fleet car winter 2015

IRELAND’S FOREMOST FLEET & CORPORATE SECTOR GUIDE

Volume 14. No. 3. Winter 2015

Skoda Superb

Car of the Year 2016

INTERVIEW:INTERVIEW: Doug McCoy, General Manager, Jaguar IrelandDoug McCoy, General Manager, Jaguar IrelandDESIGN: DESIGN: Berman Autostyle Competition 2015Berman Autostyle Competition 2015LAUNCH PAD: LAUNCH PAD: New models from BMW, Honda, HyundaiNew models from BMW, Honda, HyundaiJaguar, KIA, Nissan, Opel, Renault, Volkswagen & VolvoJaguar, KIA, Nissan, Opel, Renault, Volkswagen & VolvoF

EA

TU

RES

FEA

TU

RES

4 News• Stressed drivers • eCall tests • Dubai Motor Show • ACEA at COP21Plus Junction Box news clips

6 DesignAutostyle 2015

8 Interviewwith Doug McCoy, Managing Director, Jaguar Ireland

11 AwardsPrize winners from APMP Awards

16 Launch PadFeaturing new models from Volkswagen, Opel, Nissan, Jaguar, BMW, Hyundai, Volvo, Renault, Honda and Kia

22 Launch SpecialMINI Clubman

www.fl eetcar.ie

www.fl eetcar.ie | 3 Contents Winter 2015

Fleet Transport/ Fleet Car/ Green Fleet

Management/ Fleet Van & Utility/ Fleet

Bus & Coach/ Fleet Trailer & Body Builder/

Fleet Maritime are published by JJDS

Publications Ltd. Registered Offi ce: D’Alton

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Directors: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh.

Disclaimer: Fleet Car Magazine management

can accept no responsibility for the accuracy

of contributed articles or statements

appearing in this magazine and any views

or opinions expressed are not necessarily

those of Fleet Transport management,

save where otherwise indicated. No

responsibility for loss or distress occasioned

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acting as a result of the material in this

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Editor: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie

Deputy Editor: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fl eet.ie

Gerry Murphy - gerrym@fl eet.ie

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Jarlath Sweeney, Cathal Doyle, Paul Sherwood

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THE MOST EXPERIENCED VEHICLE LEASING COMPANY IN IRELAND.Call us now on 01 866 0520 or visit us at avisfleetsolutions.iefor any vehicle leasing enquiries you may have.Call us now on 01 866 0520 or visit us at avisfleetsolutions.iefor any vehicle leasing enquiries you may have.

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4 | NEWS I

FLEETCAR | Winter 2015

eCall test proposals ahead of roll-out in 2018 developed

Topaz Cashel w ins Best Forecourt Award One of Topaz’s fl agship service stations, the motorway site at Cashel, in County Tipperary, has won the Best Forecourt Store 2016 at the Retail Excellence Awards. It’s the latest accolade for the multi award winning service station, which is located at Junction 8 on the M8 motorway between Dublin and Cork. Future expansion plans at the facility include an extension to the existing station building to incorporate 24-hour public toilets and showers, an expansion to the adjoining McDonalds restaurant, a major expansion of parking facilities and a new children’s play area.

New Enterprise Rent-A-Car Website Enterprise Rent-A-Car has launched a new website in Ireland as part of a phased roll-out of digital enhancements across its European operations that began in August with the introduction of a mobile booking App. Th e new sites are designed to enrich the customer experience and increase transparency in the booking process. Ireland was the fi rst market to pilot the new website and following the success of same, the sites were rolled out in other EU markets to include France, Spain, Germany and the UK. The websites have been carefully designed to provide renters with increased clarity of pricing and booking terms, as well as faster access to information and a simplifi ed reservation process.

Petronas Lube fi ghts Excessive Engine Heat Formula 1 winning lubricants manufacturer Petronas has launched Syntium with CoolTech, engineered

Drivers who suff er stress are more likely to be in a road crash, warns road safety organization,

the TT C Group. But there are ways to cope with pressure and reduce the chances of having a collision.

"Th e daily commute, traffi c jams, being late for an appointment along with being exasperated at the bad driving of others all pile on the anxiety and make driver decisions rushed," explained TT C Group's Adrian Hide.

Business drivers who think about their next meeting are also at risk of a deterioration in their motoring standards, he warned. "You have to leave work stress outside of the car once you shut the door and fasten the seat belt."

Motorists shou ld re-focus their mind back o n t o t h e road once it wa nders to work and family events. "Be the bett er driver, turn off that mobile phone, maintain a good distance away from the vehicles in front and behind to give you a protective safety bubble to avoid hazards and leave early to give yourself more time," advised Adrian.

"Use safety and smoothness as your measuring stick and you will, over time, become safer and less stressed while driving."

Stressed drivers susceptible to having a collision

Proposa ls for tech n ica l requ i rements a nd test procedures for the European

type-approval of eCall in-vehicle systems have been developed by the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory (TRL). Th e draft proposals, which were created for the European Commission, provide recommendations on the safety requirements for eCall systems in preparation of the mandatory European roll-out in 2018. Following the publication of eCall Regulation (EU) 2015/758 in May 2015, TRL was commissioned by the European Commission to develop draft proposals for the delegated acts of the regulation, which will set out the detailed technical requirements and test procedures for eCall systems. Th e proposals seek to set minimum standards for eCall systems in Europe to ensure that all systems work as intended, even aft er a severe collision. As part of the project, TRL analysed and developed test requirements and procedures for seven technical aspects including: resistance of eCall systems to severe crashes

(sled test); full scale impact test; crash resistance of audio equipment; co-existence of Th ird Party Services (TPS); automatic triggering mechanism; in-vehicle system self-test and privacy and data protection. Twelve telematics units were used for experiments in the dedicated deceleration sled test element and operability verifi cation test procedures, which set out to measure the mechanical resistance of eCall systems to severe crashes at accelerations up to 100g. Th e test programme was designed and carried out by TRL using its in-house high-energy test sled facility, which uses a bungee propulsion system and deceleration elements to achieve severe deceleration levels.

www.fl eetcar.ie

NEWS II | 5

A new concept at the Dubai International Motor Show (DIMS) had key personalities

and leaders from the automotive world participating in the ‘Ignition Live Talks’, covering the hott est topics facing the industry.

The new initiative had a dedicated ‘engagement space’ where visitors could interact and share opinions with decision makers and infl uencers from the motoring world. Topics covered included tuning and customization, drifting, touring global routes, maintenance and safety, motor racing and much more.

Ford Performance RallyX driver Ken Block kicked off the new open agenda discussion speaking to popular radio DJ Kris Fade discussing his colourful career and personal achievements.

“Ignition Live Talks is a new initiative that engages visitors with some of the region’s foremost authorities on a wide range

of auto-related topics in an open forum environment,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, Dubai World Trade Centre. “It takes the Dubai International Motor Show to a new level by allowing visitors to discuss topics with the very best in the business.”

Th e region’s largest automotive event off ered a host of entertainment with a full schedule of activities, including lots of Show premieres at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Report fr om Rob Van Dieten.

With over 190 countries gathering in Paris for the COP21 Climate Conference,

the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has issued its position on how to address the challenges of climate change.

Welcoming COP21 as a historic opportunity to establish a policy framework that allows Europe to drive down greenhouse gas emissions, while generating jobs and economic growth, ACEA reaffi rmed the automobile industry’s commitment to further reducing CO2 emissions from both vehicles and production processes.

“At the same time, it is obvious that a more ‘comprehensive’ approach is necessary to address all the aspects that aff ect emissions during the use phase of a vehicle,” Erik Jonnaert, ACEA Secretary General explained. Th is approach seeks to reduce CO2 emissions more eff ectively by drawing

on a full spectrum of solutions, whether this relates to the vehicle itsel f, a lternat ive powertrains, faster f l e e t r e n e w a l , Intelligent Transport Sy s t e m s (I T S), improving infrastructure, decarbonising fuels, or altering driver behaviour. Th e need for a comprehensive approach to further reduce CO2 emissions from road transport should be ref lected in the EU’s implementation of the COP21 agreement.

ACEA expressed the hope that the outcome of the climate negotiations forms the basis of a new long-term and predictable policy framework. Policy makers should also ensure that the COP21 talks result in equivalent conditions for all major emitt ing economies and industrial sectors around the world.

Hot topics discussed at Dubai Motor Show’s ‘Ignition Live Talks’

ACEA outlines position ahead of COP21

and tested to fi ght excessive engine heat to maintain optimum engine performance for a trouble-free drive.

Excessive engine heat is a common problem that is widely underestimated by today’s road drivers. Th e excessive heat inside the engine, which is not visible on the dashboard gauge, is aggravated by modern-day driving conditions such as traffi c congestions, driv ing up steep inclines and acceleration on highways. Consequently and over time, it can damage critical components of the engine and aff ect driving performance.

Latest EuroNCAP test ratingsTh ree of the four vehicles tested by Euro NCAP have received the maximum safety rating. Audi's latest A4 gets a creditable 5 star rating, while the new crossover from Honda HR-V and the Honda Jazz have both achieved the overall star rating as well. Th e Honda Jazz is only the second supermini to be awarded the top 5 star rating so far this year.

Finally, Volkswagen's van-based people carrier, the Caddy, achieved a 4 star rating.

Fiesta time at Airport Driving SchoolPictured at the handover of eleven new Ford Fiesta’s to Airport Driving School are Dave Carroll, Fleet Sales Executive at Rialto Motors, Dublin and Tom Murphy, Airport Driving School. Th e new cars are powered by Ford’s award winning 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine and specifi ed with air-conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity. One version has an automatic gearbox.

Ken Block Interview

T he twelft h edition of Autostyle, the competitive event dedicated to car design, once again delivered on its promise this year, judging by the high number of quality entries.

Organized by Berman S.p.A. along with Auto&Design and Wacom, top young designers from all over the world have become increasingly att racted by this annual competition, much to the satisfaction of its founder, Roberto Artioli, CEO Berman. Once again, the beautiful, historical Italian venue at Villa di Bagno, Porto Mantovano in Mantova, hosted the announcements and awards presentations.

Th e designer's proposals, based on special versions of existing or concept cars recently launched, were evaluated by an international judging panel consisting of leading personalities in the fi eld of car design, including: Alessandro Maccolini (Alfa Romeo), Klemens Rossnagel (Audi), Silvia Baruff aldi (Auto&Design), Roberto Giolito (FCA), Flavio Manzoni (Ferrari), Claudio Messale (Ford), Filippo Perini (Lamborghini), Anna Costamagna (Peugeot Citroën), Wolfgang Egger (Volkswagen Konzern Design), and Robin Page (Volvo).

Th e workshop that accompanied the competition involved the participants discussing the journey undertaken in transforming cars into something else, relating the challenge they had faced, and describing technical and stylistic levels they reached. Th eir creative works were based on the Bentley EXP10, Fiat 500X, Nissan Sway, Lamborghini Asterion and Suzuki iM-4. Words of encouragement were expressed by Alessandro Maccolini and Inna Kondakova, from Alfa Romeo, Alessandro Salvagnin and Michele Tinazzo, from Lamborghini; and Flavio Manzoni, from Ferrari.

Autostyle Design Competition 2015 winners:Pan Dai (China) Politecnico di Milano, ItalyHosan Song (Korea) Royal College of Art, EnglandXingyu Yang (China) Umea Institute of Design, Sweden

Berman’s Autostyle 2015 Design Competition

FLEETCAR | Winter 2015 Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie

6 | DESIGN

Bentley EXP10

Roberto Artioli, CEO Berman

Fiat 500X

Lamborghini Asterion

Suzuki iM-4

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8 | INTERVIEW

One-to-Onewith Doug McCoy,

Managing Director,

Jaguar Ireland

by Cathal Doyle.

CD: With two new models, the XE and XF, launched in recent months, Jaguar is arguably in its strongest position for some time to challenge the German brands in the fl eet/corporate car market. Is there a global strategy to target corporate buyers?

DMcC: Lower total cost of ownership of new models will see a reduction in fl eet leasing rates, with one of the key elements of Jaguar Land Rover coverage across all markets being a focus on fl eet business centres.

Jaguar Land Rover wants to use its portfolio of performance and desirable vehicles to appeal to fl eet decision makers who want to enhance the att ractiveness of their companies via their corporate mobility. Our focus on total cost of ownership and low CO2 emissions should enhance that appeal

CD: Within the Irish market, what are your plans to achieve success with fl eet buyers, for instance will you off er specifi c deals or packages?

DMcC: Our overall pricing has been structured to give a very competitive starting price, which is below our competition. We will be targeting fl eet and leasing companies off ering extended test drives.

In addition, our dealer network will be very keen to off er deals and packages to suit the various customer requirements.We will also target aspiring young executives who will be purchasing cars in this segment of the market for the fi rst time.

CD: Will there be dedicated personnel for fl eet customers, at distributor level or in dealerships?

DMcC: I am assuming the newly created role of Fleet and Business Manager for Jaguar and Land Rover. With new models across both brands, we are now in a position to fully leverage our competitive off ers in the market place and I’m looking forward to off ering a genuine alternative to the fl eet and business buyer.

Not only that, there will be dedicated personnel for fl eet and business customers at dealer level too. Initially only some selected dealers will have dedicated fl eet and business personnel, but within a few months we expect all Jaguar Land Rover dealers to have dedicated fl eet and business personnel.

CD: As a brand that wouldn’t traditionally have a major presence in the fl eet sector, what do you see as the specifi c challenges towards growing market share?

DMcC: Th e main task ahead of us is to create a lasting awareness that Jaguar is a strong contender in this market, and challenging the well established players.

We continue to build the brand by way of integrated marketing campaigns across traditional and new media, as well as event-based marketing.

CD: An all-new contender in the compact premium sector - what are the key att ributes or selling points of the XE that will appeal to the corporate customer?

DMcC: Th e launch of the new XE now gives Jaguar a great opportunity in the fl eet and business sector of the market. Th is car is the most advanced and refi ned sports saloon car that Jaguar has ever produced. It is also the most effi cient Jaguar and the fi rst to use Ingenium engines which give low CO2 emissions and low road tax as a result.

Th e car is competitively priced, has a low cost of ownership and has good residual value. In addition Jaguar Care, which is standard on the XE and XF, off ers a free 3 year service plan and 3 year roadside assistance together with a 3 year warranty.

CD: You’ve launched a very competitively priced Business Edition of the new XF. Will this be the main model to att ract fl eet customers?

DMcC: We expect the new XF Business Edition to att ract some new customers, but as the economy recovers we are seeing more and more customers upgrading their car choice to the Prestige model, which comes with additional specifi cation in addition to the 3-year service plan, roadside assistance and warranty as mentioned on the XE model.

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APMP Awards 2016:Škoda Superb wins the Top Prize

Škoda Superb – APMP Car of the Year 2016APMP Large Family Car of the Year 2016

AWARDS | 11

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The all-new Škoda Superb was elected APMP Car of the Year 2016 by Th e Association of Professional Motoring Press (AMPM) in Ireland.

Th e Powerscourt Hotel in picturesque County Wicklow was again the venue for the second annual professional press awards, voted on by Ireland's most widely read motoring journalists. In an exciting year for new car launches, the cream of the new vehicles was judged using numerous criteria and votes cast.

Th e jurors from all forms of media including print (national and daily and Sunday newspapers), radio (local and national), TV and on-line voted for category winners fi rstly and then used a single vote to nominate their Car Of Th e Year from the category winners list. Th e open and transparent voting system is a key part of APMP’s operation.

“Superb is the best value for money large family car you can buy, especially in terms of square footage,” said APMP Chairman Michael Sheridan of RTE. “It’s so much slicker than its predecessor, yet it has the same brilliant mix of space, comfort and practicality. And wait till you see the estate version…” said Neil Briscoe of Th e Irish Times.

“Value for money, class-leading space – it really does set a new benchmark in the family car class” said Bob Flavin of Th eNextGear.com. “Lavish within, with space aplenty it comes with a list of

engine options and goodies to match anything in the premier classes above” said Tony Toner of BeepBeep.ie.

Th e voting system: With each vehicle category, a juror had 25 points to distribute, with 15 points the maximum one vehicle could get and 0 points the minimum. Th is selection process delivered a list of category winners. From the class winners list each juror had a single vote for their nominated Car of the Year and a simple majority delivered the overall winners.

A total of 10 individual category awards were presented including the overall APMP Car of the Year 2015, which went to the Škoda Superb.

Category winners: City Car of the Year – Audi A1Small Car of the Year – Mazda2Compact Family Car of the Year – BMW 2 Series Active TourerMid-Size Family Car of the Year – Volkwagen PassatLarge Family Car of the Year – Škoda SuperbPerformance Car of the Year – Volkswagen Golf RCoupé/Cabriolet of the Year – Mazda MX-5Small SUV of the Year – Mazda CX-3Mid-Size SUV of the Year – Land Rover Discovery SportLarge SUV of the Year – Audi Q7APMP Car of the Year 2016 - Skoda Superb

Various marketing campaigns across European markets look to the superlatives to describe the new Škoda Superb. We are well aware of the ‘Simply Clever’

slogan while across the water the ‘Travel in Style’; ‘Travel in Space’ wording was used through varied mediums. Perhaps ‘Game Changing’ is the most appropriate tag line, particularly in the corporate car/fl eet sector where the Czech fl agship has made a serious impact.

Škoda has developed the Superb to have a strong appeal with fl eet buyers, with running costs among the lowest in the sector. Factor in the Superb’s spaciousness, its well equipped and fi nished interior – and its business case is very strong.

Obviously the TDI diesels are the popular choice, be it either the 2.0 litre or 1.6 litre both with Euro 6 technology with power options from 120 to 190 hp. Th ree trim levels are off ered from Active, Ambition and Style with prices starting at €27,795.


12 | AWARDS

Audi A1 – APMP City Car of the Year 2016

The smallest and most accessible car from the premium German brand features two models, the standard A1 (3-door) and Sportback (5-door) with various

permutations available throughout. In its latest guise, introduced last year, the range benefi ted from enhanced exterior and interior styling, specifi cation upgrades and new or improved engines, including its fi rst ever three-cylinder 1.4 litre petrol (TFSI).

Th is new turbocharged direct injection petrol is capable of returning at least 60 mpg with CO2 emission as low as 99 g/km and with 95 PS, is 6 PS more than the 1.2 TFSI that it replaces. Th e 1.6 TDI diesels are now Euro 6 compliant and can be specifi ed with 5/6 speed manual or autoboxes.

Priced from €21,450 (plus charges).

Mazda2 – APMP Small Car of the Year 2016

Mazda’a compact hatchback matches its bigger siblings in terms of family look, style and impressive driveability. It’s all about KODO – Soul of Motion,

the Japanese brand’s design theme. Th is sporty Supermini’s qualities have been recognised around the world having scooped the Japan Car of the Year (2014/2015), the prestigious Red Dot Design Award, and Gold Design Award.

Called the Damio in Japan, the ‘2’ like the other Mazdas features SKYACTIV Technology with the 105 bhp 1.5 litre diesel delivering generous torque with CO2 emissions under 90 g/km. A 1.5 litre SKYACTIV-G petrol with 76 bhp or 90 bhp is also available.

Priced from €15,995 (plus charges).

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer – APMP Compact Car of the Year 2016

Of the three models within the 2 Series, the Active Tourer aims to achieve “A perfect combination of versatility, functionality and BMW agility. Th e

long wheelbase, short overhangs and high roof line ensure compact, robust proportions, while also creating an extremely roomy interior.” But enough of the brand’s P.R. speak. Size wise, the 2 Active Tourer is well balanced all round. Well equipped too, with plenty of options available as per the BMW philosophy.

Featuring an automatic boot with contactless opening, the Active Tourer is complemented in the Series with the Coupé and 7-seat Grand Tourer.

AWARDS | 13

www.fl eetcar.ie

Volkswagen Passat – APMP Midsize Family Car of the Year 2016

Launched last January, the all-new Passat saw the eighth generation move more towards the premium segment with its striking looks and higher quality feel

both inside and out. Volkswagen Ireland is conscious of this upper-class move based on the comment from the brand’s Operation Director, Paul Burke; “Th is is a hugely important car to us, second only to the Golf in terms of volume. Th e new model is a real step-up in terms of quality and refi nement. Th is is now a car that will compete head-on with more expensive executive off erings.”

Prices start for the diesel range at less than €29,000 for the now more powerful 1.6 litre 120 bhp TDI saloon.

Volkswagen Golf R – APMP Performance Car of the Year 2016

Winner of numerous other awards from the industry and motoring press, the top performing member of the Golf family bears some resemblance to its

siblings but litt le else!

At the heart of the Golf R is a 300 bhp 2.0 litre TSI petrol engine that is 30 bhp more powerful and up to 18% more fuel effi cient than the previous model. Power and traction is through the latest 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system. For the record, it can race to 100 kp/h from a standing start in 5.1 seconds when mated to a manual gearbox. A DSG dual clutch gearbox is also available. Its top speed is limited to 250 k/ph. While many aspire to the Golf GTI, the Golf R is the ultimate experience.

Mazda MX-5 – APMP Coupé/Cabriolet of the Year 2016

In recently replacing the much loved two-seater sports Coupé, Mazda took a diff erent approach and brought in some collaboration with one of the experts in the

fi eld – FIAT. Th e new MX-5 is shorter, lower and wider than the outgoing model, together with the smallest overhangs and lowest centre of gravity yet. Again its superior power-to-weight ratio is one of its fortes along with a perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

Powering the new MX-5 is a new 131 bhp SKYACTIV-G petrol engine. Two grades are off ered, the 1.5G Roadster and Roadster GT with prices starting at €27,995. FIAT will market the same car as the 124 Spider.

14 | AWARDS

FLEETCAR | Winter 2015 Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie

Mazda CX-3 – APMP Small SUV of the Year 2016

Notice how most manufacturers have entered the compact crossover at a rate of knots? - Well, it’s the fastest growing segment in the industry at

present.

One of the stand-out models is the CX-3 from Mazda. Its furnishing and fi nish is top class and the elevated seating position will be appreciated by all drivers. Not to mention Mazda’s fun-to-drive philosophy, which continues with this new model. Th ere are four trim levels and two power options from the SKYACTIV programme – 1.5 litre 105 bhp diesels and a 2.0 litre 120 bhp petrol. Both 2WD and 4WD drive systems are off ered as is a 6-speed automatic transmission along with the standard 6-speed manual.

Land Rover Discovery Sport – APMP Midsize SUV of the Year 2016

Goodbye Freelander – Hello Discovery Sport! Described as the world’s most versatile and capable premium SUV and the fi rst member of the new

Discovery family, Discovery Sport features 5+2 seating in a footprint no longer than existing 5-seat premium sports utilities.

Priced at a touch over €37,000 for the 2.2 litre TD4 S model, Discovery Sport has 4 trim levels, which sees the cost extend to €66,300 for the 2.2 SD4 HSE Luxury.

High quality materials and a large vertical centre console are the dominating features of its interior with a special focus on passenger comfort.

Audi Q7 – APMP Large SUV of the Year 2016

Another recent accolade of note for the all-new Audi A7 is the recent top grade of 5-Stars in the Euro NCAP crash safety programme. Th is means that

the large Sports Utility from Audi is among the safest cars in its category in terms of adult protection in frontal and side impact collisions, including pedestrian protection and child safety.

On sale from €72,975 (plus charges), Q7 comes with three equipment levels; SE Business and S Line, and with a driveline that consists of two 3.0 litre TDIs, off ering 272 bhp and 333 bhp. With up to 325 kg in weight saving, CO2 levels have been reduced to 149 g/km and the Q7 now has €390 road tax.

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16 | LAUNCH PAD I

At t h e G e n e v a Motor Show last March; Volkswagen

presented four premieres, which included the new Touran, its family-friendly MPV. Touran has proved to be its most successful multi-purpose vehicle with 1.9 million units sold.

Th e third generation has got a more contemporary yet sporty look, but

more importantly there’s more space inside plus the fact that there is more luggage

space (up to 1980 litres). Again a broad choice of Euro 6 engines (petrol/diesel) plus a line-up of assistance systems help to make all occupants safer on the road. A major focus was centred towards infotainment with a choice of radio and Sat-Nav integrated systems on off er. It will be even possible to link smartphones via ‘AppConnect’ according to the mobile device used. Jarlath Sweeney

Traditional C-segment hatchbacks still have a strong place in the

new car marketplace even though much of the direction from auto manufacturers is towards crossovers and even more recently Pick-up trucks. Opel is one brand that has done well here, both in the private and commercial sense with the Astra range.

Now the next generation is upon us and the instant reaction has been positive. New Astra is packed ful l of t he latest tech nolog y such a s

Intel l iLu x Matri x LED headlights, AGR Wellness Seats with massage function and Opel OnStar, personal connectiv ity and ser v ice assistant.

Priced from €19,995 for the entr y level S model, it comes with a host

o f s t a n d a r d f e a t u r e s such as air-con, electric/heated mirrors plus good infotainment and safet y levels.

Latest powertrains of fer diesel engines up to 136 PS or petrol units up to 150 PS combined with manual or automatic transmission.

Options stretch from the 1.0 and 1.4 ECOTEC turbo petrols to the latest 1.6 CDTI ‘W hisper’ diesels. Jarlath Sweeney

Nissan has launched a new version of the all-electric Nissan Leaf

with a more powerful batt ery and improved range. On sale from this month, the Leaf 30 kWh promises up to 250 km on a single charge, representing an increase of 26% or 51 km over the current 24 kWh Leaf.

The existing 24 kWh Leaf will continue to be sold alongside the new car with the 30 kW h Leaf sel l ing at a €3,000 premium in SV and SV E trims - it is not available on entr y level X E models. Prices start from €26,990 for the Leaf 30 kW h SV and €29,390 for the Leaf 30 kW h SV E. Leaf 24 kW h in X E trim starts from €21,490.

T he en ha nced ra nge comes ha nd in hand with an improved batter y warranty, up to eight years / 160,000 k m compa red to t he f ive yea r / 100,000k m warranty offered on the 24 kW h Leaf.

A l so new i s t he latest e v o l u t i o n o f t h e N i s s a n C o n n e c t E V i n f o t a i n m e n t s y s t e m f e at u r i n g a c apac it i ve 7 - i n c h t o u c h s c r e e n , a nd completely rev ised n a v i g a t i o n s y s t e m , ma i ntena nce a ler ts a nd a car-f inder faci l ity. It is offered as standard on SVE models and an opt ional extra on SV models.

Ireland has proved a keen adopter of electric technology, representing the sixth largest market by volume for the Leaf in Europe. Over 200,000 units have been sold worldwide since its launch. Cathal Doyle

Third Generation Volkswagen Touran

Astra – Opel’s star continues to shine

New 30 kWh Leaf goes further

www.fl eetcar.ie

LAUNCH PAD II | 17

A new XF to join the recently launched XE puts Jaguar in its strongest position for a long

time to challenge the established players in the premium fl eet sectors.

Retaining many of the styling features of the outgoing car, the second generation XF is shorter and lower than before. but an increased wheelbase gives signifi cantly bett er leg and head room for rear seat passengers. An aluminium intensive body structure shaves 190kg off the weight of its predecessor.

Th e XF gets the new 2.0 litre Ingenium diesel engine in power outputs of 163PS /

380Nm and 180PS / 430Nm with 8-speed auto or 6-speed manual transmissions. It boasts emissions as low as 104g/km and fuel consumption up to 4.0l/100km (70.6mpg). A V6 diesel and two petrol engines are also off ered.

Th ere’s an aluminium double wishbone front suspension as used in the F-Type, while driver assistance systems include Torque Vectoring by Braking, (TVBB) and All-Surface Progress Control (ASPC).Among the interior highlights is a full-colour laser heads up display and a 12.3 inch TFT ‘virtual instrument cluster.

Prices start from €43,205 for a Business Edition - available from €459 per month on PCP. Prestige models start from €45,995, R-Sport can be had from €47,240, and Portfolio versions are priced from €49,280. All models come with Jaguar Care off ering 3-Year unlimited mileage and servicing. Cathal Doyle

BMW’s new X1 benefi ts from heavily revised styling, bringing the

compact crossover SUV more in line with its larger X3 and X5 siblings.

Sharing the same platform as the 2-Series Active Tourer and 2-Series Gran Tourer, two wheel drive (sDrive) versions are now front rather than rear wheel drive. Size wise, it’s shorter but wider and higher than before, but the cabin is signifi cantly more spacious, with decent leg and head room for rear seat passengers. It’s also capable off -road with ground clearance up from

140mm to 183mm.

One petrol engine and three diesels make up the engine choices. All are of two litre capacity with only the entry level 18d being off ered in sDrive form. Power outputs range from 150hp to 231hp, with CO2 emissions from 114g/km up to 146

for the 192hp petrol unit.

Four trim levels comprising SE, X-Line, Sport and M Sport are off ered with X-Line expected to be the volume seller. Th e interior features a new dashboard design, with sat-nav now standard across the range, while there has

been a lot of att ention paid to storage areas compared to the outgoing model.

Prices range from €41,642 OTR for the sDrive 18d SE up to €54,150 for the xDrive 25d X-Line. Cathal Doyle

A new generation of B M W ’s f l a g s h i p 7-Series has arrived,

offering business executives luxury transport with state-o f - t h e - a r t t e c h n o l o g y. Innovations include optional laser headlights that can off er a high beam range of up to 600 metres, while for those tight parking spaces, remote control parking allows the driver to get out of the car before manoeuvring the car into position via the key fob.

Another optional new feature is gesture control - hand gestures in the area of the centre console control infotainment

system functions such as the audio volume, and accepting or rejecting calls.

Reclining and massaging seats, Sky Lounge panoramic roof, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and an integrated Samsung tablet that can control many of the car’s functions as well as provide

internet functionality via built-in WiFi makes the rear seats of the 7-Series a virtual home or offi ce on the move.

Available in short and long wheel base versions, the 7-Series is offered with X-Drive all wheel drive for the fi rst time. Prices start from €96,880 for the 730d and

€102,830 for the long wheel base 730Ld. Th e petrol 740Li costs from €119,750. A hybrid eDrive version arrives next year promising fuel consumption of just 2.1 l/100km (134.5mpg), and CO2 emissions of 49g/km. Cathal Doyle

Jaguar’s XF adds fl eet appeal

BMW’s much improved X1

New BMW 7 Series combines technology with luxury


18 | LAUNCH PAD III

Hy undai Motor’s last foray into the c o m p a c t S U V

market was with the iX35, which was successful. Now with its replacement model, the name has been dropped and the Tucson badge, used previously, is re-instated. Why? Because the car has become a global product and one brand name now fi ts all markets.

Following its launch in the autumn,

the Tucson received the ma x imum 5-Star safety rating by Euro NCA P, not only for its crash resistance and

protection, but also with the safety items featured.

A se le c t ion of en g i ne s available include two diesels – a 1.7 CR Di (116 PS), a 2.0 l itre w ith 136 PS, plus a 1.6 l it re (132 PS) petrol unit. 4W D is avai lable on demand.

A l l-new Tucson is pr iced from €25,245 + charges.

Jarlath Sweeney

If you are in the market for a luxury 5-door SUV with genuine carrying

capacity for seven, then it is hard to look past Volvo’s latest all-wheel drive XC90. The att ractive redesign has created a strong profi le with an assured appearance that will fi nd wide appeal. Also appealing is the interior. Initially the dash appears suprisingly sparse, as most controls are operated using an on-board touch screen which behaves just like a regular tablet, and really works.

This XC90 was powered by the 2 .0 litre D5 engine which works well with the 8-speed Geartronic transmission.

The D5 engine delivers 225 hp (168 kW) and 470Nm of torque, which moves the large car smoothly and achieves surprising fuel returns of 5.7L/100k m, and impressively low em issions at 152g/k m. Road Ta x Band ‘C’ €390 p/a.

On the road the XC90 is quiet, ref ined and holds t he road wel l for such a long , h ig h s t a nd i ng v e h i c l e . A c c e l e r a t i o n from the D5 is delivered prompt l y, a nd t hou g h gear selection is smooth, on occasion it could be a touch quicker. However, we must remember that this is a large four-wheel-

drive and not a two seat coupé. XC90 scores wel l on pricing as the entr y level XC90 D4 F W D with 190 hp, comes in at €63,450 and at 136gms fal ls into band B2 €280 p/a. Paul W hite

Hyundai restores Tucson name for Crossover

Volvo XC90 - The Thinking Man’s SUV

The burgeoning crossover sector has become even more competitive with

the arrival of Renault’s new mid-sized off ering, the Kadjar.

Th e French manufacturer’s fi rst contender in this category is built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance CMF platform. While it shares many of its underpinnings with the successful Nissan Qashqai, distinctive styling and interior trim ensures it establishes its own unique identity.

Th ree engines are off ered, a 1.2 litre turbocharged TCe 130 bhp petrol unit, and two diesels, a 1.5-litre dCi with 110

bhp and 1.6-litre 130 bhp. Th e EDC gearbox is available with the dCi 110 engine, while the dCi 130 can be specifi ed with four-wheel drive. Featuring four trim levels, all models get LED daytime running lamps, a 7-inch TFT instrument panel with digital speedometer, air conditioning and Bluetooth. Th e expected best selling trim, the Dynamique S Nav includes the

Visio system (lane departure warning, traffi c sign recognition and automatic headlight beam adjustment) and the R-Link 2 multimedia system with satnav also available on the lower spec Dynamique Nav, as well front and rear parking sensors and a One-Touch easy-folding rear bench.

Prices start from €24,990 up to €33,990 for the Signature Nav ENERGY dCi 130 4WD. With PCP fi nancing via Renault Bank, the Kadjar is available from €249 per month. Cathal Doyle

New Kadjar crossover an important model for Renault

Terms & Conditions: †Includes delivery & related charges. Model is shown for illustrative purposes only. ††The Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (GMFV) is payable if you renew or retain the vehicle at the end of the agreement. Further charges may be applied by your Volvo Dealer subject to kilometre limits/condition of the vehicle. *Lending criteria and terms and conditions apply. APR 5.9% which is inclusive of a documentation fee of €63.49. To qualify for this finance offer a minimum deposit of 10% applies. Rate quoted is correct as at 19th October 2015 and is subject to change. Offer available on the Volvo XC90 D4 FWD Momentum (Geartronic) models ordered from 19th October 2015 to 31st January 2016, at participating Volvo dealers only. This is a Hire Purchase agreement provided by Bank of Ireland t/a Bank of Ireland Finance. Fuel consumption for the Volvo Range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 44.1 (6.4) – 68.9 (4.1), Extra Urban 47.9 (5.9)– 85.6 (3.3), Combined 48.7 (5.8) – 78.4 (3.6). CO2 Emissions 153 – 94 g/km. All new Volvo cars come with a 3 year warranty and 2 years’ roadside assistance.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL VOLVO DEALER TO ARRANGE A TEST DRIVE.

Model On the Road Price†

Customer Deposit/Part

Exchange

Finance Amount

36 Monthly payments of

Term GMFV †† (Optional

Final

Payment) Total Cost of Credit

APR %*

Volvo XC90 D4 FWD momentum €64,200 €19,260 €44,940 €635 37 months €28,550 €6,533.49 5.90%

For Scandinavian design and luxury craftsmanship, look no further than the

XC90 D4 FWD. Features include City Safety, leather-faced upholstery,

Sensus navigation, 9” centre console touch screen and 19” alloy wheels.

THE ALL-NEW VOLVO XC90 D4 FWD FROM €635 per MONTH.* Made by Sweden.

20 | LAUNCH PAD IV


A busy year for Honda has seen it replace or revise its entire

range since January, most recently introducing a new Jazz supermini, and adding an all-new model, the HR-V crossover.

With prices from €17,395 to €21,900, the new Jazz is more spacious than before with class leading boot space of 354 litres. Standard features include air conditioning, cruise control, and Honda’s City-Brake Active emergency braking system while higher models add features like parking sensors, the Honda Connect infotainment system, Dynamic Safety Pack,

and smart entry and start. A 102PS 1.3 litre i-VTEC petrol engine comes with a six-speed manual gearbox or a newly developed CVT.

Th e return of the HR-V name aft er an absence of some years sees Honda re-enter a vastly more competitive sub-compact crossover segment.

Power sources include a 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol and Honda’s acclaimed 1.6 i-DTEC diesel which has CO2 emission from 104g/km. Six-speed manual or CVT auto (petrol only) transmissions are off ered. A three model line-up sees all HR-V’s get alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth, and a

city-brake active system. Upper trim models get features including parking sensors, Honda’s Dynamic Safety Pack, infotainment system and satellite navigation.

Prices range from €23,995 to €32,895, with PCPs available from €255 a month.

Cathal Doyle

Optima, one of Kia’s best-selling models w o r l d w i d e , i s

entering a new era as the all-new version will go on sale in January. The new model boasts a striking new exterior, an exciting new interior design with more room for driver (due to its longer wheelbase) and passengers and an array of new convenience and safety equipment.

Th e 1.7 litre CRDi diesel engine has been retained but signifi cantly improved as

power increases from 136 to 141PS. CO2 levels on the manual model comes down from 133 g to 120 g with a new annual road tax of just €190. Th e CO2 improvement on the new 7-speed DCT automatic is even more signifi cant, down 42 grams from 158 to 116 and road tax is now just €10 more than the manual version.

Th e new model will off er greater refi nement and improved ride and handling over the outgoing model, while retaining its sporty image.

Kia Motors Ireland is confi dent that the new Optima will renew

the company’s challenge in the competitive D segment and is off ering Optima in three trim levels EX, Platinum and GSE all powered with the 1.7CRDi power unit. Th e entry level comes in at €27,950.

Jarlath Sweeney

New HR-V & Civic complete Honda model overhaul

Bigger, Bolder & Better Kia Optima

Upgrades for Kia cee’d for MY2016

Kia has carried out a comprehensive upgrade of its popular cee’d. Th is

evolved model gets a new look on the outside – the interior remains mainly the same – with new power units added.

At the front, the cee’d has retained the ‘tiger-nose’ grille, sleek wraparound headlamps and integrated fog lamps. Changes include a more angular and wider bumper, with chrome trim around the fog lamps, and a new oval-shaped grille mesh.

Th e rear bumpers, with greater volume and strength add to the car’s appearance. LED lamps complete the back end and new

16/17” alloy wheel designs are also now available across the range.

A new ‘GT Line’ specifi cation is added to the line-up, off ering buyers sportier looks and is available on two of the three body types - fi ve door cee’d and three-door pro_cee’d.

Kia also introduces a new 1.0-litre ‘T-GDI’ (turbo gasoline direct injection) engine.

Th is new downsized, three-cylinder power unit has been engineered to improve fuel consumption and emissions, while off ering strong, willing performance and immediate responses to driver input. Kia Ireland is off ering the higher powered 1.0-litre T-GDI that produces 120PS and the same 172 Nm of torque.

Th e most popular choice for Irish buyers will be the upgraded 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine with the lower powered 110PS version available across both the standard cee’d and new GT Line range. CO2 emissions fall to 102 g/km, or just 94 g/km when fi tt ed with Kia ISG (Idle Stop/Go). Upgraded Kia cee’d has a starting price of €20,650. Gerry Murphy

W elcome to a new contender in the corporate car market. It’s unlikely MINI is

the fi rst name on any fl eet manager’s lips, but the BMW-owned brand’s latest off ering is set to challenge a few perceptions in that respect. Th e new MINI Clubman, in second generation guise, is targeting itself squarely against the likes of the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf.

While retaining the familiar estate/shooting brake styling from before, the new Clubman is a much bigger and more practical car. Th e split rear door feature at the back is retained but it now features full sized rear passenger doors and can comfortably accommodate fi ve adults. Th e boot is still compact enough at 360 litres but folds three ways up to a respectable 1,250 litres.

Th e interior has the usual distinctive MINI features but adds a storage compartment and drinks holder positioned ahead of the gearstick for the fi rst time. Sat-nav comes as standard, and there are lots of optional packs interior and external lighting options to further personalise the car.

Th ree models are off ered at launch, the petrol powered 1.5 litre 3-cylinder Cooper Clubman and the 4-cylinder 2.0 Cooper S Clubman. For the fl eet market, the Cooper D Clubman will be car of choice. Th e 2.0-litre power plant has an output of 150 hp, a quoted fuel consumption fi gure of 68.9 mpg, and CO2 emissions of 109 g/km. Transmissions include a six-speed manual and six (Cooper Clubman only) and eight-speed Steptronic automatics gearbox.

Prices for the MINI Cooper Clubman start at €29,560, with the Cooper D Clubman priced at €32,570 and Cooper S Clubman €35,570.

FLEETCAR | Winter 2015 Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fl eet.ie

22 | LAUNCH SPECIAL

At the international launch of the MINI Clubman, Fleet Car asked Nicolas Griebner, Product & Planning Manager for MINI UK, about the brand’s plans for the fl eet car market, and the challenges it faces.

“It’s probably the fi rst MINI ever that is suitable for fl eet and the corporate segment, because it’s a more practical car, it’s a car that we expect to be the main car in a household. To an extent last year when we launched the MINI fi ve door, it was opening one door [for fl eet customers], but this is certainly opening a second door. Th is car is absolutely suitable for the market, and for the challenge. Take for example our colour range, we have more grown-up colours that are more suitable for a wider audience, maybe more discreet. With regards to standard equipment, we have designed this car to retail right out of the box without having to add equipment, for instance sat-nav is standard.”

“For us, moving the Clubman into the C-Segment one of the main challenges is to have the awareness that there is now a product from MINI that is off ering that level of comfort and practicality that you expect from a product in that segment. What will help is to see cars on the road. Once [fl eet] customers see and drive the car, we are very much convinced that they will see it is a fantastic product.”

Fleet Car also spoke with Austin Behan, Corporate & Diplomatic Manager for BMW Group Ireland , who said: “MINI Ireland will launch the New MINI Clubman to leasing companies with a launch event at Mondello Park. MINI Ireland will have a

dedicated demonstration car for leasing companies, allowing leasing companies to get to know the car with longer over night test drives, this will also give leasing companies the opportunity to show the car to their end users, to ensure the New MINI Clubman is on their customer’s car list.

Austin adds that marketing for the New MINI Clubman in Ireland will be aimed at both retail and company customers, and that MINI Ireland along with MINI Financial Services and the MINI retail network have numerous off ers for the fl eet market, including fi nance off ers, fl eet discounts and volume incentives.

The challenge of establishing the Clubman in the corporate sector

New Clubman launches MINI New Clubman launches MINI in fl eet marketin fl eet market

Austin Behan, BMW Group Ireland

Nicolas Griebner, MINI UK

fleet car winter 2015

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