Firstly, the C1 is affordable. It has some stiff competition in the supermini sector – not least from the Toyota Aygo and the Peugeot 107, which were built alongside the C1 in a joint venture between the three manufacturers. However, it manages to raise its head above its rivals by keeping its price down – good news for business users looking for affordable company cars and considering a Citroen C1 contract hire deal.

It’s incredibly cheap to run too, whether you opt for the 1.0-litre petrol engine or 1.4-litre diesel (available in the 5-door option only). Recent tweaks to the petrol engine mean that the new C1 produces as little as 99g/km in CO2 emissions and as much as 63mpg (the diesel managing only a few miles more). Because of the low emissions, the C1 is inexpensive to insure – sitting, as it does, in the lowest band – while servicing won’t set you back much either. Certainly, if economising is your priority then you could scarcely do better than getting hold of a Citroen C1 finance plan.

For a car of its price-tag, the C1 is a surprisingly decent drive – the handling is precise, the suspension soaks up rough surfaces well and, while there is some noise intrusion from the engine when driving at a faster pace, it’s fairly quiet in the cabin most of the time. Those that opt for a Citroen C1 lease deal will enjoy a fun drive, and one that is more than capable of taking sharp corners, with the stability control system helping generously in this department.

In terms of practicality, buyers should bear in mind that the C1 is a small car – so you’re not going to be able to cram much in there. However, the boot is a reasonable size for the type of car this is, and if you go for the Rhythm model when selecting a Citroen C1 leasing plan, you have the option of folding down the rear seats with a 50/50 split, so you can carry a passenger as well as a large item in the back. The Rhythm model also comes complete with side airbags, electric windows and remote central locking.

In summary, the Citroen C1 is an extremely affordable car that does its job very well. It’s a cliché to say that a motor gets you from A to B, but it’s a compliment to say that it does so in an enjoyable way. It’s a youthful, likeable vehicle that has been well-designed and, while it isn’t going to set the world on fire in terms of performance, it doesn’t set out to do so. It’s for reasons like this and much more besides that a Citroen C1 contract hire deal or leasing plan will suit customers down to a tee.

SEAT UK Managing Director Peter Wyhinny welcomed the gong, saying, “This fantastic award from Diesel Car is the tenth UK accolade the Alhambra has received, and shows very clearly how brilliant our seven-seater really is”. The Alhambra was praised in particular for its value for money, high quality and flexibility of use – something those on the lookout for affordable family cars on finance plans should bear in mind.

In other news, the US State of Nevada has licensed Google to test its prototype driver-less cars on public roads for the first time. The vehicle, although unlikely to be available on a car finance deal any time soon, is based on a modified version of Toyota’s environmentally friendly Prius model. It’s thought that the experiments, which were carried out on the famous Las Vegas strip, could mark a milestone in technological advances for motoring, and that ‘driverless cars’ could soon be a reality on the roads of Nevada.

Google is promoting its innovation as the first step towards a safer future for road users. At least 60% of fatal crashes are caused, at least in part, by driver errors such as weaving in and out of lanes, drink driving and distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It’s also thought that automated cars could make roads more efficient. As the volume of cars on roads increases, drivers lower their speed to accommodate for the narrowed distance from the car in front of them. However, the internet giant has suggested that its cars could drive at closer distances to each other safely by communicating with each other. Don’t expect any automated cars on finance packages just yet, then, but it’s certainly one to watch in the future.

Meanwhile, motorists may be slightly alarmed to learn of a new report by motoring website Honest John, which has revealed that one in five cars registered in 2008 failed their first MOT in 2011. The review analysed records from the Vehicle Operation and Services Agency (VOSA) and found that between October 2010 and September 2011 a staggering 353,000 cars failed their first MOT. The most common reasons for failure were lighting and signalling, with tyre wear and headlight aim also commonly causing problems.

However, those who like their car finance deals on the luxurious side will be pleased to know that the Rolls Royce Phantom topped the table with an impressive 93% pass rate. Not far behind and for those after slightly more affordable cars on finance plans was the Suzuki Splash, with a highly respectable pass rate of 90%. Honest John suggested that while maintenance of a car in its first few years is an important factor, initial build quality is also likely to be a deciding factor when it comes to first-time MOT tests.

Having benefited from a recent face-lift that includes refreshed front and rear lights, updated bumpers and a revised radiator grille, a Hyundai i10 finance deal will get you a classy vehicle whose attractive styling wouldn’t normally be expected from a car that’s this affordable. The stylish appearance continues inside the car as well; the cabin looks fresh and neat and is conveniently laid out in a sensible format so is very easy to use.

If you’re a business user considering a Hyundai i10 contract hire package and practicality is high on your list, then you’re sure not to be disappointed. Available only in five-door trim, the i10’s doors open wider than its rivals, making access for heavy loads or plenty of passengers easy enough. In addition, the car’s relatively tall profile gives the driver a commanding position and impressive visibility. Small and agile on tight city streets, the i10 is something of a Tardis when it comes to interior space, with space for four adults to sit in comfort (and five at a squeeze!).

The list of benefits customers can expect from a Hyundai i10 lease plan doesn’t stop at practicality, either. For a car with a sub-£10,000 list price, the equipment on offer is highly impressive. Air conditioning, electric windows and a six-speaker stereo with iPod dock make the i10 a pleasant place to be – even on long journeys. The interior has a remarkable knack of providing all the luxury and add-ons you’d hope to see in a far more expensive vehicle than what’s ultimately a compact city car.

Along with its refreshed looks, Hyundai i10 contract hire customers can also opt for a couple of greener options to keep running costs across a fleet of vehicles as low as possible. The manufacturer has decided to replace the 1.1-litre petrol engine with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine for the “Blue” eco variant. Better still is the 1.25-litre option, which offers stronger performance than the 1.0-litre version but is still superbly economical, achieving 61.4mpg. Its green credentials are further strengthened by its impressive CO2 emissions figures; the manual transmission 1.25-litre model will emit only 108g/km of CO2.

All in all, then, a Hyundai leasing plan will get you a car that’s fun to drive despite its high centre of gravity. The small engine sizes and low power don’t hinder the performance as much as you might expect and, of course, the financial benefits of running a car with less than 100bhp are well-known. Good value and environmentally friendly, the i10 is agile on winding city streets and equipped with more gadgets than you could shake a stick at – plenty of bang for your buck, then.

The range has certainly diversified over the years – the Astra is now available as a sport hatch, an estate, a regular hatchback and, more recently, a GTC coupe. Although production has stopped on the estate model, the recent sports tourer is effectively based on the same idea but comes without the usual ‘boxiness’ that most estates seem to have, opting for a more sloped, sleek and, well, sporty look. So when searching for Vauxhall Astra leasing plans, be aware that the estate moniker is sometimes used to describe both.

The choice of engines is good across all of the current and recent models. As you might expect, the GTC coupe is the sharpest of the bunch in driving quality, but you won’t be short-changed if you opt for a hatchback or estate model, as the range is very consistent. Although petrol engines impress – the coupe’s 1.6-litre, for example, makes 178bhp and 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds – the diesels generally come top of the class. The 1.7 CDTi is frugal and efficient, returning 62.8mpg with only 119g/km of CO2 emissions.

Anyone that opts for a Vauxhall Astra leasing plan will be instantly rewarded with a car that’s good to drive; in terms of handling, it’s difficult to fault any model. Certainly the GTC coupe stands out as the most engaging of the pack, but the more recent hatchback and estate models have marked improvements on their ancestors with plenty of grip and control, making winding corners a breeze to navigate. The steering can feel a little light (less so on the coupe, where it feels slightly better-weighted) but it’s nice and quick.

If you’re a business user considering a Vauxhall Astra contract hire purchase then it’s likely that practicality is an important point on your checklist – and it’s one that’s pretty well covered by this car in general. The sports tourer model, naturally, takes the prize for boot space with 500 litres available (rising up to 1,550 if your trim includes the FlexFold option with the rear seats down), but the coupe isn’t too far behind with a 380 litre space. The coupe can comfortably fit passengers in the back with not too much restriction on head and leg room, but if you’re driving multiple passengers regularly, then the tourer or hatchback might suit better when looking for Vauxhall Astra lease deals.

The sleek design of the Astra – whichever version you opt for – is something that’s instantly pleasing on the eye, too. Vauxhall has clearly put some thought into the outer appearance in recent years, and the quality build of the exterior extends into the cabin, which feels spacious and well-made. This, combined with the undeniable class of the driving experience, is plenty of reason to start looking at a Vauxhall Astra contract hire purchase or leasing plan.

The Audi Q3 is a relatively new car on the market, riding hot on the heels of its production house-mates the Q5 and Q7. As the lower number implies, it’s the smallest of the bunch, but this compact SUV offers more than enough to attract drivers into getting an Audi Q3 leasing plan.

It’s certainly the success of the company’s earlier Q models that has led Audi to releasing the car, which can be seen as a slightly more affordable entry to the range. It shares its looks with the larger models, and although it isn’t as striking in design as some other compact SUVs offered by competing motoring companies, the sleek, strong build is undeniable.

The quality extends through the cabin where the attention to detail and refinement is impressive. Customers that opt for an Audi Q3 lease deal will be content with the lack of engine, road or wind noise and the great visibility behind the wheel. The driver’s seat adjusts well for comfort, as does the steering wheel – allowing business users who go for an Audi Q3 contract hire plan the level of comfort they might need for long journeys. The rest of the cabin is of a decent size, and while there isn’t bags of room in the back compared to its showroom neighbours, there’s enough that no-one will be uncomfortable.

The boot space is good too at 460 litres, extending to 1,365 with the rear seats down. There are also a number of handy compartments throughout the car for additional storage, so drivers in search of decent practicality can rest assured that an Audi Q3 leasing plan offers them the same sort of convenience as the Q5.

The diesel and petrol engines on offer are all of the high standard UK drivers have come to expect, with the 2.0 litre TDI diesel engine coming top in terms of fuel economy and low emissions – 54.3mpg and 138g/km of CO2. If you’re looking at Audi Q3 contract hire purchases or leasing plans though, it’s worth knowing that the TDI version that was introduced in December 2011 is only two-wheel-drive, and that a four-wheel drive 2.0 litre diesel is also available.  This delivers more power – 175bhp as opposed to 138bhp – but the acceleration might feel a little heavy to some.

An Audi Q3 finance deal offers a capable car with plenty of grip in the handling that makes taking corners a breeze. It can feel a little light and some might feel a lack of engagement with the electric power steering, but it controls well and the soft suspension adds to the sense that the Q3 is a truly comfortable drive, if one that’s potentially lacking in thrills.

In conclusion, the Q3 offers plenty to drivers looking for a compact SUV or an entry into the Audi line. It’s well-refined, well-equipped and comes with all the Audi quality and style that continually sees the company’s cars come high in the depreciation stakes. Well worth taking a look at.

The number of cars registered in the UK in April of this year was up 3.3% on the April 2011 figure. 142,322 new cars were registered in the UK last month, which has led the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders to raise its estimate of the total new registrations for 2012 to 1.95 million. 

Proving its continued popularity with car finance customers, the Ford Fiesta was once again the most-registered car, with 42,170 of the supermini being registered so far this year. The Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Focus complete the top three, with 29,934 and 29,933 respectively. Volkswagen’s Golf and Polo models, as well as the Vauxhall Astra, make up the rest of the top 6. Experts say these stats reveal the UK’s ongoing desire for inexpensive, small family car finance deals. 

Elsewhere, the new Porsche Boxter is now available in the UK on car finance packages. The Boxter has been seen as a benchmark in the roadster field since its inception in 1996. Its popularity boomed as its status as an affordable model of the high-end marque quickly grew amongst motorists.  The new model continues in the same vein as Boxters of the past, with a mid-engined layout that delivers precise handling and good balance, which is good news for those interested in Porsche cars on finance plans.

A lightweight body means that the new car weighs 35kg less than its predecessor. It’s also more stable than before, with a longer wheelbase, larger wheels and a widened track on the front and rear axles, making the new car superbly agile at high speed. Performance is not the only area of improvement, however, with the new car offering up to 15% greater fuel efficiency.

Moreover, the new car offers greater interior space for both driver and passenger, whilst the central console is much less cluttered than before. All of this means that the new Boxter is a more attractive prospect for those interested in the superior Porsche brand on an affordable car finance deal. 

Meanwhile, French car manufacturer Renault has started a big push to raise awareness of its budget Dacia brand prior to large-volume imports next year. An initial batch of the ‘Duster’ SUV has been put on show at dealerships to generate preliminary interest prior to the major sales drive next year.

The brand has its origins in Communist-era Russia, and has seen a revival in fortune under Renault’s revitalisation of the range using its own modern technology. Given Dacia’s popularity elsewhere in the world, we can expect UK customers to look to the brand when considering attractive off-road PCP deals .

In other news, Jaguar has launched a new XJ Sport model and speed taxi service. The idea behind the latest addition to Jaguar’s fleet at its Nurburgring Nordschleife engineering test centre is to take passengers on laps of the circuit at high speed.

Frank Klaas, Global head of Communications at Jaguar Land Rover, said of the concept: “It’s the very best place to demonstrate the dynamic abilities of the current Jaguar XF, XJ and XK models… the XJ Supersport most often surprises journalists with its speed simply because they perceive it to be a large luxury car”.

Although it’s essentially a re-modelling of the Grande Punto, the new Fiat Punto Evo has moved on enough from its predecessor to set it apart as a quality supermini in its own right.

If you opt for a Fiat Punto Evo leasing plan, the first thing you’ll notice if you’re comparing the two cars is the facelift. The Evo has a larger front grille with wraparound bumpers and redesigned headlights. The inside has had a makeover too: the dashboard has been completely redesigned, with new instrument dials and a snazzy stereo and the interior – which is nice, light and airy – is furnished with softer materials.

If practicality is a concern when you’re considering a Fiat Punto Evo contract hire package, then the 60/40 split in the back seats – adding capacity to the already decent 275-litre boot space whilst still retaining some seating in the back – should be of some interest. Likewise, all the models come with Fiat’s Blue&Me system, which was developed with Microsoft. Its built-in Bluetooth allows you to send and receive calls on the go as well as play back received texts through the car’s speakers, whilst music can be played from mp3 files or memory sticks via its USB port. All this is ideal for businesses considering a Fiat Punto Evo contract hire package, as long mileages will be tackled with ease and in comfort.

A Fiat Punto Evo lease deal will also afford you a car that is a pleasure to drive. The steering is light, meaning taking a tight corner is a breeze, but the handling tightens up nicely when you’re back on a straight. All current models also come with a ‘city’ button, which lightens the steering further for driving at low speeds,  making reverse parking a doddle. The suspension is subtle and engine noise is fairly minimal in the cabin.

The handling is complimented nicely by a great range of engines that’ll leave you spoilt for choice if you opt for a Fiat Punto Evo. All of them perform well, but of the petrol engines the top score goes to the 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo with 135bhp, which will get you from 0-62mph in less than 9 seconds. If you’re looking to cut back on running costs and emissions with your Fiat Punto Evo lease deal, the diesels are best – with the 75bhp MultiJet returning 108g/km of CO2 and averaging 69mpg. All models come with a stop-start system too, which only adds to the fuel savings.

A further development that deserves praise is the eco:Drive set up, which allows you to download data of your car’s performance via the USB and view it on a computer at home, where it will provide tips on bolstering its efficiency.

A Fiat Punto leasing deal will give you a great supermini that returns excellent value for money. It’s rewarding to drive, economical and whilst it has some stiff competition from other established cars in its sector, there’s more than enough plus points here to warrant giving the Punto Evo a second or third look.

It has emerged that car insurance companies are denying motorists insurance if they’re caught texting or calling someone from a mobile phone behind the wheel.

A survey of several insurers conducted by the AA found that this treatment even applied to first time offenders, with half of insurers refusing to quote at all. The half that would in such an instance apply a hike of nearly 20% on regular premiums.

The news is something that buyers and car financing customers should be aware of when driving or purchasing a new car. In the past, insurance companies have been lenient towards those with three points on their license (the standard penalty for the offence), but the same providers are starting to take a tougher line, according to the Association of British Insurers.

However, one point the survey highlighted that may confuse car finance customers is that while minor speeding offenders’ premiums were hiked too, they weren’t – on average – hiked as much. The director of AA Insurance, Simon Douglas, says: “Using a mobile phone while driving is a deliberate act. Many drivers may accidentally drift over a 30mph limit without realising. But no one accidentally makes or answers a call or text.”

Elsewhere, Land Rover fans that acquire their cars on finance plans will have a new edition of the popular Evoque to choose from soon, according to a report by Auto Express.

In an interview at the Beijing Motor Show, Land Rover design director Gerry McGovern revealed that they were looking at doing a “more overly sporty” interpretation of the car, which he described as having “killer proportions”.

Certainly, the Evoque has proven to be hugely popular with customers seeking out super-trendy cars on finance deals; as McGovern adds, “eighty per cent of Evoque buyers are completely new to the Land Rover brand”. A sports version is certain to energise sales further.

Another company looking to take advantage of a sportier version of an established car is Volkswagen, whose R line version of its Polo is expected to rival close competitors from Renault and Ford.

Although car finance customers will note that the car is mostly an example of cosmetic improvement – modifying a standard Polo 1.2 TSI petrol model with little more than a sporty feel and interior trim – many are already placing their orders, with VW finance deliveries expected from July 2012 on.

And finally, Ford has stated that the future of its manufacturing operations in Europe will depend on whether the continent’s demand for new cars picks up again or if it remains subdued.

Figures for 2011 show a total of 13.6 million cars sold in the year across 30 countries – a drop of nearly six million since a high point was reached in 2007, the year before the start of the financial downturn.

The company, which remains popular with drivers that purchase cars on finance plans, is due to reduce working hours and days at some of its plants in Valencia and Cologne and hire temporary workers instead of employing staff on fixed contracts.

The Vauxhall Insignia is, fundamentally, a descendant of the Vauxhall Vectra, which was a popular choice of family and company car for a long time. The good news for those that feel a certain affection towards the Vectra is that the Insignia carries the torch in all the right areas.

The first thing you notice when you look at the Insignia is how stylish it is – inside and out. The Vectra wasn’t bad looking, but the Insignia’s bodywork is about as sleek and undeniably handsome as mid-sized saloons or hatchbacks come. Anyone considering a Vauxhall Insignia leasing deal will have a hard time faulting it on this front.

Inside, as mentioned, is just as slick – areas like the dashboard and steering wheel really look as though time, money and thought have been invested in designing them. The materials used are of a high standard, and the knobs and dials – together with an on-board navigational system – combine to make a Vauxhall Insignia contract hire package feel like great value for business users.

The quality and size of the cabin make this a nice vehicle to sit in, although one more suited to buzzing up and down the motorway than twisting through country roads – although it’s stable enough to handle that job well. A Vauxhall finance plan will get you a well-refined cruiser with soft suspension, although some drivers might feel that the steering isn’t very responsive.

How does it fare in terms of practicality? Well, the boot space is generous enough whether you go for the hatchback, saloon or the estate, with the latter edging it slightly should this be an important consideration when thinking about a Vauxhall Insignia leasing deal. The passenger seats have a good amount of leg-room and width, however the sloping roof at the back means that taller people may find a slight lack of head-space.

Another minor grumble is the limited rearward visibility, which can make things like reverse parking into a tight spot a bit of a neck ache. Those considering a Vauxhall Insignia contract hire plan, however, will find this more than made up for by a selection of modern gadgets, including a camera that reads road signs and relays their messages to the driver’s dashboard.

The Insignia is also affordable to run – the insurance and servicing isn’t going to burn a hole in your wallet – whilst the engines on offer are decent, with the diesels perhaps the strongest in terms of economy and reduced emissions. The 2.0-litre diesel BMW 318d will return 60mpg and 123g/km, which is good if not class-leading. The most popular amongst the petrol engines is the turbocharged 2.0T which manages 220bhp, which is more than enough power to propel it down the motorway.

As those in the know will already be aware, the Vauxhall Insignia has its fair share of competitors – most notably the Ford Mondeo. However, a Vauxhall Insignia lease deal will ensure practicality, reliability and affordability like few other cars on the market – all wrapped up in a very attractive package.

While many people have heard of car leasing – how it works, what providers there are, or maybe just that it’s a form of car finance – not everyone is aware of how and why people might choose it as an alternative to purchasing a car outright.

One of the biggest selling points of a car leasing deal is that it makes expensive motors more affordable. This is, in part, because you’re making monthly payments, but it’s also because with a lease you’re not paying towards ownership of the car. Terms usually last three to five years and at the end of that period the keys are handed over, with drivers usually upgrading to another model. In this sense it differs to personal contract purchase (PCP), where you can pay a lump sum at the end of the contract to purchase the car.

The benefit of a lease deal over Hire Purchase is that because you’re paying across a three to five year term, you’re effectively paying the amount a car is expected to depreciate in value in that time, with some added interest on top. Because of this, cars that are renowned for their low depreciation rates, such as models from top manufacturers such as Audi and BMW, require lower monthly payments than you might first expect.

This leads neatly onto a further point, which is that car leasing allows drivers to partly avoid depreciation. Whilst some people will purchase a car with a view to keeping it for as long as it will run, many will end up selling their vehicle on at some point or trading it in as a part exchange for a better model. However, depending on the type of car, depreciation can mean that a car loses a large percentage of its original value after the first three years – 60% on average according to the AA, with up to 40% of the value dropping in the first year. A car lease deal means that the motorist isn’t affected by that depreciation, only the owner – the firm from whom the motorist is leasing the car from. However, those that are confident that the car they’re looking at won’t depreciate as much as expected might opt for a PCP package as it comes with the option of buying the car at a pre-agreed rate.

Finally, a third point worth noting about leasing if you are a business user is that, if you take out a contract hire and leasing plan – the same as leasing, just over a fleet of cars – you’ll be able to keep VAT and maintenance costs to a minimum. Apart from allowing companies to afford higher-end cars with cost-effective monthly payments, contract hire deals are often the best form of car finance for companies because it means that they can avoid paying VAT, sometimes altogether and at least by 50%. Also, because of the term length of contract hire packages, cars are often still under warranty with a maintenance contract so any costs incurred fixing or maintaining the car are usually minimal.

In terms of car finance and for the reasons noted above, car leasing might just be the perfect choice – for individuals or businesses.