Automobiles Review

Author: autoview

  • Roads Once Less Travelled — the Middle East and the SUV

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    As one of the most prosperous economic regions in the world, the Middle East attracts many automotive manufacturers looking to take advantage of this vast wealth.

    While luxurious sports cars and executive saloons target the most affluent individuals, SUVs have become the car of choice with scores of everyday motorists. It’s become a lucrative market and shows no signs of slowing down. From small SUV cars to large all-terrain vehicles, the Middle East has become a region that loves its motors.

    A Blossoming Market

    In contrast to the US and Europe, SUV sales have soared across the Middle East in recent years, as fuel prices are less of an issue here. According to a report on Bloomberg, some brands have enjoyed as much as 50% growth in the region’s largest market of Saudi Arabia.

    Ask any major manufacturer and chances are they’ll tell you that the Middle East has the most potential of any region or is currently their biggest market.

    Competition between US, European, and Japanese SUVs is fierce, but certain trends have become apparent. While some consumers feel more affection towards US-built cars, Japanese manufacturers have gained an upper hand due to their hugely reliable, technologically advanced and robust vehicles.

    Coping with ‘No Car’s’ Land — the Popularity of SUVs

    In a region that boasts some challenging natural terrain, such as mountain ranges and deserts, a vehicle that can go off road without any fuss is somewhat essential. At the same time, the Middle East’s climate and geography often means that motorists must drive long distances under a relentlessly blazing sun. It all makes a dependable vehicle with mod cons such as air-conditioning, cruise control and in-car entertainment highly desirable.

    Thankfully, the range of SUVs available in the Middle East can cope with these demands. Smaller cars feature a surprising amount of interior additions yet can still accommodate entire families, while larger vehicles can take on the tough terrain without so much as batting an eyelid (or buckling a tire, as the case may be!).
    Now that the people have access to vehicles that can stand up to the terrain and get motorists from A to B under difficult conditions, the Middle East’s SUV market is most definitely here to stay.

  • Useful driving tips for the winter months

    Driving in the winter could be quite a challenge for many experienced drivers out there, not to mention the fellas that has recently joined the drivers’ club. However, there are ways that we can make this experience less challenging and stay safe on the road, our friends from Compare The Market have developed a very helpful infographic that anyone can use to get a few smart ideas of how to protect yourself and the other drivers, who have dared to test their driving skills in the winter time.

    Driving tips for the winter months infographic

  • Top 5 tips for selling a used car

    New car sales in the United Kingdom rose dramatically over the past 12 months. Increasing confidence in the growth of the economy urged consumers to part exchange their deteriorating bangers for dazzling new models. All manufacturers combined reported figures of 2.26 million units for 2013 in the UK, making a dramatic return to pre-recession levels.

    Britain’s biggest selling car manufacturer, Ford, announced sales of 310,856 in the previous year. With two models in their line up securing the best-selling (Ford Fiesta) and runner up (Ford Focus) spots in the Top 20 Popular New Motors of 2013, it comes as little surprise.

    Renault Group UK’s Managing Director, Ken Ramirez, predicts a 10% increase in sales on the 2013 figures. Considering Renault Group UK brought the brand new Clio, Captur and the Dacia brand to the UK in this time, an allure of massive confidence certainly reassures the market.

    Obviously, with growing consumer confidence comes the necessity to rid of the old prior to bringing in the new. A report from British Car Auctions in late 2013 suggested that the average age of cars in the British Isles is now 7.59 years – a 30 year peak. Falling rates of unemployment and growing consumer confidence certainly encourages movement in the used and new car markets.

    So with signs of the car markets experiencing growth spurts, how can the average perspective buyer receive the best price privately selling an obsolete model when purchasing a newer motor?

    5 – Condition is key.

    Whilst many used cars with an average age of 7.59 years would bare battle scars, valiantly earned from strenuous lives in supermarket car parks, buyers would be more easily persuaded if the jewel in their new crown shines. Of course consumers want their new purchase to do what it says on the tin, but most would like the tin to dazzle.

    Minor scratches and paint blemishes can be cured with touch-up pens, purchased from local motoring suppliers. Cosmetic dents and body panel rust can equally be cured in many different manners, one of which can be replacing the part entirely. Visit your local breakers yard or scan the vehicle specific owners’ club forums for bargain used parts.

    A valet definitely does wonders for the appeal of a used car, recapturing that showroom fresh glory from years past. A simple car wash will certainly not hide grimy wheel arches or long-forgotten pennies beneath driver’s seats, requiring a more thorough approach. Be sure to vacuum the interior, polish the dashboard, wax and polish the bodywork, degrease alloys wheels, touch-up any faded black plastic trim and use plenty of glass cleaner on windows and lights.

    4 – Basic Maintenance.

    An apple a day keeps the doctor away, and the same goes for motoring. Regular maintenance is key to a car’s reliability and performance. Prior to advertisement, be sure that all bulbs work, no fuses have blown, tyres are correctly inflated, oil is fresh and washer fluid is filled to the brim. A simple tail light failure would imply connotations of negligence throughout its life, which will possibly urge some to barter or walk away entirely.

    3 – Research Well and Know Your Car.

    A top turn off for buyers is when sellers fail to provide satisfactory answers to basic queries. Be aware of relevant jargon, specifications lists, the car’s history and required documentation. Realistic prices can also be sourced via online classifieds.

    2 – Paint the Perfect Picture.

    Photography is a key decision maker when browsing online via the classifieds. Potential customers are seriously unlikely to reply to a basic ad with poor or non-existent imagery. Upon viewing overly optimistic adverts with poorly lit images, mounted sideways, many draw the conclusions that a half-hearted advert warrants an equally half-hearted deal.

    Instagram style images are unnecessary for the job, however basic photo-editing can do wonders for your listing. Shoot with fairly neutral backgrounds with well-aimed lighting, and use settings which aim to create sharp images. Upon mastering the settings, get many pictures. Include any negative aspects, as an honest ad is more likely to reach a fair conclusion.

    1 – Target the Right Market.

    Advertising a Porsche at a Post Office makes little sense. So be sure to target the right people wisely. Browse many carsales classifieds networks to find yourself the ideal online marketing sites. Serious sellers can also opt to revisit owners’ clubs, using strategic links. For example, someone looking to shift a MK5 Volkswagen Golf need not only apply to Golf forums, but to anything related to the VAG stable.

    Using this basic guide, motorists selling their aging motors can achieve the fairest prices, should their dealer’s part exchange deals disappoint.

  • Nissan Unveils 2014 Qashqai and NV200 in UK

    Nissan have lifted their game massively in the past decade with a string of releases that rivaled anything on the market. From 2003, the 350Z, Nissan Leaf and GT-R helped to cement Nissan as serious contenders in the auto world. And their latest two UK releases, the 2014 Qashqai and NV200, very much continue this run of good form.

    2014 Qashqai

    The first generation Qashqai proved to be a big success for Nissan upon release, mixing solid off-road ability with medium hatchback running costs. Nobody – not even Nissan – envisaged the sale of 100,000 Qashqais in their first year of production. Bit in fact the Qashqai went on to sell over twice it’s estimate in the first year, and those sales have not dwindled since. And although it’s taken Nissan over seven years to produce a follow-up, the 2014 Qashqai seems destined to outdo its popular predecessor. Easily the best all-rounder in the range, the 1.5 litre diesel has an outstanding fuel economy of 74.3 mpg and low enough CO2 emissions to qualify for free car tax in the UK, where it was released last month. The Qashqai doesn’t scrimp on performance either, with an acceleration of 62 miles per hour in just under 12 seconds. Not bad at all. Also available in the range are the 1.2 Acenta Premium and the top spec 4WD Qashqai.

    Nissan NV200

    As far as London is concerned its farewell to the Hackney carriage and welcome to the city’s new black cab: the Nissan NV200. Unveiled in the capital at the start of the year, the NV200 boasts a number of advantages over the traditional London cab, namely far lower running costs, easy wheelchair accessibility (which will give Allied Mobility a run for their money) and a much higher level of reliability that the bespoke Hackney carriage. Similar models are now in operation throughout the world – in New, Tokyo and Barcelona – and already proving massively popular. Whether that’ll be enough to convince the cabbies of England’s capital or not is another matter. But with an anticipated 40 mpg and far lower CO2 emissions than it’s predecessor, they may not have much say in the debate.

    Innovation and Commitment to Quality

    With the 2014 Qashqai, Nissan continues it good run of form in the UK with a pair of vehicles that highlight the company’s innovation and commitment to quality. Only time will tell what lies on the horizon for Nissan in 2015.

  • How quickly to find online used Toyota in the UK

    Great Britain is one of the most well known countries for its excellent automotive manufacturing and development. The UK release “luxury” class cars that everyone cannot afford. The UK release not only such iconic cars like Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Mini Cooper, but other less known brands. United Kingdom is the Motherland of companies, which produce not only cars of wide use, but sport class cars. The automotive industry is one of the largest industries and it involves about eight hundred thousand people.

    If you decided to buy a car from the UK, then you can do this in four ways. The first way is to use the services of companies that deal with and overtake the car across Europe. The second is private owners, who also perform this operation. The third method is an independent stage machine. And the lettest one is online buying. Selling cars in the UK is done through showrooms, sites, and parking with private owners maintained cars.

    If you decided for yourself, “I buy car in UK” – then you should remember that the car will make great difficulties. You will have to overcome the limitations of the different countries, and each country has its own laws and documents. If you are looking for a decent car at a reasonable price you should regard the benefits of used cars. Buy such cars in the UK is quite simple.

    This article would like to pay special attention to online buying of used Toyota. There is a vast range of Approved Used Toyota models available for sale. Choice and prices change daily. We would recommend that in the very first instance you should use http://localmachine.co.uk/cars-uk/toyota, select the options you prefer, see which vehicles meet your criteria and budget. On this site you can find any Toyota for sale.

    Online searching is the easiest way to find everything you want. There are many sites on the Web to help you learn search skills. But you needn’t it! The structure of the site is enough convinien for every user. If you decided to buy a car, buy Toyota! It has everythinh everyone need: comfort, safety, speed and respect on the car market.

    But be attentive and careful. There are many online websites in the UK and many Toyotas for sale. Read all information about used cars. For example:

    Toyota Yaris 1.3 VVT-i T3 3dr Hatchback.

    Faults:

    Engine sound increased when idle (have to admit I made a few countryside visits).

    General comments:

    Yaris is very pretty externally and looks as Europeans cars something like Volksvagen Beetle. Despite the small size, access to the interior is quite comfortable. From a security standpoint this vehicle meets the most stringent safety standards for machines of this class.  All vehicles have ABC standard and airbags for driver and front passenger.

    Region: Cheshire, UK

    Price: 3388 £

    Year of release: 2012

    Mileage: 78764 miles

    Date of creation: 14.01.2014

  • 5 cars that will get your heart racing

    To some, cars are just four wheeled apparatuses that get us from A to B in the nick of time. Those people are lying. There’s no denying even the most eco-friendly hippies wouldn’t be impressed by at least one of the cars in this line up. From the most bizarre innovations to the ultra-luxury cruisers of tomorrow, these five vehicles will send your heart into a palpitating spin.

    1964 Aston Martin DB5

    Got a spare $4 million lying around in your garage? Yeah? Me too. For this measly price, you can re-enact that famous image of Sean Connery suavely resting against his Aston Martin with legs crossed wearing nothing but a smouldering gaze. Just ask anyone born before 1960 to name the most famous car in movie-viewing history and chances are that the first car to spring to mind is the 1964 Aston Martin driven by Agent 007, Bond… James Bond. It’s the one vehicle of it’s time that inspired millions of wannabe-bonds to dream of owning this slice of cinematic history.

    1932 Bugatti Royale

    Do you stroll down the cobble stoned streets peering at the young’uns through your monocle while pondering the notion of a carriage that didn’t require you to converse with the common folk? Well, have we got the automobile for you? Exceedingly rare and beautiful, the Bugatti Royale boast the title of the largest car coming in at a whopping 21 feet long and weighing 7,000 pounds. Bugatti had originally planned to build twenty five of the Royales, and ironically enough wished to sell them to royals. However, even those of ample means felt the pinch of the Depression and out of the six he actually made, Bugatti only sold three.

    The Jet Car

    Who would have thought that you’re regular old Honda could be transformed into a futuristic art piece that you can still drive? That’s exactly what steel fabrication and assemblage specialist Jim Robertson did. He welded an angle iron framework to his vehicle and covered that with steel plates and found objects to create a UFO-like creation that has now one multiple awards and has been displayed in the Houston Art Car Museum under the aptly named title, Roswell: The Alien Invasion.

    1969 Boss 429 Mustang

    A list on amazing rides just wouldn’t be completed without the ultimate American muscle car – the 1969 Boss 429 Mustang. If the only reason you want to own one of these bad boys is to pump Mustang Sally at top volume, sorry to disappoint you, the only thing you’ll be hearing is the sound of the freakishly large engine roaring away.

    2005 Bugatti Veyron

    I know, I know, two Bugatti’s made the list? Well if you’re going to be named Car of the Decade by BBC’s car enthusiast program Top Gear, then you can’t not add this sports car. Known for its magnitude speeds and sheer brilliance, Top Gear had this to say about the beast: Nothing prepares you for the shock of the acceleration when you open the throttle and unleash a thousand horses.

    What’s you dream car? Tell us in the comments below.

  • Jaguar Land Rover Is Using a New Data Sharing System for Car Development

    After Jaguar Land Rover was sold in 2008 to Tata Motor, the luxury car manufacturer has focused on revitalizing its business systems to make them more efficient. With this in mind, Jaguar is now planning to use a new data-sharing system to help streamline car development. Over the past couple of years, Jaguar has had to migrate over from the systems used by Ford to one that will be compatible with its new direction.

    Technology Used in Today’s Auto Design

    One of the reasons why it’s important for auto designers to share data easily is due to the complexity of today’s in-car IT systems. Software is now a major part of auto engineering, particularly as new cars are connected to the internet. New models that you see on Carsales often have their own IP address, serving as mobile wireless hotspots. Safety systems also use electronic and computerized elements, and as we move closer to fully autonomous cars it’s important to be able to easily write and share code as part of the design process. For example, a new Range Rover has over 100 million lines of code written into it, which is more than a jumbo jet. Passengers now rely on computerized safety systems and infotainment to access the internet and react to the world as they drive.

    Applications Used in Car Engineering

    There are a number of computer applications or programs used to design new cars. This includes computer-aided design, computer aided manufacturing, and computer aided engineering systems. In many cases, data is stored separately in each of these applications and then accessed as needed. Although they are semi-integrated, allowing information to pass from one application to the next, this one will take integration a step further. Jaguar’s new system will share data to provide a single system providing all the necessary data. The data will reside within each application, but APIs will be provided which allow other applications to access the data when needed.

    The integration will be based on OSCL, or open services for lifecycle collaboration. This provides the set of APIs used to exchange data between different applications. Jaguar Land Rover is also working with Dassault Systems and IBM in order to use their system engineering tactics in the design of luxury automobiles. This will help streamline the flow of information used in designing new cars, so that computer aided engineering processes are automated and shared. This helps engineers see how the products are performing, to make them perform better and verify all information.

    Jaguar’s system is expected to be implemented over the course of the next three years. As technology grows and improves, more manufacturers could use data-sharing devices like this one to help make it easier to keep track of all of the data involved in auto engineering.

  • Mercedes make buying premium a necessity

    For many people materialism is an important part of their lives; from looking their best, owning the largest house and wearing the latest jewellery. It makes a difference to how business people are perceived and can be used to make people feel better about their lifestyle. Competitiveness has been a part of western life for many years and with so much influence put on first impressions and constant advertising it does not look like changing anytime soon.

    This is especially the case with cars with some drivers only caring about getting from A to B; while others want to get there in the biggest, formidable-looking and high performance car possible. That’s why premium car makers spend fortunes designing, updating and modernising models to bring them in line with driver’s expectations. Here are just a few reasons why a premium used Mercedes-Benz for sale remains so popular with motorist wanting more than run-of- the-mill:

    Badge envy

    The motor industry has some quality in-depth, so buying the best really does make a statement. Just look at the refinement that a Skoda now offers; pushing the bar up for Mercedes to justify its price tag. However, the reputation of Mercedes precedes it and the power of the badge should not be underestimated. When you see the large and muscular Mercedes badge adorning the front you know you are in safe hands and anyone seeing it from the outside knows you have paid for the best.

    Coolness of the brand

    Marketing plays a huge role in selling cars and building a brand that pulls drivers in and makes them fans. Mercedes is only second to Aston Martin in the cool brand shortlist coming in just outside the top ten, which is impressive but not surprising. Consider the fact that Janis Joplin did not sing about wanting an Audi, Jaguar or Porsche; she sang about desiring a Mercedes and that still rings true today.

    Exceptional levels of refinement

    When you step inside your car you can no longer see the formidable looks on the outside; that’s for other motorists to admire. This means that you need to know that your money is well spent with the levels of equipment, refinement and luxury inside the cabin. This is where Mercedes excels to the point where being in the back of the car is as exceptional as being in the front and any client, friend or family member is going to be in awe every time they sit in your Mercedes.

  • Review: Ford Focus 2013

    Hitting the roads since 1998, the Ford Focus has become the firm favourite among the everyday driver. While it may not be a heavy, battering ram of a muscle car or a fuel-injected throbbing sportster, it compensates for that in terms of pure practicality, making it ideal for the driver wanting to get from A to B with ease.

    And, with the 2013 range, the new Ford Focus has maintained its top spot as one of the finest medium-sized family cars on the market, combining a host of new features along with its usual comfortable riding experience.

    The range, as ever, has an impressive array of engine choices, all incorporated with Ford’s signature Ecoboost technology, which improves fuel economy by 20 per cent, along with markedly better torque and horsepower. While it’s no high-speed sports car, even the lowest powered engine in the range can make it from 0-62mph in well under 13 seconds.

    But, a discussion on the engine is almost beside the point – no one has ever purchased a Ford Focus expecting a rollicking speed ride. The car has always prided itself most in terms of comfort, and with the 2013 models you can have all comfort you need, with smooth handling and an array of new features.

    The improved selection of driver assist features are especially impressive, with adaptive cruise control, lane-change assist, electrically aided steering and traffic sign recognition all coalescing to make for an easier drive. It’s also a cruiser with an outstanding level of noise suppression and DAB and Bluetooth as standard, essentially future proofing it for at least the next few years.

    Added to this is a somewhat improved dashboard and centre console which, while not quite leaping forwards to a touchscreen, has an improved graphic quality and slightly less finicky controls to create a more helpful user interface.

    One slightly baffling change is the new lack of a three door option in the 2013 model. Although it’s not the end of the world – the car, after all, still maintains its appealing ergonomic design no matter how many doors are on it – it could strike the user as a curious alteration in a vehicle known for its wide range of options.

    Essentially, the Ford Focus still works on the same level; a reasonably priced car that offers a smooth drive and a host of features.

    While the range was never going to set the world alight for an adrenaline-fuelled petrol head, that was never really the point. If you’re searching for the vehicular equivalent of a flaming Sambuca, then you should look elsewhere. The Ford Fiesta 2013 is, instead, for the individual after more of a fine wine – refined, stately and with a smooth taste for the discerning driver.

  • State-of-the-Art Technology in the New Vauxhall Insignia

    Powerful and stylish, the brand-new Vauxhall Insignia has improved several of the best features present in some of the most modern cars in order to offer the driver some of the most satisfying driving sensations he will be able to experience. Extremely comfortable and designed with real people in mind, the New Insignia presents a great performance, the latest technology and a wide range of models to choose from. Whether you are looking for a new car to replace you old one, or to use daily, the New Vauxhall Insignia is one of the best options on the market.

    Equipped with the latest technological tools and features, the New Insignia includes extremely advanced systems that will help the pilot drive and handle with ease every aspect of the car. For instance, the Human Machine Interface and Infotainment Systems are able to present the information the driver needs when he needs it. All kinds of information, from the satellite navigation to the music or radio application menus, are accessible by using either voice commands or the integrated touch screen.

    The Intellilink System, another of the brand-new Vauxhall Insignia technological features, allows any smartphone and every other technological device to be connected to the car. The driver is also able to stream audio or video via those devices just by using Bluetooth signals. Making use of the 8-inch touch-screen and touch-pad control, the driver has the option of downloading any of the multiple applications available and compatible with the system. It is possible to listen to the most popular music radio stations, learn about the traffic conditions, listen to an audio book, or even listen to the latest news.

    Adaptive Forward Lighting, on the other hand, is a headlight system designed to drive in real-life conditions. This technology allows the car to automatically move the bi-xenon headlights while also adjusting its luminosity and position according to the different weather or climate conditions. Adaptive Forward Lighting is a great solution to enhance the visibility on the road at night, making driving in difficult conditions much safer.

    Another technological feature of the Vauxhall Insignia is the Advanced Park Pilot, a mechanism that will allow the driver to detect and be guided into an existing parking space. Whether the driver wants to park in small spaces or in his own garage, Advanced Park Pilot allows him to save time and effort, detecting even the smallest obstacle to ensure a very smooth parking.

    If you are looking to learn some more regarding the New Vauxhall Insignia, or would like to find out more about the equipment, the different available models, or the technology behind the car, click here for all the information about Vauxhall’s New Insignia

  • Wrangler, Avenger and Grand Caravan production is being prolonged for a couple of years.

    As stated in the recent The Detroit News report, Chrysler has extended the production lives of Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Avenger and Dodge Caravan, which goes slightly out of sync with what was announced earlier in Chrysler’s product plan.

    Quoting reliable sources, the newspapers says the Wrangler will continue through 2018 the way it is now, the Grand Caravan got a two-year extension up to 2017 and the current Avenger is likely to last through 2015, which means we’ll have an opportunity to get this sedan a year longer then expected previously.

    Gualberto Ranieri, Crysler spokesman, rejected to give any comments on this statement, though.

    Assuming that everything afore-mentioned is an absolute truth, we might think that the automaker along with Fiat S.p.A., its corporate parent, are doing their best to preserve cash in the teeth of European financial pressure and the on-going purchase of the rest of Chrysler share by Fiat.

    Avenger was said to end up later this year or at the beginning of 2014. The main cause of such a rush was Chrysler’s intention to speed up the production of its successor, the next generation of sedan, Chrysler 200. The last one, as it was announced by chief executive officer Sergio Marchionne, will be shown in a 6-months term, allegedly in January of the upcoming year. Since then, the Sterling Heights plant will be forced to produce both Avenger and redesigned Chrysler 200.

    Marchionne’s tactics mainly consists in cutting down on the production of resembling vehicles which permanently compete with each other in showrooms. From now on one of the biggest American automobile manufacturers will only launch one minivan production, for example, instead of having a couple of them at a time. Chrysler Group LLC is currently getting prepared for its future minivan production program. The name of the one to survive remains unrevealed, despite being an actively discussed thing during the last year.

    Popular Jeep Wrangler will experience scheduled well in advance makeover in 2016, providing the Toledo plant with a time to raise its productive capacity. The new Wrangler will get a new diesel engine, which would be an alternative option for those who prefer diesel over gas. The sad news is that we aren’t going to meet a pickup version of wrangler unless the company finds some additional productive capacity. Apparently, we’ll have to postpone browsing through autoclassifieds in search of new Wranglers till the things go better.

  • The winning formula of the BMW 5 Series

    The winning formula of the BMW 5 Series

    The BMW 5 Series is one of the German brand’s strongest and longest running sales successes, with numerous models sold over several decades to both the private and the fleet markets. At the top of the 5 Series tree sits the mighty M5, but there is plenty to enjoy in the 5 Series range all the way up to their fast and furious M5 halo car, with particular focus these days on powerful yet efficient turbo diesel powered models designed to attract company car users. And attract they do, like these 5 Series cars from Listers.

    In the more recent years of BMW sales, the firm has rightly concentrated to a large part on designing, developing and building 5 Series models that they can proactively sell to the fleet market. The fleet market for cars is critical to any mass market manufacturer as when economic times are tough and private consumers are keeping their cash tucked away in the banks, it’s fleet sales that can help keep a company nice and buoyant. Sure, even fleet sales will suffer when the economy is struggling, but much less so than private sales. So, the big manufacturers need a good range of fleet satisfying models and BMW’s 5 Series is one model that has seriously satisfied fleet drivers and fleet managers over the years.

    The fleet manager’s budget and the CO2 emissions of their potential fleet cars – the higher the emissions the higher that tax demand will be – will determine which cars the staff end up driving, but thanks to BMW’s engineering prowess, budgets can now stretch further. Even a relatively big car like the 5 Series can be enjoyed by more fleet drivers because the manufacturer has worked very hard in recent years on driving down the emissions of their cars; big and small.

    The 5 Series model, the 520d, is a good example – it’s a big car, with a small appetite for fuel. Up until just a few years ago, a big car like the 5 Series would’ve needed a fairly large and fairly thirsty engine to haul it along, and that would make it a high tax polluter. But, with BMW’s recent work on smaller, high output engines, like their now famous 2-litre turbo diesel motors, big cars can now be successfully and enjoyably powered by these smaller, lower emitting engines. And that’s great for fleet drivers who can now enjoy a large and comfortable car like the 5 Series, without having to part with a similarly large, but far less comfortable, company car tax payment every month.

    This is one of the main reasons for the strength and success of BMW 5 Series sales; frugal yet powerful diesel engines with lower emissions taxation, but still fast enough for fun when the working day is done. Couple these modern, tax-friendly engines to a sublime rear-wheel drive chassis, fast and direct steering and comfortable yet sporty feeling steering, and you’re starting to get a pretty impressive recipe for sales success. All the 5 Series needs now is a brand badge to be proud of, a large and comfortable and well specified interior space, and some of the most understatedly stunning styling of any executive cruiser on the market today. With all of this, it’s soon pretty obvious as to why the BMW 5 Series continues to sell and sell, year after year.