Ford Mondeo Vignale (2015) review

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Dec 18, 15

Ford Mondeo Vignale (2015) review

On paper Ford’s Vignale premium sub-brand seemed an unnecessary move for a marque that excels at delivering mass market cars. However, with designated Vignale areas popping up in 58 FordStores across the UK and the first Mondeo variation now on sale, it looks like the Blue Oval might have added a useful niche to its portfolio.

Launching with the well-received new generation Mondeo and restricting the model line-up to saloon and wagon versions makes perfect sense, especially among fleet user-choosers where the current Titanium X Sport trim is the highest they can aspire to without a flagship model at the top of the Ford range.

With prices ranging from £29,345 to £33,610 there is crossover with both the Titanium X and Titanium X Sport models making the migration step for existing customers deliberately painless. Significantly the line-up offers more bangs for the buck than comparable German premium models presenting dealers with conquest opportunities.

The engine range is limited to one petrol, albeit a sporty 2.0-litre 240PS turbo; a 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid; and two 2.0-litre diesels with 180Ps and 210PS outputs. The 180PS models can also be specified with all-wheel drive for an additional £1,500.

So what makes the Vignale Mondeo different from its mainstream sibling? As befitting its premium aspirations the emphasis is on providing a cossetted environment with creature comforts and an abundance of technology. Consequently there’s extensive use of high quality leather from the tastefully covered instrument panel, door interiors and centre panel armrest to the sumptuous seats.

Noise intrusion has been minimised by the use of acoustic glass on the windscreen and front windows. The car also features the first use of Ford’s Active Noise Control system which uses three cabin microphones to detect untoward engine and transmission noises and counteracts them which opposing sound waves from the audio system.

Externally the car is differentiated by its 18 inch alloy wheels, unique grille and dark chrome bodyside detailing and, of course, the Vignale badge.

Diesel will take the lion’s share of sales with the 180PS accounting for 82% of volumes and the saloon will be the most popular body style with 64% of sales. Fleet will account for around 70% of volumes with Ford saying it will not be available to rental channels.

Vignale models will only be sold through FordStores, the larger urban centres that sell the full Blue Oval car and van line-ups, which feature special lounge areas, dedicated relationship managers and pick-up and drop-off services. Ford plans to grow its FordStore coverage to around 80 dedicated sites which would bring 90% of the population within a one hour drive. Vignale customers will be offered collection and delivery services for all service and repair jobs.

Vignale volumes will be low with the Mondeo but will grow with the addition of an S-Max version next year. Ford will also announce three other models at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016, with the new Edge SUV expected to be one.

Andy Barratt, Ford’s managing director and chairman believes the Vignale will only account for a “couple of per cent” of total Mondeo volume sales but the sub-brand, through its exclusivity, has the potential to deliver a decent bottom line boost for dealers.

“I expect FordStore product margins to be above the average for Ford, which is reflective of the fact that they are lower volume products. If you sell the vehicle on an affordable monthly lease then discounting goes out of the window.

“Every Vignale will be built to order; this is a different proposition for Ford.”

Barratt believes sales will be evenly split between existing customers wanting to upgrade and conquests from the German brands (“not everyone wants a premium brand on their drive”). He also expects the model to appeal to the small business sector.

“If we can get into SMEs with premium choices on their fleet policies with a strong proposition then there’s no reason why they wouldn’t want a Mondeo Vignale, especially the estate car which is hugely functional and offers a big package compared to the competition.”

Marketing for the Mondeo Vignale starts in earnest in January 2016 with Ford confident it will hit its modest internal targets. However, the real opportunity for the sub-brand will come with the launch of the S-Max, a model which has already attracted new customers to Ford and could do the same again with a Vignale badge.

Behind the wheel

With is distinctive grille, chrome handles and 18 inch alloys, there’s no mistaking that the Mondeo Vignale looks more upmarket than Ford’s volume mainstay. The differentiation, which will be crucial to the model’s success, continues inside with a truly sumptuous cabin boasting a tasteful full leather trim which even extends to the front instrument panel.

We tested the four-door 2.0-litre 210PS diesel with Ford’s super smooth six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. While the driving environment certainly feels familiar to other Mondeos, especially in terms of switchgear and transmission, the added refinement makes it a different proposition. This is particularly apparent in terms of noise levels. A drive on the busiest section of the M25 revealed just how good the acoustic glass and noise cancelling system are at filtering out road, wind and traffic noise. The steering also feels sharper.

Ford has achieved what it set out to do. The Vignale does looks, feels and drives like an upmarket car. Although badge snobs will baulk at the Blue Oval logo on the bonnet, those wanting generous specification and cossetting delivered in a value for money package will be suitably rewarded. Importantly for Ford dealers it also finally gives them a halo car to show off.

FACT FILE
Models: Saloon, estate Engines: Hybrid — 2.0 187PS litre petrol-electric. Diesel 2.0 180PS, 210PS. Petrol 2.0 turbo 240PS
Prices: £30,095-£32,975
On sale: Now
Sales forecast: Fleet 70%, retail 30%
Rivals: BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, DS 5

The source article can be found at http://www.motortrader.com/car-reviews/ford-mondeo-vignale-review-18-12-2015

DS 4 (2015) review

Posted by Kelvin Brookes in Uncategorized | Comments Off on DS 4 (2015) review

Dec 09, 15

DS 4 (2015) review

PSA’s roll-out of its standalone DS Automobiles luxury brand continues apace, while still based on rebranding models previously sold under the Citroën umbrella.

The revised DS 5 was launched in the summer as the brand’s flagship and the new version of the largest-selling DS, the Mini-rivalling DS 3, will appear in Spring 2016. Next up is a significant revision of the DS 4, which gives the fledgling brand an opportunity to reposition the model away from the hatchback mainstream to a premium position. It now has  two distinct versions with the addition of a muscular crossover styled vehicle dubbed the Crossback.

“The DS 3 is the most important to us for sales, but the DS 4 gives us an opportunity in the biggest segment of the market that we are not currently seizing,” said DS Automobiles product manager Alastair Fairgrieve.

“As a high-riding coupe it was not really putting us on shopping lists. By repositioning it as a premium car we can chase further volume in a sector we should be doing better in.”

For DS the C-segment is of critical importance as this is where car buyers are more likely to switch from the mainstream into premium models.

“This is where you see Focus owners move into Audi A3s and Golf owners into BMWs, so it’s a big opportunity for us.”

Consequently the DS 4 now benefits from DS’s bespoke styling, most notably the ‘DS Wings’ chrome headlamp signature, recalling the original DS of 1955, and scrolling LED indicators.

The Crossback, further differentiates itself with a ride height increased by 30mm, extended wheel arches, more prominent bumpers and roof rails, together with revised suspension settings. However, all-wheel drive will not be an option.

Inside both cars replicate the DS 5, a more minimalist look achieved by transferring the functions of 12 buttons to a seven-inch touchscreen monitor. There is a choice of leathers, the most attractive being a high-quality semi-analine finish, which has a visible grain, like a watchstrap.

All nine engines, six diesel and three petrol, are improved and now Euro 6 compliant, though even the most eco-friendly diesel fails to break the 100g/km barrier.

The DS 4 is also the first car in the PSA Group to offer compatibility with Apple’s CarPlay system, using phone apps through the touchscreen.

Fairgrieve believes establishment of the DS brand is making solid progress though he is seeing two reactions from customers.

“Customers most into us haven’t considered buying a Citroën in the past. We ran a Citroën DS product placement in London’s Westfield shopping centre a couple of years ago and gained a number of leads, we repeated it this year with DS as a standalone brand and interest was through the roof.

“Perhaps less receptive to the separation, however are those who have bought a Citroën DS already, want to drive a Citroën and don’t understand why we need to go it alone.”

DS is committed to launching six bespoke new models between 2017 and 2020. Three of the six will be all-new versions of the DS 3, 4 and 5, another is likely to be a crossover, by which time Fairgrieve expects the brand to be appealing to a different audience.

“As we launch bigger, more expensive, more premium models we won’t keep those customers we were selling to before, so we need to find new customers with deeper pockets, coming out of other premium brands,” he said.

In terms of positioning DS clearly has Volvo in its sights.

“Volvo appeals to those seeking a premium car but less mainstream, something different. Not everyone wants an Audi and it’s those people we need to appeal to.”

Consequently the DS is benchmarked against Volvo’s V40, along with the Mercedes A-Class. However, Fairgrieve admits that singling out rivals for the Crossback is trickier as the car is targeting the popularity of the crossover sector while not being a full-blown example of the genre.

According to Fairgreive Citroen dealers are mostly enthusiastic about the brand.

“Some haven’t embraced it and that’s useful as it helps with our network plan.”

Indeed, eventually DS outlets will number no more than 90, compared to the current 180-strong Citroën network.

“The criteria will be location, current DS performance, investment, attitude and a willingness to come on board,” he said. CI scores of potential dealers will also be studied closely.

The dealer network should be in place by 2018, ready for the first bespoke DS cars which will likely be the true test of DS ambitions in the premium market.

The DS 4’s styling changes over its predecessor add some presence to the model, more notably so in the Crossback with its higher stance, body additions and gloss black detailing.

Inside the surroundings are upmarket to a degree with high quality surfaces, especially in cars with the optional ‘watchstrap’ finish semi-analine leather.

Fleet buyers will choose diesel and having sampled the 120PS variant it’s difficult to justify the higher power and therefore expense of the larger engines – certainly the 150PS did not feel significantly more potent.

The Crossback, meanwhile is an oddity. Its extended ride height does not transmit itself into the cockpit, and driving it feels little different to the mainstream model. However its softer suspension settings are an improvement on the mainstream car that still rides somewhat firmly.

FACTFILE
DS 4
Models: Petrol 1.0 105PS,
1.4 100/125/150PS. Diesel 1.6 110, 135, 160PS
Prices: DS – £19,495-£25,495, Crossback – £21,745-£26,495
On sale: November 2015
Sales forecast: 4,000, 75% hatch
Rivals: Mercedes-Benz A Class, Volvo S40

Andrew Charman

About The Author

Andrew Charman is a freelance motoring journalist with over 30 years’ experience. He has been writing for Motor Trader since 2008

The source article can be found at http://www.motortrader.com/car-reviews/ds-4-2015-review-09-12-2015

Jeep Cherokee 2.2 Multijet (2015) review

Posted by Kelvin Brookes in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Jeep Cherokee 2.2 Multijet (2015) review

Nov 18, 15

Jeep Cherokee 2.2 Multijet (2015) review

Jeep is back with a vengeance befitting its rugged go anywhere credentials. Having endured a miserable recession it has virtually quadrupled its year-on-year sales as it moves to re-establish a competitive presence in the UK.

Although its sales charge is being led by the all-new Renegade crossover, it is the Cherokee which remains the public face and beating heart of the brand.

The new fifth generation model was launched in mid-2014 and has added incremental dealer sales as buyers, facing a bewildering choice of new mid-sized SUVs, returned to a carmaker that can make a legitimate claim to being an off-road specialist.

Having been unavailable for four years, Jeep has played to its strengths with the all-new Cherokee from its iconic seven-slot grille taking a more prominent position on the bonnet — where it actually bends over the crease line — to the neatly executed updating of its distinctive design cues. Consequently this car cannot be mistaken for any other SUV.

Our test model was powered by the brand new 200bhp 2.2-litre Multijet II engine which debuts in the Cherokee before being rolled out to other Fiat Chrysler Automobiles vehicles. It’s an impressive unit offering a wide spread of torque from low revs which is immediately evident when pulling away from standstill and when accelerating at low speeds. This ultra-refined unit replaces the range’s 170bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine and delivers further benefits in terms of better fuel consumption and slightly lower emissions.

An added bonus for the driver is that this new unit is only available mated to Jeep’s nine-speed automatic transmission. This gearbox delivers changes in a totally seamless manner and having lived with the car for a week I would challenge anyone to count all nine.

Four wheel drive is delivered as and when needed by the Active Drive system. Our test was restricted to its on-road capabilities where the firm grip was particularly reassuringly, especially across slippery wet surfaces. The ride is extremely comfortable and it’s also a quiet car to drive with good engine insulation and minimal road noise intrusion from its R18 tyres.

Best of all is the steering which is more positive than previous generations with good feedback at low and high speeds. A neat touch is the embossed 1941 on the steering wheel, a constant reminder of the brand’s historic point of reference.

Interior space is good upfront, reasonable in the rear and versatile enough to accommodate long and wide loads with the rear seats lowered. The remote operated electronic tailgate is a welcome bonus.

Our model was in the top Limited trim which at £36,795 puts it up against the likes of the Land Rover Discovery Sport, and Audi Q5, rather than the more mainstream Toyota Rav 4 or Volkswagen Tiguan. However, for that price drivers will be hard pushed to specify creature comforts that it does not already have. We particularly liked the Uconnect infotainment system with its large touch screen, DAB radio and smartphone connectivity. The neatly designed single disc CD player in the centre armrest was a particularly welcome feature.

Jeep is back in contention with a vehicle that reasserts the brand’s credentials whilst updating them for a modern audience.

The source article can be found at http://www.motortrader.com/car-reviews/jeep-cherokee-2-2-multijet-200bhp-2015-review-18-11-2015

Renault Kadjar Dynamique S Nav (2015) review

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Nov 16, 15

Renault Kadjar Dynamique S Nav (2015) review

With the Kadjar only making its showroom debut in September 2015, Renault was a latecomer to the C-segment crossover sector, one of the fastest growing market segments in the world. However, as it turned out, the brand has the advantage of skipping a generation and drawing upon the same underpinnings of the latest generation Nissan Qashqai, the car which created the sector and continues to dominate it.

Since 2013 Renault has worked hard at rejuvenating and expanding its line-up in the UK after deleting several poorly selling models. Consequently it now has a fresh design led line-up with the Kadjar following the fourth generation Clio and Captur, its first B-segment crossover.

The Kadjar is built on the same Renault-Nissan Alliance platform as the latest Qashqai and X-Trail and goes some way to address a gap at the top of its line-up created by Renault UK’s decision to discontinue the Espace people carrier. Renault’s global aspirations for this car are high as it sells outside the brand’s European heartland becoming its first model to be built in China.

With such lofty aspirations it’s good to report that, aside from its daft name, the Kadjar is on the right track. With its relatively high ground clearance, the car certainly looks more imposing than most of the competition thanks to its more overtly SUV styling. Behind the wheel the seating position is high and commanding but even allowing for front and rear parking sensors, this still feels like a large car especially when manoeuvring in tight spaces.

Our test car was powered by Renault’s plucky 110bhp 1.5-litre diesel unit mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Its super low emissions of 99g/km exempts it from road tax.

The engine proved versatile around town and when pressing on at motorway speeds. Over our week long test the driving was evenly split between an unforgiving stop/start commute into Croydon and a long motorway jaunt which all together saw us average 49.9mpg against a claimed combined figure of 74.3mpg. The car’s on-board computer even provided a critique of our driving style over the course of its week on the Motor Trader fleet with a maximum of five stars awarded for acceleration, gear changes and anticipation.

We particularly liked the minimalist main driver digital displays with a large speed display placed at the centre of a rev counter; all the information you need presented in an easy to read manner. The touch-screen infotainment system is amongst the best we’ve tested with easy to use satellite navigation, DAB radio and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity. In a nod to the times it does not have a CD player.

The interior is a classy environment with soft plastics and dark fabrics. It’s also roomy with plenty of space for five adults and their gear. The rear seats can also be dropped flat to create a deep and wide cargo bay which should be big enough to tackle most domestic needs including the inevitable trips to the recycling centre.

We had a well-equipped Dynamique S Nav model but standard safety features across the range include ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist, ESC stability control with traction and understeer control, cruise control, speed limiter and Hill Start Assist.

With CAP awarding the Kadjar best in class residual values of 43% over three years and 60,000 miles, being fashionably late to a party has never been achieved with such aplomb as Renault’s has with the Kadjar.

The source article can be found at http://www.motortrader.com/car-reviews/renault-kadjar-dynamique-s-nav-2015-review-16-11-2015

Renault Clio Dynamique (2013) review

Posted by Kelvin Brookes in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Renault Clio Dynamique (2013) review

Nov 11, 15

Renault Clio Dynamique (2013) review

The fourth generation Renault Clio arrived in UK showrooms in early 2013 with its sleek new styling acting as a timely reminder that the French brand had rediscovered its mojo.

The new five-door Clio exudes quality in a way the car has never done before. Its coupe styling is amongst the best in the supermini segment with sweeping lines, attractive panel creases and hidden rear door handles.

As befitting a succession of hatchbacks in this sector the Clio has grown in length and width but is lower giving it a sportier stance and better aerodynamics. The front and rear track widths are also significantly increased with the tyres now flush with the pronounced bulges of the wheel arches.

Completing the attractive exterior look is Renault’s fresh family grille, a steeply raked windscreen, reduced glazed side areas and a neat rear-end. You sense the designers had a relatively free hand in delivering this car’s eye catching good looks.

The interior design is also stylish with a confident upmarket focus with an emphasis on high quality dark plastics and fabrics. From the driver’s seat the car certainly feels more premium than mainstream with its classy dashboard and high levels of bells and whistles. The seats are comfortably supportive and there’s plenty of head and elbow room in the front and sufficient space for adults to travel with some degree of comfort in the rear. Rear boot space is also good.

Our test model was powered by Renault’s three-cylinder TCe 90 engine. This light and compact 898cc turbo petrol unit boast emissions of just 105g/km yet punches above its weight to deliver 90bhp. Indeed, the engine actually feels more lively, powerful and responsive than some 1.4-litre units we’ve tested; while it’s happy to poodle around town it can also deliver quick acceleration and cruises happily at motorway speeds.

It’s also super frugal. We averaged an impressive 38.2mpg in low speed urban commuting traffic which effortlessly improved to 43.8mpg after a 200 mile motorway journey. There’s even an Eco mode button which reduces engine torque and modifies throttle response to optimise efficiency, although using it feels as though the parking brake’s been left on.

Given more time we think a mid-50mpg rating should be achievable. Although the claimed combined figure of 61.4mpg might be wishful thinking the £20 annual VED charge is certainly real world.

The level of creature comforts in our high-end Dynamique S Nav trim was impressive ranging from satellite navigation and climate control to stylish 16 inch black alloys and electric parking brake. The infotainment system provided seamless Bluetooth connectivity and excellent sound quality, largely thanks to Renault’s new Bass Reflex speaker system which uses a series of vents in the door speakers to deliver a warm sound. Having deleted CD players from its systems the omission of DAB radio is puzzling, although this will feature more widely as standard across the 2016 model year.

This new generation Clio is an excellent all-rounder which looks great and rewards the driver with a super frugal engine which can also deliver quick performance when called upon to do so. The last Clio was functional but dull, this one is desirable.

The source article can be found at http://www.motortrader.com/motor-trader-news/car-news/renault-clio-dynamique-2013-review/

Renault Clio Dynamique (2015) review

Posted by Kelvin Brookes in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Renault Clio Dynamique (2015) review

Nov 11, 15

Renault Clio Dynamique (2015) review

The fourth generation Renault Clio arrived in UK showrooms in early 2013 with its sleek new styling acting as a timely reminder that the French brand had rediscovered its mojo.

The new five-door Clio exudes quality in a way the car has never done before. Its coupe styling is amongst the best in the supermini segment with sweeping lines, attractive panel creases and hidden rear door handles.

As befitting a succession of hatchbacks in this sector the Clio has grown in length and width but is lower giving it a sportier stance and better aerodynamics. The front and rear track widths are also significantly increased with the tyres now flush with the pronounced bulges of the wheel arches.

Completing the attractive exterior look is Renault’s fresh family grille, a steeply raked windscreen, reduced glazed side areas and a neat rear-end. You sense the designers had a relatively free hand in delivering this car’s eye catching good looks.

The interior design is also stylish with a confident upmarket focus with an emphasis on high quality dark plastics and fabrics. From the driver’s seat the car certainly feels more premium than mainstream with its classy dashboard and high levels of bells and whistles. The seats are comfortably supportive and there’s plenty of head and elbow room in the front and sufficient space for adults to travel with some degree of comfort in the rear. Rear boot space is also good.

Our test model was powered by Renault’s three-cylinder TCe 90 engine. This light and compact 898cc turbo petrol unit boast emissions of just 105g/km yet punches above its weight to deliver 90bhp. Indeed, the engine actually feels more lively, powerful and responsive than some 1.4-litre units we’ve tested; while it’s happy to poodle around town it can also deliver quick acceleration and cruises happily at motorway speeds.

It’s also super frugal. We averaged an impressive 38.2mpg in low speed urban commuting traffic which effortlessly improved to 43.8mpg after a 200 mile motorway journey. There’s even an Eco mode button which reduces engine torque and modifies throttle response to optimise efficiency, although using it feels as though the parking brake’s been left on.

Given more time we think a mid-50mpg rating should be achievable. Although the claimed combined figure of 61.4mpg might be wishful thinking the £20 annual VED charge is certainly real world.

The level of creature comforts in our high-end Dynamique S Nav trim was impressive ranging from satellite navigation and climate control to stylish 16 inch black alloys and electric parking brake. The infotainment system provided seamless Bluetooth connectivity and excellent sound quality, largely thanks to Renault’s new Bass Reflex speaker system which uses a series of vents in the door speakers to deliver a warm sound. Having deleted CD players from its systems the omission of DAB radio is puzzling, although this will feature more widely as standard across the 2016 model year.

This new generation Clio is an excellent all-rounder which looks great and rewards the driver with a super frugal engine which can also deliver quick performance when called upon to do so. The last Clio was functional but dull, this one is desirable.

The source article can be found at http://www.motortrader.com/motor-trader-news/car-news/renault-clio-dynamique-2013-review-11-11-2015