Download - Professional Driver — Buyer's Guide 2014

AUGUST 2014 | SPECIAL EDITION | £9.95

n Comprehensive whole-life cost tables. n Real-world miles per gallon results. n Chauffeur programmes described.

63to Chauffeur cars & Private Hire Vehicles

*Business Users only. Advance Payment applies. Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the E-Class range: urban 20.3(13.9)–68.9(4.1), extra urban 36.2(7.8)–70.6(4.0), combined 28.3(10.0)–68.9(4.1). CO2 emissions: 234–109 g/km. Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. Model featured is an E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid Saloon SE at £40,525 on-the-road including automatic transmission and optional metallic paint at £645. *All payments subject to VAT at 20%. Finance based on a E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid Saloon SE with automatic transmission and optional metallic paint on a 36 month Contract Hire agreement with an advance payment of £2,561.82 and a £38.03 Chauffeur Service Care payment payable in month 1 followed by 35 monthly payments of £426.97 finance rental and a £38.03 Chauffeur Service Care payment. Separate direct debits will be polled for the finance rental and Service Care payment. The 36 month Chauffeur Service Care plan includes a maximum of 4 scheduled Mercedes-Benz services and MOT test fees and is available on new Chauffeur PCO registered vehicles only. 20,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges may apply. Rental includes Road Fund Licence for the contract duration. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Orders/credit approvals between 1 July and 30 September 2014, registered by 31 December 2014. Subject to availability, offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Please contact your Mercedes-Benz Retailer for availability. Credit provided subject to status by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited, MK15 8BA. Price correct at time of going to print 07/14.

A D

aim

ler

Bran

d

‘Car of the Year.’ Professional Driver Magazine

The E-Class Hybrid Saloon, from £465* a month with Chauffeur Service Care included.

Just occasionally, a car comes laden with all the accolades. The E-Class Hybrid Saloon comes with an enviable chauffeur programme, designed with your business in mind and three Car of the Year awards. Now, what are you waiting for?

Path:Production:Clients:Mercedes - MER:700747:Artworks and Linked files:Studio:700747-3_MER_ProfDriver_2207.inddTrim: 297x420mm Bleed: 3mm Image duplication: 2mm per page

Date: 21.07.14 DI: Barry

PRE PRESS 1

191 Old Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5DW | Telephone:+44 20 7863 9400

700747-3_MER_ProfDriver_2207.indd 1 21/07/2014 15:30

THE MOST ADVANCED BMW 5 SERIES EVER.For the driver that expects more from their car than just a stylish appearance, the BMW 5 Series has been designed to meet the highest requirements. Business Advanced Navigation System, Xenon headlights, Dakota leather upholstery and EU6 compliance is offered as standard throughout the range. With even stronger residual values and impressive fuel economy, the BMW 5 Series achieves up to 68.9mpg (combined), CO2 emissions from 109g/km for manual and automatic transmission, and only 17% BIK, making this the ultimate executive choice.To find out more or to arrange a demonstrator, contact your BMW Account Manager, call 08081 280037 or visit www.bmw.co.uk/5series

CO2 Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

30293_PD_BMW_5series_LCI_DPS_297x420.indd 1 25/07/2014 09:29

BMW Corporate Sales

bmwcorporate.co.ukThe Ultimate

Driving Machine

30293_PD_BMW_5series_LCI_DPS_297x420.indd 2 25/07/2014 09:29

AUGUST 2014 | PROFESSIONAL DRIVER6

// Introduction //

Welcome to the 2014 Professional Driver New car Buyers Guide

choosing the right car for your business is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re a one-man chauffeur or a large private hire fleet, it’s essential to make sure the cars you buy are right for your business.

That means factoring in a lot of information. Does the vehicle do the job? Will it carry the typical passenger loads that you carry on a day-to-day basis? And what about luggage? Do you often find yourself squeezing the boot lid shut outside the airport terminal?

Rather than taking a Summer break in August, Professional Driver is bringing you a comprehensive reference book to guide you through these decisions—our 2014 New Car Buyers’ Guide.

There are other buyer’s guides—but there’s never been one dedicated to our industry. Operators are not looking for acceleration, top speed and handling under extreme cornering. And this guide doesn’t do that.

Instead, in this guide you’ll find all the vital information you’ll need about 65 of the most popular cars aimed at our industry—everything from full-sized chauffeur cars to seven-seater minivans, luxury Sports-Utilities and more humble saloons and estates suitable for minicab work. If a car’s not included, it’s either because volumes to the licensed trade are very low, or a car is so new that we haven’t yet put it through its paces.

Almost all the cars have been thoroughly

tested by the Professional Driver editorial team—you’ll find real-world fuel economy figures derived from the comprehensive road tests we’ve been bringing you every month for the past five years. We look at the cars from the perspective of the operator, the driver—and the passenger. We’ve even tested the cars, where possible, with standard luggage to help you compare.

Then there’s the question of running costs. Just because a car has a low sticker price at the dealership doesn’t mean it’ll be the cheapest to run over the long term. And there’s more to the running cost equation than good quoted fuel economy. Most chauffeur cars, minicabs and taxis take a lot of hammer—mileages tend to be higher than average.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with highly respected analysts at Fleet Audits to include Whole-Life Cost Tables for all the cars on test—and one or two others. These have been exclusively developed for Professional Driver and are based on three years and 50,000 miles per annum—higher than most other commonly-available running cost data. Per-annum, and pence-per-mile costs enable you to see at a glance which cars are the most economical to run.

In addition, we’re taking a glance into the future, looking at some of the new models that you’ll be considering in the next couple of years. And finally, we’re including specific manufacturer information from those automakers that offer a dedicated Chauffeur Support Programme—another way to help you find the best deal.

We hope this guide will be useful to you—make sure you keep it in a safe place, as we believe it will be an invaluable tool in helping you make the right decision when it’s fleet replacement time.

Mark Bursaeditor

[email protected]


QuiCk CaR findeRMake Model PageAudi A6 21

Audi A8L 10

Audi Q7 47

BMW 520d 22

BMW 520d GT 21

BMW 730Ld 10

BMW X5 48

Chrysler 300C 22

Chrysler Grand Voyager 31

Citroen Grand C4 Picasso 32

Ford Galaxy 30

Ford Grand C-Max 33

Ford Mondeo 38

Ford Tourneo Custom 29

Hyundai i40 Tourer 38

Hyundai i800 29

Infiniti Q70 23

Infiniti QX70 48

Jaguar XF Sportbrake 22

Jaguar XJL 10

Jeep Grand Cherokee 49

Kia Carens 33

Kia Optima 38

Lexus LS600hL 14

Maserati Ghibli 23

Maserati Quattroporte 14

Mazda 6 39

Mercedes-Benz E300 20

Mercedes-Benz E220 20

Mercedes-Benz GL350 46

Mercedes-Benz ML350 47

Make Model PageMercedes-Benz S350L 11

Mercedes-Benz S300 BlueTec Hybrid 11

Mercedes-Benz Viano 28

Nissan Leaf 42

Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 42

Peugeot 508 39

Peugeot 5008 32

Porsche Cayenne 48

Porsche Panamera 15

Range Rover Sport 49

Range Rover Vogue 46

Seat Alhambra 31

Seat Leon ST 43

Seat Toledo 41

Skoda Octavia 41

Skoda Rapid 41

Skoda Superb 39

SsangYong Turismo 31

Tesla S 23

Toyota Auris Touring 43

Toyota Avensis 40

Toyota Prius 42

Toyota Prius + 30

Vauxhall Insignia 40

Vauxhall Zafira 33

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer 32

Volkswagen Caravelle 28

Volkswagen Phaeton 15

Volkswagen Passat 40

Volkswagen Sharan 30

Volvo S80 20

Volvo V60 hybrid 43

Volvo V70 20

Volvo XC70 48

// Contents //

EDITORMark Bursa [email protected] 858575

ART DIRECTORAlan Booth [email protected] 0208 1233271

WHOLE LIFE COSTS—DATAStewart Whyte, Fleet Audits Ltd [email protected]

PHOTOGRAPHYMike Valente 07818 418211

WEBSITEMartin Coombs 01959 547000

PUBLISHERPaul Webb [email protected] Tel: 01959 547003

SALES01959 [email protected]

CIRCULATION/SUBSCRIBECurwood CMS Ltd, The Barn, Abbey Mews Robertsbridge, TN32 5AD 01580 883844 [email protected]

ACCOUNTSJanine Derbyshire 01959 547000 [email protected]

EVENTS COORDINATORStephanie Wooden 01959 547000 [email protected]

COMPANYManaging Director Scott Derbyshire, 01959 547000 [email protected] Prodriver Media Ltd 1 The Courtyard, Market Square, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1AZ—Registered in England No.: 7086172

© 2014 All contents copyright of Pro Driver Media Ltd.

BePOB connects professional drivers with each other.

BePOB is a place for trade professionals only, to interact, connect and share work.

Why join BePOB?

■ A trade-only community to share work■ Interact and connect with

operators across the UK■ We don’t take commission

on any jobs you do■ 20% discount at

Kwik Fit nationally■ TFL approved

■ Free until September 1st 2014

You must check you comply with your current licensing authority regulations. Only operators may register to the system. Check with your licensing authority for information visit www.BePOB.com or phone 01634823342

www.BePOB.com

Chauffeur Cars tested ..............................10-15 Whole life cost table ..........................................16executive Cars tested ...............................20-23 Whole life cost table ..........................................26MPVs and minivans tested ....................28-33 Whole life cost table ..........................................36Private Hire Cars tested ..........................38-43 Whole life cost table ..........................................44luxury SUVs tested ....................................46-49 Whole life cost table ..........................................50

Preview—2015 and beyond New models on the way .............................53-54

Chauffeur Programmes Audi .........................................................................56 Jaguar ....................................................................57 BMW ......................................................................58 Mercedes-Benz .....................................................60 Volvo .......................................................................61

ReVieWS & daTa

Fuel consumption for the Volvo Range in MPG (l/100 km): Urban 18.6 (15.2) – 74.3 (3.8), Extra Urban 34.9 (8.1) – 91.1 (3.1), Combined 26.4 (10.7) – 155.2 (1.8). CO2 emissions 249 – 48g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results.

* Terms and conditions apply.

VOLVO CAR LEASING

A programme drivenby chauffeursWe’ve listened to chauffeurs like you to create a flexible and convenient package that puts you in the driver’s seat.

Our luxurious Volvo V70 estate is now available to order with the new Drive-E D4 powertrain. Achieving up to 67.3 mpg with emissions of just 117g/km CO2 (109g/km CO2 for the manual) and impressive 181 hp, you can enjoy incredible efficiency without compromising power.

Visit volvocars.co.uk/chauffeur for our latest offers or to book your 72-hour test drive with your local chauffeur specialist.

The Volvo Chauffeur Programme includes:

• Choice of new and selected used chauffeur-spec cars

• Up to 150,000 miles over 3 years with fully maintained or non maintained contract hire options from Volvo Car Leasing

• A selection of flexible finance offers from Ethos Finance

• While-you-wait servicing at specialist chauffeur business centres across the country

• City Safety technology and a front-facing RoadHawk HD camera as standard

• 12 months’ fully licensed replacement vehicle cover from Proximo*

VOLVOCHAUFFEURPROGRAMME

BY CHAUFFEURS. FOR CHAUFFEURS.

81276_VCUK_Chauffeur_V70_Update_A4_ad.indd 1 15/07/2014 15:39


// Chauffeur Cars //

T he current generation was launched in late 2008, and last year it

received a subtle but highly effective facelift. Cosmetic changes included LED lighting and redesigned front air intakes, but the V6 turbodiesel received a significant boost in fuel economy, with quoted combined-cycle consumption now a phenomenal 50.4mpg, a 30% improvement on the 2009 model.

There’s also a new gearbox, with eight speeds instead of six. Not only is this smoother, it also allows better matching of revs, so upshifts happen faster, thus burning less diesel. Stop/Start is now standard.

A new ECO PRO driving

mode retunes the whole car for maximum economy at the expense of performance. You’d have to drive constantly in ECO PRO mode to achieve the quoted 50mpg, and that would not be the most pleasant experience for the chauffeur, as the car is markedly less enjoyable to drive with ECO PRO’s more sluggish response.

Controls are simple, and the dashboard is remarkably uncluttered with buttons and switches. Instead, you get plenty of technology, including a jet fighter-style head-up display projected on to the windscreen. Most other information uses the large 10.2in widescreen high-resolution sat-nav

screen. Other features include a rear parking camera, with guidance lines to assist parking, and very impressive side-facing cameras, activated by pushing a button on the centre console.

Rear passenger comfort is excellent, with plenty of legroom. The seating position feels high—you can see above the front seat head rests—and yet there is still plenty of headroom. We liked the moveable wedge-shaped footrests too. A small gripe is the shape of the rear boot space. This is a useful 500 litres, but the space is deep and long, and not ideal for standard suitcases, as the boot lid hinges take up a fair amount of the potential space.

BY THE NUMBERSEnginE 3.0-litre 24v straight-six turbodiesel

Transmission 8-speed auto, rear-wheel drive

powEr 258bhp at 4,000rpm

TorquE 560nm at 1,500rpm

CombinEd fuEl EConomy 50.4mpg

Co2 Emissions 148g/km

lEngTh 5,219mm

widTh 1,902mm

hEighT 1,487mm

whEElbasE 3,210mm

luggagE volumE 500 litres

warranTy 3 years/unlimited mileage

vEd band f

T he audi a8L stiLL uses advanced all-aluminium spaceframe construction

that is very light compared to the more conventional steel monocoques of the S-Class and 7-Series. It received a facelift in late 3013.

Cosmetic changes are confined to trim and lighting details, which add to the external appeal of the car. Under the bonnet, Audi has tweaked its 3.0-litre turbodiesel to bring down CO2 emissions from 169g/km to 158g/km, while cranking up the mpg from 44.1mpg to 47.1mpg.

The improved fuel economy of the new A8L means the Audi A8 line-up is now all-Quattro, and the front-wheel drive, non-Quattro

version has gone. Audi says this is because four-wheel drive has been its strongest selling point in recent bad winters, and the Quattro version now matches the front-drive model in terms of fuel economy.

Boot space of 510 litres is 10 litres greater than the BMW 7-series. The space is more usable—our test suitcases comfortably sat side-by-side in the boot—something that wasn’t possible in the 7-series. The dashboard design remains clean and simple. The retractable sat-nav screen pops into place once you hit the start button.

Xenon headlamps are standard spec on all V6-engined A8s, but new matrix LED headlights are an

option. These react to other vehicles and dip precisely, so an oncoming car isn’t dazzled, while the rest of the road remains illuminated.

Through its chauffeur programme, Audi is keen to get your business. Without any extras, the A8L 3.0TDI SE costs £61,495. But discounts can be had—up to 15% for chauffeurs, including dealer offers. That means you can get a new A8L for around £45,000 or so—a hefty saving.

Audi back-up is excellent, with licensed replacement cars promised anywhere in the UK for non-accident vehicle off-road situations—something that Audi only had to do about six times last year.

BY THE NUMBERSEnginE 3.0l v6 turbodiesel

Transmission 8-speed Tiptronic auto, 4wd

powEr 258ps at 4,000-4,250rpm

TorquE 580nm at 1,750-2,500rpm




lEngTh 5,265mm

widTh 1,949 mm

hEighT 1,460 mm

whEElbasE 3,122mm

warranTy 3 years/60,000 miles

vEd band g

AuDi A8L 3.0TDI SE Quattro Tiptronic

BMW 730Ld SE

ProDriver Tested

36.3mpg / 32mph

march 2014

ProDriver Tested

33.4mpg / 32mph

may 2014

PRODRIVERmAgS.cOm | AUGUST 2014 11


D oes the new s-cLass live up to the hype? It looks very different to the

old model—the bigger, bolder grille gives real frontal presence, while the more streamlined tail makes the car look smaller from the front three-quarter angle.

However, the new S is actually bigger in just about every dimension.It’s also 100kg lighter than the old S-Class, and more aerodynamic. A major weight saving comes through a switch to LED lighting throughout the car.

The most spectacular feature remains the interior, with its large twin screens and subtle mood lighting. The dashboard has no

analogue dials at all—it’s basically two 12in screens side by side, one carrying digital speedometer, rev counter and trip information, the other an impressively clear map, together with other selectable information. Meanwhile passengers in the rear can view separate information on the rear headrest-mounted screens.

The boot offers 510 litres of space, despite the hoop hinges, which are necessary for motorised opening and closing. The boot can be opened by kicking a foot under the rear of the car.

The S350L powertrain carries over largely unchanged from the old car, with the 3-litre six-cylinder

diesel and 7GTronic seven-speed auto box. CO2 emissions have been improved to 148g/km, down from 164g/km.

Driving dynamics are excellent, and the S350L feels super-safe, thanks to features such as Distronic Plus and Lane Departure correction systems. Air suspension is superb, though we knew that from the old-shape S.

Chauffeurs may increasingly follow the pattern of E-Class sales and opt for the S300 Bluetec Hybrid version, which uses the same powertrain as the E-Class hybrid and promises fuel economy in the 60s—achievable too, with careful driving.

BY THE NUMBERSEnginE 3.0-litre v6 turbodiesel

Transmission 7-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive






whEElbasE 3,165mm

lEngTh 5,246 mm

widTh 1,899mm

hEighT 1,496mm

warranTy 3 years, unlimited mileage

vEd band f

W hen Jaguar launched the XJL in 2009, it represented

the most radical of the “big four” chauffeur saloons. And the XJL is still a head-turner. Its striking looks give it the kind of visual impact that the big German three-box saloons don’t have.

The lower roofline does give the XJL slightly less rear headroom than its more conventional-shaped competitors. For the 2014 model year, however, Jaguar has set about improving the XJ, concentrating especially on squeezing a bit more rear-seat space out of the streamlined shape. XJL now has a 13mm increase in headroom—not a

huge amount, but noticeable.Improved features include a

specially re-tuned rear suspension set-up to enhance rear seat ride comfort. Under the bonnet an eight-speed gearbox replaces the old six-speed, so economy has been improved to 44.8mpg combined from 39.2mpg on the 2009 original.

The digital dashboard was novel in 2009, and it hasn’t changed. However, such is the pace of change in car interior design that it’s actually starting to look a little old-fashioned, especially compared to the new S-Class.

The large, 8in satnav screen does more than manage many of the XJ’s functions, including climate

control, audio, communications and navigation. It has dual-view technology, which allows the driver and front passenger to look at different content on the same screen. For example, the passenger can watch a DVD, while the driver views the satnav. The sat-nav system is starting to show its age. The touch-screen functionality is OK on the Jaguar, but we prefer physical input devices.

The boot aperture is wide but slightly odd-shaped, and the boot is deep but rather narrow, which might limit loadability. However it does have 520 litres of space and is wide enough to accommodate our test cases side-by-side.



powEr 275ps at 4,000rpm





ovErall lEngTh 5,252mm

ovErall hEighT 1,457mm

ovErall widTh 1,899mm

whEElbasE 3,157mm

vEd band h


JAGuAR XJL 3.0D Portfolio

MERCEDES-BENZ S350L BlueTEC SE Line

ProDriver Tested

34.5mpg / 33mph

may 2014

ProDriver Tested

33.6mpg / 30mphFeb 2014

Arrive feeling like you’ve just left. When you’re on the road day after day, the little things can make all the difference. The depth of the seats, the height of the arm rests, the feel of the buttons, the smell of the leather. They’re the little things that can help make a 4 hour journey feel like you’re just nipping out for a coffee. It’s business travel, by Audi.

To discover more about the Audi Chauffeur Programme, call 01908 601811 or visit audi.co.uk/chauffeur

Official fuel consumption figures for the Audi range in mpg (l/100km) from: Urban 12.7 (22.2) – 64.2 (4.4), Extra Urban 26.4 (10.7) – 83.1 (3.4), Combined 19.0 (14.9) – 74.3 (3.8). CO2 emissions: 349 – 99g/km. Standard EU Test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.

20907368_Shard_&_Stonehenge_Fleet_297x420_v2.indd 1 26/06/2014 17:06



M aserati is a bit-part player in the UK at the moment, selling just

300 cars last year. But its owner, Fiat-Chrysler, has ambitions to expand its sales massively in the next few years and is projecting a tenfold increase in the UK to 3,000 in 2016.

New sports cars and a Porsche Cayenne-rivalling SUV are on the agenda, and Maserati is also aiming to rival Porsche in the luxury sports saloon market with the new Maserati Quattroporte Diesel, launched last year, and since joined by the smaller Ghibli four-door saloon.

Ghibli will compete in the BMW 5-series/Mercedes E-Class sector,

while Quattroporte is being pitched as a serious rival to the likes of S-Class and 7-series. And it’s an impressive effort too. Not quite as refined or roomy as a LWB German chauffeur limo, but a practical luxury car with a considerable “wow factor”.

Rear legroom has been increased by 117mm over the previous-generation Quattroporte and two different rear seat configurations are available: a three-seater bench with fold-down centre armrest, or a two-seat layout with a fixed centre console. The three-seat layout gives better flexibility, but we’d go for the individual seats to emphasise the exclusive nature of the car.

Fuel economy and environmental performance look acceptable, though we’ve yet to give the Quattroporte a full Professional Driver road test. The powertrain has been outsourced—the 3.0-litre engine is supplied by Italian diesel specialist VM Motori, while the 8-speed auto box is from German gearbox kings ZF. It’s the same installation as in the Ghibli—where it feels torquey and sporty, if a little less smooth than the mainstream luxury Germans.

Engine noise is more pronounced—and it’s meant to be. In Sport mode, the engine note is actually amplified to make the car sound more like a performance car.



max powEr 275bhp

max TorquE 600nm at 2,000-2,600rpm




lEngTh 5,262 mm

widTh 1,948 mm

hEighT 1,481 mm

whEElbasE 3,171 mm


vEd band g

W hen Lexus launched the LS600hL hybrid

limousine in 2007, it looked like a game-changer. Ultra-luxury, coupled with a clean, green, hybrid powertrain and supposedly legendary Toyota reliability. Add in an excellent chauffeur programme with keen discounts and you’ve got a compelling package. What could possibly go wrong? Unfortunately, the LS600hL has never delivered on its early promise. Special “chauffeur editions” of the hybrid and the non-hybrid petrol-engined LS460 model were axed, along with Lexus’ Chauffeur Programme, in 2010.

And since 2007, nearly all Lexus’

rivals have refreshed their model ranges, focusing on economical 3.0-litre diesel engines, with the benchmark for fuel economy now set at 50mpg-plus. The petrol-electric hybrid powertrain in the LS600hL can’t match a V6 diesel for fuel economy or CO2 emissions.

A more fundamental problem has really hampered sales of the LS600hL in the chauffeur sector. The hybrid drivetrain battery pack sits behind the rear passenger seats, restricting boot space. The most recent facelift has improved this from 330 to 420 litres, but it’s still very tight. Three or four big suitcases? Forget it.

Having said that, the technology on the LS600hL is still impressive.

The impact of experiencing such a large and imposing car moving off silently, under electric power, is still a thrill. And on the road, the way the hybrid drive works remains a thing of wonder. The engine silently kicks in once you’re under way, but only revs above 1,000rpm when you give the accelerator a kick.

The LS600hL is an excellent car, bristling with some mightily impressive technology. And the interior build quality and materials are superlative—close to Bentley/Rolls-Royce territory. But high purchase price, uncompetitive fuel economy and that restricted boot will continue to hold the car back in the chauffeuring market.

BY THE NUMBERSEnginE 6.0-litre v8 petrol, 650v electric motor

Transmission E-CvT with permanent four-wheel drive

powEr 389bhp (petrol); 221bhp (electric); 439bhp combined

TorquE 520nm (petrol); 300nm (electric)




lEngTh 5,210mm

hEighT 1,480mm

widTh 1,875mm

whEElbasE 3,090mm

warranTy 3 years / 60,000 miles

vEd band J

LEXuS LS600hL

MASERAti Quattroporte

ProDriver Tested

24.3mpg / 30mph

Jan. 2011

W hen VoLkswagen first unveiled the Phaeton back in

2003, it raised many eyebrows. Why would VW Group launch into a sector where it was already well represented with the Audi A8?

VW argued BMW and Mercedes were making inroads to VW’s heartland with their 1-series and A-Class models, so why shouldn’t VW move into their luxury saloon territory? Around this time, VW had also acquired Bentley and the new Continental platform was ideal for making the Phaeton a reality.

But Phaeton has never really captured the market’s imagination. There is still a gap in perception

between VW and the Audi, Mercedes and BMW brands, although the chauffeur sector has certainly found the Phaeton was up to the task. Indeed, by 2003 standards, it was as good as anything on the market.

There was a facelift in 2011 facelift with a redesigned front end including LED lights and some interior improvements. But 11 years into its life, Phaeton is starting to show its age. For example, the sat-nav is really starting to look very old-fashioned in the company of the S-Class.

The car is wide and spacious. That Bentley platform means there’s no shortage of elbow room,

and with the rear armrest stashed, the Phaeton is probably the best in its class if you regularly need to get three people in the back. And even on the SWB car, there’s a lot of leg room. The boot space is excellent, and the Phaeton retains telescopic boot lid hinges rather than intrusive ‘hoops’ that eat up space.

On the road, handling is solid thanks to 4Motion, VW’s version of Quattro four-wheel drive, and air suspension. In comfort mode, it’s very smooth—perhaps not quite as smooth as an S-class, but very close. The auto box only has six speeds, though—most rivals now have eight, which compromises fuel economy.


Transmission 6-speed Tiptronic automatic

max powEr 240ps at 4,000rpm

max TorquE 500nm at 1,500rpm




lEngTh 5,059mm

widTh 1,903mm

hEighT 1,450mm

whEElbasE 2,881mm


vEd band K

In the 21st century, car manufacturers no longer stick to their core products. It’s

all about finding new niches, and Porsche has been pretty good at that, first with the Cayenne sports-utility, and now with the Panamera four-door coupe.

The Panamera Diesel is a proper chauffeur saloon that you can use day in, day out. Its Audi-designed 3.0-litre V6 diesel means fuel economy and CO2 emissions are right in among the class-leaders, and of the main rivals, only the Jaguar XJL offers even close to the “wow!” factor of turning up in a Porsche.

Panamera is a remarkably useful

transporter of people and their luggage. The rear seats are mounted quite low in the car, which helps maximise headroom. And the rear legroom is on a par with a standard-wheelbase XJ or Audi A8 rather than an LWB model. Scalloped front seat backs give some extra knee clearance too.It’s not designed to carry three in the back—instead there are two bucket seats with a large central armrest, containing climate controls and storage.

The hatchback-accessed boot has a not unreasonable 440 litres of space. It’s a little shallow, and noticeably smaller than, say, a Jaguar XJL with 520 litres, but it can easily take a couple

of large suitcases.On the road, diesel gives a

lovely, low growl that becomes less noticeable as you accelerate up to cruising speed. It’s not quite as pokey as you’d expect, but the power delivery is smooth and the eight-speed gearbox gives imperceptible changes. The gearing is very long-legged –the Panamera is very calm and unflustered at cruising speed. You’ll need to set the softest ride option—in ‘sport’ mode, the ride can be harsh.

We tested the original 250bhp diesel—2014 facelift versions have an increase in power to 296bhp, as well as much-needed improvement to the sat-nav system.


Transmission 8-speed Tiptronic auto, rear-wheel drive

powEr 250bhp at 3,800-4,400rpm





lEngTh 5,015mm

widTh 1,931mm

hEighT 1,418mm

whEElbasE 2,920mm


vEd band h

PoRSChE Panamera Diesel 3.0 V6

VW Phaeton 3.0 V6 TDI 4Motion

ProDriver Tested

37.2mpg / 32mph

Jan. 2012

ProDriver Tested

27mpg / 30mph

June 2011



M aserati is a bit-part player in the UK at the moment, selling just

300 cars last year. But its owner, Fiat-Chrysler, has ambitions to expand its sales massively in the next few years and is projecting a tenfold increase in the UK to 3,000 in 2016.

New sports cars and a Porsche Cayenne-rivalling SUV are on the agenda, and Maserati is also aiming to rival Porsche in the luxury sports saloon market with the new Maserati Quattroporte Diesel, launched last year, and since joined by the smaller Ghibli four-door saloon.

Ghibli will compete in the BMW 5-series/Mercedes E-Class sector,

while Quattroporte is being pitched as a serious rival to the likes of S-Class and 7-series. And it’s an impressive effort too. Not quite as refined or roomy as a LWB German chauffeur limo, but a practical luxury car with a considerable “wow factor”.

Rear legroom has been increased by 117mm over the previous-generation Quattroporte and two different rear seat configurations are available: a three-seater bench with fold-down centre armrest, or a two-seat layout with a fixed centre console. The three-seat layout gives better flexibility, but we’d go for the individual seats to emphasise the exclusive nature of the car.

Fuel economy and environmental performance look acceptable, though we’ve yet to give the Quattroporte a full Professional Driver road test. The powertrain has been outsourced—the 3.0-litre engine is supplied by Italian diesel specialist VM Motori, while the 8-speed auto box is from German gearbox kings ZF. It’s the same installation as in the Ghibli—where it feels torquey and sporty, if a little less smooth than the mainstream luxury Germans.

Engine noise is more pronounced—and it’s meant to be. In Sport mode, the engine note is actually amplified to make the car sound more like a performance car.



max powEr 275bhp

max TorquE 600nm at 2,000-2,600rpm




lEngTh 5,262 mm

widTh 1,948 mm

hEighT 1,481 mm

whEElbasE 3,171 mm


vEd band g

W hen Lexus launched the LS600hL hybrid

limousine in 2007, it looked like a game-changer. Ultra-luxury, coupled with a clean, green, hybrid powertrain and supposedly legendary Toyota reliability. Add in an excellent chauffeur programme with keen discounts and you’ve got a compelling package. What could possibly go wrong? Unfortunately, the LS600hL has never delivered on its early promise. Special “chauffeur editions” of the hybrid and the non-hybrid petrol-engined LS460 model were axed, along with Lexus’ Chauffeur Programme, in 2010.

And since 2007, nearly all Lexus’

rivals have refreshed their model ranges, focusing on economical 3.0-litre diesel engines, with the benchmark for fuel economy now set at 50mpg-plus. The petrol-electric hybrid powertrain in the LS600hL can’t match a V6 diesel for fuel economy or CO2 emissions.

A more fundamental problem has really hampered sales of the LS600hL in the chauffeur sector. The hybrid drivetrain battery pack sits behind the rear passenger seats, restricting boot space. The most recent facelift has improved this from 330 to 420 litres, but it’s still very tight. Three or four big suitcases? Forget it.

Having said that, the technology on the LS600hL is still impressive.

The impact of experiencing such a large and imposing car moving off silently, under electric power, is still a thrill. And on the road, the way the hybrid drive works remains a thing of wonder. The engine silently kicks in once you’re under way, but only revs above 1,000rpm when you give the accelerator a kick.

The LS600hL is an excellent car, bristling with some mightily impressive technology. And the interior build quality and materials are superlative—close to Bentley/Rolls-Royce territory. But high purchase price, uncompetitive fuel economy and that restricted boot will continue to hold the car back in the chauffeuring market.

BY THE NUMBERSEnginE 6.0-litre v8 petrol, 650v electric motor

Transmission E-CvT with permanent four-wheel drive

powEr 389bhp (petrol); 221bhp (electric); 439bhp combined

TorquE 520nm (petrol); 300nm (electric)




lEngTh 5,210mm

hEighT 1,480mm

widTh 1,875mm

whEElbasE 3,090mm

warranTy 3 years / 60,000 miles

vEd band J

LEXuS LS600hL

MASERAti Quattroporte

ProDriver Tested

24.3mpg / 30mph

Jan. 2011

W hen VoLkswagen first unveiled the Phaeton back in

2003, it raised many eyebrows. Why would VW Group launch into a sector where it was already well represented with the Audi A8?

VW argued BMW and Mercedes were making inroads to VW’s heartland with their 1-series and A-Class models, so why shouldn’t VW move into their luxury saloon territory? Around this time, VW had also acquired Bentley and the new Continental platform was ideal for making the Phaeton a reality.

But Phaeton has never really captured the market’s imagination. There is still a gap in perception

between VW and the Audi, Mercedes and BMW brands, although the chauffeur sector has certainly found the Phaeton was up to the task. Indeed, by 2003 standards, it was as good as anything on the market.

There was a facelift in 2011 facelift with a redesigned front end including LED lights and some interior improvements. But 11 years into its life, Phaeton is starting to show its age. For example, the sat-nav is really starting to look very old-fashioned in the company of the S-Class.

The car is wide and spacious. That Bentley platform means there’s no shortage of elbow room,

and with the rear armrest stashed, the Phaeton is probably the best in its class if you regularly need to get three people in the back. And even on the SWB car, there’s a lot of leg room. The boot space is excellent, and the Phaeton retains telescopic boot lid hinges rather than intrusive ‘hoops’ that eat up space.

On the road, handling is solid thanks to 4Motion, VW’s version of Quattro four-wheel drive, and air suspension. In comfort mode, it’s very smooth—perhaps not quite as smooth as an S-class, but very close. The auto box only has six speeds, though—most rivals now have eight, which compromises fuel economy.


Transmission 6-speed Tiptronic automatic

max powEr 240ps at 4,000rpm





lEngTh 5,059mm

widTh 1,903mm

hEighT 1,450mm

whEElbasE 2,881mm


vEd band K

In the 21st century, car manufacturers no longer stick to their core products. It’s

all about finding new niches, and Porsche has been pretty good at that, first with the Cayenne sports-utility, and now with the Panamera four-door coupe.

The Panamera Diesel is a proper chauffeur saloon that you can use day in, day out. Its Audi-designed 3.0-litre V6 diesel means fuel economy and CO2 emissions are right in among the class-leaders, and of the main rivals, only the Jaguar XJL offers even close to the “wow!” factor of turning up in a Porsche.

Panamera is a remarkably useful

transporter of people and their luggage. The rear seats are mounted quite low in the car, which helps maximise headroom. And the rear legroom is on a par with a standard-wheelbase XJ or Audi A8 rather than an LWB model. Scalloped front seat backs give some extra knee clearance too.It’s not designed to carry three in the back—instead there are two bucket seats with a large central armrest, containing climate controls and storage.

The hatchback-accessed boot has a not unreasonable 440 litres of space. It’s a little shallow, and noticeably smaller than, say, a Jaguar XJL with 520 litres, but it can easily take a couple

of large suitcases.On the road, diesel gives a

lovely, low growl that becomes less noticeable as you accelerate up to cruising speed. It’s not quite as pokey as you’d expect, but the power delivery is smooth and the eight-speed gearbox gives imperceptible changes. The gearing is very long-legged –the Panamera is very calm and unflustered at cruising speed. You’ll need to set the softest ride option—in ‘sport’ mode, the ride can be harsh.

We tested the original 250bhp diesel—2014 facelift versions have an increase in power to 296bhp, as well as much-needed improvement to the sat-nav system.


Transmission 8-speed Tiptronic auto, rear-wheel drive

powEr 250bhp at 3,800-4,400rpm





lEngTh 5,015mm

widTh 1,931mm

hEighT 1,418mm

whEElbasE 2,920mm


vEd band h

PoRSChE Panamera Diesel 3.0 V6

VW Phaeton 3.0 V6 TDI 4Motion

ProDriver Tested

37.2mpg / 32mph

Jan. 2012

ProDriver Tested

27mpg / 30mph

June 2011


// Chauffeur Cars // Whole Life Costs //

BMW 730Ld SE 258 4dr ........................................................3.0...........50.4 ............148 ...........£61,375 ................14% ............£52,858 .......... (£4,900) ............£47,958 ...........£12,125 ............£6,475 .................£616 .........£19,025 ..........£86,199 ............£2,394 57.5

aUdi A8L TDI quattro SE LWB 258 4dr ..........................3.0............47.1 .............158 ..........£62,770 ................14% ............£54,057 .......... (£5,200) ...........£48,857 ............£9,675 ............£6,650 ................£765 .........£20,350 ..........£86,297 ............£2,397 57.5

JagUar XJL V6 Diesel Luxury LWB 275 4dr .......................3.0...........44.8 ............167 ..........£59,980 ................10% ............£54,057 .......... (£6,700) ............£47,357 ..........£12,200 ............£6,825 .................£961 ......... £21,400 ..........£88,743 ............£2,465 59.2

aUdi A8L TDI quattro SE Executive LWB 258 4dr ......3.0............47.1 .............158 ..........£65,375 ................14% ............£56,298 .......... (£5,300) ...........£50,998 ............£9,750 ............£6,925 ................£765 .........£20,350 .........£88,788 ............£2,466 59.2

MerCedeS-Benz S350 BlueTec L SE Line 258 Auto 4dr ..................3.0...........50.4 ............148 ..........£65,905 ................13% ..............£57,412 ...........(£7,200) ............£50,212 ..........£12,050 ............£7,250 .................£616 .........£19,025 ..........£89,153 ............ £2,476 59.4

VolkSWagen Phaeton V6 TDI 245 4MOTION SWB 4dr.........3.0...........32.2 ............224 ..........£55,055 ................15% ............£46,872 .......... (£2,500) ...........£44,372 .............£8,150 ............£5,550 .............£1,579 .........£29,775 .........£89,426 ............£2,484 59.6

BMW 730Ld SE Exclusive 258 4dr .....................................3.0...........50.4 ............148 ..........£65,070 ................14% ............£56,035 .......... (£5,050) ...........£50,985 ..........£12,225 ............£6,850 .................£616 .........£19,025 ..........£89,701 ............£2,492 59.8

VolkSWagen Phaeton V6 TDI 245 4MOTION LWB 4dr .........3.0...........32.2 ............224 ............£57,615 ................15% ............£49,048 .......... (£2,800) ...........£46,248 ............£8,200 ............£5,825 .............£1,579 .........£29,775 ..........£91,627 ............£2,545 61.1

MerCedeS-Benz S300 BlueTec Hybrid L AMG Line 204 Auto 4dr .....2.2............61.4 ............120 ..........£72,260 .................11% ............£64,386 .......... (£6,775) .............£57,611 ..........£12,325 ............£8,000 ...................£96 ...........£17,125 ...........£95,157 ............£2,643 63.4

PorSCHe Panamera D 250 Auto 4dr .......................................3.0...........44.8 ............166 ..........£62,922 ..................6%..............£59,222 ...........(£7,250) ............£51,972 ..........£13,500 .............£7,475 .................£961 ......... £21,400 .........£95,308 ............£2,647 63.5

MerCedeS-Benz S400 Hybrid L SE Line 306 Auto 4dr ...................3.5...........44.8 ............147 ..........£69,895 .................11% ............£62,282 ...........(£6,875) ...........£55,407 ..........£12,250 .............£7,775 .................£616 .........£23,450 .........£99,498 ............£2,764 66.3

MaSerati Quattroporte V6 Diesel Auto 4dr ..........................3.0...........45.6 ............163 ..........£69,235 ..................5%..............£65,848 .......... (£6,200) ...........£59,648 ..........£13,775 ............ £8,100 ................£765 ......... £21,025 ........£103,313 ............£2,870 68.9

PorSCHe Panamera S E-Hybrid 4dr ..........................................3.0............91.1 ..............71............£88,967 ..................3%..............£86,373 .......... (£8,250) ............£78,123 ..........£14,625 .........£10,625 ......................£0 ..........£11,525 .......£114,898 .............£3,192 76.6

lexUS LS460 Luxury 387 4dr.................................................4.6...........26.4 ............249 .......... £71,995 ................10% .............£64,871 .......... (£8,000) ............£56,871 ..........£12,300 .............£8,175 ............£2,455 ..........£37,025 .......£116,826 ............£3,245 77.9

lexUS LS600h L Premier CVT Auto 4dr ............................5.0...........32.8 ............199 ..........£99,995 ..................8%..............£92,070 .......... (£9,000) ...........£83,070 ..........£13,325 ..........£11,350 .............£1,357 .........£32,050 .........£141,152 ............£3,921 94.1

ChauffeuR CaRS

I t’s tight at the top. running costs over three years and 150,000 miles are almost identical between the Audi A8L

[top] and BMW 730Ld [bottom], with the BMW coming out on top by a couple of quid a month.

The surprise is that the two main challengers to Mercedes-Benz S-Class’s dominance of the chauffeur car sector both retain a significant cost advantage over the most economical S350L. OK, a couple of pence per mile isn’t that great a saving, but in a competitive market, it’s worth having.

Why the advantage? The S-Class is still hot in the market, and discounts are hard to come by when supply is short. Now is certainly a good time to buy a rival product. That also includes the Jaguar XJL, which is a much more competitive product following its recent facelift, and now matches the S-Class in ppm costs.

The only significant competitor to the “big four” remains the Volkswagen Phaeton. Now more than a decade old, the VW flagship is starting to show its age, but it’s still a competitive package. It can’t match newer rivals in terms of fuel economy, but its lower purchase price makes it a competitive package.

“Lifestyle” luxury from Porsche and Maserati comes at more of a premium, though the diesel versions of Panamera and Quattroporte are not that far off the pace. Hybrids fare less well on whole-life costs—even the innovative Mercedes-Benz S300 Bluetec Hybrid, which carries a 4ppm penalty over the standard diesel S350L with equivalent trim.

The S400 petrol-electric hybrid is more expensive, while hybrids from Porsche and Lexus carry significant premiums, especially the LS600hL, whose prohibitive running costs take it out of the equation for most operators.

* Terms & Conditions apply. South Essex House, North Road, South Ockendon, Essex RM15 5BE. South Essex Insurance Brokers Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

No sat nav required for a competitive priceCall 0845 450 9269 or visit www.seib.co.uk

In association with Professional Driver magazine SEIB have put together a package of cover tailored for you – the professional driver

One phone number, one contact, one package but access

to many different insurers.

SEIB have over 35 years’ experience of providing insurance

for professional drivers. So why not let us do the hard work

for you and put a package together for your insurance?

COVER SPECIALLY ARRANGED FORTHE PROFESSIONAL DRIVER:

• Motor Insurance - Business and Pleasure with all the cover you need as a professional driver and for your private vehicles

• Household Insurance

• Breakdown cover

• Airside cover

• Loss Assistance Helpline

• Personal Accident including temporary disablement should you be injured and not able to work for a while

• Travel

• Gap Cover

Exclusively forreaders ofProfessional

DriverInsurance

SPECIAL OFFERSIntroductory and other discounts available, plus special rates for single vehicle operators.

Make your life easier - one monthly direct debit so one monthly instalment for all your insurance.

LUXURY FOR YOUR CLIENTS. A NECESSITY FOR YOUR BUSINESS.

The BMW Chauffeur Programme has been designed to offer more to professional drivers and passengers alike. And now, thanks to the BMW 7 Series and BMW 7 Series Exclusive models, you can experience advanced technology and even more luxury. But less, thankfully, when it comes to running costs. The BMW 730Ld SE Saloon for example delivers 50.4mpg (combined) and CO2 emissions of just 148g/km, while providing luxury as standard with four-zone air conditioning, BMW Professional Navigation System and Bluetooth connectivity. So not only does this elegant BMW flagship look the business, it also enhances it.

For further information on the BMW Chauffeur Programme, please visit www.bmw.co.uk/chauffeur

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW 730Ld SE Saloon: Urban 41.5mpg (6.8l/100km). Extra Urban 57.6mpg (4.9l/100km). Combined 50.4mpg (5.6l/100km). CO2 emissions 148g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.*Offers available to business users only. Figures exclude VAT. Price shown for a BMW 730Ld SE Saloon excludes VAT at 20% and is for a 36 month Contract Hire agreement plus £3,594 deposit, with a contract mileage of 30,000 miles and an excess mileage charge of 11.60 pence per mile. Subject to status and in the UK only (excl. the Channel Islands). Vehicle condition charges may apply at the end of your agreement. Individuals must be 18 or over. A guarantee may be required. The amount of VAT you can reclaim depends on your business VAT status. Rentals may change if VAT rate changes during agreement. Hire provided by BMW Group Corporate Finance. BMW Group Corporate Finance is a trading style of Alphabet (GB) Limited, Europa House, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 9UF. Offer expires 30 September 2014. †Test drive subject to applicant status and availability. BMW EfficientDynamics reduces BMW emissions without compromising performance developments and is standard across the model range.

THE BMW 730Ld SE SALOON FROM £599 PER MONTH (PLUS DEPOSIT)*.

30293_PD_DPS_PRESS_AD_7SERIES_v3.indd 1 24/07/2014 14:02

The BMW Chauffeur Programme

The Ultimate Driving Machine

30293_PD_DPS_PRESS_AD_7SERIES_v3.indd 2 24/07/2014 14:02


// Executive Cars //

The e-cLass is undoubtedly the workhorse of the chauffeur world, and it underlined its

market-leading position with a significant makeover in 2013 and the addition of a new model that is becoming the most popular pick—the E300 Bluetec Hybrid.

Chauffeurs who love the E-Class now have a dilemma. Stick with the tried-and-tested turbodiesel E220 and E250 models, or choose the diesel-electric E300 Bluetec Hybrid. It’s a tough choice, but many big fleets now seem to be heading down the hybrid route. Certainly, our test results saw a significant 7mpg improvement, which on high mileages should justify the extra purchase price—around £5,600 for SE spec.

The E-Class facelift is quite subtle. The original car was only launched in 2009, so it’s hardly ancient. But Mercedes has shifted its “design language” since then, and the design of the E-Class has been simplified. Retro-styled wheel arches on the rear doors have gone, as has the fussy four-headlamp treatment.

In its place is a smoother side profile, and a front grille and LED headlamp look that has come straight from the top-line Mercedes SLS supercar. To the annoyance of many chauffeurs, the traditional

Mercedes grille, with “gunsight” three-pointed star, seems to have been discontinued in the UK in favour of a “sport” grille with larger star integrated into the central brightwork.

The biggest changes are under the skin, where E-Class has received significant safety upgrades, featuring tech designed for the S-Class. A total of 11 separate new-tech “optimised assistance” features have been added, some of them standard on SE trim. These include automatic braking systems that detect stationary cars and even pedestrians; and an automatic lane-keeping assistant that automatically steers the car back into its correct lane.

The E220 is very much the benchmark car in the sector—there are roomier cars, such as BMW 520dGT, and there are cheaper cars, such as Volvo S80. But it’s still the dominant buy in most big chauffeur fleets.

The diesel engine is well isolated, though it does have a noticeable growl under strong acceleration. But at motorway cruising speed you’d hardly notice it was running. The E220 is lighter than the hybrid and feels more nimble, and more natural to drive due to the absence of brake regeneration systems. We’ve driven E250 as well—there really is almost no noticeable difference.

BY THE NUMBERSEnginE 2.1-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 20kw electric motor



TorquE 500nm at 1,600-1,800rpm, plus 250nm electric




lEngTh 4,879mm

widTh 1,854mm

hEighT 1,474mm

whEElbasE 2,874mm

warranTy 3-year unlimited mileage

vEd band b

MERCEDES-BENZ E300 Bluetec Hybrid SE 7G-Tronic Plus

ProDriver Test: E22039.8mpg /

30mphoct.2013

MERCEDES-BENZ E220 SE 7G-Tronic Plus

BY THE NUMBERSEnginE 2.1-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 20kw electric motor



TorquE 500nm at 1,600-1,800rpm, plus 250nm electric




lEngTh 4,879mm

widTh 1,854mm

hEighT 1,474mm

whEElbasE 2,874mm

warranTy 3-year unlimited mileage

vEd band b

ProDriver Test: E30046.3mpg / 32 mphoct.2013



A udi’s Latest weapon is the super-frugal Audi A6 Ultra, promising high levels of economy

and efficiency. Launched in March, A6 Ultra offers up to 64.2mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 114g/km, making it a serious rival to the Mercedes E300 Bluetec Hybrid without resorting to a complex battery-electric drivetrain.

Power comes via a new 2.0-litre diesel that replaces the previous 177PS unit, boosting power to 190PS and torque from 380Nm to 400Nm. It drives a seven-speed S-tronic twin-clutch transmission, which replaces the eight-speed multitronic CVT in four-cylinder models, giving a smoother gearchange. It’s front-drive—Ultra doesn’t feature Quattro.

There’s a lot to be said for sticking with SE trim, which offers a good sat-nav, leather seats and dual-zone air conditioning.

Standard kit also includes MMI Radio Plus with 6.5in retractable screen and DAB radio, sat-nav, light and rain sensors, cruise control and Audi parking system plus.

A6 Ultra comes as saloon or Avant estate, a stylish wagon with slightly greater rear headroom. For rear-seat comfort, only the BMW 5-series GT offers more in this

segment. The A6 is understated, but certainly competitive against the market-leading Mercedes E-class.

Don’t overlook the six-cylinder A6 3.0TDI. While it is slightly less fuel-efficient, we still scored good fuel economy figures of around 38mpg on test. And the 3.0TDI models come with Quattro all-wheel drive—handy for the winter.

EnginE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 7-speed dual clutch auto, front-wheel drivepowEr 190ps at 3,800-4,200rpmTorquE 400nm at 1,750-3,000rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 64.2mpgCo2 Emissions 114g/km luggagE volumE 530 litreslEngTh 4,915mmwidTh 1,874mmhEighT 1,455mm whEElbasE 2,912mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band C

AuDi A6 2.0 TDI Ultra SE 190 S-tronic

ProDriver Tested

47.3mpg / 26mph

July 2014

T he bMw 5-series gran Turismo is not the prettiest BMW, nor the most driveable.

But as an executive chauffeur car, it’s ideal, combining class-leading rear-seat comfort with a forgiving ride, a comfortable driving position and excellent, flexible loadspace. Initially sales were hampered as the 5GT only came with a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engine. But a 2.0-litre version joined the range in 2012.

Under the skin, the 5 GT uses the short-wheelbase 7-series platform. The body is taller than the 7-series—5GT rear headroom is the same as the X5 SUV. Big, wide rear doors open into a capacious cabin. The GT has a longer wheelbase than the 5-series saloon, and those extra millimetres all

contribute to rear legroom.It’s heavy, weighing more than 2.5

tonnes. But the 2-litre engine copes fine, and under normal driving it’s hard to tell

the difference between the 530d GT and the 520d GT. On the road, it’s typically smooth. There’s almost no engine noise, and engine revs are kept down thanks

to the near-seamless shifting 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The GT also has a ‘twindoor’ rear aperture, similar to the Skoda Superb, which means you can access the loadspace either through a traditional boot or a hatchback tailgate. There are two buttons on the boot lid—one flips up the boot; the other opens the substantial tailgate.

EnginE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drivepowEr 184bhp at 4,000rpmTorquE 380nm at 1,750rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 53.3mpgCo2 Emissions 139g/kmluggagE volumE 590 litreslEngTh 4,998mmwidTh 1,901mmhEighT 1,559mmwhEElbasE 3,070mmwarranTy 3 years/unlimited milesvEd band E

BMW 520d Gran Turismo SE

ProDriver Tested

36.0mpg / 31mph

Jan. 2013

S 80 is the car that’s doing the business for Volvo in the executive chauffeur sector. Many fleets have

turned to the S80 as a budget-conscious alternative to German brands—Volvo has the right amount of prestige to be recognised as a luxury nameplate, while retaining an understated appeal.

Volvo has also launched a radical chauffeur programme offering keen finance rates on much higher mileages. It’s based around S80 and its estate sister, the V70, which should definitely be on your shopping list if airport transfers are part of your regular work.

It’s been refreshed twice since replacing the original S80 in 2007. In 2013 a bolder grille, LED lighting, redesigned front and rear bumpers and classy chrome exterior highlights were added.

The 2010 overhaul gave softer seats and a new dashboard that replaced the fiddly old sat-nav. The new system is clear and easier to use. It has an always-visible

display mounted in a central cowl, at the same level as the primary dials. The instrument cluster has been upgraded, with a three-part digital

display replacing analogue dials.The other big recent change is the D4

four-cylinder diesel. This will replace the five-cylinder diesel as Volvo’s prime large-car oil-burner by the end of 2015. With manual transmission, the S80 D4 actually emits less CO2 than the entry-level D2, which uses a smaller 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel.

EnginE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 8-speed geartronic automatic, front-wheel drivepowEr 181ps at 4,250rpmTorquE 400nm at 1,750-3,000rpmfuEl EConomy 65.7mpg combinedCo2 Emissions 113g/kmluggagE volumE 480 litreslEngTh 4,854mmwidTh 1,861mmhEighT 1,493mmwhEElbasE 2,835mmwarranTy 3 years/ 60,000 milesvEd band C

VoLVo S80 D4 SE Lux Geartronic

ProDriver Tested

47.3mpg / 26mph

march 2014



T he originaL 2004 chrysLer 300C offered a combination of Bentley looks, Mercedes

technology and Ford Mondeo pricing. As a result, many chauffeurs traded in the E-classes for the big American muscle car.

Recently Chrysler has had its woes. Divorce from Daimler-Benz was followed by Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US. Now Chrysler is owned by Fiat, and Britain is the only European market to keep the Chrysler brand.

An all-new 300C was launched in 2012. It retains the looks and presence of the old car, but it’s effectively a new car, with new engines and a much more up-market feel to the interior. But Chrysler got the launch wrong, pitching the car at E-Class prices. It’s since slashed the

price, but sales have been slow.The new Chrysler 300C is a much-

improved car, especially inside the cabin. The dashboard design is distinctive and

seats are as comfortable as you’ll find, and the rear cabin is roomy and relaxing.

There’s a slight lack of refinement though. Ride is smooth, though

there’s no means of selecting different suspension settings. The default is probably closer to comfort than sport, though. And 300C only has a five-speed auto gearbox. Despite this, the ratios are well chosen, giving good low-speed acceleration and a long-legged top. The boot is bigger than the old 300C, but slightly awkwardly shaped.

EnginE 3.0-litre v6 turbodieselTransmission 5-speed automatic, rear-wheel drivepowEr 236bhp at 4,000 rpmTorquE 540nm at 1,600-2,800rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 39.2mpg Co2 Emissions 191g/kmluggagE volumE 481 litreslEngTh 5,066mmhEighT 1,488mmwidTh 1,902mmwhEElbasE 3,052mmwarranTy 3 years/ 60,000 milesvEd band J

ChRySLER Chrysler 300C Executive

ProDriver Tested

30.6mpg / 32mph

July 2012

T he Jaguar xf is a landmark car in Jaguar’s history—right up there

with the E-Type, Mk2 and original XJ6. It’s the car that dragged the big cat out of its tweedy past and rebooted it for the 21st century.

A 2012 mid-life refresh saw the addition of neater LED headlamps. And under the bonnet is now a more frugal four-cylinder 2.2-litre diesel. And most important of all, the Sportbrake estate joins four-door saloon in the line-up.

Crucially, the estate body addresses the main issues that have hampered sales of the XF in the executive chauffeuring sector, where it competes with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5-series and Audi A6. Luggage space access is much better through

the tailgate rather than the somewhat cramped saloon boot aperture.

And rear seat passengers now have an extra 48mm of headroom over the XF

saloon, and entry and exit from the rear cabin is greatly helped by a larger door aperture. Revised seats give more rear legroom—it’s still limited, though it’s

not nearly as bad as some say.The move to 2.2-litre power has done

little to dampen the XF’s driver appeal. The car feels perfectly balanced, stable under fast cornering, and while there’s less power than the 3.0-litre V6 diesel, acceleration out of corners is smooth and rapid. And the smaller engine gives a major improvement in fuel economy.

EnginE 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drivepowEr 163ps at 3,500rpmTorquE 400nm at 2,000rpmCo2 Emissions 139g/kmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 55.4mpgluggagE volumE 550 litreslEngTh 4,966mmhEighT 1,468mmwidTh 1,877mm whEElbasE 2,909mmwarranTy 3 years/ unlimited milesvEd band E

JAGuAR XF Sportbrake 2.2D 163PS Luxury

ProDriver Tested

38.7mpg / 28mph

Sept.2013

I nfiniti has rebadged its entire range, with all saloon models receiving “Q” designations.

So following the launch of the Q50 range last year, the larger M saloon has been rebadged Q70. It’s mech-anically unchanged since we tested it as the M30d.

Infiniti is part of the Renault-Nissan group, and the M30d is powered by a Renault-developed 3.0-litre diesel. This is a big, tall car with serious on-road presence and curvaceous, coke-bottle lines. The body is high-tech, too, using a lot of weight-saving aluminium.

There’s a high, commanding driving position. Seats are comfortable with good side support, and stitched-in Infiniti logos. The interior styling is distinctively curvy, especially around

the traditional analogue gauges of the dashboard. Standard specification level is very high too.

With 919 mm of legroom and 957mm

of headroom, the Q70 is one of the most spacious cars in its class. And the boot is good too, with 450 litres of space. There’s a petrol-electric hybrid as well,

which drives beautifully but suffers from a tiny boot thanks to the battery pack.

The main downside is operating economics. Fuel consumption is short of the 50mpg-plus offered by the latest German contenders. And CO2 emissions of 199g/km means it’s not the greenest, even if it does smell of pine thanks to the “forest air” air freshener!

EnginE 3.0-litre, v6 turbodieselTransmission 7-speed automatic, rear-wheel drivepowEr 238ps at 3,750rpmTorquE 550nm at 1,750rpmCo2 Emissions 199g/kmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 37.7mpgluggagE volumE 450 litreslEngTh 4,945mmhEighT 1,500mmwidTh 2,061mmwhEElbasE 2,900mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band J

iNfiNiti Q70 GT Premium

ProDriver Tested

34.0mpg / 30mphJan.2011



T he 5-series gran turisMo looks the prime choice as a BMW executive chauffeur

car––but the standard 5-Series is a key offering in BMW’s chauffeur programme. Why? Even with the arrival of the 520d GT, the entry-level price point for the 520d saloon is still more than £7,000 cheaper.

That’s why a number of big fleets have stuck with the saloon rather than the GT. The 520d saloon and Touring estate remain excellent cars, even though BMW’s focus on being a driver’s car make them less of an obvious choice for chauffeuring than, say, E-Class or A6.

There’s less rear-seat headroom and legroom than in the 520d GT. Nevertheless, the 5-series saloon is a more competent people-carrier than

some rivals. It’s roomier in the back than a Jaguar XF, comparable with a Volvo S80, and not far short of the benchmark, the Mercedes E-Class.

Surprisingly, the rear cabin of the saloon is wider from door to door than the GT, at 1,485mm against 1,466mm. What this adds up to is a more

comfortable environment in the GT for two rear passengers, but for three, the saloon wins, despite legroom and headroom compromise.

The lower driving position of the saloon does lead to a more engaging drive. Don’t forget that the 5-Series is really designed as an executive cruiser for a senior-level manager.

EnginE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 8-speed automatic, rear-drivepowEr 190bhp at 4,000rpmTorquE 400nm at 1,750rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 69.9mpgCo2 Emissions 109g/kmluggagE volumE 520 litreslEngTh 4,907mmwidTh 1,860mmhEighT 1,464mmwhEElbasE 2,968mmwarranTy 3 years/unlimited milesvEd band b

BMW 520d SE saloon

N ot one but two four-door saloons from the famous Italian marque. Smaller of

the two is the Ghibli. Priced from £48,830, it becomes the most affordable model in the current Maserati line up and will compete in the BMW 5-series/Mercedes E-Class sector.

It shares its powertrain with the larger Quattroporte. The 3.0-litre engine is supplied by Italian diesel specialist VM Motori, while the 8-speed auto box is from German supplier ZF. It feels torquey and sporty, if a little less smooth than the mainstream luxury Germans. It is nicely agile with rear-wheel drive and 50:50 weight distribution to satisfy the purists.

Styling is similar to the Quattroporte, although Ghibli is almost a foot shorter and slightly lower. Emissions of 158g/

km are on par with most of the direct competitors such as Jaguar XF diesel and BMW 5-Series.

Inside, the instrumentation is focused

on an 8.4in touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard with a secondary digital display sitting in between the speedo and rev counter. Switchgear is contemporary

and the cockpit is an Italian fashion statement with quality leather upholstery.

Head and leg room all round is surprisingly generous given the car’s sleek roofline while boot space at 500 litres is good enough to serve its grand touring qualities. Sat nav, active cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity are standard.

EnginE 3.0-litre v6 turbodieselTransmission 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drivemax powEr 275bhpmax TorquE 600nm at 2,000-2,600rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 47.8mpgCo2 Emissions 158g/km luggagE volumE 500 litreslEngTh 4,971 mmwidTh 1,945 mmhEighT 1,461 mmwhEElbasE 2,998 mmwarranTy 3 years/unlimited mileagevEd band g

MASERAti Ghibli Diesel

T he Much-anticipated tesLa S battery-electric saloon could revolutionise eco-chauffeuring,

as the American manufacturer claims it has a 312-mile-plus range on a single charge. Just launched in the UK in right-hand drive form, we’ve yet to put it through its paces.

It’s certainly roomy enough in the back for two adults, and the electric drivetrain means the Tesla S has two boots—one at the front and one at the rear, so there’s plenty of luggage space—894 litres in total.

The dashboard is a 17in touchscreen, and the car links to a dedicated iPhone app, through which owners can check on charging progress, start or stop charging, and heat up or cool down the car before driving.

UK prices for the Model S start at £50,280 on the road, including the £5,000 government plug-in grant. UK customers also benefit from zero road

tax, zero showroom tax, and exemption from London Congestion Charge. The car is also eligible until April 2015 for the 100% First Year Allowance for company

purchase and 0% percent Benefit in Kind.Tesla also opened the first

Supercharger fast-charge point, which can recharge the car to 50% range in 20 minutes in the UK at London’s Royal Victoria Docks. They are free to use for Model S customers. Tesla is looking at locations across the UK for more Superchargers over the next 18 months.

EnginE Three phase, four pole aC induction motorTransmission single-speed fixed gear, rear-wheel drivepowEr 382bhpTorquE 440nm at 0-5,900 rpmrangE 312 miles (nEdC with 85kwh battery)Co2 Emissions 0g/km luggagE volumE 895 litres (150 front, 745 rear)lEngTh 4,970mmwidTh 1,964mmhEighT 1,445mm whEElbasE 2,960mmwarranTy 4 years/50,000 milesvEd band a

tESLA S


// Executive Cars // Whole Life Costs //

VolVo S80 D2 SE Nav Start/Stop Powershift 4dr ..........1.6 ...........68.9 .............109 ..........£30,720 ................13% ............£26,801 .......... (£2,600) ............£24,201 ..........£10,625 ............£3,300 ...................£64 .........£13,900 .........£52,090 ............£1,447 34.7

aUdi A6 TDI ultra SE 190 4dr .............................................2.0...........62.8 ............117...........£30,985 .................12% .............£27,342 .......... (£2,550) ...........£24,792 .............£8,875 ............£3,350 ...................£96 ..........£15,275 .........£52,388 ............£1,455 34.9

VolVo S80 D4 SE Nav Start/Stop 4dr ................................2.0...........70.6 .............104 ..........£32,220 ................13% .............£28,106 .......... (£2,800) ...........£25,306 ..........£10,675 ............£3,475 ...................£64 .........£13,575 .........£53,095 ............£1,475 35.4

aUdi A6 TDI ultra SE 190 S tronic 4dr ............................2.0...........64.2 ............114 ...........£32,515 .................12% ............£28,688 .......... (£3,000) ...........£25,688 ............£8,900 ............£3,550 ...................£96 .........£14,925 ..........£53,159 .............£1,477 35.4

VolVo S80 D2 SE Lux Start/Stop Powershift 4dr ............1.6 ...........68.9 .............109 ..........£32,220 ................13% .............£28,106 .......... (£2,600) ...........£25,506 ..........£10,675 ............£3,450 ...................£64 .........£13,900 .........£53,595 ............£1,489 35.7

BMW 520d SE 190 4dr ...........................................................2.0...........65.7 ............114 ...........£31,965 ................13% .............£27,885 .......... (£3,250) ...........£24,635 ...........£11,150 ............£3,500 ...................£96 .........£14,600 ..........£53,981 ............£1,499 36.0

BMW 520d SE 190 Auto 4dr ................................................2.0...........68.9 ............109 ...........£33,515 ................13% ............£29,233 .......... (£3,600) ...........£25,633 ..........£11,200 ............£3,675 ...................£64 .........£13,900 ..........£54,472 .............£1,513 36.3

VolVo S80 D4 SE Lux Start/Stop 4dr ..................................2.0...........70.6 .............104 ..........£33,720 ................13% .............£29,411 .......... (£2,800) ............£26,611 ..........£10,725 ............£3,600 ...................£64 .........£13,575 ..........£54,575 .............£1,516 36.4

VolVo V70 D4 SE Nav Start/Stop 5dr ...............................2.0...........65.7 ............113 ...........£33,120 ................13% ............£28,889 .......... (£2,675) ............£26,214 ..........£10,675 ............£3,550 ...................£96 .........£14,600 ..........£55,135 ............£1,532 36.8

JagUar XF Sportbrake Diesel SE 163 5dr ............................2.2............57.7 ............129 ...........£31,945 .................11% ............£28,506 .......... (£3,900) ...........£24,606 ..........£11,200 ............£3,625 ................£352 .........£16,600 .........£56,383 ............£1,566 37.6

VolVo V70D4 SE Lux Start/Stop 5dr...................................2.0...........66.0 ............113 ..........£34,720 ................13% ............£30,281 .......... (£2,800) ............£27,481 ..........£10,750 ............£3,700 ...................£96 .........£14,600 ..........£56,627 ............£1,573 37.8

VolVo V70 D4 SE Nav Start/Stop Geartronic 5dr ........2.0...........62.8 ............117...........£34,670 ................13% ............£30,238 .......... (£2,725) .............£27,513 ..........£10,725 ............£3,700 ...................£96 ..........£15,275 ..........£57,309 ............£1,592 38.2

MerCedeS-Benz E220 CDI SE 170 7G-Tronic Plus 4dr ....................2.2............61.4 ............120 ..........£34,270 ................10% .............£30,918 .......... (£3,900) ............£27,018 ..........£11,050 ............£3,900 ...................£96 .........£15,600 ..........£57,664 ............£1,602 38.4

JagUar XF Sportbrake Diesel SE Business 163 5dr .........2.2............57.7 ............129 ..........£33,995 .................11% ............£30,331 .......... (£3,900) ...........£26,431 .......... £11,275 ............£3,850 ................£352 .........£16,600 .........£58,508 ............£1,625 39.0

aUdi A6 TDI SE 204 4dr .......................................................3.0...........53.3 ............139 ...........£35,215 .................12% .............£31,064 .......... (£3,800) ............£27,264 .............£8,975 ............£3,900 ................£553 ..........£17,975 ..........£58,667 ............£1,630 39.1

VolVo V70D4 SE Lux Start/Stop Geartronic 5dr ...........2.0...........63.0 ............117...........£36,270 ................13% .............£31,630 ...........(£2,875) ...........£28,755 ..........£10,825 ............£3,875 ...................£96 ..........£15,275 .........£58,826 ............£1,634 39.2

aUdi A6 TDI SE 204 multitronic 4dr ................................3.0...........55.4 ............133 ..........£36,745 .................12% .............£32,411 ...........(£3,875) ...........£28,536 ............£9,025 ............£4,075 ................£553 ..........£17,300 .........£59,489 ............£1,652 39.7

MerCedeS-Benz E250 CDI SE 204 7G-Tronic Plus 4dr ...................2.2............57.7 ............129 ..........£36,820 ................10% .............£33,213 .......... (£4,050) ............£29,163 ...........£11,150 .............£4,175 ................£352 .........£16,600 ..........£61,440 ............£1,707 41.0

teSla Model S Hatchback ......................................................0.0.............0.0 ................0 .............£49,900 ..................2%..............£48,977 .......... (£6,000) ...........£42,977 ..........£12,500 .............£6,175 ......................£0 .....................£0 ..........£61,652 .............£1,713 41.1

BMW 520d Gran Turismo SE 184 Auto 5dr ...................2.0............51.4 ............144 ..........£38,045 .................12% ............£33,555 .......... (£4,775) ...........£28,780 ...........£11,375 ............£4,300 .................£616 .........£18,650 ..........£63,721 ............£1,770 42.5

MerCedeS-Benz E300 BlueTEC Hybrid SE 204 7G-Tronic Plus 4dr ....2.2...........68.9 ............109 ..........£39,880 ..................6%...............£37,562 .......... (£4,300) ...........£33,262 ..........£11,300 ............£4,700 ...................£64 .........£15,600 .........£64,926 ............£1,804 43.3

CHrySler 300C Limited 4dr..........................................................3.0...........39.8 ............185 ..........£36,000 .................17% ............£29,955 ...........(£2,150) ............£27,805 ............£8,600 ............£3,600 ............£1,082 ..........£24,075 ..........£65,162 .............£1,810 43.4

MerCedeS-Benz E300 BlueTEC Hybrid AMG Sport 204 7G-Tronic Plus 4dr .......2.2...........68.9 ............110 ..........£42,375 ..................6%..............£39,908 .......... (£4,500) ...........£35,408 ..........£11,400 ............£4,975 ...................£64 .........£15,600 ...........£67,447 .............£1,874 45.0

CHrySler 300C Executive 4dr ......................................................3.0...........39.2 ............191 ..........£40,000 .................17% ............£33,275 .......... (£2,250) ............£31,025 ............£8,700 ............£3,975 .............£1,357 .........£24,450 ..........£69,507 ............£1,931 46.3

BMW 530d Gran Turismo SE 258 Auto 5dr ..................3.0...........48.7 ............153 ..........£46,965 .................12% .............£41,404 ...........(£5,100) ...........£36,304 ..........£11,675 ............£5,225 ................£765 .........£19,675 .........£73,644 ............£2,046 49.1

infiniti Q70 GT d 238 5dr .......................................................3.0............37.7 .............199 ..........£40,565 .................11% .............£36,178 .......... (£4,000) ............£32,178 ..........£11,425 ............£4,500 .............£1,357 .........£25,425 ..........£74,885 ............£2,080 49.9

infiniti Q70 S d 238 5dr ...........................................................3.0............37.7 .............199 ..........£42,870 .................11% ............£38,229 .......... (£4,000) ...........£34,229 ..........£11,500 ............£4,750 .............£1,357 .........£25,425 ...........£77,261 .............£2,146 51.5

infiniti Q70 GT Hybrid 306 5dr ............................................3.5...........40.9 ............159 ..........£43,235 .................11% ............£38,554 .......... (£3,750) ...........£34,804 ..........£11,525 ............£4,750 ................£765 .........£25,700 ..........£77,544 .............£2,154 51.7

MaSerati Ghibli V6 Diesel Auto 4dr .........................................3.0............47.9 .............158 ..........£48,830 ..................5%..............£46,464 .......... (£5,000) ............£41,464 ..........£12,950 ............£5,775 ................£765 .........£20,000 .........£80,954 ............£2,249 54.0

infiniti Q70 GT Premium Hybrid 306 5dr ........................3.5...........40.9 ............159 ...........£47,205 .................11% ............£42,087 .......... (£4,000) ...........£38,087 ..........£11,650 .............£5,175 ................£765 .........£25,700 ...........£81,377 ............£2,260 54.3

eXeCuTiVe CaRS

A udi’s understated and weLL-thought-OUT A6 ULTRA [top] is designed to be cheap to run—and it certainly seems to deliver. Only Volvo’s base-model D2-spec S80 is cheaper to operate in

whole-life terms across three years and 150,000 miles.Volvo scores heavily too with the excellent new D4-engined S80 [bottom],

a much better option than the Spartan D2. Certainly fleet managers might be advised to let head rule heart when buying an executive car—the Audi and Volvo brands offer significant cost advantages over market-leading Mercedes-Benz. There’s a 3ppm saving for equivalent A6 Ultra auto against Mercedes E220 CDI.

Many chauffeurs are looking to switch to the E300 BlueTec Hybrid, and while the innovative diesel hybrid model does offer superb mpg and CO2 emissions, the pence per mile analysis suggests the hybrid is more expensive to run over its life than the simple diesel versions.

Indeed, the BMW 520d Gran Turismo, in passenger comfort terms the class of the field thanks to its superb rear seat space and versatile boot, is cheaper over three years than the E300 Bluetec Hybrid—though it is still a lot more expensive than the A6 or S80, or indeed the standard BMW 520d saloon.

The Tesla S offers an all-electric option for the first time in the Executive class—and it’s rather impressive, with lower ppm costs than the Mercedes Hybrid. Again, here’s evidence that the electric revolution might be closer than you think.

Fuel consumption fi gures in mpg (1/100km): Urban 28.0 (10.1) - 28.8 (9.8), Extra Urban 40.9 (6.9) – 44.1 (6.4), Combined 34.9 (8.1) – 37.2 (7.6). CO2 emissions in g/km: 212-199. Model featured is a Turismo EX with optional metallic paint priced at £24,495 including VAT, delivery charge, Road Fund License & fi rst registration charge. *Turismo S including VAT, delivery charge, Road Fund License & fi rst registration charge.

Fuel consumption fi gures in mpg (1/100km): Urban 28.0 (10.1) - 28.8 (9.8), Extra Urban 40.9 (6.9) – 44.1 (6.4), Combined 34.9 (8.1) – 37.2 (7.6). CO2 emissions in g/km: 212-199. Model featured is a Turismo EX with optional metallic paint priced at £24,495 including VAT, delivery charge, Road Fund License & fi rst registration charge. *Turismo S including VAT, delivery charge, Road Fund License & fi rst registration charge.

Selectable 4 x 4 withlow range

INCLUDES PRIVATEHIRE DRIVERS

2.0 litrediesel - 360Nm max. torque

7 seater Flexible interior layout

The scenic diversion planner

Turismoavailable from

£17,995*

2.5 tonne towing capability

A great business propositionfrom SsangYong

SsangYong Turismo

SSA01Q0008_Turismo_Consumer_297x210_MV1.indd 1 26/03/2014 13:56


// MPVs //

W hen VoLkswagen facelifted its big people-mover range

in 2010, it transformed the Caravelle into a serious, and much-needed rival to the Mercedes-Benz Viano.

Many private hire operators have added the Caravelle to their fleets as airport shuttles and versatile eight-seaters, and VW in 2012 launched the rather pricey Caravelle Business as an attempt to create a “mobile boardroom” for chauffeurs. This uses Caravelle’s top-line twin-turbo diesel powertrain, including DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and the option of 4Motion permanent four-wheel drive.

Like every Caravelle, the

two middle seats swivel to face backwards, so the four individual seats can be positioned in a conference format, while the rear bench seat is replaced by a more opulent twin-seat unit which is multi-adjustable and heated, with an integrated fridge between the seats. Caravelle Business also has privacy glass, 17in alloy wheels, darkened rear light clusters, Wi-Fi internet connectivity and Bluetooth as well as proper 3-pin plug sockets.

Access to the rear is via electric sliding doors on both sides of the van. These can be operated via buttons on the remote control or by using buttons on the dashboard. We like the clever central table and storage unit,

which can serve as a airliner-style fold-out drinks table, complete with cup holders and magazine racks. The table top can also extend upward, and rotate through 90 degrees, giving a decent-sized work table.

There doesn’t seem to be enough extra trim and luxury to justify the £25,000 extra cost above the Caravelle Executive. And it’s disappointing that Caravelle Business doesn’t come as a long-wheelbase version. Four sets of luggage is a bit of a squeeze in the SWB Caravelle—while it’s a doddle in the LWB version. You might be better off buying a LWB SE version without 4Motion, and spending money on upgrading the interior.

BY THE NUMBERSEnginE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel

Transmission 7-speed dsg automatic, four-wheel drive





luggagE volumE 505 litres (7 seats)

lEngTh 4,892mm

widTh 1,904mm

hEighT 1,970mm

whEElbasE 3,000mm


vEd band l

M ost Manufacturers these days offer MPV versions of their

mainstream panel vans, but the one that has established itself as the go-to full-size people-mover for chauffeuring is the Mercedes-Benz Viano.

A lot of this is down to the power of the brand. Mercedes-Benz is the only prestige German nameplate to offer a commercial vehicle range, and the company has made the most of this ability to offer a big, well-appointed van conversion with the three-pointed star boldly displayed on the grille.

Viano was launched in 2004 and is about to be replaced by the

significantly more upscale V-Class, but that won’t be available in RHD spec until next March—so Viano is still available—indeed, it reached UK record sales in 2013.

In extra-long wheelbase guise, the Viano is an extremely versatile vehicle. It’s ideal for airport runs, especially with the massive bootspace—a serious 970 litres with all seats up. But you can rearrange the seating to give a conference interior, making it ideal for business travellers or easy-loading short-distance shuttle work. And the seats are easy to remove or fold away, giving a voluminous van for courier jobs if needed. Interior finish is recognisably Mercedes, with leather

upholstery as standard in the Ambiente trim level.

Power is from either the 3.0-litre V6 engine from S350 CDI and E350 CDI or the 2.2 CDI from the E250. If V6 is your bag, buy a Viano—V-Class will only come with four-cylinder engines.

Driveability is good, for both four- and six-cylinder diesels, coupled with a silky gearshift and partial air suspension. We know of chauffeurs who just about live in these vehicles, covering up to 10,000 miles a month. Comfortable seats and a commanding driving position, together with state-of-the-art driving aids, make the Viano a very easy vehicle to live with.







luggagE volumE 970 litres (7 seats)

lEngTh 5,238mm

hEighT 1,920mm

widTh 1,901mm

whEElbasE 3,430mm

warranTy 3 years/unlimited miles

vEd band l

MER

CED

ES-B

ENZ

V

ian

o 3.

0CD

I A

mb

ien

te

Extr

a Lo

ng

ProDriver Tested

24.9mpg / 27mph

mar.2011

VW

Car

avel

le

Bu

sin

ess

2.

0-li

tre

B

iTD

I 18

0PS

ProDriver Tested

28.3mpg /30mphNov.2012


// MPVs //

T he hyundai i800 is based on the iLoad panel van. It’s a substantial vehicle,

with two rows of bench seats giving 8-seater capacity. Unusually for a modern van, Hyundai has stuck with rear-wheel drive, largely to cope with rough conditions in Korea.

On the road, it’s remarkably smooth—it doesn’t feel like a van conversion with a live rear axle. The diesel is noisy but has plenty of torque, and the dash-mounted five-speed manual box has a nice, short shift.

Access to the rear is via sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle, while the boot has a top-hinged

tailgate. There’s a neat little ventilation window on the side door too, allowing passengers to let in some fresh air if they choose.

There’s quite a step up into the side doors due to the rear-drive layout, but there’s masses of headroom, even in the third row, where the seats are mounted slightly higher, giving a forward view over the heads of the second-row passengers. If you’re not carrying eight people, the second row of seats slides all the way back, giving limousine-style legroom.

Both the rear rows have a 60:40 split, giving extra flexibility for long loads—skis, for example. And behind

the third row, there’s a massive 851 litres of luggage space.

Dash layout is conventional, with a neat layout in front of the driver. The centrally-mounted heater and stereo feel integrated. Nice touches include privacy glass, ‘mood’ lighting with a dimmer switch and air-conditioning/heater controls that can be operated from the rear seats, while tech spec is high, with ESP and traction control as standard. A couple of minor gripes—there’s no rear windscreen wash/wipe, which is a real oversight

And on top of this, you get Hyundai’s renowned 5-year, unlimited mileage manufacturer warranty, a major selling point.


Transmission 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive






ovErall lEngTh 5,125mm

hEighT 1,920mm

widTh 1,925mm

whEElbasE 3,200mm


vEd band K

T he transit-based Tourneo minibus has been around since 1995, but it’s

never really presented a challenge to those leading German van-based passenger carriers, the Mercedes-Benz Viano and the VW Caravelle.

But the latest Transit range has moved the goalposts, and the new Tourneo Custom is a very different vehicle. Gone is the fleet-oriented “box on wheels” look of the old Tranny, replaced by a much more elegant design, with a distinctive long nose featuring bold headlights and Ford’s new Aston Martinesque grille.

Inside, the utilitarian dashboard with flat surfaces, shelves, storage

pockets and clipboards has been replaced by a scaled up version of the familiar Ford car dashboard. The storage compartments are still there, but they’re concealed within the car-like dashboard, bristling with the same sat-navs and parking aids as you’d find on a well-specified Ford car.

We tested a long-wheelbase 2.2-litre TDCi Custom. Two wheelbases are available: LWB is the one to go for, as the additional length translates into extra luggage space behind the third seat row. Our test car had Limited trim level, so it gets leather seats, full air conditioning front and rear, sat-nav, and some neat parking aids.

The rear cabin is configured with three rows of three—again, these are split seats, with a double unit and a single, giving a good degree of flexibility. Each of the three-seat rows is configured as single and dual seat sections that can each fold separately, and are light enough to be removed easily.

The powertrain is quiet, with well-matched gear ratios of the six-speed manual gearbox giving smooth acceleration up to the speed-limited 70mph motorway cruising speed without the revs needing to break the 2,000rpm barrier. It feels stable at speed too, and being less slab-sided than its predecessor it seems untroubled by crosswinds.


Transmission 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive





luggagE volumE 1,447litres (7 seats)

lEngTh 5,339mm

widTh 1,986mm

hEighT 1,978mm

whEElbasE 3,300mm

sErviCE inTErval 2 years/30,000 miles

vEd band h

foR

D T

ourn

eo

Cu

stom

Lim

ited

2.

2 T

DC

i LW

B

hy

uN

DA

i

i800

St

yle

ProDriver Tested

27.8mpg / 29mph

mar.2013


// MPVs //

F ord’s 2010 faceLift Made significant changes both inside the Galaxy and under the

bonnet. New powertrains give a greatly improved ride, while giving the car impressive fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

The 6-speed automatic transmission is superb. It’s almost impossible to tell when the PowerShift dual wet-clutch transmission is actually changing gear. At Titanium X Trim level, Galaxy comes laden with technology, and the focus is on safety. There’s a radar-controlled Blind Spot warning system, an adjustable speed limiter andAdaptive Cruise Control.

Flexibility in use has been improved by standard fold-flat seats. The seats fold away individually to form a flat

floor, giving up to 32 possible seating combinations. In five-seat mode, with the third row folded flat, there’s an excellent 830 litres of luggage space—but even

with the third row up, there’s between 308 litres and 435 litres.

We know how good the Galaxy is. All those fleet customers can’t be wrong.

It’s a versatile car that can handle everything from basic urban taxi work to executive airport shuttles. Its only limitations come when taking a full complement of passengers and luggage. Also consider the 1.6-litre version, with slightly less power and slightly better fuel economy.

EnginE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 6-speed dual-clutch auto, front-wheel drivepowEr 163ps at 3,750rpmTorquE 340nm at 2,000-3,250rpmCo2 Emissions 149g/kmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 49.6mpgluggagE volumE 830 litres (5 seats), 308 litres (7 seats)lEngTh 4,819mmhEighT 1,811mmwidTh 1,884mmwhEElbasE 2,850mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band g

foRD Galaxy Titanium X 2.0 TDCI 163PS Auto

ProDriver Tested

39.6mpg / 34mphoct.2011

W ith the prius hybrid, Toyota has made “green” motoring its

own domain. We reckon there are several thousand in some form of taxi service across the UK. Prius+ is basically a bigger, taller seven-seater Prius.

Plus has three separate rear seats, which are adjustable back and forth to allow access to the third row of seats. The third row is a 50:50 split twin seat, but it’s not easy to get in and out, and the seat is very small. The third row of seats folds flat to create a bigger loadspace.

Prius Plus could prove useful as an occasional seven-seater private hire vehicle, but realistically it’ll carry up to five adults with a decent amount of

luggage. Prius+ is a soft, forgiving car that

responds best to being driven gently—too much throttle and the petrol

engine kicks in with a characteristic CVT roar. It’s in its element around town, with surprisingly nimble steering for a bulky car. On the motorway the

performance is competent rather than sparkling. But the cruise control is a bonus, and the Prius Plus cruises effectively at 70mph.

There’s a centrally-mounted sat-nav, perhaps not so well sited as in the regular Prius, and with rather fussy graphics.

powErTrain 1.8-litre, petrol-electric hybrid, front-wheel drive

sysTEm powEr 134bhp



C02 Emissions 96g/km


lEngTh 4,615mm

widTh 1,775mm

hEighT 1,600mm

whEElbasE 2,780mm


vEd band a

toyotA Prius+ T4

ProDriver Tested

51.4mpg / 31mph

Sept.2012

T he sharan and gaLaxy used to be the same car—but now they’re very different,

unrelated vehicles. New Sharan was launched in 2011. It’s bigger than the previous model—220mm longer, 92mm wider and 12mm lower. It’s also a shade bigger than the Galaxy, with a 69mm longer wheelbase.

Basic configuration has seven seats, and both the second and third rows will fold flat into the floor. In seven-seat mode, luggage space is 300 litres, not enough to accommodate a holidaymaking family’s luggage on the way to Stansted. With the third row down, luggage space rises to 710 litres.

Rear seat access is good via sliding doors that offer a large, square aperture that isn’t hindered by the

rear wheel arch. Second row legroom is very good—that’s where the extra wheelbase counts. The doors are electric, as is the tailgate.

On the road, the Sharan is a little less lively than the Galaxy but it’s every bit as smooth, with a quiet, low-revving diesel. A dual-clutch automatic

gearbox makes imperceptible gear changes. The sat-nav is overbearing, with the voice command reeling off instructions. You’d probably turn it off, but the instructions and the mapping are very readable.

EnginE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 6-speed dsg auto, front-wheel drivepowEr 140ps at 4,200rpmTorquE 320nm at 1,750-2,000rpmCo2 Emissions 149g/kmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 49.6mpgluggagE volumE 710 litres (5 seats), 300 litres (7 seats)lEngTh 4,854mmhEighT 1,720mmwidTh 1,904mmwhEElbasE 2,919mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band f

VW Sharan SEL 2.0 TDI 140PS DSG

ProDriver Tested

40.1mpg / 35mphoct.2011


// MPVs //

T he grand Voyager MpV is a full-size people-mover that can carry six passengers

and their luggage—but is not based on a van. The fifth-generation Voyager initially went on sale in the UK in March 2008, before Chrysler’s troubled years prior to its rescue by Fiat. As a result, the car has had a low profile here.

Grand Voyager had a subtle upgrade for 2011 model year, with a revised premium-look grille. At the rear, there are new LED tail lamps, a new rear bumper and a revised tailgate. It’s well-made, though somewhat dated inside. The dashboard is solid and well laid-out, but won’t win any style awards.

The big four-cylinder VM Motori diesel engine has a pleasant deep

growl, and the Chrysler six-speed automatic transmission gives smooth changes. It’s not rapid, and you wouldn’t want to chuck it around—but

the suspension is sturdy enough to cope with American-sized potholes. It’s a forgiving drive, feeling very solid on the motorway and

smooth enough round town.The floor is a little higher for a

reason—the Grand Voyager can do some very impressive seat stowage indeed. You can, in fact, fold both the second and third rows of seats away completely, giving a massive, van-like interior.

EnginE 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 6-speed auto, front-wheel drivepowEr 161bhp at 3,800rpmTorquE 359nm at 1,600-3,000rpmCo2 Emissions 205g/kmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 37.8mpgluggagE volumE 2,054 litres (5 seats), 756 litres (7 seats)lEngTh 5,143mmhEighT 1,750mmwidTh 1,954mmwhEElbasE 3,078mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band K

ChRySLER Grand Voyager 2.8 CRD Limited

ProDriver Tested

29.8mpg / 30mph

Nov.2011

S eat is not afraid to badge-engineer products from VW group. Alhambra is effectively

a renosed VW Sharan, and is, if anything, a touch more up-market as it comes with leather seats as standard, whereas the Sharan has Alcantara trim.

Alhambra is a comfortable seven-seater, with room for passengers in the third row of seats. In 5-seater mode, with the third row stowed flat, there’s ample luggage space. You also get superb rear seat access via sliding doors. The third row of seats folds flat, and can be dropped from the tailgate. The seats are split, so you could operate in six-seater mode with some more luggage space.

The satnav screen is the same as

fitted to many VW vehicles, and offers an integrated parking assistance camera. The screen is a touchscreen unit and functions include

Bluetooth phone capability.On the road, the Alhambra is very

smooth and quiet—very little road noise, and only gentle engine and wind

noise. The dual-clutch DSG box gives seamless gearchanges. The 140PS version of the familiar VW group 2.0 TDI engine is the most economical. It’s a six-speed unit, and most of the time it’ll shift early—around town the engine revs rarely reach above 1,500rpm.

EnginE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 6-speed dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel drivepowEr 140ps at 4,200rpmTorquE 320nm at 1, 750rpmCo2 Emissions 149g/kmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 49.6mpgluggagE volumE 267 litres (7 seats) 809 litres (5 seats)lEngTh 4,854mmhEighT 1,720mmwidTh 1,904mmwhEElbasE 2,919mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band f

SEAt Alhambra SE Lux 2.0 TDI CR 140 PS DSG

ProDriver Tested

34.8mpg / 29mph

may 2012

Ssangyong’s rodius took some flak for its quirky looks—discussions of the big MPV’s

styling got in the way of its good points. And there were many good points, notably the ability to carry seven people plus luggage.

Last year SsangYong dropped the Rodius name and renamed the heavily restyled replacement simply the SsangYong Turismo, with a bold grille and cleaner lines. From the driver’s seat, the Turismo is recognisably a Rodius, with central instrument cluster, dash-mounted gearshift and array of warning lights. The comfortable captain’s chairs for the front two rows are retained too, giving a 2-2-3 configuration in seven-seater mode.

The biggest changes came before

the facelift. In 2012 SsangYong quietly replaced the old 2.7-litre Mercedes diesel with a smaller 2.0-litre engine of its own design. The 2.0 engine has less power

yet feels more free-revving, with an extra 20Nm of torque across a lower peak range. The only mechanical option is all-wheel drive, on top-line EX models.

Turismo retains the Rodius’ 875-litre loadspace, making it one of few pure MPVs capable of carrying six holidaymakers with luggage. Turismo prices run from £18,000 to £24,000, and the price includes a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty that is valid for taxi use.

EnginE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 5-speed tiptronic automaticpowEr 155ps at 3,000-4,000rpmTorquE 360nm at 1,500-2,800rpmCo2 Emissions 212g/kmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 35.0mpgluggagE volumE 875 litres (7 seats)lEngTh 5,130mmhEighT 1,850mmwidTh 1,915mmwhEElbasE 3,000mmwarranTy 5 years/unlimited milesvEd band K

SSANGyoNG Turismo 2.0 EX auto


// MPVs //

Citroen Launched the Lwb Grand C4 Picasso a few years ago, and now it’s reached its

second generation. It’s now Citroen’s flagship MPV—the larger C8 has now ceased production.

It certainly feels roomy inside—at least as a five-seater. The third row of two small seats folds into the boot floor. So realistically you’re looking at a five-seater shuttle with occasional seven-seater capability. There’s lots of legroom and headroom in the three-seat second row, but the individual seats are narrow and the bases are too firm.

Driving position is good, with excellent visibility. As with previous Citroen MPVs, there’s no conventional instrument cluster. Instead a digital panel is centrally mounted, with a

secondary screen below for sat-nav and other functions.

It’s typically quirky to drive. The auto box is not as smooth as it might

be. Harsh acceleration results in a jerky change, partly as a result of a turbocharger that kicks in somewhat violently. Factor in soft suspension and

there’s a tendency for the body to pitch back and forth under acceleration.

The soft suspension copes well with potholes, but he ride does feel a little “floaty” on undulating roads. It is a comfortable motorway cruiser, though. The engine, while low-revving, is quite noisy.

EnginE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 6-speed automatic, front-wheel drivepowEr 150ps at 4,000rpmTorquE 370nm at 2,000rpmfuEl EConomy 61.4mpg combinedCo2 Emissions 120g/km luggagE volumE 793 litres (5-seats); 165 litres (7-seats)lEngTh 4,597mmwidTh 1,826mmhEighT 1,656mmwhEElbasE 2,840mmwarranTy 3 years / 60,000 milesvEd band C

ProDriver Tested

42.7mpg / 37mph

may 2014

T echnicaLLy the 7-seater 5008 is a ‘compact’ MPV, but in reality it’s pretty

much the same size as the car it replaced, the 807—a little shorter, but wider and lower, and equipped with flexible seating that allows five seats plus a decent luggage area with the third row folding flat into the floor.

There are three trim levels for 5008—Access, Active and Allure. A choice of 1.6-litre or 2.0 turbodiesels is available on top-line Allure trim, which features as standard a panoramic glass roof and a head-up display. 5008 has conventionally hinged rear doors and there’s plenty of rear-seat headroom. The front doors are far forward, and the

B-pillar is level with the driver’s shoulder.

From the driver’s seat the first impression is of good build quality.

This six-speed auto box is the only disappointment, with slow gearchanges that lead to a pitching effect when changing up under brisk

acceleration. It’s better when the steering wheel paddles are used.

Other than this, the car’s handling is sure-footed. Steering is progressive and stable. Suspension is derived from the smaller 308 model—there’s very little body roll on cornering. The overall effect is of a calm, unhurried drive.

EnginE 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 6-speed automatic, front-wheel drivepowEr 115bhp at 3,600rpmTorquE 240nm at 1,650rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 58.9mpgCo2 Emissions 126g/km luggagE volumE 679 litres (5 seats)lEngTh 4,529mmwidTh 1,837mmhEighT 1,647mm whEElbasE 2,727mmwarranTy 3 years/unlimited mileagevEd band d

PEuGEot 5008 Allure 1.6 e-HDi

V auxhaLL’s Zafira tourer has been with us for more than two years now, but it

hasn’t really penetrated the private hire sector to the same extent as its predecessor, the Zafira. Zafira Tourer is more an S-Max than a Galaxy.

Perhaps a little too pricey for basic private hire work, but not quite roomy enough for executive jobs. It hasn’t helped that the old Zafira has continued, giving private hire operators a cheaper alternative for.

Still, the Tourer has a lot going for it, including flexible seating that turns a second-row three-person bench into two individual chairs. Last year it gained an all-new 1.6-litre diesel that makes a significant improvement

in both refinement and fuel economy, as well as cutting CO2 emissions to just 109g/km.

It’s extremely smooth and free-

revving, and feels more like a petrol engine than a diesel. Zafira Tourer also now has a new six-speed manual gearbox with significantly

reduced shift travel and very low gearchange forces.

On the road, the Zafira Tourer is a very compliant and stable drive, thanks to a significantly longer wheelbase and a wider track than on the old Zafira. The result is less body roll on twisty roads, and good absorption of bumps and potholes.

EnginE 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 6-speed manual, front-wheel drivepowEr 136ps at 3,500-4,000rpmTorquE 320nm at 2,000-2,500rpmCo2 Emissions 109g/kmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 68.9mpg luggagE volumE 710 litres (5 seats)lEngTh 4,658mmhEighT 1,685mmwidTh 2,099mmwhEElbasE 2,760mmwarranTy 100,000 milesvEd band b

VAuXhALL Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTI 136PS ecoFlex Exclusiv

ProDriver Tested

oct.2013

CitRoEN Grand C4 Picasso Exclusive + Blue HDi 150 auto


// MPVs //

T he new Grand C-Max is an innovative vehicle, which might appeal to operators

whose budget doesn’t stretch to a Galaxy. Indeed, it offers some features you don’t get on Ford’s bigger MPV, such as sliding side doors.

Factor in very economical 115PS 1.6-litre diesels and low CO2 emissions of just 124g/km and you get a vehicle with all the driveability of the bigger Fords, coupled with even lower operating costs.

Grand C-Max has a 140mm longer wheelbase, and is also 58mm higher than the five-seater C-Max. It offers room for seven passengers, or for five occupants with a generous amount of luggage. The walk-through cabin is accessed via twin sliding rear doors.

There is an ingenious new seat folding concept for the second-row seats. This allows the centre seat to fold inside the right-hand seat, turning the

car into a six-seater and offering easy access to the third row.

From the driver’s seat, the dashboard is pure Focus, with blue

accents to the rather sporty analogue dials. On the road, driving dynamics are excellent, as you’d expect from a car that’s based on a Ford Focus. Even with the higher centre of gravity that comes with the taller MPV body, Grand C-Max handling is still exemplary.

EnginE 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 6-speed manual, front-wheel drivepowEr 115ps at 3,600rpmTorquE 270nm at 1,750-2,500rpmCo2 Emissions 124g/kmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 60.1mpgluggagE volumE 439 litres (5 seats), 79 litres (7 seats)lEngTh 4,520mmhEighT 1,858mmwidTh 1,828mmwhEElbasE 2,788mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band d

foRD Grand C-Max 1.6 TDCi 115PS Titanium

W ith a MaJor factory in Slovakia and a European design centre

in Frankfurt, Korea’s Kia tailors its cars very much for European tastes—and it shows on the latest Carens.

It’s very well-made, with neat styling inside and out. On the road it’s refined—the 1.7-litre diesel is quieter and smoother in this car than in the bigger Optima saloon, surprisingly. On the road it’s torquey and low-revving, with decent performance and excellent fuel economy.

On the downside, it is a relatively small car, and it’s not a seven-seater if your passengers have luggage. But in five-seater mode there’s plenty of luggage space, while sliding seats mean second-row legroom can be

maximised too.We’re also confused as to why

the automatic gearbox option is not available with the top trim level. Having

said that, you can probably upgrade your ‘2’ spec interior to leather, while retaining the smaller 16in alloys, which might make the ideal private hire spec.

A major selling point for all Kias is the excellent warranty. All versions are protected by a seven-year, 100,000-mile transferable warranty, which is valid for hire and reward use. Private hire mileages are likely to mean the warranty runs out before the time is up.

EnginE 1.7-litre 4 cylinder turbodieselTransmission 6-speed manual, front-wheel drivepowEr 134ps at 4,000rpmTorquE 330nm at 2,000-2,500rpmCo2 Emissions 132g/kmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 56.4mpgluggagE volumE 492 litres (5 seats)lEngTh 4,525mmhEighT 1,605mmwidTh 1,805mm whEElbasE 2,750mmwarranTy 7 years/ 100,000 milesvEd band E

KiA Carens 3 1.7CRDi 134bhp manual

ProDriver Tested

41.6mpg / 27mph

Sept.2013

T he Zafira hangs on in the Vauxhall range as an entry-level MPV below the

newer Zafira Tourer, and although it will celebrate its 10th birthday next year, the Zafira is still an excellent package, with seven easy-fold seats as standard, two of which lift up from the boot floor. As well as the folding rear seats, the middle row also folds and slides forward.

Only the 1.7-litre diesels with 110bhp or 125bhp power outputs remain, alongside petrol versions. All drive the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Despite the age of the design, Zafira has good handling and holds the road better than some newer compact MPVs. The ride is comfortable and the car is quiet

and refined.Two trim levels are available—

Exclusiv and Design. Design upgrades air-con to climate control, and adds

electric rear windows and alloy wheels. All Zafiras come with Vauxhall’s “lifetime warranty”—effectively 100,000 miles. The cover includes

engine, steering system, brake system and electrics. To maintain the warranty, owners must visit a Vauxhall dealer annually for a free inspection.

The end will come when Opel’s Bochum plant shuts next year. Meanwhile, some very good deals can be had on this ageing but still worthy warrior.

EnginE 1.7-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 6-speed manual, front-wheel drivepowEr 125ps at 4,000rpmTorquE 280nm at 2,300rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 55.4mpgCo2 Emissions 134g/km luggagE volumE 645 litres (5 seats), 140 litres (7 seats)lEngTh 4467mmwidTh 1781mmhEighT 1645mm whEElbasE 2703mmwarranTy 100,000 milesvEd band E

VAuXhALL Zafira Exclusiv 1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX


// MPVs // Whole Life Costs //

Citroen Grand C4 Picasso VTR e-HDi 90 Airdream ETG6 5dr ........1.6 ............74.3 .............98 ...........£20,595 ................16% .............£17,375 ...........(£1,975) ...........£15,400 ............£6,900 .............£2,175 ......................£0 .........£12,900 ...........£37,375 ............£1,038 24.9

kia Carens 1 CRDi ISG 5dr ..............................................1.7 ............60.1 ............124 ..........£19,295 ................14% ............£16,669 .......... (£2,300) ...........£14,369 ............£6,900 .............£2,125 ................£352 .........£15,950 .........£39,696 .............£1,103 26.5

PeUgeot 3008 Access HDi FAP 115 5dr ................................1.6 ...........58.9 ............125 ..........£19,045 .................12% ............£16,835 .......... (£1,750) ...........£15,085 ............£6,450 ............£2,075 ................£352 ......... £16,275 ..........£40,237 .............£1,118 26.8

ford Grand C-MAX Zetec TDCi 115 S5 5dr .................1.6 ............60.1 ............124 ..........£20,745 ................14% ..............£17,916 .......... (£2,500) ............£15,416 ............£6,525 ............£2,275 ................£352 .........£15,950 ..........£40,518 .............£1,126 27.0

VaUxHall Zafira Exclusiv CDTi ecoFLEX 110 5dr ..................1.7 ...........55.4 ............134 ............£21,125 ................15% .............£18,031 .......... (£2,000) ............£16,031 .............£7,525 ............£2,250 ................£553 ..........£17,300 .........£43,659 .............£1,213 29.1

VaUxHall Zafira Tourer Tech Line CDTi 16v 130 5dr .........2.0...........55.4 ............134 .......... £21,855 ................15% ............£18,652 .......... (£2,000) ...........£16,652 .............£7,525 ............£2,300 ................£553 ..........£17,300 .........£44,330 ............£1,231 29.6

PeUgeot 3008 Active HDi 150 FAP 150 5dr .......................2.0...........53.2 ............139 .......... £21,600 .................12% ............£19,083 .......... (£1,800) ............£17,283 ............£6,500 ............£2,325 ................£553 .........£18,025 .........£44,686 .............£1,241 29.8

toyota Prius+ Icon Hybrid CVT 99 Auto 5dr ....................1.8 ...........68.9 .............96 ............£26,145 ................14% ............£22,560 .......... (£1,900) ...........£20,660 .............£7,650 ............£2,750 ......................£0 .........£15,250 ..........£46,310 ............£1,286 30.9

PeUgeot 3008 HYbrid4 Active 5dr ..........................................2.0............83.1 .............88 ............£27,245 ..................7%...............£25,413 .......... (£1,700) ............£23,713 ............£6,650 ............£3,050 ......................£0 .........£12,925 .........£46,338 ............£1,287 30.9

PeUgeot 5008 Active HDi 150 FAP 150 5dr .......................2.0...........53.3 ............138 ..........£23,450 ................10% .............£21,180 ...........(£1,875) ...........£19,305 ............£6,550 ............£2,575 ................£553 ..........£17,975 .........£46,958 ............£1,304 31.3

ford Galaxy Zetec TDCi 115 Start/Stop 5dr .................1.6 ...........54.3 ............139 ..........£26,260 ................15% ............£22,396 .......... (£2,800) ...........£19,596 ............£6,625 ............£2,825 ................£553 ..........£17,650 ...........£47,249 .............£1,312 31.5

ford Galaxy Zetec TDCi 140 5dr ......................................2.0...........53.3 ............139 ..........£26,445 ................15% ............£22,553 .......... (£2,950) ...........£19,603 ............£6,625 ............£2,850 ................£553 ..........£17,975 ..........£47,606 ............£1,322 31.7

kia Carens 2 CRDi Auto 5dr............................................1.7 ...........46.3 ............159 .......... £21,995 ................14% .............£18,991 .......... (£2,300) ............£16,691 ............£6,950 ............£2,375 ................£765 .........£20,700 ...........£47,481 .............£1,319 31.7

Seat Alhambra SE TDI CR Ecomotive 140 5dr ...........2.0...........50.4 ............146 ...........£27,510 ................13% ............£24,009 .......... (£2,700) ........... £21,309 ............£6,425 ............£3,000 .................£616 .........£19,025 ..........£50,375 ............£1,399 33.6

ford Galaxy Zetec TDCi 140 Powershift 5dr ................2.0...........49.6 ............149 ...........£27,925 ................15% .............£23,811 .......... (£2,950) ...........£20,861 ............£6,675 ............£3,000 .................£616 .........£19,325 ..........£50,477 ............£1,402 33.7

toyota Prius+ Excel Hybrid CVT 99 Auto 5dr ..................1.8 ...........64.2 ............101 ..........£29,445 ................14% ............£25,398 ...........(£1,975) ...........£23,423 .............£7,725 ............£3,075 ...................£64 ..........£16,375 .........£50,662 ............£1,407 33.8

Seat Alhambra SE TDI CR 140 DSG 5dr ......................2.0...........49.6 ............149 ..........£28,795 ................13% .............£25,127 .......... (£2,700) ...........£22,427 ............£6,450 .............£3,125 .................£616 .........£19,325 ..........£51,943 ............£1,443 34.6

VolkSWagen Sharan SE TDI BlueMotion Technology 140 5dr .......2.0...........50.4 ............146 ..........£28,690 ................14% .............£24,748 .......... (£3,000) ............£21,748 .............£7,550 ............ £3,100 .................£616 .........£19,025 .........£52,039 ............£1,446 34.7

VolkSWagen Sharan SE TDI BlueMotion Technology 140 DSG 5dr .........2.0...........49.6 ............149 ..........£30,025 ................14% ............£25,897 .......... (£3,050) ...........£22,847 .............£7,600 ............£3,250 .................£616 .........£19,325 .........£53,638 ............£1,490 35.8

SSangyong Turismo e-XDi EX Auto 5dr ........................................2.0...........34.9 ............212 ..........£23,995 ................15% .............£20,471 .......... (£1,500) ............£18,971 .............£6,150 ............£2,450 .............£1,579 ..........£27,450 .........£56,600 ............£1,572 37.7

HyUndai i800 CRDi 125kW ........................................................2.5............32.1 ............231 ...........£25,123 ................14% .............£21,681 .......... (£2,250) ............£19,431 .............£6,125 ............£2,675 ............£2,455 .........£29,875 ..........£60,561 ............£1,682 40.4

CHrySler Grand Voyager CRD SE 5dr .....................................2.8...........35.8 ............207 ..........£28,265 ................15% .............£24,100 ...........(£1,875) ...........£22,225 ............£8,425 ............£2,900 .............£1,579 .........£26,775 ..........£61,904 ............£1,720 41.3

CHrySler Grand Voyager CRD SR 5dr .....................................2.8...........35.8 ............207 ..........£30,265 ................15% ............£25,800 .......... (£2,000) ...........£23,800 .............£8,475 .............£3,125 .............£1,579 .........£26,775 .........£63,754 .............£1,771 42.5

VolkSWagen Caravelle SE TDI BlueMotion Technology LWB 5dr .2.0...........39.2 ............189 ..........£36,230 ................10% ............£32,682 .......... (£4,700) ............£27,982 .............£7,775 ............£4,200 .............£1,357 .........£24,450 ..........£65,764 ............£1,827 43.8

MerCedeS-Benz Viano CDI Ambiente Extra-long 163 Automatic 5dr ...........2.2...........34.9 ............216 ...........£37,820 ................14% ............£32,600 .......... (£3,800) ...........£28,800 ...........£11,125 ............£4,075 .............£1,579 ..........£27,450 .........£73,029 ............£2,029 48.7

VolkSWagen Caravelle Business BiTDI BlueMotion Technology 5dr ........2.0...........34.9 ............214 ..........£66,330 ................10% ............£59,772 .......... (£5,300) ...........£54,472 .............£8,475 ............£7,300 .............£1,579 ..........£27,450 ..........£99,276 ............£2,758 66.2

MPVs

C itroen’s new grand c4 picasso [top] is an impressive new entrant into the MPV sector. OK, it’s a bit quirky, and while it’s a seven-seater, the

third row is very restricted. But as a roomy five-seater with plenty of luggage space it works very well, and those whole-life costs are impressive.

The hybrid alternative seems to make more sense with MPVs than with Private Hire Cars. The Toyota Prius+ and the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 take wildly different approaches to a hybrid drivetrain, but their running costs are absolutely the same, and slightly cheaper than the market-leading MPV in the private hire sector, the Ford Galaxy.

At 31.5ppm, Galaxy is more expensive than an equivalent car, but its supreme versatility underlines why Addison Lee is so enamoured with it. There’s hardly any difference in cost between 1.6 and 2.0 turbodiesel versions—you might as well go for the more powerful version as it’s better when loaded.

Galaxy is cheaper to run than its principal rival, the VW Sharan. Buyers considering a Sharan should look closely at its twin, the Seat Alhambra, which is available for a slightly lower price, though it’s effectively the same car.

If you’re after a large MPV with the ability to carry seven passengers plus their luggage, look closely at the SsangYong Turismo [bottom]. This is a much improved vehicle compared to the ugly duckling Rodius, which it replaces. It looks much better, and a new 2.0-litre engine is a step forward in refinement. Pence per mile costs are not much greater than a VW Sharan, and much cheaper than the likes of Chrysler Voyager and Mercedes-Benz Viano.


// Private Hire Vehicles //

T he ford Mondeo as we know it has been going through a long, slow run-out

before the arrival of a new, bigger and more up-market replacement later this year. The new car was actually unveiled two years ago, but the delay has been caused by Ford’s Decision to shut a factory and move Mondeo production to Spain.

Meanwhile the old car represents a good buy—if you can still find one in the network. Mondeo comes with both 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre TDCi engines in a variety of outputs, and top-level Titanium and Titanium X trims are heavily loaded.

The 1.6 Mondeo isn’t far off the 2.0 versions in terms of power, with 115PS rather than a choice of 140PS or 163PS for 2-litre. There’s not a lot of difference

in terms of fuel economy—the 1.6 is cleaner, starting at 109g/km of CO2 emissions.

We like the Mondeo’s excellent finish

and big-car feel—let’s not forget too that the current Mondeo is actually bigger than the old Ford Scorpio. The Mondeo has a lower seating position

and a rather enclosed feel to the driving position. Ford pioneered the ‘high waistline’ look for this size of car—many others have copied the style.

EnginE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 6-speed dsg automatic, front-wheel drivepowEr 163psTorquE 340nm at 2,000rpmCo2 Emissions 136g/kmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 54.3mpg luggagE volumE 528 litreslEngTh 4,784mmhEighT 1,500mmwidTh 1,886mm whEElbasE 2,850mmwarranTy 3 years/ unlimited milesvEd band E

ProDriver Tested

36.0mpg / 31mph

Nov.2010

H yundai has Made an impressive return to the upper-medium segment

with the i40 Tourer. It’s distinctively styled, excellent to drive and, crucially, has excellent rear legroom and luggage-lugging ability.

Unlike a lot of modern saloons in this class, a lot of thought has been given to the rear-seat passengers. Factor in a cavernous 553-litre boot and this car is bound to have genuine appeal to private hire operators.

It’s well finished too, with good detailing and a very comfortable driving position. The 1.7-litre diesel engine doesn’t have quite the performance of some of its 2-litre rivals, but it’s a competent and refined, and i40 is pretty nimble around town.

On the downside, it’s not cheap—gone, it seems, are the days of bargain-priced big cars from Korea. And running costs on with auto gearbox

are not the best in class, though the manual box offers a siginificant improvement in CO2 and mpg.

Hyundai doesn’t offer a full

chauffeur programme, but the 100,000-mile warranty is an excellent deal. It’ll also make the i40 a sought-after used car in the future. The warranty is transferrable, so a two-year-old car with 20,000 miles on the clock will effectively have a three-year, 80,000-mile warranty.

EnginE 1.7-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel Transmission 6-speed automatic, front-wheel drivepowEr 136ps at 4,000rpmTorquE 240ps at 2,000-2,500rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 47.1mpg Co2 Emissions 159g/km luggagE volumE 553 litreslEngTh 4,770mm widTh 1,815mmhEighT 1,470mm whEElbasE 2,770mmwarranTy 5 years/100,000 milesvEd band g

hyuNDAi i40 Tourer 1.7 CRDi

ProDriver Tested

38.1mpg / 39mphJan.2012

K ia’s optiMa shares Much of its running gear with the Hyundai i40, though the

character of the two cars is rather different. Optima has a slightly longer wheelbase, so it’s even roomier in the back. And while Hyundai is a modified Korean design, the Optima was styled in Germany.

Under the bonnet is the same 134bhp 1.7-litre turbodiesel that powers the Hyundai i40. A six-speed automatic gearbox is available, and a six-speed manual is also available. The auto box is smooth—it feels almost like an e-CVT box. The gearbox changes up quickly, and revs rarely rise much above 2,000rpm, though there is a fair bit of engine noise.

It’s a good, long-legged cruiser in

sixth, at 70mph the revs stay a shade under 2,000rpm. It feels solid and stable too, with quite heavy weighting on the power steering at motorway

speeds. There’s very little body roll when the car is driven on country roads too.

As with all Kias, the Optima comes

with Kia’s seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty, which is fully transferable to subsequent owners. Not only is this a class-leading package—it will also make the Optima an excellent used buy in the future.

EnginE 1.7-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel Transmission 6-speed automatic, front-wheel drivepowEr 134bhp at 4,000rpmTorquE 240ps at 2,000-2,500rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 47.1mpg Co2 Emissions 158g/km luggagE volumE 505 litreslEngTh 4,845mmwidTh 1,830mmhEighT 1,455mmwhEElbasE 2,795mmwarranTy 7 years/100,000 milesvEd band g

KiA Optima 2 Tech auto 1.7D

ProDriver Tested

43.9mpg at 30mphFeb.2012

foRD Mondeo Titanium XBusiness Edition 2.0 TDCi 163PS



T he new-generation Mazda6 is a big and handsome car, heavily

loaded with technology designed to improve fuel economy and safety. Mazda claims combined fuel economy as high as 67.2mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 108g/km. Rather than downsizing, the Skyactiv-D four-cylinder diesels are bigger— 2.2 litres—but with a lower compression ratio.

It’s certainly got the looks—purposeful, smooth lines with a bold new-shape grille and distinctive bulging front wheel arches. Dashboard layout is very logical, with three circular dials, one of which contains a digital display. The 5.8in sat-nav is Tom-tom-based, so looks

a little ‘high-street’, though it looks pretty good in 2D mode.

The rear seat dimensions are impressive too. Both saloon and

estate versions offer excellent rear legroom for the segment and are also at or near the top of the class in terms of front shoulder room

as well as rear knee room.The boot opening is larger than

the previous model’s, and luggage capacities of both body styles are decent—489 litres for the sedan and 522 litres for the wagon. Price-wise, its competitive against obvious rivals such as Kia Optima, Hyundai i40 Tourer and Skoda Superb.

EnginE 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 6-speed manual, front-wheel drivepowEr 150ps at 4,500rpmTorquE 380nm at 2,000rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 67.2mpgCo2 Emissions 108g/kmluggagE volumE 489 litreslEngTh 4,870mmwidTh 1,840mmhEighT 1,450mmwhEElbasE 2,830mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band C

MAZDA 6 2.2 150PS diesel Saloon SE-L Nav

ProDriver Tested

43.5mpg / 35mphFeb.2013

P eugeot has aLways been popular with private hire drivers, especially with the

1990s 406. But the 407 had less rear seat room than its predecessor, and many drivers deserted the brand.

The 508, launched in 2011, and is a bigger car than the outgoing 407. The saloon is 101mm longer than the equivalent 407, and the 508’s interior dimensions are on a par with those of the much larger 607 saloon. Compared with the 407, there is 53mm more rear legroom.

It’s available as saloon and estate, and a significant model in the saloon line-up is the 508 HYbrid4 diesel-electric model, which offers 91g/km CO2 emissions and 80mpg combined. However, this carries a hefty price

premium—it costs more than £32,000, whereas a 1.6 diesel with 104g/km can be bought for less than £20,000.

The standard 2.0 diesel we tested drives well too, with nimble handling and excellent fuel economy. The trim levels—Access, Active and

Allure—are rather baffling though. The 508 is just about to get a major facelift—we’ve seen it but haven’t yet driven it. It does look good though, marking a further shift up-market for the Peugeot brand.

EnginE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 6-speed dual-clutch automatic, front-drivepowEr 163ps at 3,750rpmTorquE 340nm at 2,000rpmCo2 Emissions 149g/kmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 49.6mpgluggagE volumE 473 litreslEngTh 4,792mmwidTh 1,853mmhEighT 1,456mmwhEElbasE 2,817mmwarranTy 3 years /unlimited milesvEd band f

PEuGEot 508 Allure 2.0 HDi Auto

ProDriver Tested

36.6mpg / 26mph

July 2011

E Ver since it first arriVed in the UK in 2009, Skoda’s second-generation Superb has

been the undisputed class-leader in the private hire sector. Here was a car with rear legroom and luggage space that outstripped many executive chauffeur vehicles, never mind its more obvious rivals in the upper-medium sector.

Last year’s facelift saw the front of the Superb completely redesigned from the A-pillars forward, with new bonnet, wings, bumper and a wider, more streamlined grille. The tail of the Superb has also been completely redesigned.

The dashboard is conventional, with large, analogue speedometer and rev counter gauges, plus a central monochrome LED display with trip information, nav instructions and

other information. The sat-nav is the familiar VW group system, with a decent resolution touch-screen monitor with nice clear graphics.

Familiar VW 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines are used, while the entry-level Superb uses a smaller 1.6-litre TDI engine, combined with Greenline trim,

claiming 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 109g/km.

The load area is very good too, and we love the innovative double-hinged twindoor hatch/boot that you get with the Superb saloon. This now has separate buttons to open the boot or the complete tailgate. The Superb offers 595 litres of boot space—by far the market leader.

EnginE 1,968cc 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 6-speed manual, front-wheel drivepowEr 140ps at 4,200rpmTorquE 320nm at 1,750-2,500rpmfuEl EConomy 61.9mpg combinedCo2 Emissions 119g/kmluggagE volumE 595 litreslEngTh 4,833mmhEighT 1,4620mmwidTh 1,817mm whEElbasE 2,761mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band C

SKoDA Superb 2.0 TDI SE

ProDriver Tested

44.6mpg / 31mph

Nov.2013



T he toyota aVensis is still a conservative choice—but that’s a

good thing. Strong reliability, low running costs and excellent build quality means many operators have been prepared to overlook Toyota’s traditional downsides—bland design, dull, plastic interiors and relatively high depreciation.

The current-shape Avensis was revealed in 2008, and represented a major leap forward in styling—with its sharp lines and high waist, it’s very much in line with modern Euroepan styling trends. A facelift in 2013 saw Avensis adopt Toyota’s new trim levels, with Active Icon, Icon Plus and Excel replacing previous T2, TR,

T4 and T Spirit levels.The Avensis, which is built at

Toyota’s UK plant, comes with saloon or estate body and a choice

of 2.0 and 2.2-litre diesels. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, and Toyota’s Multidrive S CVT are available, depending on engine.

Ride and handling are tauter and better fine-tuned than on the old Avensis. The upshot is excellent running costs and better residual values. Downsides? A few niggles, like the fiddly handbrake, and the somewhat dated look to the satnav. And there’s a significant deficit in economy and emissions if you specify the 2.2 diesel with auto box.

EnginE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 6-speed manual, front-wheel drivepowEr 124bhp at 3,600rpmTorquE 310nm at 1,600rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 62.8mpgCo2 Emissions 119g/km luggagE volumE 509 litreslEngTh 4,710 mmwidTh 1,810 mmhEighT 1,480mm whEElbasE 2,700 mmwarranTy 5 years/100,000 mileagevEd band C

T he fLagship of the current Vauxhall range is the Insignia, launched as

a replacement for the Vectra in the distant, pre-recession summer of 2008.

Insignia was facelifted last year, to great effect. With sharper styling, a range of new engines and starting prices cut by almost £2,000 the latest Insignia also comes with a state-of-the-art interior that is straight out of the luxury league.

This includes two full colour digital displays make the control panel high-tech and functional with ultra-clear virtual instruments, with an 8in touchscreen in the centre of the dash. That’s a £400 option but enables operation of systems such as satnav to be controlled from a touchpad, the

screen itself, steering wheel buttons or even voice.

The two-litre ecoFLEX diesel boosted to either 120 or 140ps can

achieve a claimed 72.6mpg on average with tax free emissions of 99g/km making it among the cleanest cars of this size.

Acceleration is smooth and cabin refinement is excellent—the loudest noise at 30mph is the air conditioning fan. Steering is precise without being too twitchy—it’s a car that inspires confidence, without being overtly sporty. The hatchback version we tested has a huge amount of luggage space too—530 litres is more than many large executive saloons.

EnginE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 6-speed automatic, front-wheel drivepowEr 163ps at 4,000rpmTorquE 350nm at 1,750rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 58.3mpgCo2 Emissions 140g/km luggagE volumE 530 litreslEngTh 4,842mmwidTh 1,856mmhEighT 1,498mm whEElbasE 2,737mmwarranTy 100,000 milesvEd band E

VAuXhALL Insignia SE 2.0 CDTi 163 Auto

ProDriver Tested

45.9mpg / 40mphoct.2013

L ike the ford Mondeo and Peugeot 508, Volkswagen’s Passat is about to be

replaced with a new model—VW claims its the eighth generation in more than 40 years. Meanwhile, the seventh-gen Passat will fly the flag for the rest of 2014, and it’s still impressive. Facelifted in 2011, the design dates from 2005.

Diesel powertrain include a 105PS 1.6-litre TDI engine, a140PS 2.0-litre TDI and a 170PS 2-litre. The most frugal Bluemotion 1.6 diesel offers 109g/km of CO2 emissions and 68.9mpg. Both saloon and estate bodies are offered—sales are split roughly 50:50 between the two body styles.

On the road, Passat is as quiet and

refined as you’d expect from such a well-sorted car. Internal noise has been cut by using a new acoustic windscreen glass. On the estate, rear

seats can now be lowered from the boot as well as the rear seat area.

There’s not a lot of engine noise to start with thanks to the low-revving

diesel—at 40mph in sixth, it’s revving at 1,500rpm; at 70mph on the motorway it’s just above 2,000rpm. It feels solid and stable on the motorway. The DSG box doesn’t give any noticeable gearshifts at all.

EnginE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 6-speed dsg automatic, front-drivepowEr 140ps at 4,200rpmTorquE 320nm at 1,750rpmCo2 Emissions 135g/kmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 54.3mpg luggagE volumE 523 litreslEngTh 4,771mmhEighT 1,516mmwidTh 1,820mm warranTy 3 years/ 60,000 milesvEd band E

VW Passat SE BlueMotion 2.0 TDI 140PS DSG

ProDriver Tested

39.7mpg / 30mph

April 2011

toyotA Avensis Icon Business Edition 2.0 124 D-4D



I f the toLedo Looks suspiciously like a car below it on this page, that’s because,

basically, it is a badge-engineered Skoda Rapid, built in the Czech Republic and sold under VW Group’s sporty Spanish subsidiary’s brand.

This offers private hire operators a clear opportunity to source their cars from a different dealer network, and good deals may be available that way. The Toledo is a hugely functional, economical motor—a clever hatchback that looks like a saloon.

Inside it has loads of head and legroom, a choice of economical engines and good levels of equipment. It is also cheap to run—claimed economy on the 105PS diesel we tested is 70.6mpg with CO2 emissions of

106g/km. Careful driving meant the we returned more thah 55mpg on test.

The hatchback offers a huge 550 litres of boot space—more than many

full-size chauffeur cars. The 105PS of power seems modest, but it pulls well through all the gears, and the Toledo is more than capable on the

motorway. Wind and road noise are both reasonably muted.

Move up the range and the add-ons get better, with Bluetooth, air con, parking sensors and the range topper including climate control, cruise control and parking sensors.

EnginE 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 5-speed manual, front-wheel drivepowEr 105ps at 4,400rpmTorquE 184nm at 1,500rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 72.4mpg Co2 Emissions 104g/km luggagE volumE 550 litreslEngTh 4,482mmwidTh 1,706mmhEighT 1,461 mmwhEElbasE 2,602mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band b

SEAt Toledo 1.6 TDI 105 Ecomotive

ProDriver Tested

55.0mpg / 31mph

Aug.2013

T he octaVia has aLways been a popular choice for private hire work. It’s bigger

than just about anything else available for the price, and roomier than a lot of cars in a larger size bracket.

Factor in Volkswagen group reliability—we regularly hear of Octavias that have been round the clock two or three times—and low running costs thanks to fuel economy figures comparable to a Toyota Prius. The 1.6 diesel only emits 99g/km of CO2, and a Greenline version will be launched at the end of the year which will bring emissions down to just 85g/km.

The new Octavia represents a major improvement on the previous model. It’s bigger and has considerably

improved fit and finish, as well as better fuel economy. The only downside is a price increase, necessary to accommodate the extra technology

and features. Skoda says the SE version offers £3,890 of additional value over the previous-generation SE, while Elegance trim delivers £5,300 of

additional equipment value.Few compact cars offer more

interior length (1,782mm), more rear knee room (73mm) and more rear headroom (980mm). And the boot is truly cavernous.—Octavia continues to offer private hire and taxi fleets a very competent car that won’t break the bank.

EnginE 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 5-speed manual, front-wheel drivepowEr 105ps at 3,000rpmTorquE 184nm at 1, 500rpmCo2 Emissions 99g/kmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 74.3mpgluggagE volumE 590 litreslEngTh 4,659mmhEighT 1,461mmwidTh 1,814mmwhEElbasE 2,686mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band a

SKoDA Octavia Elegance 1.6 TDI CR 105PS

ProDriver Tested

47.1mpg / 35mph

April 2013

T he third-generation Octavia grew in size—and price. Would that take

away its favoured status as the car of choice for the budget-conscious minicab operator?

No matter if it did—because into the space that the old Octavia had vacated came a new, smaller three-box model, the Rapid. And a surprisingly excellent package it is too, with deceptive amounts of interior and luggage space, all built into a car that’s effectively a Volkswagen Polo under the skin.

We tested the 105PS version of the 1.6 turbodiesel engine, but a less powerful 90PS Greenline version is also available, which takes economy up to 74.3mpg combined, and brings

CO2 emissions down from 114g/km on the car we tested to 99g/km. That’s Prius performance, but with a price more than £4,000 lower than the

cheapest Prius.On top of that you get very

generous rear seat legroom and a luggage area which is huge for a car

of its size at 550 litres with the rear seatbacks upright. That’s way better than any comparable hybrid—and better than most limousines.

If you’ve been running old-shape Octavias, Rapid will fit your bill admirably. We doubt your customers would feel they were in a smaller car.

EnginE 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 5-speed manual, front-wheel drivepowEr 105ps at 4,400rpmTorquE 184nm at 1,500rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 64.2mpg Co2 Emissions 114g/km luggagE volumE 550 litreslEngTh 4,483mmwidTh 1,706mmhEighT 1,461 mmwhEElbasE 2,602mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band C

SKoDA Rapid Elegance 1.6 TDI CR 105PS



I s the nissan Leaf the car that will make the breakthrough and provide eco-focused

operators with a practical electric taxi? It just might, with a number of operators, notably London’s eConnect Cars, adopting the battery-electric car.

The five-door hatch is comparable in size to a Toyota Prius—there’s no problem with rear legroom, headroom or access. Dashboard position is high-tech, and includes a smart nav that will help you find a charge point should you need one. Boot space is reasonable at 355 litres on the top-line Tekna model. Realistically, this is an urban taxi, so that should be less of an issue.

Range is claimed to be 100 miles,

and the Leaf has a rapid charge facility that allows it to be recharged to 80% of range within 30 minutes. So in theory it should be able to keep

going all day, so long as you time the charges to match driver rest breaks or shift changes. And of course, you’ll need a rapid charge point—and

they’re not cheap—around £10,000.Leaf is a pleasant, nippy drive,

though you need to engage the more sluggish eco mode to maximise your range. It’s also temperature-dependent—you’ll get more range on a warm day than in winter.

EnginE 80Kw electric motorTransmission CvT, front-wheel drivepowEr 109ps TorquE 254nm at 0-10,500rpmrangE 124 milesCo2 Emissions 0g/km luggagE volumE 355 litreslEngTh 4,445mmwidTh 1,770mmhEighT 1,550mm whEElbasE 2,700mmwarranTy 3 years/unlimited mileagevEd band a

NiSSAN Leaf

T he peugeot 3008 hybrid4 does offer a viable alter-native to a Toyota Prius,

coupled with diesel durability and a familiar engine. But it’s not without its quirks.

Peugeot has kept the diesel and electric elements of its hybrid powertrain separate. The familiar 2.0 litre 163bhp HDi diesel engine drives the front wheels, like a conventional 3008. The electric motor powers the rear wheels and the entire powertrain can run in a number of modes.

It can perform for short distances, as a pure electric car, with the diesel engine switched off. It can also perform as a regular diesel car, sending charge to the battery pack as it goes. Or it can operate as a

full-on 4x4 when needed.Transmission is automatic—in

fact it’s the same jerky automated manual gearbox that is used on some

other Peugeot 508 and 5008 models. But in the HYbrid4, the electric drivetrain, seems to smooth out the lurching changes completely.

It’s a roomy car, though the battery pack under the boot floor does reduce boot space compared to the standard 3008. On the road the hybrid system switches smoothly, though we felt the regenerative braking was too strong—lift off the throttle and the car slows immediately.

EnginE 2.0-litre turbodiesel/electric hybridTransmission 6-speed automated manual (front); direct drive (rear)powEr 163bhp @3,750rpm (diesel); 37bhp (electric)TorquE 300nm@2,000rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 74.3mpgCo2 Emissions 99g/km luggagE volumE 354 litreslEngTh 4365 mmwidTh 1837 mmhEighT 1639mm whEElbasE 2613 mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band a

PEuGEot 3008 HYbrid4 Allure

T he prius is an icon of our times. It was the first practical hybrid, and its

distinctive looks—formed through an attempt to maximise aerodynamic efficiency—has made it as distinctive a shape on the road as the Beetle, Mini or Golf.

The growth of eco-chauffeurs in the past decade has seen the Prius become the default private hire car for many fleets—even though the car wasn’t really designed with the job in mind.

Prius bristles with technology. The sat-nav is excellent, with 3-D graphics and a split screen function that indicates where to go at motorway junctions. An eco-meter encourages light-footed driving.

Unfortunately, comfort is somewhat

lacking inside. There’s still rather too much hard grey plastic, with little attempt to highlight the greyness with detail inserts. Rear seats are rather

firmer than your customers might expect. Nevertheless there’s plenty of room in the back and decent luggage space.

It’s a surprisingly long car, with slab sides and a high roof apex above the rear seats, and that makes it practical as a chauffeur car. A plug-in version is available offering about 15 miles of pure electric motoring, but this isn’t much of an advantage unless you’re recharging the car regularly.

EnginE 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid with 650v electric motorTransmission E-CvT, front-wheel drivepowEr 134bhp at 5,200rpmTorquE 142nm at 4,000rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 70.6mpgCo2 Emissions 92g/kmloadspaCE volumE 445 litreslEngTh 4,480mmhEighT 1,490mmwidTh 1,745mmwhEElbasE 2,700mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band a

toyotA Prius T-Spirit 1.8 VVT-i

T he seat Leon st is the estate version of the Spanish-made, VW Golf-

based hatchback. But it has grown into a pretty impressive car. Indeed, Seat has replaced the Audi A4-based Exeo ST estate with this car. Leon ST actually offers more internal space, despite shorter length and wheelbase.

It’s a very enjoyable car to drive—the 2-litre engine gives plenty of torque, and gearing is sensibly oriented toward cruising rather than out-and-out performance. Handling is excellent and even with big alloys the Leon ST is comfortable across uneven and potholed roads.

Much as we like the 2-litre engine, we’d urge readers to look at the more frugal 1.6. And the Ecomotive

version offers tantalisingly frugal fuel economy and emissions that surpass many hybrids.

Leather upholstery is to a good

standard and the front seats are comfortable, though the rear seats could do with a little more padding. The boot is accessed via an electric

tailgate—a nice touch on a car in this class. It’s certainly capacious if not class-leading—the Skoda Octavia estate and the new Peugeot 308SW are both bigger. But 587 litres is very good, and a lot more than the old Exeo ST’s 442 litres.

EnginE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder TdiTransmission 6-speed manual, front-wheel drivepowEr 184ps at 4,000rpmTorquE 380nm at 1,750rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 65.7mpgCo2 Emissions 112g/kmluggagE volumE 587 litreslEngTh 4,543mmwidTh 1,816mmhEighT 1,439mmwhEElbasE 2,631mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band C

SEAt Leon ST FR 2.0TDI 184PS

ProDriver Tested

48.0mpg / 32mph

July 2014

T oyota prius with More bootspace? At Prius prices? Impossible. Not so. Toyota’s

latest hybrid model does exactly that—the only catch is the fact that it’s not called Prius. Auris Touring Sports Hybrid matches the Prius for eco-performance, with a price tag that’s actually a shade below the Prius equivalent.

What’s more, you can actually buy non-hybrid 1.4-litre turbodiesel versions of Auris Touring Sports as well, offering 89bhp, 109g/km of CO2 emissions and 67.3mpg of combined fuel economy.

Toyota has simply transplanted the hybrid powertrain of the Prius into the body of the Auris Touring. Official CO2 and mpg figures are exactly the same

for the Excel-spec Auris Touring and the top-line Prius T-Spirit. That’s 92g/km of CO2 and 70.6mpg combined. Switch to the 15in alloys of the lower

Icon trim level and CO2 emissions drop to 85g/km, while combined economy soars to 76.3mpg.

Auris Touring’s estate body gives a

substantial increase in boot space: 530 litres against the Prius’ 445 litres, in a more useable, estate-shaped space. We also liked the handy under-floor storage areas in the boot, and the moveable loadspace cover that makes for easy access to the boot without having to release the cover fully.

EnginE 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission E-CvT, front-wheel drivepowEr 98bhp at 5,200rpmTorquE 142nm at 4,000rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 70.6mpgCo2 Emissions 92g/kmluggagE volumE 530 litreslEngTh 4,560mmwidTh 1,760mmhEighT 1,460mmwhEElbasE 2,600mmwarranTy 5 years/ 100,000 milesvEd band a

toyotA Auris Touring Sports Excel 1.8 VVT-i Hybrid

ProDriver Tested

49.0mpg / 30mph

march 2012

V oLVo’s V60 dieseL hybrid uses a five-cylinder 2.4 litre turbodiesel to

power the front wheels, and an electric motor to drive the rear wheels. It has an added plug-in recharge facility that gives it up to 31 miles of electric range on a full charge.

This is a clever system, as you don’t have to use the electric charge straight away. In fact there’s a “Save for Later” button that switches out the main battery and allows the car to run purely on diesel. It’s a very driveable hybrid with a comfortable enough ride and peppy performance –one of the positives of electric traction. We like the way the hybrid drivetrain holds in electric

mode for reasonable distances when driven carefully.

The seats are comfortable and there’s reasonable legroom—roughly

the same as a Prius. Dashboard is stylish if minimal. The battery pack is below the luggage floor. This reduces loadspace to 305 litres,

compared to 430 litres on a standard V60.

The main downside is the whopping £43,775 price tag, even after Government plug-in grant. There are more affordable hybrids– including the Mercedes E300 Bluetec Hybrid. And the Volvo is almost twice the price of a base Toyota Prius.

EnginE 2.4-litre 5-cylinder turbodiesel / 50Kwh electric motorTransmission 6-speed automatic, four-wheel drivepowEr 215bhp at 4,000rpm (diesel) plus 70bhp (electric)TorquE 4400nm at 1,500-3,000rpm (diesel) plus 200nm (electric)fuEl EConomy 155.2mpg combinedCo2 Emissions 48g/kmluggagE volumE 305 litreslEngTh 4,635mmwidTh 1,865mmhEighT 1,484mmwhEElbasE 2,776mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band a

VoLVo V60 D6 AWD Geartronic Plug-in Hybrid


// Private Hire Vehicles // Whole Life Costs //

key: [h] Hatchback [s] Saloon [e] Estate _____

niSSan LEAF Visia CVT Auto 5dr [h] ....................Elec ............0.0 ................0 .............£26,490 ................10% .............£23,916 .......... (£2,200) ............£21,716 .............£7,075 ............£2,925 ......................£0 .....................£0 ...........£31,716 ................£881 21.1

niSSan LEAF Acenta CVT Auto 5dr [h] ...............Elec ............0.0 ................0 .............£28,490 ................10% .............£25,716 .......... (£2,350) ...........£23,366 ..............£7,125 .............£3,150 ......................£0 .....................£0 ..........£33,641 ................£934 22.4

Seat Toledo S TDI 105 Ecomotive 5dr [h] ......1.6 ...........72.4 ............104 ............£17,150 ................13% ............£14,996 .......... (£1,800) ............£13,196 ............£6,225 ............£1,875 ...................£64 .........£13,225 ..........£34,585 ................£961 23.1

Skoda Rapid Greenline TDI CR 90 5dr [h] .......1.6 ............74.3 .............99 .............£17,815 .................11% ............£15,930 .......... (£2,000) ...........£13,930 ............£6,250 ............£2,000 ......................£0 .........£12,900 .........£35,080 ................£974 23.4

Skoda Octavia S TDI CR 105 5dr [h] ..................1.6 ............74.3 .............99 ...........£18,360 ................14% ............£15,865 .......... (£1,925) ...........£13,940 ............£6,250 ............£2,000 ......................£0 .........£12,900 .........£35,090 ................£975 23.4

Skoda Rapid S TDI CR 90 5dr [h] .........................1.6 ...........64.2 ............114 ..........£15,855 .................12% .............£14,027 .......... (£1,550) ............£12,477 ............£6,200 ............£1,750 ...................£96 .........£14,925 .........£35,448 ................£985 23.6

Skoda Rapid S TDI CR 105 5dr [h] ......................1.6 ...........64.2 ............114 ..........£16,430 .................12% ............£14,533 .......... (£1,725) ...........£12,808 ............£6,225 ............£1,825 ...................£96 .........£14,925 ..........£35,879 ................£997 23.9

Seat Toledo SE TDI 105 Ecomotive 5dr [h] ....1.6 ...........70.6 ............106 ...........£18,370 ................13% ............£16,057 ...........(£1,875) ............£14,182 ............£6,250 ............£2,000 ...................£64 .........£13,575 ..........£36,071 ............£1,002 24.0

Skoda Octavia S TDI CR 105 DSG 5dr [h] .......1.6 ...........72.4 ............102 ...........£19,610 ................14% ............£16,940 ...........(£2,100) ...........£14,840 .............£6,275 .............£2,125 ...................£64 .........£13,225 .........£36,529 .............£1,015 24.4

Seat Leon ST SE TDI 105 5dr [e] ........................1.6 ...........72.4 .............99 ...........£19,930 ................13% ..............£17,414 ...........(£2,100) ............£15,314 .............£6,275 .............£2,175 ......................£0 .........£13,225 .........£36,989 ............£1,027 24.7

Skoda Octavia Greenline III TDI CR 110 5dr [h] ................1.6 ............74.3 .............85 ............£20,150 .................12% .............£17,807 ...........(£2,100) ............£15,707 .............£6,275 ............£2,225 ......................£0 .........£12,900 ............£37,107 ............£1,031 24.7

VaUxHall Insignia Design CDTi 130 4dr [s] ............2.0...........62.8 ............119 ...........£18,104 ................15% ............£15,463 .......... (£1,925) ...........£13,538 .............£7,450 ............£1,950 ...................£96 ..........£15,275 .........£38,309 ............£1,064 25.5

HyUndai i40 Tourer CRDi 115 Blue Drive Active 5dr [e] ....1.7 ...........65.7 ............113 ..........£20,235 ................14% ..............£17,477 .......... (£2,000) ............£15,477 ............£6,025 .............£2,175 ...................£96 .........£14,600 ..........£38,373 ............£1,066 25.6

Skoda Superb S TDI CR Greenline III 105 5dr [h] .........1.6 ............67.3 ............109 ..........£20,200 .................12% .............£17,851 ...........(£2,100) ............£15,751 .............£6,275 ............£2,225 ...................£64 .........£14,250 .........£38,565 .............£1,071 25.7

Skoda Superb S TDI CR 105 5dr [h] ....................1.6 ...........62.8 ............117...........£19,890 ................14% ..............£17,180 .......... (£2,200) ...........£14,980 .............£6,275 .............£2,175 ...................£96 ..........£15,275 ..........£38,801 ............£1,078 25.9

toyota Avensis Active D-4D 124 4dr [s] ..............2.0...........62.8 ............119 ..........£18,695 ................14% .............£16,153 .......... (£1,800) ...........£14,353 .............£7,475 ............£2,000 ...................£96 ..........£15,275 ..........£39,199 ............£1,089 26.1

ford Mondeo Zetec Business Edition 1.6 TDCi 115 Start/Stop 5dr [h] ....1.6 ............67.3 ..............109 ..............21495 .................16% ..............£18,131 .......... (£2,000) .............£16,131 ..........£10,825 ............£2,250 ...................£64 .........£14,775 .........£44,045 ............£1,223 29.4

Mazda 6 SE-L Diesel 150 5dr [h] ............................2.2...........72.4 ............104 ..........£22,795 ................14% ............£19,679 .......... (£2,500) .............£17,179 ............£6,825 ............£2,475 ...................£64 .........£13,225 ..........£39,768 .............£1,105 26.5

Skoda Superb S TDI CR 140 5dr [h] ....................2.0............61.4 ............119 ..........£20,490 ................14% .............£17,696 .......... (£2,000) ...........£15,696 .............£6,275 ............£2,200 ...................£96 .........£15,600 ..........£39,867 .............£1,107 26.6

VaUxHall Insignia SE CDTi 130 5dr [h] ....................2.0...........62.8 ............119 ..........£19,904 ................15% ............£16,993 .......... (£1,925) ...........£15,068 .............£7,500 .............£2,125 ...................£96 ..........£15,275 .........£40,064 .............£1,113 26.7

kia Optima 1 CRDi 4dr [s] ................................1.7 ............57.6 ............128 ..........£19,795 ................16% ............£16,703 .......... (£2,000) ...........£14,703 ............£6,900 ............ £2,100 ................£352 .........£16,625 .........£40,680 .............£1,130 27.1

toyota Auris Touring Sports Icon VVT-i HybridSynergy Drive CVT 136 Auto 5dr [e] ....1.8 ............76.3 .............85 ............£21,745 ................13% ............£18,993 .......... (£1,750) ............£17,243 .............£7,550 ............£2,325 ......................£0 .........£13,775 .........£40,893 .............£1,136 27.3

toyota Prius T3 Hybrid VVT-i CVT 99 Auto 5dr [h] ........1.8 ...........72.4 .............89 ........... £21,995 ................15% .............£18,771 .......... (£1,725) ............£17,046 .............£7,550 ............£2,300 ......................£0 .........£14,525 .......... £41,421 .............£1,151 27.6

PeUgeot 508 Active HDi FAP 140 4dr [s] ..............2.0............61.4 ............119 ...........£22,145 ................13% .............£19,341 .......... (£2,200) .............£17,141 ............£6,500 ............£2,400 ...................£96 .........£15,600 ...........£41,737 .............£1,159 27.8

VolkSWagen Passat S TDI BlueMotion Technology 140 4dr [s] 2.0............61.4 ............119 ..........£22,425 ................14% .............£19,361 ...........(£2,375) ...........£16,986 .............£7,425 ............£2,425 ...................£96 .........£15,600 .........£42,532 .............£1,181 28.4

toyota Prius T4 Hybrid VVT-i CVT 99 Auto 5dr [h] ........1.8 ...........70.6 .............92 ...........£23,745 ................15% ............£20,258 .......... (£1,700) ...........£18,558 .............£7,575 ............£2,450 ......................£0 ..........£14,875 .........£43,458 ............£1,207 29.0

Skoda Superb S TDI CR 140 DSG 5dr [h] .........2.0...........54.3 ............135 .......... £21,930 ................14% ............£18,935 .......... (£2,275) ...........£16,660 ............£6,300 ............£2,375 ................£553 ..........£17,650 .........£43,538 ............£1,209 29.0

Mazda 6 SE-L Diesel 150 Auto 5dr [h] .................2.2...........58.9 ............127 ..........£23,995 ................14% .............£20,711 .......... (£2,700) ............£18,011 ............£6,850 ............£2,625 ................£352 ......... £16,275 ...........£44,113 ............£1,225 29.4

PeUgeot 3008 Active HDi 150 FAP 150 5dr [h] .2.0...........53.2 ............139 .......... £21,600 .................12% ............£19,083 .......... (£1,800) ............£17,283 ............£6,500 ............£2,325 ................£553 .........£18,025 .........£44,686 .............£1,241 29.8

VolkSWagen Passat Executive TDI BlueMotion Technology 177 4dr [s] ........2.0............61.4 ............120 ...........£25,145 ................14% ............ £21,700 .......... (£2,600) ............£19,100 .............£7,475 ............£2,725 ...................£96 .........£15,600 .........£44,996 ............£1,250 30.0

ford MondeoZetec Business Edition 2.0 TDCi 140 5dr [h].................1.6 ...........62.8 .............119 ..............21495 .................16% ..............£18,131 .......... (£2,000) .............£16,131 ..........£10,825 ............£2,250 ...................£96 .........£15,825 ...........£45,127 ............£1,254 30.1

PeUgeot 3008 HYbrid4 Active 5dr [h] ....................2.0............83.1 .............88 ............£27,245 ..................7%...............£25,413 .......... (£1,700) ............£23,713 ............£6,650 ............£3,050 ......................£0 .........£12,925 .........£46,338 ............£1,287 30.9

PeUgeot 508 Active HDi FAP Auto 163 4dr [s] ...2.0...........49.6 ............149 ..........£24,050 ................13% ............£20,999 .......... (£2,200) ...........£18,799 ............£6,550 ............£2,600 .................£616 .........£19,325 ..........£47,890 ............£1,330 31.9

VaUxHall Insignia Sports Tourer SE CDTi 163 Auto 5dr [e] 2.0...........50.4 ............149 ..........£24,359 ................15% ............£20,780 .......... (£2,050) ...........£18,730 .............£7,600 ............£2,550 .................£616 .........£19,025 ..........£48,521 ............£1,348 32.3

kia Optima 2 CRDi Auto 4dr [s] .....................1.7 ............47.1 .............158 ...........£24,245 ................16% ............£20,441 ........... (£2,125) ............£18,316 .............£6,975 ............£2,525 ................£765 .........£20,350 ..........£48,931 ............£1,359 32.6

PeUgeot 508 Diesel HYbrid4 200 4dr [s] ..............2.0...........80.7 .............91.............£32,100 ................10% ............£28,965 .......... (£2,400) ...........£26,565 ............£6,725 ............£3,525 ......................£0 .........£13,325 ..........£50,140 ............£1,393 33.4

VolVo V60 Hybrid D6 AWD Geartronic SE Lux Nav [e] .........2.4..........155.2 .............48 ...........£49,370 ..................9%..............£45,002 .......... (£3,000) ...........£42,002 ............£9,700 ............£5,400 ......................£0 ............£7,325 ..........£64,427 ............£1,790 43.0

PRiVaTe hiRe VehiCLeS

I s it the right tiMe to go eLectric? nissan’s Leaf has been subJect to price cuts recently, and it tops the price table for ppm costs for Private Hire Cars. OK, an electric minicab might not suit every operator. And you have to factor in costs such

as charging points, if you’re going to keep the cars working all day. But urban operators should take note.

Elsewhere it certainly seems that downsizing pays. Clear leaders among conventional cars are the smaller Skoda Rapid and Seat Toledo twins—they’re effectively the same car. And the Octavia, now a bigger car than before, is a good option too.

If you’re looking for an upper-medium saloon, the Skoda Superb takes some beating. The Greenline super-economy version is still an awful lot of car for the money. The Hyundai i40 Tourer does rival it for ppm costs, as does the much-improved Vauxhall Insignia.

Hybrids fare less well in whole-life terms, as low fuel costs don’t outweigh higher purchase prices. An eco-chauffeur fleet switching from Toyota Prius to Skoda Octavia Greenline would save in running costs and CO2 emissions—but would clients accept a non-hybrid as an eco-car?

*Taxi operators only. Vehicles shown for illustrative purpose only. Price subject to £495 deposit.


// SUVs //

T he range roVer reached its fourth generation at the end of

2012. The current car is 10% more aerodynamic than the previous model, and its lightweight all-aluminium bodyshell means the overall weight of the car is 420kg lower.

A lot of attention has been paid to the rear seat area. An extra 42mm in the wheelbase has translated into 118mm more rear legroom, while the slightly lower seating position, coupled with larger doors, has improved entry and exit.

In addition, a long-wheelbase version is now available. Rear seat legroom has been increased by

a further140mm. It comes with individual rear seats, and rear seat reline has been boosted to 17 degrees, compared to 9 degrees on the standard wheelbase. The LWB model will only be offered on Autobiography and Autobiography Black trim level with 4.4-litre diesel V8 or 5.0-litre petrol V8—no SE Vogue trim or 3-litre TDI power. A Hybrid derivative will also be available.

The dashboard is clean and stylish, with switches kept to a minimum thanks to the 8in touch-screen infotainment system that controls many of the car’s functions. This is essentially the same system as in the Jaguar XJ

with DualView screen.The 3.0-litre 258PS TDV6

engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Refinement and sound damping is excellent, as you’d expect. And the air suspension is truly effective, keeping the car stable and smoothing out the bumps over the worst of the suburban potholes.

The split tailgate is another Range Rover signature. The extended floor can help with loading and there’s no lip to negotiate. Luggage space is an acceptable 550 litres under the retractable cover. Stacked to the roof, you can get 909 litres of baggage in without folding the seats.

BY THE NUMBERSEnginE 3.0-litre turbo-diesel

Transmission 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive

powEr 254bhp at 4,000 rpm

TorquE 600nm at 2,000 rpm




lEngTh 4,999mm

widTh 1,983mm

hEighT 1,835mm

whEElbasE 2,922mm


vEd band J

T he Mercedes-benZ GL350 was first launched in 2006, and facelifted

extensively this January, including is a 90kg weight reduction over the previous model. It’s big, with plenty of road presence thanks to its massive, grille-mounted Mercedes star.

The GL is a genuine seven-seater. The third row is split 50:50, and folds flat into the boot floor, one half at a time, at the push of buttons in the side panels inside the boot. In five-seater mode, the GL has a decent 680 litres of luggage space below the cover.

There’s not quite as much rear legroom as a Range Rover but there’s ample headroom. Manually

adjustable rear seats are heated and the second-row passengers have control of climate from dials mounted in the centre console between the front seats.

The dashboard is very well finished, with a stitched leather-look top. A large central satnav screen is accessed by the Mercedes-Benz Comand system, comprising a large wheel and buttons on the centre console. The automatic gearshift is column-mounted.

There’s some impressive technology in the system too, especially parking cameras that give a switchable view, including a top-down view using cameras mounted under door mirrors and in the nose

and tail, as well as conventional front and rear views. The screen’s big enough to display more than one view—for example top-down and rear camera together, side-by-side.

On the road, the 3-litre V6 turbodiesel engine’s growl is noticeable, but not in a bad way. The 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox is smooth-shifting and well geared. Steering wheel paddles give a manual override.

The overall feel is of a very solid, built-to-last piece of kit, with no squeals or rattles. Air suspension settings can be selected manually, and comfort mode, with softer damping, is extremely effective.

BY THE NUMBERSEnginE 3.0-litre v6 turbo-diesel

Transmission 7-speed automatic, all-wheel drive






lEngTh 5,141mm

widTh 2,141mm

hEighT 1,850mm

whEElbasE 3,075mm


vEd band K

MERCEDES-BENZ GL350 BlueTEC AMG Sport auto

RANGE RoVER 3.0 TDV6 Vogue SE auto

ProDriver Tested

23.6mpg / 23mph

June 2014

ProDriver Tested

29.3mpg / 29mph

June 2014


// SUVs //

T he current-generation Mercedes-Benz ML-Class arrived in the UK in 2012.

It’s bigger and more refined than the previous M-Class, with plenty of safety systems and technology that’s shared across other Mercedes models.

It’s available with a choice of engines—ML250 uses the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel, while ML350 uses a 3.0-litre V6—both engines are the same as found in many other

Mercs, including E-Class.The ML250 BlueTec S Automatic

is one of the cleanest large SUVs on sale, with CO2 emissions of 159g/km, while even the ML350 offers a reasonable 189g/km. Both engines are paired with a 7-speed automatic gearbox and feature ECO start/stop technology.

The ML-class is keenly priced, and Mercedes will provide the cars through its chauffeur programme—though the model is not a core vehicle

of the scheme. Many of the interior functions are shared with the larger GL-class, including the parking cameras with top-down view. Comand sat-nav is included, with typically clear graphics via a 6.5in screen and easy functionality.

Rear cabin space is good, and the boot is extremely roomy at 690 litres, with a wide, flat floor. It’s a quiet and comfortable motorway cruiser, and very manoeuvrable round town for a big car.


Transmission 7-speed automatic, four-wheel drive






lEngTh 4,804mm

widTh 1,926mm

hEighT 1,796mm

whEElbasE 2,915mm


vEd band J

T he big audi off-roader is a car designed with the US market in mind.

However there’s something of a “reverse tardis” effect—the Audi seems smaller than it ought to on the inside, thanks to hefty pillars and sturdy doors.

The driver’s position is a high-tech affair, with a large sat-nav screen complete with reversing camera, and plenty of additional information on the colour panel between the main dashboard dials. Not quite the sophistication of A6 and A8, but still very good. Remember that Q7 is one of Audi’s

oldest models now, and an all-new model is expected to break cover next year.

The Audi Q7 has a third row of seats, which folds flat into the boot floor. Second row legroom can be improved in five-seat mode by moving the seats back. Seats are soft and comfortable, with high-class leather upholstery.

There’s not a lot of luggage space in seven-seat mode, but with the third row of seats folded away there’s 765 litres of space. The boot floor is high, though, and there’s a lot of shiny plastic rear bumper to negotiate, which

could easily become scuffed.On-road performance is excellent,

though, with a real “big car” feel behind the wheel. It’s a very smooth on-road car, and the 3.0 turbodiesel is a low-revving cruiser at motorway speeds. The Audi scores well on operating costs, with excellent claimed fuel economy of 39.2mpg combined.

It’s decent value too, with SE spec priced below £44,000. And best of all, you can get the Q7 under Audi’s chauffeur programme, which means affordable monthly payments on higher mileages and excellent manufacturer support.


Transmission 8-speed automatic, four-wheel drive






lEngTh 5,089 mm

widTh 1,983 mm

hEighT 1,737mm

whEElbasE 3,002 mm


vEd band J

AuDi Q7 3.0TDI SE

MERCEDES ML350 BlueTEC SE Executive

ProDriver Tested

32.0mpg / 30mph

Nov.2012

ProDriver Tested

27.4mpg / 37.0mphDec.2013


// SUVs //

BMw’s biggest off-roader is a competent, roomy SUV with plenty of space for five,

including the centre rear position. We tested the triple-turbo top-line M50d versions—though the less powerful 25d and 30d models offer better fuel economy and lower CO2.

Inside the car, the well laid-out dashboard resembles the 5-series, with a crystal-clear 10.2in free-standing central screen linked to the iDrive operating system. It’s a simple, logical system accessed via a rotary control on the central console.

Practicality is also boosted thanks to a minimum 650 litres of luggage space, accessed through a Range Rover-style split tailgate. Additional features include pin-sharp front and rear

cameras and double sunroof.It’s a classy car to drive in both urban

conditions and at pace on the motorway, working seamlessly through the eight-

speed transmission as the xDrive four-wheel drive system distributes the power between the front and rear axles.

The different drive settings of ECO

PRO, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus make a huge difference to the X5’s characteristics too. ECO PRO driving mode retunes the whole car for maximum economy at the expense of performance. But the car is markedly less enjoyable to drive with ECO PRO’s more sluggish response, so we’d recommend you stay in Comfort mode.

EnginE 3.0-litre v6 turbodieselTransmission 8-speed automatic, four-wheel drivepowEr 381bhp at 4,000rpmTorquE 740nm at 2,000rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 42.8mpgCo2 Emissions 173g/km luggagE volumE 650 litreslEngTh 4,886mmwidTh 1,938mmhEighT 1,762mm whEElbasE 2,933mmwarranTy 3 years/unlimited mileagevEd band h

BMW X5 xDrive M50d Auto

A prestige brand suV for less that £50,000, with running costs and CO2 emissions well inside

acceptable limits for a big 4x4? The Porsche Cayenne Diesel fits the bill.

Its combination of sporty styling and superb on-road dynamics make the Cayenne a good choice for chauffeuring. The original Cayenne was replaced by a second-generation model in 2010. The new car is lower and externally smaller, but with a 40mm longer wheelbase, boosting rear legroom.

The addition of Volkswagen’s 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine makws for a low-revving on-road cruiser, and the 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox gives admirably smooth shifts. There are several ride options—including comfort, which does make a difference.

The dashboard layout is unmistakably

Porsche. One of the overlapping dashboard dials is a digital screen, which can display different information such as radio, navigation instructions and even a detailed

map—so you could have a 3D display on the main satnav screen and a local 2D version on the small screen.

The rear seat could take three people but

is more suitable for two—the centre of the seat back incorporates a large, fold-down armrest. Luggage space is acceptable, though the load floor is quite high.

And while the big alloys look the part, smaller hubs with more rubber and air would help smooth out the potholes. On the motorway, it’s very solid and unhurried, especially when the cruise control is engaged.

EnginE 3.0-litre v6 turbodiesel Transmission 8-speed tiptronic, four-wheel drivepowEr 245ps at 3,800rpmTorquE 550nm at 1,750-2,750rpmCo2 Emissions 189g/kmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 39.2mpgluggagE volumE 670 litreslEngTh 4,846mmhEighT 1,705mmwidTh 1,939mmwhEElbasE 2,895mmwarranTy 3 years/unlimited milesvEd band J

PoRSChE Cayenne Diesel 3.0 TDI

R ange roVer is Very Much a separate brand in its own right these days, with

three model ranges. The latest is the second-generation Range Rover Sport, launched in 2013.

It shares a strong family resemblance with the bigger flagship Range Rover, but it is more agile and is based on the Land Rover Discovery platform. It comes to market with three engine, and the 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 with eight speed automatic box that we tested, in HSE trim.

This is the best seller in the range, with high-grade leather upholstery. Access is good for everyone, including into the back if you specify the additional two rearmost seats which

turn it into a seven seater. The load bed takes 784 litres in five-seater mode. It’s accessed via a conventional tailgate, without the split-gate of the

big Range Rover.It can be a little noisy under hard

acceleration but cruising is quiet and even the big wheels and tyres are

not overly intrusive. Ride quality is firm but supple, there is little body roll. Infotainment system is common with Range Rover and Jaguar XJ. It’s comprehensive, though the display isn’t quite as readable as some of the German manufacturers’ systems.

EnginE 3.0-litre v6 turbodieselTransmission 8-speed automatic, four-wheel drivepowEr 292bhp at 4,000rpmTorquE 600nm at 2,000rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 37.7mpgCo2 Emissions 199g/km luggagE volumE 784 litreslEngTh 4,850mmwidTh 2,073mmhEighT 1,780mm whEElbasE 2,923mmwarranTy 3 years/unlimited mileagevEd band J

RANGE RoVER Sport 3.0 SDV6 HSE

ProDriver Tested

24.6mpg / 27.2mphJan.2014

ProDriver Tested

33.6mpg / 39mph

April 2013


// SUVs //

I nfiniti has rebadged its entire range, with all SUV models receiving “QX” designations,

while saloons are now badged “Q”. So the FX30d crossover has now become the larger QX70. It’s mechanically unchanged since we tested it under its previous name.

Infiniti is part of the Renault-Nissan group, and the QX70 is powered by a Renault-developed 3.0-litre diesel. Infiniti’s FX crossover received a cosmetic facelift in 2012, with new corporate grille, new colours and revised alloy wheels. It’s still a striking-looking vehicle, with quirky, aggressive looks.

The roofline is low, and the ride height is much lower than most large luxury SUVs, which makes getting in and out a lot easier. There’s excellent rear

legroom too, and the low roofline doesn’t compromise the interior headroom. The quilted leather seats are extremely comfortable.

Infiniti FX is bristling with technology, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, plus an exceptional reversing camera that gives

a top-down view of the car, as well as a conventional rear view, when you’re parking.

Handling is sure-footed and steering is positive, making the Infiniti FX manoeuvrable around town. It’s not cheap, but comes with a very loaded standard spec—something of an Infiniti feature. CO2 isn’t the best at 225g/km.

EnginE 3.0-litre v6 turbodieselTransmission 7-speed automatic, four-wheel drivepowEr 235bhp at 3,750rpmTorquE 550nm at 1,750rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 32.8mpgCo2 Emissions 225g/km luggagE volumE 410 litreslEngTh 4,865mmwidTh 1,925mmhEighT 1,680mm whEElbasE 2,885mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band K

iNfiNiti QX70 GT 3.0d

ProDriver Tested

29.8mpg / 34mph

Nov.2012

J eep is eMerging as one of the most important brands within the recently-formed Fiat-Chrysler

auto empire. It’s set for massive expansion in the coming years, and that includes its flagship model, the Grand Cherokee.

The big American SUV was facelifted in 2013, making it look neater and more modern, with a more global appeal. This is important in Europe, where it’s targeting Mercedes ML, BMW X5 and Audi Q7. But prices at least matching these rivals, and the Grand Cherokee has very high levels of standard equipment.

The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine delivers 247bhp at 4,000rpm and a hefty 570Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. It’s a nimble car for its size, and very

capable at motorway speed, with low revs thanks to the smooth, fluent 8-speeed automatic gearbox.

The Grand Cherokee is packed

to the brim with goodies—bi-xenon headlights, leather upholstery, roof rails, 8.4in satnav screen, electric seats, electric sliding panoramic

sunroof and rear reversing camera are all standard features.

The interior is smart and durable-looking rather than high fashion. There’s plenty of room for five. The boot can carry 782 litres of luggage and the back seats easily flip flat to further boost cargo space.

EnginE 3.0-litre v6 turbodieselTransmission 8-speed automatic, four-wheel drivepowEr 247bhp at 4,000rpmTorquE 570nm at 2,000rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 37.7mpgCo2 Emissions 198g/km luggagE volumE 782 litreslEngTh 4,828mmwidTh 1,943mmhEighT 1,802mm whEElbasE 2,915mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band J

JEEP Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD V6 Limited

ProDriver Tested

30.2mpg / 30mph

June 2014

T he xc70 is basicaLLy the Volvo V70 estate with raised suspension, and some

tough looking plastic cladding around the lower body and wheel arches. Four-wheel drive is only a £1,930 option—a front-wheel drive only XC70 is available too.

So XC70 is a “soft-roader”, but its 4x4 system is highly capable and makes the XC70 an ideal all-weather executive chauffeur car—customers don’t have to clamber into a high SUV body.

Like the V70/S80, the XC70 received a facelift last year, adding bigger grilles, LED lighting and more chrome trim. But the real change was a new D4 Drive-E 2.0-litre diesel engine, and providing sufficient power

with increased economy over the previous five-cylinder D5 version.

Big, comfortable seats and a real sense of solid build quality make XC70

car that would be easy to live with. So do neat touches like a boot floor with folding flap and elasticated strap to constrain luggage, a powered tailgate

giving access to a huge load area and a windscreen parking ticket holder.

A new dashboard replaced the pop-up sat-nav screen of the V70/S80 family in 2010. The current system is clear and easier to use, with an always-visible display mounted in a central cowl.

EnginE 2.4-litre 4-cylinder turbodieselTransmission 6-speed automatic, four-wheel drivepowEr 181ps at 4,000rpmTorquE 419nm at 1,500rpmCombinEd fuEl EConomy 44.1mpgCo2 Emissions 169g/km luggagE volumE 575 litreslEngTh 4,838mmwidTh 1,870mmhEighT 1,604mm whEElbasE 2,815mmwarranTy 3 years/60,000 milesvEd band h

VoLVo XC70 D4 AWD SE Nav

ProDriver Tested

35.8mpg / 31.0mphApril 2013


// SUVs // Whole Life Costs //

VolVo XC70 D4 SE Nav Start/Stop 5dr ............................2.0...........62.8 ............117............£34,410 ................14% ............£29,668 ...........(£2,875) ...........£26,793 ..........£10,725 ............£3,650 ...................£96 ..........£15,275 .........£56,539 .............£1,571 37.7

VolVo XC70 D4 SE Nav Geartronic 5dr...........................2.0............57.6 ............129 ..........£35,960 ................14% .............£31,001 ...........(£2,875) ............£28,126 ..........£10,775 ............£3,800 ................£352 .........£16,625 ..........£59,678 ............£1,658 39.8

VolVo XC70 D4 AWD SE Nav Start/Stop 5dr ...............2.4...........53.3 ............139 ..........£36,340 ................14% .............£31,327 .......... (£2,950) ............£28,377 ..........£10,775 ............£3,850 ................£553 ..........£17,975 ..........£61,530 ............£1,709 41.0

VolVo XC70 D4 AWD SE Nav Geartronic 5dr ..............2.4............44.1 ............169 ...........£39,310 ................14% ............£33,882 .......... (£2,950) ...........£30,932 ..........£10,875 .............£4,125 .................£961 ......... £21,725 ..........£68,618 ............£1,906 45.7

JeeP Grand Cherokee CRD V6 Limited 5dr.................3.0............37.7 .............198 ..........£38,995 .................12% ............£34,391 .......... (£2,800) ............£31,591 .............£7,775 .............£4,175 .............£1,357 .........£25,425 .........£70,323 ............£1,953 46.9

aUdi Q7 TDI quattro SE 204 5dr ......................................3.0...........39.2 ............189 ..........£43,895 ................15% .............£37,386 .......... (£5,250) ............£32,136 .............£9,175 ............£4,775 .............£1,357 .........£24,450 ..........£71,893 ............£1,997 47.9

BMW X5 xDrive 30d SE 258 Auto 5dr .............................3.0............47.9 .............156 ..........£48,250 ................13% ............£42,053 .......... (£5,750) ...........£36,303 ..........£11,700 ............£5,375 ................£765 .........£20,000 ...........£74,143 ............£2,060 49.4

lexUS RX 450h SE 299 CVT Auto 5dr ..............................3.5...........44.8 ............145 ..........£44,495 ..................8%...............£41,010 .......... (£4,500) ............£36,510 ..........£11,400 ............ £5,100 .................£616 .........£23,450 ...........£77,076 .............£2,141 51.4

infiniti QX70 GT d 238 5dr ....................................................3.0...........32.8 ............225 ..........£42,370 .................11% .............£37,784 .......... (£3,550) ...........£34,234 ..........£11,500 ............£4,650 .............£1,579 .........£29,225 ...........£81,188 ............£2,255 54.1

MerCedeS-Benz ML 350 BlueTEC SE Excutive 258 Automatic 5dr ...............3.0...........39.2 ............189 ...........£51,335 ................13% ............£44,736 .......... (£6,500) ...........£38,236 ..........£11,575 ............£5,750 .............£1,357 .........£24,450 ..........£81,368 ............£2,260 54.2

PorSCHe Cayenne Diesel 5dr ......................................................3.0...........39.2 ............189 ...........£47,390 ..................8%...............£43,674 ...........(£5,100) ............£38,574 ..........£12,850 ............£5,475 .............£1,357 .........£24,450 .........£82,706 ............£2,297 55.1

infiniti QX70 S d 238 5dr ........................................................3.0...........32.8 ............225 ..........£44,470 .................11% ............£39,653 .......... (£3,500) ............£36,153 ..........£11,575 ............£4,850 .............£1,579 .........£29,225 .........£83,382 .............£2,316 55.6

range roVer Sport SDV6 HSE 292 5dr ..........................................3.0............37.7 .............199 ..........£60,005 ................10% ............£54,080 ...........(£7,000) ............£47,080 ...........£11,075 ............£6,850 .............£1,357 .........£25,425 ..........£91,787 ............£2,550 61.2

MerCedeS-Benz GL350 BlueTEC 258 Automatic 5dr .....................3.0...........35.3 ............209 ...........£60,115 ..................6%..............£56,583 ...........(£7,225) ...........£49,358 ..........£12,025 .............£7,175 .............£1,579 ...........£27,150 ...........£97,287 ............£2,702 64.9

PorSCHe Cayenne S Diesel 5dr ..................................................4.2...........34.0 ............218 ..........£59,053 ..................8%..............£54,404 .......... (£6,250) ............£48,154 ..........£13,300 ............£6,800 .............£1,579 .........£28,200 .........£98,033 ............£2,723 65.4

range roVer TDV6 Vogue SE 5dr......................................................3.0............37.7 .............196 ...........£77,920 ................10% ............£70,203 .......... (£9,200) ............£61,003 ..........£11,650 ............£8,925 .............£1,357 .........£25,425 .......£108,360 ............£3,010 72.2

range roVer TDV8 Autobiography LWB 5dr ................................4.4...........32.5 ............229 ........£102,140 ................10% ............£92,001 .......... (£8,550) ...........£83,451 ..........£12,400 ..........£11,300 ............£2,455 .........£29,500 ........£139,106 ............£3,864 92.7

SuVs

V oLVo’s xc70 highLights the VaLue of a crossover—simpler running gear means lower costs. Note that the

XC70s [bottom] with the lowest pence per mile figures are not four-wheel drive models—they’re effectively modified V70 estates. At 37.7ppm, you’re in S80 territory, or very similar to the Jaguar XF Sportbrake.

If you’re looking for a large, roomy SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee [top] is surprisingly economical to run, largely thanks to keen pricing—it’s the only “proper” off-roader we tested that has a sub-£40,000 price tag. That includes a good basic specification too, and bodes well for the future of the Jeep brand.

Audi Q7 still represents a great option if you want a traditional German prestige logo on the grille of your SUV. The car’s starting to show its age against more modern rivals, and a new Q7 isn’t far off. But it still represents good value.

At the top end of the cost scale, the new LWB Range Rover is almost off the scale. JLR considers this a premium chauffeur car, and they’ve got a point. You’re looking at charging premium hire rates above a chauffeur car if you want this to pay its way.

You can’t help but think JLR is missing a trick by not building a LWB Range Rover in Vogue SE trim with the 3.0V6 turbodiesel. That wouldn’t cost a lot more to run than the standard-wheelbase version—which is more than 20ppm cheaper than the LWB Portfolio.

Note also the considerable ppm advantage of the Mercedes-Benz GL350 over the Range Rover. We tested these cars back-to-back in July’s edition of Professional Driver, and the numbers underline the competence of the GL as a large, premier chauffeur SUV. And it has seven seats too.

Open the door to a better deal0800 023 7213 www.staveleyhead.co.uk/chauffeur

Award winning chauffeur insurance

As specialist insurance brokers,

we understand that expert

drivers need expert insurance

solutions.

Our chauffeur insurance team is

keen to show you why thousands

of other drivers choose Staveley

Head.

Call us or get a quote online

before 31st July 2014, quoting

reference PDM0414 and you’ll

get an extra 10% off.

Staveley Head Limited. Registered in England and Wales number 2802585.

ASSET FINANCEFOR THE CHAUFFEUR & PRIVATE HIRE MARKET


// 2015 models //

Peugeot 508 [3]On SaLe : SEPTEMBER 2014

peugeot has faceLifted its 508 saLoon range,

kicking off a new up-market strategy for the French

brand. The 508 now has a new grille, emblematic of the Brand’s

future models and featuring the Lion logo prominently in the

centre of the grille. LED lights are now used throughout, and

new features include touch screen satnav, reversing camera

and blind spot sensors.

Euro 6 power units are standard, and the 2.0-litre BlueHDi

150 6-speed manual now offers CO2 emissions of 105g/km,

the best in the segment for this level of engine power. The

508 range comprises saloon or SW estate versions, as well

as the RXH crossover, which uses the PSA Group’s HYbrid4

technology, also available on the saloon. Hybrid versions have

CO2 emissions of 85g/km, and with combined fuel consumption

of 85.6 mpg.

Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-in hybrid

On SaLe : SEPTEMBER 2014

Mercedes-benZ has reVeaLed its third hybrid

version of the new S-Class. The S500 Plug-in Hybrid

claims CO2 emissions of 69g/km and combined fuel economy

of 94.2mpg, via an 80kW electric motor with a turbocharged V6

3.0-litre petrol engine. S500 plug-in offers 30 miles of pure electric power.

An extra-long wheelbase “Pullman” version of the S-Class is also due in

2015.

hyundai GenesisOn SaLe : LATE 2014

hyundai’s new genesis is designed for us and asian

markets—but it looks like it could give the Korean brand a

foothold in the chauffeuring. The car is coming to the UK in RHD in small

numbers—but the only problem is a lack of a diesel engine—it’ll only be

available with a 3.6-litre petrol V6.

Volkswagen Passat [1]On SaLe : JANUARY 2015

order books wiLL open for the aLL-new eighth-generation

Volkswagen Passat saloon and estate in the UK on October 7, with

deliveries beginning in January 2015. Prices are likely to start at around

£22,000—£1,000 higher than those for the present model. A new version of

the Passat CC four-door coupe is expected to follow 18 months later.

The new car is a little longer, lower and wider than the previous model,

but provides more headroom, legroom and luggage space. At launch,

1.4-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines will be available. These are up

to 20% more fuel-efficient, aided by an 85kg reduction in the car’s overall

weight. A plug-in hybrid version is also planned.

ford Mondeo Vignale [6]On SaLe : JANUARY 2015

ford’s Much-deLayed new Mondeo wiLL reach the uk

by the end of the year—more than two years after it was first

shown. And the big saloon will serve as the flagship for Ford’s new

Vignale up-market sub-brand. Mondeo Vignale looks good too, with

stitched leather interior and smart alloys. Vignale versions of new S-Max

and Galaxy will follow in 2015 and 2016.

Vignale is the name of an Italian coachbuilder acquired by Ford many

years ago. It will be pitched as a bespoke service, extending beyond the

car specification and into customer service, and is designed to help the

Blue Oval compete with German prestige brands.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class [2]On SaLe : MARCH 2015

right-hand driVe production wiLL start before the

year-end for Mercedes-Benz’s Viano replacement, and the

V-Class will be on sale in the UK during the first quarter of 2015. It looks

very imposing, with a taller stance than the Viano and a bold grille that

echoes the style of the new S-Class.

Comfort levels are much improved too, with many interior

components taken from other Mercedes cars, notably C-Class. Only

four-cylinder diesel V220 and V250 versions will be offered—there will

be no V6 model.

The Professional Driver guide to upcoming 2015 models with special relevance to the private hire and chauffeur sector

1

2 3

KEEP CALM

AND

JOIN TRISTAR

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?�» A passion for service.

�» Reliability and punctuality.

�» Excellent route knowledge.

�» Smart and presentable.

�» Honesty and integrity.

�» PCO licensed.

�» Flexibility to meet the needs of the

operation.

SELF EMPLOYED�» Excellent rates to and from the air-

port e.g. £35.50, W1 to Heathrow.

�» Simple tariff - no hidden charges.

�» Split shifts - work a.m. and p.m.

�» All vehicles are maintained, licensed,

taxed and insured by Tristar.

�» Full paid training provided*.

�» Performance bonus based on service

delivery and availability*.

* T&C’s apply

www.tristarworldwide.com/chauffeur for more info.

If you are interested, please call 01895 432055 or email [email protected] and quote 0214

1 WEEKS FREE CAR RENTAL W

HEN YOU

COMPLETE YOUR FIRST MONTHS CONTRACT*

(new contractors o

nly).

CHAUFFEURR E N T A L S

Vehicle Daily Weekly

MercedesS400 Hybrid

MercedesS500L

RangeRover

Autobiography

MercedesS350L

£200.00

£250.00

£1330.00

£250.00 £1680.00

£1680.00

£875.00

£525.00

£665.00

All prices subject to VAT at current rateFully Comprehensive Private Hire Insurance available

www.chauffeurrentals.com [email protected]

£135.00

£105.00

£85.00

MercedesViano XL

MercedesE300 Hybrid

Call Us Today01707 64 90 90

PCO Licensed Self Drive Hire


// 2015 models //

Volvo XC90On SaLe : EARLY 2015

VoLVo has reLeased the interior iMages of the aLL-new VoLVo XC90

SUV. The dashboard features a tablet-like touch screen control console,

which forms the heart of an all-new button-free in-car control system.

The all-new XC90 is the first Volvo to use the company’s Scalable Product

Architecture (SPA), which creates a far wider range of design options while at the

same time increasing interior space. Innovative seats also free up interior space

for passengers in the second and third seat rows, helping to make the new XC90 a

genuine 7-seater.

audi Q7 [7]On SaLe : EARLY 2016

audi’s next MaJor Launch wiLL be a repLaceMent for the Q7 suV.

It will be one of the first Audis to feature an all-digital dashboard in the

future. Here’s a glimpse of the style as seen on the all-new third-generation TT

sports car. The design follows the current Audi layout, but replaces the analogue

gauges with digital dials, and neatly integrates the sat-nav with the primary display.

Skoda SuperbOn SaLe : 2016

the styLish Vision c saLoon concept froM skoda giVes a good

idea of how the next-generation Superb will look. You can easily imagine

a longer, taller version of the Vision C, which would take Superb significantly up-

market, almost into BMW 5-series territory.

The car is low and wide, with a drag coefficient of just 0.26. It’s powered

by a 1.4-litre engine that runs on Compressed Natural Gas, giving CO2

emissions of just 91g/km. The boot is large and roomy—though it looks like

the “twindoor” system of the current Superb will be abandoned on the next-

generation model.

Bentley SuV [4]On SaLe : 2016

bentLey Motors reLeased a rather Less than inforMatiVe first

image of its next model, the Bentley SUV, due in 2016. But it’s expected

to look very much like the Bentley EXF-9 concept of 2013. Bentley claims it will

be the most luxurious and powerful SUV on the market, above even the most

exclusive Range-Rover. It will share a basic platform with other future SUVs in

the Volkswagen Group—including the next Audi Q7, VW Touareg and Porsche

Cayenne models.

BMW 7-series [5]On SaLe : 2016

the bMw Vision future Luxury concept is a preView of the

next-generation 7-Series. It’s likely to be longer than the current car,

and makes extensive use of lightweight materials. The body features “suicide”

rear-hinged rear doors, made possible thanks to extensive use of a layer of carbon

fibre below the largely aluminium outer panels. This allows the B-pillar to be

much smaller than on a conventional steel bodied car, and this in turn makes the

“clamshell” side doors possible without additional structural bulk.

VW e-Co-MotionOn SaLe : 2016

VoLkswagen group has shown this styLish new Van, caLLed e-co-

Motion, which gives strong clues as to the look of the next-generation

Transporter/Caravelle family. Tantalisingly described as a “transporter concept

vehicle” the e-Co-Motion is a zero-emissions battery-electric van which offers

800kg payload and 4.6cu m of loadspace. And its modular construction—with

the electric powertrain paraphernalia concealed under the floor—means a

conventionally-powered version would be simple enough to create.

4

7

6

5

the market leader in taxi despatch systems

x 1 hundred

Thousand1.2 million bookings per day

x 130thousand

130,000 cars worldwideT

market share60%

x 10 = 1,200

Customers in 25 countries ... 320 cities

Contact us today on 0161 491 7777 | autocab.com for a FREE demo

a

a a a a a a

a a a a a a=

Innovative | Trusted | Proven


// Chauffeur programmes // audi //

audiQ: When did you launch your chauffeur

programme?

A: 2005

Q: Which cars are featured in the chauffeur programme?

A: A8 and A8L; Q7, A6 and A7 Sportback

Q: Do you offer specific trim and powertrain combinations for cars sold under the chauffeur programme, or can chauffeur customers specify any model in the range?

A: Chauffeurs can specify any of the above models

Q: Does the chauffeur programme apply to used cars as well as new cars?

A: No, only new

Q: What is your headline monthly contract hire rate for each featured car? Please specify monthly amount, length of contract, size of deposit and annual mileage allowance.

A: A8L 3.0 TDI SE Quattro: £4,230 deposit, then 48 monthly payments of £705. 80,000 miles.

Q: Many chauffeurs require higher mileages than a typical contract hire arrangement. What provision do you have for customers requiring say, 30,000 -50,000 miles per annum?

A: Mileage can be extended to 120,000 over 48 months

Q: Many chauffeurs complain that it is difficult to secure underwritten finance for their cars. What criteria do you insist on when offering finance?

A: Audi Finance uses its standard underwriting criteria. It treats each chauffeur customer on their own merits and on the same scorecard as all other customer types/occupations

Q: Do you use your own in-house finance company, a specialist third-party finance provider or a choice of finance providers as part of your chauffeur programme?

A: In-house as well as third-party

Q: Do you offer a licensed replacement vehicle as part of your chauffeur programme?

A: Yes

Q: Is a licensed replacement vehicle available nationwide, just in London or in any other specific areas?

A: Nationwide

Q: If offered, is the replacement vehicle or the same model and specification as the customer’s regular vehicle?

A: Audi UK will provide for use the same model but reserves the right to provide a different colour or specification to that of the car being repaired

Q: If you offer a replacement vehicle, what terms and conditions apply, for example the VOR time before a car is provided.

A: VOR more than 24 hours

Q: Do you offer special servicing facilities for customers using your chauffeur programme, for example late-night servicing, while-you-wait servicing or overnight servicing?

A: Priority and overnight servicing

Q: Do you offer an accident management service as part of your chauffeur programme? Does this apply to at-fault

and/or non-fault accidents?

A: Yes, fault and non-fault provided through Proximo

Q: Is a licensed replacement vehicle part of the accident management service?

A: Yes

Q: Is maintenance included in the chauffeur programme rate?

A: Yes

Q: What warranty do chauffeur programme customers receive?

A: A full service and maintenance package is included for the duration of the agreement. The comprehensive standard Audi warranty is enhanced to provide unlimited mileage cover over three years, with limited warranty provision in years four and five of ownership.

Q: Are standard warranty terms subject to any restrictions if a vehicle is used for “Hire and reward”?

A: No

Q: Are tyres included in the chauffeur programme rate? Do you offer a winter tyre programme as part of the chauffeur programme?

A: Tyres are included but no winter tyre programme at this time

Q: Do you offer a concierge service as part of the chauffeur programme, for example offering ticket agency or hotel and restaurant reservation services?

A: No

Q: Do you offer extended test drives to chauffeur programme customers?

A: Yes

Get with the programme

ask any chauffeur to naMe the biggest probLeM he faces when acquiring a new vehicle and you’ll probably get the same answer—finance. Even successful operators with a good trading record find that deals to buy much-needed new cars are blocked when the funding falls through.

Even a willing seller or a willing financier can often finds that a deal is blocked by underwriters—because they feel the private hire sector offers too great a risk, or the mileages typically covered are too great.

Thankfully, it seems that the top-end manufacturers are addressing this issue thanks to their specialist chauffeur programmes, which are designed to help chauffeurs secure a contract hire deal on a new car, at a favourable rate, with exemplary support.

Over the next five pages we’ll examine the offers available from each of the five automakers that offer a chauffeur programme. It’s difficult to compare the programmes directly—monthly rates are quoted for different mileages, so it’s important to read the fine print, and ask the right questions if you’re in the market for a replacement car.

That also it depends on your location. Audi’s offer of a licensed replacement car anywhere in the UK if your car is off the road for a technical fault is a genuine USP, and only Volvo claims to match it. The other manufacturers only make the same promise to London operators.

Increasingly, convenient servicing times are becoming a part of the offer, and that is in many ways as useful as a replacement vehicle. High-mileage cars need lots of workshop TLC, so the ability to offer overnight or while-you-wait servicing at convenient time is particularly useful.


// JaGuaR // Chauffeur programmes //

JaGuaRQ: When did you launch your chauffeur

programme?

A: The Jaguar Chauffeur Programme was launched in 2011.


A: The Jaguar XJ, XF Saloon and XF Sportbrake


A: Customers can specify any derivative of XJ, XF Saloon and XF Sportbrake.


A: The programme only applies to new vehicles.


A: Jaguar 2.2L D Luxury 163PS £325 pm (ex VAT) based on 6+35 Contract Hire, 20,000 miles PA, non-maintained, including metallic paint Jaguar XJ 3.0L V6 D Luxury LWB £649 pm (ex VAT) based on 6+35 months Contract Hire, 20,000 miles PA, maintained, including metallic paint.


A: We offer contracts based on 10,000 to 50,000 miles per annum (max. 150,000 miles over term)


A: Every finance application received is assessed as a bespoke application by Jaguar Financial Services and assessed against criteria relevant to that application in order to provide the best possible chance of a successful underwrite.


A: Jaguar Contract Hire is provided by Lex Autolease.


A: We offer a PCO licensed like-for-like replacement for the XJ in London.


A: We currently provide a licensed Jaguar XJ vehicle in London.


A: We will provide a high specification Jaguar XJ LWB, specifications may potentially vary to the customers own vehicle.


A: Should the customer require a loan car, the booking will be made via the roadside assistance team and generally the replacement vehicle will reach the customer within 2-3 hours.


A: We offer priority servicing to our customers including a while-you-wait service as well as collection and delivery.

Q: Do you offer an accident management service as part of your chauffeur programme? Does this apply to at-fault and/or non-fault accidents?

A: We do not offer an accident management service.


A: N/A

Q: Is maintenance included in the chauffeur

programme rate?

A: The rates currently published on our website include maintenance with unlimited tyre replacement. Terms and conditions apply.


A: Three-year unlimited mileage warranty.


A: There are no warranty restrictions for vehicles under Hire and reward.


A: If the customer chooses a maintained contract, tyres are included. We do not offer a winter tyre programme.


A: We do not offer a concierge service as part of the chauffeur programme.


A: We offer 72 hour test drives to chauffeur programme customers.

Q: If so, do you offer extended test drives of licensed vehicles that the chauffeur can use to carry customers?

A: Yes, we offer a PCO licenced Jaguar XJ test drive for London.

Q: What is the single most important Unique Selling Point of your chauffeur programme compared to other manufacturers?

A: We believe our unique blend of prestige and luxurious specifications in combination with low running costs, exceptional passenger comfort and safety, and comprehensive aftersales support sets Jaguar apart. Jaguar holds numerous awards, both from international juries and business drivers, including the What Car? JD Power Best Manufacturer Award for the third year running.


A: Yes


A: Dedicated ‘Chauffeur Concierge’ and vehicle

replacement scheme. In the event of the car being off the road for a warranty repair for longer than 24 hours we will provide a licensed ‘like for like’ replacement, subject to licensing authority approval. The replacement vehicle pledge is supported by a ‘Chauffeur Concierge’ telephone hotline, a star feature of the Audi Chauffeur Programme. The system enables customers to talk to

specialists about booking demonstrators, arranging servicing, maintenance or repair work, or replacement cycles and whole-life costs. Class leading CO2 figures and cars that are available in both front-wheel drive and Quattro 4x4, which in harsh weather conditions keeps the Chauffeur industry moving with reduced downtime.


// Chauffeur programmes // BMW //

BMWQ: When did you launch your chauffeur

programme?

A: The programme has been operating since 2008


A: We focus advertising on 5 series Saloon and Touring, 5 Series Gran Turismo, 3 Series Gran Turismo and 7 Series LWB,


A: A customer can take whichever model they require for their chauffeur business..


A: Currently the Chauffeur Programme is focussed around new cars, however many of the in life benefits, such as emergency service, warranty and service packages would be applicable to used cars under three years old.


A: 5-Series from £399 per month. 5-series GT from £449 per month. 7-series LWB from £599 per month. (Industry comparison profile: 6+35, 20,000 miles per annum, non maintenance but with service inclusive).


A: Our funding packages run up to 150,000 miles, so a 3 x 50k contract could be offered, which would serve the vast majority of customers’ requirements.


A: Via our dealer network we have a Business Partnership Programme focused on serving the SME sector—so selling to sole traders and small limited companies is catered for in this way. Many of our Chauffeur sales are transacted this way as it seems to work very well.


A: BMW Group-owned finance companies.


A: Yes.


A: We will always find a solution to keep the customer mobile and without disadvantage if their vehicle suffers a fault, using a combination of our own licensed replacement vehicles and our suppliers if need be. This solution is the same regardless of where the customer is based.


A: The same, or as close to the customer’s original vehicle as possible.


A: BMW Emergency Service (our breakdown service) provides customers with a replacement vehicle immediately when their car is taken to a dealer with a fault.


A: We offer Fast Lane Service, a while-you-wait programme guaranteeing the car will be back on the road within 90 minutes. Dealers may offer their own bespoke services as well. A number our Dealers are now offering extended opening hours, which will enable chauffeurs more flexibility when visiting a BMW Dealer.


A: BMW offers an Accident Recovery service at present (regardless of fault), this recovers the vehicle to a dealership and supplies a replacement vehicle for 48 hours giving the customer a chance to get the repairs and a replacement vehicle arranged via their insurance.


A: If requested, a PCO-licensed car can be arranged as part of the Accident Recovery offering.


A: The rate we advertise is non-maintained contract hire, but includes BMW Service Inclusive so therefore covers all servicing costs but not additional repairs.


A: The BMW warranty for new vehicles is 3 years unlimited mileage and is always being improved in terms of coverage level. This also includes our free of charge MoT Protect product which covers all MoT failures at first, second and third MoT, excluding servicing/wear and tear items and the cost of the MoT test.


A: The new car warranty does not have specific restrictions in place against hire and reward usage.


A: Our advertised rates are non-maintained contract hire which does not include tyres however we do include Service Inclusive which is a very competitive package. Customers can upgrade to full maintenance which includes tyres. We also have winter tyres available through our dealer network.


A: We offer BMW Assist as part of BMW ConnectedDrive, for vehicles equipped with the relevant options. This offers drivers access to a contact centre which can provide information their locality or destination including hotels, restaurants, petrol stations.


A: Our BMW 7 Series is available on a 72-hour test drive which is managed through our Dealer Network.


A: A PCO-licensed 7-Series car is available as part of the 72 hour test drive.


A: Our joint focus on offering industry leading technology at hugely competitive rates and value-adding in-life services.

call 020 8899 1715or email cv to: [email protected]

Company & Owner Driverswith late model executive vehicles

Other prestige vehicles also requiredVehicles no older than 5 years of ageNew contract commencing soon

call 020 8538 1304or email cv to: [email protected]

Owner Drivers Wantedwith Mercedes S Class, E Class & Viano’s

Corporate car company requires experienced...

cash & account workExcellent earning potential

FOR THE LATEST NEWS,

TRAFFIC,

ROAD TESTS

& INTERVIEWS

LOG ONTO:


// Chauffeur programmes // MeRCedeS-BenZ //

MeRCedeS-BenZQ: When did you launch your chauffeur

programme?

A: We officially launched the new Mercedes-Benz Chauffeur Programme in 2011.


A: E-Class, E-Class Hybrid, S-Class, S-Class Hybrid, Viano/new V-Class.


A: We are not restrictive in our specification and transmission combinations but we constantly take feedback from the chauffeur industry. As an example the Rear Executive Pack on the new S-Class was designed in conjunction with feedback from a number of chauffeur companies.


A: New only. We intend to extend to used cars in 2015.


A: headLine MonthLy contract hire rates E220 CDI SE with 7G Auto, Comand and Metallic Paint Monthly Payment: £379 (ex-VAT) including Chauffeur Care Cost with a payment profile of 6+35 Length of Contract: 36 months Size of Deposit: Advanced Rental of £2,083.85 (Excl. VAT) including Chauffeur Care Cost Annual Mileage Allowance: 20,000 miles per annum E300 BlueTEC Hybrid SE, 7G Auto, Comand and Metallic Paint Monthly Payment: £465 (Ex-VAT) including Chauffeur Care Cost with a payment profile of 6+35 Length of Contract: 36 months months Size of Deposit: Advanced Rental of £2,599.85 (Excl. VAT) including Chauffeur Care Cost Annual Mileage Allowance: 20,000 miles per annum S350 BlueTec L SE Line with 7G Auto Monthly Payment: £849 (Excl. VAT) including Chauffeur Care Care with a payment profile of 6+35 Length of Contract: 36 months Size of Deposit: Advanced Rental of

£4,839.95 (Excl. VAT) including Chauffeur Care Cost Annual Mileage Allowance: 20,000 miles per annum Viano 2.2 CDI Long Ambiente with 5 Speed Auto and Rear Seat Comfort Pack Monthly Payment: £659.39 (ex-VAT) including Chauffeur Care Cost with a payment profile of 6+35 Length of Contract: 36 months Size of Deposit: Advanced Rental of £3,736.74 (ex-VAT) including Chauffeur Care Cost Annual Mileage Allowance: 20,000 miles per annum Viano 2.2 CDI Extra Long Ambiente with 5 Speed Auto, Light and Sight Package and Rear Seat Comfort Pack Monthly Payment: £675.05 (Excl. VAT) including Chauffeur Care Cost with a payment profile of 6+35 Length of Contract: 36 months Size of Deposit: Advanced Rental of £3,830.70 (ex-VAT) including Chauffeur Care Cost Annual Mileage Allowance: 20,000 miles per annum


A: Generally speaking there is a maximum annual mileage of 40,000 with a total contract length mileage maximum of 160,000, but will review individual requests for higher mileage.


A: Each request is looked at on an individual basis but our standard underwriting guidelines are: Nine rentals up-front for contract hire/operating lease. Agility and HP 20% deposit. Contract 25,000 mileage per annum


A: We have our own in-house finance company Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (MBF), but we cannot provide the finance in all cases. Our Retail Network works closely with third party finance providers such as Ethos for bespoke requirements where MBF is unable to help.


A: Yes, customers who purchase either of our service/maintenance contracts are entitled to replacement licensed vehicles via Licensed Carriage Hire (LCH), which operates S-Class, E-Class and Viano, and works in conjunction with our customer assistance centre


A: Currently replacement licensed vehicles are available in London, to PCO specification. In all other areas of the UK the availability of a licensed replacement vehicle will be subject to relevant licensing authority regulations and the ability to obtain a temporary license. LCH has operations in Birmingham and Manchester, but logistically it is difficult for all manufacturers to provide on a licensed car on a timely basis due to the different licensing rules for each city. The law commission report should hopefully help with a recommendation of set PCO for the UK, making everyone’s life much easier.


A: Yes where possible the same model is provided


A: The replacement vehicle is provided free of charge for up to five days, and will then be reviewed subject to the individual circumstances and if necessary the loan vehicle will be extended.


A: Chauffeur customers can choose our My Service Lounge option which enables them to wait while their service is completed with access to free Wi-Fi, refreshments and newspapers.


A: Chauffeur vehicles are entitled to Roadside Assistance cover, which includes accident recovery, regardless of who is at fault. In addition, chauffeurs who purchase a service/maintenance plan are also entitled to enhanced cover where a replacement licensed vehicle is provided if they have issues such as, satnav not working, gearbox


// VOLVO // Chauffeur programmes //

VOLVOQ: When did you launch your programme?

A: Volvo has offered a chauffeur programme for many years, but after extensive research within the industry, we re-launched the current programme in March 2013.


A: S60, V60, S80, V70, XC60, XC70 and current XC90


A: All engines, gearboxes, trim levels etc on the new cars. Used cars are fixed models on S80 and V70.


A: Yes—and they are generally 6 months old and under 30,000 miles and used previously as a chauffeur car.


A: Provided for, as above.


A: That is down to the provider, we work with both Volvo Car Leasing and Ethos Finance, and is dependent on the financial position of the applicant.


A: All of those can be used on the Volvo programme.


A: Volvo offers a Proximo replacement car as standard for both new and used cars.


A: Nationwide as per Proximo’s offer


A: It is not guaranteed. It will be a similar type car.


A: As per Proximo’s policy, comprehensive details

Q: Do you offer special servicing facilities for

customers using your chauffeur programme, for example late-night servicing, while-you-wait servicing or overnight servicing?

A: While-you-wait by pre booked appointment


A: As per Proximo’s policy


A: Yes, as per Proximo’s policy


A: Not in the quoted headline offer, but can be included and quoted for.


A: Standard 36 months or 60,000 miles. An extended warranty to 120,000 miles can be purchased


A: Volvo Assistance will only cover roadside or home assistance or towing to the nearest Authorised Volvo Dealer or Volvo Authorised Workshop only.


A: Tyres are not included as standard but can be included in a contract hire quote. There is a standard winter tyre offer for all drivers, not exclusively chauffeurs.

Q: Do you offer a concierge service as part of the programme, for example offering ticket agency or hotel and restaurant reservation services?

A: No


A: Yes—standard 72 hours, longer by negotiation. London includes PCO licence on some models.


A: Yes


A: We asked the chauffeurs what they wanted and designed the programme around it, to include a bespoke service and both new and used cars. We include the Proximo replacement car policy as standard. And the RoadHawk front facing dash cam as standard. As well as specced cars ideal for the job.

issues or engine management light, which are not covered under the standard Roadside Assistance cover.


A: Yes, for up to five days


A: Chauffeurs have the option of two Chauffeur Care plans to be included or separate from their monthly rate: Chauffeur Service Care—covers servicing and MoT requirements Chauffeur Complete Care—covers servicing, MoTs and wear and tear repairs.


A: Three year vehicle warranty (new vehicles) and 2 year parts warranty


A: No


A: Tyres are not currently included in the Chauffeur Programme rate. Chauffeur customers are offered free fitting and delivery and collection service for their Cold Weather Tyres should they need it.


A: No


A: Yes we have PCO registered cars on our fleet demonstration programme for this specific reason


A: Yes


A: Mercedes-Benz can provide an all-round whole-life cost solution specifically designed for chauffeurs with full marketing support of the Mercedes-Benz Chauffeur Photo Service enabling Chauffeurs to create innovative and professional websites and marketing material.

Email your details to paulwebb@

prodrivermags.com for consideration.

Numbers are limited

The Professional Driver AWARDS are the most rigorous in the automotive industry. Every year, we bring together more than 40 cars suitable for the chauffeuring & private hire. We invite our readers to join us for a one-day judging event, & we put the cars through their paces in a series of thorough tests

The Professional Driver Car of the Year Awards are the only ones that evaluate every car from the

perspective of the operator, the driver & the passenger

Judges include invited heads of leading chauffeur & private hire firms, experienced chauffeurs, & carefully chosen motoring editors & journalists. This year we have eight categories, & the overall winner will be chosen from the category winners. The Awards will be presented at the Professional Driver QSi Awards event in November

Interested in joining the fun? Drop us a line if you feel you have what it takes to become a judge at this year’s event

AND THIS YEAR’S WINNER IS...

Download - Professional Driver — Buyer's Guide 2014

Top Related