Comcar news

BMW 3-Series makeover
X Stride
September 2008

The BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring models have been revised.
The key differences are the new 330d engine, new 6-speed automatic transmission for the 318d, more efficient fuel consumption whilst producing lower emissions, and last but not least a re-design of some exterior and interior components.

The BMW 330d will use a new 6-cylinder 2,993cc aluminium engine unit, generating 245hp at 4,000rmp - an increase of 14hp. Also, torque has increased by 20Nm, to 520Nm. This new engine is set to improve the fuel consumption from 46.3mpg to 49.6mpg for the 330d, and lower CO2 emissions from 160g/km to 152/km.

Fuel consumption for the 325d saloon is also improved, increasing from 47.9mpg to 49.6mpg as the emissions lower from 155g/km to 153g/km. These changes make it a better choice for company car drivers as it lowers the amount of company car tax to be paid.

Cars with automatic transmission in the new range will move from band E to D for Vehicle Excise Duty as the emissions are brought down with the new technology. The expected CO2 drop will be to 165g/km from 176g/km for the 330d Saloon auto. Similarly the 325d Saloon and Touring models drop to 164 g/km and 165 g/km from their current 169g/km and 172g/km. These are anticipated figures and are to be confirmed by the VCA.

The design of the BMW 3 Series is being modified for September. Changes include a new crease line running along the side of the car, lifted lines down the bonnet, slightly re-styled front grille, larger wing mirrors, new alloy wheel design choices and a reshaped skirt, which should collectively offer a sportier feel. Internally, superior materials are being used, and a revised centre console and active head restraint come as standard. If the new iDrive system is specified it will house 8 gigabytes of data storage and provide mobile phone integration.
The new BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring are due to go on sale on the 20th September 2008 with prices yet to be announced.

2p duty increase postponed.
R Russell
October 2008
The Chancellor has announced that the 2p increase in fuel duty planned for October 2008 has been deferred for the second time. The level of fuel duty is already deeply unpopular with many consumers and much of industry. Pressure had been mounting on the government to cancel increases in fuel duty. It is now hard to see how any government will dare to bring back a fuel duty escalator, even though this would be a simple green taxation instrument. Also some might argue that 2p is nothing compared to the recent 25% jump in fuel prices.

Electric cars are getting bigger
R Russell
July 2008

The NICE Car Company have announced a few details of an all-electric MPV, the Ze-O, that will be available in autumn 2008 for around £14,000. Although we have seen 4 adults travelling in the competitors' G-Wiz, it looks as though there will be space for 5 to sit comfortably in this one from China. Entry level batteries will have a range of 65 miles and top speed of 55 mph, but a longer-range Li-ion option is planned. The London fortunes of Nice and G-Wiz look more promising now that the new mayor has cancelled the plan to allow any car with emissions below 121g/km CO2 to obtain 100% discount from London congestion charges. Alternatively fuelled vehicles such as electric will retain this discount.

Emissions changes to London CC scrapped
R Russell
July 2008
Ken Livingstone's plans to levy higher charges (£25 instead of £8)on cars with CO2 emissions above 226g/km and provide 100% discount for cars below 121g/km have been officially cancelled. Although Ken's idea may have promoted low CO2 cars, it was difficult to see how it would combat congestion. The availability of sub 121g/km CO2 cars has soared recently, and they will remain very tax efficient as company cars, as well as having low VED and low fuel costs. So the current charging levels and discounts remain. A 100% discount is available for all alternative fuelled vehicles including hybrids.

Porsche 2nd Gen Carrera
X Stride
October 2008

The all-wheel drive for the new, second generation 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S will be electronically controlled using Porsche Traction Management (PTM), which Porsche state will "improve the agility, traction and stability" of these models whilst also sustaining lower emissions. This PTM system, made firstly for the 911 Turbo and adapted for the second generation Porsche 911 Carrera 4 models, will replace the previous all-wheel drive system for these models. PTM controls any under steer or over steer, directing the correct amount of power and torque to the front or rear wheels as necessary, efficiently managing the torque split between the wheels as any road or weather conditions change. Highly responsive to the driver, this clutch-based system is capable of distributing up to 100% of traction to the front or rear wheels.

The engines for these new models contain Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), giving the 3.8 911 Carrera 4S up to 8.5% more power, improving the fuel economy for the Carrera 4 by up to 12.9% and releasing 15.4% lower emissions than the earlier generation. Also the maximum output is increased to 385bhp for the Carrera 4S.

In addition, the new generation of 911 Carrera and S models will have the option to include the new Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), which means double-clutch gearbox, costing £2,338. This gearbox has seven forward gears and an automatic gearshift function. Along with the PTM, the PDK improves the acceleration of these cars whilst also lowering the fuel emissions.

The entire range of Porsche 911 Carrera will enjoy the second generation make-over and be available, October 25th 2008.

Company Car Tax Information

Saab 9-5 Saloon MY 08

Saab 9-5 Turbo Edition
M Thomas
June 2008

The Saab 9-5 Saloon and Estate are now available in Turbo Edition models, which come in two specifications: the 9-5 Turbo Edition and the 9-5 Aero Turbo Edition.

You can choose between three engines for the Turbo Editions, a 2.0t, 2.3t, and 1.9TiD. The 2.3t engine in the saloon returns 260 horsepower and does 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 155mph.

Standard features include heated leather sport seats, climate control, cruise control, rear parking assistance, and 17inch five-spoke alloy wheels. The 9-5 Aero Turbo Edition models also offer satellite navigation, performance brakes, Bi-xenon headlights, and metallic paint.

Prices start at £19,995 for the Saab 9-5 Turbo Edition and £24,995 for the Aero Turbo Edition and they are available for sale now.

British International Motor Show 2008
D Brailey
July 2008

The highlight of the British motoring calendar comes around every 2 years. The Excel London Exhibition centre will again be the host. The Excel Centre can be found near the Canary Wharf, with easy access to the Jubilee line, 4,000 parking spaces and just a 5 minute taxi ride from London City Airport.

The weather was excellent during the last Motorshow, where 415,000 people attended. As well as the huge covered arena and the hundreds of cars and stands many of the show's events will take place outside and some even on the river Thames, so good weather will certainly be appreciated again.

This year the show stretches from the 23rd July through to 3rd August, with Tickets on sale now. If you keep your eyes peeled you can find some entrance discounts to take along with you in certain newspapers and magazines. Fleet News has a 2 for 1 offer and The Times has a 33% off, to name a couple we have come across.

British International Motor Show 2008

Insignia Launch
D Brailey
July 2008

GM Vauxhall will introduce the UK to its latest offering this summer and this one is likely to get the attention of company car drivers. The Vectra, a popular company car and 'Most Purchased Car in its Sector' in 2007, is being replaced by the Insignia.

The Insignia will initially be available as either saloon or hatchback, with the option for an all-wheel drive system. There will be five available engines to start with, ranging from a four-cylinder 140PS petrol to a 2.0litre direct-injection diesel 160PS. A low-CO2 EcoFLEX version of the Insignia is expected along with some more powerful engine variants in the future. Vauxhall state that all grades are going to be Euro 5 compliant, but don't forget that Euro 5 is currently only a proposed set of figures and still may be subject to change.

A couple of points to consider when thinking about what Vauxhall might have in store for us with the Insignia -

• With the strong entrance from the new Mondeo last year, which is the Vectra/Insignia's main rival, we saw the benchmark for standard equipment increase in the buyers favour.
• The new C5 launched early this month (2nd April 08) and unashamedly aimed itself at the premium German cars. Take a quick look at the Insignia press shot (above slide show) and you may well think the Insignia is following suit.

With all this competition and a 'Most Purchased Car in Sector' title to maintain we can expect to see some interesting price points at the Insignia unveiling.

So when can we get our hands on one?
The Vauxhall Insignia will be unveiled and available for order at the British International Motor Show on 22nd July, with deliveries starting in the last quarter of 2008.

New Land Rover Discovery 3 at British Motor Show
P Williamson
July 2008

Land Rover is getting set to release the 2009 Discovery 3, what it calls "the ultimate all purpose vehicle" this August.

Bumpers, wheel arches, and the tailgate lift handle for the two-piece tailgate will all come body-coloured, with the side vent and door handles in "tungsten". Santorini Black, Galway Green, and Bourneville black with a hint of brown will all be new options for metallic paint and a newly-styled 19-inch 17-spoke wheel style is also available.

A new Bluetooth system and "Almond" trim are changes to expect on the interior of the Discovery.

You can have a look at the Land Rover Discovery 3 on 23 July when it makes its debut at the British International Motor Show at ExCeL London.

Company Car Tax Information

New Citroen C5 Saloon
April 2008

If what's been missing in your life could be cured by a seat back massage on your way home from work, then the new Citroen C5 could be just the anodyne you've been waiting for.

Citroen has taken a different marketing approach with the C5 saloon. Strong, flowing exterior lines, an "aviation-inspired" instrument panel and "class-leading levels of soundproofing" emphasise that "German feel" but of course, its French made. Surely you've seen the advertisements?

Between three trim levels, two suspension set-ups, and six engines, including four diesels equipped with particulate filters, there are plenty of C5s to choose from.

In addition to a driver's seat massager, a Lane Departure Warning System, automatic electric parking brake, ESP with traction control, Adaptive Front Lighting System, automatic air conditioning, and "mood lighting" in the doors and dashboard, all come as standard.

Prices for the C5 saloon start at £15,595 for the 1.8i 16v SX and go up to £24,395 for the 1.7HDi V6 208hp Exclusive. The 1.6HDi 16v 110hp engine has the lowest CO2 values at 149g/km and is available in SX or VTR+ grades, costing £16,595 and £17,595. You can calculate the company car tax for the new Citroen C5 saloon on Comcar now(click the link below), and it goes on sale 2nd April. The new C5 tourer arrives just in time for summer.

Company Car Tax Information