FANS of the luxury SUV sector have been keeping a keen eye on the Austrian Alps and not just those wanting to try out the ski slopes.

Bentley chose the rugged terrain as the showcase for its latest tilt at Range Rover, the new Bentayga.

The appearance of the new car marks its official entry into the European markets.

Carefully stage-managed, the Bentayga’s first alpine outing coincided with the famous ski-race in Kitzbühel; Bentley opting to show off the luxury SUV at the foot of the ‘Streif’ ski run.

Bentley’s marketers claim the new Bentayga is the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world – and a vehicle that will continue the Bentley success story in Europe during 2016.

Bentley hopes the Bentayga will now reinforce the brand name in this competitive market.

Speaking at the car’s public debut in Kitzbühel, Robert Engstler, Regional Director Bentley Europe, said: “We had a very strong year 2015 with Bentley growing our sales by 10% in Europe to a total of 1,695. We were able to commit significantly to the success of our company and engage our customers with Bentley vehicles.”

In 2015, Bentley succeeded in achieving a market-leading position in the luxury segment in countries such as Austria and Russia. In the same period, it opted to enter new markets such as Morocco.

Throughout, an important pillar of this success was the consistent development and extension of the brand’s retailer network. A total of 10 new locations have been opened, with new outlets in Casablanca, Dresden and Zug.

In addition, Bentley and its retail partners invested heavily and implemented the new Bentley corporate identity in numerous newly-styled, luxury showrooms.

Commenting on 2016, Engstler added: “We are on course for further growth in 2016, without compromising our exclusivity. In doing so, we will enhance our current retail network across Europe and enlarge our market presence by opening new locations. The all-new Bentayga will play an important role in our growth strategy.”

However, if you want one then you will have to be patient because despite a starting price of a shade over £160,000, the entire first-year production run is reserved. Even those laying down deposits last year, may have to wait until 2017 for delivery.

Oh well, there’s always the Defender – isn’t there?

Jaguar XE named best car for SME directors

ANOTHER day, another award for Jaguar’s impressive XE. This time the West Midlands-produced saloon has been named Best SME Company Car at the Business Car Manager SME Company Car of the Year Awards 2016.

Supported by Fleet Alliance, an award-winning supplier of company car leasing to SMEs, The SME Company Car of the Year identifies the best cars, and the best company car programmes available for the SME business sector.

The judging panel were impressed by the XE’s focus on driving down cost of ownership and company car taxation while still retaining sporty looks and a 71.7mpg combined fuel economy plus CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km.

The Jaguar XE 2.0d R-Sport 163PS model was also judged the Best Large SME Company Car.

Chair of the judging panel, Paul Hollick, chairman of the Institute of Car Fleet Management and commercial director of The Miles Consultancy, said: “The panel were impressed by the new XE’s focus on low CO2 and fuel consumption figures, combined with sporty looks. Despite the low running costs and tax bills, this XE is a proper Jaguar with an equally high level of driver satisfaction and real company car appeal. The Jaguar XE is a genuine match for the best driving compact executive rivals.”

The independent judging panel also recognised the XE’s bigger sibling with the Jaguar XF being voted the and Best Director’s SME Company Car.

The 2.0-litre R-Sport 180PS Auto XF version XF has impressive fuel efficiency (65.7mpg) with 114g/km CO2 emissions and a company car tax of as little as £1,472 per year. Despite the improvements to the CO2 and fuel consumption figures, the XF 2.0d R-Sport auto, the judges said the car still had all the performance one would expect of a Jaguar.

Hollick added: “The XF wins, great price, good design and desirable. And it’s not just the efficient engine and high levels of standard kit that impresses. The new XF is a match for the BMW 5-Series with its keen drive, communicative steering and sharp handling, which all adds up to explaining why the new XF is our top Director’s SME Company Car choice.”

Ralph Morton, editorial director of Business Car Manager, said: “It’s critical that small businesses and SME firms running company cars get the expert help that they require. These awards highlight the best cars as well as company car and support programmes to make life easier for the SME director charged with looking after the company car programme.”

Some small success for MINI

BUT Jaguar didn’t have it all its own way. There was scant consolation for BMW with the MINI five-door Hatch named as the awards’ Best Compact SME Company Car.
 
Judged against its competitors, the panel said the five-door Cooper D Hatch was top for its low CO2 emissions of just 95 g/km, which helped translate into low running costs and high residual values for business drivers.
 
Ralph Morton said: “Not only does the MINI have emotional appeal by the bucketload, but it now has the practicality to make it count in business terms. But it’s not just the practicality that counts – it’s the running cost numbers behind it.
 
“For the company car driver, there’s all the benefits of driving a MINI, but none of the financial burden with company car tax from under £50 a month. So the MINI five-door Hatch proves a winner on all levels.”
 
Introduced to the market in September 2014, the MINI five-door Hatch is intended to symbolise the brand’s renewed focus on attracting corporate customers. Sporting two extra rear doors, the five-door also has improved legroom, a third rear seat and a larger boot for improved practicality.
 
James Morrison, Corporate Development Manager at MINI UK said: “We are extremely pleased to be taking home the award for Best Compact SME Company Car.
 
“MINI Cooper D five-door Hatch is a great family car and a practical offering for business customers. We have seen the five-door Hatch grow in popularity since its launch, particularly within the all-important corporate and fleet market.”

Other winners in the Business Car Manager SME Company Car of the Year Awards were:
•    Best Value SME Company Car: Mercedes C 350e PHEV Sport Auto Saloon
•    Best Large SME Company Car: Jaguar XE 2.0d R-Sport 163PS
•    Best Director’s SME Company Car: Jaguar XF 2.0d R-Sport 180PS Auto
•    Best Green SME Company Car: Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
•    Best SME Company Car Programme: BMW Business Partnership
•    Best SME After Sales Programme: Hyundai
•    Special recognition award – Volvo’s SME Co-Pilot programme

The SME Company Car of the Year Awards panel of experts comprised:
•    Paul Hollick, commercial director of The Miles Consultancy (TMC), and chairman of the Institute of Car Fleet Management (ICFM) – chair of the judges.
•    Martin Brown, managing director, Fleet Alliance
•    Steve Cocks, director broker division, Lex Autolease
•    Andy Brown, managing director, CD Auction Group
•    Colin Tourick, Grant Thornton professor of automotive management, University of Buckingham
•    Jonathan Burn, deputy news editor, Auto Express
•    Jim McNally, head of asset risk, Alphabet
•    Robert Wastell, divisional managing director, Hitachi Capital Car Solutions