Business Car Manager - vauxhall takes Six Best Small Trades awards in the recent ceremony.

Vauxhall has scooped a total of six top honours at the Business Car Manager Awards, across car and van categories, which were presented today in London.

Beating off stiff competition, the Astra was the big winner at the ceremony, picking up the headline award of “Business Car Manager SME Company Car of the Year 2017”, while the Astra 1.6-litre CDTi Design (110PS) Start/Stop ecoFLEX variant was named as the “Best Value SME Company Car” too. 

Vauxhall was also recognised in the “Best Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) Company Car Programme” category, again taking away the top prize.

The success didn’t stop there for Vauxhall though, as its van range won a hat-trick of accolades in the Business Van of the Year 2017 awards. The Corsavan picked up the “Best Small Delivery Van” award, while the accolade of “Best Small Trades Van” was given to the Combo. The Movano rounded off the success, being named as the winner in the “Best Heavy Van” category.

“The independent judges placed the Astra ahead of highly competitive opposition – but it’s not hard to see why,” said Ralph Morton, Editorial Director at Business Car Manager. “From the fantastically low operating costs to really competitive benefit-in-kind company car taxation, the Astra has it all – and that’s before we get to the brilliantly competitive specification.

“Each year Vauxhall has been refining its company car programme for SMEs, and each year it has got better and better to the point that is has knocked BMW/MINI Partnership programme off its perch as the best in the business.”

Consisting of a group of independent experts in the SME field, the judges used criteria such as company car tax and whole life costs to judge and rank each entry.

“We’re delighted Vauxhall has been recognised by Business Car Manager and Business Vans,” said James Taylor, Vauxhall’s Fleet Sales Director. “The company car market is an important sector for the Astra. It’s great to see how well-received it has been so far, and we are also pleased to be recognised for our company car programme, and that Corsavan, Combo and Movano remain firm favourites.”

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon has been named Car of the Year at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2017

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon has been named Car of the Year at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2017, voted for by a panel of 27 of the country’s most influential motoring journalists.

Krishan Bodhani, Head of smart and Product Management, Mercedes-Benz Cars UK, commented: “The E-Class is one of our core models; it’s at the very heart of our brand. 

When we unveiled the all-new car last year it showcased a host of innovative technology which makes it one of the most advanced cars in its segment. 

Together with its modern, comfortable cabin the E-Class presents a very desirable package – it’s great to see it getting the recognition it deserves.”

John Challen, director of the UK Car of the Year Awards, added: “Mercedes-Benz has a long history of creating impressive saloon cars and the new E-Class continues this trend, raising the bar in the executive vehicle sector. 

Stunning inside and out, it takes driver and passengers into the realms of luxury. The level of technology – and the attention to detail – at your fingertips is astounding."

The new E-Class is one of the safest and most advanced cars in its segment. Alongside the high standard of specification, options include the Driving Assistance Plus package, an advanced radar cruise control, with new functionality that allows the car to follow the vehicle in front. 

In combination with Comand Online navigation, the system also has Speed Limit Pilot, which can adjust the vehicle’s speed to camera-detected limits or those logged in the navigation. 

If specified with Remote Parking Pilot, the vehicle can be parked remotely via a smartphone app.

In 2016, Mercedes-Benz sold over 12,000 new E-Class Saloons. The E-Class Estate was launched in September 2016, while the E-Class Coupé is available to order now with first cars arriving from May 2017. 

For the first time, the E 220 d Saloon and Estate are available with either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.

The new Mercedes-AMG E 63 and E 63 S Saloon – which has 612 hp – comes with AMG’s 4MATIC+ system as standard. This newly engineered, intelligent system brings together the advantages of various drive configurations, including a Drift mode (only on E 63 S) that makes the car rear-wheel drive.

To complete the new range, the E-Class Cabriolet and Mercedes-AMG E 63 Estate will have their world premieres at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Chevrolet has established a new performance benchmark with the introduction of the 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE

• Special aero, adjustable suspension, exclusive tires drive unprecedented performance for a production sports car

Chevrolet has established a new performance benchmark with the introduction of the 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE — the most track-capable Camaro ever.

Taking the track-focused 1LE formula to an unprecedented level, the ZL1 1LE incorporates racing-based suspension and aero technologies, as well as exclusive Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R summer-only tires,* in an extreme track performance package.

“The track-focused 1LE package offers progressive levels of performance across the Camaro lineup, from the V6 1LE to the SS 1LE,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “But with the new ZL1 1LE, the progression takes a quantum leap — this is the ultimate track-day Camaro.”

In preliminary testing, the new ZL1 1LE was 3 seconds faster than the standard ZL1 Coupe around General Motors’ 2.9-mile, 18-turn Milford Road Course test track.

The improved track performance is driven by four key elements:

• Aerodynamics: New aero features including a carbon fiber rear wing, specific air deflectors and dive planes on the front fascia produce grip-generating downforce to help the car stick harder and drive faster in turns.
• Adjustable suspension: The ZL1 1LE features racing-derived, lightweight Multimatic DSSV^® (Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve) dampers front and rear for exceptional wheel and vehicle control. The front-end ride height is adjustable with the front dampers, which are used with all-new, adjustable camber plates. The rear stabilizer bar also offers three-way adjustability. All of the components are designed for quick changes at the track for optimal performance and a quick return to street settings when the track day ends.  
• Wheels and tires: New, lightweight forged aluminum wheels are an inch wider but an inch smaller in diameter, front and rear, than standard ZL1 wheels and are used with new Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires that deliver max lateral grip of 1.10g. Developed exclusively for the Camaro ZL1 1LE, the 3R tires are designed to warm up faster to help maintain more consistent grip and speed, lap after lap. The overall footprint grows approximately 10 percent over the ZL1, but the wheel-and-tire package weighs about 1.5 pounds (3.3 kg) less per corner.
• Lighter weight: The lighter wheels and dampers, along with reduced thickness rear glass and a fixed-back rear seat, contribute to an approximately 60-pound (27 kg) lower curb weight than a standard ZL1 Coupe. 

“The new Camaro ZL1 1LE offers the supreme track experience,” said Mark Dickens, executive director, Chevrolet Performance Variants, Parts and Motorsports Engineering. “It’s the pinnacle of Camaro performance and advances the 1LE’s nearly 30-year legacy of uncompromising, track-tailored capability.”

The power behind the ZL1 1LE is the 650-horsepower, supercharged LT4 engine backed by a six-speed manual transmission featuring Active Rev Match. Brembo brakes, including red calipers with the 1LE logo, are also included. Additional standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose premium audio system, heated/ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel.

The 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE goes on sale later this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

FLEET WORLD - The little Hyundai i10 takes, for the second year, the "Product To Beat" best in class.

• Hyundai i10 named best in class for fleet operators
• Expert panel recognises city car’s outstanding comfort, low running costs and generous equipment levels for business users
• Fleet World honours the Hyundai i10 for second consecutive year, saying it is the ‘product to beat’

The Hyundai i10 has been named as the ‘Best City Car’ in the 2017 Fleet World Honours, recognising it as ‘the car to beat’ for fleet operators. The prestigious awards highlight vehicles that offer the best value, comfort and refinement expected by business drivers.

A panel of judges from Fleet World, an industry title read globally by senior-level fleet decision makers, recognised the i10 as providing an unbeatable combination of superb practicality, generous equipment levels and low running costs. Revisions to the car in 2016 strengthened its offer to fleets, with improved connectivity, safety and comfort.

Fleet World’s Editor, Alex Grant, said: “City cars are a tough product to get right, and the i10 delivers effortlessly. 

A subtle refresh last year bolstered an already strong offer with the latest connectivity and safety technology, improved comfort and a sharper drive too. It means this continues to be the product to beat.”

The i10 offers fleet users a choice of seven trim levels and two refined and efficient petrol engines. The highly efficient 1.0 Blue Drive model boasts combined fuel economy of 65.7mpg and just 98g/km CO₂ emissions – giving it a highly competitive 16% BIK banding. Standard equipment levels are generous for business drivers, while the mid- and high-specification models feature ‘big car’ technology such as cruise control, a heated leather steering wheel and front seats, keyless entry and start, and full automatic climate control.

Hyundai’s commitment to deliver the best service for fleet operators is reinforced by its provision of exceptionally cost-effective and convenient after-sales care. 

Its industry-leading Fleet Aftersales Charter delivers a consistently outstanding experience for fleet customers, setting out transparent pricing and processes, making services easier to use, and helping to reduce the cost of ownership. 

Business users who visit a dealership receive free Wi-Fi access and refreshments as well as ‘hot-desk’ facilities for those who wish to wait on site.

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor UK, said, “It’s the second year in a row that the i10 has been recognised by Fleet World as offering an unbeatable proposition in its class. 

This is testament to Hyundai’s efforts in maintaining i10’s outstanding practicality and low running costs, while improving levels of comfort, safety and in-car technology. We are always looking for ways to add value for our business customers, and our award-winning cars are fully supported by an outstanding aftersales offer, not to mention our acclaimed 5 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty.”

FLEET WORLD - The Nissan Navara takes Best Pick Up for the second year running.

The Nissan Navara has been crowned Best Pick-Up at the prestigious Fleet World Honours for the second year running.

Judges from the influential industry title put all models in the increasingly crowded segment through their paces before choosing the market-leading model as their outright winner.

They were impressed by the Navara’s range of powerful yet efficient engines, superior comfort, towing ability and wide range of trim levels.

The comprehensive five-year/100,000 miles warranty – offered across Nissan’s LCV range – was also singled out for special mention.

Dan Gilkes, Editor of Van Fleet World, said: “With so many new and improved trucks coming to the market last year, the big Nissan was certainly not short of competition.

“Yet despite some very strong new models, Navara remains the truck that we would buy if it was our fleet budget.”

He added: “A 3.5-tonne towing ability, powerful yet relatively frugal driveline and a wide range of trim levels from hard working Visia to luxurious Tekna, show that there is a Navara to suit most applications.”

Priced from £23,920 RRP, the Nissan Navara can be specified with either a double cab or a king cab and a 190PS twin-turbo or 160PS single turbo version of the new 2.3-litre dCi engine.

Many of the model’s advanced safety features – including a number of first-in-class technologies such as Forward Emergency Braking, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control (on 4WD models) – come as standard.

Receiving the latest award, Darren Payne, Sales Director at Nissan Motor (GB) said: “We are thrilled the Navara has won this prestigious award for a second successive year.

“Despite a number of high profile competitors coming to market in the past year, Navara continues to set the benchmark in the pick-up sector.”

FLEET WORLD - The Citroen Dispatch takes the honours as best medium van in this years ceremony.

New Citroën Dispatch has continued its award-winning ways by taking the Best Medium Van prize in the 2017 Van Fleet World Honours.

The New Citroën Dispatch has been named Medium Van of the Year in the 2017 Van Fleet World Honours. The award was won jointly with the Peugeot Expert and Toyota Proace at a prestigious ceremony earlier today at the RAC Club in Pall Mall.

This latest award in the New Citroën Dispatch trophy cabinet joins the What Van? Light Commercial Vehicle of the Year 2017 and Medium Van of the Year 2017 awards, which were presented at the end of last year. 

Van Fleet World Editor, Dan Gilkes, said; “The New Dispatch is quite simply a great mid-weight van that has taken a huge step forwards from its predecessor. 

The van is not simply a like-for-like replacement, as the addition of a third compact model broadens the line-up, opening up new opportunities and providing customers with increased choice to suit specific operating requirements.

“There’s a good choice of 1.6 and 2.0-litre engines delivering a good mix of economy and low emissions, with power and refinement. The vans can also be supplied with a very high specification, including industry first head-up display and hands-free side door opening.

“Citroën has managed to deliver strong load volume and payload capacities, while providing a comfortable, car-like driving environment in a van with perfect dimensions for urban use.”

The Van Fleet World Awards are chosen by a panel of expert journalists at the publication, who have considerable experience of the van market.

Commenting on the award, Jeremy Smith, Citroën UK’s Head of Commercial Vehicles & Business Sector Operations, said; “We thought we were on to a winner with the New Dispatch range.

The awards from What Van?, and now Van Fleet World, show that others with experience in the van sector think so too. We are delighted that the experts at Van Fleet World have recognised the strengths of the New Dispatch with this latest award.”

FLEET WORLD - Renault takes a triple win at this years awards ceremony, and its well deserved too !

• Renault picks up three awards at the Fleet World Honours 2017
• 100 per cent electric Renault ZOE wins Best Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
• All-New Mégane wins Best Lower Medium Car
• All-New Grand Scénic wins Best MPV
• Renault range is praised for head-turning design, efficiency and technologies

Renault has picked up three awards at the Fleet World Honours 2017 with the Renault ZOE, All-New Mégane and All-New Grand Scénic all winning their categories at the awards ceremony hosted by Fleet World magazine and held today at the Royal Automobile Club in London.

The all-electric Renault ZOE updated for 2017 and now available with a 250-mile range (NEDC) – the longest of any mainstream electric vehicle – was awarded Best Ultra Low Emission Vehicle thanks to its new longer range, smartphone apps and ease to live with.

The All-New Renault Mégane, launched in the UK in summer 2016, won Best Lower Medium Car and was praised in particular for its comfort, efficiency and technology.

The distinctive All-New Grand Scénic collected Best MPV thanks to its space, style and value for money.

Steve Moody, Publisher, Fleet World, said: “Beneath head-turning design, the Mégane feels a class above most rivals. It’s quiet, comfortable and effortlessly efficient, with clearly laid-out displays showing all the information drivers need at a glance. Extra space and efficient diesel engines to stretch the time between fill-ups means it’s perfect for a life on the road.

Renault has rediscovered its love for compact MPVs with the new Scenic. Beneath concept car styling, with vivid colours and large, aerodynamic wheels across the range, it’s still a genuinely practical mover of people and things… The pioneer has never been in better shape.

Meanwhile, Renault has always had a very complete EV offering with the ZOE, and the high-capacity battery option broadens its appeal. Drivers who need long range can now travel almost 200 miles under ‘real-world’ conditions, but there’s still a competitive smaller-capacity battery for those who don’t. With apps to alleviate anxiety by planning routes including charging stops, not only is the ZOE a great EV, but it needn’t be more challenging to live with than any other supermini.”

Paul Flanagan, Managing Director, Groupe Renault UK said: “2016 saw us complete the renewal of our family car line-up with the arrival of All-New Mégane and All-New Scenic alongside the Kadjar crossover, as well as revising ZOE to give it the longest range of any mainstream EV on sale today. We’re delighted that Fleet World has recognised all three models.  2017 is set to be another busy year as we add the Koleos crossover to Europe’s youngest model line-up.”

The Renault ZOE is an all-electric, five-door supermini available in a choice of three trim levels and with two battery options. With the new Z.E.40 battery, ZOE’s range is 250 miles (NEDC) – the longest of any mainstream EV.  Renault estimates that in real-world driving conditions that this equates to around 186 miles in summer and 124 miles in cold winter conditions. ZOE can charge from zero to 80 per cent full in as little as 60 minutes thanks to its patented Chameleon Charger™ that allows it to make the most of the widest range of power supplies and also keep charging times to a minimum. Renault’s Range OptimiZer technology ensures ZOE is highly efficient with its heat pump, a bi-modal braking system and Michelin ENERGY E-V tyres.  ZOE is available to purchase from £13,995 (OTR) after the Government Plug-in Car Grant with battery leasing from £49 per month.

The All-New Mégane – more dynamic, more comfortable and more refined than its predecessor – offers unique technology with an 8.7-inch portrait central touchscreen, Active Emergency Braking and convenient driver assistance systems such as Hands Free Parking and Adaptive Cruise Control. CO₂ emissions are as low as 96g/km with economy as high as 76.4mpg.  The All-New Renault Mégane range is available from £17,250 on-the-road.

The All-New Grand Scénic – part of the fourth generation Scénic family with its innovative design and distinctive 20-inch wheels – remains as impressively practical as ever thanks to its modularity and class-leading storage and boot space. The seven-seater also achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating with Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection as standard – the only car in its class to have the safety feature applied throughout the range. Technologies such as Handsfree Parking and Adaptive Cruise Control are also available. The Grand Scénic’s One Touch Folding seats feature is another unique-in-class option whereby a button can be pressed, either from within the boot or from the multimedia system in the dashboard, to fold the rear seats, either individually or altogether, effortlessly to achieve a completely flat floor. The All-New Renault Grand Scénic is available from £23,375 on-the-road.