Wednesday 16 September 2015

Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2016

The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2016 is published today priced at £16.99

There are 15 new One Stars and 2 new Two Stars in this year’s guide.

The new Two Stars are both Japanese restaurants: Araki and Umu. “It is a great compliment to London that when Sushi Master Mitsuhiro Araki closed his Three Star counter restaurant in Tokyo it was because he wanted to come to the UK to challenge himself in a different culture”, said Rebecca Burr, Editor of the Michelin Guide. “Umu is a very different style of Japanese restaurant – chef Yoshinori Ishii has steadily been improving the food and he has taken it to a whole new level.”

The new One Stars in London include Lyle’s, Bonhams, Portland and the Dining Room at the Goring, and in Leeds there’s a Star for The Man Behind the Curtain. “The next generation of chefs are really coming through to give the established chefs a run for their money. They all have their own individual style and their ability – coupled with their confidence – looks set to lead them on to great things”, she added.

There’s a Star for John’s House near Loughborough – where chef John Duffin cooks at the family farm where he grew up.

In Scotland, The Cellar in Anstruther receives a Star, as do Eipic and OX in Belfast, the Greenhouse in Dublin and Loam in Galway.

Our Bib Gourmand award is now rightly considered by our readers to be as important as our Stars. This award recognises establishments offering good food at affordable prices (the limit being £28 for three courses, €40 in Ireland). This year there are 25 new ‘Bibs’. Among them are the White Swan in Fence, Oli’s Thai in Oxford, Tom Kerridge’s pub The Coach in Marlow and Nuno Mendes’ Taberna do Mercado in Spitalfields. “Stars and Bib Gourmands are annual awards. Each year we seek out new candidates and reassess our existing award restaurants. Consistency is a key part of our selection process and it is important for our readers that the standard of cooking is maintained”, said Ms Burr.

Heston Blumenthal’s restaurant ‘The Fat Duck’ will be absent for this edition of the guide, as following a temporary move to Australia, it did not reopen in time for us to assess it.

Also published today is the Michelin Guide London 2016, priced at £12.99 (€13.99 in Ireland). This guide provides extended text on London’s restaurants, with additional photographs and information on all Starred establishments, as well as a pull-out map. It also includes a selection of London’s best hotels, across all categories of comfort.

Both guides can be purchased from bookshops and at http://travel.michelin.co.uk/

Established over 15 years Dynamic Vehicle Solutions are one of the UKs leading Contract Hire and Leasing Brokers. With 1,000s of satisfied customers over the years, put us to the test and let us save you money on your next vehicle by calling 0845 40 80 321

Thursday 10 July 2014

208 GTi 30TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION: THE MOST RADICAL GTi; FROM PEUGEOT SPORT


PEUGEOT unveiled the 208 GTi 30th anniversary Limited Edition on the occasion of the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed. 30 years after the 205 GTi, Peugeot reinterprets the iconic GTi in a more radical version of the 208 GTi.

The 208 GTi 30th delivers a more intense driving sensation enhanced with a new Euro6 1.6-litre THP petrol engine developing 300Nm of torque and maximum power increased to a symbolic 208hp. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, it has exceptional traction and efficiency assured through the specification of a Torsen differential, specific suspension and steering settings.

The exterior can also be distinguished with an optional paint finish – a coupe franche – where the rear is separated distinctively by a sharp dividing line from which the colours are cleanly divided.

Its sporty and assertive temperament can also been seen in its stance and look, in particularly by its dual-material livery, separated by a sharp dividing line.

It will be presented to the public at the forthcoming 2014 Paris Motor Show, with sales starting in November 2014.

The 208 GTi 30th anniversary Limited Edition made its world debut on display with dynamic demonstrations at the Goodwood Festival of Speed – dynamically in the Supercar & ‘First Glimpse’ class on the Hillclimb at speed and on static display in the Moving Motor Show showroom – on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

"As with any project of this type, there was a convergence of ideas and needs. Following on from the RCZ R, PEUGEOT Sport proposed that the Brand make a more radical version of the 208 GTi. At the same time the Brand thought about how best to celebrate 30 years of the PEUGEOT GTi in 2014."
Maxime Picat – PEUGEOT Brand CEO.

The PEUGEOT Brand can trace its roots back to 1810, and it was in 1889 that it began producing automobiles, thus in 2014 it celebrates 125 years of vehicle production with over 60 million sold. Conveyed through its brand signature ‘Motion & Emotion’, PEUGEOT is present in 160 countries with some 10,000 Franchised Dealers and recognised for its Excellence, Allure and Emotion.

In 2013 PEUGEOT sold 1.5m vehicles worldwide, represented in the majority of markets around the world with a strategy to continuously move the Brand up-market.

The UK is the 3rd largest market for PEUGEOT, which has a reinvigorated range of high quality products and services that provide a refined design with great attention to detail, and a unique driving experience delivering the satisfaction and emotion identifiable with every PEUGEOT product.

To take advantage of the amazing deals to be had on the Peugeot 208 visit the UKs leading Peugeot specialists Dynamic Vehicle Solutions www.dynamicvehiclesolutions.co.uk where you will find some superb Peugeot 208 Contract Hire offers along with a range of Peugeot 208 Leasing deals for both businesses and private individuals.

Established over 15 years Dynamic Vehicle Solutions are one of the UKs leading Contract Hire and Leasing Brokers. With 1,000s of satisfied customers over the years, put us to the test and let us save you money on your next vehicle by calling 0845 40 80 321

VAUX ROCKS FOR SCOTS IN LANDMARK YEAR

Hitting rivals for six, Vauxhall was the biggest-selling manufacturer in Scotland last year, for the sixth year running, with 27,739 cars sold.

It was also the joy of six for the Corsa supermini, Scotland’s top-selling car for the sixth consecutive year.

The ever-popular Astra was Scotland’s number five with 6,545 vehicles sold. Innovative programmes such as Vauxhall Flexible Finance and Lifetime Warranty helped drive sales.

“We are delighted to again be Scotland’s biggest-selling car manufacturer with the region’s best-selling car, the Corsa, for the sixth year running,” said Gordon Hannen, Vauxhall’s Regional Operations Manager for Scotland. “It’s the perfect way to round off Vauxhall’s 110th year of building and selling vehicles in the UK." 

The Corsa also celebrated its 20th Birthday last year and after two decades as a top-seller it shows no sign of going out of fashion with Scottish buyers. “Vauxhall’s excellent performance in Scotland is a huge part of our overall UK success story with sales and market share both up last year."

It’s exciting times for Vauxhall with three new models launched in 2013 and more to follow this year. “We’re also in the middle of a raft of new engine launches, which will continue for the next two years, making our products more refined, efficient and desirable for customers. One way or another, it’s clear that Vauxhall will be a force to be reckoned with in 2014.”

To take advantage of the amazing deals to be had on the Vauxhall Corsa visit the UKs leading Vauxhall specialists Dynamic Vehicle Solutions www.dynamicvehiclesolutions.co.uk where you will find some superb Vauxhall Corsa Contract Hire offers along with a range of Vauxhall Corsa Leasing deals for both businesses and private individuals.

Established over 15 years Dynamic Vehicle Solutions are one of the UKs leading Contract Hire and Leasing Brokers. With 1,000s of satisfied customers over the years, put us to the test and let us save you money on your next vehicle by calling 0845 40 80 321

Tuesday 1 July 2014

More than two-thirds of positive breath tests are the 'morning after'

Companies are being urged to educate drivers about ‘morning after’ drink-driving after a major fleet operator found one of its drivers was two times over the legal alcohol limit.

Speaking at the Brake Fleet Safety Conference, Martin ‘Nobby’ Clark, driver development manager at Balfour Beatty Fleet Services, said he had breathalysed an employee at a drink and drugs workshop and found he was two-times over the limit from drinking the night before.

Clark, a retired traffic police officer, was using a police breathalyser so the reading was accurate.
“The driver had had three pints and a ‘wee dram’ of whiskey the night before,” he said.

The reading was done as an exercise at the start of the workshop and Clark suggested the employee would have been at least 2.5 times over the limit when he drove to work that morning.

“The frightening thing is that it’s so easy to be over,” he said. “People think it is more difficult.  “A lot of people don’t know that 70% of all positive breath tests are the morning after the night before. In my 22 years in the police, I’d say 80% of my drink-drive arrests were the morning after the night before.

“I’ve seen grown men cry in the back of my police car when I put the handcuffs on and when they went on to tell me they had only three pints the previous evening, I’ll be honest with you, I did feel sorry for them. The ones who were having difficulty standing up, I didn’t feel sorry for them whatsoever.”

To have an employee over the limit at a workshop came as “no surprise” to Clark, although it was a surprise to the 30 drivers attending the workshop who had been “noisy prior to that” but then went “very quiet”.

The workshop took place a few years ago and Balfour Beatty has not had any incidents since.
It has a comprehensive risk management programme (as part of its commitment to Zero Harm), which includes online risk assessments, driver licence checking, classroom-based and on-the-road training, driver simulators and the fitment of safety technology such as ABS and electronic stability control.

It also routinely tests employees for drugs and alcohol and has started offering drink/drugs workshops to other fleets.

Clark believes other organisations should test their employees. “If it was up to me I would buy a police breathalyser and randomly breathalyse people in the workplace,” he said.  “You can give guides but there is no accurate way of saying how much you can drink. It depends on the individual. Two people could drink three pints, wait two hours, be breathalysed and get two completely different readings.”


Established over 15 years Dynamic Vehicle Solutions are one of the UKs leading Contract Hire and Leasing Brokers. With 1,000s of satisfied customers over the years, put us to the test and let us save you money on your next vehicle by calling 0845 40 80 321

VOLKSWAGEN’S ON THE up! IN THE LATEST WHAT CAR? / J D POWER SURVEY

The Volkswagen up! has taken the top place in the latest What Car? / J D Power customer satisfaction survey – one of four Volkswagen models to feature in the top 10.

In second place was the Golf Plus, making it the top-ranked Small Family Car; while the Scirocco came fifth (and top of the ‘Fun Car’ class). The Tiguan compact SUV came sixth, adding to a tally of top 10 results that put Volkswagen fifth overall in the ranking of manufacturers. The Touran MPV came 12th, and top of the MPV class.

The What Car? / J D Power survey is rated on the detailed feedback of more than 15,000 motorists, based on their experiences with their cars. This year’s survey took place between January and March, and is based on cars registered between January 2011 and December 2012, of which at least 4,000 were sold. The results are based not on the vehicles alone, but on the whole ownership experience.

The up! won plaudits from its owners for its fuel economy, excellent visibility, the layout of the dashboard display and its styling, especially the exterior/interior colour co-ordination.

Commenting on the survey, Robert Hazelwood, Director of Volkswagen UK, said, “These results prove what our customers already know: Volkswagen offers practical, value for money vehicles that are as good to own as they are to drive, backed up by an efficient Retailer network that always puts the customer first.” What Car? Consumer Editor Alex Newby added “The up! has performed brilliantly. It has won the top award in the city car category and is also the overall winner. What Car?'s Car of the Year 2012 has proven itself to be reliable, easy to drive and fuel efficient. These features make it a worthy victor.”

To take advantage of the amazing deals to be had on the Volkswagen Up visit the UKs leading Volkswagen specialists Dynamic Vehicle Solutions www.dynamicvehiclesolutions.co.uk where you will find some superb Volkswagen Up Contract Hire offers along with a range of Volkswagen Up Leasing deals for both businesses and private individuals.

Established over 15 years Dynamic Vehicle Solutions are one of the UKs leading Contract Hire and Leasing Brokers. With 1,000s of satisfied customers over the years, put us to the test and let us save you money on your next vehicle by calling 0845 40 80 321

THE NEW VOLVO XC60 R-DESIGN: DYNAMIC DESIGN & SPORTY DRIVE TWINNED WITH THE OPTION OF POLESTAR PERFORMANCE

The new R-Design version of the Volvo XC60 features an outstanding blend of a renewed sports appearance, a dynamic driving-focused chassis and engine output up to a substantial 329 horsepower with the Polestar performance option.

"The new R-Design models are a perfect match for performance-minded individuals with a passion for exquisite details. We have turned up the visual volume of these popular models with meticulous attention to detail," says Doug Speck, Senior Vice President Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Car Group.

Unique new front
R-Design cars - including the XC60 - now feature a unique face with a redesigned, dynamic, expressive nose. The frameless Tech Matte Black grille has high-gloss black stripes, a silk metal diagonal and a refined R-Designed emblem. The DRL lights in the outer corners reinforce the low, road-hugging impression.

"The front wheel arches are small design gems that enhance the car's sporty aura. The rounded end of the front bumper ‘wraps' around the dynamic Ixion wheel, which is now available in a redesigned 19-inch version." says Fedde Talsma, Design Director, Exterior.
At the rear, the unique diffuser with aero fins is flanked by the round, high-tech R-Design tailpipes.

New generation R-Design interior
The new sport seat comes as standard in the R-Design cars. It features a blend of black Nubuck textile and perforated leather. The embroidered R-design logo with a blue ‘R' confirms the sporty aura. Full leather seats are available as an option in the R-Design and standard on the R-Design Lux.
"With great hugging side support all the way from the thighs to the shoulders, the new sport seat makes a perfect addition to the in-command feel of a true driver's car while the seat retains the traditional comfort that has been a Volvo hallmark for decades," says Doug Speck.

The Adaptive Digital Display features the option to switch between three layouts with different configuration and functionality - Elegance, Eco and Performance. In the R-Design versions, the Elegance theme boasts a radiant blue colour.

The design team has dedicated much attention to all the interior details that emphasise the distinctive R-Design aura. "By blending inlays with a perforated look, black leather and contrasting stitching, the design team has created an interior with all the details in perfect harmony, crowned by the black headliner. The new stainless steel tread plate with a bright blue ‘R' in the R-Design emblem is another exquisite detail," says Doug Speck.

Lower and firmer chassis
The R-Design Sport chassis has been lowered 15 mm and the spring stiffness is 15 per cent higher compared with the dynamic chassis. This gives responsive driving pleasure with full control.

"The driving experience should be so connected that it boosts the dynamics without making the chassis feel too raw. If the chassis is too firm, even smooth tarmac can feel bumpy. We aim for a sporting yet luxurious feel," says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development at Volvo Car Group.

Monotube dampers
The V60 R-Design features rear monotube dampers, delivering compression and return damping via the same valve. This gives shorter, faster fluid flow, which in turn means the damper responds more quickly.

Stiffer bushings counteract oscillation, and roll and movements are more controlled. The bushings that attach the rear dampers to the body are 20 per cent stiffer compared with the Dynamic chassis. The front tie-blade bushing is a substantial 400 per cent stiffer to counteract wheel bouncing and shaking. A strut brace under the bonnet ties together the suspension strut towers to stiffen up the body structure.

The XC60 R-Design chassis is also stiffer than the standard car and has more dynamic driving properties - without compromising ride comfort. The shock absorber springs and anti-roll bars are adjusted and tuned to be firmer and more balanced. The result is improved control and a sportier, road-hugging drive.

To take advantage of the amazing deals to be had on the Volvo XC60 visit the UKs leading Volvo specialists Dynamic Vehicle Solutions www.dynamicvehiclesolutions.co.uk where you will find some superb Volvo XC60 Contract Hire offers along with a range of Volvo XC60 Leasing deals for both businesses and private individuals.

Established over 15 years Dynamic Vehicle Solutions are one of the UKs leading Contract Hire and Leasing Brokers. With 1,000s of satisfied customers over the years, put us to the test and let us save you money on your next vehicle by calling 0845 40 80 321

Friday 27 June 2014

1,223-MILES: E-CLASS TRAVELS FROM AFRICA TO THE UK ON ONE TANK OF FUEL

A standard, British-registered Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID has driven from Africa to the UK non-stop on one tank of fuel.

British journalist Andrew Frankel was behind the adventure. Averaging 73.6 mpg (3.1 l/100 km), the journey took him from Tangier in Northern Africa to the UK, visiting two continents, four countries and three time zones in a total time of 27 hours on the road which he shared with a relief driver – arriving at Goodwood in time for its appearance at the Festival of Speed having covered a total of 1,223-miles (1,968 km).

The original intention was simply to see if it were possible to get to the UK without refuelling, but on arriving at Goodwood and the Festival of Speed late last night the fuel gauge was yet to register empty, the car estimating an available range of 100-miles (160 km) – equating to a range of 1,323-miles (2,129 km).

During the course of the journey Andrew encountered heavy rain, intense heat, rush hour traffic jams and dramatic elevation changes – providing a real challenge to the aim of travelling from Africa to the UK without the need to fill up.

The car, fitted with an 80-litre fuel tank (a popular £100 option), was scrupulously standard – enduring the 26 hours of driving with relative ease. Despite the focus on economy on the run from Africa, the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, which emits just 109g/km of CO2, is no slouch. Its 204 hp diesel engine and 27 hp electric motor combine to allow it to accelerate from a standstill to 62 mph in 7.5-seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 150 mph. It’s equipped with COMAND, automatic climate control, DAB (useful on long journeys) and leather upholstery with heated front seats as standard.

The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID – which has travelled further than any standard E-Class has ever achieved - can be seen in action throughout the weekend as part of the ‘First Glance’ paddock at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend.

To take advantage of the amazing deals to be had on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class visit the UKs leading Mercedes-Benz specialists Dynamic Vehicle Solutions at www.dynamicvehiclesolutions.co.uk where you will find some superb Mercedes-Benz E-Class Contract Hire offers along with a range of Mercedes-Benz E-Class Leasing deals for both businesses and private individuals.

Established over 15 years Dynamic Vehicle Solutions are one of the UKs leading Contract Hire and Leasing Brokers. With 1,000s of satisfied customers over the years, put us to the test and let us save you money on your next vehicle by calling 0845 40 80 321