Lexus has unveiled the sporty new IS 250 SR. This addition to the line-up comes with a full body kit and 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels on the outside. On the inside, aluminium scuff plates and pedals add subtle visual enhancements on the inside while heated front seats are also fitted as standard.
According to the maker the IS 250 SR is designed to deliver some of the sporting allure of the IS F and IS 250 Sport at a high value price. Based on the entry-level IS 250, the new model is packed with features that have a combined customer value of more than £3,500, yet the price tag is less than £1,000 greater model-for-model.
Standard features include 10 airbags, climate control, cruise control, smart keyless entry and engine start and sequenced LED interior lighting.
Power comes from a 204bhp 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine, which means the IS 250 SR will accelerate from rest to 62mph in 8.1 seconds (8.4 with the optional six-speed automatic transmission) and progress to a top speed in excess of 140mph.
The car goes on sale from May 19, and is priced from £24,990 for the manual transmission and £25,800 for the automatic gearbox.
Click on www.contracthireandleasing.com for more car leasing deals on the Lexus IS 250 SR.
Simon McBride
Contract hire and leasing news
All the latest news concerning ContractHireAndLeasing.com and the contract hire and leasing industry.
Browsing in New cars
Another year, another Budget, and with a raft of tax reforms and realignments affecting the fleet operator, it’s good to know Audi has measures in place to reduce their impact.
The good news starts with the A3 and A3 Sportback 1.9 TDI Special Edition models, which with their CO2 emissions of just 119g/km, fall into the new 13% tax band for diesels in 2008/9. These models will also be exempt from the London Congestion Charge when the punitive new £25 daily charge comes into force on 27 October.
And those looking to consolidate their exposure to the charge can also take comfort that the A8 2.8 FSI - officially the cleanest luxury car on the market - and the A8 3.0 TDI quattro fall below the 225g/km threshold, incurring only the £8 rate rather than the £25 daily charge from October. An attractive proposition for our chauffeur customers and for those needing to drive in Central London.
Iain Carmichael, Head of Fleet Sales, Audi UK
S line and Avant join A4 range
The new Audi A4 range is strengthening all the time with the addition of the sporting S line trim specification, the introduction of the new A4 Avant, plus a new entry model positioned at under £20,000 ROTR.
Powered by a 120PS version of the 1.8 TFSI engine, the A4 1.8 TFSI Standard model marks the new entry point to the A4 range, priced at £19,900 ROTR and including 16 inch alloy wheels, climate control, a Chorus radio-CD player, ESP and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm/immobiliser.
The more overtly sporting S line trim, which adds £2,500 to the price of the equivalent SE model, introduces equipment including 18 inch alloy wheels, a 3-spoke S line sports steering wheel, S line body styling, 20mm lower S line sports suspension, S line sports seats, Xenon headlights with daytime running lights and matt brushed aluminium inlays.
Adding useful extra practicality and a class-leading load area of 1,430 litres with rear seats folded, the new A4 Avant belies its versatility with its sleek lines.
At just £1,150 more than the equivalent Saloon model, the Avant is available to order now, with prices starting at £23,400 ROTR.
2.0 TDI quattro joins the TT range
Blending the sporting appeal of the Audi TT with the latest in TDI technology, new Euro 5-compliant TT 2.0 TDI quattro Coupe and Roadster models offer a unique opportunity in tax-efficient sports motoring.
The statistics make compelling reading, with the Coupe returning combined consumption of 53.3mpg and CO2 emissions of just 140g/km, a 20% reduction over the 2.0 TFSI. With 170PS, performance is brisk, too, with a top speed of 140mph and 0-62mph in 7.5sec.
Such figures make a drastic reduction in company car tax liability compared with the 2.0 TFSI: a 40% tax payer in 2008/9, for example, can expect to pay £160 a month for the 2.0 TDI Coupe quattro, compared with £200 a month for the 2.0 TFSI.
As well as quattro permanent four-wheel drive, TT 2.0 TDI models come with 17 inch Trapez alloy wheels, leather and Alcantara trim, climate control and an MP3-compatible Audi Concert radio/CD. The Roadster adds a fully automatic soft-top with wind deflector.
Both Coupe and Roadster models are now available to order, priced from £26,350 ROTR for the Coupe and £28,350 ROTR for the Roadster.
Audi TT Coupe lease prices
Audi TT Roadster lease prices
A8 3.0 TDI escapes congestion penalty
A reduction to 224g/km in the CO2 emissions of the Audi A8 3.0 TDI SE quattro and Sport (including Long Wheel Base variants) has ensured these models will not incur the £25 a day London Congestion Charge when new rules come into force on 27 October 2008.
Together with the 2.8 FSI SE and Sport models, which are by some margin the cleanest cars in the luxury sector, it brings to six the number of Audi A8 derivatives that will incur only the £8 daily charge.
Audi Q7 S line for price of SE
With its unrivalled blend of quattro permanent four-wheel drive, seven seats as standard, adaptive air suspension and choice of two FSI petrol and two TDI diesel engines, the Audi Q7 offers real luxury and style with full quattro capability.
Now, the price is the same for both SE and S line models, giving drivers the opportunity to select the specifications that best suits their requirements. Prices start from £41,330 ROTR for the 3.0 TDI quattro 240PS.
Furthermore, the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI S line is now available from Audi Finance on a 24-month/10,000 miles a year basis from £539 a month with £1,617 deposit.
Super luxury for Audi Q7 coastline
Shown alongside the new V12 TDI super-SUV at Geneva, the Audi Q7 coastline design study offers the ultimate in luxury, with a distinctly nautical theme.
Dark waxed American walnut veneer covers parts of the armrest, inner door sill trims, gear knob and luggage compartment floor, giving it a deck-style look that complements the ultra-luminous white exterior and plush velvet and leather-upholstered seats.
Audi A4 voted No1 in Europe
Readers of Auto Express and its 25 European sister publications have voted the new Audi A4 the magazine’s prestigious 2008 Auto 1 award winner at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
The overall champion is selected by editors, experts and racing drivers linked to the 26 magazines, but their 40 million readers also play a key role in the judging process.
American giant Dodge has confirmed that it is to launch the all-new Journey crossover this summer and prices are to start from £16,995. According to the maker the new Dodge Journey Crossover offers competitive fuel economy, masses of interior space and value for money, without compromising its bold, good looks.
It has a seating arrangement of 5+2 with the plus two seats thought only to being of real use when short trips are necessary.
When launched the car will have a choice of two engines and you can power it by a 2.4-litre petrol engine or a 2.0-litre diesel engine. The diesel engine will be available with either a manual or dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
To accommodate the family, the car includes tilt and slide second-row seats; rear doors that open to 90-degrees for easy access when installing child seats and air-conditioning that works in all three rows.
Simon Elliott, Managing Director of Chrysler UK, said: “Dodge Journey is the perfect right-sized vehicle for families that don’t want the look of a people carrier, but need the functionality and utility of an MPV. Families that need space for seven will love the flexible seating system, spacious storage bins and under-seat storage areas. Safety is also very important for these customers and with ESP and three-row side curtain airbags this really is the ideal family vehicle.”
To lease a Dodge make sure you log on to www.contracthireandleasing.com for the best offers.
Simon McBride
Toyota has revamped the Aygo city car by adding a new dedicated Slate Blue metallic paint finish to its range. It starts from £7,995 on the road.
The colour co-ordination goes from the door mirrors and bumper inserts on the outside to the carpet mats with matching blue stitching and slate blue bezels for the air vents and instrument display on the inside.
The Aygo Blue sits alongside Aygo Platinum at the top of the model range, offering an attractive array of premium equipment features. This includes Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning and, on manual models, leather gear knob trim are all part of the standard specification.
Two accessory packs are also available for the Aygo Blue. The Aygo Xtra equips the car with rear parking sensors, mud flaps and unpainted rear and side protection strips, while Aygo Style adds élan with alloy wheels, front fog lamps and front scuff plates. The packs are priced £335 and £595 respectively.
According to the maker the Aygo Blue will return an official figure of 61.4mpg on the combined cycle while carbon dioxide emissions are just 108g/km.
The Aygo Blue is powered by a 67bhp 1.0-litre engine, which is mated to a five-speed manual or Multi-mode transmission.
For the best car leasing deals on the Aygo go to www.contracthireandleasing.com for more.
Simon McBride
Italian maker Alfa Romeo has just launched a limited edition Alfa Romeo Spider just in time for summer.
The car comes complete with £3000 worth of extra features at no extra cost.
The Alfa Spider Limited Edition features a choice of four colour combinations, alloy wheels, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated memory front seats and door mirrors.
Yet the price remains at a cool £25,500. While, extra features include Italian Frau leather upholstery and the unique Blue&Me hands-free system with voice recognition and media player.
Bespoke colours include a Carbonio Black version with a natural leather upholstery while the Alfa Red exterior paintwork is matched to a black leather interior.
The super-cool Ghiaccio White colour scheme comes with a choice of either black or natural leather upholstery. For added driver and passenger comfort, these leather seats are heated to keep the occupant warm whilst the roof is down on early morning starts or late night drives.
Under the bonnet the 2.2 JTS petrol engine produces 185bhp and powers the Alfa Spider from 0 - 62mph in 8.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 139mph.
To lease an Alfa Romeo check out www.contracthireandleasing.com for the latest offers.
Simon McBride
The new Ford Focus ST will be on sale across the UK from the 1st of May. Featuring a bolder appearance and many interior enhancements, Ford’s flagship model will once again be a popular choice for personal and business lease. Over the past 3 years the Focus has remained one of the most searched for models on ContractHireAndLeasing.com and has been by far the best performing Ford in the contract hire and leasing sector.At the heart of the matter is the familiar 225 PS, 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder Duratec engine. Powerful, and accompanied by a suitably sporty soundtrack, this powerhouse delivers a potential 150mph top speed in tandem with 0-62mph acceleration in just 6.8 seconds.
By combining bold looks with a thrilling driving experience, Ford’s new Focus ST is set to become the definitive hot hatch.
Audi has confirmed where the Q5 will sit in its line-up.
The all-new performance SUV is to slot in below the Audi Q7 and should start at around £30,000.
It will be seen for the first time in UK showrooms in the final quarter of 2008.
According to the maker the car combines the poise of a sports saloon with highly variable interior and versatile options for leisure-time and family use.
It is also equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile running gear incorporating the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and Audi drive select control system.
The Audi Q5 launches with three engine variants – one petrol engine and two TDI units.
First up is a 211PS 2.0-litre TFSI, it can launch the car from zero to 62mph in 7.2 seconds, and has a top speed of 138mph and averages 33.2mpg.
Or you could have a 2.0-litre TDI 170PS. This has a combined fuel consumption of 42.1mpg and catapults the Audi Q5 from zero to 62mph in 9.5 seconds, peaking at a top speed of 127mph.
The most powerful engine in the line-up is the 3.0 TDI. This V6 diesel engine delivers 240PS and can get from zero to 62mph in 6.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 139mph and covers 36.6mpg on the combined cycle.
For car leasing deals on Audi log on to www.contracthireandleasing.com for the best offers on the internet. Simon McBride
The new Vauxhall Insignia is nearing its public debut – sure to be a fleet favourite the replacement for the well-loved Vectra will be given its world debut at the London Motorshow in July.
The Insignia has a coupe shape and the Griffin badged maker has confirmed that the car will be available in hatchback and saloon bodystyles from launch.
The frame of the car has been sculpted around the front and rear light designs while the bold radiator grille gives the car a powerful stance from the front.
“We’ve re-defined our design vocabulary,” says Mark Adams, Vice President Design, GM Europe. “The Insignia is muscular, but lithe and curvaceous. Our aim was to develop a confident look which reinforced the car’s superb driving dynamics, but also one that made it clear that this was a premium product, albeit still at a highly competitive price in its class.”
Vauxhall Insignia
The inside has been brought upmarket too with a wrap around dash and ambient lighting, which will be featured in future Vauxhall models. The boffins have also developed the seats to make them more comfortable and safer.
The Insignia will be offered with two variations front-wheel and all-wheel drive and there’ll be five engines to choose from at launch. All of these will meet the Euro 5 emissions standard and come with either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. The three petrol engines range from a four-cylinder 140PS unit to a V6 with 260PS. While the two new 2.0-litre direct-injection diesel engines will be offered with power outputs of either 130PS or 160PS. In time, the Insignia engine line-up will be extended with an EcoFLEX version offering ultra-low CO2 emissions in addition to other, more powerful variants.
Make sure you check out the latest car leasing deals on the final production models of the Vauxhall Vectra at www.contracthireandleasing.com for the best deals.
Simon McBride
Swedish manufacturer Volvo has given its 4-seater coupe the C70 two more tempting features like RTI Navigation System and Keyless Drive. These are worth £2,200 are available on all new C70’s at no extra cost from April this year.
The C70 only takes 30 seconds to turn into a striking convertible.
According to the maker these two new features will enhance the C70 ownership experience further, as Volvo’s comprehensive RTI Navigation System maps a myriad of routes throughout the UK and Europe quickly and efficiently. The system also features RDS based TMC (Traffic Management Control) that will identify any traffic incidents on route and, if possible, will find an alternative way.
Another Volvo convenience feature is Keyless Drive, which makes it possible to lock, unlock and start the car without the need for a key which can be left safely stored away in the driver’s pocket or bag.
The range offers a choice of powerful and responsive drivelines – two turbo diesel engines; a four-cylinder 2.0D and a 2.4-litre D5, a 2.4i petrol engine and the top-of-the-range turbocharged 230PS T5.For the latest car leasing deals log on to www.contracthireandleasing.com
Simon McBride
Fancy some open top motoring on a budget?
Then you need to check this out, its the Renault Twingo II Coupé-Cabriolet
Renault has the likes of the Vauxhall Tigra and Peugeot 207 CC in its sights with the Twingo II CC and should be priced around the £10,000.
The car is scheduled to arrive in UK showrooms by the spring of 2009 so that you can have in time for summer.
Insiders from Renault claim that the Twingo II Coupé-Cabriolet is likely to be given its world debut at the Paris Motorshow in October.
The Twingo should stand out as it has a clever single-piece hard-top. This is said to disappear under the rear deck at the touch of a button.
At launch – there will only be a single power plant offered in the guise of a 1.2-litre four cylinder unit which can be found in the standard car. However the unit in the Twingo II CC will have 120bhp.
Check out www.contracthireandleasing.com for the best car leasing deals on the internet.
Simon McBride
