September 2017

bright yellow nissan juke hatchback driving on tarmac road with green trees in the background and blue skies in the background

Nissan Juke Hatchback

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The new Nissan Juke Hatchback looks as bold, confident and offbeat as ever. Always the individual, it remains the large Hatchback that stands out from the crowd more than most.
Its distinctive looks go hand-in-hand with a high driving position, which is excellent for visibility. However, it’s these distinctive looks that have polarised buyers in the past. If you quite enjoyed its daringness to be a bit different, it’s once again a solid Hatchback that’s worth having on your shortlist.

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Nissan NV200 Combi Diesel Estate vs Peugeot Partner Tepee Diesel Estate vs Citroen Berlingo MultiSpace Diesel Estate: Review & Comparisons

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The new Nissan NV200 Combi Diesel Estate looks too compact to be useful, but looks are deceiving – on the inside, it boasts an impressive amount of cargo volume. It also comes with two sliding doors for easy access, and doesn’t cost too much to run.
You can choose from a five or seven seater, but both come with rather drab interiors. However, part of its attraction is its flexibility and usability, but crucially it’s also easy to manoeuvre on the road.

Nissan NV200 Combi Diesel Estate vs Peugeot Partner Tepee Diesel Estate vs Citroen Berlingo MultiSpace Diesel Estate: Review & Comparisons Read More »

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When should I start looking for my next vehicle?

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As you are approaching the end of your lease contract, you might be wondering when it is time for you to start looking for your next vehicle. On average, according to AutoTrader, it takes 14.4 hours to get a new car. Of course, this isn’t all in one go, this is staggered over a period of time. But when you choose to start that journey is up to you…

When should I start looking for my next vehicle? Read More »

Young couple talking to sales guy about purchasing their new vehicle.

What is the process of leasing my next vehicle?

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If you are coming up to the end of your lease contract, you might be wondering what your next steps are. Getting a new car is an important decision and there is a process involved. In this article, we are going to look at the process of leasing your next vehicle, what things you should consider, and how long the process will take.

What is the process of leasing my next vehicle? Read More »

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Nissan e-NV200 Combi Estate vs Ford Transit Courier Combi vs Fiat 500L MPW: Review & Comparisons

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Fancy driving a seven-seater without paying road tax or doing any damage to the oZone?
The new Nissan e-NV200 Combi Estate is the only fully-electric car of its type on sale at the moment. For green-minded buyers who need up to seven seats, lots of space and practicality, it’s worth having this on your shortlist.
Its great advantage is that it’s borrowed tech from the already tried and trusted EV star, the Nissan Leaf. It’s also based on the Nissan e-Nv200 van, which means it’s robust enough to deal with everything seven people can chuck at it.

Nissan e-NV200 Combi Estate vs Ford Transit Courier Combi vs Fiat 500L MPW: Review & Comparisons Read More »

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When should I start looking for my new vehicle? What are the lead times?

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Depending on which finance scheme you choose, when you have a lease car, you may have to give it back at the end of the contract, that’s how leasing works. Which means that, at some point during your contract, you will have to start looking for a new vehicle.

But, when should you start looking for a new vehicle?

In this article, we look at when you should start looking for a new vehicle, what lead times are and how long the process can take. We also look at what happens when your old car goes back, so you are fully prepared when the time comes.

When should I start looking for my new vehicle? What are the lead times? Read More »

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Why is business leasing cheaper?

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While you have been looking at leasing deals, you may have noticed that business leasing can often be cheaper than other lease contracts.

But, why is business leasing cheaper?

We pride ourselves on our transparency and openness at OSV, and we think you deserve to know exactly why business leasing can be cheaper than other types of leasing, how it works and what it could mean for you and your business.

Why is business leasing cheaper? Read More »

Mitsubishi Shogun Diesel Station Wagon vs Jeep Grand Cherokee S vs Ford Escape: Review & Comparisons

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The new Mitsubishi Shogun Diesel Wagon is an assured-looking vehicle that’s strong, spacious, tenacious and unbeatable off-road. Not only is Mitsubishi’s awesome reliability record in evidence yet again, this is also a car that won’t let you down in bad conditions.
There is, of course, a price to pay for such a rough and ready car. It’s not exactly the most sophisticated to drive on tarmac, and its functional interior displays a few harder plastics. But if its off-road credentials you’re looking for, this warrior should be a must on your shortlist.

Mitsubishi Shogun Diesel Station Wagon vs Jeep Grand Cherokee S vs Ford Escape: Review & Comparisons Read More »

metallic nissan note parked on tarmac with city setting in the background

Nissan Note Hatchback

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The new Nissan Note Hatchback might look smaller than a very small thing, but it manages to be roomier, more practical and more affordable to run than conventional Hatchbacks.

It’s an impressive car that, thanks to a high roofline, boasts plenty of headroom. Meanwhile, Nissan has done a good job at getting the most out of its dimensions, ensuring that it’s got more than enough room inside for all the family. It gets top marks for versatility, too, with its rear seats sliding forwards or backward with ease to boost either leg or luggage space.

Nissan Note Hatchback Read More »

Blue Mitsubishi ASX parked on a country road with a country house in the background

Mitsubishi ASX Estate vs MG GS vs Peugeot 2008: Review & Comparisons

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The ASX Estate is a workhorse through and through. Highly capable over broken surfaces and speed bumps, it’s not exactly an entertainer. It prefers harsher terrain, where its sizeable frame and big tyres can really get stuck into things. Its steering isn’t as accurate as competitors, and there is a noticeable amount of body lean in bends.
That’s due to its soft suspension setup. But while it has its flaws, it means that the car is comfortable on coarser roads. And while it’s a fairly hefty car, it’s not as big as some Mitsubishi’s, and is thus a lot easier to drive.

Mitsubishi ASX Estate vs MG GS vs Peugeot 2008: Review & Comparisons Read More »

Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback vs Smart ForFour vs Hyundai i20: Review & Comparisons

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The new Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback is a compact city car that’s affordable to run, stuffed with standard kit, and boasts comfy seats and a good amount of interior space.
Value for money is the phrase of the day here, just as it is in the supermini sector in general. The Mirage doesn’t cost anything to tax, and emits under 100g/km of CO2 – ideal for the green-minded among you.

Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback vs Smart ForFour vs Hyundai i20: Review & Comparisons Read More »

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The most common problems with financing your car

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Getting your new car through finance is a hugely popular way of doing it and has become increasingly popular over the past few years.

Generally, financing your car is very simple, and at OSV, we try and make the process as smooth as possible for you.

However, sometimes you can run into problems. While it happens rarely, it does happen, and we think it’s important that you are aware of these problems before you make a decision.

So in this article, we are going to look at the most common problems with financing your car, and how to solve them.

The most common problems with financing your car Read More »

silver mercedes-benz v class diesel estate parked on gravel

Mercedes-Benz V-Class Diesel Estate vs Volkswagen Caravelle Diesel Estate vs Toyota Proace Verso Diesel Estate: Review & Comparisons

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The new Mercedes-Benz V-Class Diesel Estate is what you’d called a luxury people carrier. It’s got enough room for eight people in the Extra Long variant, swathes of interior space, and lots of top-notch materials.
In other words, it’s ideal for families who want to travel to their five-star hotels in style. In even other words, it’s basically a limo but on a bigger scale. Unlike your typical van-based car, it’s comfy, quick and even kinda fun to drive.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class Diesel Estate vs Volkswagen Caravelle Diesel Estate vs Toyota Proace Verso Diesel Estate: Review & Comparisons Read More »

metallic blue mercedes-benz sl class convertible driving on tarmac road with green mountains blurred in the background

Mercedes-Benz SL Class Convertible vs Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster vs Maserati GranCabrio Convertible: Review & Comparisons

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Ah, a new Mercedes-Benz SL Class Convertible. It’s what life was made for when you just want to cruise without a care in the world with your partner. This one looks like a two-seater drop-top in the classic mould: It’s lean, elegant, and supremely comfortable.
Without two extra seats in the rear, Mercedes have been able to focus on giving you and your passenger more attention. Easily the most luxurious car in its sector, Mercedes have toughened up it’s engine selection so that it’s even more of a relaxed cruiser this time around. All four engines are now brimming with power, while the AMG models throw a scintillating engine and exhaust note into the mix.

Mercedes-Benz SL Class Convertible vs Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster vs Maserati GranCabrio Convertible: Review & Comparisons Read More »

metallic blue mini countryman hatchback parked on grassy and rocky hills with the sea in the background

MINI Countryman Hatchback vs Honda CRV vs Audi Q2: Review & Comparisons

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The brand new MINI Countryman Hatchback packs everything we know and love about a MINI into a compact and robust body style – good looks, a keen sense of fun, and economic engines. There is plenty of space, while a roomy boot is a huge bonus.
As far as family cars go, they don’t come much more entertaining than this one. Although it’s never going to be held in high esteem by MINI purists who never thought they’d live to see such a useable MINI, it will strike a chord with buyers who love MINIs but who need something for all the family.

MINI Countryman Hatchback vs Honda CRV vs Audi Q2: Review & Comparisons Read More »

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Who is my point of contact for order, documents, time scales, and delivery?

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When you lease a car, there is a process involved. There are order forms to complete, documents to go through, and of course the delivery process.

There may be some vehicle brokers who are happy to leave you at the point of order, and not contact you until your vehicle is ready to be delivered.

Luckily,OSV is not one of them. We pride ourselves on our transparency and our customer service. And, we think it’s vitally important that you know what happens at each stage of the process and that you are able to contact us at each of those stages should you have any queries or problems.

So in this article, we are going to look at your point of contact for;

Order
Documents
Time Scales
Delivery

And tell you a little bit about each process. Hopefully this article will then put your mind at ease, and also educate you on who best to contact, should you need us for anything.

Who is my point of contact for order, documents, time scales, and delivery? Read More »

dark red mini hatchback driving on tarmac road with blurred buildings in the background

MINI Hatchback vs Audi A1 vs Citroen DS3: Review & Comparisons

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The cheeky new MINI Hatchback might be a bit more practical than it used to be, but it’s retained its keen sense of fun and adventure. And while its engines are now more powerful, they’re still pleasingly efficient.
Improvements all-round, then, for this firm British favourite. It’s family friendly too, looks classically MINI, and comes with the option of five-doors. It’s hard to argue what more a buyer could want from a modern day Hatchback that’s at worst a junior version of a BMW.

MINI Hatchback vs Audi A1 vs Citroen DS3: Review & Comparisons Read More »

metallic blue mercedes-benz sl amg convertible parked outside a modern building with flights of stair on the side

Mercedes-Benz SL AMG Convertible vs BMW M6 Convertible vs Jaguar F-Type Convertible: Review & Comparisons

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Put on your Sunday best and gear up for a carefree ride under blue skies. The new Mercedes-Benz SL AMG Convertible is the powerhouse version of the sleek SL cabriolet. You don’t get a massive amount of extra pace – what you’re paying for is the improved way it feels, handles and sounds.
Looking like the classic original from the fifties, this sixth-generation variant has been designed by Mercedes for those lazy Sunday afternoons when you want to soak up the vibes with the roof down. Its engines have been toughened up this time around, which means the car is more relaxing than ever.
And when you’re in the mood to put your foot down and have a bit more fun, it will comply.

Mercedes-Benz SL AMG Convertible vs BMW M6 Convertible vs Jaguar F-Type Convertible: Review & Comparisons Read More »

women talking on the phone whilst on a laptop - safety features to look for

Do I have a cooling off period before I can receive my vehicle?

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When you make a big purchase, you will often have something called a ‘cooling off period’. This is where you have a certain amount of time to change your mind about your purchase. This doesn’t have to be a purchase, though it is most seen when making a purchase, but can also be a service that you have arranged.

We get asked about cooling off periods from time to time, and the main question we get asked at OSV is ‘do I have a cooling off period before I can receive my vehicle?’. Cooling off period and your rights as a customer can be quite complicated, so we thought it best to write our answer down.

In this article, we explore whether you have a cooling off period, what the cooling off period means and your rights as a customer.

Do I have a cooling off period before I can receive my vehicle? Read More »

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What safety systems are found in cars?

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Cars these days are safer than ever. Volvo have even pledged to eliminate all death and serious injury in new Volvo cars by 2020. An impressive and massive promise to make, but one that we think they will be able to manage.

And Volvo aren’t the only ones improving safety in their cars, car brands are constantly improving safety in our cars.

So what sort of safety systems feature in our cars these days?

In this article, we are going to look at what safety systems you might see in the latest models, how they work, and what safety features you should look out for in a new car.

What safety systems are found in cars? Read More »

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What potential delays could I experience when leasing a car?

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When you lease a car, you want it to be a smooth process. We do too. But, like everything, delays can happen.

Some of these delays are unavoidable, and are out of our hands and yours. However, there are some delays that can be avoided.

In this article, we are going to go through some of the delays you might experience when leasing a car, and how you can help avoid delays throughout the process.

What potential delays could I experience when leasing a car? Read More »

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Crazy facts about Audi

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Audi are a luxury car manufacturer that’s been producing some of the most forward thinking and technically advanced vehicles on the market for more than 100 years. Based in Germany their headquarters are responsible for producing a range to the UK market comprising of 50 different models of car. All Audi cars feature state-of-the-art technology and world-class quality from a proud German manufactured engine. Audi are not only famed for producing road cars, but they have a strong and successful history in racing too.

Crazy facts about Audi Read More »

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Choosing the right leasing broker: 7 vital questions you should ask

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If you’ve made the excellent decision to lease your next vehicle then you will have already evaluated the pros and cons of leasing vs buying and investigating cost savings long term and up front. Plus, the time saved not having to sell the vehicle when you want a new car. If you want to double check the pros and cons of leasing vs buying your next car take a look at this article.

Choosing the right leasing broker: 7 vital questions you should ask Read More »

white mercedes benz glc diesel estate parked on gravel path next to a beach

Mercedes-Benz GLC Diesel Estate vs Audi Q5 Diesel vs Jaguar F-Pace Diesel: Review & Comparisons

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The new Mercedes-Benz GLC Diesel Estate is a smart-looking large family car that mixes upmarket appeal with affordable running costs. Perfect if you need a quiet and cosseted way of moving the whole family and more from A to B and beyond, its cabin is snug and its engines are capable.
And because it shares a lot of tech with the impressive C-Class Saloon, you get plenty of safety gizmos. There is no basic petrol offering, but there is a lot to choose out of the three diesels.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Diesel Estate review.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Diesel Estate vs Audi Q5 Diesel vs Jaguar F-Pace Diesel: Review & Comparisons Read More »

The most reliable cars in the UK

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When shopping for a new car you might be looking for a number of things in your new set of wheels. Maybe you need space for the whole family or your tools for work. Perhaps the MPG or fuel economy is essential? Maybe you’d like to go green and are looking for an electric vehicle? Whatever your priority in a new vehicle we can all agree that one thing is more important than anything else. Reliability. There’s no sense in having a new car that ticks all the boxes but is unreliable and doesn’t start when you need it most.
Some cars are famed for their reliability and in this article, we’ll take you through the most reliable cars on the market in the UK today.

The most reliable cars in the UK Read More »

Mercedes GLA Class Gold on mountain road

Mercedes-Benz GLA Class Hatchback vs Infiniti QX30 vs Range Rover Evoque Hatchback

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The new Mercedes-Benz GLA Class Hatchback is a good-looking, chunky, upmarket crossover that’s got a good turn of pace, comfortable seats and a generous amount of standard kit. If you’re not looking for a massively practical small SUV but just need enough space for some shopping, it’s well worth a test drive. OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class Hatchback review.

Mercedes-Benz GLA Class Hatchback vs Infiniti QX30 vs Range Rover Evoque Hatchback Read More »

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Which vehicles have the most legroom?

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If you’ve ever been cramped in a car, plane, train, bus on a long journey with your knees by your ears then you must definitely be aware of the importance of sufficient legroom in the vehicle you are travelling.

For anyone not aware of the term, legroom is basically the ‘space in which a seated person can put their legs.’ It’s not your imagination, with the passing of time, the space allocated as legroom is gradually sinking and measuring it is not as easy as it looks. In fact, it is now treated to be one of the most complex automotive measurements. This is mainly because the method of measuring it is quite controversial. It is still not confirmed whether we should measure it with the front seats all the way back or all the way forward.

Which vehicles have the most legroom? Read More »

Blue Audi A3 Saloon off road with mountains in the background

Best Vehicles for Personal Leasing

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Personal leasing is a great way of getting a new car and is becoming increasingly popular in the past few years. But as with anything, you want to make sure that you are getting the best deal you can. And, you may be wondering which cars are better for personal leasing. That’s where we come in. In this article, we look at the best vehicles for personal leasing, and what you should be looking out for when looking at lease deals online.

Best Vehicles for Personal Leasing Read More »

business man in blue suit holding car key ring over car leasing documentation

What is a stock vehicle? Is my vehicle factory or stock?

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When you get a new car, you will either get a stock car or a factory order.

You will often have the choice between a stock car or a factory order, but it’s vital you know the difference before you make a decision.
In this article, we are going to go through the key differences between a stock car and a factory order, and the pros and cons of each.

What is a stock vehicle? Is my vehicle factory or stock? Read More »

Silver metal cogs with 'leasing' written on them

Who invented car leasing?

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The bones of our business is car leasing so it was interesting to discover how it all began and who invented car leasing. It’s a smart concept and with so many variations there is a lease plan which suits most drivers. But how did these variations originate? What changed to make cars accessible to more than the very wealthy?
In this article, we’ll take a look at the cultural changes which triggered the invention of car leasing as well as discover who invented car leasing.

Who invented car leasing? Read More »

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Crazy facts about Mercedes

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Ever since its launch into the automotive world in 1926, the global automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has been manufacturing cars which offer definite class and style.
Mercedes-Benz is one of the oldest existing motor vehicle manufacturers. During their years they have produced millions of luxury vehicles, coaches, buses and trucks all over the world. The company traces its origins to Karl Benz’s 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen and Daimler-Motorsen-Gesellschaft’s 1901 Mercedes.

Crazy facts about Mercedes Read More »

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The best Mercedes models of all time

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Mercedes-Benz are one of the most iconic car brands of all time. A common sight on our roads, Mercedes are synonymous with great engineering, style and luxury.

Over the years, Mercedes have produced some great cars and have garnered themselves a loyal following of car enthusiasts.

But which Mercedes models are the best?

In this article, we look at the best Mercedes models of all time.

The best Mercedes models of all time Read More »