INSIDE: ALL THE LATEST NEW CAR NEWS
Issue 223 | October 2026
FIRST DRIVE
VAUXHALL
GSE CarDealerMag.co.uk | £6
CORSA
CAN A PERFORMANCE EV SUPERMINI BE FUN?
INSIDE: JAMES BAGGOTT’S VIEWS ON THE NEWS
NEWS • SEAT BRAND TO BE AXED • LEPAS PLOTS UK GROWTH • JOBS CULL AT VW GROUP • GENESIS UK NETWORK GROWS • 4,000 JLR JOBS TO GO • CAR CARE PLAN SET TO BE SOLD
Y E V R U S T S U R T R E L A CAR DE E RESULTS TH
You didn’t start a business to deal with warranty repairs...
!
...but we did. You sell it. We’ll handle everything else. 02 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
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THE BOSS FOUNDER James Baggott
james@thebaize.com Twitter: @CarDealerEd
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jon Reay jon@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @JonReay
EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE EDITOR James Batchelor
james.batchelor@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @JRRBatchelor
STAFF WRITER Jack Williams
jack.williams@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @JournoJack25
CONTRIBUTORS Becca Chaplin, Jack Evans, Cameron Richards, Nigel Swan HEAD OF DESIGN Graeme Windell
graeme@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @graemewindell
FINANCE FINANCE MANAGER Emma Davis
IGNITION. ISSUE 223 | OCTOBER 2026
emma@blackballmedia.co.uk
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Kevin Day
kev@blackballmedia.co.uk
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ACCOUNT MANAGER Michelle Searle
michelle@blackballmedia.co.uk Twitter: @cardealermich
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Winner of Best Business Publication, Headline Auto Awards 2012 & 2014
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CONTENTS News Digest 4 Car Dealer Trust Survey 8 Forecourt: Vauxhall Corsa GSE 10
James’s views on the news 12 Car news round-up 14 Car Dealer Podcasts 16
Finance Suppliers Guide Long-termers
18 20 23
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 03
DASHBOARD XPENG
Chinese carmaker makes UK move
XPENG is to take control of its UK operations as the Chinese carmaker moves away from the distributor-led model which launched the brand in Britain. The manufacturer has agreed a new arrangement with International Motors, which will see it establish a National Sales Company and assume responsibility for the strategic and commercial development of the brand in the UK. International Motors will continue to provide operational services expertise.
PROFITS ACCELERATE
Motorpoint raises profit forecast
HERE ARE TASTERS OF STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
NEWS DIGEST INDUSTRY
JLR confirms 4,000 jobs to be axed as part of £1.7bn cost-saving drive
J
LR has confirmed plans to axe 4,000 jobs across its global workforce over the next two years as part of efforts to slash costs by £1.7bn. The cuts are expected to largely impact office roles, with the majority of cuts affecting its UK operations, where around 34,000 staff in total are based. Just under 10,000 are employed by the company overseas. Chief executive PB Balaji said the group was ‘committed to supporting everyone with care, fairness and respect’ through the process. It comes as JLR continues its recovery from a major cyberattack that forced it to halt production last year, with sales also under pressure amid intense competition from cheaper Chinese electric vehicles, while it also tackles soaring costs and the impact of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds told Laura Kuenssberg’s show on the BBC that a government bailout is not on the table.
‘A company the size of JLR, which is a huge British success story, at various times in its business cycle, the number of, directly, people it employs will change,’ he said. ‘If this is about making sure over time that the workforce is right to make the business as competitive as possible, that’s the conversation we need to have. ‘Of course you want to mitigate any job losses.’ Asked if there could be financial support to protect those jobs, he added: ‘Not if it’s to bail people out. ‘If it’s about long-term investment in the future, we do invest alongside industry on that.’ JLR continues its recovery from a major cyberattack that forced it to halt production last year. The company makes most of its cars in factories in the UK, including at Solihull, West Midlands, and Halewood, Merseyside. A JLR spokesperson said: ‘Over the past three years, we have strengthened our House of Brands and transformed our product portfolio for the next generation.’
MANUFACTURING MOTORPOINT has upgraded its profit expectations after stronger-than-anticipated trading and improved margins boosted the used car supermarket group. The group said it now expects to make a pre-tax profit of between £9.8m and £10.8m in the year ending March 31, 2027. That is ahead of current market expectations of between £9.1m and £10m and would represent annual growth of between 30% and 44%. 04 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
Volkswagen Group announces plans to axe 50,000 jobs VOLKSWAGEN Group has announced a major cost-cutting exercise which could see as many as 50,000 jobs lost. The German firm has found itself under increased pressure from Chinese rivals and bosses hope the new ‘Future Plan 2030’ will help to keep it competitive. The plan has been unanimously approved by Volkswagen’s Supervisory Board, which is also said to have given the green light to phase out the Seat brand by 2029. Under the plans, Volkswagen Group will reduce its model portfolio by around half while also cutting the complexity of its remaining range. The number of trim levels and specifications offered will be reduced by around 75%, with the group aiming to simplify production and reduce costs. Volkswagen will also cut its workforce by around 50,000 positions in
sweeping cuts that go ‘beyond existing programs’. It means that job losses will be made on top of workforce reductions already announced or under way across the group. Volkswagen Group chief executive Oliver Blume said the board’s approval of the plan was a ‘strong sign for the future’. He said: ‘The Supervisory Board has unanimously approved the Executive Board’s Future Plan presented today. This is a strong sign for the future of the Volkswagen Group. We are taking responsibility for our entire team, for our partners and for industrial jobs worldwide. Over the coming years, we will invest a threefigure billion sum to make our iconic brands even more attractive, stronger and more competitive.’
CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR THE FULL STORY SEAT
DEALERSHIP
COVER EXTENDED
Volkswagen Group set to axe brand
Vertu Motors hails ‘strong’ trading
Omoda and Jaecoo strengthen warranties
SPANISH brand Seat could be set for the chop as VW Group continues to focus attention towards Cupra instead. That is according to reports in Germany, which suggest that the brand could be phased out as soon as 2029. The same reports state that the decision has already been approved by Volkswagen’s management board and has been put before its supervisory board. If given the green light, it would mean the end of Seat after almost eight decades of making cars.
VERTU Motors expects its full-year results to be ahead of market expectations after reporting strong trading across its business during the first five months of its financial year. In a trading update, the Car Dealer Top 100 group said likefor-like group revenues increased 4.6% in the five months to July 31, with growth across new and used vehicles, fleet and aftersales. New retail vehicle volumes, including agency sales, were up 8.7%, while used retail vehicle sales increased 4.4%.
OMODA and Jaecoo have strengthened their warranty offering after their previous protection came in for strong criticism from industry experts. The Chinese brands say they have ‘listened to feedback from customers, retailers and aftersales partners’ and will now extend cover to a number of key components. Changes include protection on infotainment units, fuel pumps, alternators, starter motors and water pumps to seven years or 100,000 miles.
INSURANCE
Car Care Plan set to be sold
WARRANTY provider Car Care Plan looks set to pass into US ownership after a deal was struck with investors on the other side of the Atlantic. The American insurance intermediary ANV Group has entered into a ‘definitive agreement’ to acquire the firm, which it describes as ‘the UK’s number one provider of motor warranty’. The New-York based outfit expects to have the deal wrapped up by the end of September, subject to closing conditions being met.
SHOWROOM OPENS LEPAS
Genesis grows UK dealer network
Chinese brand plots rapid UK growth with 2% market share target within 12 months LEPAS is already targeting a market share of 2% within 12 months, putting it in line with established brands such as Cupra and BYD. Speaking to Car Dealer at the brand’s lavish launch in central London this month, Lepas’ UK managing director Ray Wang and CEO Gary Lan (pictured) both chatted about the future of the brand and its expectations. ‘My target ambition is getting like 2% market share within 12 to 24 months’, said Wang. ‘This will be [with] a little bit of restraint’, he added. Lepas falls under the same Chery umbrella as popular
brands Jaecoo and Omoda, which have both experienced huge popularity despite launching only recently. In all, the pair occupy nearly 5.7 per cent of the market, outranking established brands such as Volvo and Skoda. ‘I think offering something more accessible, more affordable, with good offerings in terms of good design, good technology, good features is one of the key to win people, customer attraction or trust,’ said Wang. ‘It’s a competition among the brothers, Omoda and Jaecoo; they take nine months and the Chery team is pushing very hard, but Omoda and Jaecoo are so, so strong.’
TURN OVER PAGE TO CATCH UP ON MORE STORIES
GENESIS has expanded its UK dealer network with the opening of a state-of-the-art new showroom in Cannock. The luxury brand has signed a new partnership with Car Dealer Top 100 firm, Brindley Group, which has already began welcoming customers to the West Midlands dealership. The showroom offers both sales and aftersales facilities to customers across the region. The site also boasts a dedicated customer lounge designed around the brand’s Korean hospitality concept, ‘Son-nim’. CarDealerMag.co.uk | 05
DASHBOARD
BITE-SIZE Click on the text box for the full story
HERE ARE TASTERS OF STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
NEWS DIGEST
CLICK ON THE PICTURES FOR THE FULL STORY
DEPARTURE: Hendy Group commercial director Mark Busby is to leave the south coast-based dealer after more than 25 years. The longserving motor trade executive announced his departure in a post on LinkedIn, describing the decision to leave the south coast retailer as ‘difficult’. DEALERSHIP: Marshall Motor Group has closed its Hyundai dealership in Hereford – Marshall Hyundai Hereford on Ross Road – and will end new and used Mercedes-Benz sales from its Blackburn site later this year as it continues to reshape its dealer network. NEW RULES: Classic car owners have been handed greater freedom to repair and rebuild historic vehicles under the latest changes to DVLA registration rules. New rules introduced last month have relaxed requirements around replacement bodies and major components. ACQUISITION: Lotus is set to operate as a single business after its technology arm completed the acquisition of the brand’s UK operations. Lotus Technology, headquartered in Wuhan, China, now owns 100% of Lotus UK, the sports car manufacturer based in Norfolk. CARWOW MOVE: German vehicle marketplace mobile. de has agreed to acquire Carwow’s German business as part of a deal designed to strengthen its new car, leasing and used vehicle sourcing operations.The deal remains subject to regulatory approval. Financial terms have not been disclosed. 06 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
TRANSITION ON TRACK
BMW insists German agency delay will not derail wider rollout as UK switch remains on schedule BMW has insisted a fresh delay to agency sales in Germany will not derail its wider rollout, with the manufacturer telling Car Dealer that the transition will still begin from mid-2027. The reassurance comes after German publication Manager Magazin reported that BMW had pushed back the introduction of agency in its home market again, with
DEALERSHIP
dealers now not expected to make the switch before July 1, 2028. German BMW dealers were reportedly informed of the revised timetable at the beginning of August, although the manufacturer has not officially confirmed the new date. However, BMW Group UK has told Car Dealer that the wider rollout remains scheduled to begin next year.
RETAILER BOOST
DEALERSHIP
Vines Motor Group Lloyd Motor Group Listers Group profits slides to pre-tax loss tops £1bn in turnover fall by almost 15%
DEALER group Vines has posted a hefty loss for 2025, amid falling new car margins. Documents recently filed via Companies House show that the Guildford-based retailer made a pretax loss of £715,798 in the 12 months to the end of December 2025. The result represents a slide of more than £1.24m compared to 2024’s figures, when the BMW and Mini specialist posted a profitbefore-tax of £525,550. Despite this, bosses were keen to point out that the firm did make a profit of £132,893 after tax.
BOSSES at the family-run Lloyd Motor Group say they are ‘satisfied’ with the group’s performance after turnover topped £1bn for the first time. Accounts recently filed via Companies House show that the Cumbria-based business turned over a whopping £1.08bn in the 12 months to the end of December. The figure is more than 15% up on 2024, when the firm raked in £939.78m, boosted by increased takings from vehicle sales. Vehicle stock sales accounted for £981.95m of the group’s turnover, up from £843.84m in 2024.
DEALER group Listers saw pre-tax profits fall by almost 15% to £12.7m last year as it continued to move brands from traditional franchise agreements to agency models. The Car Dealer Top 100-listed group recorded turnover of £1.31bn for the year to March 31, 2026, down from £1.344bn a year earlier. Profit before tax dropped from £14.9m to £12.7m, while profit for the year fell 17.2% from £10.8m to £8.9m. Listers said the shift from franchise to agency agreements was the ‘most significant factor’ behind the fall in turnover.
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warrantyfirst.co.uk CarDealerMag.co.uk | 07
UNREASONABLE CAR BUYER CUSTOMER BEHAVIOUR ‘HAS GOT WORSE’, REVEALS CAR DEALER TRUST SURVEY • Extensive survey of Car Dealer readers reveals customer behaviour has deteriorated • Car Dealer collected more than 3,000 responses online and via WhatsApp in extensive survey • Results, collated in partnership with ad platform Cazoo, look at online reviews and how trust can be improved
C
ar dealer readers have reported unreasonable behaviour from customers has mostly got worse in the last year. Some 68.5% of those polled said unreasonable customer behaviour towards their staff has either ‘increased significantly’ or ‘slightly’ in the last year alone. Car Dealer has carried out a detailed survey – in conjunction with online sales platform Cazoo – into trust in the motor trade. Over a three week period, more than 3,000 votes were cast online and via daily polls in our WhatsApp groups. Car Dealer readers were asked about the impact of reviews, the current situation with customer behaviour and car buyers’ expectations in their dealerships. ‘These results show a worrying trend that car buyers are treating car dealers poorly,’ said Car Dealer editor in chief 08 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
James Baggott. ‘Anyone who works in a dealership knows that sometimes car buyers can be incredibly unreasonable and some of the poor behaviour we’ve experienced at the Clever Car Collection has certainly been a
revelation to me. ‘While most dealers work very hard to look after their customers, even when they’re being unreasonable, no one should expect to be treated poorly when they’re just doing their job.’
THE RESULTS When asked specifically how much more research customers are doing now compared to 12 months ago before buying a car nearly 70% said ‘much more’ and a further 20% believed it was ‘slightly more’. Despite these changes, more than half (50.3%) of our readers said it was ‘rare’ or they ‘never saw’ customers who had arrived at their dealership braced for confrontation.
However, the other half (48.9%) said they had experienced customers in their showrooms arrive ready to do battle ‘sometimes’ or ‘often’. Overall, the impact of online reviews has been positive for readers with 46.3% of respondents saying they had been positive and 34.6% claiming they had been ‘very positive’. Google was by far and away the most important online reviews platform for respondents with some 64.8% of readers citing it as their top reviews site. Trustpilot was second with 18.3% of votes and Autotrader third with 11.6%.
When asked what they thought could be done to improve trust between dealers and customers, nearly a third (29.7%) said they’d like to see an accreditation scheme put in place by either the government or the motor trade. However, the majority of respondents said the one thing they believe the industry could collectively do to improve trust was to ‘tackle rogue traders’. Some 36.1% of votes cast backed this solution. In the last year, Car Dealer readers said the biggest change they’d seen in how customers approached buying a car was by doing more research (30.4%), while others found customers were taking longer to decide (15.3%), and were more price sensitive (13%).
Our Car Dealer readers said that they used a variety of steps to help demonstrate transparency to customers including handing over history check paperwork (31.9%), producing video walkarounds of cars for sale (25.9%) and offering transparent or fixed pricing (18%). Positively, most respondents believed that trust in car dealers had either stayed the same as this time last year or improved (69.8%). However, nearly a third (30.2%) believed trust in dealers had got worse either ‘slightly’ or ‘significantly’.
And when it came to what concerned customers the most before buying a car, our readers believed that ‘undisclosed faults or condition’ was most important (32.2%). The car’s history was cited as the second most important concern with 15.6% of the vote and the warranty and aftersales provided by the dealer third most important (12.2%). Baggott added: ‘This survey is a comprehensive look at what the motor trade is dealing with when it comes to trust and my thanks go to Cazoo for helping us pull this together and highlight what’s really happening out there.’ CarDealerMag.co.uk | 09
FORECOURT
VAUXHALL CORSA GSE
Power
The electric motor with 54 kWh battery produces 277bhp and 345Nm ot torque.
Vauxhall has brought back the hot Corsa, but this time it’s electric. Can a performance EV supermini be fun? James Batchelor finds out. WHAT IS IT? The Vauxhall Corsa is one of the UK’s best-selling cars, so a new performance version is big news. The British brand has been without a spiced-up sporty Corsa for nearly a decade since the demise of the VXR in 2018, but now that’s changing. The new Corsa GSE marks Vauxhall’s return to building small hot hatchbacks, but there’s a twist. WHAT’S NEW? While hot Corsas of the past have used tuned-up petrol engines, this new GSE is pureelectric. Before you moan, the GSE has some real performance credentials – its single electric motor packs a pretty incredible 277bhp, giving a 0-60mph time of under 5.5 seconds, and that’s before you discover the engineering changes. Using know-how from its Mokka electric rally car programme, Vauxhall has given the GSE quicker steering, stiffer springs and bespoke dampers with hydraulic bump stops. It also has a rear anti-roll bar that’s 33 per cent stiffer than the standard Corsa’s, plus a Torsen limited-slip differential to help put all that extra performance to use. WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? The GSE uses the same 54kWh battery pack as the regular Corsa Electric, plus an 11kW AC onboard charger and a maximum DC charging speed of 100kW. The standard range is 220 miles, but choose the optional, more efficient Hankook tyres and that jumps up to 232 miles. However, while the normal Corsa has 154bhp, the GSE has 277bhp; to put that into perspective, that’s 41bhp more than the first generation Vauxhall Astra VXR, and comfortably punchier than the 220bhp Alpine A290 GTS+ and 255bhp electric Mini John Cooper Works. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? Unsurprisingly, a Corsa with 277bhp shoved through its front wheels means it’s a quick car – very quick. With no turbo lag like on hot petrol-engined Corsas of the past, the electric motor’s 345Nm of torque is immediately deployed. But straight-line performance isn’t the only thing that makes the Corsa GSE entertaining to drive. The quicker steering makes the car feel more agile than the regular Corsa, but it’s the limited-slip differential that’s the real highlight. It does an excellent job at pulling the car back into the apex of a corner rather than allowing the inside wheel to spin all the power away. The wheel does wriggle around in your hands, but that just adds to the excitement if anything. 10 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
THE KNOWLEDGE Vauxhall Corsa GSE Price: £32,995 (post-grant) Engine: 54kWh battery with electric motor Power: 277bhp Torque: 345Nm O-60mph: 5.3 seconds Max speed: 112mph Range: Up to 232 miles Charging speed: 100kW
Design
The styling is rather restrained for a performance Vauxhall.
There is a but, though, and it’s the ride. The stiffer suspension does wonders for body control as there’s hardly any lean in the bends, but the downside is an extremely unforgiving ride quality. It certainly gives the GSE a hardcore edge, but there’s no forgetting the fact that the Alpine A290 manages to be just as fun on the road while also being more comfortable and easier to live with on a day-to-day basis. HOW DOES IT LOOK? Vauxhall liked to give its VXR models of the 2010s plenty of visual aggression, and although the GSE does have a set of retro three-spoke alloy wheels, and fat front and rear bumpers, it could almost be confused for being just a smart-looking regular Corsa Electric. It’s all pretty restrained – no fake vents, no carbon fibre, and no enormous rear wing here. While the Alpine A290 has a stylish look, the Corsa almost flies under the radar. WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? It’s pretty much the same story inside. Yes, there are some GSE-specific touches like Alcantara-style trim on the doors and steering wheel, and extra performance gauges in the infotainment system, but it’s still fundamentally a Corsa interior. It’s kind of to be expected in a hot hatchback after all, but luckily Vauxhall has saved the day with some very eightieslike coloured seatbelts, and a pair of heavily bolstered sports seats. These are trimmed in a check cloth that harks back to the seat fabric found in the Nova GTE. Elsewhere, it’s standard Corsa. So, the back seats are not the roomiest, but fine for a supermini, and the 309-litre boot is pretty respectable for a car of this size.
Any fears that the hot hatchback wouldn’t have a place in an electric world are displaced with cars like the Vauxhall Corsa GSE.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? This being the top model in the range means it gets a long kit list. As standard, the GSE features IntelliLux Matrix LED headlights, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and start, a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, along with a 360-degree parking camera. The GSE is pegged at £34,495 before the government’s Electric Car Grant; it gets the £1,500 discount, bringing the price down to a very competitive £32,995. For comparison, an Alpine A290 GTS+ costs £34,245 (post £3,750 grant), and the Mini John Cooper Works Electric is priced at £34,905. But the GSE’s biggest problem is the forthcoming Peugeot E-208 GTi – it’s the GSE’s sister and will use pretty much the same mechanicals. It’s priced at £33,495 (post £1,500 grant). VERDICT Any fears that the hot hatchback wouldn’t have a place in an electric world are displaced with cars like the Vauxhall Corsa GSE. It’s properly entertaining to drive, and harsh ride aside and the small matter that the electric range will drop off a cliff as soon as you drive enthusiastically, the GSE is a true performance car. Whether customers will prefer to spend an extra £500 on the fabled GTi badge of the E-208 remains to be seen, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that Vauxhall has worked hard on making an electric Corsa fun to drive – and they’ve very much succeeded.
TARGET BUYERS:
Perhaps the next generation of hot hatch fans? Or those nowmature Nova buyers.
THE RIVALS:
Alpine A290 GTS+ Mini JCW Electric Peugeot E-208 GTi
KEY SELLING POINTS: Interior
The cabin has some GSE-specific touches such as Alcantarastyle trim, coloured seatbelts and retro check fabric.
1. 277bhp output 2. Engaging handling 3. Fabulous front seats
DEAL CLINCHER: It’s very competively priced against its main competition.
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 11
DASHBOARD
JAMES’S VIEWS ON THE NEWS What’s happening?
I
spent a day in a new Chinese car dealership recently and the reality of what’s actually happening out there in the market finally hit home. The new Geely Portsmouth dealership has opened about a mile away from my own little used car site, taking over a mothballed Skoda showroom on the way into Gosport. I was there on new reg day and filmed a video that is now live on our YouTube channel – it’s already generated plenty of comments. Since that visit I’ve had some time to think about what brands like Geely are doing to the car market overall – and I fear it’s not all good news. The pace at which these brands are growing is well documented. Take Geely as an example – a brand that didn’t even exist here until October last year and now has already snapped up a 1.15% market share in August. The sales staff at the showroom gave me a clue as to why. Firstly, the cars they showed me around looked really rather smart. They’re not the most exciting models, but is any SUV? However, they appeared to be very well screwed together and inside rather plush too. They’re following the same Chinese car playbook: Loads of tech, inoffensive looks and importantly a price that’s too good to ignore. I’ll come back to that last point in a moment. The thing Geely really has up its sleeve is some proper brand credibility. Geely owns Volvo, Polestar and Lotus. It’s an investor in Aston Martin and owns half of Smart. It makes London black cabs via LEVC and owns the van firm Farizon. And then there’s the popular-in-Europe car brand Lynk & Co and the upmarket soon-to-arrive-here Zeekr. ‘People don’t know who Geely are but as soon as we explain they own Volvo and Polestar they get the safety link and most of the worries they may have had usually disappear,’ said one of the team at the Geely dealer. 12 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
And I get that. With such a roster of impressive brands to its name it’s little wonder the EX2 was China’s best selling car last year. That Fiesta-sized model is now arriving here and is expected to be a top seller and could help the brand hit 20,000 sales in 2026. But back to why the visit concerned me and that was the deals. Geely is currently offering zero per cent finance on cars like the EX5 with deposits of less than £2,000 and monthly payments of around £230. While the impact of these conquest brands on traditional car makers is clear, I’m sure these stellar offers are having a big impact on the used car market too.Because while there will be many customers ditching the legacy brands for one of these new Chinese brands, I’m sure they’ll be just as many used car buyers deciding to bag a three-year finance deal on a new car instead of a three-year-old used model. We’ve not seen offers and competition like this in the new car market for years and buyers are lapping them up. The new car market is growing at a pace that is far outperforming housing or retail overall and that’s down to these new players. BYD secured 4.1% of the market in August, while
Jaecoo and Omoda combined had an incredible 6.62%. Add in Chery and it snapped up 9.1% for three brands that come from the same maker and means just four Chinese brands controlled an incredible 13.2% of the market. Just read that again: That’s 13.2% of all car sales going to just four Chinese brands. Offers like these have to be stealing a huge swathe of buyers from the used car market. The Chinese are swelling new car sales with these attractive offers and really why would you opt for a three-year-old used car when, for what’s likely to be less per month, you could be driving a brand new one? The Chinese brands’ impact on the entire automotive eco system is having huge impacts and it’s taking everyone by surprise. Even me. This Geely dealer round the corner is offering our local buyers brand new cars for what some people might pay for a 10-year-old VW Golf GTI. When you look at it like that, is it any wonder things have felt a bit quiet this summer? Maybe now is the time to find a Chinese car brand to invest in. Like most car dealers out there, it’s quickly becoming a case of ‘if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em’...
Pic of the month
Lookers has opened a flagship Omoda and Jaecoo dealership at a former Land Rover site in Battersea as the Chinese brands continue their rapid UK expansion. The 24,000 sq ft showroom on Lombard Road is already welcoming customers.
What I’ve heard
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The Need to Knows
JLR confirms 4,000 jobs to be axed as part of £1.7bn cost-saving drive JLR has confirmed plans to axe 4,000 jobs globally over the next two years as it targets £1.7bn of cost savings, with office-based roles and its UK operations expected to bear the brunt of the cuts. The carmaker said it needs to simplify its organisation, improve efficiency and reduce its break-even point to 300,000 vehicles as it battles weaker sales, rising costs, US tariffs and increased competition. Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said a government bailout was not on the table.
Used car market gains momentum The UK used car market strengthened in August, with transactions rising an average 2.6% year-on-year and franchise, independent and supermarkets all recording growth for the first time this year. Average asking prices dipped slightly to £17,131, while cars took 30 days to sell, unchanged from a year earlier and one day faster than July. Older cars performed particularly strongly, with prices for 10-to-15-year-old vehicles up 6.9%, according to Autotrader.
Used car prices rise as dealers protect margins Separately, Cazana said used car prices rose in August, with three-year-old cars up 0.5% as it said strong demand helped dealers protect margins despite softer trade values. Used EVs increased for a fifth consecutive month, although in a video interview Derren Martin warned increased supply and aggressive new-car offers could put pressure on values from October. The Tesla Model 3 led August’s individual risers.
Quote
‘I get asked this question a lot: friends, family, customers. What’s the best car to buy for under 10 grand? I think you always want to buy a car that’s going to be easy to service, easy to maintain, easy to look after. People understand it, and you can’t go wrong with a Ford Fiesta.’
Wheeler Dealer star Mike Brewer picks his favourite used cars for under £10k in a video to celebrate our forthcoming Used Car Awards. Nominate your business here.
I
f you were wondering how the used car trade did in August during a succession of sweltering heatwaves, auction values might give you a bit of a clue. While for many it felt quiet in showrooms as people enjoyed holidays and the baking sunshine, some platforms are still telling us demand has been holding up and sales in the month were solid. But when showrooms are quiet, few dealers out there are buying replacement stock and, as a result, conversion values at auctions go down. And that was exactly what happened at BCA. The auction firm said August used car prices were the lowest it had seen in a year with the average sale price just £6,994. Compare that to July and it was a drop of £556. BCA said some of this was down to an increase in older, thus cheaper, cars entering the remarketing world as buyers snap up increasingly good offers on new cars – but demand was down too. And those saying it’s just a summer thing can compare the average prices from August this year at BCA to last and will see 2026 averages are £363 below what they were back then. ‘Feedback from our buyers highlights that used retail demand has been patchy and inconsistent, with testing conditions being reported by many of the smaller-to-medium independent dealers,’ said BCA. ‘These elements are naturally reflected in the wholesale sector, which has been challenging at times over recent weeks.’ The good news is September has apparently got off to a ‘good start’ and, as the weather breaks and the rains return, most dealers will be hoping sales start to pour in again too.
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 13
DASHBOARD
CAR NEWS ROUND-UP Manufacturers have been refining their models and producing new ones. We look at some of the results... REVEALED
Lamborghini takes Revuelto up to 10 with new SV
LAMBORGHINI has launched a new, more hardcore version of its Revuelto supercar. Called the Revuelto SV, it’s the latest in a long line of ‘Super Veloce’ cars that can trace its roots back to the original Miura SV launched 55 years ago. Arriving as the highest-performance Revuelto to date, the SV will be limited to just 1,963 units, with
each getting the same V12 hybrid engine setup as the standard car. However, with 1,050bhp it has slightly more power than the standard car, and this allows it to go from 0-60mph in under 2.5 seconds. Flat-out, it’ll manage 214mph. In all, it’s the most powerful and fastest production Lamborghini ever made.
REDESIGN
HYBRID UPDATE
MONJARO
HYUNDAI
Boost in range for updated Renault 5
Updated Lexus NX gains range boost
Geely broaden range with flagship SUV
Bold new look for new Tucson revealed
LEXUS has updated its NX crossover, introducing a range of enhancements including a boost to the plug-in hybrid’s range. As was the case with the 2021 launch model, this facelifted version is available with both plug-in and regular hybrid systems, with the former gaining a big boost in efficiency and range. The new plug-in hybrid benefits from an electric-only range of 62 miles.
GEELY will look to widen its line-up of cars with a new flagship SUV. Called the Monjaro, it’s a large SUV model designed to rival the likes of Skoda’s Kodiaq and Hyundai’s Santa Fe while cementing the Chinese brand’s place here. Expected to arrive in the UK next year – following a launch in Egypt this month – the Monjaro will sit alongside EX5, EX2 and Starray models.
HYUNDAI has given its popular Tucson a bold makeover for its latest generation. Unveiled first in Hyundai’s native Korea, the Tucson is now longer and wider than its predecessor, measuring in at 4.7m long and 1.9m wide. Routinely one of the UK’s most-registered cars each month, the Tucson’s exterior has been influenced by Hyundai’s ‘Art of Steel’ design philosophy.
RENAULT has introduced a series of updates for its electric 5 hatchback which aim to make the popular EV even more efficient. The new 5 has been made slightly more aerodynamic thanks to redesigned wing mirrors and lower body areas. Renault says the 5 now has ‘optimised’ battery electronics. As a result, the 40kWh model should now return up to 196 miles of range – three more than before.
2026 sub-prime finance 14 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
TRIBUTE
McLaren’s McL 6GT arrives with manual gearbox McLAREN has created its first manual gearbox road car since its iconic F1. Called the McL 6GT, it’s a lightweight supercar which ‘celebrates purity in design and driver connection’, according to the brand. Revealed at Monterey Car Week in California and said to channel founder Bruce McLaren’s lightweight ethos, the McL 6GT is a concept which previews a production-ready version which will be introduced in 2028. Nick Collins, chief executive officer, McLaren Automotive, said: ‘The McLaren McL 6GT imagines what our inspirational founder had wished to complete but with six additional decades of innovation and passion woven through every element, creating a modern icon of driver connection. It is symbolic of the bold, provocative and hugely exciting future that we are preparing to realise.’
Appy days.
The new and easy way to send your customer finance applications... MAZDA
ELECTRIC
CX-6e arrives priced from £42,990
Genesis tops SUV range with GV90 flagship
MAZDA has confirmed pricing and specifications for its new CX-6e electric SUV. Set to arrive in the UK later this year, the CX-6e uses a 78kWh battery to unlock a range of up to 300 miles, while a rapid charge speed of 200kW should return a 10to-80% top-up in 24 minutes. Inside, the CX-6e gets a large 26.45-inch infotainment screen with a customisable dual-split layout.
GENESIS has entered the large electric SUV segment with its range-topping GV90. Building on cars like the GV60 and GV70, the new GV90 rivals the likes of the Volvo EX90, Mercedes EQS and BMW iX in the field of luxurious electric SUVs. Underneath, the GV90 has a large 123.5kWh battery which can go from 10 to 80% in 22 minutes when the car is hooked up to a rapid charger.
Done in 30 seconds. WhatsApp the word ‘APP’ to +44 115 671 1720
Scan the QR code to send via WhatsApp
provider of the year CarDealerMag.co.uk | 15
The latest from our fleet Long-termers: p23
NEWS AND THOUGHTS FROM THE CAR DEALER PODCASTS Sponsored by
SWANSWAY MOTOR GROUP
I think there’ll be some rationalisation of large brands such as Stellantis. Peter Smyth Director of Swansway Motor Group
Traditional car brands could quit UK within two years facing Chinese rivals, warns dealer boss
S
ome established car manufacturers could quit the UK within the next two years as the rapid rise of Chinese brands puts increasing pressure on traditional players, a leading dealer boss has warned. Peter Smyth, director of family-run Swansway Motor Group, believes the changing shape of the new car market will force some manufacturers to make difficult decisions about whether it remains worthwhile competing in Britain. Speaking on the Car Dealer Podcast, Smyth said he expects Chinese manufacturers to continue grabbing market share and believes some more established brands could ultimately choose to concentrate on countries where tougher tariffs give them greater protection from their new rivals. He said: ‘We will have to get used to Chinese OEMs being in the marketplace. I believe that some of the traditional OEMs will exit the UK and go to a place where countries have decided to put stiffer tariffs on Chinese vehicles. ‘I’m not going to say which I think are going to go, but I think there’ll be some rationalisation of large brands such as Stellantis.
‘I think they will remain in the UK but they may not have all the brands that they currently represent. ‘I think that will happen over the next two years or so.’ Smyth is speaking from first-hand experience of the rapid change taking place on dealer forecourts. Swansway, which has historically represented manufacturers including Volkswagen, Audi, Honda and Land Rover, has increasingly expanded its Chinese representation and now operates three BYD dealerships in Chester, Crewe and Stoke, as well as representing Omoda and Jaecoo. He told the podcast that new Chinese car retail was currently ‘absolutely on fire’, with the brands becoming ‘the envy of the rest of the industry’. Smyth believes one of the biggest reasons for their success is not simply the amount of technology or equipment being offered, but where the cars sit on monthly payments. He said Chinese models are typically hitting a ‘sweet spot’ of between £300 and £400 a month, while many established brands which previously occupied that territory have moved closer to £500 or £600.
LAWGISTICS
‘It’s going to be here tomorrow’: Boss warns dealers to stop waiting for CRA reform
T
he Consumer Rights Act does not necessarily need wholesale reform – but car dealers do need greater clarity over how some parts of the legislation are applied. That is the verdict of automotive legal expert Joel Combes, who says that who says dealers should focus on understanding the law and putting the right processes in place rather than waiting for it to be changed. Appearing on a recent episode of the Car Dealer Podcast, the Lawgistics founder said the legislation has now been established in law for
over a decade and dealers need to learn how to work within it if they are to be successful. The Consumer Rights Act has been a hot topic of debate over recent months, with retailers recently telling Car Dealer it is the one piece of legislation they would most like to see changed. Dealers have described the act as ‘not fit for purpose’ and have called for the introduction of a US-Style ‘lemon law’ that splits cover by mileage and is explicit in which parts are included.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR CAR DEALER PODCASTS 16 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
Combes however, has a slightly different view. ‘You can say it’s not fit for purpose, but it is the law, and we’ve got to deal with it,’ he said. ‘It’s going to be here tomorrow and dealers need to deal with it today.’ Lawgistics deals with around 3,000 cases a year and Combes says around 80% of them involve the Consumer Rights Act. He said the experience of handling thousands of disputes had given the firm a useful insight into where dealers can protect themselves.
The sub-prime finance lender.
Fast decisions. Fewer declines. More deals done.
dealer.firstresponsefinance.co.uk Registered Office: First Response Finance Ltd, Chetwynd Business Park, 5 Regan Way, Chilwell, Nottingham, NG9 6RZ. Registered in England No. 03560611. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ref no. 309356.
CarDealerMag.co.uk | 17
DASHBOARD
FINANCE NEWS WATCHDOG CHALLENGED
FCA accused of putting lenders before drivers with £9.1bn motor finance compensation scheme
FUNDRAISING PROBE
Investigation exposes fresh Woodville details
by James Batchelor @JRRBatchelor
T
he Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been accused of putting lenders ahead of drivers with its proposed £9.1bn motor finance compensation scheme. Consumer rights group Consumer Voice claims the financial watchdog has focused on keeping the cost of redress down for lenders at the expense of motorists who were missold car finance between 2007 and 2024. The organisation is among those challenging the FCA’s proposed compensation scheme, with solicitors Courmacs Legal representing the group. Around 12.1m car finance agreements are expected to be eligible for redress under the proposals, with drivers in line to receive an average payout of £829. However, Consumer Voice argues that motorists will be ‘short-changed’ if the scheme goes ahead in its current form. In court filings, the FCA is accused of deciding on a compensatory interest rate
that ‘knowingly set the floor below the actual borrowing costs of most consumers’. This refers to the watchdog’s decision to make the minimum interest that people will be paid on compensation at 3%, based on the annual average Bank of England base rate plus 1%. The legal document claims the decision, having considered an additional 8% on the Bank’s base rate, was driven by a desire to limit the financial strain to lenders, simplify the scheme and reach a final decision quickly. It said the FCA ‘made firm impact and operational simplicity the dominant consideration in its decision-making’. ‘Whilst the FCA recognised that an 8% rate would directly address consumer concerns, it rejected this on the basis that it “would significantly increase total redress costs for firms”, the risk of challenge by lenders and market impacts,’ the document read. ‘The FCA’s own data showed unsecured personal loan rates exceeded 3% for almost the entire scheme period, and that many consumers would have borrowed at materially higher rates.’
A COLLAPSED litigation funder raised more than £300m from individual investors and continued fundraising after an intervention by the City watchdog, a new investigation has revealed. Woodville Consultants, which provided funding for legal cases including car finance claims, collapsed into administration last month. Now an investigation by The Times has uncovered fresh details about how the Welsh business raised its money, including its use of promoters associated with other failed investment schemes. The newspaper reports that Woodville continued raising funds despite the Financial Conduct Authority requesting four years ago that it stop financial promotions relating to investments or loans. It also found that promoters could earn commissions of between 10% and 15% of investors’ money for selling Woodville investments, separate to fees potentially taken elsewhere in the distribution chain.
2026 sub-prime finance 18 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
TIME IS MONEY RICHARD PYGOTT
A MONTHLY LOOK AT THE WORLD OF AUTOMOTIVE FINANCE AND MARKETING
Provisional licences
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Richard Pygott is digital marketer for First Response. Call him on 0115 946 6365 or email richard. pygott@frfl.co.uk
hen did you learn to drive? I know that’s a loaded question. Most, if not all, people in the motor trade did this many, many moons ago. I can still remember when my provisional licence dropped through the letterbox in my later teenage years. It was like a small plastic ticket to freedom… Driving around the backstreets of the estate where I lived with my driving instructor in an old red Suzuki Swift with no power steering. My first car wasn’t great either. The stereo was more powerful than the engine, one of the doors wasn’t the same colour as the rest of it, and my older friends all laughed as they drove around in their brand-new Citroen Saxo VTSs. Finance wasn’t really something that I could have been considered for until I was a few years older anyway, or even something I would have looked at in all honesty, especially before I passed my test. Maybe I would have been one of the cool kids in a better car if I had, but nowadays things are different. At First Response Finance, we’ve financed customers on provisional licences for many years and, more recently, we’ve made it even better. Previously, we had a cap on the credit limit for provisional licence holders at £6,000. Sometimes you have to put these things in place, but we challenged ourselves internally, and we’ve recently raised this to £8,000. Whenever I’ve looked at getting a new car, I know that having an extra £2,000 to play with could mean the difference between getting one that I really like and being able to get one that I really want. And I think that’s the important bit. It gives customers more choice, while giving dealers more room to play with when it comes to finding them the right car. It’s not just about increasing a number on a credit limit. It gives dealers more flexibility when they’re looking through their stock and trying to find something that works for a customer who hasn’t passed their test yet. The excitement of being able to drive, getting your first car and having a bit more freedom hasn’t really changed. The cars might have, and thankfully so have some of the finance options available to your customers. If we can help a customer get into a car they really want, rather than having to settle for one because of a £6,000 limit, then that feels like a change worth making. Plus, it means they don’t have to settle for the kind of first car most of us had when we first passed! If you don’t currently work with us but think that we might be able to help you with your provisional licence customers, get in touch.
The excitement of being able to drive, getting your first car and having a bit more freedom hasn’t really changed.
provider of the year CarDealerMag.co.uk | 19
DATA FILE
SUPPLIERS GUIDE
LOOKING FOR A MOTOR TRADE SUPPLIER? YOU CAN FIND THE DETAILS OF SELECTED COMPANIES HERE Auctions
Finance
Lead Management
Recruitment
Warranty Providers
Auction4Cars.com
Close Brothers Motor Finance
GardX AD-Vantage
WeRecruit Auto
Car Care Plan
Auctions & Trade-To-Trade Sales
Finance
Lead Management
Trade Bodies
Warranty Providers
BCA
First Response
iVendi
Ben
Centurion Warranties
Automotive E-Commerce
Finance
Legal & Compliance
Vehicle Photography
Warranty Providers
ATG
Forza Finance
Lawgistics
Dealer 360
Händler Protect
Data
HR & People Management
Marketing, PR & Video
Vehicle Preparation & Cleaning
Website Design & Digital Marketing
Real World Analytics
HR Manager
OnCue Communications
Autoglym Professional
Bluesky Interactive
DMS
Insurance
Marketing, PR & Video
Vehicle Tracking
Website Design & Digital Marketing
MotorDesk
Tradesure
Marketing Delivery
Meta Trak
Haswent
Finance
Key Control
Oil & Lubricants
Warranty Providers
Website Design & Digital Marketing
Blue Motor Finance
Traka
Mobil™
AutoProtect
Spidersnet
W: auction4cars.com T: 03003 730 866 E: customerservice@auction4cars.com Info: The UK’s leading independent trade car auction site. Completely online, it boasts some of the lowest auction fees on the market.
W: bca.co.uk T: 0344 875 3480 E: customerservices@bca.com Info: BCA’s remarketing programmes deliver volume, choice and availability for buyers, and speed, efficiency and market-leading returns for sellers.
W: atg.auto T: 0844 264 3519 Info: Leading provider of retailing solutions, Automotive Transformation Group maximises sales for retailers, OEMs, financiers and fleet suppliers by making car buying easier for their consumers.
W: realworldanalytics.com T: 0808 1890 617 E: auto@realworldanalytics.com Info: We are a SaaS-based data analytics solution provider for multisite dealers. Our business intelligence tools help customers make faster and better decisions.
W: dealerdesk.co.uk E: contact@dealerdesk.co.uk Info: Modernise your stock management, advertising, communication, sales and website. DealerDesk provides you with easyto-use tools designed to simplify your dealership management.
W: blue.co.uk T: 020 3005 9331 E: dealersupport@blue.co.uk Info: Blue is transforming the car finance market, making car ownership simple and flexible and providing motor traders with access to essential finance.
W: gardx.co.uk/gardx-ad-vantage T: 01243 376426 W: closemotorfinance.co.uk/ Info: Close Brothers Motor Finance are E: goforaspin@gardx.co.uk a specialist finance provider, working Info: The award-winning 360 service offers an engaging display of the with over 8,000 dealer partners to offer flexible finance solutions for car, vehicle while additionally presenting profitable F&I products to a consumer. motorcycle and LCV customers.
W: dealer.firstresponsefinance.co.uk T: 0115 671 1755 E: marketing@frfl.co.uk Info: First Response is an awardwinning UK finance company providing simple financial solutions. Get in touch and let us help increase your profits.
W: forzafinance.co.uk T: 01245 245678 Info: Benefit from Forza Finance’s expertise, choice of products and lenders. Their personal approach will help you achieve higher levels of finance penetration and, ultimately, sell more cars.
W: hrmanager.co.uk T: 01480 455500 E: info@hrmanager.co.uk Info: HR Manager is Lawgistics’ new digital compliance portal designed to assist employers in managing their legal obligations, responsibilities and duties.
W: tradesureinsurance.co.uk T: 0121 248 9313 Info: Providing motor trade insurance to full- and part-time motor traders in the UK, the Tradesure team are reliable professionals who know how to help you.
W: traka-automotive.com T: 0333 355 3726 E: automotive@traka.com Info: Bespoke software and electronic key management cabinets to deliver the most effective solution to dealerships to manage their keys and vehicles.
W: ivendi.com T: 0330 229 0028 E: tellmemore@ivendi.com Info: iVendi delivers a fully connected platform that engages consumers, converts buyers and manages transactions of vehicles online and in the showroom.
W: lawgistics.co.uk T: 01480 455500 E: sales@lawgistics.co.uk Info: The legal experts for the motor trade, giving advice and support to our industry for over 15 years. Not anti-consumer, just pro-trader.
W: oncuecomms.com T: 020 8125 3880 Info: We are a leading provider of PR, video and events services to the automotive industry. The PR team has a proven track record of securing high-value, big-impact media coverage.
W: marketingdelivery.co.uk/ T: 01892 599911 E: get.in.touch@marketingdelivery.co.uk Info: Our SocialStock helps target prospects with tailored stock remarketing and social media advertising tools, and automated lead capture for Facebook.
W: mobil.co.uk T: 0800 0857 420 Info: Whether using Mobil 1™ or Mobil Super™, Mobil™ engine oils meet or exceed the latest standards of the oil industry and vehicle manufacturers.
W: werecruitauto.co.uk T: 01603 550041 Info: Permanent recruitment – here to assist businesses within the automotive sector find the best fit for their company in terms of skillset, experience and culture.
W: ben.org.uk T: 0808 131 1333 Info: Ben is a not-for-profit organisation that partners with the automotive industry to provide support for life to its people and their families.
W: dealer360.co.uk T: 01270 780855 E: nicky.spratt@ukturntables.com Info: UK makers of photo booths incorporating our turntables for car, van and motorcycle dealers. Our software controls turntable and cameras – a onestop solution.
W: autoglym.com/professional T: 01462 677766 E: enquiries@autoglym.com Info: Award‑winning Autoglym Professional products deliver exceptional results with safe, easy application. supported by expert aftersales service, training and nationwide delivery.
W: metatrak.co.uk T: 020 8867 2340 E: enquiries@metatrak.co.uk Info: Total vehicle security. Clever tracking technology, advanced immobilisation, 24/7 monitoring and an easy-to-use app. Security. Connectivity. Peace of mind.
W: autoprotect.co.uk
T: 01279 406888 E: sales@autoprotect.net Info: AutoProtect offers a full portfolio of award-winning protection products, including GAP. We lead the market with an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot.
W: carcareplan.com T: 0344 573 8000 Info: Car Care Plan is a leading provider of motor protection products, trusted around the world to deliver quality protection with integrity and a customer-oriented outlook.
W: centurionwarranties.co.uk T: 0800 368 7420 E: support@cwuk.net Info: Centurion offers comprehensive aftermarket warranty solutions to motor dealers across the UK who sell first-owned vehicles through to high-end, prestige and sports cars.
W: handlerprotect.com T: 0800 088 7889 E: sales@handlerprotect.com Info: Händler Protect is an exclusive dealer warranty provider. Proud to partner and represent more than 1,000-plus ‘active’ independent motor dealers across the UK each month.
W: blueskyinteractive.co.uk T: 01926 651000 Info: Bluesky Interactive drive dealer websites and digital marketing forward thanks to game-changing innovation, the latest technology and our exceptional relationships with our clients.
W: haswent.com T: 020 3920 6164 E: hello@haswent.com Info: Composer is a next-gen automotive platform. You have extensive stock management options, and you’ll gain a brilliantly responsive new website.
W: spidersnet.co.uk T: 01273 837749 E: hello@spidersnet.co.uk Info: Websites that are designed to increase the number of customers for dealers. We have solutions for all budgets and needs. All solutions include our DMS Autopromotor.
To have your details included email sales@blackballmedia.co.uk and ask for Suppliers Guide listings 20 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
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22 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
LONG-TERMERS
THE KNOWLEDGE
NISSAN QASHQAI It’s time for the Nissan Qashqai to head home, but what have we discovered during our time with it? Dave Brown reports.
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e have had a Nissan Qashqai on the fleet for quite a few months now and it’s been a reliable, capable and comfortable companion – but I write that with a tinge of sadness. That’s because the car will be returning to Nissan very soon, so we’ll have to say goodbye. It’ll be missed for all kinds of reasons, but the principal one is simply that it has served us very well and done everything that’s been asked of it. Whether I have been chucking the golf clubs in the boot to go to the driving range (I’m trying the sport again but not quite ready for 18 holes!); taking my 89-year-old mum to a hospital appointment, or my 13-month-old grandson to his ‘Jiggy Wrigglers’ activity session, life has been a breeze. The Intelligent Key unlocks the vehicle as you approach it, so you can just load everything up without having to put golf clubs or car seats on the ground, jump in and drive off – simples. And isn’t that what we all want at the end of the day? An easy and straightforward motoring life? Sure, our Qashqai will never set pulses racing with any thrill-a-minute driving dynamics, but every journey I have embarked on in this car has been completed in comfort and safety. And although I like to think I’m a reasonably competent driver, The Qashqai and the technologies it has on board certainly do their bit. When it comes to security and safety, OY74NMA is bristling with tech such as Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention and Blind Spot Warning, plus Intelligent Speed Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. All invaluable as our roads seemingly get busier and more congested with every passing year. One of the things I have come to appreciate most in respect of OY74NMA is the fuel economy afforded by its mild-hybrid technology, which really is a clever system. Comprising a 1.3-litre turbo engine with a lithium-ion battery, it enables energy regenerated during deceleration to be used while driving to contribute to both fuel economy and CO2 emissions reduction. A claimed 44mpg is delivered, and I would say that’s a pretty accurate figure whether cruising along a motorway or crawling through town. The car has a whole host of other benefits which explains its enduring popularity – and enduring is certainly the right word in respect of a car that will turn 20 very soon (although the models now on sale are a far cry from the 2007 variants of course!). On the outside, 18-inch diamond-cut alloys really look the business and our car’s Fuji Sunset Red paint job (an extra at £745) turns heads for all the right reasons. Perhaps the feature that brings things to life most effectively in the cabin is the customisable multi-coloured ambient lighting, which adds a splash of vibrancy to the elements of the interior finished in leather and chrome. All the controls you need couldn’t be more conveniently placed, thanks to their positioning on the multi-functional steering wheel, while Google Built-in technology enhances things still further. OY74NMA – you’ll be missed! But appreciated by the next driver who gets behind the wheel, I’m sure.
Nissan Qashqai N-Connecta DiG-T MHEV 158 Manual
Price (as tested): £33,770 Engine: 1.3-litre mild-hybrid Power: 155bhp Torque: 260Nm 0-60mph: 9.3 seconds Top speed: 128mph Fuel economy: 44.14 (combined) Emissions: 143g/km CO2 Mileage: 15,023 miles
This month’s highlight: We’ve enjoyed discovering all that the Qashqai has to offer, but unfortunately it’s now time to say goodbye to ‘our’ trusty long termer.
One of the things I have come to appreciate most in respect of OY74NMA is the fuel economy afforded by its mild hybrid technology. OTHER CARS WE’RE DRIVING
VW Transporter SportLine Mileage: 3,010 This has always been a popular option, so what does this new one bring? We’ve been finding out. CarDealerMag.co.uk | 23
Services that make a difference At Black Horse, we support dealers with expert knowledge and insight, so you can support your customers. We underpin everything with straightforward tools and systems to simplify the finance journey and help you grow your business.
Find out how we can help you at www.blackhorse.co.uk