Business Motoring

Thames Valley Expo – 12th June – see you there!

Thames Valley Expo – 12th June – see you there! https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/expo-windsor.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Thursday 12th June welcomes the return of The Thames Valley Expo to Windsor Racecourse.

The expo sees businesses meet for a one-day event that offers a ‘huge quantity of opportunity, advice and information crucial for ongoing business growth within a challenging economic climate.’

With over 700 people confirmed to be in attendance, the expo provides the perfect opportunity for business professionals to meet likeminded, dynamic and driven delegates.

Here at WVL we are very proud and excited to attend the expo and we hope to see many of you there to inform you about what we do as a business and to hear what others have to offer. Hey, we might even have some free cupcakes on our stand!

We’ll be taking pictures and blogging about the event afterwards so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for updates in the coming days!

Head To Head: Mini Cooper vs. Fiat 500

Head To Head: Mini Cooper vs. Fiat 500 https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/mini-vs-fiat-featured.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

This week we take a closer look at two of the most iconic small cars of modern times: the Mini Cooper and the Fiat 500. With designs steeped in motoring heritage and tradition – and redesigns true to the original ethos, let’s go on a journey with these little cars of grand stature, from their inception to the models of today.

The evolution of an icon

Fiat 500
The 500 started out life in 1936 as the Topolino (the Italian nickname for Mickey Mouse), being one of the smallest cars in the world at the time. It began to take its more familiar shape in 1957 as the Nuova (new) 500 – the true Cinquecento: a cheap, practical vehicle, generally considered as one of the first ever city cars and redefining the term ‘small car’ due to its two-cylinder 479cc engine sub-three metre length. In the 18 years that it was in production, the Italian manufacturers produced just shy of 4 million worldwide demonstrating the significant success of the car, firmly positioning it as one of the most iconic cars of its time – and indeed, all time, too.

fiat-500-vintage-2

When Fiat launched the all-new 500 in 2007, 50 years after the Nuova was released, it grew into a heavier and larger shell than its 1957 predecessor. With its innovative, modern design the 500 experienced similar success to the original, achieving UK sales figures of over 100,000 units in less than 5 years. Not only had the driving public taken it to its heart, it garnered official praise too when in 2008 it won the European Car of the Year, Fiat’s first such award for over 40 years.

fiat-500-modern

The Fiat 500 also captured the attention of global fashion brands Gucci and Diesel, who collaborated with the manufacturer to produce stylish, on-brand, chic limited editions. Top men’s magazine, GQ, also has its own special edition: the 500 GQ – looking suitably sharp in two-tone livery and leather interior. Other limited editions have included the Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon edition with proceeds benefitting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and the 500 BlackJack with ultra-cool matt black bodywork – one of which we have in stock at WVL now!

In 2012, Fiat launched the 500L: a much larger, 5-door version of the car to use the iconic ‘500’ label whilst tapping into the family market – and crucially to pitch a vehicle in direct competition with MINI’s Clubman and Countryman. And no true Italian marque line-up wouldn’t be complete without a convertible… cue the Fiat 500C with its fabulous roll-top roof, a direct nod to the nostalgia and feel-good factor of the original 500.

fiat-500-c

Did you know…? You can have a coffee machine as an optional extra in the new 500L.

MINI
Ever since the original Mini was launched in 1959 it has remained the quintessential British motoring icon. Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis in the mid to late 50s for the British Motor Corporation, the Mini would go on to become the most successful British car of all time with total sales of over 5.3million worldwide between 1959 and 2001.

His ground-breaking design, with its front wheel drive, transverse engine, sump gearbox, 10-inch wheels, and phenomenal space efficiency literally broke the mould, and captured the public’s imaginations in one swift stroke.

mini-vintage

The MkI Mini produced between 1959-1967 experienced steady initial sales before picking up its success which ultimately saw over 1,190,000 units produced and becoming the first British car to reach one million sales. The original Mini continued production right up until the year 2000, with BMW assuming control of the BMC’s Rover Group (which owned the Mini label) in 1994, and set about its revamp and re-introduction.

In 2001 the new generation of MINI (note: now capitalised!) began production under BMW’s steerage, seeing a change in the design with an updated, modern image whilst going to great lengths to maintain MINI’s iconic status and core design. 2007’s revision to MKII was followed by diversification into a Coupe, a Roadster, a Countryman and a Paceman to broaden its target market.

miniskirt
mini-peter-sellers

There are many reasons why the Mini became such an iconic British symbol. Popular among celebrities during the swinging 60s – from Peter Sellers (whose ‘wicker-work’ Mini has been immortalised as a Corgi classic), mini-skirt designer Mary Quant along with Paul Smith and his stripes helping make the car something of a fashion statement, to its starring role in ‘The Italian Job,’ the infamous 1969 blockbuster seeing Michael Caine lead a trio of Minis (now restored) as getaway cars following a bank heist in Turin (featuring, quite topically, a fabulous scene on the test-track roof of the Lingotto – the city’s Fiat factory). The 2003 remake presented an updated story to go with the updated MINI, and with its all-star cast, the car’s iconic status was once again preserved in celluloid.

As the MINI evolved through the years many question whether each revision maintains the same character and iconic status as previous generations; some saying yes, others saying no – aficionados and purists claim that the MINI could never fill the Mini’s shoes. Whatever your view, one thing’s for sure: MINI’s popularity shows no sign of losing ground.

The all-new 2014 model – the third generation Cooper – is longer, broader and taller with some significant styling upgrades too. Early reviews are, of course, positive and despite the changes (including new engines and technologies) the car has “the same old appeal, the same character“.   Whilst the original Mini will always have a place in the nation’s heart, today’s safety requirements, environmental parameters and technological advances will always drive change. What’s for certain is that the new MINI is ready to attract a new generation of drivers and to secure the brand’s future for many more years to come.

mini-montage

Did you know…? Issigonis’ first design sketch for the Mini was drawn on a napkin in Switzerland. (Read more…)

Test Drives

Fiat 500
Being 6’4″ I presumed that my review of the Fiat 500 would be over before it had begun – wholly anticipating that the Fiat’s legroom would be less than a match for my legs. I was proven wrong! Very wrong, in fact, as the 500 provided a healthy amount of leg room for the driver in what is a deceptively spacious cabin. Anybody wanting to sit behind the driver’s seat with me at the wheel, however, wouldn’t be so lucky.

I couldn’t help but feel a great sense of excitement sitting in the 500. Everything about the car inspires a feeling of fun. The funky, quirky exterior, the high-mounted dashboard, the rounded stereo and climate controls, the in-your-face speedometer and even the interior door handles all seem to whisper to the driver, ‘Welcome. Get comfortable. Now let’s have some fun.’

As far as the drive goes it’s hard to find fault. The Fiat 500 BlackJack [NOW SOLD] that we have at WVL has a 1.2L engine, but 500s can be specified in engines up to 1.4L. Not substantially large, but given the car’s size and weight there’s enough power under the bonnet to zip you around town. Let it be noted however that this car is not best suited for motorway driving. If you regularly find yourself regularly enduring major motorway miles then perhaps the 500 is not for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a fun, energetic city car without poking too big a hole in your pocket (list prices start from £9,900, and there are great leasing deals to be had – call 01753 851561 or contact us for the best available prices) then book yourself on a Fiat 500 test drive today!

MINI
I, like many, have a long standing admiration for MINI that stems back to my early teens. By this reckoning you might expect my review to be drenched in gushing praise and compliments highlighting just how fantastic MINI is. Well, that’s exactly what this review is, not through the tinted glasses of a MINI enthusiast, but simply because MINI deserves all the praise that comes its way.

You just have to look at a MINI to appreciate its brilliance. From the moment you get into the car you immediately recognise that what you are sitting in is a piece of iconic British history. Much like the 500, everything about the interior has been meticulously designed to ensure you’re constantly reminded that what you’re sitting in is different to anything else on the market.

With a mixture of luxury, entertainment, sophistication, even novelty (albeit, acceptable novelty) MINI provides the perfect environment for just about any journey. It caters for young, for old, for male, for female; from school runs to cross-city dashes, shopping trips to motorway miles, the MINI is versatile enough to suit all your driving needs.

Price-wise, MINIs can slip into the high-end bracket for a hatchback (reaching a list price of nearly £25,000), but that’s only if you’re after the top spec., and basic models are a very affordable buy starting from £11,110.

Leasing, of course, gives you the best of both worlds: a new vehicle in your choice of spec. for a manageable, monthly payment!

Head To Head

Trying to differentiate between the MINI and the Fiat 500 is something of an impossible task. It’s like saying, “What’s better: Messi or Ronaldo? The Office or Fawlty Towers? Sauvignon or Rioja? Ant or Dec?” You can’t do it because it’s subjective. Personally, I feel much more at home in the MINI – but that’s just a personal opinion and shouldn’t take anything away from the greatness of the 500.

For drivers looking for a little more oomph under foot, both manufacturers have their own super-hot variants: MINI with its John Cooper Works models based on the Cooper S and delivering up to 211bhp, and Fiat with its souped-up, 135-160bhp Abarth models.

mini-fiat-sports

The reality is that you’ll scarcely find a driver of either car who would suggest that they’d prefer the alternative. 500 drivers love the 500, MINI drivers love the MINI and that’s the great thing about both of these mini-giants of the motoring world. Each has its own merits, each has very few negatives, and each makes their owner fall in love with it within the first few miles.

Contact us for Leasing options and the current best-available deals, or if you’re looking to purchase a vehicle, here are the details of the models we have in stock:

Our Vehicles

fiat-500 mini
Model Fiat 500 1.2 BlackJack 3dr [Start Stop] MINI Hatch Cooper S 1.6 3dr
Year/Reg 2011 / 61 2010 / 10
Mileage 20,000 46,982
Engine Size 1.2L 1.6L
Fuel Petrol Petrol
Gearbox Manual Manual
CO₂ 113g/km 149g/km
Consumption (combined) 58.9mpg 45.6mpg
0-62mph 12.9 sec 7.1 sec
Engine power 69bhp 175bhp
Luggage capacity (seats down) 550L 680L
Vehicle Tax Band C F
Price £8,500 £9,995
Click for details [NOW SOLD] Click for details

These cars mean business, too!

Early on, the MINI was recognised by estate agencies (most notably Foxtons) to be a tax-, budget- and fuel-efficient way promote their services on the move and win customers. The trend has caught on among an ever widening diversity of businesses – small and large – now with the Fiat 500 equally popular as a worthy rival in the efficiency and personality stakes. With their cheeky charm and small size, these cars are perfect for being branded-up with vinyls and wraps for high visibility mobile marketing at low cost.

Call us on 01753 851561 to discuss leasing one of these superminis… we’ll help you choose the perfect spec for you, your lifestyle or business, so you can start motoring with a single, manageable, monthly payment!

The Week In Motoring #6

The Week In Motoring #6 https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/wvl-blog-featured-6.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

2014 Budget

First on the motoring agenda for George Osborne in the 2014 budget announcement was to reveal that the proposed fuel duty rise in September of this year is to be abandoned: fuel duty will now in fact be frozen until September 2015 – welcome news for motorists.

More good news was to come, this time for classic cars as a 40-year rolling period keeps them exempt from vehicle tax duty – likely to have a welcome positive impact on their values, too.

It’s not all good news however, as the Chancellor announced that vehicles in tax bands D upwards would experience a minimum of £5 increase in vehicle excise duty.

Perhaps the most widely reported outcome of the Budget was the revelation that a £200million fund would be handed to local authorities in a bid to help repair the potholes that have appeared on Britain’s roads as a result of several harsh winters. Whilst this is a good start, many critics have pointed out that it’s not nearly enough to address the widespread poor state of our roads. Professor Stephen Glaister, RAC Director, stated: ‘our road maintenance backlog stretches back to some £10.5billion worth of repair, which means that the cash will go less than two percent of the way to addressing the problem.’

Tyre Safety Campaign Encourages Drivers to Regularly Check Their Tyres

Britain’s battered and bruised roads have sparked a tyre safety campaign to urge drivers to check their tyres and wheels for damage more often. The advice comes after the Chancellor announced that increased funds will be provided to local governments to help fix Britain’s roads.

TyreSafe chairman Stuart Jackson stated, “While the announcement of extra funds to help repair the UK’s roads is welcome news, it will not happen overnight. In the meantime, it’s critical that drivers pay particular attention to the condition of their tyres and wheels as hitting a pothole can cause significant damage.”

Jackson goes on to say that untreated tyre damage could present substantial danger not just the driver but other road users too.

Even slight damage to tyres, such as hairline cracks, can cause the tyre to slowly deflate. If a wheel is driven with an under-inflated state for prolonged periods it can cause the tyre to overheat, resulting in a greater chance of deflation in the future.

It is vitally important to check your tyre pressure regularly, particularly in the days after hitting a pothole. The correct tyre pressures for your vehicle can be found in its handbook.

Company Car Drivers Leading the way with Low CO₂ Emissions

The amount of Carbon Emissions from new company cars reached an all time low of 120.4g/km in February according to ALD Automotive, beating the previous low of 125.2g/km set at the end of 2013.

Company car CO₂ emissions have been significantly reduced in the past 5 years, having fallen by a total 17% (27% in the past 10 years). Moreover, they are also 8g/km below the UK’s average for new vehicles, something Fleet News claim “demonstrates that company car drivers are leading the way in terms of reducing carbon emissions.”

The latest findings from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) indicate that a car produced in 2014 is typically 14% more efficient than one produced in 2009. Mel Dawson, Managing Director at ALD, suggested that Benefit in Kind taxation is the main driving force behind low CO₂ emissions for company cars: “Our survey of over 1,000 company car drivers in 2013 found that BIK was the most influential factor for company car drivers when choosing their next vehicle.”

With increases in BIK announced for vehicles with over 75g/km of carbon emissions in last week’s Budget, this form of taxation is likely to continue to be a major influencer for company car drivers and their choice of vehicle.

Car of the Week

Our vehicle of the week is this executive BMW 318d SAL 2.0 Luxury Auto – Business Media:

Year / Reg 2013
Mileage 8,000
Engine 2.0L
Fuel Diesel
Gearbox Auto
Consumption (combined) 62.8mpg
0-62mph 8.9 seconds
Engine Power 143bhp
Body Saloon
Colour Blue

BMW-SAL

If you’d like to book a test drive or talk to us out about the latest leasing options for this vehicle, then don’t hesitate to call on 01753 851561.

The Week In Motoring #4

The Week In Motoring #4 https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ferrari-california-t.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Ferrari California Goes Turbo

Ferrari have released details of their latest model and successor to the California, the California T. This is the first Ferrari to be fitted with a turbo engine since the F40 hypercar went out of production in 1992.

So, how does the turbo compare to its predecessor? The 3.8litre V8 engine produces 552bhp and 556lb or torque, which is 62bhp more and double the torque of the previous model. This all results in the ability to go from 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the California. The turbo also produces 15% less CO₂ at 250g/km CO₂.

Time to start saving the pennies if you want to get your hands on one as the entry price is £155,000! Nonetheless, we can’t wait to see this beauty out on the roads.

Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Average LCV Value Rise in January

January has seen the value for second hand light commercial vehicles marginally increase to an average of £5,322, an £11 increase on December 2013. It signals the 6th month in a row that the average value has exceeded £5,000 and is the highest value since Pulse started reporting in 2005.

Values are up 13.9% from last year, an increase of £653.

Duncan Ward, BCA General Manager for commercial vehicles has said, ‘January essentially delivered more of what we saw throughout the previous 12 months – a shortage of stock allied to decent levels of demand that generated exceptionally strong prices in the used van market. With stock remaining thin on the ground, buyer demand is focused on the best quality commercial vehicles and this is driving values up.’

Renault Unveils 3rd Gen Twingo

The next generation Twingo has been released by Renault and it will feature extra doors and a rear-mounted engine in a joint development with Smart. The French car manufacturer claims that the main benefit that occurs to the car as a result of the newly positioned engine is a considerable improvement in the turning circle.

A smaller engine, the positioning of the wheels and the rear mounted engine all contribute towards improved cabin space.

Renault’s head of design said that the Twingo ‘was inspired not only by the original Twingo but also by the Renault 5. It is a modern take on the city car genre with the accent on innovation in terms of its lines and architecture. New Twingo is a fun, playful and vibrant city car.’

As is the case with the Ferrari, the new Twingo will be given its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show… but you can take a look at it in this teaser video:

Car of the Week

The car of the week is our superb BMW 3 Series M Sport.

Year / Reg 2013 (63)
Mileage 800
Engine 3.0L
Fuel Diesel
Gearbox Automatic
Body Estate
Colour Grey

BMW 120i

Price: £36,999

The car is in excellent condition (both interior and exterior) and comes with a full service history, 3 month guarantee and 12 months MOT.

For further information, please call 01753 851561, or click here to view full details.

The Week In Motoring #3

The Week In Motoring #3 https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/cactus.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Citroen C4 Cactus

Earlier in the week we tweeted our approval at the online marketing of Citroen in the build-up to the unveiling of their new car: the C4 Cactus.

The ‘teaser’ strategy used by Citroen saw them revealing small details and images of their new car designed to raise a sense of anticipation – something that certainly worked with us!

Well, the official online unveiling has now occurred and we have the inside scoop…

Perhaps the most notable feature of the Cactus is the ‘Airbump’ plastic panels located on the doors. TopGear described the panels as acting like ‘bubble wrap’ designed to make a surface that’s resistant to scratches. The interior has been designed to house both minimalistic simplicity and spacious comfort. Unconfirmed reports suggest that there are likely to be two petrol and two diesel engines, emitting between 82-100g/km of CO₂ with the 110bhp turbo three-cylinder petrol engine able to reach a top speed of 118mph.

WhatCar? describe the Cactus as a ‘radical family hatchback’ with ‘radical’ being the optimum word. The design is sure to receive a spiky reception (sorry, couldn’t resist!) but we believe it’s good to see cars going against the grain in their designs, producing something different from what we’ve seen before.

Watch the trailer for the new Citroen Cactus here:

New Luxury Automotive Brand to Come out of Britain

A new automotive brand has been created by British businessman David Brown, named simply ‘David Brown Automotive.’ As a classic car enthusiast himself, Brown wanted to ‘refresh the classic British sports car for the 21st century,’ and so he constructed a highly skilled and experienced design team to aid him in the creation of his vision. Among the team was Alan Mobberley who worked as Land Rover’s chief designer for over 19 years. Brown also sought the help of automotive engineering experts Envisage Group to develop the car for production.

Brown stated, ‘I wanted all the impact and style of a classic sports car, but with modern capabilities and conveniences.’ Rather than reworking an old design, Brown wanted to create completely original designs for both the interior and exterior, and even fitted the car with bespoke British interior trim.

The car is set to be unveiled at Monaco’s Top Marques Show in April. We can’t wait to see the finished product!

New Car Fleet and Business Registrations Slightly up on 2013

53.8% of overall new car sales in January were accounted for by fleet and business registrations, equating to 83,145 out of overall figures of 154,562.

This figure is up 0.7% on January 2013.

Position Car Model # Units Sold
1 Ford Fiesta 9,072
2 Ford Focus 5,333
3 Vauxhall Corsa 4,470
4 VW Golf 4,390
5 VW Polo 3,875
6 Vauxhall Astra 3,999
7 Audi A3 3,130
8 Nissan Qashqai 3.028
9 Nissan Juke 2,704
10 Fiat 500 2,595

Source: Fleet News

As the table above demonstrates, the top two selling cars of Jan 2014 were both Fords – with the Fiesta pipping the Focus to the top spot. Vauxhall, VW and Nissan also enjoyed high sales.

Vehicle of the Week

Our vehicle of the week is this brilliant Mercedes Vito Van.

Year / Reg 2011 (60)
Mileage 98,000
Engine 2.2L
Fuel Diesel
Gearbox Manual
Body Van
Colour Red

BMW 120i

Price: £8,000

This Mercedes Vito van is in superb condition, has three seats, full service history and 12 months MOT. Part-ex considered.

For further information, please call 01753 851561, or click here to view full details.

The Week In Motoring #2

The Week In Motoring #2 https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ferrari-250.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Ferrari 250 TR Becomes the Most Expensive Car Ever Sold In Britain

Don’t you hate it when you bid for a car but someone pips you to the post by offering more money? Well, our bid for the Ferrari 250 TR was slightly improved on by an anonymous bidder who snapped up the racer for £24million. This 1950s beauty has a 3.0 litre V12 engine and 300bhp and can reach a top speed of 167mph.

The seller was 1961 Formula 1 World Champion Phil Hill who, along with Peter Collins, raced it to victory in the 1958 12 Hours of Sebring. The car also picked up victory at the 1000km Buenos Aires and raced in 1957 at Le Mans.

In 1967, the car was donated to the Ford Dearborn Museum where it lived for 30 long years.

UK Car Manufacturing at 6 Year High

Figures produced by the Society of Motor Manufacturers show a 3.1% rise in UK manufactured cars during 2013, with 1.5 million cars coming off the production line. The figure is the highest since 2007 and is expected to keep rising with estimates suggesting over 2 million cars could be UK produced by 2017, making it the 3rd largest car manufacturer in Europe.

Business Secretary Vince Cable speaks very optimistically of the rise in UK manufacturing stating, “Today’s figures are another sign that the British Car Industry is going from strength to strength – with one vehicle rolling off a production line someone in the UK every 20 seconds.”

Around 80% of the cars produced were exported around the world which Cable says is “testament to the diverse, high quality of British Manufacturing.”

New Campaign Highlights Risks to Business Drivers

Surprisingly, it has emerged that 21% of traffic collisions in the North-East involve people driving for work purposes. This has caused members of the public to question why there isn’t the same attention paid to highlighting the dangers of driving for work as there is drink driving, which is accountable for a quarter less traffic collisions.

From 2008 – 2012, 74 people died as a result of collisions involving business-related travel in the North-East with a further 748 serious injuries and 8262 slight injuries.

These statistics have caused Road Safety North East to launch a new campaign warning businesses that they could be prosecuted if they neglect their employer responsibilities. Among the campaign are guidelines including paying attention to weather conditions, avoiding distractions and to allow ample time for their journeys. The campaign also reminds employers that they are liable under the Corporate Manslaughter Act if their policies are not up to standard.

Schumacher Slowly Coming Out of Coma

7-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher is having his sedation reduced as doctors prepare to bring him out of his coma. Sabire Kehm has stated that doctors are beginning the ‘waking up process’ but that bringing Schumacher out of his coma “could take a long time.”

Schumacher has been in a medically-induced coma since 29th December after suffering a serious head injury whilst skiing in the French Alps. His family have requested continued privacy from the general public but have expressed their “sincere appreciation for the worldwide sympathy.”

Car of the Week

Our car of the week this week is the fantastic BMW 1 Series 120i.

Year / Reg 2010 (60)
Mileage 90,490
Engine 2.0L
Fuel Petrol
Gearbox Manual
Body Coupe
Colour White

BMW 120i

Price: £9,999

This BM1 Series Coupe is in excellent condition (both interior and exterior) and comes with a full service history, 3 month guarantee and 12 months MOT.

For further information, please call 01753 851561, or click here to view full details.