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

SEAT CELEBRATES 30TH BIRTHDAY OF THE IBIZA

On Sunday 27 April 2014 it was exactly 30 years since the very first SEAT Ibiza rolled off the production line in SEAT’s Zona Franca factory.

Since that day, the Ibiza has remained SEAT’s most iconic and popular car, with sales approaching five million across three decades and four generations.

The car was a game-changer for SEAT, the first designed and developed completely by the Spanish company from start to finish – with a little help from some friends. Namely, collaborations with Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign design company, coachbuilder Karmann, and Porsche helped make the Ibiza a truly cutting edge small car, and the foundation of 30 years of ongoing success. The very embodiment of the Spain of the ‘80s, the first SEAT Ibiza was ambitious, dynamic and ground-breaking.

Its name, taken from the Mediterranean island, reinforced the exotic image given to it by virtue of its Spanish roots. The backdrop chosen for the world première of the SEAT Ibiza was the prestigious Paris Motor Show in 1984, and from then on the car has gone from strength-to-strength, achieving success both in its domestic market (it has been the best-selling supermini in Spain since 2001, for example) and abroad, with almost seven of every ten produced exported; 69% of 5,000,000 total Ibiza production has been exported to more than 75 countries worldwide.

Did you know that: 

• The approximate price of the SEAT Ibiza in 1984 was 825,000 pesetas (€4,950). At today’s prices that would be €15,620.
• The SEAT Ibiza was the official car at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.
• The second generation of the Ibiza was the first model in its segment to be equipped with a TDI diesel engine, in this case a 90 PS unit.
• The SEAT Ibiza was the first model in its segment to have ESP (electronic stability control) as standard in the whole range.

In 2012 SEAT had a total turnover exceeding six billion euros, with overall deliveries amounting to 321,000 units. SEAT Group employs 14,000 professionals at its three production centres in Barcelona − Zona Franca, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon, amongst other models.

Additionally, the company produces the Alhambra in Palmela (Portugal), the Mii in Bratislava (Slovakia) and the Toledo in Mladá Boleslav (Czech Republic) at Volkswagen Group plants. The Spanish multinational also has a Technical Center, a ‘knowledge hub’, bringing together close to 1,000 engineers whose goal is to be the driving force behind innovation for the number one industrial investor in R&D in Spain. In line with its declared commitment to environmental protection, SEAT undertakes and bases its core activity on sustainability, namely reduction of CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, as well as recycling and re-use of resources.

To take advantage of the amazing deals to be had on the Seat Ibiza visit the UKs leading Seat specialists Dynamic Vehicle Solutions at www.dynamicvehiclesolutions.co.uk where you will find some superb Seat Ibiza Contract Hire offers along with a range of Seat Ibiza 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

JAGUAR NAMED BEST BRAND IN WHAT CAR? / J.D. POWER SURVEY FOR THIRD SUCCESSIVE YEAR

Jaguar is the number one automotive brand in the UK, according to the 2014 What Car? / J.D. Power survey. The result means Jaguar has now retained the title of Best Brand in this influential survey for a remarkable three years in a row. The survey considered the opinions of over 15,000 UK car owners, who rated 109 car models from 27 brands.

Jim Holder, What Car? Editor-in-Chief, said: “It is great to see Jaguar rated so highly by customers in the company’s home market. The XF is Jaguar’s best-selling model and it is easy to see why - customers gave excellent ratings across styling, comfort and reliability”.

Jaguar’s Best Brand accolade was attained due to the marque’s high ratings for styling, comfort, reliability, insurance costs and dealer facilities. The Jaguar XF finished 10th in the survey, and was one of the most highly rated cars in the executive class. The XF has won numerous international awards since its launch, with sales increasing each year with the introduction of new body styles, powertrains and trim levels.

Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director, said: "I am extremely proud of the design, engineering and manufacturing teams at Jaguar, for producing a range of cars that our customers adore. And I am delighted that the Jaguar UK dealer network consistently delivers a service to our customers that means owning a Jaguar is as enjoyable as it is to drive one. “For Jaguar to be placed at the top of the What Car? / J.D. Power survey results for the third year in a row is a huge honour. With a number of exciting new product launches in our plans, we look forward to bringing the Jaguar ownership experience to a whole range of new customers."

To take advantage of the amazing deals to be had on the Jaguar XF visit the UKs leading Jaguar specialists Dynamic Vehicle Solutions at www.dynamicvehiclesolutions.co.uk where you will find some superb Jaguar XF Contract Hire offers along with a range of Jaguar XF 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

ALL-NEW MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV SCOOPS DIESEL CAR AWARD FOR ‘BEST ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLE

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK celebrate today after the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is awarded Diesel Car’s ‘Best Alternative Fuel Vehicle’ for 2014.

The award, voted by Diesel Car’s road test team, has been assembled after testing more than 200 cars over the past year, putting every single new car through its paces, in a stringent test programme to decide upon the very best cars in each segment.

The recently launched Outlander PHEV came ahead of the Vauxhall Ampera in the petrol hybrid category, and beat the BMW i3 from the electric car category and Mercedes E-Class from the diesel hybrid category to be crowned ‘Best Alternative Fuel Vehicle’. Mitsubishi Motors’ new and exciting Outlander PHEV wowed the judges, impressed them most thanks to its advance plug-in hybrid technology, practicality and its affordable purchase price.

Ian Robertston, Editor of Diesel Car, said: "The Outlander PHEV is one of the most significant cars of 2014 thanks to its plug-in hybrid technology. There's generous space for five people, including their luggage, and best of all, it costs the same as the regular diesel Outlander to buy."

Lance Bradley, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors UK responded: “The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is very different to other hybrids in the market and we are delighted that it has won an award by such a well-respected publication such as Diesel Car, just weeks after its UK launch. “Having one of the first plug-in hybrids in the UK market that boasts 4x4 capability with an EV range of 32.5 miles and emissions as low as 44 g/km puts Mitsubishi at the forefront of a new era in the automotive industry.”

Unlike traditional hybrids, the Outlander PHEV can be driven over a sizable distance, at speeds over 70mph, using just its electric motors. In fact, the car can travel over the UK average person’s daily commute - 32.5 miles, in the PHEV’s case, without using any fuel at all. The combination of the Outlander’s powerful electric motors and petrol engine give it a silky smooth, quiet and refined ride. It only emits 44g/km CO2 (based on EU drive cycle figures), meaning a Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) of £0 and only 5% BIK for company car drivers. Most significantly, the entry model Outlander PHEV is available to buy at the same price as its diesel equivalent, with prices starting at £28,249 (post plug-in car grant).

To take advantage of the amazing deals to be had on the Mitsubishi Outlander visit the UKs leading Mitsubishi specialists Dynamic Vehicle Solutions at www.dynamicvehiclesolutions.co.uk where you will find some superb Mitsubishi Outlander Contract Hire offers along with a range of Mitsubishi Outlander 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


 

MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS IS TOP FAMILY CAR IN THE WHAT CAR? / JD POWER SURVEY

Mercedes-Benz has risen up the rankings in the latest What Car? / JD Power ownership satisfaction survey - claiming third place overall and scooping the top family car position with the C-Class.

Mercedes-Benz featured prominently in a survey taking in the views of over 15,000 owners of cars registered between January 2011 and December 2012 and covering 27 different car brands.

Focusing on a diverse range of attributes, from reliability and quality to comfort, performance and economy, the survey is the most detailed and comprehensive of its kind.

The C-Class finished in fourth place, making it the UK’s most satisfying family car, according to the owners surveyed by JD Power and What Car?

Particular praise focused on its efficient and powerful range of engines, the comfort features and its styling. Gary Savage, CEO of Mercedes-Benz UK Limited, said: ‘Winning the family car class is an achievement we’re proud of – not least because it’s possibly the most demanding segment of them all. Our customers rightly depend on their Mercedes-Benz and our dealers work hard to exceed expectations and make the ownership experience as enjoyable and reliable as the cars themselves. Likewise, our engineers and designers go to extraordinary lengths to ensure our cars meet the exacting standards of safety, comfort, versatility and quality expected of any Mercedes-Benz relied on to carry families day in, day out.’

Launched in 2007, the 204 series C-Class accounted for over 165,000 registrations in the UK and 2.4 million registrations globally, making it the most popular single model in the Mercedes-Benz range during this time.

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

Thursday 26 June 2014

ALL-NEW PEUGEOT 108: A MORE PRACTICAL PROPOSITION

Small but perfectly formed, the all-new PEUGEOT 108 takes city car versatility to a new level. With a raft of enhancements over its predecessor – the hugely popular 107 – the newcomer is an urban runabout that’s exceptionally user-friendly for day-to-day motoring.
Some of the improvements have taken place in the boot, a vital and often under-appreciated area of consideration for today’s small car buyer. Now boasting 196 litres of carrying capacity – up from 139 litres on the Peugeot 107 – it’s large enough for the ‘weekly shop’ from the supermarket. The boot sill is also 20mm lower for easier loading.

Another practical innovation is the new parcel shelf. Gone is the solid unit of the outgoing model, replaced by a neat fabric cover which conveniently lies flat against the inside of the hatchback glass when the boot is open. As the boot is pulled down, the cover cleverly pivots to the horizontal, hiding whatever is below.

The hatchback itself now features twin gas struts for additional stability when open, compared to the single support on the 107. Also at the rear of the Peugeot 108 is another convenience feature – a reversing camera built into the rear bumper, just above the number plate. It’s standard on the two highest trim levels in the range, Allure and Feline. The rear bench seat splits 50:50 for additional practicality, and each side can be folded using a separate fabric handle accessible from the boot. Interestingly, these handles are the only component of the 107 carried over to the new car. Two rear seat ISOFIX child seat fixing points are standard on the Peugeot 108. Available in three and five-door body styles, the car has generous interior space for up to four occupants, with almost identical cabin measurements to the 107.

The driver’s seat is now height-adjustable on all but the entry level, Access trim, and on three-door models both front seats gain a memory function. This means they will always return to the same position when tilted forward to allow passengers into the rear. Furthermore, seat quality, comfort and support have been improved dramatically when compared to the 107.

The PEUGEOT 108 is a car customers can happily sit in for long journeys should the need arise. Premium features are part of the 108 ownership experience. On all but Access trim level the car comes with a multi-function steering wheel, allowing drivers to keep their hands and eyes where they should be as they travel. For comfort, air conditioning is standard on three out of the four trim levels, including – for the first time – climate control on top spec Feline models. Cabin storage has also been upgraded. For example, the passenger-side glovebox now has a lid for the first time and includes a horizontal cut-out section which is designed to take a one-litre drinks bottle.

These are just some of the ways PEUGEOT has made the all-new 108 an exceptionally practical vehicle, improving on the already high standards of the 107 to meet the needs of today’s small car buyer. Ivo Groën, Design Director of the PEUGEOT 108, commented: “The 107 and 108 share the same roots but the 108 is a much more mature vehicle. It’s a real Peugeot.”

To take advantage of the amazing deals to be had as part of the run-out of the existing Peugeot 107 visit Dynamic Vehicle Solutions at http://www.dynamicvehiclesolutions.co.uk/ where you will find both Contract Hire offers and Leasing deals for businesses and private individuals.