Fiat

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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Head To Head: Mini Cooper vs. Fiat 500

Head To Head: Mini Cooper vs. Fiat 500 https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/mini-vs-fiat-featured.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

This week we take a closer look at two of the most iconic small cars of modern times: the Mini Cooper and the Fiat 500. With designs steeped in motoring heritage and tradition – and redesigns true to the original ethos, let’s go on a journey with these little cars of grand stature, from their inception to the models of today.

The evolution of an icon

Fiat 500
The 500 started out life in 1936 as the Topolino (the Italian nickname for Mickey Mouse), being one of the smallest cars in the world at the time. It began to take its more familiar shape in 1957 as the Nuova (new) 500 – the true Cinquecento: a cheap, practical vehicle, generally considered as one of the first ever city cars and redefining the term ‘small car’ due to its two-cylinder 479cc engine sub-three metre length. In the 18 years that it was in production, the Italian manufacturers produced just shy of 4 million worldwide demonstrating the significant success of the car, firmly positioning it as one of the most iconic cars of its time – and indeed, all time, too.

fiat-500-vintage-2

When Fiat launched the all-new 500 in 2007, 50 years after the Nuova was released, it grew into a heavier and larger shell than its 1957 predecessor. With its innovative, modern design the 500 experienced similar success to the original, achieving UK sales figures of over 100,000 units in less than 5 years. Not only had the driving public taken it to its heart, it garnered official praise too when in 2008 it won the European Car of the Year, Fiat’s first such award for over 40 years.

fiat-500-modern

The Fiat 500 also captured the attention of global fashion brands Gucci and Diesel, who collaborated with the manufacturer to produce stylish, on-brand, chic limited editions. Top men’s magazine, GQ, also has its own special edition: the 500 GQ – looking suitably sharp in two-tone livery and leather interior. Other limited editions have included the Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon edition with proceeds benefitting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and the 500 BlackJack with ultra-cool matt black bodywork – one of which we have in stock at WVL now!

In 2012, Fiat launched the 500L: a much larger, 5-door version of the car to use the iconic ‘500’ label whilst tapping into the family market – and crucially to pitch a vehicle in direct competition with MINI’s Clubman and Countryman. And no true Italian marque line-up wouldn’t be complete without a convertible… cue the Fiat 500C with its fabulous roll-top roof, a direct nod to the nostalgia and feel-good factor of the original 500.

fiat-500-c

Did you know…? You can have a coffee machine as an optional extra in the new 500L.

MINI
Ever since the original Mini was launched in 1959 it has remained the quintessential British motoring icon. Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis in the mid to late 50s for the British Motor Corporation, the Mini would go on to become the most successful British car of all time with total sales of over 5.3million worldwide between 1959 and 2001.

His ground-breaking design, with its front wheel drive, transverse engine, sump gearbox, 10-inch wheels, and phenomenal space efficiency literally broke the mould, and captured the public’s imaginations in one swift stroke.

mini-vintage

The MkI Mini produced between 1959-1967 experienced steady initial sales before picking up its success which ultimately saw over 1,190,000 units produced and becoming the first British car to reach one million sales. The original Mini continued production right up until the year 2000, with BMW assuming control of the BMC’s Rover Group (which owned the Mini label) in 1994, and set about its revamp and re-introduction.

In 2001 the new generation of MINI (note: now capitalised!) began production under BMW’s steerage, seeing a change in the design with an updated, modern image whilst going to great lengths to maintain MINI’s iconic status and core design. 2007’s revision to MKII was followed by diversification into a Coupe, a Roadster, a Countryman and a Paceman to broaden its target market.

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mini-peter-sellers

There are many reasons why the Mini became such an iconic British symbol. Popular among celebrities during the swinging 60s – from Peter Sellers (whose ‘wicker-work’ Mini has been immortalised as a Corgi classic), mini-skirt designer Mary Quant along with Paul Smith and his stripes helping make the car something of a fashion statement, to its starring role in ‘The Italian Job,’ the infamous 1969 blockbuster seeing Michael Caine lead a trio of Minis (now restored) as getaway cars following a bank heist in Turin (featuring, quite topically, a fabulous scene on the test-track roof of the Lingotto – the city’s Fiat factory). The 2003 remake presented an updated story to go with the updated MINI, and with its all-star cast, the car’s iconic status was once again preserved in celluloid.

As the MINI evolved through the years many question whether each revision maintains the same character and iconic status as previous generations; some saying yes, others saying no – aficionados and purists claim that the MINI could never fill the Mini’s shoes. Whatever your view, one thing’s for sure: MINI’s popularity shows no sign of losing ground.

The all-new 2014 model – the third generation Cooper – is longer, broader and taller with some significant styling upgrades too. Early reviews are, of course, positive and despite the changes (including new engines and technologies) the car has “the same old appeal, the same character“.   Whilst the original Mini will always have a place in the nation’s heart, today’s safety requirements, environmental parameters and technological advances will always drive change. What’s for certain is that the new MINI is ready to attract a new generation of drivers and to secure the brand’s future for many more years to come.

mini-montage

Did you know…? Issigonis’ first design sketch for the Mini was drawn on a napkin in Switzerland. (Read more…)

Test Drives

Fiat 500
Being 6’4″ I presumed that my review of the Fiat 500 would be over before it had begun – wholly anticipating that the Fiat’s legroom would be less than a match for my legs. I was proven wrong! Very wrong, in fact, as the 500 provided a healthy amount of leg room for the driver in what is a deceptively spacious cabin. Anybody wanting to sit behind the driver’s seat with me at the wheel, however, wouldn’t be so lucky.

I couldn’t help but feel a great sense of excitement sitting in the 500. Everything about the car inspires a feeling of fun. The funky, quirky exterior, the high-mounted dashboard, the rounded stereo and climate controls, the in-your-face speedometer and even the interior door handles all seem to whisper to the driver, ‘Welcome. Get comfortable. Now let’s have some fun.’

As far as the drive goes it’s hard to find fault. The Fiat 500 BlackJack [NOW SOLD] that we have at WVL has a 1.2L engine, but 500s can be specified in engines up to 1.4L. Not substantially large, but given the car’s size and weight there’s enough power under the bonnet to zip you around town. Let it be noted however that this car is not best suited for motorway driving. If you regularly find yourself regularly enduring major motorway miles then perhaps the 500 is not for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a fun, energetic city car without poking too big a hole in your pocket (list prices start from £9,900, and there are great leasing deals to be had – call 01753 851561 or contact us for the best available prices) then book yourself on a Fiat 500 test drive today!

MINI
I, like many, have a long standing admiration for MINI that stems back to my early teens. By this reckoning you might expect my review to be drenched in gushing praise and compliments highlighting just how fantastic MINI is. Well, that’s exactly what this review is, not through the tinted glasses of a MINI enthusiast, but simply because MINI deserves all the praise that comes its way.

You just have to look at a MINI to appreciate its brilliance. From the moment you get into the car you immediately recognise that what you are sitting in is a piece of iconic British history. Much like the 500, everything about the interior has been meticulously designed to ensure you’re constantly reminded that what you’re sitting in is different to anything else on the market.

With a mixture of luxury, entertainment, sophistication, even novelty (albeit, acceptable novelty) MINI provides the perfect environment for just about any journey. It caters for young, for old, for male, for female; from school runs to cross-city dashes, shopping trips to motorway miles, the MINI is versatile enough to suit all your driving needs.

Price-wise, MINIs can slip into the high-end bracket for a hatchback (reaching a list price of nearly £25,000), but that’s only if you’re after the top spec., and basic models are a very affordable buy starting from £11,110.

Leasing, of course, gives you the best of both worlds: a new vehicle in your choice of spec. for a manageable, monthly payment!

Head To Head

Trying to differentiate between the MINI and the Fiat 500 is something of an impossible task. It’s like saying, “What’s better: Messi or Ronaldo? The Office or Fawlty Towers? Sauvignon or Rioja? Ant or Dec?” You can’t do it because it’s subjective. Personally, I feel much more at home in the MINI – but that’s just a personal opinion and shouldn’t take anything away from the greatness of the 500.

For drivers looking for a little more oomph under foot, both manufacturers have their own super-hot variants: MINI with its John Cooper Works models based on the Cooper S and delivering up to 211bhp, and Fiat with its souped-up, 135-160bhp Abarth models.

mini-fiat-sports

The reality is that you’ll scarcely find a driver of either car who would suggest that they’d prefer the alternative. 500 drivers love the 500, MINI drivers love the MINI and that’s the great thing about both of these mini-giants of the motoring world. Each has its own merits, each has very few negatives, and each makes their owner fall in love with it within the first few miles.

Contact us for Leasing options and the current best-available deals, or if you’re looking to purchase a vehicle, here are the details of the models we have in stock:

Our Vehicles

fiat-500 mini
Model Fiat 500 1.2 BlackJack 3dr [Start Stop] MINI Hatch Cooper S 1.6 3dr
Year/Reg 2011 / 61 2010 / 10
Mileage 20,000 46,982
Engine Size 1.2L 1.6L
Fuel Petrol Petrol
Gearbox Manual Manual
CO₂ 113g/km 149g/km
Consumption (combined) 58.9mpg 45.6mpg
0-62mph 12.9 sec 7.1 sec
Engine power 69bhp 175bhp
Luggage capacity (seats down) 550L 680L
Vehicle Tax Band C F
Price £8,500 £9,995
Click for details [NOW SOLD] Click for details

These cars mean business, too!

Early on, the MINI was recognised by estate agencies (most notably Foxtons) to be a tax-, budget- and fuel-efficient way promote their services on the move and win customers. The trend has caught on among an ever widening diversity of businesses – small and large – now with the Fiat 500 equally popular as a worthy rival in the efficiency and personality stakes. With their cheeky charm and small size, these cars are perfect for being branded-up with vinyls and wraps for high visibility mobile marketing at low cost.

Call us on 01753 851561 to discuss leasing one of these superminis… we’ll help you choose the perfect spec for you, your lifestyle or business, so you can start motoring with a single, manageable, monthly payment!

The Week In Motoring

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

Vauxhall Insignia Named Company Car of the Year

Business Car Manager have announced that the Vauxhall Insignia has been named the SME Company Car of the Year. The winner was decided by a high profile panel, chaired by Business Secretary Vince Cable, who were said to be impressed with not only the improved overall quality of the car but more specifically technological and style improvements as well as the further lowering of emissions. ‘Cheap to run and good to drive, the Insignia seems like a real no-compromise company car,’ (BCM).

The Insignia also picked up Best Large Company Car and Best Company Car for Tax Categories. Call WVL on 01753 851561 to discuss our current best leasing deal for your business!

Audi Q3 – the Fastest Selling Used Car

It is believed that the weather warnings and threats of storms have had a significant effect on consumer purchasing habits with 7 out of the top 10 selling used cars being 4x4s. With an average time span of 33.5 days spent on dealers’ forecourts, the Audi Q3 is currently the fastest selling used car in the UK. A close second was the Jeep Patriot which spent an average of 36.2 days on the forecourts. Mercedes Benz R-Class was this month’s slowest selling used car for the second month running, spending an average of 136.3 days on the forecourts.

Fiat Professional Announce 70% Increase in Sales

Fiat Professional have announced a 70% increase in sales, over twice that of their nearest rivals. The growth sees their UK LCW market share rise from 1.5% to 4.4%. They saw sales of over 13,500 units in 2013 despite not releasing any all-new models.

It seems there is no slowing down for the manufacturer this year with Fiat Professional director, Sebastiano Federigo stating, ‘With even more in the pipeline for 2014, we’re looking forward to another strong performance this year.’

Vauxhall Vans Make it 12 Years at Number 1

Building over 44,000 vans from their Luton plant in 2013, Vauxhall has retained the title of Britain’s number 1 van maker for the 12th year running. The figure is over 3 times that of their nearest rivals. Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director, Duncan Aldred, hailed the Vauxhall Vivaro as the ‘lynchpin’ of their ‘award-winning’ van range.

The new Vivaro is currently in pre-production and will go on sale later this year.

Chevrolet Unveils the Camaro Z/28.R

If you like your cars a little more rare and exotic, Chevrolet have unveiled their latest endurance racer: the Camaro Z/28.R. Unsurprisingly based on the Z/28, it contains the same 7.0L V8 engine and generates approximately 505bhp. Where this car differs from the road car is through the addition of a front splitter, rear splitter and belly pan which all improve the car’s downforce.

Mark Kent, Chevy’s motorsport director, says of the Z/28.R, ‘Apart from series-mandated equipment and the specialised suspension components needed for endurance racing, it’s as close to a production-spec race car as you’ll find.’

Additional details on the racer a likely to be announced once the car makes its track debut.