Ignition February 2013

IgnitionIssue 9 Feb 2013

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Revised E-Class raises the stakesSaloon primed to take on the sector’s best

The future of fleet vehicles We preview the stars of the Geneva motor show

Vauxhall off to a flying start Carmaker sees year-on-year fleet sales rise of 55%

FIRST DRIVE: MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS

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Car views and news by FleetNews

FIRST DRIVE

By Simon Harrishe Mercedes-Benz E-Class, relatively speaking, was the best ever E-Class when it was launched in 2009. Unfortunately for Mercedes-Benz, the BMW 5 Series launched in 2010 was also the best ever 5 Series, and was followed a year later by the best ever Audi A6.A year before the E-Class launched, Jaguar introduced the glitzy XF

with its showboating interior and sleek styling – a marked contrast with the safe and sober Mercedes-Benz. The result was that the E-Class might have appealed to people who liked the previous version, but it had a tough job trying to win customers from other premium brands.But a subtle transformation has been underway in the Mercedes-Benz range

over the past few years. Two years ago the C-Class was revamped in the most thorough facelift carried out on any Mercedes-Benz to date, and the new A-Class has demonstrated the company is seeking new audiences.And now the E-Class has undergone the most radical renewal under the guise

of a facelift. While the car is essentially the same underneath, all bodywork is new apart from the roof, and on estate models the tailgate is also carried over.The front has single light units each side, casting aside the twin headlamp look

of the previous three generations, and UK customers will choose from only SE

NEED TO KNOW n E-Class comes with aggressive new lookn New safety technology makes its debutn Improved perceived quality insiden Reduced CO2 emissions

MERCEDES E-CLASSE250 CDI AMG SPORT AUTO

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Improved executive saloon widens its fleet appeal

RADICAL REVAMP BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO E-CLASS

SPEC

and AMG Sport equipment grades, with Avantgarde trim level now sidelined.It comes with a range of new technology, much of which will be seen in the

next-generation S-Class to be unveiled later this year. Falling under the banner of 'intelligent drive', it includes systems that can help prevent collisions with crossing vehicles or pedestrians, and advanced lane keeping assist which can help prevent accidents with oncoming traffic and anti-glare permanent high-beam headlamps.The mainstays of the range, the E220 CDI, E250 CDI and E350 CDI are still here,

although there are some improvements to both fuel consumption and CO2 emis-sions, suggesting lower running costs than with the previous versions.We took a drive in the E350 CDI and the E250 CDI, both of which will sell well

into the user-chooser market at senior manager level.The 252bhp E350 CDI is as smooth as ever, and packs a punch with 457lb-ft of

torque delivered almost seamlessly through the seven-speed automatic gearbox, but with a reduction in CO2 of around 15g/km, resulting in tax liability three bands lower. Improvements to the four-cylinder diesels are more modest, but it still means you can now choose a 170bhp E220 CDI with CO2 emissions of 125g/km, or the twin-turbo E250 CDI producing 128g/km.The E250 CDI we tried felt reasonably rapid and smooth, but Mercedes-Benz

still doesn’t seem to have eliminated the rough edges of the diesel engine note to the same extent as its rivals.The E-Class might not be the great all-rounder that the BMW 5 Series is, but

Mercedes-Benz has succeeded in broadening its appeal and should make it more attractive to fleet operators for the remainder of its life.

COSTSP11D price £38,910BIK tax band 21%Annual BIK tax (40%) £3,268Class 1A NIC £1,128Annual VED £120RV (4yr/80k) £12,125/31%Fuel cost (ppm) 11.86Running cost (4yr/80k) 51.53ppm

To compare running costs, click here

Engine (cc) 2,143Bhp/torque (lb-ft) 204/368CO2 (g/km) 136Fuel economy (mpg) 57.7Max speed (mph) 1500-62mph (secs) 7.5

All bodywork bar the roof is new on E-Class

New E-Class offers improved interior quality

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1 BIRMINGHAM Diesel 144.26Unleaded 136.93LPG 74.9

2 BRIGHTON Diesel 145.25Unleaded 137.64LPG 76.9

3 CAMBRIDGE Diesel 146.03Unleaded 139.46**LPG 76.2

4 DERBY Diesel 142.78*Unleaded 136.4LPG 71.9*

5 EDINBURGHDiesel 143.11Unleaded 136.17LPG 72.9

6 EXETER Diesel 146.18Unleaded 140.52LPG 78.98**

7 HEREFORD Diesel 147.34**Unleaded 139.06LPG 73.9

8 LEEDSDiesel 143.03Unleaded 135.82*LPG N/A

9 LIVERPOOL Diesel 144.58Unleaded 137.91LPG 76.9

10 LONDON Diesel 144.55Unleaded 138.53LPG 72.58

11 MANCHESTER Diesel 144.27Unleaded 137.22LPG 72.4

12 NORWICHDiesel 143.23Unleaded 136.37LPG 76.9

13 OXFORD Diesel 145.83Unleaded 138.12LPG N/A

14 WATFORD Diesel 143.68Unleaded 136.6LPG N/A

For full UK fuel price figures Click here

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Maurice GloverSubstantial reductions in sticker prices are backing up the Kuga's sleeker styling, added practicality and improved operating economy.Despite a £355 price cut, the 2.0-litre Titanium gets a better spread of equipment, including fold-flat reclining rear seats, an adjustable load floor, hill start assist and a speed-limiter cruise control.Longer, lower and slightly narrower, the Focus-based Kuga has less rakish but more streamlined looks promoting a smoother, more upmarket appearance.

Carlton BoyceThe DS3 Cabrio builds on the success of the original hatchback, adding a healthy dose of fresh air into the (highly complex) equation.Only petrol engines are available: the VTi 82, a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder producing 82bhp; the VTi 120 developing 120bhp; and the range-topping, turbocharged THP 155 that yields 156bhp.The Cabrio drives just like the hatchback, which is to say well but for some crashing over larger potholes and some scrabbling for traction when accelerating hard out of tight corners.

Sarah ToozeRide height has been increased by 40mm over the standard V40, roof rails and skid plates have been added and the front bumper is fitted with a larger honeycomb grille.The seats are extremely comfortable – one of Volvo’s trademarks – but, unlike a mini-SUV, the seating position isn’t particularly raised. Considering the extra body height there was no noticeable body roll into the corners and the Cross Country drives much like the standard V40.

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium

Citroën DS3 Cabrio

Volvo V40 Cross Country D2 SE Nav

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Maurice GloverToyota GB thinks its latest Verso multi purpose model has ‘significant’ potential with smaller fleets and is looking to Business Centre dealers to take a leading role in boosting its market share.Costing £165 less than its predecessor, the seven-seat car blends higher economy with a 10g/km drop in emissions to 129g/km.An easy main road cruiser, it uses a new turbocharger that helps it work with commendably low noise at all speeds.

Simon HarrisIt’s a responsive and comfortable car to travel in with excellent refinement. Despite being marketed as a car that could pass as something German, inside it all feels rather French.Like its top-of-the-range predecessors, the largest-engined C5 is available only in the Exclusive equipment grade.The new 200bhp 2.2 HDi (with a six-speed automatic transmission as the only gearbox available) achieves 159g/km of CO2 and has fuel consumption of 46.3mpg on the combined cycle.

Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 Di-D GX-5

Toyota Verso 2.0 D-4D Icon

Citroën C5 Tourer 2.2 HDi Exec Auto

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CLICK HERE FOR MORE

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Debbie WoodThe new Outlander offers much reduced CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.The Outlander on test, the GX5 Auto, has an impressive combined fuel consumption figure of 48.7mpg and some solid performance figures, too, with a top speed of 125mph and a 0-62 time of 10.2 seconds.It has lost some of the aggressive looks of its predecessor, but it’s a larger car and is a more capable seven-seater than before.

GENE VA PRE VIE W

Geneva PreviewConcepts

SsangYong SIV-1 The SIV-1 is a multi interface mid-premium CUV (crossover utility vehicle) concept that defines the brand’s new design philosophy.

Honda NSXThe new Honda NSX concept suggests a potential direction for the next-generation NSX’s interior design.The exterior stays true to

the original concept styling, maintaining its low stance with dynamic and alluring proportions.

Toyota i-RoadThe Toyota i-Road has been conceived as a compact, fun and emissions-free personal mobility concept, designed to offer quick and efficient urban transport for two people.

Toyota FT-86 OpenThe Toyota FT-86 Open concept previews a possible future development of the GT86 sports coupé. The show car will help Toyota gauge public reaction to the idea, at the same time as it carries out engineering tests on a prototype.

Kia urban carAn early teaser picture of the concept has been revealed ahead of the event.

Audi A3 E-TronThe A3 E-Tron will have a range of up to 31 miles on its plug-in charge and, according to the official test cycle for plug in vehicles, will achieve 188mpg and 35g/km. It uses a 1.4-litre petrol engine in combination with an electric motor, with a combined power output of 204bhp.

Volkswagen XL1Volkswagen has confirmed its XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle with a fuel consumption of around 313mpg on the official combined cycle will go into production.A small number will be destined for the UK. It is not yet known whether the car will be right-hand drive.

Production Models

Citroën C3 Although there are a few subtle cosmetic changes, perhaps the biggest news is the option of new three-cylinder petrol engines. The VTi 68 and VTi 82 PureTech engines achieve between 62.8mpg and 65.7mpg, and CO2 emissions between 99g/km and 104g/km. A VTi 120 engine is also available with a manual or automatic gearbox.

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Subaru VIZIVThe VIZIV is a future-generation crossover concept designed to embody the Subaru brand’s values of ‘enjoyment and peace of mind’.

Honda Civic WagonHonda will be taking the wraps off the Civic Wagon concept model which strongly hints at the design direction of the final production version. This new derivative will strengthen the Civic range and will be built at Swindon.

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Qoros 3 SedanThe Qoros 3 Sedan is due to be launched in China in the second half of 2013, with first European sales later in the year. Further Qoros models are planned at intervals of around six months.

Audi RS Q3The RS Q3 is the fourth RS model Audi is launching in 2013.At the heart of this RS is a 2.5-litre TFSI engine, linked to a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. UK ordering will begin in the summer with first deliveries in late 2013.

Peugeot 2008The 2008 blends the design of the 3008 but on a smaller scale, being based on the 208 supermini which was introduced last year. Order books for the 2008

open at UK retailers in June. The car will square up

against the Nissan Juke (see panel, right) and new Renault Captur.

Production Models

Infiniti Q50 Marking the start of a new generation of Infiniti Q models, the Q50 for Europe includes the first fruit of the agreement with alliance partner Daimler AG. Details of the Q50's Mercedes-Benz-sourced engines will be announced at Geneva.

Bentley Flying Spur Powering the new Flying Spur is Bentley’s 6.0-litre, twin-turbo W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eight-speed transmission. Developing 616bhpand 590lb-ft of torque, the Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door delivering top-speed of 200 mph.

Suzuki CrossoverThe C-segment crossover model is based on the concept car S-Cross initially introduced at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012.

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Kia Proceed GTA new turbocharged 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine will produce 201bhp, powering the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and allowing the Proceed GT to accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds. It is expected to go sale in the UK from the middle of the year.

All the latest show news at fleetnews.co.ukOur dedicated online section is designed to help you keep up-to-date with all the latest news, unveilings and concepts from the event. Make sure you keep coming back for all the

pre-event news and as the event un-folds from Tuesday next week. We will also be live streaming the press

conferences from the event itself on March 5.n For coverage, click here

The finalistsn Audi A3n Land Rover Range Rovern Mazda6n Mazda CX-5n Mercedes-Benz A-Classn Peugeot 208n Porsche Boxster/Caymann Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT 86/ Toyota 86n Volkswagen Golfn Volvo V40

The top three finalists will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on March 5. With the winner announced on Thursday, March 28, 2013.

2013 World Car of the YearLexus IS 300h hybridWhen it goes on sale in Europe later this year, the IS 300h will be available with CO2 emissions from 99g/km for the entry-level SE model.

Nissan Note Two 1.2-litre petrol engines and one 1.5-litre diesel engine will be available in the new Note. The 98bhp 1.2-litre DIG-S has CO2 emissions of 99g/km with a manual gearbox. Production of the new Note will start in the summer, with first deliveries scheduled for autumn 2013.

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FLEE T SALES FIGURES

By Jay Nagleyhe overall market showed a growth rate of 6.0%, which is encouraging – or it would be if there was not the widespread suspi-cion that it reflects a growth in incentives as much as an increase in demand.

Given the overall stagnation of the economy, one of the few factors that would drive genuine growth is the pent-up demand from companies that put off replacing their fleet last year. There is some evidence that this is happening, but it does not account for the whole rise in fleet registrations.At a manufacturer level, the January figures have to

be treated cautiously, as there are no year-to-date figures to put them into context. The raw numbers suggest that Vauxhall is staging a brilliant recovery, while Ford and Volkswagen are struggling. The truth is that Vauxhall slammed on the brakes in January 2012, so the current figure is much closer to its long-term average, while Ford (with the facelifted Fiesta) and Volkwagen (with the new Golf) are still building up supply of their most important cars. It is worth noting that Nissan was up to fifth place

in January. It seems unlikely it can hold on to that position for the whole year, but it is still a remarkable achievement: the only mainstream brand to have

Growth in incentives believed partly responsible for 6% fleet sales boost

Caution urged over sales rise

significantly increased its share over the last 10 years. Jaguar Land Rover had its best month ever. If figures

from the two companies were combined, JLR would be number 11 in fleet, ahead of Citroën and Kia. The Evoque is mostly responsible for the growth, but the latest 2.2 diesel XF is helping (or it will until it falls foul of the new capital write-down allowance limit, bril-liantly set by the Government just above the CO2 of most German executive cars and just below the level of the XF). The converse of JLR is Fiat. The Fiat brand itself is

steady in 18th place, and if its sub-brands are added (Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Chrysler), it is in... 18th place. Just below Fiat is Renault in 19th place. The inter-

esting thing about Renault is that it announced a surprise operating profit for 2012. That suggests there is a method in Renault’s madness: that cutting discounts has preserved profit margins. However, an investment analyst at Credit Suisse,

David Arnold, has claimed that it has done so by forcing high inventories of cars on to dealers. He was quoted by just-auto.com as saying, "This is [an] unsus-tainable position. I genuinely think it is massaging the working capital position.” It will be interesting to see if big discounts on Renaults reappear later this year to shift the inventory.

TJaguar Land Rover had its best month ever

Ford dropped below Vauxhall as it builds up stock of its facelifted Fiesta

Jan Jan Manufacturer 2013 2012 % change

Vauxhall 11,585 7,455 55.40%Ford 9,473 11,565 -18.09%Volkswagen 6,501 7,258 -10.43%Audi 6,029 5,194 16.08%Nissan 5,484 3,439 59.46%Peugeot 4,795 4,405 8.85%BMW 3,715 3,790 -1.98%Mercedes-Benz 3,598 3,692 -2.55%Toyota 2,867 2,822 1.59%Hyundai 2,822 2,081 35.61%Citroën 2,229 1,858 19.97%Kia 2,094 2,503 -16.34%Land Rover 1,857 991 87.39%Skoda 1,650 1,757 -6.09%Volvo 1,644 1,683 -2.32%Honda 1,617 1,497 8.02%Seat 1,389 1,534 -9.45%Fiat 987 1,067 -7.50%Renault 923 1,385 -33.36%Mini 803 644 24.69%Mazda 801 349 129.51%Jaguar 669 451 48.34%Suzuki 423 458 -7.64%Lexus 321 445 -27.87%Chevrolet 290 1,599 -81.86%Alfa Romeo 166 334 -50.30%Smart 79 152 -48.03%Chrysler 77 35 120.00%Porsche 54 45 20.00%Jeep 35 38 -7.89%Mitsubishi 32 67 -52.24%Subaru 32 96 -66.67%Bentley 29 39 -25.64%MG 7 103 -93.20%Other 79 90 -12.22%Total 75,156 70,921 5.97%

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Volkswagen is building up supply of its new Golf

Land Rover registrations – including Range Rover Evoque – rose by 87%

Renault's range, including the Megane, saw sales fall 33%

The successful Qashqai helped Nissan to a 59% increase in sales

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OUR FLEE T

VBy John Maslen

olume manufacturers are fighting to protect market share from so-called ‘new generation’ rivals, so as I have just swapped into the Vauxhall Insignia from a Kia Optima, it offers a good opportunity for direct comparison.The Kia wins hands down in terms of looks compared to the

conservatively-styled Insignia, but when you sit inside, it is clear that is where Vauxhall has the edge. The Kia’s interior is practical but functional, and some of the plastics don’t stand up to scrutiny. The German-built Insignia seems to have benefited from greater

investment, sporting a sloping central console, topped by a colour screen and surrounded by a swooping arc of material that runs under the wind-screen and joins the door panel inserts.On the road, the firmer ride in the Vauxhall was disconcerting at first, as

a smooth road in the Kia became a much more bumpy experience in the Insignia. The benefit is the Insignia’s much more capable cornering, which is flat and confidence-inspiring even when pushing hard. You eventually get used to the increased feedback, especially as it is refined

enough to handle even the worst of the increasing number of potholes I encounter on our disintegrating roads with a ‘thud’ rather than a ‘crash’.Although I felt the Optima provided quiet cruising, I have to admit the

Vauxhall is like a church inside at motorway speeds, making long treks a very relaxing experience, particularly when you factor in the presence of digital radio, which is still surprisingly rare in modern cars.

A disconcerting but confidence-inspiring ride

NEED TO KNOW n Interior design impressesn Digital radio helps make long treks a relaxing experience

COSTSP11D price £21,100BIK tax band 16%Annual BIK tax (20%) £675Class 1A NIC £466Annual VED £0 then £30RV (4yr/80k) £4,650/22%Fuel cost (ppm) 9.78AFR (ppm) 15Running cost (4yr/80k) 33.96ppm

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

2.0 ECOFLEX TECH LINE

SPECEngine (cc) 1,956Power (bhp) 160Torque lb-ft 258CO2 (g/km) 114 (homologated figure)Fuel efficiency (mpg) 65.7Max speed (mph) 1340-62mph (sec) 9.3Test mpg 52Current mileage 5,474

VAUXHALL INSIGNIA

Click here for previous Insignia tests

Church-like inside when motorway cruising

By Stephen Brierset’s make one thing clear from the outset: I like Kia. It’s an up-and-coming brand that’s not afraid to do things a little differently with well-designed cars. I also like the Optima. It’s a spacious, great looking family car,

and comes well equipped in 2 Tech trim. Yours for £21,640.And with running costs of just 36.08ppm (compared to 36.54ppm for a

comparable Ford Mondeo, the sector’s benchmark car) and BIK at £822 a year (Mondeo: £826), it’s a good choice for fleets and user choosers.However, after 10 months and 17,000 miles our long-term Optima is

developing a few niggles. It didn’t make the best first impression when taking the keys from another tester: the key wobbles about in the fob and screams ‘cheap’ rather than quality. A similar quality control concern arose with the handbrake, which also has developed excessive sideways travel. Elsewhere though, everything is in good working order.The sat-nav is intuitive to use. But I’ve yet to find a way to permanently

switch off the voice instructions.Fuel efficiency is good: averaging a little under 54mpg, close to the

official 57.6mpg combined figure, without too much effort. And that was during the recent cold snap during which the stop-start system was reluctant to work, possibly because it runs off the main battery, so, with the heating blaring, there is little spare power to operate everything without the engine running.

Cold spell proves a challenge for stop-start system

NEED TO KNOW n Running costs make Optima a good choice n First few niggles appear with build quality

COSTSP11D price £21,695BIK tax band 19%Annual BIK tax (20%) £822Class 1A NIC £567Annual VED £0 then £100RV (4yr/80k) £5,225Fuel cost (ppm) 11.15ppmAFR (ppm) 18Running cost (4yr/80k) 36.08ppm


1.7 CDRI 2 TECH

SPECEngine (cc) 1,685Power (bhp) 134Torque lb-ft 239CO2 (g/km) 128Fuel efficiency (mpg) 57.6Max speed (mph) 1250-62mph (sec) 10.2Test mpg 54.0Current mileage 17,105

KIA OPTIMA

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Click here for previous Optima tests

The Optima is averaging almost 54mpg

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By Maurice Gloverot so long ago, the estate car was widely regarded as the perfect solution to most of the transport needs of business and family motorists. But buying habits are changing with an increasing number of drivers turning to the crossover to meet their requirements.That’s a shame. Effective as it is when it comes to tackling the odd

spell of snow and ice, all-round traction inevitably adds to manufac-turing costs. And it also costs more to operate.So, given that most crossovers rarely stray far from smooth road surfaces, the

traditional estate model can still make a strong case for itself.Our long-term Megane Sport Tourer is already proving to be exemplary in this

respect. For a start, it has lots of room for passengers and a 1,600-litre cargo volume – the biggest in the sector – provides loads of space for business users. Sensible features like split-folding rear seats and a fold-flat front passenger seat

mean the cargo layout is practical, as I’ve found when using the car to ferry our old kitchen furniture, sink and all, to the rubbish tip. Equipment is also generous, with daytime running lights, push button start, a speed-limiter cruise control and auto headlamps and wipers all included as standard. Unfortunately, rear parking sensors linked with a camera is a £350 option on our TomTom version.This hold-all car is also a model of operating efficiency, with latest engine devel-

opments proving it to be capable of squeezing as much as 60 miles from a gallon, an excellent return from a vehicle of this size.

Exemplary performer makes a good case for an estate carRENAULT MEGANE

NEED TO KNOW n Largest load capacity in its class n Generous equipment level

COSTSP11D price £20,890BIK tax band 13%Annual BIK tax (20%) £543Class 1A NIC £375Annual VED £0RV (4yr/80k) £4,125/20%Fuel cost (ppm) 7.98AFR (ppm) 12Running cost (4yr/80k) 32.6ppm


SPORT TOURER 1.5DCI DYNAMIQUE

SPECEngine (cc) 1,461Power (bhp) 110Torque lb-ft 177CO2 (g/km) 90Fuel efficiency (mpg) 80.7Max speed (mph) 1180-62mph (sec) 12.4Test mpg 60Current mileage 8,500

The Sport Tourer has a sector-leading 1,600-litre cargo space

N

Click here for previous Megane tests

RBy Sarah Tooze

ear-wheel drive cars have a reputation for being poor in the snow. So when the C-Class’s arrival on our fleet coincided with the first heavy snowfall of the year I was a little apprehensive.That was until a colleague informed me that the C-Class was

actually the best-equipped of our current crop of test cars to cope with the conditions. That’s because it has been specified with cold weather tyres. A braking test in the snow-covered office car park convinced me of their benefits. It’s worth pointing out that cold weather tyres are not just effective in the

snow – they are said to be better than standard tyres in cold, wet conditions below 7ºC. With temperatures rarely in double figures in recent weeks the tyres have been ideal but it will be interesting to see how they wear when the weather warms up.My first impressions of the C-Class are good. It’s the Executive SE model

which, in manual form like ours, offers CO2 emissions of 109g/km – equal to the highly acclaimed BMW 320d EfficientDynamics. It also looks stylish. My only grumble about the interior so far is a level of noise intrusion – wind

and noise from the four-cylinder diesel engine – that is a little higher than other premium car rivals. Fuel economy is good – easily exceeding 60mpg on longer journeys with

the ECO option selected. However, the overall mpg is just below 50.The C-Class is proving to be frugal and safe cold weather transport.

Cold weather tyres prove a bonus when the snow arrives

NEED TO KNOW n CO2 emissions of 109g/kmn Intrusive wind and road noise compared to rivals

COSTSP11D price £28,605BIK tax band 15%Annual BIK tax (40%) £1,167Class 1A NIC £1,716Annual VED £0 then £20RV (4yr/80k) £8,175/29%Fuel cost (ppm) 9.35AFR (ppm) 18Running cost (4yr/80k) 39.46ppm


C220 CDI EXECUTIVE SE


MERCEDES C-CLASS

Overall fuel economy is just below 50mpg

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By Luke Nealstate cars are family cars, right? So the onus should be on interior space, storage and overall practicality. However, as much as I like the Exeo, problems have recently

started to appear in all of these areas. The silver (very light grey) alcantara seats that were once

modern and upmarket are now being put to the test. Despite constant reminders to my daughter not to spill anything on them and to keep her feet off the seats, it’s me who has managed to stain the driver's seat with melted chocolate. It is also becoming more obvious that my cheap Primark jeans are slowly starting to discolour the drivers seat base, leaving it slightly more grubby looking than it used to be. I had also forgotten how much room a new-born baby's car seat takes up.

With my son fully installed in the back of the Exeo, his seat almost touches the back of the front passenger seat, leaving only just enough legroom in the front to be comfortable. My daughter on her booster seat hasn’t got enough room behind the driver's seat to properly fit her feet. The boot, however, is the perfect size and height and with its low, level floor,

is perfect for wheeling the pram straight in, but there is a lack of storage compartments for everything else that goes along with a family of four.All of a sudden the Exeo is starting to feel a bit small.

A new baby is highlighting stylish estate's limitations as a family car

NEED TO KNOW n Limited legroom in the backn Boot is perfect size and low, level floor makes it easy to load

COSTSP11D price £26,260BIK tax band 23%Annual BIK tax (20%) £1,208Class 1A NIC £833Annual VED £135RV (4yr/80k) £5,558Fuel cost (ppm) 12.5AFR (ppm) 15Running cost (4yr/80k) 42.51ppm


2.0 TDI SPORT TECH MULTITRONIC


SEAT EXEO ST

The light-coloured alcantara seats are

showing signs of wear

Click here for previous Exeo tests

E

IBy Andrew Ryan

've always been a fan of the heated front windscreens fitted to many Ford models, but our Grand C-Max has got an extra trick up its sleeve which ramps this affection up to a new level.Previously on frosty mornings, I used to get a smug satisfaction from

being able to turn the heated front windscreen on and let any ice thaw while my neighbours struggled to de-ice their cars with a scraper.But our Grand C-Max has raised the game. It is fitted with voice recogni-

tion technology which, on hearing the word "demist", turns on both the heated front and rear windscreens as well as the air-conditioning at full heat and power directed at the windscreen to clear any ice and mist.It may only save a few seconds of fiddling around with buttons and dials,

but has made winter motoring much less of a chore.The voice recognition technology can also be used to control a number of

tasks such as retuning the radio, operating a phone which has been linked to the car via Bluetooth, and controlling the air conditioning.Other technology our Grand C-Max is fitted with includes the useful blind

spot indicators which I talked about in an earlier report (click here), but the real show-stopper is undoubtedly active park assist.Simply select the option and drive along a row of cars, and it will tell you

when a big enough space is available. From then on, it will automatically guide you into a space – the only input needed from the driver is to operate the accelerator, brake and gears. It's a strange feeling to see the steering wheel whirling around in front of you, but works brilliantly.

Technological tour de force continues to impress through the winter

NEED TO KNOW n Voice recognition technology proves usefuln Active park assist is a real show-stopper

COSTSP11D price £24,320BIK tax band 24%Annual BIK tax (20%) £1,167Class 1A NIC £805Annual VED £170RV (4yr/80k) £5,675/23%Fuel cost (ppm) 13.22AFR (ppm) 15Running cost (4yr/80k) 40.54ppm


2.0 TDCI TITANIUM POWERSHIFT

SPECEngine (cc) 1,997Power (bhp) 138Torque lb-ft 236CO2 (g/km) 154Fuel efficiency (mpg) 48.7Max speed (mph) 1230-62mph (sec) 10.5Test mpg 46.2Current mileage 12.402

FORD GRAND C-MAX

Click here for previous Grand C-Max tests

Grand C-Max is a technological tour de force

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TBy Gareth Roberts

he all-new Audi A3’s design reflects the German manufacturer’s mantra of ‘evolution not revolution’. It has subtly redefined the look of its successful predecessor, while improving fit and finish, and on-board technology.It’s resulted in a car which confirms its premium lower-medium

status and is sure to appeal to the fleet market.Audi has redesigned the A3 from the ground up and its ultra-lightweight

construction has produced a car 80kg lighter than its predecessor.Our test version – the 2.0 TDI (150PS) SE – boasts an impressive

106g/km of CO2, while the less powerful (105PS) 1.6 TDI achieves 99g/km.The 1.6 diesel variant has a claimed combined of 74.3mpg, while our

2.0-litre version quotes a combined figure of 68.9mpg.But, having covered several hundred miles around town and on the

motorway, we’re currently only achieving 48.4mpg – almost a 30% shortfall. That should hopefully improve with a greater focus on driving style in the coming weeks.Inside, the A3 feels roomy and uncluttered, while boot space has increased

from 350 litres to 365 litres.The ride is firm – it’s an Audi – but not uncomfortable and the power from

the 2.0-litre TDI engine paired with the six-speed manual gearbox delivers enough torque to keep you interested.It all combines to provide a very compelling proposition for fleets and for

company car drivers eager to possess the premium badge.

Evolution not revolution as A3 builds on the success of predecessor

NEED TO KNOW n 1.6-litre diesel achieves 99g/km n Ultra lightweight constructionn Choice of three specification options

COSTSP11D price £21,450BIK tax band 15%Annual BIK tax (20%) £644Class 1A NIC £444Annual VED £0 then £20RV (4yr/80k) £7,375 / 34%Fuel cost (ppm) 9.35AFR (ppm) 15Running cost (4yr/80k) 31.01ppm


2.0 TDI SE

SPECEngine (cc) 1,968Power (bhp) 147Torque lb-ft 236CO2 (g/km) 106 Fuel efficiency (mpg) 68Max speed (mph) 1340-62mph (sec) 8.3Test mpg 48.4Current mileage 5,122

AUDI A3

New A3 confirms its lower-medium status

By Debbie Woodfter three months with the original ASX, I was looking forward to swapping it for the revised model, which offers a cleaner diesel engine and interior material upgrades. The front end has also had a subtle redesign which has toned

down the previous ASX’s quite aggressive stance. Simplicity seems to be a key theme for the Mitsubishi designers. The new

entertainment system has been upgraded and is easier to navigate, albeit still quite slow to load up when you start the car. The 4WD selection rotary knob has been replaced with a single button

function and the various controls around the car are well designed and clear to understand. My only criticism is that the interior may now be a little too plain. The

dashboard looks too shiny and is a little cheap to touch. The new entertain-ment system constantly changes background colours, like a fibre optic Christmas tree, which is confusing and seems out of place considering the plain and understated simplicity of the rest of the car.Our long-termer remains good value for money and comes with a long

list of equipment from sat-nav and heated seats to Bluetooth and leather upholstery. However, unlike our previous ASX, it doesn't have a reversing camera, which I do miss.

Revised SUV offers cleaner engine and improved interior materials

NEED TO KNOW n Easier-to-use entertainment system n ASX remains good value

COSTSP11D price £22,749BIK tax band 21%Annual BIK tax (20%) £955Class 1A NIC £659Annual VED £120RV (4yr/80k) £5,900/26%Fuel cost (ppm) 11.86ppmAFR (ppm) 18Running cost (4yr/80k) 37.29ppm


3 1.8 DIESEL 4WD


MITSUBISHI ASX

A

Click here for previous ASX tests

Subtle redesign tones down ASX's aggressive stance

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Volvo and Geely to establish joint R&D centre in SwedenGeely Holding, majority owner of Volvo Car Corporation, and Geely, will establish a research and development centre in Gothenburg, Sweden.The centre will develop a new modular

architecture and set of components for future C-segment cars, addressing the needs of both Volvo and Geely. The centre will be run by Mats Fägerhag, vice-president at product strategy within Volvo, and leverage on the Volvo technology leadership within Geely Holding. The new centre will employ about 200 full-time employees. The group has ambitious goals to increase its brands' competitiveness said chairman Li Shufu. "Geely will continue to improve its product quality,” he added.

Audi launches online service booking system

Audi dealerships across the UK are now offering service at the click of a button.Supported by Manheim Aftersales Solutions,

Audi’s real-time, online service booking system is integrated into the owners’ area of the brand’s UK website.The facility offers dealers the ability to maximise

their workshop resources and efficiency.In addition, Audi customers are able to take

advantage of the convenience of real-time bookings and instant confirmation of appointments.

2013 World Car of the Year finalists announcedThe countdown has begun in preparation for the 2013 World Car Awards winners’ press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show and Bridgestone Corporation on Thursday, March 28. The 2013 World Car of the Year, World Performance Car, World Green Car and World Car Design of the Year will all be declared.The top three finalists in all award categories will

be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 5.

Vauxhall targets top spot in true fleet sectorVauxhall has outlined plans to become the biggest-selling manufacturer in the true fleet sector within three years, overhauling Ford and Volkswagen.Last year its true fleet sales dropped year-on-year,

although in the final quarter the company says a number of corporate deals came through which saw it temporarily take the lead.James Taylor, Vauxhall fleet sales director, told

Fleet News: “We want to be number one for the calendar year. That’s our vision, within three years when some of our core product is replaced.”Vauxhall has been working hard to improve its

wholelife costs, reducing tyre widths and speed ratings on the Astra and Insignia and lowering brake costs on the Insignia. It will announce further actions this year to increase its appeal to fleets. Over three years/60,000 miles, Taylor says Insignia costs have been reduced by more than £300.

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MG Lease opens for business MG has teamed up with ALD Automotive to offer business users an MG6 GT DTi-TECH diesel from £210 a month plus VAT for the S-level trim and up to £240 a month for the top-of-the-range Magnette.S model entry specification includes 17-inch

sports alloy wheels, sports seats, power folding mirrors, dual climate control and an electronic hill hold function. SE models add standard built-in satellite navigation

with Trafficmaster, reversing sensors and multi- function steering wheel controls.

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Emissions cut from new Volvo autos

CO2 and fuel efficiency gains with no price changes on new automatic Volvos are set to deliver significant savings to company car drivers.Effective immediately, new S80, V70, S60 and V60

D3 and D4 Geartronic versions will emit under 130g/km CO2 – a four percentage point improve-ment on current BIK banding. This equates to £21 per month for a 20% taxpayer based on 2012/13 tax bandings, driving a Volvo V60 D4 SE LUX Geartronic.Employers also save on class 1A NIC contributions

which are also determined by CO2 emissions.

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SMMT revises full-year forecast upwardsThe new car market was up 11.5% to 143,643 units in January compared to the previous year, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).New car registrations in the fleet and business

sectors were up more than 8% to 82,568 units from 76,160 units at the start of last year.Fleet and business registrations accounted for

57% of the overall market, compared to 59% in January 2012.

Lexus reveals pricing and specifications for new IS range Lexus has revealed the pricing and specification details of its all-new IS range, which will be launched in the UK this summer.The line-up, unveiled at the North American

International Motor Show in Detroit includes the first full-hybrid IS, the IS 300h, together with the 2.5-litre petrol-powered IS 250.Both versions feature rear-wheel drive and will

be available with a further evolution of Lexus’s F Sport package.Lexus dealers are open for orders, with customer

deliveries from mid-July, but the first chance fleets will have to try the car in the UK is at Company Car in Action in June.

COMING SOON

C O M I N G S O O N . . .

Carrying a premium of £620 over its three-door equivalent, the first phase of A3 Sportback models is now open for ordering, priced from £19,825 OTR. The first cars will reach UK customers in March.Equipment levels mirror the three-door A3 across the three SE, Sport and S line specification levels,

but the more family-oriented Sportback also adds rear electric windows and rear door child locks.Audi will initially offer the new A3 Sportback with a choice of one TDI and two TFSI engines. Two

diesel engines and one petrol unit will follow later.

A U D I A 3 S P O R T B A C K

On sale: March

M I N I P A C E M A N

On sale: March

A sporty new exterior design and lowered suspension for a dynamic ride are promised with the all-new Mini Paceman, set for UK launch in March 2013.Styled as a coupé interpretation of the Countryman, four versions will be available when it arrives in

showrooms next spring, including the Mini Cooper S Paceman which will have a 0-62mph of 7.5 seconds. The seventh unique member of the family, it will sell alongside the Hatch, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, Coupé and Roadster.

The new models you need to know about for the next 3 months

C H E V R O L E T T R A X

On sale: May

The Trax sits below the Captiva in Chevrolet’s SUV hierarchy and shares all but some styling and its badges with the Vauxhall Mokka. This means a three engine line-up starting with a 1.6-litre petrol with five-speed manual ’box capable of 43.5mpg and 153g/km CO2 emissions with help from standard start/stop technology. There's also a 1.4 Turbo model and a 1.7-litre turbodiesel which in manual transmission, front-drive form and this is expected to be the best seller. The diesel is also available with a six-speed auto or all-wheel drive with a manual ’box.

S K O D AO C T A V I A

On sale: March

The new Octavia may be 90mm longer, 45mm wider and have a wheelbase that stretches a further 108mm than the outgoing model, but it’s 90kg lighter. This helps with economy and emissions, with the Octavia 1.6 TDI Greenline set to offer 89g/km emissions. There will also be 1.2- and 1.4-litre petrol engines and a 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel. The Octavia vRS is set to use a 2.0-litre turbo petrol with around 220bhp.

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