January 2017

Smiling man driving a red car

Company Car Tax: Car vs. Van

When you have a company vehicle, you have to pay company car tax. That’s just a fact. However, the way vans and cars are taxed is different.

And there may be some of you who are in the position to either have a company car or a company van.

This then begs the question; should you get a company car or a company van?
In this article, we look at the ways the two are taxed, and which one would be the best option for you.

Company Car Tax: Car vs. Van Read More »

Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG Hatchback review

Review of Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG Hatchback: Features / Price / Comparison

The new Mercedes-Benz GLA Class AMG Hatchback is based on the CLA Coupe and the A-Class hatch but is a high performance variant of the GLA small 4×4. Although the family it joins is already quite extensive, there is still space for this one. Despite its relatively high-rise body, it’s actually a really fast car.

Review of Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG Hatchback: Features / Price / Comparison Read More »

Electric charging point

What are the best luxury plugin hybrids?

Plugin hybrids have become increasingly popular as of late. So much so that there is pretty much a plugin hybrid for everyone these days, whether you’re looking for a city car or something more luxurious.

And speaking of luxurious, what luxury plugin hybrids are the best?

Luxury and environmentally friendly haven’t always gone hand in hand, however, times are changing and there are now a lot of cars that don’t compromise on luxury or their carbon footprint.

So, we take a look at the best plugin hybrids that offer you that little bit more luxury.

What are the best luxury plugin hybrids? Read More »

best luxury plugin hybrids

Should I get a plug-in hybrid?

Plugin hybrids are pretty new on the scene. Well, new compared to standard hybrids that is. And, we suspect that they are only going to get even more popular in the months and years to come.
However, one of the questions that we get asked quite a lot is ‘should I get a plugin hybrid?’
And it’s a good question, and it’s important that you weigh up your options so you can make an informed decision.

In this article, we compare a plugin hybrid to a standard hybrid and an electric car, to see which one is right for you.

Should I get a plug-in hybrid? Read More »

Review Of The Volvo V60 Estate

Massive Review Of The Volvo V60 Estate: Features/ Prices/ Comparison

The new Volvo V60 Estate looks much better than previous attempts by the Swedish brand at estate cars. The boxy look has been replaced by a much more modern design language so that the V60 can offer both substance and style, while competing with its fashionable rivals.

Substance is plentiful. There is a lot of safety kit on offer, rafters of interior space, and build quality is second to none. And, as ever with a Volvo, it’s also reliable.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our Volvo V60 Estate review.

Massive Review Of The Volvo V60 Estate: Features/ Prices/ Comparison Read More »

how to calculate company car tax

How to calculate Company Car Tax

Company car tax is one of those necessary evils that come with the benefit of having a company vehicle.

Whether you have a car or a van, a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or a Renault Clio, you have to pay company car tax.

The good thing about company car tax is that it’s fairly easy to calculate. In fact, you can do it yourself with a pad and pen.

But, how do you do it?

In this article, we look at how company car tax is calculated for both cars and vans, and ways to lower your company car tax.

How to calculate Company Car Tax Read More »

best luxury plugin hybrids

Best plug-in hybrids for Company Car Tax

If you have read up on the changes to company cars, then you are probably thinking of investing in a plugin hybrid as your next company car. If you are unsure of the new changes, don’t panic, we explain them below.

Plugin hybrids are one of your best options if you are looking for low company car tax, and to avoid the salary sacrifice changes we are going to discuss below.

But, which plugin hybrids are best? It should be noted here that this article is about plugin hybrids only…

Best plug-in hybrids for Company Car Tax Read More »

Review Of The BMW X6 SUV

Massive Review Of The BMW X6 SUV: Features/ Prices/ Comparison

The surly new BMW X6 SUV is as gigantic, bold and brash as ever. The styling might be questionable, but there’s no doubt about the scintillating performance and driving experience.

The X6 has had its fair share of critics in the past. Some (many) have questioned the point of a coupe-like SUV that’s more expensive and yet less useful than the X5. But despite the big question marks, the X6 has always sold well. It’s premium, luxurious and insanely fast.
OSV takes a closer look at what this desirable SUV is all about with our BMW X6 review.

Massive Review Of The BMW X6 SUV: Features/ Prices/ Comparison Read More »

Electric charging point

Is a plug-in hybrid worth it?

Plugin hybrids are a great alternative to fully electric cars and are perfect for those who don’t want to take that leap into a full battery powered vehicle.

And they are becoming increasingly popular, there’s no doubt they will become a common sight on British roads in the years to come.

However, one of the questions asked a lot is ‘are plugin hybrids worth it?’

In this article, we look at the pros and cons of a plugin hybrid, and whether they’re really worth the hype.

Is a plug-in hybrid worth it? Read More »

businessman in a suit doing calculations on a calculator with paperwork

How to reduce Company Car Tax

There might be times when the cost of your company car tax takes you up and over your budget. It’s all well and good getting a car on a great discount but if it costs you a fortune in company car tax, is it really worth it?

We have, at times, even advised people to lease privately rather than through their business because the company car tax is so high.

But there are ways around paying so much money in company car tax. In this article, we’re going to look at the exemptions to company car tax, and how to reduce your company car tax.

How to reduce Company Car Tax Read More »

The best hybrid cars for company car tax

The best hybrid cars for Company Car Tax?

If you’re looking for something a bit more eco-friendly and more efficient for your next company car, then you will probably want to consider a hybrid.

We understand that electric cars aren’t for everybody, so a hybrid is the next best thing for a car that is good for the environment, and your wallet.

Hybrids are also a popular choice for company cars because their CO2 emissions are pretty low. And pretty low CO2 emissions means pretty low company car tax.

But hybrid cars are becoming an increasingly popular sight on our roads, and with everyone jumping on the hybrid bandwagon, it’s hard to know which cars are the best. This article will focus on hybrid vehicles, and not plug-in hybrids. The main difference between the two is that a hybrid car will only use its electric motor at low speeds. When the vehicle starts travelling faster, the car will shift to fuel power. The main power source for hybrids is still either petrol or diesel. However, it will use less fuel because the electric motor uses regenerative braking. This captures energy and stores it in the on board batteries.

A plug-in hybrid, however, will use electricity until it hits a predetermined state of charge. Only then will it use fuel, while recharging itself. Essentially, it uses fuel to extend its range.

So, we’re going to look at the best hybrids for company car tax.

The best hybrid cars for Company Car Tax? Read More »

BMW i3 hatchback

Company Car Tax for ultra-low emission vehicles

If you’re looking at company cars, you have probably heard the words ‘ultra-low emission vehicle’ thrown about. And there is a reason for this.

Ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV’s) are about to become extremely attractive to those who are looking for a company car, and there are a few reasons why this is.

In this article we’re going to look at company car tax for ultra-low emission vehicles, and take a look at some of the ULEV’s on the market today. Firstly, what is a ULEV?

An ultra-low emission vehicle is just that, its low emission. More specifically, an ultra-low emission vehicle emits 75g/km of CO2 or less. These include electric cars and plug-in hybrids (plus one standard hybrid but we’ll come onto that later). There aren’t that many ULEV’s on the roads as of yet, but it won’t be long before we start seeing them more and more…

Company Car Tax for ultra-low emission vehicles Read More »

Toyota Rav4 Review

Review of the Toyota Rav4: Features / Price / Comparison

The new Toyota Rav4 SUV is ideal if you need plenty of interior space but don’t want to pay over the odds when it comes to running a hefty family car.

Among the cost-saving perks of this chunky but stylish estate is its five-year warranty, which sets it apart from its rivals who continue to offer the bog-standard three years. The Rav4 is also hugely practical and can boast a massive boot to cope with all your shopping and camping equipment. It comes with a generous amount of standard kit, too.

OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our Toyota Rav4 Estate review.

Review of the Toyota Rav4: Features / Price / Comparison Read More »

Grey Porsche Cayman Coupe driving on street

Review Of The Porsche Cayman Coupe: Features / Price / Comparison

The new Porsche Cayman Coupe is one of the best cars to drive at this price point. It also looks like a dream and doesn’t cost as much to run as you might look like. It’s faster than the 911 but 25K cheaper. Just two seats, but that’s all you need to have some balls-out fun in the new Cayman. Cheaper than the 718 Boxster, it’s affordable but formidable. If you’ve always wanted to let your hair down in a rapid Porsche and grin like a Cheshire cat but have never been able to afford it, there has never been a better chance than now. This a pleasure machine that doesn’t cost the earth. OSV takes a look at this absolute steal with our Porsche Cayman review…

Review Of The Porsche Cayman Coupe: Features / Price / Comparison Read More »