Direct car finance uk

With a solid reputation for high standards of motoring, Nissan has established a strong footing within the fleet market. Key to its success has been its range of superior cars that feature avant-garde design, advanced technology and the company's efficient range of dCi common rail diesel units to cater for every aspect of the driver's needs.

To prove just how fleet-friendly the vehicles are, we took five fleet managers and gave them each a Nissan vehicle to test and then we asked for their comments. The results will be published over the next five months as the cars are put through the gruelling requirements of everyday fleet life.

The first of our five vehicles is the Micra which, while in the small car sector, is far from being tiny and this model has been despatched to North London, the home of Barnet Primary Care Trust. Launched late last year, the 82PS 1.5 dCi common-rail diesel unit is based on the 65PS unit. It features an intercooler to provide its extra power which also endows it with 185Nm of torque. This means it will perform on motorways and dual carriageways as well as local roads.

The testers at Barnet Primary Care Trust will also be p eased to know that the intercooler improves its running costs--combined consumption is 62.3mpg while C[O.sub.2] figures are 119g/km, which places it in the 18% BiK bracket and the AA band for VED.

We at Company Car also think that the testers will be surprised at how spacious the Micra feels inside--its rear sliding seat with 60:40 split should also help when it comes to carrying around equipment.

At the other end of the spectrum, HSBC Vehicle Finance--one of the UK's largest contract hire companies--will be testing out the mighty X-TRAIL SUV in its 2.5 petrol SVE guise. A popular choice among user choosers, the X-TRAIL offers a combination of stylish looks, performance and offroading capabilities. Nissan's core values of quality and reliability have also helped push sales to among the fastest in the compact 4x4 market.

These values are sure to be appreciated by Associated Newspapers, which will also be testing the X-TRAIL, but this model will be endowed with Nissan's advanced 2.2 dCi 136 diesel engine. This common-rail direct-injection technology offers environmental benefits in the form of reduced fuel consumption and lower C[O.sub.2] emissions. Of course, this in turn leads to 4cost savings for the company car driver, both in fuel and in BiK taxation.

This same engine will also be on test in the Primera. First launched back in 2002, Nissan's upper medium player has shaken up the company car market due to its unconventional styling and advanced driver-friendly technology including the rear view camera which maximises overall driving awareness and Birdview[TM] DVD satellite navigation system.

With a four-star Euro NCAP front and side impact rating, the Primera has proven credentials for safety. A new version, launched at the Birmingham Motor Show, adds to this with a number of changes including more comfortable ride, sharper handling and a new Traffic Management Channel to help drivers avoid traffic congestion.

We think all these drivers are onto a winner and will be keen to report their reactions over the next five months. Keep reading Company Car for updates of how they get on.

The man from Nissan

David Murfitt Nissan Fleet Sales Director

'Nissan has a lot to offer today's company car driver with our fresh, new line-up of vehicles, advanced range of engines and enhanced driveability.

On top of this, the brand's reputation for reliability and safety as well as improved running costs means we have benefits to offer not only the company car driver but also to the fleet manager too.

Nissan's continually improving range of vehicles combine striking design features with unique technology to present fleets with innovative, well-conceived alternatives to ordinary run-of-the-mill fleet vehicles.

Our policy of equipping models with higher specification than our rivals means that drivers win on all counts.

I am pleased that, with the help of Company Car magazine we can offer the opportunity for these fleet drivers to test our vehicles. I think those choosing the dCi technology will find that it is designed to offer performance, refinement and driving pleasure to rival that of a petrol engine model.

Regardless of which model these drivers test, I'm highly confident that they will all find the vehicles comfortable to drive, economical for running costs yet with plenty of performance to make light of the miles that today's fleets have to cover.'

The independent testing panel

Driver: Phillip Hunt Car: X-TRAIL 2.2 dCi 136 SVE

Associated Newspaper

Based in Kensington, Phillip is the Car Fleet Manager for this management company for five major newspapers with responsibility for over 600 vehicles. Normally behind the wheel of a Honda Accord Executive, he rates comfort most important when it comes to cars and will be testing the X-TRAIL.

Driver: Various Car: Micra 1.5 dCi SX

Barnet Primary Care Trust

A number of nurses from this death care trust will be testing the Micra as they cover their respective territories. The nurses, who normally lease cars such as the 206 and Fiesta, will be testing for economy and loadspace--both vital to their everyday duties. Transport Supervisor John Levy will also report back.

Driver: Marita Johnson Car: Primera 2.0 SVE

English Nature

This Government-funded body promotes the conservation of England's wildlife and natural features, and runs a fleet of 293 vehicles, managed by Marita. First and foremost, she looks for safety but comfort and spaciousness are also important--especially as she can cover as much as 300 miles a day.

Driver: Roger Hayward Car: Primera 2.2 dCi 138 SVE Estate

Fleetcraft

This road safety organisation offers driver training and fleet risk reduction solutions for which Roger is a senior instructor. As such, safety is a prime requirement when it comes to it choosing a car, particularly as he covers 50,000 miles a year, and he will be checking out the Primera for safety.

Driver: Steve Deeks Car: X-TRAIL 2.5 SVE

HSBC Vehicle Finance

An events consultant for HSBC Vehicle Finance, Steve is used to sitting behind the wheel of car--he's spent 15 years racing in various championships. He now tests vehicles on a regular basis for HSBC and looks for quality, style, handling test vehicles on a regular basis and functionality in a vehicle.