choice of six engines including the green 99g/km 1.6D 109 PS DRIVe with Start/Stop technology.

The new Volvo C30 range

The new Volvo C70 is launched with a more refined appeared plus a number of vehicle specification changes. There are three trim levels available- S, SE and Lux plus a choice of four engines (two diesel and two petrol).

New Volvo C70

New Volvo C70 range 

The Government has pressed ahead with the planned 2p a litre rise in fuel duty from today, despite intense pressure from motoring groups. The further rise in oil prices looks set to push this up by 5p in total- putting an extra £120 a year on on fuel costs, for the average two-car family. This is the third rise in fuel duty in nine months, following increases in April and December.

RAC motoring strategist, Adrian Tink said,”This third fuel duty hike is unacceptable. Since the start of 2009, motorists have seen a 23 per cent rise in pump prices, meaning an extra £11 per tank for the average car”. Mr Tink also pointed out that VAT is set to rise back to 17.5%, on the 1st January 2010 and there is a further fuel duty rise due, in April 2010.

To ensure you get the best prices for your money don’t forget the website www.petrolprices.com records the cheapest prices for fuel in your location. It is also worth considering the combined miles per gallon consumption, when choosing your next car or van.

The MPG shopper at Comparecontracthire.com allows you to select the range of combined MPG fuel consumption you would like to achieve and choose the manufacturers whose vehicles you would like to see displayed. You can easily change the MPG ranges on the side menu bar if you don’t find a Bentley doing 70mpg!. And by choosing business or personal car hire you get to see the latest car leasing prices displayed as well.

Combined MPG is the figure presented for the Urban Cycle and Extra- Urban cycle together. It is an average of these two tests weighted by the distance covered in each.