Citroen

WVL's month-long Test Drive Event

#TestDriveYourBestDrive 2016 – the Results are in!

#TestDriveYourBestDrive 2016 – the Results are in! https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/TDYBD-results-featured.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

The start of September marks the end of our month-long test drive event – from the early days of #SmallCarWeek through to the grand scale of #7SeaterWeek – our forecourt has been what feels like an Olympic-scale arena for this first-of-a-kind showcase of motoring might!  Now a time for reflection on proceedings, did Windsor Vehicle Leasing also strike gold? It’s a firm ‘YES’ as far as we’re concerned.

Firstly, we’re extremely grateful to all the manufacturers who have provided vehicles for the event – Audi, BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Mahindra, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Peugeot Citroen, Renault, Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Volvo. The collaboration has been much appreciated and the key-for-key swaps worked seamlessly. It showed the strength of our relationships and the confidence all the manufacturers have in their brands. No-one is afraid to stand comparison with anyone else. There seemed to be a consensus that what we were doing was a great idea, with more than one manufacturer pointing out that they couldn’t understand why no-one had come up with this concept before.

We would also like to thank the customers, existing and potential, who made the effort to come along and do the test drives. Hopefully they found the unique opportunity to compare brands and technologies worthwhile. In some instances, it was enough for visitors to sit in the cars; get that feeling which no amount of online research can replace.

WVL Test Drive event Small Car Week

WVL Test Drive Event, week 2 - Family Saloon Week

We’re aware that WVL may not necessarily see the direct benefits of this unique event, though it can only be a positive that we had so many visitors and enquiries. It was our intention to shake the tree during the traditionally quiet month of August and if the fruit fell elsewhere, then the industry was still the winner. It’s a bonus that we have quoted for and won business as a result.

The event was publicised through the local press and via social media across our Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts where each individual car’s arrival was posted online. If some of the puns which accompanied the postings were excruciating, please allow for wordplay fatigue by Week 4! Nevertheless, good old footfall played a key part in us getting as many bookings as we did. Our position on Clarence Road usually guarantees interest from passing customers and there’s nothing like a line of new, gleaming cars to catch people’s attention.

WVL Test Drive Event, week 3 - SUV Week

WVL Test Drive Event, week 4 - 7-Seater Week

There’s no doubt, weeks three and four – the SUV and 7-seater weeks – provoked huge interest, as well as testing our forecourt organisation and parking skills. However, all four weeks, including small cars and family saloons, provided excellent opportunities, both for customers and the staff of WVL to familiarise themselves with the very latest models and technology, meaning Windsor Vehicle Leasing can continue to provide the most comprehensive and tailored customer experience.

There seemed to be a consensus that what we were doing was a great idea, with more than one manufacturer pointing out that they couldn’t understand why no-one had come up with this concept before.

It’s fair to say, the vehicles supplied showed that nowadays, there’s not really such a thing as a bad car. Probably the area of greatest change and progress is the on-board technology. Time in a vehicle is important. It would be easy to become a nervous wreck without exposure to and proficiency in the safety systems, including lane control, collision alerts and integrated braking systems. Even knowing how to start a car these days can be an adventure, though it’s always simple enough once you know! Interestingly, no-one seemed inclined to try the self-parking modes! Seems we still like control!

Of course the selection of vehicles not only gave many of our visitors the opportunity to have a fresh look at classic models, but also a first close-up look at relatively new technologies such as hybrids and electric cars.

For us at WVL, there was the bonus of a visit from a sporting icon. As you may have seen in our posts on the day, West Indian legend Gordon Greenidge, one of the finest opening batsmen of all time, took the opportunity to come by. Just for a while, the gleaming cars were outshone and talk of the off-drive replaced the test drive!

It is our firm intention to repeat this event in the future. Of course, others may try to do so in the meantime… but we’ll always know we were first!

If you’ve spotted something in the line-ups above, or would like a quote on a particular vehicle, please get in touch. Our Configurator allows you to spec-up a vehicle to your exact requirements, though we’d be happy to offer advice and suggestions if you’re at all unsure. Either way, try our online Quote Form, email us at [email protected], LiveChat with one of our leasing experts using the tab at the bottom of the screen, or simply call us on 01753 851 561, and let’s talk leasing!

We now offer Personal Contract Purchase!

We now offer Personal Contract Purchase! https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/pcp-featured-2.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Looking for a non-business vehicle for a partner or family member? WVL now offer Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) – the smarter way to finance your personal motoring!

Key benefits:

low deposit

fixed monthly payments

option to purchase!

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pcp-blog-focus

How it works

PCP is the ideal way to drive whilst keeping all your options open. Select your vehicle, pay an initial deposit followed by 35 fixed monthly payments, then, at the end of the agreement period, you can choose either to:

  1. Retain the vehicle:
    pay the optional final ‘balloon’ payment to own the vehicle;
  2. Return the vehicle, or
  3. Replace:
    part-exchange the vehicle, where equity is available, against a new model.

PCP is a personal finance option, and is not available to business users.

Vehicles in stock now – including: BMW, Citroen, Ford, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Volvo and the Fiat 500!

Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi 115 Titanium Navigation 5d

Registered 2014 (64)
Engine size 1,560cc
Fuel Diesel
Transmission Manual
Start mileage 5,800
Body type Hatchback
Colour Deep impact blue
Trim Black cloth
Availability In stock
Representative Example:
Monthly payment £218.65
Customer deposit £2,000
# Monthly payments 35
OTR cash price £14,495
Amount of credit £12,495
Interest charges £2,382.55
Total payable £16,877.55
Contract mileage p/a 10,000 miles
Excess mileage chg 9p / mile
Optional final payment £7,225
Fixed interest rate per year 7.00%
Representative APR 8.3%
Click for full details
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The 2014 Geneva Motor Show

The 2014 Geneva Motor Show https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/geneva-featured.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

This week the stage was set in Switzerland for the Geneva Motor Show 2014: the event where the motoring world unites to show off their latest models in one grand celebration of the year ahead.

Among the excitement this year we saw the unveiling of the world’s most powerful road car; Lamborghini’s successor to the Gallardo; BMW’s first ever front-wheel drive MPV and of course the customary new special edition Bugatti Veyron. Everything from city slickers to one-in-a-million supercars to concept cars were on the bill as the world’s car manufacturers flexed their shiny new motoring-muscle.

Here’s a quick round-up of our top 5 cars at the show.

5 – Citroen C1

Citroen’s latest C1 saw another edition to the city car market. Available in 3 and 5 door versions, the C1 shares the same chassis and engine as both the new Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo.

The French manufacturers have definitely injected their own sense of fun into the C1 with an interior that consists of ‘bright colours and body coloured inserts in the door panels’ (Autocar).

The car is available in 8 different colours or alternatively, as is very much on trend for small city cars, Citroen offer a pair of two-tone models.

The C1 is not left lagging on the technology front either with a start-stop system as well as option 7” touchscreen, climate control, heated seats and reversing camera.

Prices for the C1 are yet to be released, but expect it to start from £6,500 – £7,500.

c1-geneva

4 – Koenigsegg One:1

Step aside Bugatti Veyron, there’s now a more powerful car in town and it goes by the name of the Koenigsegg One:1. With 1,340bhp, the One:1 is officially the world’s most powerful car.

Let’s get to the most important bit: the practicalities… just kidding. Here are some numbers to make your jaw drop: the 5-litre V8 produces 1,340bhp that can see the One:1 reach a top speed of 273mph and can get from 0-62mph in just 2.8 seconds and 0-248mph in 20 seconds.

And… breathe.

If you’re interested in buying one then we’re sorry to report that they’re all sold out, all 6 of them.

koenigsegg

3 – Renault Twingo

This year will see the release of the MKIII MINI but the new MINI is not the only small city car to enter its third generation, as the new Twingo was unveiled in Geneva. The new rear-wheel drive, rear-mounted engine has been tipped to ‘shake up the city car market.’

Again personalisation is present with various colour combinations available for the interior that will spice up the inside of the car, and again technology plays its hand in the form of a colour touch screen, phone link up and 3D navigation.

The Twingo will be available in both 0.9 and 1 litre engines with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Prices as yet are unknown.

2 – BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

Whilst it may not jump out of the page as being one of the most significant cars at the show this year, the reason we have BMW at number 2 in our list is because not only is it the first MPV that BMW have ever produced, but it’s also the first front-wheel drive to emerge from the German car makers.

Whilst not as attractive as, say, a 320i or 518d, the Active Tourer does provide an option for drivers looking for a more family-friendly ride (and one that can function in the snow for that matter!).

The car is available in both 1.5 and 2.0 litre petrol and diesel engines with the flagship engine being a 225i xDrive version powered by a 2.0litre turbo.

The first deliveries of the Active Tourer are expected to arrive in September with prices starting around the £20,000 mark.

1 – Lamborghini Huracán

The Lamborghini Huracán kicked off this year’s show with an almighty bang. Kind of a big deal.

Succeeding Lambo’s most successful ever model, the Gallardo, we knew that the Huracán had to be something special and it would appear that we have not been disappointed.

This supercar boasts a 610-horsepower V10 engine that propels the Huracán to tops speeds of a scintillating 202mph. Compared to the outgoing Gallardo, which can be identified by its somewhat hard edges, the Huracán has opted for a much smoother, rounder finish.

I challenge you to find someone who doesn’t agree that the finished product is a stunning piece of craftsmanship fit to wear the Lamborghini badge.

Whilst this is technically set to become Lamborghini’s ‘cheapest’ model, the entry figure still lies at around £188,000. You get what you pay for though, right?

The Week In Motoring #3

The Week In Motoring #3 https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/cactus.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Citroen C4 Cactus

Earlier in the week we tweeted our approval at the online marketing of Citroen in the build-up to the unveiling of their new car: the C4 Cactus.

The ‘teaser’ strategy used by Citroen saw them revealing small details and images of their new car designed to raise a sense of anticipation – something that certainly worked with us!

Well, the official online unveiling has now occurred and we have the inside scoop…

Perhaps the most notable feature of the Cactus is the ‘Airbump’ plastic panels located on the doors. TopGear described the panels as acting like ‘bubble wrap’ designed to make a surface that’s resistant to scratches. The interior has been designed to house both minimalistic simplicity and spacious comfort. Unconfirmed reports suggest that there are likely to be two petrol and two diesel engines, emitting between 82-100g/km of CO₂ with the 110bhp turbo three-cylinder petrol engine able to reach a top speed of 118mph.

WhatCar? describe the Cactus as a ‘radical family hatchback’ with ‘radical’ being the optimum word. The design is sure to receive a spiky reception (sorry, couldn’t resist!) but we believe it’s good to see cars going against the grain in their designs, producing something different from what we’ve seen before.

Watch the trailer for the new Citroen Cactus here:

New Luxury Automotive Brand to Come out of Britain

A new automotive brand has been created by British businessman David Brown, named simply ‘David Brown Automotive.’ As a classic car enthusiast himself, Brown wanted to ‘refresh the classic British sports car for the 21st century,’ and so he constructed a highly skilled and experienced design team to aid him in the creation of his vision. Among the team was Alan Mobberley who worked as Land Rover’s chief designer for over 19 years. Brown also sought the help of automotive engineering experts Envisage Group to develop the car for production.

Brown stated, ‘I wanted all the impact and style of a classic sports car, but with modern capabilities and conveniences.’ Rather than reworking an old design, Brown wanted to create completely original designs for both the interior and exterior, and even fitted the car with bespoke British interior trim.

The car is set to be unveiled at Monaco’s Top Marques Show in April. We can’t wait to see the finished product!

New Car Fleet and Business Registrations Slightly up on 2013

53.8% of overall new car sales in January were accounted for by fleet and business registrations, equating to 83,145 out of overall figures of 154,562.

This figure is up 0.7% on January 2013.

Position Car Model # Units Sold
1 Ford Fiesta 9,072
2 Ford Focus 5,333
3 Vauxhall Corsa 4,470
4 VW Golf 4,390
5 VW Polo 3,875
6 Vauxhall Astra 3,999
7 Audi A3 3,130
8 Nissan Qashqai 3.028
9 Nissan Juke 2,704
10 Fiat 500 2,595

Source: Fleet News

As the table above demonstrates, the top two selling cars of Jan 2014 were both Fords – with the Fiesta pipping the Focus to the top spot. Vauxhall, VW and Nissan also enjoyed high sales.

Vehicle of the Week

Our vehicle of the week is this brilliant Mercedes Vito Van.

Year / Reg 2011 (60)
Mileage 98,000
Engine 2.2L
Fuel Diesel
Gearbox Manual
Body Van
Colour Red

BMW 120i

Price: £8,000

This Mercedes Vito van is in superb condition, has three seats, full service history and 12 months MOT. Part-ex considered.

For further information, please call 01753 851561, or click here to view full details.