Renault

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!

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?