Coming to a forecourt near you…
![White Renault Fluence Z.E. (Zero Emission) 2011- [click to enlarge]](http://www.fleetdirectory.co.uk/fleet-news/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Fluence_Z.E._Zero_Emission_Renault_15160-1.jpg "White Renault Fluence Z.E. (Zero Emission) 2011- [click to enlarge]")
A 100% electric spin on the popular Fluence mid-size sedan, Renault – who announced the price for their Fluence Z.E this week – are going all out to prove that the electric car can be affordable as much as practical.
ETA: March 2012, so says Andy Heiron, Head of Renault UK’s electric vehicle programme. Production is well underway and pre-orders are currently being piled up at www.renault-ze.com.
Gimme some stats: Doing little to shift the electric car’s reputation as a ‘city car’, the zero-emission take on the Fluence is expected to rack up 100 miles on a single charge with a top speed of 82mph, reaching 60mph in 13 seconds. Power 70kW (95hp), torque 226Nm.
Spec: 16" alloy wheels, auto lights and wipers, climate control, twice the boot space of the conventional Fluence, cruise control, ecoMeter, Carminat TomTom Live smart satellite navigation, and two charging sockets on front wings. Andy Heiron says the driver will be “bombarded” with real time information on their driving style. The car will also feature a ‘get-home’ mode which optimises range and minimises power consumption.
Price tag: The “UK’s most affordable electric car” (at least that’s what Renault are calling it) will set you back £17,850 after the £5,000 Government grant. Fuel costs obviously won’t be a worry however monthly battery leasing will be, starting from £75 based on an annual mileage of 6,000 for three years. Other battery prices will be available later this month. Additional mileage and contract length details will be revealed closer to the launch date.
![Red Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 2011 - [click to enlarge]](http://www.fleetdirectory.co.uk/fleet-news/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image.png "Red Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 2011 - [click to enlarge]")
After nearly a decade away, the Golf Cabriolet is returning to the production line with a sportier look.
When can I get my hands on it?: September. Orders are being taken for the two-door, four-seater soft top from today.
Some stats please: CO2 emissions sit at 139g/km (1.2L TSI engine) or 150g/km (1.4L), while the 1.6L TDI BlueMotion start/stop engine stoops to 117g/km with a far superior combined mpg of 64.2, compared to the conventional models’ return of 44. Whenever Mr Sunshine shows his face, that roof can be automatically lowered in 9.5 seconds. Presumably slender, 0-60mph times were unavailable at time of writing.
And some spec: There will be three trim levels – S, SE and GT – with a desirable standard of specification. Bluetooth, parking sensors, and cruise control are just a peek at the Golf Cabriolet’s features. Click here for the full details.
And how much will this cost?: At the very least, £20,720 (1.2L S trim) heading up to £26,595 for the 1.4 GT trim. If anything, the 1.6 BlueMotion will be one that holds the most interest for fleet bosses at £22,205.
![Blue Volvo S80 2011 - [click to enlarge]](http://www.fleetdirectory.co.uk/fleet-news/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Volvo_S80_Volvo_22663.jpg "Blue Volvo S80 2011 - [click to enlarge]")
It’s not a new model, but the addition of the Volvo D5 engine to the V70, XC70 and S80 models will tighten fuel economy and help optimise performance while reducing BIK to 18-19%. Volvo believe the D5 delivers a more powerful drive for company car drivers without hiking fuel costs, tax or carbon emissions
When will we see these in action?: Before the end of the year. Orders are being taken right now.
Give me some numbers: Torque sits between 205 hp/420 Nm and 215 hp/440 Nm. Fuel consumption is cut by up to 8%; S80 – 57.7mpg, V70 – 55.4mpg, and XC70 – 50mpg.
Cost: From £30,100 for the V70. The S80 sets you back £31,135 or £32,765 for the XC70.
What Volvo say: Selwyn Cooper, National Sales Manager: “We have made these vehicles more enjoyable and as cost efficient as possible to drive. With that comes lower CO2 which means company car drivers have a widened choice of vehicles powered by larger engines without the expected hike in the amount of tax they would have to pay.”
![Yellow Chevrolet Camaro 2012 - [click to enlarge]](http://www.fleetdirectory.co.uk/fleet-news/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image1.png "Yellow Chevrolet Camaro 2012 - [click to enlarge]")
Despite its heavy association with yet another shambolic Transformers flick, the Camaro’s reputation still stands proud and the iconic musclemobile will make its presence known when it returns to UK showrooms next year.
When can I get one?: Early 2012. Orders can be placed through Chevy’s freephone line at 0800 666222.
Hit me with some stats: A 6.2-litre V8 delivers 432 PS, allowing it to hit 60mph in less than five seconds with a top speed of 155mph.
Spec: Stubbornly but sort of unsurprisingly, the Camaro comes in a left-hand drive only. 20-inch alloy wheels, Brembo performance brakes, full leather upholstery with a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a Boston Acoustics nine-speaker audio system, Bluetooth and rear parking sensors. For £1,500 more, you’ll see bonnet stripes, interior trim accents, a sunroof, polished alloy wheels and automatic transmission. The convertible variant features a power-folding roof.
What’s the damage?: £34,995 or £39,995 for the convertible.
What Chevy say: Mark Terry, Managing Director of Chevrolet UK: “In the last two years we’ve replaced every model in our range with something new, and the Camaro’s DNA has been present in each and every one of them. Chevrolet cars are affordable, accessible, great to drive and full of character – none more so than our new halo model.” Visit www.chevrolet.co.uk for more.
See also:
No comments yet
