Testdrive

Hand it back early

Hand It Back Early!

Hand It Back Early! https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/HIBE-featured.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Hand It Back Early is WVL’s ultimate deal in future-proof motoring.

Choose one of our selected in-stock vehicles on a 2-year Contract Hire deal and you’ll have the option to walk away from the vehicle at 6 months, 12 months and 18 months – no catches, no penalties.

We all know how life can throw surprises at us, so we understand that committing to longer lease terms can be daunting – especially in the current financial climate. But Hand It Back Early gives you the peace of mind that should your circumstances change and you’d prefer not to keep the vehicle to the end of the contract, you can Hand It Back Early!

We’ll miss you… but we’ll understand.

See the currently available vehicles here, and call our team on 01753 851561 to talk about this fantastic opportunity.

Out of hours, please contact us online, and don’t forget, you can see and test drive these vehicles at our Windsor showroom, where you can also speak to us in person to get things moving!

The small print: Two year contracts only on Nearly New and Used vehicles in stock, with a minimum of 10,000 miles per annum based on full maintenance contract hire with a payment profile of 6+23 months. No ownership option, Contract Hire; eligibility conditions apply.

Hand it back early

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!

Test Drive your Best Drive this August at WVL

The Ultimate Test Drive Event at WVL this August!

The Ultimate Test Drive Event at WVL this August! https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/TDYBD-featured.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

This August at WVL, we’re hosting an unmissable motoring event! We’ve invited over 20 of the leading manufacturers to provide their latest, greatest vehicles for you to drive in what can only be described as the ultimate test drive event!

Test Drive Your Best Drive

This August at WVL: Test Drive your Best Drive – over 50 vehicles, from over 20 manufacturers over 4 themed weeks.

WVL have always put excellent customer service and insightful advice at the top of the list when it comes to winning and maintaining long term customers. Our event acknowledges that when a customer is in the market for a new vehicle, they’re faced with having to visit countless different dealerships, trying to coordinate test drives between them all, and having to remember all the facts and figures about each vehicle – not to mention how the look and feel of one compares to another. We also understand that brand-specific sales staff are of course obliged to favour their own when customers ask comparative questions.

What’s missing in the usual process?

Customers rarely – if ever – have the opportunity to compare different manufacturers’ vehicles side-by-side, test drive them back-to-back, and to gain objective advice and opinion about the pros and cons of each from truly impartial experts.

And that’s why, this August, we’re hosting this multi-marque, near-‘Olympic’-scale test drive event!

Each week we’ll focus on a particular category of vehicle, starting with Small Cars on the 1st August, on to Family Saloons, SUVs and 7-Seaters, week on week. Customers will be able to view and drive their choice of vehicles from our Windsor Showroom and gain a unbeatable opportunity to pitch them head-to-head.

4 Themed Weeks

Leasing Experts

Don’t forget, we’re leasing specialists and with a savvy team well-versed in how best to make the most of any motoring budget, we’re here to help you find the perfect vehicle for the ideal monthly payment.

Leasing is the smart, depreciation-beating way to drive a new car, and our month-long event this August gives you access to a full range of makes and models – and the very best deals – all under one roof here at WVL.

Book now!

We’re taking bookings already to ensure we can guarantee customers’ choice of vehicles and ample appointment time, so please register your interest now!

Click through to wvl.co.uk/testdrive for a full listing of all the vehicles available each week. Spot your favourites, complete the enquiry form, and book your test drives today!

Click through to full details

Mercedes Ride & Drive 2016

Test Drive a Mercedes-Benz this May… and Dine Out on the Experience!

Test Drive a Mercedes-Benz this May… and Dine Out on the Experience! https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Mercedes-featured-2.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

This month WVL are delighted to be hosting our second Mercedes ‘Ride & Drive’ event. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be receiving a series of absolutely stunning demonstrator models for our customers to test drive. What’s more, there’s the chance of winning a fabulous dinner for 4 people too – it’s an opportunity you’ll not want to miss!

C300h Diesel Hybrid Saloon

This week, we’ve a fantastic C300h Diesel Hybrid Saloon here on-site. The smooth transition between battery and turbo diesel has to be experienced first hand, and that combined with the level of refinement – inside and out – makes this a very desirable vehicle indeed. Available 10th-13th May only – contact us to book your test drive now!

Mercedes C300h

A180d SE

Next week we’ve the nimble A180d SE Manual which which really gives the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series a run for their money – but also pitches hard at Focus and Astra drivers to consider switching marques. Packed with features, and offering a great value drive, we’ve a manual box version here with us at WVL from the 16th-20th May.

Mercedes A180d

E220d AMG Line Saloon

Then it’s the turn of the E220d AMG Line Saloon. Heralded as one of the most important new cars of 2016, it goes head to head with BMW’s 5-series, has a boot capacity to rival the Jaguar XF and takes luxury to the next level.  Our demonstrator will be here 23rd-27th May, so be quick and book your test drive slot now!

Mercedes E220d

C220d Sport Premium Plus

Already here on-site, we’ve a fabulous C220d Sport Premium Plus Auto, packed with features and extras including active park assist and panoramic roof. Available to lease or to purchase, please call at your earliest opportunity to test drive this vehicle as we don’t expect it to be here long!

Mercedes C220d

Smart fortwo Cabriolet

And if you’re looking for something smaller, how about a Smart fortwo 1.0 71hp Passion Cabriolet? Still on-brand with our Mercedes Month (Smart being from the Daimler-Benz stable), this is a top quality, top-tech runabout with a clever new design in roof mechanism: partially retracting just like a sunroof… or folding into the boot as a full convertible. This car offers a lot of fun, features, as well as practicality, and we’ve a demonstrator in stock now until the 27th ready for you to test drive!

Smart fortwo Cabriolet

Whether you’re already a brand-loyal Mercedes driver, or are looking to sample the quality, refinement and performance the marque has to offer, do come along and test drive one of these exceptional motors. And there’s more…

Win Dinner for 4

As an added bonus, everyone who test drives our Mercedes or Smart car this month and who leaves their business card with us will be entered into a competition to win dinner for four people at Royal Windsor Racecourse’s Castle Restaurant. This is a superb restaurant and a wonderful prize worth winning! Ts&Cs apply, please ask for full details.

So if you have a test drive WVL this May, you could really dine out on the experience! Call us on 01753 851561, email [email protected] or enquire online to book your slot.

Win dinner for 4 with WVL

Terms and conditions apply: Prize subject to availability. No cash alternative will be offered. By entering this competition you are agreeing to receive promotional emails from WVL. Winner will be chosen at random on 31st May 2016. Winner will be notified in writing and by telephone on 1st June 2016. Prize applies to Monday Evening racing at Windsor Racecourse. Dinner includes 2 bottles of house wine. WVL reserve the right to change/alter prize details with no prior notice. Prize must be taken by 1st September 2016.

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.

miniskirt
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!

Vehicle Profile: The Kia Cee’d 1.6 CRDi

Vehicle Profile: The Kia Cee’d 1.6 CRDi https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/kia-ceed-featured.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

‘Live more life’ – the emotive call-to-action Kia have given their new Cee’d. Account Executive Ryan Davies took the car out on an extended test drive to see if this feature-packed vehicle lives up to the feel-good-factor in its marketing.

The Test Drive
Having written my last review on the Vauxhall Corsa VVT Energy the natural thing to do would be to compare one hatchback to another. Well, much like my adoration towards the Corsa, I can speak with similar positivity about the all new Kia Cee’d. Smooth to drive with a quiet engine, comfortable seats and great visibility within the car all contributed to a very enjoyable journey along the roads of Berkshire.

Personally, I feel the best features of the car lie in its technology. The parking camera, sat nav and Bluetooth all work seamlessly contributing to an easier and more hassle-free drive. Aesthetically the main accolades go to the front grille and headlights which are both modern and exciting.

If it’s entertainment you’re after then the 7” touchscreen and Bluetooth music streaming is for you. Should comfort be your main focus then the heated seats and steering wheel will suit you perfectly. Or perhaps you’re keen to take a big leap into the 21st century? Well, if so then the parallel park assist system (PPAS) will ensure that you do just that – automatically nipping into the tightest spots with aplomb.

Most endearingly, through comfort, design and technology, the car appeals to a wide demographic: male/female, young/old this car really does accommodate for all.

Overall I believe the Cee’d to be a great car that is fit for most purposes, but why take my word for it? Pop in to the WVL showroom for a test drive in our demonstrator vehicle and see for yourself how great this modern, mid-sized car can be!

Pricing from £13,900.

Kia-Cee'd

 

Details of our demonstrator

Year 2013
Mileage New
Engine size 1.6L
Fuel Diesel
Gearbox Manual
Body Style Hatch
Colour Black

kia-interior

 

Personal Tax Position

Monthly Benefit In Kind
BIK Value 20% Tax Rate 40% Tax Rate 45% Tax Rate
£2,849 £47.48 £94.97 £106.84

 

Features
Our demonstrator is a new Kia Cee’d 1.6L CRDi featuring: Air Conditioning, Bluetooth with Voice Recognition & Music Streaming, USB & AUX Ports, Projection Headlights, Front Electric Windows with Auto Up & Down Function, Centre Console Armrest & Storage Box, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) & Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Emergency Stop Signalling, 17″ Alloy Wheels, Reversing Camera System (Integrated into Sat Nav Screen), 7″ Touchscreen Satellite Navigation with European Mapping, Dual Automatic Air Conditioning with Ioniser, Electrically Folding, Adjustable & Heated Door Mirrors with LED Indicators & Kerbside Lights, Auto-dimming Rear-view Mirror,  Heated Steering Wheel, Parallel Park Assist System (PPAS) with Front & Reversing Sensors.

If you’d like to take the Cee’d for a test drive and experience the vehicle for yourself, then please call 01753 851561 today!

The Week In Motoring #5

The Week In Motoring #5 https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/taxi.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

100% Electric Nissan e-NV200 Taxi Heads for Amsterdam

Amsterdam-based Taxi Electric is to become the first private taxi company to add the Nissan e-NV200 taxi to its fleet of zero emission taxis.

The 100% electric e-NV200 taxi will join the 25 LEAFs that Taxi Electric have been using since it became the first private taxi company to operate a fleet of 100% electric taxis in November 2011.

Reliability has not been an issue for the company who have amassed over 1.5million KM since going completely electric which Andy Palmer, European vice President of Nissan says is testament to Nissan’s electric technology.

“(Taxi Electric) have covered an astonishing distance in their fleet in such a short time and have shown just how reliable our electric technology is in a demanding environment. Their pioneering spirit closely matches ours and we are certain they will continue their success with the ground-breaking Nissan e-NV200.”

Cars on UK Roads Reaches 10-year high

2013 saw a 1.4% rise in the number of cars on UK roads reaching a total of 31,917,885 units – over 436,000 up on 2012. Not only demonstrating a 10-year high in industry growth, they also reflect greater vehicle longevity.

It’s said that improvements in car reliability as well as several economic factors have seen the lifespan of cars significantly extended – the average age now being a year older compared to a decade ago. Additionally, numbers of cars over 12 years old rose by a staggering 11.3% in 2012 further proof that cars are being kept on the road for longer.

Chief Executive of SMMT, Mike Hawes, added ‘With more cars bought and less scraped in recent years, the total number on UK roads reached an all time high last year.’

Formula 1 Returns

Looking ahead, we’re very much looking forward to the upcoming Formula 1 season that gets underway this weekend in Melbourne. Let’s face it, the last four seasons have hardly been filled with edge-of-your-seat excitement as Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull has calmly jogged to four consecutive world titles, but there have been murmurings that this season’s championships is set to be one of the most exhilarating in 30 years.

We suggest that this sense of anticipation is down to the sheer unpredictability of the year ahead. New engines, new rules, new regulations, new drivers; this really is impossible to call.

Some bookies have Lewis Hamilton down as a potential favourite for the title but it would still take a brave punter to lump on with him at this early stage. Perhaps most encouraging for those wanting a more competitive season this year is the fact that Red Bull are still experiencing significant issues with their latest car, the RB10, meaning that we are unlikely to see Vettel with one hand on the championship trophy as we enter June.

The RedBull RB10

Whatever happens this year, we can’t wait. But what about you? Are you excited for the new season or have recent years meant you’ve found a better way to spend your Sunday afternoons?

Predictions:
• Drivers Championship:– Lewis Hamilton
• Constructors Championship:– Mercedes

Car of the Week

Our vehicle of the week is the excellent Kia Cee’d – we have two on loan as demonstrators at our showroom at the moment. Here’s the spec. of the vehicle we’ve been driving:

Year / Reg 2013
Mileage New
Engine 1.6L
Fuel Diesel
Gearbox Manual
Body Hatchback
Colour Black

Kia C'eed

You can read our full profile on this vehicle here (and watch the video too!). If you’d like to book a test drive and talk to us out about our latest leasing options, then don’t hesitate to call on 01753 851561.

Vehicle Profile: The Vauxhall Ampera

Vehicle Profile: The Vauxhall Ampera https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ampera.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

With the Vauxhall Ampera winning the coveted European Car of the Year 2012, we now look at its 2013 successor. WVL’s Account Manager, Alan Robinson, puts the car through its paces and reports back for the blog!

The Test Drive
Having driven the Vauxhall Ampera over the last week I can safely say that I absolutely love it. It’s solid and comfortable, easy to drive and, being electric, very quiet. There are no worries about running out of battery power either because it has a petrol generator under the bonnet. This means that there is a range of 300 miles so there was no need to look for a socket to plug it in every 30 miles on my way to down south last weekend!

The car looks good inside and out while acceleration is very smooth and very fast. Leather upholstery and heated seats are standard across the range and the model I drove also had satellite navigation which helped me when I got lost in Brighton. The only thing that didn’t suit me was the numerous buttons on the centre console but I guess that’s just me…

With a 25-50 mile range on electric and an ‘extended range mode’ of over 350 miles when the petrol-generated motor kicks in you need never experience what is known as ‘range anxiety’ when driving the Ampera. When the battery runs low there is a seamless and unnoticeable changeover as the petrol generator kicks in – a fantastic coup.

ampera-driving
Vauxhall Ampera

 

Figures

CO₂ 27g/km
MPG 235.4
Transmission Automatic
Engine 0cc
Fuel Electric ER

ampera-refueling

 

Personal Tax Position

Monthly Benefit In Kind
% Rate BIK Value 20% Tax Rate 40% Tax Rate 45% Tax Rate
5 £1,771 £29 £59 £66

 

Options
The Ampera is available in two different models: the Positiv and the Electron. The Electron is a more ‘advanced’ model of the Ampera, with its additional features mainly surrounding entertainment with improved speakers, a DVD player and an inbuilt Hard Drive Device (HDD). The Electron starts from £30,495 compared to £28,750 for the Positiv. Contact us for the latest leasing deals on this vehicle.

The basic colour is Solid Black, but additional colours are available ranging from £275.00 for Summit White to £995.00 for Crystal Red.

Whether you’re looking to buy – or lease – an Ampera, it’s well worth a test drive. Call us today on 01753 851 561 to book yours!