http://www.avc-contracthire.co.uk/The latest car and van deals on Aliied Vehicles Contracts. Updated frequently throughout the day.(c) Alled Vehicle Contracts. All rights reserved.http://www.avc-contracthire.co.uk/images/avc_logo.gifPerformance: Only the three 1.6 engines from the three-door Mini make it into the Clubman. There’s a 110bhp diesel, a 120bhp petrol and a 175bhp turbo. All deliver strong pull for effortless driveability, especially the diesel and the turbo. Six-speed gearboxes are standard. Ride & handling: The Clubman has an 80mm longer wheelbase than the three-door and revised suspension settings, and this slightly changes the handling balance. It’s not quite as sharp into corners but a little more compliant over bumps. It’s lost little of the three-door’s verve and fun-to-drive character, though. Refinement: The latest engines are much smoother and sweeter-sounding than those in the original Mini, and both road and wind noise are pretty well tamed. It all adds up to a small-ish car that feels surprisingly grown up. Behind the wheel: The seat is nicely padded and, like the steering wheel, fully adjustable, so getting comfortable is a straightforward operation. The trouble is, the designers have tried too hard to replicate the look of the 1959 Mini while packing in lots more features, and it all comes across as fussy, contrived and awkward to use. Space & practicality: There’s 80mm more rear knee room and a minimum of 100 litres more luggage capacity than in the three-door, so the Clubman can seat four adults (just) and carry their baggage for a weekend away. Space, then, is reasonable. Not so practicality. There are two doors at the back (a throwback to the original Mini estate) instead of a tailgate, one door on the left and two on the right, which means rear passengers will be exiting into the traffic flow – and through a rear-hinged door. Equipment: There are Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper D trim levels, each with the same (high) level of specification available on the equivalent three-door car plus one or two Clubman exclusives such as a third rear headrest and black or silver rear door pillars There’s no shortage of options and paint schemes to help you personalise the car, either.http://www.avc-contracthire.co.uk/car_contract_hire.asp?CAR=698Sat, 22 Sep 2007 07:46:43 GMTPerformance: Only the three 1.6 engines from the three-door Mini make it into the Clubman. There’s a 110bhp diesel, a 120bhp petrol and a 175bhp turbo. All deliver strong pull for effortless driveability, especially the diesel and the turbo. Six-speed gearboxes are standard. Ride & handling: The Clubman has an 80mm longer wheelbase than the three-door and revised suspension settings, and this slightly changes the handling balance. It’s not quite as sharp into corners but a little more compliant over bumps. It’s lost little of the three-door’s verve and fun-to-drive character, though. Refinement: The latest engines are much smoother and sweeter-sounding than those in the original Mini, and both road and wind noise are pretty well tamed. It all adds up to a small-ish car that feels surprisingly grown up. Behind the wheel: The seat is nicely padded and, like the steering wheel, fully adjustable, so getting comfortable is a straightforward operation. The trouble is, the designers have tried too hard to replicate the look of the 1959 Mini while packing in lots more features, and it all comes across as fussy, contrived and awkward to use. Space & practicality: There’s 80mm more rear knee room and a minimum of 100 litres more luggage capacity than in the three-door, so the Clubman can seat four adults (just) and carry their baggage for a weekend away. Space, then, is reasonable. Not so practicality. There are two doors at the back (a throwback to the original Mini estate) instead of a tailgate, one door on the left and two on the right, which means rear passengers will be exiting into the traffic flow – and through a rear-hinged door. Equipment: There are Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper D trim levels, each with the same (high) level of specification available on the equivalent three-door car plus one or two Clubman exclusives such as a third rear headrest and black or silver rear door pillars There’s no shortage of options and paint schemes to help you personalise the car, either.http://www.avc-contracthire.co.uk/car_contract_hire.asp?CAR=697Sat, 22 Sep 2007 07:45:30 GMTPerformance: Only the three 1.6 engines from the three-door Mini make it into the Clubman. There’s a 110bhp diesel, a 120bhp petrol and a 175bhp turbo. All deliver strong pull for effortless driveability, especially the diesel and the turbo. Six-speed gearboxes are standard. Ride & handling: The Clubman has an 80mm longer wheelbase than the three-door and revised suspension settings, and this slightly changes the handling balance. It’s not quite as sharp into corners but a little more compliant over bumps. It’s lost little of the three-door’s verve and fun-to-drive character, though. Refinement: The latest engines are much smoother and sweeter-sounding than those in the original Mini, and both road and wind noise are pretty well tamed. It all adds up to a small-ish car that feels surprisingly grown up. Behind the wheel: The seat is nicely padded and, like the steering wheel, fully adjustable, so getting comfortable is a straightforward operation. The trouble is, the designers have tried too hard to replicate the look of the 1959 Mini while packing in lots more features, and it all comes across as fussy, contrived and awkward to use. Space & practicality: There’s 80mm more rear knee room and a minimum of 100 litres more luggage capacity than in the three-door, so the Clubman can seat four adults (just) and carry their baggage for a weekend away. Space, then, is reasonable. Not so practicality. There are two doors at the back (a throwback to the original Mini estate) instead of a tailgate, one door on the left and two on the right, which means rear passengers will be exiting into the traffic flow – and through a rear-hinged door. Equipment: There are Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper D trim levels, each with the same (high) level of specification available on the equivalent three-door car plus one or two Clubman exclusives such as a third rear headrest and black or silver rear door pillars There’s no shortage of options and paint schemes to help you personalise the car, either.http://www.avc-contracthire.co.uk/car_contract_hire.asp?CAR=696Sat, 22 Sep 2007 07:44:16 GMTPerformance: All Fortwos use a 999cc petrol engine, but buyers can choose from outputs of 61bhp, 71bhp and 84bhp. We’ve driven the stronger two, and they both deliver lively performance in town. However, the 84bhp unit’s extra oomph is handy on the motorway. A hotter Brabus model and a super-economical diesel will join the line-up later. Ride & handling: Power steering is only an option, but even the standard set-up is easy to twirl as long as you’re not stationary. Less impressive is the ride. This tall, short-wheelbase car needs stiff suspension to stop it tottering through bends, so imperfections in the road surface are transmitted through to occupants. The front tyres run out of grip pretty quickly too, but it’s comparable with other city cars Refinement: The biggest disturbance comes from the three-cylinder engine, which sits just behind the seats. It emits a distinctive thrum whenever you touch the accelerator and, while the sound is far from unpleasant, it becomes tiring on long journeys. A clutchless semi-automatic gearbox is standard, and if you lift off the accelerator slightly, changes are quite smooth Behind the wheel: The distinctive interior is well laid out and features big, user-friendly buttons and dials. However, the driving position won’t suit everyone because there’s no seat height adjustment and the steering wheel is fixed. If you want a brightly trimmed interior you’ll have to go for the top trim Passion model. Space & practicality: Practicality is limited by the fact it only has two seats, but there’s enough room for a pair of broad six-footers to get comfortable. Wide-opening doors mean it’s easy to get in and out and, while the boot isn’t massive, its 220 litre capacity compares favourably with other city cars. Equipment: In entry-level Pure trim, the Fortwo is poorly equipped, getting a CD player but little else. The sporty Pulse adds a rev counter, electric windows, a panoramic glass roof, alloy wheel and steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles, while more luxury orientated Passion cars forego the paddles in favour of an automatic gear programme – that’s optional on other models – and air-conditioning.http://www.avc-contracthire.co.uk/car_contract_hire.asp?CAR=695Sat, 22 Sep 2007 07:38:19 GMTPerformance: There are three petrol engines, starting with a turbocharged, five-cylinder, 197bhp 2.5-litre unit, a 235bhp 3.2-litre and the 282bhp twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre T6, which comes with four-wheel drive. The ageing 2.4-litre five-cylinder diesel engines will remain the most popular sellers. The V70's engines aren't the most cultured and the diesels are very flat when pulling away from a standstill. Ride & handling: Even with the dubious benefit of Volvo's Four-C active chassis system (which allows you to manually select three suspension settings), minor road imperfections create a good deal of shudder through the cabin when driving around town. Thankfully, things get better at higher speeds, where body sway is reasonably well contained. Unfortunately, the steering is vague, and a relatively wide turning circle means four-, rather than three-point turns are often necessary. Refinement: There's plenty of suspension noise around town and a good deal of mechanical racket is noticeable when accelerating away from a standstill. Fortunately, things are far more relaxed at motorway speeds; road and wind noise are well suppressed, making the V70 a fine touring car. Behind the wheel: The V70 has some of the best, most supportive seats we've ever used, and both the driver's seat and the steering wheel have plenty of adjustment. The fascia is neat, attractive and well equipped, and the cabin is solidly built. Space & practicality: The V70 is both big and clever. Not only does it have an enormous rear load area, it also has luggage nets and hooks, and straps to prevent your groceries from being thrown around the boot. The rear seat splits 40/20/40 and can be specified with built-in child booster seats. Equipment: Standard equipment is generous. All models have alloy wheels, a powered driver's seat, a CD player, and either climate control or air-conditioning. Roof rails and powered windows and door mirrors are also standard, while leather trim and the Four-C active chassis is standard on SE versions and above. http://www.avc-contracthire.co.uk/car_contract_hire.asp?CAR=694Mon, 17 Sep 2007 13:01:27 GMTPerformance: Buyers can choose from two supercharged 1.8 petrols of 143- and 163bhp, both of which offer reasonable pace and rev smoothly. Three V6s of 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 litres deliver increasingly potent performance. Two 2.1-litres, and a 3.0-litre diesel complete the range. The lower-powered 2.1 is sluggish; the 3.0-litre is very quick. Ride & handling: Crisp steering, tight body control and a degree of agility make this a sporty car, with no loss of Merc’s legendary motorway suppleness. It’s also excellent at mopping up urban bumps. The seven-speed auto ’box, standard with the 2.5, 3.5 and 3.0 D engines, offers slick and accurate changes. Refinement: There’s a solidity which seals the cabin from outside noises. Just as the ride hides bumps, so the sealing shuts out wind, road and engine disturbance. The manual ’boxes take some getting used to, but the autos shift beautifully. Most of the engines are very refined, although the diesel is growly when extended. Behind the wheel: Two-way steering adjustment as well as a driver’s seat with part-electric/part manual adjustment ensure a snug driving position. The dash is well laid out, while the controls on the steering wheel let you choose personalised settings for various functions. The foot-operated parking brake is awkward in cars with a manual gearbox, however. Space & practicality: The C-Class offers plenty of space for a compact executive. It’s no place for five due to the stout transmission tunnel running down the centre line, but it seats four with ease and the boot will take their luggage. Space in the cabin for odds and ends is impressive. Equipment: Every C-Class model comes with climate control, cruise control, electric windows and door mirrors, fully adjustable steering and front seats (part-electric) and remote locking. A seven-speed automatic gearbox is available across the range. The optional Sports pack adds five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, low-profile tyres, lowered suspension and sports seats. http://www.avc-contracthire.co.uk/car_contract_hire.asp?CAR=693Sat, 01 Sep 2007 05:17:45 GMTPerformance: There are two 2.4-litre, five-cylinder turbodiesels available. The 2.4D gives 160bhp and the D5 183bhp. The D5 is our pick. Petrol choices comprise a 2.5-litre turbo, a 3.2 and a 4.4 V8. All accelerate smoothly and are relaxed when cruising. The automatic gearboxes can be over-eager to kick down, though. Ride & handling: The S80 has firm suspension, so it feels agile and composed on twisty roads. More steering feedback would be welcome and the car tends to thump over bumps. Opt for SE Sport spec and you get Volvo’s active Four-C chassis, which automatically adjusts the drive to the type of road you’re on. Refinement: The S80's cabin is a peaceful environment, because it is well shielded from exterior noises. Most of the engines are smooth and quiet, particularly the 3.2 V6 and the higher-output diesel. Behind the wheel: Most drivers should be able to get comfortable because the seat and steering wheel have plenty of adjustment. The switchgear is easy to reach and well laid out. The buttons that direct air-flow are particularly intuitive because they’re shaped like a human figure. Shame the thick windscreen pillars restrict forward vision. Space & practicality: The S80 is a big car and can seat four in comfort. Boot space could be more generous, but the rear seat splits and folds 60/40 should you need to carry larger loads. Oddment storage is also good, but the main bin between the driver and front passenger can be fiddly to open. Equipment: The range starts off with SE, which comes with electric driver’s seat adjustment and a posh sound system, while SE Lux models have heated seats trimmed in soft leather. SE Sport brings 18-inch alloys, the active Four-C chassis and heated and ventilated seatshttp://www.avc-contracthire.co.uk/car_contract_hire.asp?CAR=692Sat, 01 Sep 2007 05:13:44 GMTPerformance: There are two 2.4-litre, five-cylinder turbodiesels available. The 2.4D gives 160bhp and the D5 183bhp. The D5 is our pick. Petrol choices comprise a 2.5-litre turbo, a 3.2 and a 4.4 V8. All accelerate smoothly and are relaxed when cruising. The automatic gearboxes can be over-eager to kick down, though. Ride & handling: The S80 has firm suspension, so it feels agile and composed on twisty roads. More steering feedback would be welcome and the car tends to thump over bumps. Opt for SE Sport spec and you get Volvo’s active Four-C chassis, which automatically adjusts the drive to the type of road you’re on. Refinement: The S80's cabin is a peaceful environment, because it is well shielded from exterior noises. Most of the engines are smooth and quiet, particularly the 3.2 V6 and the higher-output diesel. Behind the wheel: Most drivers should be able to get comfortable because the seat and steering wheel have plenty of adjustment. The switchgear is easy to reach and well laid out. The buttons that direct air-flow are particularly intuitive because they’re shaped like a human figure. Shame the thick windscreen pillars restrict forward vision. Space & practicality: The S80 is a big car and can seat four in comfort. Boot space could be more generous, but the rear seat splits and folds 60/40 should you need to carry larger loads. Oddment storage is also good, but the main bin between the driver and front passenger can be fiddly to open. Equipment: The range starts off with SE, which comes with electric driver’s seat adjustment and a posh sound system, while SE Lux models have heated seats trimmed in soft leather. SE Sport brings 18-inch alloys, the active Four-C chassis and heated and ventilated seatshttp://www.avc-contracthire.co.uk/car_contract_hire.asp?CAR=691Sat, 01 Sep 2007 05:12:46 GMTPerformance: The Ranger's 2.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine provides 141bhp, which is pretty good, but falls well short of the Nissan Navara. It's an eager performer nonetheless and feels quicker than the official performance figures suggest. A healthy 243lb ft of low-down shove helps when towing or if the load bay is full, but the gearshift is heavy. Ride & handling: Like most pick-ups, the Ranger feels crude compared with modern lifestyle 4x4s. The suspension is tailored more towards carrying loads rather than giving passengers a comfortable ride and is often bouncy and unforgiving. The steering is numb and there's modest grip, but the Ranger isn't too unwieldy around town and off-road its switchable four-wheel drive and low-ratio transfer box come into their own Refinement: By saloon car standards, the Ranger's diesel engine is hardly quiet, but it's one of the smoothest and most refined in a pick-up and isn't too intrusive at motorway speed. Road noise is well isolated, too, but the boxy shape kicks up a fair amount of wind noise. Behind the wheel: The Ranger's dash is straightforward and easy to use, but you can catch your knee on the handbrake, because it pulls out from the dash. The driving position is better than many pick-ups, despite the absence of height adjustment for the seat and a steering wheel that only moves up and down. Reversing sensors make parking easier for top-trim models. Space & practicality: Considering its overall size, the amount of space for rear seat passengers in the Ranger is poor. There's enough head- and legroom for two adults, but you sit uncomfortably low and three is a real squeeze. There's decent space for those in the front, however, and the Ranger's load bay is large, bettering even the Nissan Navara's for length and payload capacity. Equipment: Double-cab Ranger models all come reasonably well equipped. Entry-level trim includes remote central locking, four electric windows and a CD player, but air-conditioning is a £500 extra. Step up to XLT trim and air-conditioning is standard. You also gain alloy wheels, a CD changer, a leather-covered steering wheel and gearknob, and extra chrome trim. Thunder models add full leather upholstery, flashier exterior trim and reversing sensors.http://www.avc-contracthire.co.uk/car_contract_hire.asp?CAR=690Sat, 01 Sep 2007 05:08:53 GMTPerformance: The 91bhp 1.3-litre engine provides good performance, even if it does get a bit thrashy at times, while the 100bhp 1.5-litre is gutsy and provides more pace than many more expensive rivals. The Sport version uses a 123bhp 1.6 and feels very quick, but the 1.5 is fast enough, and the Sport costs a lot more. The 1.3 diesel engine is also surprisingly speedy and refined – great if you drive a high annual mileage Ride & handling: The Swift feels nimble and responsive around town, although the steering could do with a little more initial feel. On faster roads it handles and grips keenly too, although it's ultimately not as composed as a Clio. The ride isn’t as supple as the best, either, and larger bumps thump through the cabin. Refinement: Wind noise is present at cruising pace, but road noise isn’t too much of a distraction. The petrol engines are raucous when pushed hard, though, and drone a bit at speed. The diesel is smooth. A short, accurate gearshift and well weighted pedals help take the strain out of driving around town or in heavy traffic. Behind the wheel: Although no match for rivals such as the Honda Jazz, the Swift’s cabin is well laid out, smartly styled and solidly constructed. Slotting into tight spaces is a doddle thanks to fine visibility over the shoulder, but a greater range of seating adjustment and a steering wheel that adjusts for reach would improve the driving position. Space & practicality: There is realistic room for four, plus a boot capable of coping with a couple of suitcases. Added flexibility comes in the shape of rear seats that split fold 60 40 and tumble forward behind the front seats to boost load capacity. Equipment: Entry 1.3 GL models come well equipped for the money with power steering, electric front windows and remote central locking. Moving up to the 1.5 GLX adds air-conditioning, keyless entry and start-up plus alloy wheels. The Sport adds climate control, stability control and an MP3-ready stereo to GLX trim. http://www.avc-contracthire.co.uk/car_contract_hire.asp?CAR=689Sat, 01 Sep 2007 05:05:52 GMT