Paul Barker, Chris Lloyd and Hugh Hunston report on the business car highlights at this year’s Frankfurt motor show.
Volkswagen Tiguan
A new version of VW’s immensely popular but ageing compact off-roader.
Why is it interesting?
The dated Tiguan is set to be replaced with a much sharper looking, more spacious and more economical model based on the underpinnings of the current Golf.
The new Tiguan sheds more than 50kg, which should help slash emissions, boost performance and improve roadholding. Boot space jumps substantially too. The engine line-up will range from 115hp to 240hp, and claimed economy increases by up to 24%.
When is it on sale?
Winter 2015.
Any other business?
This new model could also become available in 218hp GTE plug-in hybrid form, already seen in the Passat and Golf.
Renault Megane
The core lower medium hatchback from a resurgent brand.
Why is it interesting?
As well as a CO2 low of 86g/km, Renault is claiming a number of segment firsts, including colour head-up display and four-wheel steering. Higher-spec models will also get a portrait tablet-style 8.7-inch touchscreen system.
When is it on sale?
Mid-2016.
Any other business?
A Sport Tourer estate model will follow in autumn 2016, but the three-door coupe won’t be replaced. Renault is also planning to add a diesel-electric hybrid model in 2017.
Kia Sportage
Kia’s fourth-gen Sportage moves further upscale in terms of more assertive styling and a classier interior to consolidate a take-up of higher-specced models among a predominantly user-chooser clientele.
Why is it interesting?
The outgoing car was pivotal in establishing the Korean brand in the contract hire, leasing and user-chooser territories. Apart from the body styling and cabin enhancements, the revised 1.7-litre diesel powertrain and lower weight combine to cut CO2 figures from above 130g/km to 117g/km.
When is it on sale?
February 1, next year.
Any other business?
The current Sportage boasts a 60% core fleet sales factor. Kia expects volumes to rise by 10%. Management is confident that improved cost-effectiveness, bolder styling and interior upgrades can sustain the claimed defection down to the Sportage from premium brands.
Mini Clubman
Mini moves the Clubman up from the supermini to lower medium sector with a six-door (including the split rear-hatch openings) hatchback-cum estate.
Why is it interesting?
It abandons the quirky asymmetric two-plus-one side-door format and grows to 4.25m in length while also being wider and offering 360 litres of boot space. Mini has significant user-chooser business car ambitions for the Clubman, which shares its underpinnings with BMW’s new X1 and 2-series Active GT. Options include foot-waving hatchback door opening.
When is it on sale?
October 31.
Any other business?
Mini’s premium positioning means no One entry model, just Cooper D and Cooper SD derivatives, plus a 1.5-litre 136hp turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine.
Nissan Navara
Nissan is attempting to regain a footing in the pick-up market ahead of some big new arrivals over the next few years.
Why is it interesting?
The firm is claiming to have resolved the criticisms of the previous Navara, and is putting its name to class-leading efficiency, while both payload and towing capacity are up with the best in the market. Nissan is also seeking to link the Navara more with its crossover vehicles in terms of tech and interior quality.
When is it on sale?
Early 2016.
Any other business?
A double-cab and king cab are both confirmed, but despite being available in other markets a single cab variant is unlikely for Europe because they only account for around 5% of the sector.
Jaguar F-Pace
The latest instalment in Jaguar’s attempt to tap into the fleet market – an off-roader stuffed with Land Rover all-terrain expertise.
Why is it interesting?
Jaguar’s first off-roader promises emissions as low as 129g/km and prices from £34,170. Meanwhile, the F-Pace’s high ride height and the option of four-wheel drive – and alloy wheels as large as a mammoth 22 inches – should appeal to drivers after a striking 4×4, with the 10.2-inch media system with wi-fi hotspot, spacious cabin and large 650-litre boot ticking the practicality boxes.
When is it on sale?
Spring/summer 2016.
Any other business?
Models vary from economical 2.0-litre diesels to rapid 3.0-litre petrol and diesel versions.
Infiniti Q30
This is the car that could establish Infiniti as a key fleet player in the UK market: an upmarket BMW 1-series and Audi A3-rivalling hatchback that shares some of its underpinnings with the Mercedes A-class.
Why is it interesting?
The Q30 is a sharply styled departure from the large, typically high-emission models that have come from the Japanese brand, measuring in at a similar size to the VW Golf and offering economical engine options including a frugal 1.5-litre diesel motor that should be capable of just over 70mpg.
Prices starting at less than £20,000 and provisional emissions figures as low as 103g/km mean that the Q30 should put Infiniti very much on the radar of fleet managers and company car drivers alike.
When is it on sale?
Winter 2015.
Any other business?
The Q30 is set to spawn a jacked-up QX30 crossover in the near future.
Mercedes C-class Coupe
The coupe version of Mercedes’ C-class saloon, which exchanges four doors for added style, taking a leaf out of the sleek S-class Coupe’s book.
Why is it interesting?
The latest C-class Coupe boasts chic lines and the prospect of economy improved by up to 27%. Engines at launch are set to include petrol motors varying from a 156hp 1.6-litre unit to a fire-breathing 510hp 4.0-litre AMG model.
Of more interest to fleets, however, are the diesels, which will initially come in 170hp and 204hp form. With lower suspension than the saloon, this model should also offer sharper handling.
When is it on sale?
December 2015.
Any other business?
Use of lightweight aluminium and a sleek aerodynamic rating should make the new two-door C-class more affordable to run as a company car.
Kia Optima
Third-generation attempt at expanding Kia’s presence in a shrinking mainstream upper medium sector with sharper, more European styling and more efficient diesel engineering.
Why is it interesting?
Only the reworked 136hp 1.7-litre diesel is on offer, bringing CO2 down to 110g/km. High standard specification includes a larger-screen satnav/infotainment system.
When is it on sale?
At the turn of the year.
Any other business?
Kia has wisely had modest ambitions for the Optima to avoid destroying RVs, but the new model should boost sales from 1000 to 4000 units annually, with an 80% fleet element. As estate car variant comes next summer, with a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid arriving during 2016.
Toyota Prius
The fourth generation of Toyota’s petrol-hybrid model, complete with a new hybrid powertrain.
Why is it interesting?
Although the company is refusing to release any efficiency or performance figures until at least next month, it has claimed an 18% reduction in CO2 emissions, which will take the new model below the 75g/km threshold for company car tax and London congestion charging. The new hybrid system is, according to the company, more compact, lighter and less expensive than the previous one.
When is it on sale?
March 2016.
Any other business?
The new car is 60mm longer, 15mm wider and 20mm lower than the current model, but retains the same wheelbase.
