IRELAND’S FOREMOST FLEET & CORPORATE SECTOR GUIDE

Volume 13. No. 2. Summer 2014

*Delivery and related charges not included. Terms and conditions apply. Model shown is the Volvo S60 D4 SE Manual priced at €37,195. Fuel consumption for the Volvo

Range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 26.9 (10.5) – 68.9 (4.1), Extra Urban 41.5 (6.8) – 83.8 (3.4), Combined 34.4 (8.2) – 76.3 (3.7). CO2 Emissions 215 – 96 g/km. All

new Volvo cars come with a 3 year warranty and 2 years’ roadside assistance.

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4 News• Tips to reduce fl eet’s TCOs • Enterprise extends offerings • Fleet managers urged to seek out 5 star Euro NCAP ratings

8 Interview With Michael Rochford, M.D. Motorcheck.ie

8 AwardsWinners all in the third annual Fleet Car Awards with Motorcheck.ie

14 Launch Pad• Kia Soul • Mercedes-Benz C-Class • Skoda Octavia Sport

• Peugeot 308 SW • Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV • Volkswagen Passat

18 Fleet TestsTest drives at Millbrook Proving Ground, U.K.

20 Test IFord EcoSport and Courier Tourneo

22 Test IIPeugeot 308

www.fl eetcar.ie

www.fl eetcar.ie | 3 Contents Summer 2014

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

Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo.

Co. Reg. 368767

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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authors, contributors, Editors or publishers.

The Editor reserves the right to make

publishing decisions on any advertisements

or editorial article submitted to the magazine

and to refuse publication or to edit any

editorial material as seems appropriate to

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be sought in relation to any specifi c matter.

Fleet Car Magazine,

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Co. Mayo, Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826

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Email: enquiries@fl eet.ie

ISSN: 1649-9433

www.fl eetcar.ie

Editor: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie

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

Contributors:

Paul White

Photography:

Jarlath Sweeney, Cathal Doyle, Paul White, Paul

Sherwood

Administration: Orla Sweeney, Denise Vahey,

Paula Mullarkey

Advertising: Mary Morrissey

Design: Eamon Wynne

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The most experienced vehicle leasing company

in Ireland.

www.avisfleetservices.ie or call us on 01-866 0520 for any vehicle leasing enquiries you may have.

www.avisfleetservices.ie or call us on 01-866 0520 for any vehicle leasing enquiries you may have.

4 | NEWS I

FLEETCAR | Summer 2014

Enterprise teams-up with Travel Management Operators

Corporate travel buyers in Europe can now more easily select Enterprise Rent-A-Car for their

car hire needs in all major European markets aft er it formed new agreements with a number of the world’s top travel management operators including American Express Travel and BCD Travel. Th is growth into the travel management industry follows Enterprise’s major pan-European expansion programme both through acquisition and the appointment of franchisee partners. Enterprise has now grown into one of the largest European car hire networks, which covers 29

countries from Turkey in the east through to Ireland in the west. Enterprise already has established relationships with American Express Travel and BCD Travel in the US in order to meet the needs of business travellers in North America. However, these new partnerships in Europe will enable inbound business travellers from all parts of the world to access a car hire network that is renowned for its customer care.

Stay connected with AVIS

Avis Rent-a-Car is to bring portable Wi-fi connectivity to its fl eet to enable customers to enjoy broadband wireless internet connectivity at all times and places during their travel from airports, to meetings, to hotels and everything in between.

Only available in the UK and Europe as yet, up to 5 devices can be used at one time. Prices average €10 per day in UK to €7 per day in Europe.

Wireless charging on EVs in UK

Th e Highways Agency (HA) in the UK is to establish a wireless inductive charging system for electric vehicles on one of its motorways as a pilot project. Th is will mean that the range distance of electric powered vehicles will be further extended and may allow for manufacturers to produce smaller batt eries. Dynamic charging of this type has been used in city bus transport across Europe in recent years. Various criteria are under consideration with the HA project such as the vehicle’s ability to receive the batt ery charge while travelling at high speed, while the system needs to be cost eff ective and weather resistant.

More lives can be saved on our roads – ETSC

Despite improvements in vehicle safety, drink driving and inappropriate speed are still contributing to many deaths on European roads according to the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC). Th e safety campaigners estimate that 5,600 deaths, half of them in cars, could be prevented annually by eliminating drink driving and a further 1,300 lives could be saved, if the average speed on all roads was cut by just 1 km/h. ETSC is calling on the EU to mandate the use of alcohol interlocks for repeat drink driving off enders and for bett er enforcement of speed limits across all EU Member States.

Cost reduction is the buzz word among f leet managers, but decreasing operating costs isn’t about simply

fi nding the cheapest supplier. Indeed, that approach can oft en lead to false economies. Instead, the real way to achieve actual long lasting savings is to look at improving efficiencies at the same time as reducing unnecessary expenditure in key areas. Leading independent leasing and fl eet management specialist, Venson Automotive Solutions believes this can be achieved via a number of avenues, and as such is off ering tips for fl eets on how to maintain or improve that all-important bott om line.

1. Challenge Your Fleet Supplier

There’s no need to fear challenging the established order, in fact shaking things up can be mutually benefi cial for both parties. Th e sign of a genuinely eff ective fl eet supplier is one that works with a fl eet manager to ensure their fl eet policy is the most appropriate for their needs. In addition, fl eet managers must ensure they know about the ‘hidden’ costs from their supplier, such as administration, maintenance, tyres and windscreen recharges.

2. Review Company Vehicle Policy

Vehicle whole life costs are one of the least-considered but most important factors when it comes to selecting vehicles for a fl eet policy. It may seem simple but having a fl eet supplier that provides information that takes into account all aspects of running a vehicle, including tax, maintenance, fuel and insurance – amongst a number of other factors – means that a fl eet manager can take a look at two models with an identical list price but be able to choose the one that is most cost eff ective for their fl eet over the vehicle’s life.

3. Fuel Costs

Th is is the big one for all fl eets, and rightly so. However, fuel bills can be tackled with a variety of tactics. First and foremost is ensuring the vehicles themselves are properly maintained with regular servicing and tyre pressure checks – which alone can add 5% to 10% to a fuel bill if not correct. Utilising telematics can help in achieving lower fuel costs by educating drivers to take the shortest route possible, avoiding congestion, and not making excessive journeys. Many telematics providers suggest 10% savings can be guaranteed.

4. Driver Training

Most drivers will feel that they don’t require training but 22% of crashes are caused by driver inatt ention or distraction, and a driver who performs a secondary task while at the wheel is up to 3 times more likely to crash*. Implementing a driver risk assessment program coupled with either classroom or in vehicle training will not only see incident rates fall but with it associated accident costs. Additionally insurers tend to look more kindly on a fl eet that has an active driver training program in place.

Alan McCleave, Business Development Director for Venson Automotive Services, comments, “Th ese tips are just a fl avour of what can be achieved if a company works hand in hand with a fl eet provider to look at their needs and respond with the appropriate off ering. It is our core belief that it is not just about off ering a one size fi ts all solution, but rather working with a fl eet manager to help them achieve their fi nancial objectives whilst still running a high-performing fl eet. Our key advice is know what you are gett ing from your fl eet management company. On the surface some providers can look to be delivering the cheaper option, but then too far down the line companies realise the “paper savings” are not translating into tangible or real savings.”

Tips for fl eets on reducing their expenditure

h f T k h h h

www.fl eetcar.iewww.fl eetcar.ieFleet Car Magazine’s websiteFleet Car Magazine’s website

www.fl eetcar.ie

NEWS II | 5

Global NCAP has published new guidelines for organisations operating

vehicle f leets, recommending fl eet purchasers to select vehicles that have been rated by New Car Assessment Programmes (NCAPs) with the much coveted ‘fi ve star’ safety rating. Global NCAP also recommends that fl eet managers confi rm that the cars they purchase meet the most important minimum United Nations vehicle safety standards.

Global NCAP Secretary General David Ward explained: “Any organization can improve safety by carefully selecting the vehicles it uses. Global NCAP encourages all fl eet managers both public and private to make ‘fi ve star’ safety their goal in the UN Decade of Action.”

For companies with global operations and fl eets, the lack of regulation by Governments in emerging markets and the absence of independent crash tests has become a real concern. Of the record level of 65 million new passenger cars built last year, as many as a third would fail to pass the UN’s front and side crash tests, and do not have air bags, anti-lock brake systems (ABS) or electronic stability control (ESC). “By following Global NCAP’s new guidelines,” said David, “it will be easier for organisations to ensure that the safety of their vehicle fl eet provides acceptable levels of protection to their employees.”

Motivated by a combination of duty of care for employees, corporate social responsibility and eff ective cost controls, a growing number of organisations are introducing fl eet safety policies and selecting only fi ve-star cars for their employees. BHP Billiton, the world’s largest resource extraction

company, and the Governments of Australia and Sweden have already adopted this policy.

This approach is consistent with the recommendations of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety launched in 2011, which encourages “managers of government and private sector fl eets to purchase, operate and maintain vehicles that offer advanced safety technologies and high levels of occupant protection”. Global NCAP’s guidelines will also help organisations wishing to adopt

the new road traffi c safety standard ISO 39001, which identifi es vehicle safety as a signifi cant factor for fl eet operators seeking to reduce death and injury in road crashes.

As well as calling for ‘fi ve star’ cars wherever possible, the guidelines propose that fl eets ask manufacturers to confi rm that the vehicle passes the minimum United Nations safety regulations concerning seat belts, and front and side crash tests. Vehicles that meet regulations for electronic stability control and pedestrian protection are also rated as “strongly preferred” and the new crash avoidance technology autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is “highly recommended”.

Max Mosley, Chairman of Global NCAP, said: “If a company provides a car for their staff to use, it should be as safe as reasonably possible. A fi ve-star or Top Pick safety rating is the best indication of this. It’s prudent also to check whether cars also meet the UN’s minimum safety regulations. With so many global brands neglecting to apply these regulations, fl eet managers and company car drivers should not assume basic safety comes as standard.”

Hav i ng ser ved a s T r e a s u r e r a n d Deputy President in

the past, James Brooks is the new President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry. James, M.D., of Kia Motors Ireland succeeds Paul Linders as President of the representative body for Vehicle manufacturers/d i s t r i b u t o r s , F r a n c h i s e Dealerships, Independent garages and many other associated businesses in the Motor Industry in Ireland.

Speaking at the Society’s AGM in Killashee House Hotel, Naas,

James said that his presidency commences at a time of improved outlook for the Industry: “I hope that we are now turning a corner and that during the course of my year in offi ce we will see our Industry head towards sales of 100,000 units.”

An accountant by profession, Dublin born James Brooks joined Kia as general manager in 2005 and was appointed Managing Director in 2007 aft er previously working for Opel for 10 years.

New Global NCAP guidelines urge Fleet Managers to opt for ‘5 Star’ ratings

Hair Toxicology technology to detect drug use

Environmental testing, inspection and compliance provider, Environmental Scientifi cs Group (ESG), has developed a new drug and alcohol detection technology to help companies protect the safety of their employees.

In addition to its accredited drugs of abuse in urine sample testing, ESG now offers hair toxicology analysis using the Shimadzu system - putt ing it at the forefront of technological advances in the industry.

Accurate drug abuse analysis is essential for companies employing safety-critical workers, such as those in the transport industry. When used alongside traditional methods such as urine testing, hair toxicology can enhance the accuracy of substance detection and identifi cation.

ESG is already in talks with a number of leading contractors about providing hair toxicology testing services this year.

10 0 million Bosch ESP systems

Bosch has produced 100 million ESP systems since the start of series production in 1995. In the process, the company has made a signifi cant contribution to making driving safer. Especially on slippery roads, but also in instances where vehicles drive into bends too quickly, the electronic stability program helps keep vehicles on course and prevent skidding accidents, which oft en have serious consequences.

Aft er the seatbelt, ESP is the car’s most important safety system. According to studies, it can prevent up to 80% of skidding accidents. In November, ESP will become mandatory on cars and light commercial vehicles sold in the EU.

Kia MD James Brooks new President of the SIMI

NOW ON T W ITTER NOW ON T W ITTER TOO!TOO!

FLEETCAR | Summer 2014

6 | INTERVIEW

JS Motorcheck.ie specialises in producing vehicle data and intelligence for both the private and commercial owner but can you outline what data/resources you provide specifi cally for the fl eet/corporate sector?

MR In addition to its vehicles history check service which is used widely by the fl eet sector, Motorcheck.ie also provides some specifi c service in relation to the fl eet/corporate sector, namely New Car Reg Stats, Residual Value Analysis and of course our Annual Fleet Study which is Ireland’s most detailed annual market research report into the corporate fl eet sector. Th e deliverables are not just published as a report but, also are an actionable database of fl eet contacts and statistics.

JS The company car sector plays a signifi cant role in new car sales and the aft ermarket. Do you think that manufacturers and distributors are suffi ciently focused on, and address the specifi c requirements of the fl eet sector?

MR The f leet sector is a hugely signifi cant part of the new car market. On average approximately 40% of all new vehicles registered annually are registered in a company name. Granted, this fi gure includes hire drives and pre-registrations, but even allowing for this the sector is hugely important. When the recession hit in 2008 the fl eet market dried up and it was not top of the agenda for most manufacturers for obvious reasons. But in recent years manufacturers are switching back on to fl eet and some really savvy ones like Hyundai and Volvo are keenly aware of the importance of the sector.

JS Your recent report on the used car market shows an increase in residual values. What impact is that having on the f leet sector?

MR It’s not so much an increase in residuals, as used cars will always depreciate in value. It’s more of a fl att ening out of the rate of depreciation across nearly every sector and age profi le which means that the average person on the street is paying a lot more today for a 3-5 year old car than they paid for the same age of vehicle back in 2010. Th is is largely due to the slump in new car sales from 2008 onwards, which has led to a lack of supply of good 2-5 year old stock. Th e knock on eff ect of this for the fl eet sector right now is strong residual values. But a slight note of caution should be

sounded as 2014 seems to be the bounce back year for new car sales, so supply will probably come back into line with demand by 2016 and beyond.

JS Th e advice you off er on the Motorcheck blog is interesting especially the Used Car Guide – gett ing a good reaction?

MR Yes the Motorcheck.ie blog is very popular and we receive a lot of website traffi c because of it. Th e Used Car Guides are always interesting to Petrol Heads or those of us who may be considering the purchase of a used car. Since the consumer site deals with used car history and fi nance checks it’s quite appropriate for us to generate this type of content for our visitors. Th ere is so much choice in the used car market nowadays that there is no end to the guides in sight.

JS How do you see your company progressing into the future?

MR Our plan is to continue growing in the Irish market. Th e automotive data business in Ireland is still in its infancy so there is still plenty of room for growth. We want to be at the forefront of this industry for many years to come so that means continuing to innovate, and to examine new ways in which to use the huge data repositories at our disposal. We have also begun to look at overseas markets this year for new business opportunities and inspiration on new products that can be introduced back home.

JS Does the fl eet segment in Ireland need to evolve? How?

MR In short, yes, as with all markets

if you stand still you’re dead. We need to get more scientifi c about analysing residual values and more sophisticated about remarketing ex-fl eet vehicles. Having said that, it’s a real challenge in a market of this size. In terms of immediate opportunities there are a large number of potential ex-fl eet customers who are now on cash allowance. Th ese are completely ignored by the sector. Looking a lot further into the future, telematics and electric vehicles are set to make an impact on the industry in future.

JS Can you see the new low displacement petrol engines making an impact in the fl eet sector?

MR Yes, they are bound to. Th ese types of innovations are always greeted with a large dollop of scepticism by most user-chooser types. But in a sector where economy is all important the ultra-low CO2 emissions, fuel economy and ultimate pricing of these vehicles will ensure they force their way on to fl eet lists. Th e fact that they will also produce more torque and pulling power than their larger counterparts should eventually mean that they will win the hearts and minds of the sector. Aft er all if you think back a few years most fl eet drivers wouldn’t have countenanced driving a 1.6TDi over a 1.9TDi and look what happened there!

JS Are you pleased with the progress of the Fleet Car Awards?

MR Yes indeed. Th e Fleet Car Awards has been a great event to be involved with for the past three years. It has come on in leaps and bounds over such a short space of time and now it is fi rmly established on the motoring calendar. Th is year was without doubt the best Awards event yet. Th e addition of some new categories, such as the Crossover/SUV category, really made sense and added to the awards. Th ere was a really diverse mix of vehicles up for honours and a really diverse, but well deserved, group of winners. I don’t envy the judges though as I would fi nd it very diffi cult to make up my mind in some of the categories!

One-to-One:Michael Rochford, M.D. Motorcheck.ie,with Jarlath Sweeney,Managing Editor,Fleet Car

APOLOGIES...APOLOGIES...

Naturally the Octavia RS has been inundated with requests and currently enjoys a four month waiting list - it’s a very special car. But we should add that you can enjoy a brand new ŠKODA Octavia without the long wait for just €199 a month. And better still, avail of ŠKODA Finance* and receive 3 years servicing for free! So what are you waiting for?

Terms and conditions apply. Typical Finance example: ŠKODA Octavia OTRP €19,595. Deposit / Part Exchange €5,944.31. 36 monthly payments of €199 (including free Service Plan). OptionalFinal Payment €7,598. Total hire purchase price €20,856.31 including acceptance fee (€75) and completion fee (€75). Minimum deposit is 10%. Subject to lending criteria. This offer is madeunder a hire purchase agreement. ŠKODA Finance is a trading style of Volkswagen Bank GmbH Branch Ireland, authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany andregulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. 3 years free servicing only available for vehicles purchased through ŠKODA Finance, ordered before 31st July and registered before the 31st of August 2014*

To all those currently on the waiting list for thenew Octavia RS. To make amends we are providing3 Years Free Servicing* on all other versions and

€199 per month.

www.skoda.ie

AWARDS | 9

www.fl eetcar.ie

Winners one and all at the 2014 Motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Awards

G erman, Japanese, Swedish and Korean brands excelled at the 2014 Motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Awards announced at Carton House, Maynooth. Th e winners were presented with their trophies at the third running of the only Irish

awards programme dedicated to the corporate car sector. Organised by Fleet Car magazine, the Presentation Luncheon also featured a Drive to Fitness Safety Forum highlighting issues that can improve the wellbeing of the professional car driver. All of the contenders gained further exposure with TV cameras from Frame Productions broadcasting the event.

Representatives from Ireland’s automotive brands were present at the event together with delegates from the fl eet/corporate car sector. Th ey were informed of the new on-line self-analysis programme developed for professional drivers presented by Mark Dodd, M.D. Advancedrive, while Professor Desmond O’Neill gave a unique insight into the science behind Traffi c Medicine for the Professional Driver. As Programme Director, Professor O’Neill is responsible for leading the development

and implementation of a national framework for standards in traffi c medicine in Ireland. “While many factors contribute to road safety, a driver’s health is an important consideration,” said the Professor. Called

Best B2B Awards!Cathal Doyle, Deputy Editor, Fleet Car magazine welcomed guests to the 2014 Motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Awards.

T his is the third running of the 2014 Motorcheck.ie Fleet

Car Awards, and it seems like only yesterday since the inaugural event in 2012, it’s fantastic to see it grow year on year, with 2014 our biggest awards to date.

Why have Fleet Car awards? When we started in 2012, our aim was to highlight what is a hugely important part of the new car market - one which accounts for nearly half of all new cars registered, and to acknowledge the eff orts of manufacturers in achieving success in this sector.

Secondly, unlike other awards that focus on models launched in the past year, the Motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Awards are open to all cars currently on sale within the designated sectors. Just because a car has been around for a litt le while doesn’t mean that it isn’t the best in a sector, something the Fleet Car Awards acknowledge.

Th irdly, the Motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Awards are the only business to business awards for the fl eet sector in Ireland, and an event like this is an excellent opportunity to meet relevant people within the industry, with motor manufacturers and distributors, the fl eet and leasing sector, and other related businesses all represented.

So what’s new for the 2014 Awards? As mentioned already, this year’s event is the biggest to date, with no fewer than 38 cars shortlisted. Two new categories have been added for 2014 to bett er refl ect the changing face of the fl eet sector. Firstly there is an award for C-Segment Premium cars catering for the growing range of new compact executive saloons and hatchbacks, while also new is a Crossover category. Many user choosers are now opting for cars in this segment instead of more traditional C or D segment cars.

In determining what cars were successful in today’s awards, judges

assessed not just the driving experience of each car, but focussed on the brand’s fl eet policies and strategies, and their commitment to meeting the needs of fl eet buyers, while other criteria such as residuals and BIK were also taken into account.

T h a n k s t o Motorcheck.ie for t hei r cont i nued support of the Fleet Car Awards, and for being such proactive partners in running the programme. As you may already know, Motorcheck.ie is the leading resource for car and vehicle data in Ireland. (See interview with Motorcheck.ie M.D. Michael Rochford on page 6).

Our appreciation is also extended to our other sponsors, Enprova, Avis Fleet Services, efl ow, Applegreen Low Fuelcard, the Health & Safety Authority and Advancedrive Diagnostics all of which have made it possible to run today’s event. A big thank you also to our judges who put in a busy two days last month test driving the shortlisted contenders, for their commitment and thoroughness in deciding on the category winners. Special thanks to the Automotive Team in helping out with the logistics.

At the Drive to Fitness Safety Forum, Professor Desmond O'Neill and Mark Dodd provided some very interesting and thought provoking information relating to the topic 'Drive to Fitness for the Professional Driver'. We tend to associate the term professional with truck and bus drivers but the issues and concerns associated with such drivers are equally applicable to fl eet car drivers who spend many hours behind the wheel each day. We thank them for their valuable contributions.

Finally, I’d like to wish all of this years contenders and Award winners continued success.

Cathal Doyle, Deputy Editor, Fleet Car magazine

10 | AWARDS

FLEETCAR | Summer 2014

Sláinte agus Tiomáint, the new fi tness to drive guidelines which contain medical standards to guide the health assessment of drivers for licensing purposes.

Automotive industry consultant, Mark Richardson, M.C. for the event presented some interesting fi gures relating to the sector, including that 53% of all new cars purchased are supplied through a fl eet management company. “While the main average fl eet size is 1 to 5 cars taking up 64% of the marketplace, 22% have 6 to 15 passenger vehicles in their fl eet,” said Mark. He went on to outline the leading brands purchased by these companies with Volkswagen and Ford leading the combined car and van marketplace, and Audi and BMW the main brands in the Premium category, with 12% and 11% of the marketplace respectively. On the regional spread, the Dublin area dominates as expected with 33% of the fl eet car market with the rest of Leinster on 27%. “Interestingly, Munster commands 25%,” stated Mark.

A hat-trick of wins were recorded by two car brands with the Volkswagen Golf and BMW 5 Series retaining their respective titles in the C-Segment and Executive categories for the third year in a row. “If there was a prize for the overall winner, the Volkswagen Golf would take this title with 2,333 points,” stated Cathal Doyle, Deputy Editor, Fleet Car magazine, “With the Mazda 6 coming in second on 2259 points with the BMW 5 Series taking third place.” Noteworthy in the Executive class was the high scoring Lexus GS which means that there is a role for petrol/electric hybrids in the corporate car segment especially for drivers based in urban centres.

Newcomers in the C-Segment, the Mazda 3 and Honda Civic impressed the judging panel by fi lling the remaining steps of the podium in that category. In the newly established C-Segment Premium class the Audi A3 Saloon was run close by the new Mercedes-Benz CLA, with the Volvo V40 not too far behind.

Th e Mazda 6 also retained its crown in the highly competitive D-Segment with the latest Volvo S60 stamping its authority in the Premium D-Segment, winning its fi rst award. One of the surprise packages of this year’s awards was the latest Peugeot 508 making a big impact in the D-Segment. Volvo’s success in the D-Segment follows on from similar awards presented in the

UK of late, so this award was no surprise, particularly with the development of its new diesel drivetrain.

Another new class catered for was the increasingly popular Crossover segment in which the new Nissan Qashqai took the honours while the Hyundai i40 Tourer and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate were successful in the two Estate categories. Th e popularity of the Qashqai in the fl eet sector is becoming more evident with its high score awarded by the judging panel. Fleet buyers will take note of the good performance from the Mazda CX-5 in this competition. Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz were also among the fi rst time winners in the Motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Awards with the i40 Tourer selling well in the fl eet arena and the new E-Class Estate, especially with the diesel hybrid an interesting option in the Executive sector.

Th e awards were sponsored by car history and automotive data experts Motorcheck.ie. “We are delighted to be involved as title sponsor of the Fleet Car Awards again this year. Th e fl eet sector is such an important part of the Irish motor trade and these awards are a fi tt ing recognition of this fact,” said Michael Rochford, Managing Director of Motorcheck.ie. Michael mentioned during his presentation that approximately 40% of all new car registrations are in a company name. He also gave a brief insight into how his company evolved from a fl eet supplier to developing into a data services provider that covers Registration Statistics, Residual Value Analysis and its Annual Fleet Study. Additional sponsors supporting the day’s event included Health & Safety Authority, Advancedrive Diagnostics, Enprova, efl ow, Avis Fleet Services and Applegreen.

Cathal Doyle, Deputy Editor, Fleet Car magazine; commented post ceremony that each category was a close run thing and that the newcomers have made a signifi cant contribution in maintaining the high standards set since the awards were established three years ago. “Th e Motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Awards are like no other in that so many aspects of the car in contention is under consideration such as Static Review, Driving Impressions, Drivetrain Effi ciency, Driver Comfort, Interactive & Safety Technology, Residual Values and Aft ermarket Service,” explained Cathal. He also thanked the adjudication panel consisting of user choosers in the fl eet car industry for their invaluable input throughout the selection process.

Michael Rochford, Motorcheck.ie

Mark Richardson

Mark Dodd, Advancedrive Diagnostics

Professor O’Neill

AWARDS | 11

www.fl eetcar.ie

C-Segment: Volkswagen Golf

C-Segment Premium: Audi A3 Saloon

What the Judges said: • Driver Comfort and ergonomics were highly praised.• Driver info displayed and presented in a simple manner.• High demand in second life generates good residuals.

What the Judges said: • Stylish newcomer has desire appeal.• Very smooth and comfortable to drive. Economical too.• Continues the Premium brand’s strong presence in the fl eet sector.

Michael Rochford, M.D. Motorcheck.ie; Paddy Comyn, Volkswagen Group Ireland; Cathal Doyle and Denise Owens, Fleet Car magazine.

Michael Rochford, M.D. Motorcheck.ie; David Bannon, Audi Ireland; Cathal Doyle and Denise Owens, Fleet Car magazine.

Crossover: Nissan Qashqai

Estate: Hyundai i40 Tourer

What the Judges said: • Th e new Sports Utility that everyone wants.• Used models att ract high residuals.• New model is bigger, bett er and more economical.

What the Judges said: • Att ractive styling and design is an eye-catcher.• Korean brand’s fi rst true entry into fl eet sector.• Good back-up provided at national level through broad network.

Michael Rochford, M.D. Motorcheck.ie; Declan Hickey, Nissan Ireland; Cathal Doyle and Denise Owens, Fleet Car magazine.

Michael Rochford, M.D. Motorcheck.ie; Darragh Brennan, Hyundai Cars Ireland; Cathal Doyle and Denise Owens, Fleet Car magazine.

D-Segment: Mazda 6

D-Segment Premium: Volvo S60

What the Judges said: • Second win in a row for this Japanese model.• Excellent driveability and good passenger room.• Availability of a dedicated fl eet spec is another plus.

What the Judges said: • New eco-effi cient drivetrain impressed most.• New S60 already acknowledged by the fl eet sector in UK.• Swedish marque features strongly with safety equipment.

Michael Rochford, M.D. Motorcheck.ie; Tony Howarth, Mazda Motor Ireland; Cathal Doyle and Denise Owens, Fleet Car magazine.

Michael Rochford, M.D. Motorcheck.ie; Patricia Greene, Volvo Car Ireland Limited; Cathal Doyle and Denise Owens, Fleet Car magazine.

FLEETCAR | Summer 2014

12 | AWARDS

C-Segment C-Segment - Premium 1 Volkswagen Golf 2,333 1 Audi A3 Saloon 2,193

2 Mazda 3 2,154 2 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2,150

3 Honda Civic 2,103 3 Volvo V40 2,015

4 Hyundai i30 2,016

5 Kia cee’d 2,010 D-Segment D-Segment - Premium

1 Mazda 6 2,259 1 Volvo S60 2,150

2 Hyundai i40 2,162 2 Audi A4 2,144

3 Peugeot 508 2,085 3 BMW 3 Series 2,131

4 Opel Insignia 2,037 4 Volkswagen CC 2,108

5 Ford Mondeo 2,031

6 Toyota Avensis 1,957

Crossover Estate 1 Nissan Qashqai 2,254 1 Hyundai i40 Tourer 2,2402 Mazda CX-5 2,215 2 Skoda Octavia Combi 2,2193 Ford Kuga 2,082 3 SEAT Leon 2,1544 Hyundai ix35 2,055 4 Mazda 6 Tourer 2,0945 Kia Sportage 2,002 5 Opel Insignia Sports

Tourer1,990

6 Opel Mokka 1,857 Estate Premium Executive

1 Merc ede s -B en z E - C l a s s Estate

2,210 1 BMW 5 Series 2,287

2 BMW 5 Series Touring 2,196 2 Lexus GS 2,2373 Volvo V60 2,105 3 Audi A6 2,2344 BMW 3 Series Touring 2,039 4 Mercedes-Benz

E-Class2,224

5 Volvo S80 2,179Points allocated out of a total of 3,000 marks

Motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Awards 2014 Results

Estate Premium: Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Executive: BMW 5-Series

What the Judges said: • First award for the German Premium brand in this programme.• Hybrid version appraised impressed most.• Spacious, strong, reliable and functional estate.

What the Judges said: • Hat-trick of wins in this category for BMW.• In demand by top management in the corporate car arena.• Introduction of the 518d model has generated additional interest.

Michael Rochford, M.D. Motorcheck.ie; Ciaran Allen, Mercedes-Benz; Cathal Doyle and Denise Owens, Fleet Car magazine.

Michael Rochford, M.D. Motorcheck.ie; Austin Behan, BMW Group Ireland; Cathal Doyle and Denise Owens, Fleet Car magazine.

Each Contender well scrutinisedSixteen car brands contested for eight category prizes in the third running of the 2014 Motorcheck.ie Fleet Car Awards. From the long list of over 100 nominated cars that have entered the marketplace in the past two years, the expert judging panel, consisting of 9 members from the corporate car leasing industry and representatives from the fl eet and fi nancial sectors fi nalised a 38 car shortlist. All of the fi nalists were then individually assessed during a two-day appraisal programme.

Each car was thoroughly scrutinised relating to driving performance, plus their fi nancial and practicality aspects. “Marks were also given to the brand’s fl eet strategy parallel to the car’s styling, quality build, equipment levels that include safety items and their residual values,” explained Cathal Doyle, Deputy Editor, Fleet Car.

“Th e comprehensive Assessment Form fi lled out by each member of the judging panel had two main sectors,” added Cathal. “Section 1 the Static Review had to be completed before the car was driven, as it covered the car’s overall design both from exterior and interior view points, while Section 2 consisted mainly of the driving impressions with the fi nal point allocated to the car’s reputation in the highly competitive fl eet sector.”

Return refreshed from rainy journeys.

* Compared to the average performance of three leading competitors. Braking distance on wet surface from 80km/h to 20km/h. Tested by TÜV SÜD Automotive in Sep–Oct 2011 by order of Goodyear Dunlop. TYre size: 215/65R16 98H; Test car: VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI; Test locations: Mireval (FR) and Garching (D); Report nr. 76247158

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An all-new version of the Kia Soul has gone on sale. Available in two trim levels

it’s priced from €24,495.

Th e new 2014 Soul is built on an all-new platform it shares with the cee’d. It’s 29% more torsionally rigid than the old car thanks to use of ultra-high strength or high strength steel on 66% of the body shell.

Longer by 20 mm and with a wheelbase extended by 20mm, the new Soul is also 15mm wider and 10mm lower than before. It retains the distinctive familiar silhouett e of the outgoing car, nonetheless all the exterior body panels are new. Th e increased dimensions provide for a more spacious cabin with bett er head, leg and

shoulder room. Refi nement levels are up too with higher quality materials throughout, and greater sound proofi ng compared to the outgoing Soul.

Just one engine is off ered, a 1.6 litre diesel with

128bhp that returns a combined fuel consumption of 5.0 l/100 km (56.5 mpg) and has CO2 emissions of 132 g/km.

Standard specifi cation on the entry level EX includes 17” Alloy Wheels, Bluetooth, Cruise Control/Speed Limiter, climate control automatic air con, digital radio and rear view camera .

Th e Platinum models cost €4,000 more (€28,495) and adds 18” Alloys,

sat nav, leather upholstery with heated front seats, electrically adjustable drivers seat, panoramic sunroof and an Infi nity sounds system.

Kia’s more refi ned Soul

The executive fl eet car market is set to get a welcome boost with the arrival of the new

Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which has just gone on sale in Ireland.

Th ree design and equipment lines are off ered – an Avantgarde version with grille-inset star aimed at younger buyers; an Exclusive version with a distinctive bonnet-mounted standing star aimed at the more conventional buyer; and an AMG line aimed at the sporty buyer.

A C220CDI diesel-powered 2.2-litre with 170bhp is available from launch priced from €43,300. Th e fl eet-friendly diesel emits 103g/km of CO2, and returns fuel consumption of 4-litres/100km. It is joined by two petrol-

powered options, a C180 1.6 litre with 156bhp priced at €37,750, and a C200 2.0-litre, 184bhp version at €39,500.

The full range will include BlueTEC diesels as well as a C300 Diesel Hybrid. Transmission options are a 6-speed manual or

7G automatic while permanent all-wheel drive is also available. A new suspension system can be adjusted electronically, with air suspension on front and rear axles available as an option. Th e new C-Class has an 80mm longer wheelbase, 95mm longer body and 40mm wider frame, and is notably 100kg lighter than the old car. Technolog y features include

infotainment display, interactive touchpad and apps that give the driver online access to all forms of route planning, guidance, weather and traffi c information. A new ‘head-up’ display system can project data directly on to the windscreen.

Ahead of the launch of the new Octavia Scout in September, Skoda

has taken the opportunity to highlight the benefi ts of 4WD, available across a range of its models.

Th e harsh winters of 2010 and 2011 saw sales of 4WD cars soar as drivers struggled to complete journeys on icy and snowy roads. That all seems to have been forgott en though on the back of consecutive mild winters. Skoda reports that sales of its 4WD cars halved in 2013 compared to 2012, with a similar fall being forecast for this year.

With a range that includes 4WD versions of the Yeti, Octavia and Superb, Skoda is well placed to meet the needs of any motorist that needs the added assurance and grip of all-wheel traction. Th e company points out that it isn’t

just snowy or icy conditions where 4WD is of benefi t. At a recent event in Austria, Fleet Car was shown fi rst hand the advantages that all-wheel drive cars can have on wet summer roads, while the ability of the Yeti 4x4 to climb and descend impossibly steep gravel tracks was equally impressive.

The company highlights the benefits of the Haldex clutch that features on its 4WD models. A n electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch, it enables

proportional distribution of drive between front and rear axles, with the all-wheel-drive system constantly assessing the ideal driving torque for the rear axle.

New Mercedes-Benz C-Class to shake up mid-range executive fl eet car sector

Skoda highlights benefi ts of 4WD

FLEETCAR | Summer 2014 Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fl eet.ie

14 | LAUNCH PAD I

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The new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV which has just been launched in Ireland is

possibly one of the most signifi cant model launches of the year. A plug-in electric hybrid crossover SUV, it uses a mixture of a pair of 60kW electric motors to power the front and rear axles together with a 121 PS 2.0 litre petrol engine to provide permanent 4WD and a total combined range of 824km.

Crucially the Outlander PHEV is competitively priced, starting at €41,950, just €2,000 more than the regular Outlander diesel. Two trim levels, Intense+ and Instyle are off ered.

Combining the electric motors and petrol

engine allows the Outlander PHEV to be powered in a number of ways. EV Drive is the completely electric mode off ering a range of approximately 52km. In Series Hybrid mode

the electric motors still provide the power to the wheels, but the petrol engine acts as a generator to charge the electric motors. Th e third mode is Parallel Hybrid Drive where the petrol engine provides most of the power to the wheels, aided by the electric motors. Further charge is provided to the batt eries by the use of regenerative braking. Using rapid charging stations, the Outlander PHEV can be charged to 80% in 30 minutes.

By conventional engine standards, fuel consumption and emissions

are very impressive, the Outlander PHEV emitt ing just 44 g/km of CO2, and using 1.9l/100km of fuel.

Outlander PHEV redefi nes electric vehicle fl exibility

Peugeot has broadened the appeal of its new 308 with the arrival of a stylish estate

version, the 308 SW and impressive new petrol and diesel engines.

By extending the wheelbase by 11cm compared to the hatchback Peugeot has created one of the most capacious boots of any estate, off ering 590 litres of fl at fl oor space, while a further 70 litres is available below the fl oor boot. Th e rear seats fold completely fl at giving an overall maximum load volume of 1775 litres. Rear seat passengers are bett er catered for too, with an extra 29mm of legroom to stretch out in compared to the hatchback.

Available in three trim levels, new Euro 6 1.6 litre diesel engines with 100 and 120bhp have been introduced, while a 150bhp 2.0 litre version will also be off ered. Th e 120bhp version is particularly parsimonious with a combined cycle figure of 3.2l/100 km

(88mpg).

There’s also a rather impressive new 3-cylinder petrol unit. Despite a capacity of only 1.2 litres, the e-THP power plant from Peugeot’s PureTech 3-cylinder range performs like a much bigger unit thanks to a high revving turbo that off ers the kind of mid-range grunt that you normally associate with a diesel. Two versions with 110bhp and 130bhp are available.

Off ered with three trim levels, prices have yet to be announced ahead of the 308 SW going on sale this July.

The wraps have come off the all-new Volkswagen P a s s a t . T h e 8 t h

generation of the popular family and fl eet car will go on sale in Ireland in January 2015 in saloon and estate versions.

Having accounted for sales of nearly 22 million units since the fi rst generation Passat was launched in 1973, the model series has been the Volkswagen Group‘s number one seller with up to1.1 million Passat cars sold annually.

Among the headline features of the new Passat are a range of 10 direct injection turbocharged petrol and diesel engines meeting Euro 6 emissions standards and covering a power range from 120PS to 280PS. A new TDI

with a power output of 240PS will be the most powerful diesel in the line-up while returning fuel consumption of 5.3 l/100 km (53.3mpg).

Fuel consumption fi gures and CO2 emissions are lowered by up to 20 percent, with all models equipped with a stop-start system and a regenerative braking mode. Weight saving features strongly, with the new car weighing up to 85kg less than the outgoing model, while for the fi rst time the Passat will be available with a plug-in hybrid drive that develops power of 211PS.

New technologies available in the Passat include City Emergency Bra k i ng w it h Pedest r ia n Monitoring, Trailer Assist, Traffi c

Assist and Emergency Assist, while it becomes the fi rst Volkswagen with an Active Info Display and Head-Up Display. LED headlights will be standard on Highline models.

Estate adds to Peugeot 308 appeal

Volkswagen unveils all-new Passat

FLEETCAR | Summer 2014 Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fl eet.ie

16 | LAUNCH PAD I

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FLEETCAR | Summer 2014

18 | FLEET TESTS

S hort of gett ing the chance to tackle a rally stage, few of us get the opportunity to drive a normal road secure in the knowledge that

we won’t meet traffi c coming the other way. Which was why the opportunity to test drive a huge selection of cars ranging from electric vehicles to super cars, and including some classics along the way was one not to be turned down.

Th e location was Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, situated some 65 kilometres north of London. Comprising over 700 acres of extensive tracks and laboratories, the facility works with companies from a range of sectors including automotive, transport, energy and defence to deliver engineering, testing and development solutions. Founded in the sixties by Vauxhall and Bedford, over the years it has been continually developed and today forms an essential part of the Research & Development processes for many vehicle manufacturers. Th e extensive network of roads represents everything from twisty country roads to surfaces designed to test suspensions to destruction to a high speed bowl, where, if your car is set up right you can lap the circuit at 100mph without putt ing your hands on the steering wheel.

Organised by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the annual open day for the motoring press presents a truly mouth-watering selection of cars to be tried out. Th e 2014 event saw 39 manufacturers and over 150 diff erent vehicles represented, with everything from a one litre Ford Fiesta to the Rolls Royce Phantom and McLaren 650S on off er. Diff erent test tracks were available depending on the car - a Land Rover Defender’s natural terrain is somewhat diff erent to Porsche 911 Turbo’s for instance.

Deciding what to drive with such an enticing line-up was the challenge. While it would be all too easy to spend the day driving exotica, it was important to get a feel for a cross-selection of the latest products and technologies. I decided to start at the green end of the spectrum with the BMW i3 REX and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Th ese hybrid electric vehicles off er diff ering solutions to addressing the big issue of range anxiety. I also tried the Volkswagen e-Up!, a pure electric car that makes a lot of sense if your driving is limited to city journeys.

Right, having done my bit for the environment it was time to try something a litt le more

potent. Th e Maserati Gibhli S followed by the Bentley Continental GT Speed provided a suitable mix of glamour and performance. Th ey’re both big heavy cars though, and on the twisting Millbrook hill course needed to be treated with respect. By comparison, the Audi S8, the performance version of Audi’s fl agship A8 showed just how competent and fast a big saloon can be, with an awe-inspiring mix of acceleration, grip and handling.

Next up, a trip to times past courtesy of a selection of historic and near-historic vehicles. A 1995 Toyota Rav4, the original of the species was only a mild warm-up, and, rather dated dash besides, didn’t feel anything like its near 20 years age. In comparison a 1974 Mitsubishi Lancer was a defi nite reminder of how times have moved on. Although surprisingly easy to drive, equipment levels were spartan to say the least, and the way the 1.2 litre engine died on even the slightest incline is something we’ve forgott en, with even the most humble engine today off ering way more power and torque.

Perhaps one of the disappointments of the day was a run in a 1970’s Chevrolet Corvett e Stingray C3. Th is archetypical American muscle car looked and sounded great, but proved to be incredibly poor handling and actually rather slow in spite of its 5-litre V8 engine. In comparison, a 1971 Jaguar E-Type, long a favourite of mine, proved every bit as good as I had hoped. Sitt ing behind that gorgeous long nose, cruising at 100mph on the high speed bowl, it felt every bit as stable as any of the modern cars. A true classic in every sense of the word.

Of the modern performance cars the Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG looked and sounded great, but it was the McLaren 650S Coupe that redefi ned my interpretation of fast - even if a thunderstorm when driving it meant a heft y degree of caution.

But top of the list of all the vehicles driven that day? A Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor unit and trailer. Yes, it’s hard to beat those big trucks to truly make you feel King of the Road.

Motoring Nirvana Motoring Nirvana at Millbrook’s at Millbrook’s SMMT DaySMMT Day

Maserati Gibhli & Jaguar

FLEET TESTS | 19

Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fl eet.ie www.fl eetcar.ie

Bentley Continental GTC

Rolls Royce Phantom Volkswagen Golf

Maserati GibhliLand Rover Defender 90

McLaren 650S GT3 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Jaguar E-Type

FLEETCAR | Summer 2014 Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie

20 | TEST I

Ford strikes forward with EcoSport and Courier

F ord is about to introduce the second member of its expanding SUV family with the launch of the EcoSport compact crossover. Slott ing into the market under the Kuga, EcoSport is another example of the One Ford

global strategy. Th is 5-door Sports Utility made in India is already a success in South America and Asia. Its target market is centred towards senior drivers, many of which were Fusion model owners that require a higher vehicle for convenient ingress and egress. Another customer profi le that the marketing team will focus on is young and upwardly mobile couples looking for something diff erent before moving on to more family oriented cars.

For the European market, some modifi cations have been made to make the EcoSport more European following the press reviews by journalists. Changes to the clutch provide a more car like feel while the specifi cation of a new tyre manufacturer (other than Indian) has helped to improve grip, ride and handling.

Just two engines from Ford’s vast portfolio will adequately cover customer requirements, the 1.0 litre 125PS EcoBoost petrol and the 1.5 litre TDCi 90PS diesel. Featuring Ford’s latest styling traits, i.e., grille design and interior seen elsewhere in other models, one stand out feature is the storage of the space wheel on the rear door. Th is helps to provide more boot space.

Leading up to the UEFA Champions League Final in Lisbon, the last of Ford’s 22 year involvement with the annual tournament, we were given the chance to drive the EcoSport along Portugal’s scenic coastline. Spec on this vehicle was high as the Titanium trim level featured a host of extras such as auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, cruise control, rear parking sensors, sunroof, 16” alloys and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and of course, Ford SYNC infotainment multi connectively programme. Th e drivetrain on the 1.5 litre TDCi included a 5-speed manual transmission.

As we headed towards the most westerly point in Mainland Europe, EcoSport moved comfortably but as the 90PS 1.5 litre lacked enough power to drag it around the hilly sections without numerous gear changes, the ‘Sport’ element to its name was a bit ambitious. Th ere are plans to give this unit more power next year when new EU legislation comes in. Other than that, the seating position and visibility was good. However, there is a question mark about same for occupants of the back seat as the body curve on the rear doors raise sharply in line with the body styling. Pricing for the EcoSport has changed of late with the political unrest in India and the devaluation of its currency. Th is means a bett er price point for att racting new customers. While the EcoSport will serve at the lower end of the SUV market, the new Edge, its larger American cousin will top the range when it lands over here soon.

Although less time was spent on board the new Courier Tourneo, this compact people carrier based on the Transit Courier impressed most. Sadly, this passenger version is not coming to Ireland, there is a 5-seat Kombi commercial, which is closely related to the Tourneo. Everything fi ts in nicely around the driver, and for those familiar with driving Fords, the Courier meets all expectations. It drives and handles beautifully and the 1.6 litre TDCi with 95PS and 5-speed box was bett er balanced than the EcoSport. Again the Titanium trim level was specifi ed here and contained a long list of driver and passenger comfort and safety enhancements such as Auto Start/Stop, TPMS, Ford SYNC and SatNav with USB connectivity, auto lighting system, heated windscreen, rear view camera and rear parking aid. Don’t expect that the Kombi will have all these but the basic car with 5 seats will do the business in an economical and effi cient way. For Ireland the Kombi will have the 90PS 1.5 litre TDCi power unit. While the B-Max and C-Max caters for Ford’s people carrier clientele, the Kombi will generate interest from the business user that needs to move stuff , etc and gain the benefi ts of VAT rebate and on fuel used also.

EcoSport interior

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* Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC. CO2 94g/km. Fuel consumption 3.6l/100km (78.5mpg). Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC. CO2 119-124g/km. Fuel consumption 4.5-4.7l/100km (60.1-62.8mpg).

22 | TEST II

FLEETCAR | Summer 2014 Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie

Peugeot is back in the limelight once more on both passenger car and commercial fronts. Th is Spring the French brand secured the coveted European Car of the Year 2014 title with the new 308 while the new Boxer van is in the running

for International Van of the Year 2015. In looking at the Peugeot range today, all of its cars are strikingly fresh from the 108, 208, 2008, 3008 and 5008, 508 and its latest arrival, the RCZ.

Th e new 308 is the fourth Peugeot model to win the European Car award. It was described as ‘the epitome of style, elegance, effi ciency and innovation’. Fleet Car recently had the opportunity to drive it for a week and was impressed.

Priced from €18,990 to €25,890 the new 308 certainly is an eye-catcher with its sleek look from nose to tail. Att ention is also paid to the 5-door hatch’s interior design with the touch control iCockpit screen. Version driven was the range topping 1.6 eHDi 115bhp Allure with Stop/Start technology. While the entry-level access model has a good level of equipment fi tt ed as standard, such as cruise control, speed limiter, bluetooth, air-con, ESP and LED daytime running lights, the Allure as expected has lots more toys and gizmos.

For a start it has sports style front seats, electric folding door mirrors, auto electronic parking brake, electro-chrome rear view mirror, auto headlamps and wipers, front fogs, rear parking sensors, hill assist, LED headlamps, 9.7” multifunction colour touch screen and 17” alloys. Phew! Quite a line up there! In addition, new 308 sports the biggest boot in the segment at 470 litres. Passenger room is bett er also. Together

with these comfort elements for the occupants, the owner/driver will appreciate Peugeot’s fi ve-year peace of mind warranty.

Th e new 308 has a lot going for it. Compared to the previous model, the new 308 (note how the model number has not moved up to 309 for the next generation) is higher, has shorter overhangs, a lower centre of gravity and electric power steering, together with a new design suspension collectively providing improved handling and road holding. On the week’s running around all these att ributes came to the fore. New 308 is tighter, bett er built and has a higher quality feel all round.

Since launch, demand for the new 308 has been phenomenal with over 55,000 unit orders recorded. Th e range has expanded with the SW station wagon which will appeal to the fl eet buyer and family car customer. Both the Hatch and SW will have the new Peugeot PureTech 3-cylinder 1.2 eTHP 130 turbo petrol engine which has a new fuel economy record travelling 1810 kilometres with one tank of fuel. Th at equates to 99.1 mpg/2.83 L/100 km. Our time in the 1.6 HDi diesel brought 5.7 L/100 km. With future security in hand, thanks to Chinese investment, Peugeot bosses are pleased with the progress of the company and its model ranges.

On receiving the 2014 European Car of the Year award Maxime Picat, Peugeot Brand CEO declared; “With the new 308, we were convinced that we had achieved a leap in concept, technology and quality, and the award we received is in the name of all these that contributed towards the development of this model.”

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