Launch Date 28 May 2012

Volkswagen is looking to compete with Audi’s dirt-loving A4 Allroad.

It is really a Passat estate with green Hunter wellington boots on with its ride level raised to help you get through those fords. Its 4motion all-wheel drive improves the traction over muddy fields so is ideal for pulling that horse-box especially with a 2 ton towing capacity.

The Passat Alltrack 4motion is only available as a diesel with a choice of either 2.0 or 3.0 litre engine sizes. With the 2.0 litre TDI you can select from either the 138bhp or the 168bhp. The lower-powered of the two has a six-speed manual gearbox whilst the more powerful version is fitted with the six-speed DSG twin-clutch box.

The VW Passat Alltrack 4motion comes as standard with 18 inch Canyon alloy wheels, DAB sound system, 2Zone electronic climate control, Alcantara upholstery, cruise control, front and back parking sensors, a system that monitors tyre pressure and touch screen satellite navigation. Also fitted is an ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme and a system that monitors how alert a driver is whilst at the wheel.

Optional extras consist of a tow-bar that is deployed electronically, rear-view camera to aid reversing, High Beam Assist that dips the beam of the headlights automatically, Automatic Distance Control with a City Emergency Braking system, Park Assist (second generation), ambient interior lighting and Side Scan Lane Change Assist that cleverly checks the car’s blind spot.

Almost 50mpg is achieved by both models with the combined cycle which is impressive. The lesser powered version achieves 49.6mpg whilst the more powerful model 47.9mpg.

So, why not contact the team here at Economy Leasing on 0844 357 2415 to discuss the various leasing options available and be one of the first to drive the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack 4motion.

The New Hyundai i20

Launch Date 7 May 2012

The original Hyundai i20 was launched in the UK in 2009 but has now been updated with additional equipment, improved styling and more economical to drive.

There are four engine options-two petrol and two diesels.

The 1.1 litre “U-II” ‘s 75PS diesel engine has three cylinders and is equipped with Hyundai’s Intelligent Stop and Go system plus low-rolling resistance tyres. This engine emits a mere 84g/km which is the lowest in the UK for a diesel and Hyundai claim the i20 Blue can, on the combined cycle, achieve 88.3mpg.

The 1.2 litre petrol engine has more power than the one it is replacing and better fuel consumption on the combined cycle of 57.7mpg (previously 55.4mpg). Emissions are lower at 114g/km CO2 (previously 119g/km CO2). With 85PS and 0 to 60 in 12.7 seconds and a top speed of 104mph which is just short of one second quicker than the 1.4 (90PS) diesel.

There are three trim levels-Style (top of the range), Active and Classic.

Remote control central locking, air-conditioning, ESP and Vehicle Stability Management plus six air bags come as standard on the Classic.

The Active also has the following – electric/heated door mirrors, leather gear knob and steering wheel, on the five door version rear electric windows, front fog lights, voice recognition Bluetooth and 15-inch alloy wheels.

The Style goes even further with automatic headlights,16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, front wipers with rain sensors, a rear view mirror that dims automatically and a reversing camera

Steering is nicely weighted, no body roll, good gearbox change but the tyres could provide more grip. However to have included as standard the above ESP system is most definitely commendable on Hyundai’s part-this tends to be an optional extra or not available on similar cars.

The exterior has been given a smart new facelift with improved wheel designs, new front grille, rounded front wings that look sleeker, the bonnet has been reshaped and new light clusters. At the rear a revised rear bumper and lights.

Inside is a classy centre console, soft-touch plastic, height- adjustable seat for the driver and adjustable steering wheel. Enough space in the back for the children or two adults on short journeys. A 295-litre boot with a 60:40 split rear seat.

The team here at Economy Leasing will be pleased to discuss your leasing requirements for the Hyundai i20 that is a big competitor for similar cars in its category.

Launch Date 20 April 2012

There are high expectations for the Audi RS3. The initials are important! Why you might ask? Because they are from the German rennsport which, when translated, stands for “racing sport”.

Audi’s subsidiary, Quattro GmbH, who produce high-performance cars, are responsible for putting this premium luxurious Audi together.

The 2.5 litre turbo-charged five-cylinder engine is quite simply incredible. With 335 bhp this car doesn’t purr- it growls and makes you feel that you are driving a rally car! It is incredibly fast as it propels you from 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds with a top speed limited to 155mph.

It has an impressively fast and smooth seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission with a manual mode and, can you believe it, it even has an optional sports mode.

Road holding, although a little firm, is outstanding from the all-wheel-drive transmission even on greasy or wet roads with no fear of unwanted slide and very little body roll.  Steering has about the correct amount of feel. Equipped with launch control, you will not suffer wheel-spin from a standing start.

As you would expect from Audi the interior is top quality. At night, as you sit in your Recaro bucket seat, the dashboard is lit up like Las Vegas. 19-inch alloy wheels, roof spoiler, flared front wings and a front grille that has twin air intakes make a statement of power. You may not be particularly interested in the boot space but for the record it provides 302 litres with room in the back for two passengers and 1,032 litres with the rear seats down-useful if you are going to take the dog for a gentle stroll.

As you can probably gather this is a car to be driven and to be seen in so why not contact Economy Leasing on 0844 357 2415 and be one of the first to experience driving this thoroughbred.

Launch date 15 April 2012

Rarely does a new car appear on the scene that creates that “wow “ factor when you look at it but the Citroen DS5 does just that. It is Citroen’s flagship car and they are looking to target the likes of the Ford Mondeo and executive cars like the BMW 3 series.

When you get inside it you cannot fail to be suitably impressed by its appearance and quality with a “soft to the touch” dashboard, metal retro-style door handles and luxury seats with the option of leather. There are top quality screen graphics and instruments, a smart clock and blinds to cover the glass roof panels. LED lighting bathes the whole interior. However the large boot does rather restrict your legroom.

Unfortunately, if you are someone who loves the experience of driving, you may now be disappointed as the ride is regrettably not as smooth as we have come to expect from other Citroens such as the Citroen C5 with the DS5 giving a bumpy ride and the steering and handling are not good.  This is partly attributable to the use of a cheap rear suspension system that tends to be found in super minis.  However if the motorway is where you spend most of your day driving then the above should not concern you.

There are two diesel options –the 2.0 producing 163bhp and the 1.6 giving 110bhp with the THP 200 petrol delivering an impressive turbo-charged 200bhp providing a punchy performance. There is also a Hybrid version.

There are three levels of trim namely the DSign, DStyle and DSport. The DSign comes with cruise control, automatic lights and windscreen wipers and keyless access/start. The Dstyle also has half leather seats, rear parking sensors and even a reversing camera, an upmarket sat-nav with up to date traffic information and a cockpit sunroof. The top of the range DSport has electrically operated and heated leather seating, front park sensors and Xenon headlamps.

Economy Leasing look forward to receiving your enquiry about the new Citroen DS5 on 0844 357 2415.