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Can new 308 challenge Golf?Hatchback continues brand’s move upmarket

Focus and B-Max drive Ford growth Mondeo supply issues ease as manufacturer powers ahead

All the latest cars tested Reports include BMW 520d, VW Golf GTD, Seat Leon SC

FIRST DRIVE: PEUGEOT 308

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IgnitionIssue 14 August 2013

Car views and news by FleetNews

FIRST DRIVE

By Simon Harrisou’d be forgiven for thinking the car on these pages is merely a facelifted replacement for the outgoing model.It is perhaps ironic that while Peugeot has traditionally signified the

introduction of a new model by naming it as the next number in sequence, its newest car – an all-new model – retains the same name-

plate as its predecessor. So the replacement for the 308 is the new 308, which is a shame as it fails to convey how very new the car is.It’s the first Peugeot to come from the new EMP2 platform – which is PSA

Peugeot Citroën’s versatile modular components set that will be the basis for many future products, helping the loss-making company reduce costs.It has helped Peugeot reduce the weight of the new 308 compared with its

predecessor by up to 140kg and, along with other improvements, make significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.Peugeot also has big ambitions to take the brand upmarket, and there is evidence

of this strategy as the 308 adopts premium features and even higher levels of ‘perceived quality’. It means more soft-touch materials, combined with expensive-looking metallic trim parts inside, a large multi-function touchscreen display and an impressive lack of clutter on the dashboard.As in the 208, the steering wheel in the 308 is smaller to help achieve a more

NEED TO KNOW n All new model is lighter and more efficientn New safety technology availablen Even lower CO2 diesel in the pipeline

PEUGEOT 3081.6 HDI ACTIVE

Y

LOFTY AMBITIONS

SPEC

engaging drive, while the main instruments are set high on the dashboard.We spent time in the 115bhp 1.6 HDi, which, depending on tyre choice, can achieve

CO2 emissions as low as 95g/km – equalling the Volvo V40 D2 and Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC. It’s a quiet engine and with up to 199lb-ft of torque available it’s pretty responsive as long as you keep the rev counter needle above 1,500rpm.There is also a 92bhp version from launch in January, as well as 125bhp and

155bhp petrol variants. A three-cylinder 82bhp petrol version will be the entry point to the range, but in spring 2014 Peugeot will begin to introduce ultra-efficient Blue HDi diesel variants, including a 150bhp version. With AdBlue technology to clean up emissions enough to achieve Euro 6 levels, CO2 will also be reduced to as low as 82g/km.The 308 offers a refined drive, with excellent comfort on our test vehicle – tested

on a few imperfect roads – and feels quite involving. It would be a little more fun if the six-speed manual gearshift was less cumbersome, though.New safety technology makes its debut on the 308, including a blindspot warning

and autonomous emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control will also be available as well as a collision warning system. Customers will also be able to choose versions with a self-steering parking aid.So the 308 is transformed to a highly competent all-rounder where its prede-

cessor was something of an also-ran in a crowded sector. It will do most things as well as any rival, and matches the Volkswagen Golf for

quality feel, but without offering anything that stands out so much that it would be a key reason for choosing it. But with Peugeot’s recent sales success in the UK with the 208 and 2008, perhaps the 308 will become a high achiever.

COSTSP11D price £19,500 (estimated)BIK tax band 14%Annual BIK tax (20%) £546 (est)Class 1A NIC £377 (est)Annual VED £0RV (4yr/80k) n/aFuel cost n/aRunning cost n/a

To compare running costs, click here

Engine (cc) 1,560Power (bhp) 115CO2 (g/km) 98Fuel economy (mpg) 74.3Max speed (mph) 1190-62mph (sec) 10.2

New IS is more comfortable than before

FIRSTDRIVE

COMING SOON

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OURFLEET

New 308 provides a refined and comfortable drive

TESTED THIS MONTH

The Golf GTI has gained iconic status in some eyes over the years, but it’s a little known fact in the UK that there has been a hot diesel variant of the Volkswagen for almost as long.The first Golf GTD appeared alongside the Mk1

GTI, but it wasn’t until the GT TDI of the fourth-generation Golf that UK customers really showed enthusiasm for diesel version of the hot hatch.The technology is now sophisticated enough to

ensure a strong preference among some for the extra low- to mid-range response compared with petrol engines.

The Custom Econetic offers significant improvements in fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions compared with its predecessor, so could be a more desirable choice in the range for fleets wanting to minimise fuel spend or to comply with any overall environmental policy.For its part, the Transit Custom Econetic

probably offers the most sophisticated off-the-shelf fuel-saving features of any conventional van. Standard stop-start can, according to Ford,

reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 10% in urban driving.

Suzuki has decided it wants a piece of the Fiat Panda 4x4’s success, so has joined the B-segment 4x4 sector with the launch of its Swift 4x4.Drivers get a choice of two specifications: the

SZ3, which looks like a normal Swift SZ3 apart from a 4x4 badge and a suspension lift of 25mm; and the SZ4, which adds front and rear skid plates, black wheel arch extensions and black side skirts.On the road, the 4x4 is composed and handles as

well as its two-wheel drive counterpart, and better than a cumbersome full-size 4x4.

Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI GTD

Ford Transit Custom Econetic 310

Suzuki Swift 4x4 1.2 SZ3

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

BMW has deleted the Efficient Dynamics model from its 5 Series range after a number of mid-life enhancements cut the emissions of the 520d.This 184bhp 2.0-litre diesel model accounts for

the majority of 5 Series sales to UK fleets and emits just 119g/km in both manual and automatic transmissions, the same as the outgoing Efficient Dynamics model. Combined fuel efficiency is 62.8mpg.Styling tweaks have improved aerodynamics to

the wheel arches, under-body panelling and front bumper, which has cut the drag factor on the car.

The latest Micra got a bit of a frosty reception when introduced in 2010. The previous model was popular with retail buyers thanks to its quirky looks and decent build quality.But for the fourth-generation model, Nissan

moved production from Sunderland to Chennai in India in the name of cost-cutting and – although the latest Micra is clearly a budget car – it made a lot of financial sense. However, lacklustre sales mean Nissan has

rushed through this facelift to try to recapture some of the character from the old model.

Seat Leon SC 2.0 TDI 184 FR

BMW 520d SE

Nissan Micra 1.2 DIG-S Acenta

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Go-faster fleet drivers are expected to play a big part in plans to drive Seat to another record year for sales in Britain.Officials at the manufacturer think rising demand

for corporate transport with added kerbside appeal will lead to extra business in the sector with the latest versions of the Leon hatchback.“Our sales performance has shown a massive

improvement since the Leon five-door range was launched in March and there’s no doubt this has contributed to a new perception of the brand,” said Seat UK product marketing manager Jo Elliott.

FIRSTDRIVE

COMING SOON

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OURFLEET

FLEE T SALES FIGURES

By Jay Nagley, Redspy Automotivet 83,767 registrations, the fleet sector took 51.6% of the total market last month. That figure is slightly below the long-term average, but July is such a small month that minor changes are of

little importance to the annual totals.At a manufacturer level, Ford appears to have

opened the fleet tap somewhat after a very quiet start to the year. The biggest increases came from the Focus, the

Mondeo (after supply shortages caused by industrial unrest at the doomed Genk plant) and, of course, the new B-Max. As an aside, it is worth noting that the Ka city car

has virtually been dropped from Ford’s fleet line-up: sales were just 31 in July – less than half the passenger car fleet registrations of the Transit Tourneo. In contrast, Fiat’s fleet registrations of the 500 city

car in July were 960. It seems unlikely that Ford’s original sales planning

for the Ka included being outsold by Fiat by 17:1 in fleet so far this year (357 vs 6273). Vauxhall had a much quieter month than Ford

overall, but there are interesting variations in indi-vidual models. Whereas every Ford model (except the B-Max) had

After a quiet start to the year, Ford sees big increases from Focus and Mondeo

Sector leader opens the taps

year-to-date (YTD) sales variations within a range of +/- 60%, four continuing Vauxhall models had bigger variations, including a rise of 306% for the Antara. That is remarkable for a car that has been around

since early 2011. At the other end of the scale, the Ampera fell by 64% to just 51 units so far this year (and none at all in July). Among the medium-sized fleet players, the biggest

growth has come from Citroën. The evergreen DS3 continues to increase fleet sales

(accounting for 27% of all Citroën fleet sales YTD). However, it is actually being outsold by the rather

less charismatic C4 hatchback. The difference is that 51% of DS3 sales YTD have

been made to the fleet market, whereas the corre-sponding figure for the C4 is 73%.Further down the table, Fiat is doing well on the

back of the previously-mentioned 500, which now accounts for 54% of all its fleet sales.Including the Panda, 66% of Fiat fleet sales now

come from the city car segment, which is an extremely high proportion. However, things are less healthy elsewhere in the

group, with Alfa Romeo’s fleet sales down by 50% YTD, while combined fleet sales of Alfa, Jeep and Chrysler are below Lexus so far this year.

AVauxhall's Antara has seen 2013 sales year- to-date rise by 306% compared to the same

period last year

Citroen's C4 is outselling its more

charismatic brother, the DS3, this year

July July YTD YTD Manufacturer fleet 2013 fleet 2012 % change fleet 2013 fleet 2012 % change Ford 14,570 10,825 34.60% 95,699 96,436 -0.76%Vauxhall 10,446 11,672 -10.50% 85,047 79,864 6.49%Volkswagen 8,578 7,503 14.33% 64,113 63,032 1.72%Audi 5,617 5,138 9.32% 43,294 41,578 4.13%Nissan 5,042 4,491 12.27% 34,916 30,521 14.40%BMW 4,953 4,255 16.40% 41,045 41,541 -1.19%Peugeot 4,125 3,985 3.51% 35,590 35,295 0.84%Mercedes-Benz 3,802 3,691 3.01% 32,494 28,120 15.55%Kia 3,157 2,892 9.16% 19,597 20,036 -2.19%Citroën 2,877 2,359 21.96% 23,542 18,325 28.47%Toyota 2,773 2,345 18.25% 20,924 20,564 1.75%Skoda 2,623 1,734 51.27% 16,583 14,442 14.82%Hyundai 2,245 2,719 -17.43% 22,858 20,717 10.33%Fiat 2,068 1,088 90.07% 11,845 9,063 30.70%Honda 1,738 1,361 27.70% 13,617 12,721 7.04%Volvo 1,664 1134 46.74% 12,859 11,832 8.68%Seat 1,350 1,080 25.00% 12,328 11,594 6.33%Land Rover 1,032 1,132 -8.83% 9,384 7,931 18.32%Renault 1,180 883 33.64% 8,411 8,785 -4.26%Mazda 896 380 135.79% 5,503 4,105 34.06%Mini 835 1,174 -28.88% 9,418 11,883 -20.74%Jaguar 431 471 -8.49% 4,328 4,088 5.87%Lexus 404 235 71.91% 2,514 2,676 -6.05%Suzuki 318 273 16.48% 2,933 2,765 6.08%Chevrolet 293 529 -44.61% 3,437 6,250 -45.01%Alfa Romeo 133 265 -49.81% 1,116 2,221 -49.75%Chrysler 103 183 -43.72% 928 906 2.43%Porsche 98 86 13.95% 573 547 4.75%Jeep 95 71 33.80% 441 469 -5.97%Bentley 74 38 94.74% 252 262 -3.82%Smart 71 104 -31.73% 1,164 1,151 1.13%Mitsubishi 49 46 6.52% 1,286 954 34.80%Dacia 41 0 0.00% 252 0 0.00%Aston Martin 18 20 -10.00% 202 178 13.48%Subaru 13 29 -55.17% 407 587 -30.66%SsangYong 3 40 -92.50% 109 186 -41.40%Other 52 44 18.18% 314 723 -56.57%Total 83,767 74,275 12.78% 639,323 611,448 4.56%

FIRSTDRIVE

COMING SOON

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OURFLEET

FUEL PRICES

1 BIRMINGHAM Diesel 141.15Unleaded 136.57LPG N/A

2 BRIGHTON Diesel 140.98Unleaded 136.31LPG N/A

3 CAMBRIDGE Diesel 142.9Unleaded 138.27**LPG 76.9**

4 DERBY Diesel 141.55Unleaded 135.91LPG N/A

5 EDINBURGHDiesel 140.68Unleaded 136.4LPG 69.9

6 EXETER Diesel 143.18**Unleaded 137.67LPG 73.93

7 GLASGOW Diesel 138.61Unleaded 136.09LPG N/A

8 HEREFORD Diesel 140.86Unleaded 136.99LPG 72.9

9 LEEDSDiesel 139.98Unleaded 135.9LPG N/A

10 LIVERPOOL Diesel 138.93Unleaded 136.32LPG N/A

11 LONDON Diesel 137.66*Unleaded 135.15*LPG 67

12 MANCHESTER Diesel 140.52Unleaded 136.73LPG 68.9

13 NEWCASTLE Diesel 141.67Unleaded 137.36LPG N/A

14 NORWICHDiesel 141.33Unleaded 136.43LPG 66.9*

For full UK fuel price figures Click here

1

2

3

4

5

6

8

910

11

12

13

7

13

* Cheapest ** Most expensive

OUR FLEE T

COSTSP11D price £23,170BIK tax band (2013/14) 25%Annual BIK tax (20%) £1,159Class 1A NIC £799Annual VED £175RV (4yr/80k) £8,675/37%Fuel cost (ppm) 13.15AFR (ppm) 14Running cost (4yr/80k) 36.15ppm

*Running cost data supplied by KeeResources (4yr/80k)

SPECEngine (cc) 1,997Power (bhp) 140Torque (lb-ft) 236CO2 (g/km) 154Fuel efficiency (mpg) 47.9Max speed (mph) 1170-62mph (sec) 10.7Test mpg 38.3Current mileage 1,108

By Gareth Robertshe all-new, more fuel efficient Kuga is the centrepiece of Ford’s strategy to expand in the fast-growing European SUV market. Fleets will be most interested in the 2.0-litre TDCi Duratorq diesel

engine, which is available with 140bhp in front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions offering combined official fuel economy from 53.3mpg

and 139g/km of CO2; and a 163bhp version that achieves fuel efficiency figures from 47.9mpg and 154g/km of CO2. The front-wheel drive 140bhp 2.0 TDCi with emissions of 139g/km will be targeted at the user-chooser market, while our AWD version produces 154g/km of CO2.Climbing behind the wheel, the dashboard is similar to that of the current Focus

or C-Max. Its layout is practical, but many of the buttons are small and some controls aren’t as intuitive as they should be.The Ford-engineered four-wheel drive system evaluates road conditions every

16 milliseconds and adjusts the power split from the front wheels to back to provide a precise blend of handling and traction at all times.It certainly combines to give you a car that feels equally at home cruising along

the motorway or negotiating a winding country lane. The handling is sharp while the ride soaks up all but the biggest of humps and bumps. It is also more practical than its predecessor. Boot space has been boosted by

46 litres with the new car boasting between 438-481 litres, depending on how far the rear seats have been reclined.

SUV is equally at home on the motorway or negotiating country lanesFORD KUGA

NEED TO KNOW n Fuel economy of 47.9g/km and CO2 of 154g/kmn More practical than predecessor

2.0 TDCI ZETEC AWD

T


Click here for all Ford tests

Boot space has increased by 46 litres

By Tim Rosehile Fleet News has been running an A180 CDI Sport model, its sister magazine AM has been using the diesel flagship in the range, the A220 CDI AMG Sport. The two cars, effectively non-identical twins, have totally

opposing characters.The A180 CDI is the more sensible, understated and frugal one, while the

A220 CDI AMG Sport is the slightly flash, arguably better looking, binge drinking other. Each have their good and bad points.I found the A180 CDI slightly boring after the A220 CDI's sportier AMG

styling, paddle shift auto transmission and heaps of equipment. Except for its badge, I wonder why it would get chosen over a Volkswagen Golf. However others in the team actually preferred its understated presence. Without question it is far more efficient on both fuel economy and tax: it

is averaging 64.2mpg compared to the larger-engined A220CDI’s 51mpg and its 17g/km lower CO2 emissions give it a BIK rate four percentage points lower on a P11D value that is £6,190 lower. It also has a much more forgiving ride than the AMG Sport's standard lowered sports suspension.Nevertheless, the A220CDI AMG Sport feels more special both to drive

and to be in, plus it attracts more admiring glances from my neighbours in the suburbs. Isn’t that a key reason for choosing a premium brand car?

A180 CDI is a more fleet-friendly option than its flashier AMG brother

NEED TO KNOW n A-Class has badge appeal n 64.2mpg average test fuel economy

A180 CDI BLUE EFFICIENCY SE

COSTSP11D price £21,170BIK tax band (2013/14) 14%Annual BIK tax (20%) £593Class 1A NIC £409Annual VED £0RV (4yr/80k) £6,935/33%Fuel cost (ppm) 8.78AFR (ppm) 12Running cost (4yr/80k) 29.78ppm


SPECEngine (cc) 1,461Power (bhp) 109Torque (lb-ft) 192CO2 (g/km) 98Fuel efficiency (mpg) 74.3Max speed (mph) 1180-62mph (sec) 11.3Test mpg 64.2Current mileage 7,348

MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS

W

Click here for previous A-Class tests

FIRSTDRIVE

COMING SOON

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OURFLEET

Understated A-Class is a sensible choice

OUR FLEE T

Little details make Passat seem more expensive than it is

By Simon Harrisow does one define quality when it comes to cars? Well there is the much talked about ‘perceived quality’ – that which we see and feel – and other elements that encompass the longevity of components.Volkswagen has always done a great job of ensuring everything the

driver and other occupants can see and come into contact with creates an impression of high quality.I remember driving a Polo on a launch in 2001 and noticing the bonnet had gas

struts keeping it aloft without the need for a prop. At the time it would have been one of the elements that made it stand out from the rest of the small car sector.But the MG6 we tested recently in Fleet News also had this feature – still absent

from most cars in the medium sector – but nothing else about it made us think it could be described as a high-quality product.However, Volkswagen has managed to cultivate an image of quality and depend-

ability. Despite having its origins in the Passat launched in 2006, the current model looks and feels a cut above mainstream rivals. The quality is good, and it has allowed Volkswagen to become the benchmark

to which the others aspire to.The Passat might not excite, but it feels good and the little details inside make

it look like a more expensive product.

Saloon might not excite, but it still feels a cut above mainstream rivalsVOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

NEED TO KNOW n Image of quality and dependabilityn Test fuel economy of 54.8mpg

2.0 TDI HIGHLINE BLUEMOTION TECHNOLOGY

H

COSTSP11D price £23,175BIK tax band 18%Annual BIK tax (20%) £834Class 1A NIC £576Annual VED £0 then £30RV (4yr/80k) £5,825/25%Fuel cost (ppm) 10.26AFR (ppm) 14Running cost (4yr/80k) 35.49ppm

SPECEngine (cc) 1,968Power (bhp) 140Torque lb-ft 236CO2 (g/km) 119Fuel efficiency (mpg) 61.4Max speed (mph) 1320-62mph (sec) 9.8Test mpg 54.8Current mileage 6,481


Click here for previous Passat tests

2.2 D 150 SPORT NAV

FIRSTDRIVE

COMING SOON

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OURFLEET

By Stephen Briersfriend commented upon hearing the news that I was about to swap my long-term Volkswagen Passat for our long-term Mazda6 that “the cars look good but the quality is poor inside”.It neatly encapsulated the issue that many manufacturers

have: tackling brand perceptions starts with the exterior style with interior improvements some way down the evolution trail.The original Mazda6 started Mazda’s brand recovery in the UK when it was

launched in 2002, particularly with fleets. Launched on a cloud of zoom-zoom advertising, it was a decent car to drive

and it looked great, but the interior ultimately undermined the experience with its cheap plastics, especially on the lower trim levels.Image takes time to overcome and for all its talk of Skyactiv technology,

low emissions and powerful performance, Mazda continues to be dogged by views that it trails the competition when it comes to interior look and feel.Will the newest model change that? It’ll certainly help. Quality has discern-

ibly improved, switches and buttons are more tactile; in short, everything above knee level is sleek and very impressive. However, the scratchy plastics persist on lower level sections around the

footwell and along the sides of the middle console, which is disappointing, but perhaps not unusual for cars outside the premium sector.One other comparison with the Passat. On my 12-mile commute to work,

the Volkswagen was averaging 53-55mpg. The Mazda has so far struggled to get above 49mpg.

Improved quality will help improve the image of manufacturer

NEED TO KNOW n Improved quality and tactile switchesn However, quality doesn't match that of VW Passat


MAZDA6

Mazda6's average test fuel economy is 47.1mpg

COSTSP11D price £25,540BIK tax band 16%Annual BIK tax (20%) £817Class 1A NIC £564Annual VED £0 then £30RV (4yr/80k) £6,075/24%Fuel cost (ppm) 9.47AFR (ppm) 18Running cost (4yr/80k) 39.8ppm

SPECEngine (cc) 2,191Power (bhp) 150Torque (lb-ft) 280CO2 (g/km) 108 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 67.3Max speed (mph) 1310-62mph (sec) 9.0Test mpg 47.1Current mileage 9,947

A

Click here for previous Mazda6 tests

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By Luke Neal've now spent three months with the A3 and I’m only just getting used to its start-stop technology. The Audi is the only vehicle I have used which has had the feature – in the past I’ve owned cars in which the engine would stop when they came to a rest, but this was because they were old and there was always a chance that they wouldn’t re-start, leaving me stranded.

Inititally this led to mild panic every time the Audi’s engine cut out in traffic, but fortunately that feeling has now subsided. So much so that I’m enjoying start-stopping even at every opportunity. There is

a button on the centre console to turn it off, but why would you? After stopping, the engine fires up immediately when you're ready to start moving

again, so even the most impatient driver won't get annoyed at any delay.The only downside in the hot weather we've been having is that it doesn't always

work when the air-conditioning is on because of the drain on the battery.Other fuel-saving technologies on the A3 Sportback are a gearshift indicator

which tells you the most efficient gear to drive in, and a recuperation system which converts the kinetic energy created when coasting or braking into electrical energy which is stored temporarily in the battery. When the vehicle accelerates, this energy is used to relieve the load on the

alternator, resulting in a claimed fuel saving of up to 3%.However, I don't think I'm feeling the full benefits on this technology; I'm recording

an average economy of 50.6mpg – well down on the 74.3mpg achieved in the official combined cycle test.

A3 falls short of official economy figures despite fuel-saving technologiesAUDI A3 SPORTBACK

NEED TO KNOW n Stop-start system works seamlesslyn Average test fuel economy of 50.6mpg


1.6 TDI SPORT

I

Click here for previous A3 Sportback tests

COSTSP11D price £22,320BIK tax band 14%Annual BIK tax (20%) £625Class 1A NIC £431Annual VED £0RV (4yr/80k) £7,375/33%Fuel cost (ppm) 8.48AFR (ppm) 12Running cost (4yr/80k) 31.3ppm

SPECEngine (cc) 1,598Power (bhp) 147Torque lb-ft 236CO2 (g/km) 99 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 74.3Max speed (mph) 1210-62mph (sec) 10.9Test mpg 50.6Current mileage 2,774

A gearshift indicator and energy recuperation system are standard on the A3 Sportback

FIRSTDRIVE

COMING SOON

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OURFLEET

OUR FLEE T

By John Maslenost people agree that the Honda Civic is great to look at, but when you are inside looking out opinions begin to differ.Rear visibility is hampered for several reasons. The low sloping

rear end means the vertical opening isn’t that large in the first place, but what space there is has been taken up with a very

substantial light cluster and spoiler combination.In terms of its design to help fuel economy and smooth airflow, then it does its

job extremely effectively. As I mentioned in my last test, fuel economy is consist-ently more than 60mpg in real-world tests. I even tried to drive as uneconomically as possible to see how far the figure might

dip and economy didn’t fall below 58mpg.However, for some reviewers, there is a fair amount of looking back in anger, or

at least angst, as there isn’t a clear view of following traffic or when reversing.There is an excellent rear view camera in our ES-T option, which helps, although

it would be nice if rear parking sensors were standard, rather than just an option.I can see why it can be a constant niggle if you aren’t comfortable with it, but

over the past six months I have just adapted to it and barely notice the ever present shadow in my rear view mirror over the past 7,000 miles.While the view of traffic might be an issue, the expected costs for fleets are much

clearer thanks to the excellent car running costs feature on the Fleet News website.The feature allows you to compare up to five models back-to-back in just a couple

of clicks, and you can see the Honda offers a competitive package.

Hatchback's rear end leaves some looking back in anger – or at least angst HONDA CIVIC

NEED TO KNOW n Official combined fuel economy of 74.3mpgn Excellent rear-view camera


1.6 TDI SE

A large spoiler and light clusters

dominate the Civic's rear

M

Click here for previous Civic tests


SPECEngine (cc) 1,597Power (bhp) 120Torque (lb-ft) 221CO2 (g/km) 94Fuel efficiency (mpg) 78.5Max speed (mph) 1290-62mph (sec) 10.5Test mpg 62Current mileage 7,058

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OUR FLEE T

By Sarah Toozehen we last reported on the Ampera, it had been achieving a still-creditable 140mpg after a longer journey dented the nearly all-electric 200mpg-plus. But we can happily report that following a series of commutes

with little need for the engine to power up the battery, we are back to the 200mpg mark again and should continue to see that improve in the near future. Another bonus is that all of the charging has taken place at our office, which means I have been commuting at no cost to me in terms of ‘refuelling’. There is currently no benefit-in-kind guidance on electricity provided by employers

for private mileage. If I was using fuel paid for by my company for private mileage then I would have been liable to pay tax.Longer journeys over the weekend do come at a price, however. I don’t have a

charging point installed at home as I live in a flat and the 38 miles I am getting on electric is not always enough to see me through the weekend. That means the Ampera ends up running on petrol at around 40mpg,

making a diesel hybrid, which can boast a higher fuel economy figure, appear more attractive. To make my range envy worse, I have spotted an Ampera parked on a neigh-

bouring street, with a charging point by the front door of the house. This brings the total number of Amperas in my neighbourhood to two – the

equivalent of 4% of the Amperas sold to fleets in the UK this year.

A period of electric-only driving has seen economy increase to 200mpgVAUXHALL AMPERA

NEED TO KNOW n No benefit-in-kind guidance on electricity provided by employern 51 Amperas sold to fleets so far this year


ELECTRON

Ampera can travel 38 miles on

electric charge alone

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Click here for previous Ampera tests

COSTSP11D price £38,940BIK tax band 5%Annual BIK tax (20%) £389Class 1A NIC £267Annual VED £0RV (4yr/40k) £12,825/33%Fuel cost (ppm) 2.6ppmAFR (ppm) N/ARunning cost (4yr/40k) 74.36ppm

SPECEngine (cc) 1,398Power (bhp) 150 (electric motor)Torque lb-ft 273CO2 (g/km) 27Fuel efficiency (mpg) 235.4Max speed (mph) 1000-62mph (sec) 8.7Test mpg 200Current mileage 9,852

By Andrew Ryanor a car packed with an enormous amount of technology, life with the petrol-electric Auris Hybrid is refreshingly simple.I've driven cars which have had impressive levels of technology but

really make you work to get the most of it, whether that's through an unfriendly software interface, or that you have to operate it through a

confusing system of knobs and more buttons than a Boeing 747.But the Auris is different. The CVT gearbox couldn't be simpler - you move

the small gearknob to either drive, neutral, reverse, or B (for brake) to provide additional engine braking on hills. Unlike traditional automatic gearboxes, park is operated via a button on the centre console next to the gearknob, and this is automatically selected when the car is turned off.Its front and rear parking sensors come on automatically at low speeds, as

does the rear-view camera when reverse gear is selected – combined with its light steering and decent manouvreability, parking it couldn't be much simpler.The same can be said for the Touch & Go navigation system (a £650 option).

Operated through half-a-dozen large buttons and a touchscreen, the sat-nav system is straightforward to programme, and includes a handy option to view traffic messages so you can quickly find any potential problems in your area.The iPod interface is also logical and easy to use – it's possible to select the

track or podcast you want with just three or four clicks and presses. Everything just makes sense in the way it operates.All of this combines with a refined and comfortable ride to make the Auris

hybrid a very easy and relaxing car to live with.

Simplicity is the name of the game for the technologically-advanced hybridTOYOTA AURIS

NEED TO KNOW n CO2 emissions of 91g/kmn Test fuel economy of 59.7mpg


HYBRID EXCEL 1.8 CVT

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Click here for other Auris Hybrid tests


SPECEngine (cc) 1,798Power (bhp) 98/80 (engine/electric)Torque lb-ft 105/153 (engine/electric)CO2 (g/km) 91 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 72.4Max speed (mph) 1120-62mph (sec) 10.9Test mpg 59.7Current mileage 9,432

Auris's centre console houses the intuitive Touch & Go media system, as well as the CVT gearlever

FIRSTDRIVE

COMING SOON

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OURFLEET

TESTED THIS MONTHFOR A FULL NE W CAR L AUNCH CALENDAR, CLICK HERE

C O M I N G S O O N . . .Vauxhall Insignia Country TourerOn sale: November 2013

What’s new: Rugged 4x4 version of the Insignia Sports Tourer with automatic 4x4 transmission fitted as standard and 20mm extra ground clearance. Engines: 165bhp 2.0-litre CDTi available with manual or automatic gearbox; 195bhp BiTurbo 2.0-litre CDTI available with automatic gearbox. CO2 emissions: Likely to be below 130g/km for the 165bhp CDTi.Price (estimated): from £31,000

BMW i3On sale: November 2013

What’s new: The i3 will be available either as a pure electric vehicle powered by a 168bhp motor which will provide a range of 80 to 100 miles, or as a range-extender with a 34bhp 650cc motorbike engine that increases the range to 170 miles. It’s been designed as a city car with a turning circle of less than 10 metres, but with room for four adults.Performance: 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds (7.9 range-extender) and top speed of 93mph.Price: £25,680 (electric only) or £28,830 (range-extender)

Mazda3On sale: January 2014

What’s new: All-new model which will be lighter and more efficient than the outgoing car, thanks to Skyactiv technology. With styling very similar to the Mazda6, it’s likely to provide tough competition for the likes of the Volkswagen Golf. We expect there to be a smaller diesel engine in the pipeline with ultra-low CO2 emissions. Engines: 1.5-litre 100bhp petrol; 2.0-litre petrol (120/165bhp); 2.2-litre 150bhp diesel.CO2 emissions: 2.2-litre diesel will emit 104g/km of CO2 and return 72.4mpg.Performance: 2.2-litre diesel accelerates from 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds and has a top speed of 130mph.

New models you need to know about in the next few months

FIRSTDRIVE

COMING SOON

TESTED THIS MONTH

SALES FIGURES

FUEL PRICES

OURFLEET

Range Rover HybridOn sale: January 2014

What’s new: Land Rover is mating its TDV6 engine with an electric motor to create a powertrain that produces 335bhp.. Adding just 120kg to the kerb weight of the diesel model, performance isn’t hindered with a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 135mph. CO2 emissions: 169g/km and fuel economy of 44.1mpg.Price (estimate): £80,000

Ford TransitOn sale: Late 2013

What’s new: The new Transit offers a two-tonne payload and will be available with a range of body styles and a choice of front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Like-for-like, the new Transit will be around 10% larger than the outgoing model.Engine: 2.2-litre TDCi with 100bhp, 125bhp, 155bhpPrice: (estimated) £23,000 (excluding VAT).

Mercedes S300 Bluetec HybridOn sale: Spring 2014

What’s new: A 2.1-litre diesel engine is being offered to UK S-Class buyers for the first time, combined with a 27bhp electric motor. The result is a combined fuel economy figure of 64mpg. Although it won’t be as powerful as S-Class buyers are used to, the figures are still impressive for a car of this size and it can accelerate to 62mph in 7.6 seconds.CO2 emissions: 115g/kmPrice (estimated): £60,000

What’s new: The Spaceback is a more conventional hatchback version of the Rapid. It has the same 2,602mm wheelbase but a shorter rear overhang, meaning bootspace drops from 550 litres to 415.CO2 emissions: New 88bhp diesel unit emits 99g/km and is capable of 74.3mpg.Price (estimated): Expected to have a small premium over the current Rapid range, which currently starts at £12,905.

Skoda Rapid SpacebackOn sale: October 2013

or contact Nicola Baxter on 01733 468289 or email [email protected]

10 SEPTEMBER 2013PETERBOROUGH ARENA, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

MANAGING R!SK

Drivingdownaccidents

To book your place visit www.fleetvanevent.com

For many van fleet operators, road accidents are accepted asan unavoidable part of running an LCV fleet, however the FleetVan Summit will be covering the topic of driving downaccidents from a number of perspectives to help keep yourfleet safe.

The British Sleep Society will be tackling the issue of driverfatigue and sharing potentially lifesaving tips. Whilst Zurich RiskEngineering will be offering advice on how to reduce costspost-crash as well as offering general safety advice. TheSummit will also look at reducing accidents through drivertraining and risk management.

Attend the Fleet Van Summit and learn how to implementsome simple steps to help reduce accident rates and keepyour fleet safe.

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Ignition August 2013

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