Lease a BMW X1 from only £382.01 per month plus VAT.

The new BMW X1 is BMW’s fourth addition to it’s 4×4 range.  The new X1 is nothing less than the first of a new class of car.  It’s smaller than the Freelander and has a much more premium feel than the Tiguan and the X1 is much faster and much more fun to drive than any of it’s rivals.  There is also the choice of two or four wheel drive on the new X1.

It seems the perfect answer to those who need or want a smaller car and not a large 4×4 yet still love some of the qualities the large 4×4’s offer like a higher driving position, rugged image and four wheel drive and who also do not want to compromise on quality or performance.  The smart dash design and storage make the X1 very accommodating and the build quality and all the controls around feel very well designed.

The rear passenger space is about the same as the 3-Series although the headroom is better due to the higher roofline of the X1.  The rear seatbacks also adjust adding to passenger comfort.  The boot size of 420-litres is slightly bigger than most family hatchbacks and the seats fold flat to increase the luggage capacity to 1,350 litres.

There are two base models on offer, the sDrive18d SE and xDrive18dSE and will produce 143bhp and accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds and 10.1 seconds.  There is a choice of five diesel engeines including a 2-litre twin-turbocharger 204bhp engine for the top of the range xDrive 23d SE model and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 127mph.  The mid-range sDrive20d SE and xDrive20d SE models will produce 177bhp, accelerate from 0-62mph in 8 seconds and reach a top speed of 127mph.

The most efficient model is the base BMW X1 sDrive18d SE, which emits 136k/km of CO2 and reaches an average of 54.0mpg.

The standard kit is decent on all models while the main options include a reversing camera, panoramic glass roof, adaptive lights and iDrive cabin control system with navigation.

The new X1 is a very capable addition to the small SUV market from BMW that should appeal to premium buyers looking to downsize.

BMW

BMW X1

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Hoping to take on their German competitors, Jaguar have introduced their super luxurious all new Jaguar XJ.  At an exclusive event at the Saatchi Gallery in London the model was unveiled and Jaguar are going to do their very best to become the new class leader.

The interior of Jaguar’s have always had a sense of occasion, and the new XJ certainly doesn’t dissapoint. Say goodbye to the flat wood dash inserts and in comes a much more modern look. Press the start button and the gear selection dial rises from the centre console and the primary instrumentation appears out of no-where too. The new Jaguar XJ is the first car to have an entirely digital instrumentation.

What is effectively a high-definition TV screen sits in front of the steering wheel and shows the speedometer, fuel temperature, rev counter, satelite navigation and any other messages.  It works as well as it looks and is the sign of future displays.  The seats are comfortable and supportive and the interior space is first class and the rear legroom is superb.

The 3-litre V6 diesel propels the car to 62mph in 6.4 seconds and offers impressive a mid-range grunt for effective overtaking.  Running costs are likely to appeal to many with 184g/km and 40.1mpg. A 5-litre option is also offered but with less performance and high running costs, Jaguar are not expecting this model to be too popular.

The new Jaguar XJ has set new standards for the luxury car sector with it’s radical looks both inside and out.

Prices are expected to start at around £53,000 and are due to go on sale in May this year.

Jaguar

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Lease a Renault Clio from only £187.57 per month plus VAT.

The Renault Clio is stylish, chic and enjoyable to drive and is proving to be a popular and superb little hatchback with a good choice of engines to choose from.  Running costs are low and there is an endless number of special editions and trims to choose from.

Most models are affordable to own with the 1.2 TCe 100 model using less fuel and lower CO2 emissions than many of its rivals.  The Renault Clio scored a maximum five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests and most models have six airbags and some have eight.  All models have anti-lock brakes and there is an option of stability control across the range.  Deadlocks and anti-drill locks are fitted as barriers to thieves.

There is plenty of room for four adults and it’s easy to get in and out of the back even on the three door models.  The vast interior of the Clio offers excellent all-round vision with simple heater controls.  Choose the Dynamique trim or upwards and you will get a classy soft touch dash that looks and feels great.  The boot is also a decent size too and offers a minimum of 288 litres of storage space - slightly larger than that of the Volkswagen Polo and Peugeot 207.

Overall the Renault Clio is quiet and comfortable to drive and combies a blend of comfort and control with plenty of grip.  Choose the right model and your Clio will be one of the finest cars in it’s class.

Renault

Renault Clio

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After revealing the new Micra in Geneva, Nissan have decided it will rely on petrol power only as EU emissions regulations have made diesel technology too expensive.

The new three cylinder 1.2 litre 79bhp engine emits 115g/km of Co2 while a direct injection supercharged version with 97bhp with stop-start technology will cut the CO2 ouput to 95g/km and the car will be between 35-80kg lighter than the previous model. Nissan will use a supercharger to boost output on one of it’s ultra frugal engines.

Although the new Micra is still styled on the current model the front of the car has been softened.  It also comes with a device that measures street parking spaces.

The all new Micra will go on sale in October and prices are due to start around £9,500.

Nissan

Nissan Micra

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Lease a BMW 1 -Series from only £255.69 per month plus VAT

With a an eye catching design, sporty exterior and assured interior the BMW 1 Series has plenty of appeal about it. BMW’s Efficient Dynamics that have been applied to the 1-Series range, ensure there is more performance thanks to regenerative braking, electric power steering and an automatic start-stop function.

The standard kit on the 1-Series is pretty good and all models get six airbags, run flat tyres with puncture warning system, on-board computer, isofix child seat mountings and CD player. The SE version adds 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, front arm rest, front fog lamps, interior auto dimming mirror, three-spoke leather sports multifunction steering wheel and rear park distance control.  The options available are extensive and some of these include leather trim, and business and professional navigation with iDrive controller/folding screen.

The rear wheel drive on the 1-Series does not disappoint on the road.  It is well balanced, corners precisely and has good body control with excellent steering.  The grip is great even in the wet and a sophisticated rear suspension set-up means that ride comfort is excellent over all types of surfaces.

The 1-Series has a choice of seven engines and all come with six-speed manual transmission as standard and it is the diesels - 118d, 120d, 123d and 116d which are most impressive.  All three diesel models in the 1-Series actually use the same 2.0-litre engine - but in different outputs.  Thanks to two turbochargers the 123d has an output of 204bhp which gives it a hot hatch like performance with a 0-62mph time of just 6.9 seconds while in-gear acceleration it is even more impressive. This doesn’t come at the expense of economy though as it still returns 54mpg. The 116d - launched in March 2009 - returns a very impressive 64mpg but still manages 0-62mph in a respectable 10.2 seconds.

The BMW 1-Series has become a hugely popular model that is good to drive and with a great choice of engines it is the cheapest way of owning a BMW.

BMW

BMW 1-Series

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Lease a Volkswagen Golf from only £258.43 per month plus VAT

The Volkswagen Golf is better than ever.  It’s desirable, refined and great to drive and one of the best all-rounders making it WhatCar’s Small Family Car of the Year 2010.

The Golf is comfortable and the cabin is classy and practical.  The cheapest petrol engine is the 1.4 litre but the 1.6 is slightly more respectable and the favourite seems to be the turbocharged 1.4TSI.  The diesel engines include two 1.6s and three 2.0’s with the 2.0 litre model as the favourite and all engines come with a choice of bhp.  There is a wide range of models and engines to choose from with fuel economy ranging from 44mpg to 68mpg depending on the model and engine you choose.

The interior of the golf makes it an excellent cruiser with minimal road or engine noise and all engines are smooth and quiet with the 2.0TDI diesel being particularly impressive.  Drivers are comfortable using adjusters for both the seat and steering wheel and visibility is good all around the car.  The quality of the materials are also as good as more expensive executive models.

Overall the Volkswagen Golf is quieter, better built and simply a nice car to drive.  It is a great family hatchack that provides plenty of space and bags of head and leg room and even with four adults in the car, they will all enjoy a comfortable ride.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf

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According to new figures from the The SMMT (Socity of Motor Manufacturers and Traders), carbon dioxide emissions in the UK have been slashed thanks to the scrappage scheme and recession.  A report by The SMMT’s has revealed that average CO2 levels for 2009 were down 5.4% to 149g/km, compared with figures for the previous year and this is the biggest fall since records began.

The drop is three times as fast as the average annual rate recorded since the study was launched in 1997.  This is partly caused by motorists turning to more economical cars and the scrappage scheme which has cut the number of older and much less efficient cars that are on the road.  Although the scrappage incentive doesn’t impose a CO2 cap, the average emissions of cars bought through the scheme so far is 133.3g/km - 26.8% less than the average scrapped car.

Developing a long-term and consistent approach to environmental incentives and vehicle taxation will be important in order to maintain the current rate of improvement.  While scrappage incentives have made a positive contribition to fleet renewal in 2009 there is also still a risk that over the next few years motorists might be steered away from investing in the latest technology.

If the UK can continue with the current rate of reduction of emissions, we will hit 2015 average new car emissions target of 120g/km set by the EU which comes into force in 2015.

The average new car emissions CO2 has fallen from 174.2g/km in 2002 to 149.5g/km in 2009 which is a drop of 5.4%.

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When it comes to selecting the right van, Vauxhall’s Combo would be on many shortlists with it’s attractive upfront pricing and reliable mechanicals it makes it a trusty little workhorse.  Vauxhall have listened to owners comments and have made the van better than ever.

The Combo incorporates all the versatility of its rivals, but with excellent cargo space, payload capacity, comfort and safety. At 4323mm, the Combo has been stretched and a 1200mm maximum load height combined with a 1780mm load platform height and 1380mm width means that the Combo can easily take Europallets in the back and is one of the largest in its class.

Inside the cab and the cargo area the higher windscreen gives an airy feel to the cabin and you will not be disappointed with the additional equipment that the Combo has to offer.  All models have power steering, a cabin pollen filter and air-recirculation system, four-speed heater fan with side-window demisters, illuminated load area and electric headlamp levelling. Safety is well provided for as all Combos come with twin airbags, seat belt pre tensioners and load limiters

Both the 1.3 and 1.7 CDTI engines will return an average fuel consumption of around 50mpg and are excellent if you’re planning on approaching the Combo’s 810kg payload limit.  The Combo Van makes a great deal of sense for many businesses looking to run a cheap van and in fact there are times when it is quite easy to forget you’re driving a van at all.

Vauxhall

Vauxhall Combo Van

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Lease a Honda Civic Hatchback from only £227.22 per month plus VAT.

The Civic is a great looking family car and it’s also blessed with a superb build quality and a great drive, while the boot is one of the largest in its class.  Fuel economy is great whichever engine you choose and company car drivers with an eye on their tax bill will benefit from low emissions.  The most fun to drive is the 2.2 litre diesel although the 1.8 litre petrol is almost as quick and is also quieter.

It’s not just it’s style, as the Honda Civic is practical, great to drive and user-friendly while the interior is just as futuristic as the exterior.  There is not shortage of shiny bits and it also comes with a great trip computer and digital speedo.  The rear passengers don’t have tons of space but just wait until you see the boot, it is so spacious and if that wasn’t enough you can even fold the back seats up for extra storage space too.

Honda gets full marks for keeping you safe as you get multiple airbags, stability control and on some models, active head restraints to reduce the risk of whiplash.  The driving position is excellent and there’s plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering column while the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel is a wonderful piece of design.

The Honda Civic corners the road with confidence and the precise steering provides good feedback.  On twising roads it feels stable and the firm brakes provide excellent stopping power while the gearshift has a sporty short throw.  It also delivers a nice ride and good handling and the body style will appeal to younger buyers which is Honda’s aim to ensure the company’s future success.

Honda

Honda Civic Hatchback

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The 2010 Geneva Motor Show is huge this year not just in size but in the number of cars on display that are due to be in our showrooms before the end of the year.  Plenty of them are both affordable and exciting and here are some of them that we believe you will want to drive before the end of 2010.

Nissan Juke

With the Nissan Qashqai proving so popular, it is now the turn of the Juke with Nissan hoping it will shake up the small car sector.  Like the new Mini Countryman, the Juke is small but can seat four adults and comes it an optional 4×4 drivetrain if you need it as well as many other options.

Prices will start at around £16,000 and is set to be realased at the end of 2010.

Audi A1

The Audi A1 holds plenty of appeal with it’s neat design and classy looks and Audi are hoping it will become the biggest selling model in the firm’s history. The most popular choice will be the 1.4 litre TDI model which will boast emissions of less than 100g/km and fuel economy of over 50mpg.

Prices will start from £13,000 and the release date is scheduled for August 2010.

Mini Countryman

The Mini Countryman will offer a unique driving experience and hopefully target groups that require more space and flexibility and it will be the first Mini that you could genuinely consider as a family car. As with the rest of the Mini models, the Countryman will be offered with a wide range of customisation and equipment options on both the exterior and interior including an extra-large Panoramic roof.

Prices will start from £16,000 and the release date is scheduled for Autumn 2010

Skoda Fabia vRS

Skoda has taken it’s time replacing the Fabia vRS which was the only hot diesel supermini and this time they have switched to a petrol version with a 1.4 litre TSI engine which is found in the Polo GTI.  Fuel economy has not suffered either only falling from 44.1mpg to 42.5mpg.  So if you are after a hot supermini how about the new Fabia vRS?

Prices will be under £16,000 and the release date is scheduled for Summer 2010.

Volkswagen Sharan

The new Sharan from Volkswagen is a well thought out, high quality car that will appeal to family buyers.  The cabin is well built and is typical of VW with their clarity and attention to detail which is clearly visible.  There is plenty of space with a very flexible seating arrangement that allows five, six or seven seat layouts and the TDI diesel engines will make it cheap to run too especially with an estimated fuel economy of 52.3mpg.

Prices will start from around £21,000 and the release date is scheduled for Summer 2010.

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