June 2016

Vauxhall Mokka Review by Tim Barnes-Clay

The Ultimate 2016 Vauxhall Mokka Tech Line 1.6 CDTi (110PS) ecoFLEX Review: Features / Price / Comparison

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The Vauxhall Mokka has been around since 2013 and was thrust into the UK’s money-making and rapidly swelling compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment.

When it was launched, the Griffin-badged motor company’s aim was for the adroitly styled, down-to-earth and well equipped vehicle to attract youthful motorists with a dynamic lifestyle.
That goal may have shifted somewhat as there are plenty of older people behind the wheel of the Mokka now. And much of that has to do with the ever more efficient and green power units Vauxhall is lowering into the model’s engine bay.
The latest, on test here, is the 110ps 1.6 CDTi diesel, in Tech Line, ecoFLEX, front wheel drive guise, costing only £18,614.

The Ultimate 2016 Vauxhall Mokka Tech Line 1.6 CDTi (110PS) ecoFLEX Review: Features / Price / Comparison Read More »

how to get the best lease car deal

How to get the best car lease deal

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So you’ve decided you want to lease a car, hooray! Now, you just have to try and find the best deal.

There are lots of different factors involved when trying to find your perfect car and many lease deals are time sensitive. Therefore, finding a deal that works best for both you and your timeline can prove to be difficult. Understandably, you might be wondering;

How do I get the best lease deal?
How do I know I am getting a good deal on my lease car?

We understand that the process of leasing a car can sometimes be daunting and potentially overwhelming. That’s why we decided to provide you with some key tips to help you find the best car lease deal.

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What are the risks involved when buying from a vehicle broker?

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One of the most important decisions when buying a car is who you’re going to buy it through. You might be considering a broker, or perhaps going through a dealership. Either way, it’s worth knowing the risks involved with these options. While buying from a vehicle broker should be a stress-free experience, there are some things you should be aware of. In this article we’ll be talking about some of the risks involved with buying through a vehicle broker, and how you can reduce or eliminate those risks. One of the risks involved with going through a vehicle broker is that they might not be reputable. To ensure that your vehicle broker is reputable, you should…

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What paperwork will I need to complete for my lease car?

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It’s not the most exciting bit of the leasing process, but it’a absolutely vital that you know exactly what you are signing and that it is all correct. This is so you can drive away in your shiny new car as soon as possible. At OSV, we go through the documentation process with our customers everyday, so we know that this can be a lengthy process. In this article we talk you through the paperwork process, providing information on everything you need to know.

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Price vs customer service: What’s more important when buying a car?

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Low price and a high standard of customer service. You want both, right?

Unfortunately, a great price doesn’t always come with great customer service.
It goes without saying that price is one of the biggest, and in some cases the biggest, consideration for customers when deciding on a purchase. But, no matter how great the price is, we want to have our expectations met and have a hassle free experience. While pricing in the automotive industry is becoming increasingly competitive and therefore more attractive, research shows that no matter how good the deal is, customers want and expect great customer service.
So, can you have a great price and a great customer service experience? You can, but there are things you should be aware of beforehand…

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Vauxhall Meriva

Vauxhall Meriva Review

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If you’re driving an MPV you probably aren’t looking to engage in stoplight drag races. Even so, the Vauxhall Meriva provides enough scoot for mum (or dad) to get the kids to school swiftly. The former 1.7-litre CDTi diesel engine has been replaced by the 1.6 CDTi diesel scooped from the Zafira Tourer. This Euro-6 compliant mill cranks out 136PS and 320Nm of torque at 2,000rpm – more than enough power for a family wagon. If you ever do decide to take the kiddies to the race track, the mini will sprint to 60mph from a standstill in under nine seconds. In addition to the new oil burner, the Meriva’s carryover petrol engine range (1.4 100PS, 1.4T 120 & 140PS) remains and is now fully Euro-6 compliant.

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Peugeot 208 Hatchback Review

Review of the Peugeot 208 Hatchback: Features / Price / Comparison

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The new Peugeot 208 Hatchback outdoes its competitors in a number of areas: It has more style, insanely good efficiency, and it comes with more standard equipment. Put all these ingredients together, and you’ve got a trendy hatch that does much more than just get you from A to B.

What the car lacks for in sporty prowess on the road, it makes up for in terms of refinement and interior space. Its cabin is also slick and contemporary, and we get the impression that Peugeot have adopted a “money is no option” approach when kitting out the apple of their eye.

And if running costs are super important to you, it’s worth knowing that the improved 208 has the most efficient internal combustion engine on the planet.

OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our Peugeot 208 Hatchback review.

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Mercedes B-Class Review

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The MK2 B-Class, also known as simply Mercedes-Benz B-Class, is the most “absolutely new” model in the history of Mercedes-Benz. Almost all the components have been completely re-engineered to give this model the novelty and bragging rights as the ultimate new model. It comes with hi-tech equipment and a sharper chassis, confirmation and emphasis on occupant safety. The powerplants, and even the platform, have all been “re-invented” on this model. The B-Class is the most compact, sporty yet very comfortable family car to roll out of the Mercedes-Benz line.

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Lexus RC 300h

Lexus RC F Coupe Review

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Lexus is better known in the UK for their SUVs, large saloons and hybrids, but they’re determined to crack the sports car market, and the Lexus RC F Coupe 500 is their latest effort. The Lexus RC F Coupe 500 is a muscular Coupe and indeed could be the sports car the brand have been trying to perfect for years. Similar to a BMW M4, it’s certainly got the pizzazz to capture the imagination. Let’s take a closer look at what it offers.

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2017 Kia Rio Front

Kia Rio Review

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The amazing thing about the Kia Rio is that it actually drives really well on Britain’s awful surfaces. Indeed, it’s hard to think of a more assured supermini than this tenacious new Kia Rio – perhaps with the obvious exception of the super composed Ford Fiesta. In its locker is an ability to manage a 10.5m turning circle, which makes it extraordinarily agile.

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Kia Optima Review

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The Korean car manufacturer Kia has turned heads in recent years, with its rise from budget-cars to business-cars now seemingly complete with the arrival of the new Kia Optima. This may well be the most exuberant, ambitious car that Kia has yet produced, and it’s one which its unsuspecting rivals in the Mondeo-sized medium range sector will have to be ready for. Smart, quiet, excellently equipped, sleek, remarkable, efficient, value-for-money. All these words can be used to describe the Volkswagen Passat or theFord Mondeo. But they can now also be used to describe the new Kia Optima model. In fact, each word can be emphasised, because the Korean brand have seen what everyone else is doing in the medium range sector and, well, improved it all. If ever there was a thinking family’s car, the new Kia Optima might well be it. Let’s take a closer look at what the new Kia Optima offers with our Kia Optima review.

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Jaguar F-Type Coupe side view mountain road driving

Jaguar F-Type Coupe Review

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The Jaguar F-Type comes as something of a surprise. Back in the fifties and sixties, Jaguar pretty much dominated the sports car sector, with their classic C,D and E-Type models brimming with style and speed. They were the Porsche Boxster and 911’s of their day. But they faded away, with the British brand focusing more on luxurious cars, such as the elegant G2 models.

Now, with the arrival of the Jaguar F-Type Coupe, the brand claim they have created the perfect mix of a top sports car and a super car. For them, it’s the Austin Healy of the modern era, a contemporary interpretation of the E-Type. It’s meant to represent a real challenge to Porsche’s dominance in a fairly niche sports market. The British company want people to buy the Jaguar F-Type for the same reason they buy the Boxster’s and the 911’s. Will this actually happen? Let’s find out.

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Infiniti Q50 Saloon

Infiniti Q50 Review

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The Infiniti Q50 comes across as an executive car (well, it is an executive car); it looks like one, feels like one, drives like one, but as you open the door, you might be forgiven for being a little startled to find a Nissan label. The Infiniti Q50 is owned by Nissan, but comes with an engine built by Mercedes. Does it have an identity all of its own? Let’s find out with our Infiniti Q50 review.

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