Vans, Cars and Leasing

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

To lease, you have two possible choices: either lease through a dealer’s finance source or through an independent lease company. A conventional dealer has a captive finance source, which can be the car manufacturer’s financial company, such as BMW Financial Services, Honda Motor Credit or General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC), or a major national bank such as Chase Manhattan.

Independent lease companies are no financial obligation to any single one manufacturer financing source, but work with dealers anywhere in the country.

So which one is better?

Conventional dealers provide better lease-deals on limited-time promotions. Factory-subsidized cars that have subvented money factors and residuals are very attractive lease deals and can be very hard to beat anywhere else.

Independent lease companies can offer you unbiased and professional advice on vehicle selection regardless of make and model. This is because they are not tied to a single manufacturer or financing source, unlike conventional dealers who have to sell specific models.

They can also be more flexible regarding negotiating lease terms like residual value and mileage. Ultimately, if you prefer a more personal and customer-oriented relationship with your leasing agent, then you will do well with an independent leasing company.

Whether you lease a car to get into the latest models or have better purchasing flexibility, getting a good deal is always bound to give you a lift. Use these guidelines to help you spot one:

Check incentives: be on the look-out for factory –subsidized lease deals. Car manufacturers realise that consumers who lease vehicles from them are more likely to be repeat customers than those who simply purchase vehicles. Through their leasing companies, they adjust the residual value and offer low financing charge.

Other auto-manufacturers are also starting to give incentives on leasing, called leasing subventions. They offer these subsidies to put slow-selling models on the street, saving you even more money.

Set up a competitive: bidding environment to get the lowest price. If you already have an idea in mind of the make, model and trim level of your desired car, attempt to calculate your own lease payment before you go shopping to avoid paying through the roof.

Check online comparison tools or use a lease calculator to check your lease payment based on purchase price. This gives you greater negotiation leverage as you solicit quotes from various leasing companies.

Make sure you know all the fees involved at the beginning of your lease: you may have to pay fees for licenses, registration and title. Other fees include acquisition fees, freight fees and local or state taxes. At lease-end, you may have to pay a disposition fee and charges for extra mileage and any excess wear. Be aware that some of these fees – like acquisition and disposition fees – are negotiable.

Know your mileage needs: almost all leases limit the number of miles per year by imposing typically 10 to 20 cents per excess mile over 15,000 miles a year. If you are the kind of high-commuter who puts 40,000 miles a year on his car, then you might end up running thousands of dollars in hefty penalties at the end of your lease. Be smart and negotiate a higher-mileage limit or pad you excess miles at the beginning of your lease to avoid robber tax rates for excess miles.

Almost all leases limit the number of miles per year by imposing fees typically 10 to 20 cents per mile over 15,000 miles per year. If you are the kind of high-commuter who puts a lot miles on his car, then these costs can add up quickly.
Negotiate: Include GAP coverage: make sure your lease includes GAP coverage. This covers you in the event of the vehicle getting wrecked, stolen or totalled. Without GAP insurance, you leave yourself wide open to thousands of dollars in leased obligations. Check if the GAP coverage is included so you don’t pay it twice.

Volvo continues its reputation as the king of sports wagons manufacturers with the Volvo V50, an S40 reincarnated as an upscale wagon. The wagons of day are a far cry from Volvo wagons of the past which may be remembered with disdain. Today’s sporty wagons feature lots of interior space and plenty of top of the line safety features. The 2008 Volvo V50 is one of these new-era wagons.

The V50 has not undergone any huge changes, the front and rear body has been slightly reshaped, looking a little less boxy. The grill and rear bumper have been tweaked just a little as well to produce a more refined look. The center console in the interior now accepts an audio jack and provides more storage space which was greatly lacking before. The handbrake in the console has also been redesigned. The trademark Swedish minimalist design still remains, but an optional trim called Nordic Light Oak, is available for the interior. Cargo capacity is 27.4 cubic ft. When the rear 60/40 seat is folded down the capacity increases to 62.9 cubic feet.

The T5 model engine is more powerful than previous models due to a nine horsepower upgrade. The engine also achieves 30 mpg highway fuel efficiency. The 2.4i gets an estimated 22 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway. The T5 AWD gets 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Enthusiatic drivers may want to choose the turbocharged engine of the T5, it gets almost the same fuel economy as the 2.4i. The handling is smart and fun with either the sport tuned or standard suspensions.

The Volvo V50 gets better gas mileage than its rivals such as the Acura RDX or Mazda CX-7 small SUVs. The V50 has more cargo space than its compact wagons competitor, the Audi A4 Avant, but it has a little less than the Saab 9-3 SportCombi.
There are three different trim levels in the 2008 Volvo V50, the 2.4i, the T5, and the T5 AWD. Features of the 2.4i V50 include a 168 hp 2.4-litre, 5 cylinder engine. The T5, also front wheel drive, has a 227hp 2.5-litre turbocharged 5 cylinder engine. Both of these engines come standard as five speed automatic, adaptive Geartronic transmissions.

The T5 also is available as all-wheel drive. The well known Volvo safety features include all-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, side curtain and side impact airbags. The 2.4i comes with standard 16” alloy wheels, tilt-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, T-Tec cloth upholstery, eight-way manually adustable driver’s seat, full power accessories, manual climate control, and a 6 speaker Dolby audio system with CD player and aux. audio jack. The T5 features more fog lamps, automatic climate control, 8-way power driver seat, aluminum trim, trip computer, 8 speaker sound system with in-dasy CD changer and a satellite radio. Of course the T5 AWD features all wheel drive as well.

The T5 can be upgraded with a navigation system, active bi-xenon headlamps, and keyless ignition. Extra options for the V50 come in different packages. The Select Package for the 2.4i consists of power driver seat, sunroof, 17” wheels, fog lights, Nordic Light Oak wood or aluminum trim, upgraded sound system, and leather gearshift knob. Leather upholstery is also available for the 2.4i. The Premium Package adds the 17” wheels, leaher upholstery, sunroof, driver seat mermory, and powered passenger seat, auto-dimming mirror with a compass and Homelink.

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services Van & Car Leasing
Volvo Contract Hire - Volvo V50 Contract Hire

Gentleman, start your engines for a heart-stopping year of motorsport. And leading the way is F1 – which this week saw the launch of three cars for 2008, from McLaren, Toyota and Ferrari.

After a tough 2007, the McLaren team is looking forward to a happier 2008. Found guilty of spying, it ended the year stripped of points and having to pay a $100 million (£51 million) fine.

However, with the unveiling of its new MP4-23 car and driver line-up of Lewis Hamilton and Finn Heikki Kovalainen, hopes are high. McLaren chief executive Martin Whitmarsh said: “We had a number of distractions last season, but we’ve had enough focus to create a competitive car this year.”

Toyota suffered a poor 2007, too, with bosses at the Japanese company threatening to pull the plug on the F1 programme if it doesn’t start to perform. So, the new TF108 has to impress. The services of Italian driver Jarno Trulli have been retained, while last year’s GP2 champion Timo Glock is in the number two seat.

Team Principal Tadashi Yamashina made the squad’s intentions clear: “Our ultimate target is the top step of the podium – we are in Formula One to win, and we want to do that soon.”

The F2008 Ferrari hit the track for the first time after its public unveiling last week. Lead driver, world champion Kimi Raikonnen, was impressed. “The car is positive and you can handle it even without the traction control,” he said.

With such an exciting season ahead, you won’t want to miss any of the action. Check our calendar for all the F1 dates, so you’ll be there from the first green light to the last wave of the chequered flag.

Whether you are looking to rent a car or finance a lease, Total Fleet Services aka www.lease-hire.co.uk brings provides individuals and companies with a one stop solution to all their contract hire and vehicle leasing needs, be it a whole company fleet or a single private client.

Contract Hire
Through Contract Hire, a fleet of vehicles is given to you for a set period of time. Although the vehicles are still owned by the leasing company, you are able to use the vehicles for the set monthly rate. The monthly rate is determined on an individual basis, and takes into account factors such as the time period, mileage, and maintenance costs, along with several other factors. Contract hire is a good option for anyone that is looking to implement a fixed cost for their vehicle fleet.

Personal Contract Hire
Is also an available option. This is similar to Contract Hire, but allows individual employees to take ownership of the vehicles, while still benefiting from buying the vehicles as a group.

Contract Purchase
Contract Purchase allows vehicles to be purchased over a set amount of time. It is very similar to standard vehicle ownership, but it allows the vehicle to be purchased without the risk of depreciation. A monthly payment is made on the vehicle, which is determined by the cost of the car, anticipated depreciation and mileage, and maintenance needs.

Personal Contract Purchase
Is also an available option. This is similar to Contract Purchase, but allows a company’s employees to take ownership over their cars. The employer is able to pay their employees a monthly allowance based on the employee’s level and car.

Daily Rentals
Contract periods for Daily Rentals may extend to a maximum of twelve months. This option is normally desired for companies that have staff members that need a vehicle but may not be with the company for an extended period of time. This is also a good option for companies that have normal fluctuations in their need for vehicles.

Finance Lease
A Finance Lease provides a tax efficient option for leasing a vehicle. With a Finance Lease, the entire cost of the vehicle can be paid in one of two ways:

1) The entire cost of the vehicle can be paid over an agreed lease period, with an interest charge being applied to each monthly payment.

2) A lower monthly fee can be paid, with a final payment made which is based on the anticipated resale value of the vehicle.

Lease Purchase
A Lease Purchase is the most common method that companies use to finance a vehicle. The monthly payment is determined by the total cost of the vehicle, the period of the Lease Purchase, and the estimated future value of the vehicle at the end of the Lease Purchase period. A total mileage amount is also set for the term of the Lease Purchase, which, if exceeded, will result in a fee being assessed to each mile over the original total.

Sale and Leaseback
Similar to a Lease Purchase, a Sale and Leaseback applies to a vehicle that you currently own. This option can be used to free capital that is tied up in the vehicle. In a Sale and Leaseback option, the vehicle is bought and then leased back to the original owner. The monthly payment is determined by the same factors as addressed above. This option only takes place on paper, so use of the vehicle is not interrupted at all.

 Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services Van & Car Leasing

The new Alfa Romeo GT Coupe derives much of its design from the Alf 156. The Bertone Style Centre is responsible for its design and it promotes an original type styling which makes the car something fascinating to look at. The GT boasts an almost complete range of safety systems along as with smart engineering all packaged in a slick sports coupe.

Alfa Romeo GT Coupe shows up with a quadruple overhead camshaft, and has a 3.2 liter V6 engine similar to what can b found on the Alfa GTV. Thus the GT Coupe is a power filled and with its torque level it is able to easily cruise at 2000rpm in top gear. The GT Coupe is able to go from zero to sixty in under seven seconds and can reach speeds of just over 150 miles per hour.

The GT Coupe range there are six models, the Lusso which comes in there engine sizes, the Turismo has two models and the Q2. The Lusso and the Turismo come in both gas and diesel options and the Q2 comes in diesel only. The Coupe’s transmission is a six-speed manual which is standard for the 1.9 diesel and the 3.2 V6 series but there is a five speed manual transmission with the 2 litre gas.

This vehicle’s braking system is very strong and it touts 330 mm front discs that give excellent power when stopping. The GT Coupe brings to the table a very responsive power steering that is also speed sensitive.

The new Alfa Romeo GT Coupe has some very nice safety features such as six airbags, an integrated Fire Prevention System, and seatbelt pre-tensioners. There is also a high tech braking system along with traction control and stability systems. The braking system combines an ABS anti lock brake with a Vehicle Dynamic Control unit which helps to make cornering more stable. The Vehicle Dynamic Control unit is also supported by Anti-Slip Regulation thus limiting wheelspin that may occur when accelerating.

The GT has a very roomy interior. The rear seat folds down with a 60:40 split/folding and this gives enough space to comfortably seating passengers on the back seat. With the GT you can quickly convert its 320 cubic decimetre luggage area into a storage area boasting 905 cubic decimetres of space.

The flagship 3.2 V6 is fitted with leather interior and a top of the line Bose Hi Fi system that has MP3 capability. There is also a smart sports suspension, twin chromed exhaust pipes and 17 inch alloy wheels. There is also the option of having a climate control package that gives control over the quality of the air and sensory for rain and mist. You can also have xenon headlights that come with lamp washers, and 18 inch wheels. There is also a system that will connect the driver to a wide range of services through a phone link called CONNECT NAV+. The driver will use voice commands to operate the system. There is also a CD audio system that is available on the Alfa Romeo GT Coupe.

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services Van & Car Leasing
Alfa Romeo Contract Hire - Alfa Romeo GT Coupe Leasing

Merc has revised the unfaceliftable: the CLS four-door. Four years after launch, the unusual coupe/saloon gets a freshen-up and a new cheaper entry model – but it’s not coming to the UK.

Not that the CLS looks very different. The radiator grille has been tweaked and now has – count ’em – two bars instead of four. Big deal. The mirrors have gained new LED indicator repeaters, Merc has tidied up the rear apron, taillights and exhausts (now trapezoidal not oval)… and that’s about it. Thankfully, the CLS still looks drop-dead gorgeous.

Under the bonnet

More significant changes are under the bonnet of the revised model. The new entry-level model is the CLS280, a 3.0-litre V6 mustering 228bhp – enough for a 7.7sec sprint to 62mph and, more importantly, an average economy of 31mpg. Sadly, the UK isn’t taking the 280, as so many buyers pick the diesel over here. Other engines remain unchanged; all have the seven-speed auto 7G-Tronic auto transmission as standard.

The full engine line-up is:

CLS280, 228bhp 3.0 V6
CLS350 CGI, 288bhp 3.5 V6
CLS500 V8, 383bhp 5.5 V8
CLS63 AMG, 507bhp 6.3 V8
CLS320 CDI, 221bhp 3.0 V6 TD

Mercedes CLS: an inside job

The interior has a new three-spoke steering wheel and redesigned instruments with white dials, while the telematics system is upgraded with extra functionality for the modern man’s army of gadgets.

Prices haven’t been fixed yet, but we expect them to rise slightly in the UK, along with a corresponding rise in equipment. The new CLS280 starter model we’re denied costs £2500 less than the diesel on the Continent – pointing to a £41,000 starting price.