Vans, Cars and Leasing

Subaru is planning to move into the contract hire and leasing market on the back of the introduction of its new diesel engine in the Legacy.

Lawrence Good, Subaru UK’s managing director, said the company had no intention of abandoning its niche supplier status, but wanted to establish new relationships with contract hire and leasing companies.

“They will be, in effect, another sales force for us,” he said.

“Over the past few years we’ve not had a great relationship with them, but I think over the next few years we can deliver good service, maintenance and repair costs and residual values.

“Subaru had class-leading RVs up to about 18 months ago and we’re looking to get back to that.

“We definitely expect the diesel cars to perform better when it comes to residuals.

“We’ve got to get back to the days when buying a Subaru was a sound investment.”

He added: “There’s already work going on and we’re looking at getting long-term demonstrators to contract hire and leasing companies.”

In 2009 Mr Good expects the diesel option to make up 85% of Legacy sales and 95% of Foresters.

The diesel Impreza is less likely to overtake the petrol version – predictions are that diesel will make up 45% of sales.

The Tribeca SUV will not feature a diesel engine as it is built in America, primarily for the diesel-shunning US market.

“We expect to sell 10,000 cars a year in total, of which 7,000 will be diesel,” added Mr Good.

The Renault Clio is a car full of options. It offers a differing range of body styles, 3 and 5 door options, and different choices of diesel engines. The Clio is the biggest car in its class appearing much larger than its predecessor. The interior has gone through a complete remodel. The Clio has the option of key card entry. The 1.5 litre diesel engine version of the Clio comes in three outputs,

The Clio is an economical car both in purchase price and in economy. The Clio contains more cabin space than its rivals, with front seat passengers enjoying an abundance of head, leg and elbow room. The glove box is also a nice useful size. The controls and dials are large, useful, and easily read.

Renaults Clio provides a smooth ride with comfortable seating. There is minimal engine and road noise even at higher speeds. The Clio has easy access with wide opening doors and seats which sit high enough for passengers to slide in.

The large area of glass in the Clio provides good all-round visibility. The car is easy to drive with a 1.5-litre engine which is powerful enough for a smooth ride. The steering is light, but accurate and well weighted. The interior and exteriors are both made from good quality materials made to durable and stylish.

The Clio has good cabin space making it an excellent choice for a small family vehicle. There is ample space for front and rear passengers and there is enough space in the boot to carry cargo. The Clio would be an excellent choice for a first time cars buyer. It’s economical on fuel and its standards provide for good insurance rates.

The Clio comes standard with remote deadlocking and a security alarm. It also features automatic door locking over 5 mph, and engine immobiliser. ABS brakes are standard, and the Clio features four airbags on all models. The active head restraint has also been added. The Renault Clio also comes standard with and audio system including a radio/CD player.

The Privelege versions of the Clio come with a two tone dashboard, with the interior finish of dark grey.

The Renault Megane is an exception to the boring cars in its class. The Megane Sport Tourer has been improved with its new V-shaped grille, enhanced headlights, and new front bumper. The rear bumper has also been modified just slightly. The interior sports instrument graphics with white backlighting.

The Megane’s improved electronic power steering feature helps for a smoother, more enjoyable ride. The car has a range of powerful diesel engines, but it doesn’t sacrifice on economy. The Megane should be inexpensive to maintain and to run because of the availability of diesel engines, low asking price and likely low insurance rates.

The interior cabin of the Renault Megane is spacious providing room for up to four adults. There is plenty of leg and head room in the front for the comfort of passengers. The rear does have its limitations on leg room. The boot is large and its low loading lip is accommodating. The rear seats can fold down for even more cargo room. The Megane’s controls are easy to locate and are intuitively placed. The seats are comfortable in both the rear and front seats, being wide and supportive. The suspension adds to the comfortable ride, accommodating for any bumps along the road. The doors open wide for ease of entering the care.

The tail lights are designed in a stacked configuration for ease in reverse parking. The Megane Sports Tourer features a 1.9-litre dCi 130bhp engine which produces performance along with economy and refinement.

The Megane has standard remote central locking, engine immobilizer, and security alarms are available as an option. Keyless entry is also a safety feature which can provide a high level of security. Safety features also include ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution with ESP and traction control. Tire pressure monitoring is a useful option as well.

The Renault Megane audio system comes standard with a radio/CD player combination providing good sound quality. Column mounted controls provide for easy driver operation.

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services Van & Car Leasing
Renault Contract Hire - Renault Megane Leasing - Renault Clio Contract Hire