March 2017

Lady looking back from the steering wheel smiling - First Car

New first car vs. used first car

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You’ve passed your driving test – congratulations! Now, all you need is a car.

You’ve probably already thought about what car you’re going to get and, correct me if I’m wrong, but you may have already resigned yourself to the fact that you will be getting a used car. Am I right?

But that might not be your only option, and it certainly might not be the best option either.
In this article, we’re going to look at which is better; a new first car or a used first car. We’ll look at the pros and cons of each, and what options are available to you.

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A Brief History of Audi

A brief history of Audi

6 Comments / Brand History, Learning Centre /

Audi is one of the best-selling luxury automobile manufacturers in the world. However, the origins of the German brand are complex and colourful, to say the least.

Behind the name of every car company, there’s a story. Sometimes it’s as simple as the name of the family who founded it (Bentley, for example), sometimes it’s an acronym for a phrase people don’t seem to remember. The story behind Audi, however, is that little bit more interesting. OSV takes a look at the rich history of the German brand in our Audi history.

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SsangYong Rexton Revealed

The Next Generation SsangYong Rexton Revealed

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It was teased last week, and now the next generation Ssang Yong Rexton has finally been revealed. This is ahead of its public debut at the upcoming Seoul Motorshow in 2017.
The new Rexton shares a lot of its design with the LIV-2 concept. However, there are notable changes to the bumper, headlamps as well as black body cladding as opposed to body-coloured cladding on the concept car.

The Next Generation SsangYong Rexton Revealed Read More »

Numberplate - NEW

How does car registration work?

89 Comments / Learning Centre, Resources /

One of topics we get asked about quite a lot at OSV is car registration. How does it work? Who is responsible for it? How do I know if my car is registered?

And all of these questions are completely valid. Out of all the things related to cars, leasing and buying, car registration is a topic that tends to be forgotten or ignored. Until now, of course.
In this article, we’re going to talk you through everything to do with car registration. From how it’s done, what happens if you can’t find it registered, to how to put a private plate on a car.

How does car registration work? Read More »

How to Maintain Your Lease Car

How to maintain your lease car

Leave a Comment / Learning Centre, Leasing Guide /

When you have a lease car, you have to take care of it and you have to maintain it. At the end of your lease agreement, your car will undergo an inspection. This will be for any damage that doesn’t constitute as fair wear and tear.

If there is any damage that doesn’t qualify as fair wear and tear, then you will face extra charges.
However, there are ways to avoid this happening, and in this article, we’re going to look at the best ways to maintain your lease car.

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Mercedes SLC Roadster Review

Mercedes-Benz SLC Roadster Review 2017

1 Comment / Car Reviews /

If you want a folding hard-top that has a prestigious image, a posh cabin and is easy to drive, the new Mercedes-Benz SLC Roadster is worth your attention. Oh, and it’s also devastatingly quick. But you probably already expected that, right? And if economy is a priority of yours as you shop for a roadster in 2016, the SLC ticks that particular box, too. Moreover, depreciation is much improved. This stylish Roadster has broad appeal and with prices starting out from just £30,000, there is no reason why it can’t dominate its sector. OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our Mercedes-Benz SLC Roadster review.

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Brief History of Land Rover

A brief history of Land Rover

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Land Rover is an iconic British car, so much so that King George VI granted Land Rover a Royal Warrant in 1951.

So yes, the Land Rover is as historically British as they come, but how did they become the iconic British manufacturer we know and love today?

In this article, we take a look at the interesting history of the Land Rover, from the Series I to…pushchairs.

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History of SEAT

A brief history of SEAT

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Although it is an impressive 67 years old, SEAT is one of the younger car manufacturers, and its sporty cars show that it has no plans to slow down. Popularity for SEAT has grown and grown and seeing a SEAT on the road in the UK is as common as seeing a Golf or a Focus.

But, how did this come to be?

In this article, we look at the interesting history of the Spanish manufacturer.

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Ford Skyliner in a monochromatic photograph

A brief history of Ford Motor Company

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Ford are the world’s fifth largest automaker in the world (based on worldwide vehicle sales). Ford is also the largest family-controlled company in the world as the Ford family have controlled the company since its founding over 110 years ago. But how did Ford survive two world wars and a Great Depression? In this article, we take a look at the rich history of one of the most well-known car manufacturers in the world…

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Review of the porsche 911 targa 4

Porsche 911 Targa 4 Review

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The whole 911 range has been revised to include energy-saving turbochargers, but it’s the new Porsche 911 Targa 4 that’s arguably best suited to the controversial new turbocharged 3.8-litre engine. Just as gutsy as its naturally-aspirated predecessor, it’s not lost any performance but has gained an edge over its rivals by virtue of the fact that it’s now more efficient and more economical.

Porsche 911 Targa 4 Review Read More »

girl in car, holding out driving licence with a thumbs up - First Car

How to apply for a driving licence

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Driving for the first time is an exciting prospect. What is your first car going to be? How will you afford it? How much will the insurance be?

And while all these questions are very important, there is one thing that is considerably more important.

Actually learning to drive in the first place. So, in this article, we are going to look at everything you need to know about learning to drive, from applying for a licence to how much your tests will cost.

How to apply for a driving licence Read More »

car finance on someone else's behalf

Can more than one person drive a lease car?

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There are quite a few common misconceptions about leasing, and one of those is that the only person that can drive a lease car is the one who is leasing it.

However, it’s our job to put these misconceptions right and explain that this in fact, is not the case.
So, in this article, we are going to look at whether someone else can drive a lease car, whether someone else can be insured to drive your lease car, and how to go about it.

Can more than one person drive a lease car? Read More »

young mother fitting her young child in a carseat

The new child seat laws 2017

Leave a Comment / Learning Centre, On the Road /

As of March 1st there were some changes to the laws regarding children’s car seats. Of course, this is vital information and it’s really important that you know this so you can make the necessary changes. But, what are the new changes? In this article, we look at the new changes to the car seat laws, how to fit a child seat and why you shouldn’t buy a 2nd hand car seat…

The new child seat laws 2017 Read More »

Renault uncover their Captur facelift

Renault uncover their Captur facelift

2 Comments / Industry News /

On March 7th at the Geneva Motor Show, Renault unveiled their face-lifted Captur to much excitement. The new Captur comes with a higher level of specification and updated styling.
The interior has also got a bit of an upgrade with a new Signature S trim level being added that comes with a newer R-Link infotainment system.
The Renault Captur is the best-selling B-segment crossover in Europe and has understandably had a few adjustments to keep it fresh and exciting. There are now an additional two colours to choose from, Desert Orange and Ocean Blue, as well as a new roof colour while the Captur will still keep its two-tone option. Like the other new Renault models, the new Captur will get full LED headlights as an option with LED daytime running lights as well, which form a C-shape motif. The skid plate, as seen on previous models, has been revised…

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Porsche Unveil Their Big-Booted Panamera

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The Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo concept was first unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2012, and at the Geneva Motor Show this year we finally get to see the final product…and it’s pretty similar to the concept.
There could be a chance that families driving the Panamera might have a gripe that it just doesn’t have enough space. These families might end up looking elsewhere for something slightly on the larger side. Well, to stop that happening Porsche have unveiled a larger version of the Panamera, the Sport Turismo.
At first glance, it doesn’t look much bigger, and that’s because the wheelbase, the length and the width remain unchanged. So, what’s different?

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people at a dealership discussing new car purchase

What options do I have if I want to own my car at the end of the agreement?

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The best thing about financing a car is that you have so many options. There are agreements to suit every person, from business leasing to hire purchase, there’s an agreement for everyone.

But, what options do you have if you want to own your car at the end of your agreement?

In this article, we look at the different options available to you if you want to own your car at the end, and the pros and cons of each.

What options do I have if I want to own my car at the end of the agreement? Read More »

Time Barnes standing near a ford fiesta ST line

A Massive Review of the Ford Fiesta ST-Line: Features/Prices/Comparison

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You’d think Ford would be satisfied by having the best-selling car in Britain on its books. The Fiesta can simply do no wrong it seems, but Ford isn’t resting on its laurels and has introduced the Ford Fiesta ‘ST-Line’. ST-Line offers the sporty, desirable image of the heralded ‘ST’ hot-hatch, but with better running costs and a little bit more comfort. ST-Line models are a special trim level from Ford. The cars are brawny looking, but are they as powerful as their appearances suggest? Our motoring journalist, Tim Barnes-Clay, got behind the wheel of the Fiesta ST-Line to discover more…

A Massive Review of the Ford Fiesta ST-Line: Features/Prices/Comparison Read More »

2017 nissan gtr coupe front pic

Massive Review Of The Nissan GTR Coupe: Features/ Prices/ Comparisons

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Looking for an objective review of the Nissan GTR Coupe? OSV has got you covered, from engines to lease deals.

The barnstorming new Nissan GTR Coupe is a car that will make you feel supersonic. Ferocious, confident and visually striking, it’s a car capable of humbling even the sportiest Porsche.

For hardcore enthusiasts who want to chuck caution (and everything else) to the wind, this tornado with an engine is worth a look.

One of the quickest cars on earth, the new GTR feels as though it’s been injected with rocket fuel. It might not be super car aristocracy, but if the thought of getting behind the wheel of a monstrous upstart that is here to challenge the status quo of super cars appeals to you, join OSV as we take a closer look at what the new Nissan GTR Coupe is all about.

Massive Review Of The Nissan GTR Coupe: Features/ Prices/ Comparisons Read More »

Toyota Verso Review

Massive Review Of The Toyota Verso

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The new Toyota Verso is an MPV that offsets its relatively high purchase price with family-friendly running costs. It’s practical, reliable and well-built. In many ways, it’s the essential car for modern families in 2017. The ability to fit seven people is one of this cars strengths. It’s not the best looking MPV on the market, but it’s usable and thoroughly accomplished and won’t give you any hassle as you carry out your chores on a full or light load. OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our Toyota Verso.

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A Brief History of Volkswagen

A brief history of Volkswagen: From the people’s car to the emissions scandal

1 Comment / Brand History, Learning Centre /

Of the ten top selling car models in history, three are Volkswagen; the Beetle, the Golf and the Passat. Not one for fancy branding strategies, the current VW tagline is simply “Das Auto”, which literally translates to “the car”. They are Germany’s biggest car company and the third largest automaker in the world.

From “the people’s car” to the emissions scandal, it’s safe to say VW have a history like no other.

OSV takes a look at the interesting history of Volkswagen.

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History of the Smart Car

A brief history of the Smart car: From the Swatchmobile to the electric ForTwo

13 Comments / Brand History, Learning Centre /

The Smart Car. You either love it or loathe it, but you definitely have an opinion on it. The compact car has been dividing opinion for many years now, and whatever your opinion on the microcar, you can’t deny it’s been pretty successful.

But, where did it all begin?

In this article, we look at the history of the Smart car.

A brief history of the Smart car: From the Swatchmobile to the electric ForTwo Read More »

Nissan Austin

A brief history of Nissan: From Datsun to the Nissan Leaf

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As of 2013, Nissan was the sixth largest automaker in the world, and is currently the largest electric vehicle manufacturer, with more than 275,000 electric vehicles sold.

But, how did the Japanese car marque become the largest electric vehicle manufacturer? In this article, we take a look at the rich history of Nissan, from Datsun to the Nissan Leaf.

A brief history of Nissan: From Datsun to the Nissan Leaf Read More »

Is your car stalling your love life

New research reveals men driving Mini’s are found least attractive

2 Comments / Industry News, Learning Centre /

It’s no secret that studies often find that women consider men who drive expensive cars more attractive, but what about the cars they find least attractive?

New research released today, revealed that the Mini topped the list with just 5% of women saying that they found men driving Mini’s attractive.

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