February 2017

Tim Barnes Clay Review of the Ford Focus ST-Line

A Massive Review of the Ford Focus ST-Line

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It’s common knowledge that the Ford Focus is a great car to drive. Sharp handling and great driver feedback make for a fun experience behind the wheel – at ‘ST’ level, it’s an absolute riot. The problem is, not everybody wants to drive fast and use up lots of fuel, and not everyone wants a firm suspension. Ford has recognised this, and as a result is now offering the ‘ST-Line’ trim level, so your car can look like an ST, but drink fuel slowly, and with small sips.

A Massive Review of the Ford Focus ST-Line Read More »

bmw 5 series review

A Massive Review of the 2017 BMW 5 Series

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The BMW 5 Series is King of all it surveys. From atop the executive car castle, it might be feeling a little bit worried, though. Pretenders to its throne have strengthened and gathered at the gates to compete, so the 5 Series has had to up its game in a bid to stay on top. The question is, has it done enough to fight off the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6? Has BMW managed to build yet another fantastic saloon?

A Massive Review of the 2017 BMW 5 Series Read More »

Tim Barnes Clay Review Of Kia Optima

A Massive Review of the Kia Optima PHEV

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Some say that electric-powered cars are the future, but until we’ve got rechargeable vehicles capable of long-range, we’ve got motors like this – the Kia Optima PHEV. Part petrol, part plug-in electric, the South Korean hybrid is aiming to impress – backed up by that famous Kia warranty. Go back 20 years or so, and the Kia stable looked much different to how it does today. Uninspiring, low-tech, poorly made machines seduced nobody in the car market, but everything’s different now. The new Kia Optima PHEV shows how far Kia has moved on. A stylish, modern saloon rammed with all the gadgets you need and utilising a powertrain that is famously difficult to configure. It’s very much the face of modern Kia, but is there a place for it on the motoring market?

A Massive Review of the Kia Optima PHEV Read More »

Audi A4 Avant Estate front

Massive Review Of The Audi A4 Avant Estate: Prices/ Features/ Comparison

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Looking for an objective review of the new Audi A4 Avant Estate? OSV have got you covered, from engines to lease deals.

The new Audi A4 Avant Estate is one of the most upmarket and stylish estate cars on the road right now. In fact, it’s arguably one of the most upmarket estate cars there has yet been. It’s got the typical Audi touch of luxury, and it can also boast a very usable interior.

The estate class is one that is rising in popularity, its rise coinciding with the slow demise of the saloon car. This A4 Avant is one of the most expensive ones available, and goes head to head with its big German rivals. If you want something a bit more affordable, check out our review on the new Ford Mondeo Estate.

OSV takes a closer look at what this premium offering is all about with our 2014 Audi A4 Estate review.

Massive Review Of The Audi A4 Avant Estate: Prices/ Features/ Comparison Read More »

Can a Lease Car be Insured in Someone Else’s Name

Company Car Tax for personal use

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One of the topics we get asked a lot about at OSV is using your company car for personal use. This is because personal use of your vehicle and company car tax are linked, and there are some things you should know about in relation to using your company car for your personal journeys.

In this article, we are going to look at what counts as a personal journey for both a car and a van, and how this impacts your company car tax.

Company Car Tax for personal use Read More »

leasing privately vs. through business

Is a company van tax efficient?

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When looking at company vehicles, you are naturally going to want to opt for the most tax efficient option.

With the new company car tax changes coming into effect soon, tax efficiency is even more important than it was before.

We’ve already discussed whether a company car is tax efficient, but what about a van?

In this article, we look at how company car tax for a van is calculated, the benefits of a company vehicle and whether a company van is tax efficient.

Is a company van tax efficient? Read More »

is a company car tax efficient?

Is a company car tax efficient?

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For a long time, a company car was the way forward. The general consensus regarding company cars was that it was more tax efficient and cost effective, for both yourself and your employer, than if you were to get a car privately.

But is this still the case?

There are some big changes coming to the way cars are taxed, both privately and through a business, in 2017 which means now is the best time to be having this conversation. We want you to be as informed as possible so you know you have made, or are making, the right decision when the new changes come into play.

In this article, we’ll be discussing how company car tax works, how it will change, and if a company car is still tax efficient.

Is a company car tax efficient? Read More »

Audi Q7 e-tron vs. Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid

Audi Q7 e-tron vs. Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid; Which is best?

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When looking at plugin hybrids, it’s hard to know which ones are best. After all, there is so much to think about.

However, it doesn’t have to be difficult. And hopefully we can help with the decision process.
In this article, we are going to compare two luxury plug in hybrids; the Audi Q7 and the Porsche Cayenne on a number of things including price, running costs and their green credentials.

Audi Q7 e-tron vs. Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid; Which is best? Read More »

BMW i3 electric car driving with mountains in the background

BMW i3 vs. Mercedes-Benz B250e

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Choosing an electric car can be difficult, especially if you haven’t bought one before. Where do you start? That’s where we come in. In this article we are going to compare two popular electric city cars; the BMW i3 and the Mercedes-Benz B250e on everything from running costs to practicality so you can be as informed as possible when it comes to making a decision. It should be noted that in this article we’ll be looking at the fully electric i3, not the i3 with the Range Extender.

BMW i3 vs. Mercedes-Benz B250e Read More »

Toyota Hilux

Company Car Tax for Pick-ups

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Like it or not, the chances are you will have to pay company car tax. If you have a company car then you will probably end up paying company car tax.

However, the way company car tax is calculated depends on what type of vehicle you drive.
For example, what about company car tax for a pickup?

In this article, we look at how company car tax for a pickup is calculated, and some of our top pickup picks.

Company Car Tax for Pick-ups Read More »

BMW M6 coupe - is a company car worth it?

Is a company car worth it?

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Company cars have long since been a staple for many lucrative jobs and it has even been proven that offering a company car can attract some of the best and brightest.

But, is a company car worth it?

After all, changes to company car tax mean you could end up paying more and it could end up becoming less tax efficient that you once thought.

Or, is a company car still a viable option for many?

In this article, we have a look at why you might want to get a company car, and reasons why you might not.

Is a company car worth it? Read More »

Best hybrid city cars

Best hybrid city cars

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Hybrid cars have become very popular. There are hybrid versions of so many cars that there are almost too many to choose from.

Everything from city cars to luxury cars, there’s a hybrid car for everyone.

But, which city hybrids are the best?

In this article, we take a look at the best hybrid city cars on the market today. It should be noted that this is for standard hybrids only.

Best hybrid city cars Read More »

Renault Zoe vs. Nissan Leaf

Renault Zoe vs. Nissan Leaf

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When you’re looking for a new car, you are naturally going to compare a few to see which one is best.
This is obviously important, you need to be sure that you are making the right decision. Particularly when it comes to electric cars. Choosing an electric car is a big decision, particularly if you are buying an electric car for the first time.
So, in this article, we are going to compare two extremely popular electric city cars, the Renault Zoe and the Nissan Leaf and see which is better in terms of price, running costs, and reliability.

Renault Zoe vs. Nissan Leaf Read More »

car vs. pickup

Car vs. Pick-up: Which is best for Company Car Tax?

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If you are looking at getting a company car, then you might be considering which type of car you are going to get.
For example, have you thought about possibly getting a pickup as your next company car?
After all, some pickups are more luxurious than some cars on the market and we suspect that pickups are going to become a popular option for company cars in the future.
However, the way pickups are taxed is different to how company cars are taxed. So, which is better for company car tax?
In this article, we look at how they are both taxed, and look at some of the more luxurious pickups that are on offer to you.

Car vs. Pick-up: Which is best for Company Car Tax? Read More »

Review Of The 2017 Aston Martin Vantage

Massive Review Of The Aston Martin Vantage: Features/ Prices/ Comparison

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Looking for an objective review of the new Aston Martin Vantage? OSV has you covered, from engines to lease deals.

If you like cars, you’ll love the new Aston Martin Vantage. It’s for the ages. Sporting its instantly recognisable looks that will never get old, it’s powered by a muscular V8 engine that boasts serious performance.
This is one of those classic sports cars that we all want to drive at least once in our lifetime. And if you can afford it, owning one of these babies is just magic. It’s fun to drive, stunning to look at, and it’s got oodles of prestige and badge appeal.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our Aston Martin Vantage review.

Massive Review Of The Aston Martin Vantage: Features/ Prices/ Comparison Read More »

should my next company car be a pickup?

Should my next company car be a pick-up?

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If you’re looking for a new company car, we don’t think that a pickup was at the top of your list. Particularly if you before you were driving a C-Class. It’s not exactly traditional, but it is one that we think will be fairly common in the years to come.

But, why? Why should your next company car be a pickup?

As we said, it’s an unusual concept so we know that you will probably need a fair bit of convincing. Which is why we’ve written an article debating whether your next company car should be a pickup.

Should my next company car be a pick-up? Read More »

2017 Review Of The Honda Civic Hatchback

Massive Review Of The Honda Civic Hatchback: Features/ Prices/ Comparison

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The new Honda Civic Hatchback looks a bit different to the more conventionally-styled hatchback’s in this sector. It comes with an excellent track record of reliability, and makes a strong alternative to the usual suspects in this market – the Ford Focus et cetera.

Over the years, the Civic has cultivated a reputation for being affordable and dependable. It’s a wholesome family car you can rely on to get you guys from A to B without any hassle, and it’s always been a joy to ride in. In 2016, it continued to do what it’s always done best. This means that making your mind up over which hatchback to buy is going to be tricky!

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

Massive Review Of The Honda Civic Hatchback: Features/ Prices/ Comparison Read More »

best luxury electric cars

5 reasons why your next car should be an ultra-low emission vehicle

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If you’re looking for a new car, have you considered an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle? Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles, or ULEVs, are becoming an increasingly common sight on British roads, and they are only becoming more popular.

So why should your next car be a ULEV? We take a look at five reasons why you should look at an ultra-low emission vehicle for your next car.

5 reasons why your next car should be an ultra-low emission vehicle Read More »

best luxury electric cars

5 reasons your next company car should be a plug-in hybrid

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If you’re looking at getting a new company car, then you might want to consider getting a plugin hybrid.

Plugin hybrids are becoming increasingly popular, and we predict that they will only become more popular in the coming years.

But, why do they make good company cars?

In this article, we look at 5 reasons why we think your next company car should be a plugin hybrid.

5 reasons your next company car should be a plug-in hybrid Read More »

2017 Review Of The Ford Kuga Estate

Massive Review Of The Ford Kuga Estate: Features/ Prices/ Comparison

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The new Ford Kuga Estate has a lot of strengths that buyers in this market are looking for: It’s comfortable, practical and easy to drive. Visibility of the road ahead is awesome thanks to a high driving position, while space inside seems to know no bounds. You can all stretch out and travel with ease.

The Kuga emerged on these grey shores in 2012, and like most Ford’s has gone on to be a success. The competition in this sector is stiff, though, so if you’re unsure we’ve got a comparison section to help you weigh up your options.

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

Massive Review Of The Ford Kuga Estate: Features/ Prices/ Comparison Read More »