Vans, Cars and 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.

In 1984 Peugeot introduced the stunning 205 GTI, 3 door & T16 – cars to reign supreme in the buying public’s affections.

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 Qashqai Leasing

At the beginning of December 1895 the mechanic Václav Laurin and the book-seller Václav Klement, both bicycle enthusiasts, started manufacturing bicycles of their own design, patriotically named Slavia in the nationalist atmosphere of the end of the 19th century. A few years later, in 1899, the Laurin & Klement Co. began producing motorcycles, which were soon successful and gained several racing victories. After initial experiments at the turn of century, producing of motorcycles was gradually replaced by automobiles form 1905 onward.

Many, many years later in the creation of Skoda Octavia, the company laboured hard in producing the most advanced technology therefore making every part to be high in quality and with outstanding technical specifications. Basically, the Skoda 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 Skoda Octavia will guarantee every passenger to have a relaxed feeling while boarding to their destination. It is mounted with excellent Volkswagen 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 cosy 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 Skoda Octavia which was launched in the year 1996 paved the way to make the company renowned in the automotive world. Upon its released, it harboured 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 travelling 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 skilfully 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 centre-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

In the automotive world, European models are not only those that are able to make a name in the industry in fact, there are also Asian Company that manages to stay despite the stiff competition there is among vehicle manufacturers. Hyundai is an example, which is one of the largest Asian car importers in the US evidently because of the great number of Hyundai cars driving along the major roads of the states.

The company was able to produce worthy vehicles like the current Hyundai Coupe that went on sale on the January 28 at the year 2002. Its creation wasn’t easy at all. Hyundai engineers had labored most of their time finding ways how to make this vehicle superbly different among the rest. Truth is, it took 26 months to build up at a cost of $230 million US dollars. It was created in Korea at Hyundai’s ultra-modern Ulsan plant. Since it’s a coupe, anyone can expect its good quality most especially since Hyundai has a long history in the production of coupe vehicles. Indeed, Hyundai is currently the World’s largest vehicle maker which had started from a humble beginning.

The curve as well as the contour of the rear hip of this new Hyundai Coupe is an echo of the previous Coupes. Nevertheless the grille and headlight clusters are new together with its rear end, which now possess a much sportier appeal than the previous models. In fact, its exterior design is what set this vehicle apart from the rest. It possesses an elegantly created headlight that achieves a sporty stance because of its all new headlamp covers that have modish back surrounds as it blend wonderfully with hood lines. Its fog light is as well finely crafted which are integrated below bumper level that offers extra illumination in poor weather conditions and so safe ride is always assured. Moreover, the electrically powered sun roof provides the owner with an option of fresh air at the touch of a button. It was crafted using highly advanced tilt and slide mechanisms as well as a deflector that prevents the occupants from being rocked.

When you enter inside, you will see that there have been a few changes to the centre console, bringing it up to date which is proven by the addition of an iPod connection in the front centre armrest that plays the standard radio/CD player and SmartNav. In addition, driving in a hot weather condition won’t be a problem with the Hyundai Coupe’s advanced automatic air conditioning system. So no matter how hot it is outside, the ambient atmosphere within will never ceases to continue because of its selected setting. Moreover, the look of its interior sum up its performance potential, in fact the moment when you enter the model, you will right ahead know that the vehicle is potential enough in bringing excellent performance, handling, road-holding and braking ability. Its body-contoured seats is well crafted with an option of colorful trims which include cloth, cloth and leather or all leather that all resulted to a rare combination of style, spottiness and sensuality.

Safety is as well given because of the twin front air bags which are latest de-powered type. It is specially designed using a technology that purposely lessens the risk of accidental deployment during a low-speed collision. And unlike any other models, slippery surfaces are a concern no more for the reason of its optional electronic stability programme (ESP) which is potentially able simultaneously reduce power and applies brakes to individual wheels. All these safety features will allow Hyundai Coupe owners to enjoy their driving, in safety.

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services
Hyundai Leasing - Hyundai Coupe Leasing

Mitsubishi Shogun has been a constant match for those amongst family-sized 4×4s.
The third generation Mitsubishi Shogun, which surfaced in the year 2000, was a car that helped set trends. The Engines together with the suspension were bolted directly to the monocoque body rather than installed in a separate chassis, this is said to be in total contrary to the way that many family-style 4×4s had developed. It had more in common with the car-like luxury 4×4 models like the ones of BMWs X5.

This has become a cross between old school appeal and modern underpinnings that have proved its popularity, and the fourth generation car builds on solid foundations with a massive host of detail changes.

The Mitsubishi Shogun offers very useable concession between on-road refinement and off-road capability that can be gleaned as efficient for most people. The Shogun is also more than a competent tool in the rough stuff. It uses an all-wheel control system which also works with Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4 II transfer case. Using a centre differential lock, this system offers four transmission modes; high range rear wheel drive, high-range full time four wheel drive, four-wheel drive is differential for slippery conditions and low range four wheel drive with the locked differential for hauling out over a mud bath.

The Mitsubishi shogun’s shape looks very recognizable and there are key differences between this fourth generation car and its direct predecessor. A perfect example is the contoured front lights blended with the blistered leading edge of the front wheel arch. There’s a three door short or five-door long wheelbase models that are offered. When it comes to Chassis firmness, this has been improved by means of increasing the number of key spot welds on the monocoque, an additional structural and a greater use of high tensile steel. Mitsubishi’s innovative HideandSeat system instantly converts the long wheelbase car from a five to a seven-seater.

You could also have an option of three or five doors, those Shogun buyers have the choice of a four model line-up the familiar Equippe, Warrior and Elegance variants as well as a new luxury Diamond range-topper and the Mitsubishi Shogun comes packed with numerous safety measures and luxury equipment.

All models come with ASTC active stability and traction control; it also has alarm and keyless entry, climate control, twin front, side and curtain airbags. This also has an ABS or the anti-lock brakes and 17inch alloy wheels fitted as standard. Other standard features may be much longer but the pricing for the Mitsubishi Shogun remains tight and cost effective emphasizing Mitsubishi Motors value-for-money policy.

Now that Mitsubishi are known for their petrol-powered engine, the Shogun range looks as if it is a more manageable proposition in terms of costing. Thus, the Mitsubishi Shogun considered as the fourth generation car brooks is no great surprises but in many cases, familiarity has bring up respect for Mitsubishis low-key approach. It has a solid engineering, a good and excellent compromise between off-road durability and on-road refinement.

This Shogun also is an extremely aggressive pricing all combined to make sure that what some people may consider a throwback is, in fact, a vehicle of keen relevance. Overall, the Shogun occupies a small but with a great impact and vital niche in an ever-evolving 4×4 market. As sales of the more grandiose cars wane in favor of more environmentally responsible car, there will always remain a major requirement for an all-weather, all-terrain vehicle that can has the ability to tow, fulfill the family responsibilities with not so costly price. The Mitsubishi Shogun carries out these duties efficiently.

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services
Mitsubishi Leasing - Mitsubishi Shogun Leasing

Car Leasing has become one of the most probable solutions an individual can consider if he wants to have his temporary car for an intervening time. When you lease you do not pay for the whole value and amount of the car for you only pay for the part or a potion of the value that decreases throughout the duration of the leasing term. There are a lot of car lease emerging and making mark in this industry, however, only few will bound to stay.

One of the best options is the Citroen C5. This is Citroen’s ‘Mondeo’, the all-new C5. Totally redesigned, the French saloon gets a fresh platform, a new air-suspension system and a high-quality interior which offers much more space. This is a sleek addition coming from the French automobile maker and has made an impression of quality build and body and the eye catching features that comprised of a hydro pneumatic suspension, hydraulic transmission, and directional headlights

The said release of the C5 in the market has become a way for those who prove that along with many companies it can still have its own name and success. No other car on the Citroen line has been as pleasant and innovative as the C5. In addition, the finance charge that is what the leasing company earns for the transaction and that can be incorporated to the interests charged on an auto loan. This implies that if you don’t want to keep the car and you like upgrading your wheels every now and then, leasing might be the suitable option for you.

The new C5 is considered to put style back into the Citroen line of automobiles and will definitely be one of the best car lease deal options in the market to watch out for. Its good looks will be coupled with a bevy of all kinds of features including hydractive suspension, a fixed-hub steering wheel, and a Parking Space Measurement system also known as the Backseat Driver.

This is a kind of French ingenuity built in German quality and this is a kind of feature expected the Citroen C5. Engines will include punchy diesels such as the firm’s new 173bhp 2.2-litre HDI unit and the Ford/PSA-developed 2.7 V6, as well as a range of petrol motors topped off by a 3.0-litre V6. While most models will come with six-speed manual transmissions, there will also be the choice of semi-automatic and fully auto gearboxes. It will have to weather it’s own against the competition in the name of giants like Mazda 6 and the Ford Mondeo.

But the Citroen C5 will absolutely be quite affordable and will definitely be the new version that says a lot and boast of a whole new design capability of Citroen and their future bringing. Some of the features of the Citroen C5 are the passenger compartment which remained stable during an impact. The driver’s knees were well protected by an airbag mounted in the lower dashboard. Citroen with the airbag would also protect its passengers who were bigger and those seating in different positions. The passenger was well restrained and his knees did not get close to the dashboard. Also, with the Side impact, The C5 scored maximum points in the side impact and pole tests.

The Child-protection feature is where the passenger’s airbag can be disabled to allow a backward facing child restraint used in that seating position. However, some of the main information about the status of the airbag are not that distinct and clear. The label warning of the dangers of using a rearward facing restraint without first disabling the airbag was clear and permanently visible. ISOFIX found in the rear outboard seats was not clearly marked.

Even if the C5 has not received any recognition for the protection offered by the front edge of the bumper, still the new Citroen C5 has been rated as four stars for child protection along with the good feature called the Pedestrian protection and scored maximum points on the bumper.

Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services
Citroen Leasing - Citroen C5 Contract Hire

Cars involved in relatively minor collisions are more likely to be written off than ever before, warned residual specialist, CAP. The news will come as a blow to self-insured fleets in particular, although all fleets will feel the effects as a result of higher insurance premiums.

The analysts at CAP attribute the willingness by insurance companies to write off apparently lightly damaged vehicles to the increasingly technological sophistication of modern vehicles, coupled with increasingly rapid depreciation. Air-bags and air conditioning systems top the list of features that are making even relatively minor collision damage increasingly uneconomical to repair.

“This means insurers are caught in a pincer movement between spiralling repair costs and a rising number of total loss claim settlements,” said CAP operational development manager, Mark Norman, at the recent annual Refinish Industry Survey Conference (RISC).

He said the cost of repairing or replacing technology such as multiple airbags and air/con systems added to the rapidly decreasing value of a used car makes it financially unviable to continue to repair many modern cars. “Despite their superiority in terms of engineering, performance and overall quality, today’s used cars are worth significantly less in real terms than their equivalent models more than a decade ago,” he said.

Mr Norman pointed out that a three-year-old Ford Focus 1.6 LX today is worth exactly the same in cash terms as a three-year-old 1600 LX Escort was 12 years ago. “Even though all the technological features such as ABS, full electric windows, remote central locking, air conditioning, air-bags and generally superior engineering and quality, make it a far superior car, the used car buyer is paying less in today’s market than for the car it replaced,” he said.

RISC conference director, Quintin Cornforth, added that typical collision repair costs have risen dramatically, thanks to technology such as supplementary restraint system parts and air conditioning components. Taking a two-year-old Ford Mondeo 1.8 LX as an example he revealed the extent of increased costs to rectify a relatively minor front corner impact, causing some damage to the nearside front chassis rail.

The repair to a 1996 car, without airbags and air conditioning, would cost £3,865 - or 52% of the car’s value.

The same work on a 2006 model car totalled £5,856 - or 88% of the car’s value.