Vans, Cars and Leasing

Vorsprung durch Technik- this is the principle behind every Audi vehicle. The phrase means ‘advance through technology’ which is evident in the lineup of vehicle that the company present to the automotive world. Among the manifestations of the good work of a German company known as Audi is the A3 which was produced in 1996. This is a compact luxury vehicle that was created based on the platform of Volkswagen A and other models like Volkswagen Golf, Audi TT, Caddy, Touran, SEAT Leon, and Skoda Octavia. Two generations of this model was launched into public.

The Audi A3 does not resemble the look of any other Audi models nor does it look like Volkswagen GTI and Rabbit which is its distant relative. The first generation came around 1996 up to 2003 which is presented with three-door hatchback body and it employs five valves with four-cylinder configuration. To go with the demand of the generation, it was redesigned during 1999 into a 5-door car. The engine had also undergone tweaking for better performance.

During 2003, the second generation of Audi A3 was created with better design and stylish contours that will surely capture the heart of every vehicle enthusiast and aficionados. Mounted with new light cluster, enhanced interior and additional five-speed or six-speed manual gearbox, it is expected to make a name in the industry. And as expected, it was renowned by the public therefore making Audi A3 one of the best models there is. Also, it features Direct-Shift Gearbox or DSG that enables quick changing of gears for better driving experience and at the same time cost-effective fuel consumption.

But the rise of the second generation did not stop the company of improving this model because in 2006, a new generation was designed which is an exact carry-over of the 2003 model apart from a few changes and improvements it employs. Performance is well assured with its 4-cylinder turbo-charged engine that can create up to 200 horsepower. It is also mounted with renowned McPherson suspension that provides stability as well as perk up its cornering aptitude.

Indeed, the Acura A3 is the thinking person’s performance car since it is very fast and very talented, as well as space- and fuel-efficient. Although small, it is also packed with all the safety features required in a vehicle like the standard airbags that work well for frontal and side impact that offers padding for the occupant’s chest and abdomen. The door on the driver’s side gives support to its aperture, which keep the body shell structurally sound.

The door is made up of an aluminum beam that interlocks with the sill therefore extending its efficient height while the door’s contour against the occupant remains just about vertical in case an accident occurs. Furthermore, it won’t be bothering to ride a child with you since the rear seat belts possess automatic locks for use with child restraints, although no instruction label was given on the belts. A little problem though, the belt buckle for grown up slightly interfere with the guide slot on the suggested child control as a result, it prevents the belt from being appropriately tightened.

This model had proven that even small cars can do wonders! It is packed with technologically advanced features that will make each ride as pleasurable as ever. Comfort is given because of its amenities like radio, cd player, mp3 player and a lot more. You will definitely not feel bored all throughout your ride so you can take your love one with you for a long ride and never even be bothered with the distance! There is only one major problem; the Acura A3 comes extremely expensive!

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services
Audi Contract Hire - Audi A3 Lease Hire

They say that if you want to make a long lasting impression then you should make an impression during the first time. Indeed, the Chrysler 300C was bale to make a big scene upon its release. In fact, in a street where there is a wide array of vehicles, you won’t find it hard to spot this model in an instance because of sophisticated look that would draw your eyes to look at it.

The Chrysler 300C is the performance version of the 300 but with a Hemi V8 and it is powered by an automatic transmission. Its engine is competent enough in shutting down valves and fuel injectors for vacant cylinders. This is especially helpful to preserve gas during operation which set this model apart from other vehicles on the road because of this unique feature which save fuel therefore helping the owner in their expenses an the whole economy as well. It is also mounted with 18′ wheels and SmartBeam headlamps that come standard that is a kind of headlight that perform better than the usual kind of headlight to augment visibility most specially when driving in a darkly lit areas like night time driving or when there is a harsh weather condition. Also for the occupant’s safety, the Chrysler 300C is also fitted with four-wheel-disc antilock brakes that will stop the vehicle precisely on the right moment when the brake pedal is pushed therefore reducing the risk of bumping to the vehicle located in front of yours. Furthermore, the traction control and an electronic stability control system is also used.

Mounted with chrome-plated door handle that opens up an interior that is stylish and appetizingly clean, you will feel relaxed all throughout your ride. Its dash and door panels are two-tone, the lowers is highlighted with taupe to lend an airy feel while on the other hand the upper part is in deep green hue. The panels that house the information screen are completely readable and it is finely crafted along with the tach and the speedometer. As most people would say, owning the Chrysler 300C will give the feeling of 1960s style when you look at the dash’s satin-silver finish that is created in perfect rectangular shape. It also features an analog clock just at the top of the center vent as well as an LCD display at the bottom which the company calls as the Navigational radio. Comfort is also given because of its AM/FM tuner, MP3 player, 6-disc CD system, and DVD-based navigation system. Moreover, the Chrysler 300C is fitted with comfortable seats as well as huge space cabin that will permit you to move around to get the position that you want while taking the ride. Its climate controls are simple yet classy because of its minute chrome accents on the knobs and plain pictograms for the ventilation modes.

Buying old model of the Chrysler 300C is a good idea particularly in terms of financial aspect since by buying this kind, you can free yourself from the abrupt depreciation rates that happen with brand new vehicles. This is especially good news for those people who would want to ride a vehicle minus the huge amount of money that will be spent if you go for a brand new. You won’t have to worry about the quality of second-hand Chrysler 300C because all of its models were finely crafted to last for a long period of time so you can be sure that although it is old, quality is still there. Indeed, it is a real value for money! Its performance, road charisma and luxury seek to the levels of big European sedan at a lesser price!

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services
Chrysler Leasing - Chrysler 300C Leasing

When the Mercedes Smart for Two micro cars began to surface in America in 2008, a new innovation and subcompact segment has been launched. This is an alcove market specialty vehicle that can be very suitable for metropolitan set ups where parking has become the main problem due to it being tight and expensive.

Thus, those people will find the 8-foot, 8-inch Smart ForTwo to get more attention than those common hybrids. This mini car is over three feet shorter than Mini-Cooper that is often called as “golf cart”. This mini car can accommodate two and can fit into an ordinary parking space comparable to a motorcycle instead of doing a parallel parking. The Smart cars are expected to make its distinctive mark especially to urbanites in San Francisco and other crowded cities along both coasts.

The majority of smaller or mini cars sold in the U. S. have been relatively cheap and these cars are mostly manufactured and built in Korea. The Mini Cooper and Toyota Scion have proven that there is a growing market for quality small cars. ForTwo is very little for it only weighs 1,800 pounds powered by a 70 hp three-cylinder rear mounted engine and with a top speed of 90 M.P.H. Penske Automotive Group, the second-largest dealer chain, has contracted to distribute the Smart and enlisted 73 dealers nationwide. Europeans on the other hand, have these mini cars as part of their lives for over ten years now.

Mercedes has designed this roller skate to overcome safety obstacles faced by every mini-car. A lot of Crash tests and even videos are made available on the internet, which showed that 4 out of 2 is safer than other tiny cars, especially those manufactured in China. During an intense crash tests, the steel safety cage that serves as shield for the passenger has withstand deforming. This mini and inexpensive car has observed standard safety features that can also exist with other luxury vehicles. Its features include four air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and collapsing steering column.

This will also be tested by The U.S. government after it arrives in the market. A lot of Builders believed that it will pass and even receive four stars in American crash tests. It even recently received four out of five stars in the Euro New Car Assessment Program tests. The Smart mini car is given in three affordable trim levels: one is the base-level Pure; The Passion and Passion Cabriolet convertible.

Apart from that, Smart already has the environmental brand image And the hippest part is in terms of color. All you need to do is to unscrew the plastic body panels and replace it with any hue you please. This has been tagged as one that is very trendy, fuel-efficient, and cost effective. But the “Smart” may not fit what an automotive shape of the future should look like.

The vertical posture is the one that distributes crash energy beneath the car. This is the reason why it creates a large frontal area that hurts fuel efficiency. Smart’s very high drag coefficient of 0.38 causes fuel economy to fall in proportion to speed more quickly than the other designs. While the ForTwo could be a start and a contributing factor towards a spatially efficient America, the gas mileage is not significantly above 4-seater cars. With the 505 horsepower asphalt-ripping Chevy Corvette rated at 29 m.p.g. highway, the 40 m.p.g. for a micro-car hardly qualifies.

Therefore, mini cars offers advantages and disadvantages and it would be up for car consumers to decide which is of better quality and what will suit their needs.

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services
Mini Car Leasing - Mini Cooper Leasing

It’s not only Mitsubishi and Subaru which are expanding their sports car ranges… Mazda is, too. The company is targeting Vauxhall’s forthcoming Insignia VXR and even the BMW M3 with a Mazda Performance Series (MPS) version of its popular 6.

And as you can see from our picture of the hatchback, the MPS will be a head-turner, with new spoilers, large air intakes, lowered side skirts and bigger alloy wheels. It’s believed that the model will use a turbocharged version of the 6’s all-new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, pumping out around 280bhp, so it will have the punch to back up the looks.

Like the previous-generation 6 MPS, there will be four-wheel drive, stiffened and lowered suspension and uprated brakes. The car will cover 0-60mph in six seconds, with a top speed limited to 155mph. Mazda is expected to take the wraps off a concept version at October’s Paris Motor Show, where bosses will gauge public reaction. The production model should arrive in 2010. However, unlike its predecessor, which was available only as a saloon, the firm has plans for estate, coupé and cabriolet MPS variants, as well as the hatch.

And Mazda is also readying a hot hatch version of the 2 supermini. Complete with a sporty bodykit, the 2 MPS (in red) goes on sale in late 2009. There’s no word yet on what engine it will have, but it’s thought to be a turbo variation on the existing 1.5-litre petrol with more than 170bhp. Factor in sporty suspension, and it’s a real rival for the Vauxhall Corsa VXR.

Over the nine years which followed, Peugeot sold vast numbers of GTi’s worldwide. Just before the 206 GTi got in and Peugeot then retailed around the thick end in the UK before the model finally bowed out in the spring of 2006, to make way for further progress and development.

But in 1983, Peugeot launched the pleasantly looking, mass-market 205 hatchback, discovered a cheaper type of plastic with which to trim its cabins, and started to pump out motors by the million. This is where the point at which Peugeots became seriously popular and world renowned, however, this is also the moment that they stopped to be a cut above Fords, Vauxhalls and Renaults.

At present, Peugeots are not notable for being of high-quality, classily and well built furnished cars, and that makes it all the more surprising that the Peugeots new 308 hatchback has a cabin that’s a lot nicer even just to sit in compared to that of the Volkswagen Golf. The Peugeot 308’s dashboard is more elegantly sculpted, and skinned with pleasantly tactile plastics and elegant faux aluminum creating a beautiful ambience of near luxury and riches.

The area is large, meekly retro-styled, a sensibly sited sat nav screen, though this one is an option, air-conditioning controls that is comparable to an Audi, and most importantly very comfortable seats that would make for a delightful cabin. This Peugeots is generally spacious and a little roomier than the class average. This vehicle can also be optionally crowned with a huge pane of tinted glass.

Peugeot has truly made its quest for improved quality and this has been very well projected with the emergence of the 308, it enhanced cabin ambience, and in these respects the 308’s 307 predecessor fell well short of the mark. The 307 was sleekly finished and practical, but some of its early versions and models have met serious electrical problems. Extensive fixes had already been sorted and the component of the 308 is considered the enhanced and is deemed far better than the 307.

Although silhouette and great height is comparable to 307 owners, the 308’s excellent exterior and finer detailing gave it a more classy and elegant look, and its extra restraint and “open-mouth” grille produce an assertive look. The newer generation Peugeot 308 is really too large because of the spacious area, but this one is very distinctive and unique.

This modern-day evolution of 80s hot hatchery bears a reputation for being practical and easy to live with in even in town or country and boasts the interior space to accommodate passengers and their belongings with great ease. The lack of high-speed noise is complemented by the suppleness absorbing most bumps other than the short, sharp kind acquired from broken surfaces.

This soft suspension produces safe, fluent progress over twisting roads and corners, even if the 308 is neither as poised nor as deft as the best-in-class Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. Keen drivers would certainly enjoy this particular vehicle with its unique and distinct characteristics.

Passengers would prefer to have the 308’s airy interior, roomy at both front and rear. The Peugeot 308 has great space for everything and this is one of its diverse qualities. If the space it provides is on a par with the VW and Ford, then the discretionary glass roof and pleasant trim colors make it a nicer environment.

The Peugeot 308 is yet another fine effort and innovation showing that, despite the changing rules has emerged a dictated and more grown-up approach. The French car maker has lost none of its edge in the search for quality and excellence.

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services
Peugeot Leasing - Peugeot 308 Leasing

The Nissan Qashqai is a compact crossover SUV that has been rated as Britain’s safest car. This was after it scored the highest rank in the Euro NCAP crash tests. This vehicle earned a record-breaking and got nearly 100 percent, in the latest round of Euro NCAP crash test assessments.

The Nissan Qashqai garnered five-star scores in the front, side and pole impact assessments. It also boasts of having four stars for child occupant protection and two stars in the pedestrian test. This was first to be styled by the Nissan Design Europe in London, England, UK, with engineering development led by the Nissan Europe and was released in Europe and Japan early this year. This will also be exported to the Middle East and other overseas markets.

Some of the top half of Qashqai features the very striking Nissan headlight, a sleek dynamic shape with a prominent shoulder line and rises at the rear portion that is very much comparable to that of the Murano. The lower portion of the vehicle is a good resemblance of SUV due to its gigantic wheel arches and an elevated ground clearance. If you are going to acquire and get yourself familiarize with the Nissan Qashqai, you will be given four engine choices. Gasoline engines will be a 115 horsepower 1.6 L and a 140 horsepower 2.0 L. Diesel engines include the 106 horsepower 1.5 L and 150 horsepower 2.0 L.

To strengthen the Qashqai’s appeal, Nissan is going to make additions of a long-wheelbase seven-seater version. The larger version and model will be designed to rival the compact of MPV class with huge seven-seater competitors.
This vehicle would also be sharing the P32L automobile platform with the forthcoming of the Nissan crossover SUVs. The Qashqai, was launched at 2006 in Paris Motor Show and is manufactured and produced at Nissan’s NMUK Sunderland plant. Nissan intends to roll out 500 Qashqais off its wear side production line every day and is also planning to 15,000 examples of new model versions in the UK in the coming years. There are also additional cars that will be exported to countries like Japan.

The Nissan Qashqai history has said for itself that the name was derived from the nomadic Qashqai tribe. This will cater those car buyers who want a more dynamic design but are not very much in particular to the large, aggressive nature of a sport utility vehicle. The car slots below the X-Trail in the automaker’s range. It partially substitutes the conventional Almera and Primera. Now if you’re into for the vehicle’s size, it has a 4310 mm length and 1610 mm that makes it fall between compact MPVs, such as the SEAT Altea and Renault Scénic, and other compact SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and the Mitsubishi Outlander to name a few.

The Nissan Qashqai is not the only model version that the Japanese automaker is preparing to launch. For they will be launching previous-generation flat-bed Navara that is going to be re-introduced next year as some car consumers hardly recognize the current machine’s ruggedness. However, with the more luxurious Pathfinder-style Navara comparable and now using the familiar badge, the Nissan will need a new name. But this forecast has still needed to be proved in the coming years and has yet to surface.

Designing a crossover vehicle presents a big challenge for those chassis engineers. Despite all of this, the Qashqai is surprisingly skillful especially in corners and with a few combinations of the six-speed gearbox and light and well built pedals. Most importantly the Nissan Qashqai is a very user-friendly vehicle.

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services
Nissan Leasing - Nissan Quasqai Leasing

In the creation of Skoba Octavia, the company labored hard in producing the most advanced technology therefore making every part to be high in quality and with outstanding technical specifications. Basically, the Skoba Octavia is a small family car created by Skoda Auto in the year 1996. The name itself was patterned after a certain model which was originally released in 1959 and 1971.

The vibrant and fresh interior of the Skoba Octavia will guarantee every passenger to have a relaxed feeling while boarding to their destination. It is mounted with excellent Volswagen Group switchgear as well as good quality plastics. Space is never an issue since there is sufficient room for both front and rear seat occupants and it is designed in such a way that it will be a cozy place to stay in. The hatchback’s boot is huge. Its dashboard which was fashioned using PU technology is transparent with smooth curves and surface that will be very pleasing to touch. Controls are properly arranged and numerous storage compartments are mounted that will only make staying inside as comfortable as one longed for in a vehicle. Moreover, all of its upholstery are carefully made therefore creating beautiful ambiance within. And with all these features, what more would you look in a vehicle?

In essence, the first generation Skoba Octavia which was launched in the year 1996 paved the way to make the company renowned in the automotive world. Upon its released, it harbored a huge success because of its strength, sophistication and value for money. The model was based purely on Volkswagen Golf but considerably with larger body that tenders better comfort. And although the chassis is not working really well, it can still go along with ease even on twisty curves and will go fine even on extra long journeys. One seen problem with this vehicle is it creates enormous wind noise which can go even on the cabin at motorway traveling speed and because of its flaws; the company decided that in the year 2000, the first generation will have a facelift. After then, it was still being marketed most particularly in Germany, Asia, and West Europe where it bears the name as Octavia Tour.

Moreover, the second generation Skoda Octavia was released in 2004 which was based on the A platform and other Volkswagen Group of cars which include VW Golf V, Audi A3 II, SEAT Altea, SEAT Leon II, VW Touran, and VW Golf Plus. In India, it was named as Laura to better set it aside from the first model. Manufacturers of the second generation were able to skillfully incorporate all the good point of the first generation to while eliminating all the weak points. At the present, it features more legroom for rear seat passengers as well as augments ground clearance at front and rear in order to diminish the menace of grounding on steep ramps or facing kerbs. On 2006, an off-road version was launched into public in the third quarter of the year which was named as Octavia Scout which characterizes a Haldex four-wheel drive manipulated by a computer-controlled clutch-based center-differential. In addition, it also features a 4×4 that offers 24 mm higher ground clearance compared to the standard versions.

The revolutionized in Skoda Octavia model only proves of the company’s commitment to improve their model to answer the demand of their supporters. And they are also highly sensitive to what their critics had to say because they believe that these people would help them in the improvement of their models making them a competitive brand in the automotive world.

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services
Skoda Leasing - Skoda Octavia Leasing

The all new Kia Ceed surely looks very European and not purely because of the fact that it shares a lot of the design cues of the current Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3, two other Eastern cars designed to meet Western tastes. Not comparable to those mid-sized Korean cars, this model looks as if it has been created by engineers who are conscious of the need to take on the Ford Focus and VW Golf which resulted to a product that appears extraordinarily well adapted to life in one of the toughest sections of the world car market: the family hatchback class. Basically, the Kia Ceed is a small family car which was released in European market and is available in five-door hatchback, 3-door hatchback as well as five-door hatchbacks with an option up to four trim levels, five engines, and either automatic or manual transmissions.

What’s with the name? The name was said to originate from the Community of Europe and European Design with an ’ED’as its project name. Another conclusion why it was named that way is it was derived from “cerato evolved” because the Cerato is the predecessor of this model. Through the years they have spent in the industry, they had received several awards which include ‘Idea of the Year’ presented by Autocar, ‘Hatchback of the Year’ by What Diesel Car?, Towcar award in the eyar 2007, and ‘New Car Honours’ by Auto Express.

As you enter the cabin, Kia Ceed will reveal to you its real surprise. One thing, it’s roomy. Elegance is tendered by its soft-touch plastics and rubber-finish switches that will enable you to drive according to your needs. The gauge cluster was superbly created to help monitor speed, engine revs, and to see the amount of distance traveled. Furthermore, it is lit with orange glow that is specially made help the eye adjust freely mostly when driving at night time. It has digital information system that gives useful data at an instance like cock, calendar, outside temperature, trip computer, door ajar indicator, audio system information as well as tyre pressure monitoring system.

All of these features will help you achieve hassle-free ride since all the information that you need are furnished. Technologically advanced parts are as well mounted like it has been created with USB socket that will allow the user to play MP3s from a memory sticks. The model also features a water-repellent side glass which is not common to some vehicle model. On the other hand, the vehicle’s exterior need not to be discussed more since just a mere look at the model will tell you how beautiful it is. Much more than good looks and comfort, the Kia Ceed is also packed with highly performing parts that will provide excellent drive on the street. Mounted with 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre four cylinder petrol versions plus, er, 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre turbodiesels.

And to answer the demand of the present generation, Kia motor made sure to equip this model with environment friendly components that will produce less pollution. In fact, the company also opens an Eco-technology research institute in September of 2005 where research in environmental technology was incorporated to the Kia Creed. Moreover, the vehicle is a perfect example of value for money given that it possess all the necessary features and equipment but with a price that is reasonably tendered that wont hurt the pocket. Also, it will give its owner the peace of mind that they longed for because it comes with 7 years warranty upon purchase and since it can be repaired in over 3200 KIA Dealership within Europe therefore offering you more peace of mind.

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services
Kia Leasing - Kia Ceed Leasing

Owning a vehicle is advantageous but for some who usually change their model or for those who do not have enough money to purchase a vehicle, car leasing is simply the answer. It has various advantages like you don’t have to worry about resale value when you want to get another model and you don’t have to spend a lot of cash in an instant. Although this is highly beneficial, it has also it drawback-the vehicle is not yours! As an answer to the problem, the Personal Contract Purchase was made in which you can take advantage of car leasing and you will have the opportunity to own the vehicle if in case you change your mind.

The Personal Contract Hire which is also known as PCP is particularly created for private individual. This is the most popular method of funding a vehicle. It is categorized as a provisional sale agreement that provides protection under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 as well as the Financial Services Regulations 2004. This kind of agreement gives an alternative to set up a contract term, with monthly payments. When the term expires, there is an option whether one will pay the remaining payment in order to own the vehicle. The amount to be paid will base upon the outset. However, if the first is not an option, the car can just be returned to the leasing company.

The Personal Contract Purchase has a lot of benefits. The monthly payment is set so you can budget your bills beforehand and the amount to be paid is typically lower than other forms of finance. The initial payment is also low and you can refinance the payment at the end of the term if you wish to. Road tax will be included in your payment for the first years and if maintenance of the vehicle is included, you will have to pay it for the life of the contract. If you go for PCP with maintenance included, you don’t have to worry about repair and maintenance service because it is already included. But there are few disadvantages to this kind of agreement like it is extremely costly compared to hire purchase agreement and you will also have to worry about car insurance.

Moreover, another option to take is the Personal Contract Hire that provides the user a fixed monthly rental for fixed period. But unlike Personal Contract Purchase which you will have options to take at the end of the contract, in this kind you simply need to hand it back to the leasing company. This method is well accepted by company car drivers who are given car allowance instead of providing them with company vehicle. As a general rule, it is highly important that you know how payment will be computed. Basically, the personal contract hire company will determine the ‘residual value’ of the vehicle.

For you to guesstimate the value the company will request you to stick to a certain mileage limit in driving and when you exceed the limit, you will be penalized at the end of the term. Now, if you drive a lot then the Personal Contract Hire is not good for you since you will only suffer high monthly payment in the end. But since this offers a fixed monthly payment then you will benefit of driving different models of vehicles after every few years. And so before deciding whether you will go for Personal Contract Purchase or for Personal Contract Hire, you need to examine first your lifestyle.

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services - Van and Car Leasing

A new retro-fit hybrid conversion that unlocks the potential to save 61% on fuel costs and lower tailpipe emissions by 39% has been launched.

The conversion, which has a removable battery pack, upgrades existing vehicles to hybrid technology. However, the technology, which was developed in the UK by MIRA engineers, will be sold only to carmakers for use on new models. A demonstrator has been built around a Skoda Fabia.

As a “plug-in hybrid” the vehicle can charge its Lithium Ion Phosphate batteries by running its engine or by plugging into the mains. The advantage with this new system is that the lightweight battery pack – about 11kg – can be lifted out of the car for recharging.

“Despite advances in powertrain technology you can still obtain electricity from your domestic provider far cheaper and greener than you can produce it via an automotive combustion engine, so ‘plug-in’ hybrids make sense,” said Derek Charters, MIRA’s advanced powertrain manager.

“With this project we’ve removed the primary limitation of the ‘plug-in hybrid’ concept by allowing the battery pack to come to the mains, rather than having to park right next to a socket.”

The 50/50 hybrid derives power jointly from a 60Kw petrol engine at the front and two 35KW inboard motors powering the rear wheels though MIRA’s e-differential. The H4V returns 64mpg, as measured on the EU drive cycle. Whilst general levels of performance, such as top speed and acceleration are similar to standard.

As an evaluation tool, the demonstration vehicle is not for public sale, so the project received support through the Energy Saving Trust’s (EST) Low Carbon R&D programme, which is funded by the Department for Transport.

“This project has designed a new system allowing hybrids to be more flexible and practical for every day use,” Philip Sellwood, EST chief executive, said.

“With over 20% of the UK’s total carbon emission produced by road transport every year, these advances in technology are vital.”

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services - Van and Car Leasing
Hybrid Car Leasing