Deciding how to finance your car is an important decision which many of us are increasingly making. According to the Finance & Leasing Association, 8 out of 10 new cars were purchased on finance in 2015.

But how much do you know about it?

This guide will show you three of the most popular finance plans – Hire Purchase (HP), Personal Contract Hire (PCH) and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) – to help you decide which is right for you.

Personal Contract Hire (PCH)

Personal Contract Hire (PCH) is a type of long-term rental that will suit you if you’re not looking to buy the car at the end of your contract. You lease the car for an agreed period of time by making fixed monthly payments. When the contract expires, you simply return your car or take out a new contract on a new vehicle.

Pros

• It’s hassle free, as you can drive away a new car without worrying about the warranty running out, or how you'll re-sell it.
• Your monthly payments on the car will be much lower than if you were buying it.
• It's flexible - you can change your car easily, and you will have access to new cars that you may not have been able to afford to buy.

Things to bear in mind

• There’s no option to buy the car at the end.
• You will need to agree an approximate mileage estimate at the beginning of your contract - there may be a mileage charge if you exceed this.
• You’ll have to take out comprehensive car insurance - it's not included in your contract.

Which finance option is best for me?

It depends what you're looking for. If you're someone who likes to change their car every three years, and you're looking for low monthly payments then a PCP or PCH deal might suit you.

If you want to own your car at the end of your monthly payments without paying a final lump sum, then a Hire Purchase deal offers this.

If you're unsure about whether or not you're likely to be accepted for car finance, take a look at our eligibility guide for more information.

With the introduction of electric and hybrid cars, the automotive industry is undergoing a transformation. Concerns such as extreme air pollution and over usage of petrol and gas are being tackled using increasingly advanced technologies.

The Autumn Statement 2016 also promises government support for drivers of ultra-low emission vehicles. They’ve pledged to invest £390 million in the installation of new electric-vehicle charging points, fully deductible from company profits.

However, for some drivers, the thought of electric cars is still a strange one, and the biggest concern is where to charge an electric vehicle. However, in Scotland, the use of charging points for electric vehicles has doubled since last year.

What is a charging point?

The charging point is a dedicated place where you can charge your electric vehicles. There are four main types of charges – slow (up to 3kW), which charge the car for 6-8 hours; fast (7-22kW), which take 3-4 hours; Rapid AC and Rapid DC (43-50kW), which take about half an hour. Generally, the speed of charge will depend on how much the vehicle can handle. According to Zap Map, in the UK there are about 2162 rapid connectors. When they’re all counted together, Britain has a total of 11873 connectors in 4235 locations.

A slow charger is the most basic one and as it takes quite a bit of time, it’s usually recommended that you charge the car overnight. It’s not the best option if you need a quick top-up on the motorway; however, it works well in your house.

The fast charger operates at up to 7kW and can charge your vehicle in 3–4 hours on average. The connectors vary, but they are generally Type 2. The rapid charger is best suited for cars such as the Tesla S and Kia Soul EV, which utilise advanced battery technologies and can handle the speed of the charge. However, unless you are driving a Tesla, you won’t be able to use the Tesla Supercharger Stations, as the plug is manufacturer-specific.

Arnold Clark has been awarded December Employer of the Month by Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow, a youth employment strategy group. This award recognises the company’s investment in the next generation of workers and strong track record of employing young people.

In the last year, Arnold Clark has been helping young people learn more about the automotive industry, placing 238 people in work experience positions. In addition, 267 apprentice vacancies have been filled, helping young people gain the experience in order to build a long-term career within the industry.

Arnold Clark has a longstanding commitment to working with young people and since 2008 have been the lead supporter of the Prince’s Trust Achieve programme. Through this scheme, participants can learn about the recruitment process with CV workshops and mock interviews, as well as finding out more about a career in the automotive industry.

Suzanne Sherry, Arnold Clark Apprenticeship Recruitment Manager said: 'We are very proud to have been awarded Employer of the Month by DYW Glasgow. It’s a great honour to be recognised for the work that we do. Young people are a fantastic asset to our company and we are committed to giving them learning opportunities and career prospects that reflect this. We work closely with many organisations – including the Prince’s Trust – to ensure our education programmes are engaging and will equip young participants with skills that they can take forward with them through life and into any job’.

Alison McRae, Senior Director of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce commented, ‘We are delighted to announce that Arnold Clark is our Developing Young Workforce Glasgow Employer of the Month. It is great to see a local company nurturing and supporting the talent of young people and the accolade is well deserved.’

Arnold Clark’s apprenticeship credentials were recently highlighted as Toyota technician David McBride recently won Business Apprentice of the Year.

In January 2017, two editions of the all-new Citroën C3 will be making a splash in showrooms, but now is the time to order one for yourself.

All through the month of December, when you place your order on the all-new Citroën C3 Feel, you’ll qualify for a free style pack upgrade.

That means we’ll add the finishing touches to your new car for no extra charge: front fog lights and those distinctive Airbumps – ingenious air capsules under a soft skin that will help protect your doors from bumps and scrapes.

Or maybe you want a better view in 2017? If you place an order for the Citroën C3 Flair in December, we’ll upgrade it with a fantastic panoramic roof for no extra charge.

When can I drive one?

Our Arnold Clark Citroën branches have been counting down the days and expect to have the new C3s in showrooms as soon they’re launched in January.

We would love to get you behind the wheel and experience this exhilarating new car for yourself by taking a test drive at your local Arnold Clark Citroën branch.

Interested? Let us keep you up to date on how you can be one of the first to own this exciting new supermini.

After an exciting month of brilliant entries and frantic voting in our Gear Up for Sport Skills Challenge competition, we welcomed winners Jazzle Dazzle to our Hillington head office to collect their £2000 grand prize.

The team submitted an impressive video of the mini cheerleading squad performing a routine to ‘I Want Candy’, gaining a fantastic 1527 votes.

The winning video

Jazzle Dazzle is a dance school based in various locations across Renfrew. It offers competitive classes in cheer-pom, cheer, hip-hop and jazz for various ages.

When they’re not training for competitions, practicing for their annual display or spreading the cheer at gala days, the squad are fundraising hard for the Future Cheer Brings It On event in Paris next year.

The competition will see cheer teams from all over Europe compete at the famous Disneyland Paris resort in front of an international crowd. If their fundraising target is met, it looks set to be a fantastic trip for the Jazzle Dazzle dancers.

Managing Director Eddie Hawthorne said:

‘I’m delighted to present Jazzle Dazzle with their £2000 grand prize and would like to congratulate them on their fantastic skills challenge submission video. Our Gear Up For Sport initiative enjoyed another hugely successful year and we’re really proud to have supported over 100 grassroots sport teams.'

Jackie Bryceland, head coach at Jazzle Dazzle said:

‘We’re so overwhelmed and speechless! We can't thank everyone enough for showing their support in the competition – liking and sharing our video and encouraging others to do the same. This prize will help us take our students to compete in Disneyland Paris - an opportunity of a lifetime.’

Sports Utility Vehicles were once a rare sight on UK roads, but with their blend of style and practicality, it’s easy to see why they’ve become so popular. If you don’t think an SUV is right for you – think again. There are plenty of reasons to fall in love. Here are just a few.

Get a better view

Some vehicles just have that little something extra that makes you feel special. With the elevated driving position of the SUV, you’ll always feel like you’re ruling the road.

Practicality

Life may change when you have a family, but that doesn’t mean you have to drive a boring vehicle. With an SUV you get loads of boot space, great equipment, plenty of legroom and style to match. There are so many options for every family.

Space and comfort

Feeling a little bit cramped in your current car? Many SUVs offer enhanced comfort and the latest tech so that you can feel at home wherever you go.

They can handle anything

If you want a vehicle that’s perfect for everyday use and can also cope with extreme conditions, an SUV is the way to go. Perhaps you’re not planning to drive up a mountain– but it’s always good to know that you could if you wanted to.

Safety

With their size and high cabins, you’ll feel safe driving an SUV, and they have added safety features to match. Be sure to look out for a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating along with excellent equipment like autonomous breaking, airbags and tyre pressure monitoring.

There’s an SUV for everyone

With the rising popularity of the SUV, all the big manufacturers are creating their own versions. That means you have the choice between a luxury vehicle and an entry-level model, with the same great spec at a bargain price.

With so many family cars on the market, you might find it tricky to decide which one would suit you best. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the key factors you should look out for when buying a family car.

Size

Size matters, but although you might find an SUV appealing, there are plenty of other cars that are capable of successfully transporting you and your clan.

You might not think to look at them, but today’s superminis have a surprising amount of interior and boot space, so it pays to shop around.

Safety

This is a top priority for families, so make sure you check Euro NCAP ratings before buying. Safety is now also being tackled by many manufacturers through clever onboard driver assistance features, like hill start assist, pedestrian detection and 24-hour access to an operator in the event of an accident.

Practicality

It’s a fact of life – the baby seat needs to be fitted and powerful torque is less important than boot space. But you don’t have to give up on style and performance. Cars like the Peugeot 308 tick all the boxes for safe, family-friendly travel while still being fun to drive. Or wow them at the school gates with a Citroën Cactus– a distinctive crossover with plenty of room in the back.

Running costs

Families are expensive, so it’s important to keep fuel costs down. Reliably built favourites like the Volkswagen Golf are great for smaller families, and are cheaper to run.

Crossovers are also a great option. Combining the space and elevated height of an SUV with the fuel-efficient engine of a compact car, vehicles such as the Vauxhall Mokka X and the Kia Niro are fast becoming family favourites.

Child-friendly features

In recent years, Isofix points, intelligent storage and ergonomic seating have become standard. Look out for cars with Apple CarPlay and Android connectivity and 12v sockets – and you’ll never hear the words ‘are we there yet?’ again.

The Arnold Clark Real Sale has now begun, offering customers the chance to make huge savings and get that #NewCarFeeling.

It only happens once a year

The Real Sale only happens once a year, giving customers the opportunity to save on over 18,000 used cars from any of the 200 Arnold Clark branches.

Last year, our customers saved over £12 million, with the biggest saving being £4,806. And this year, we expect the sale to be bigger and better than ever before.

‘Real savings on the UK’s biggest range of used cars’

Sir Arnold Clark, Chairman and Chief Executive, said:

‘We are very excited to be able to launch the Real Sale before Christmas, giving customers the best opportunity to enjoy the savings on offer. Each year we offer real savings on the UK’s biggest range of used cars to customers throughout the country. Last year the total customer savings were over £12 million and we hope to exceed that figure dramatically this year.’

Enjoy huge savings on:

• Small cars (city car/supermini)
• Medium cars (family/hatchback)
• Large cars (executive/luxury)
• MPV cars (utility/4x4)

_{Terms and conditions: The #NewCarFeeling competition is not open to any employees of Arnold Clark or its subsidiaries or agencies. Competition ends on 10/02/2017. Winner(s) will be announced via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram (wherever the entry was posted) on each Friday of the Real Sale following 30/12/16. Prizes are non-transferable. There is no cash alternative. By taking part in the competition you agree to your name and photograph being used in promotional material both online and offline. In the event of a prizewinner not replying to a prize notification within 28 days Arnold Clark reserves the right to disqualify the prizewinner. The promotion is not endorsed by Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.}

We recently celebrated the achievements of over 150 trainees at a special end-of-year graduation event. The event was held at our GTG Training venue in Glasgow and was attended by over 300 people from all over the UK, including friends and family of the newly qualified trainees.

At the event, apprentices from training programmes such as Vehicle Maintenance and Vehicle Refinishing were recognised for their achievements, as well as Service Advisors who have completed courses that Arnold Clark has developed or are accredited by the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI).

We caught up with two trainee technicians, Danielle Hume and Jaspreet Rai, to find out a little bit more about their experience as apprentices with Arnold Clark.

Jaspreet Rai, 24 Giffnock BMW

Why did you apply for an apprenticeship?

My story is a bit different that the others – I did my qualifications at the Clydebank College and then I was looking for a job. I had good theoretical knowledge but not so much hands-on experience. I saw an advert about work experience at Giffnock BMW and I liked it so much that after the week was done, I asked to be kept for another week, and then for another one. Service manager Gemma Irons probably thought I was crazy! I just felt so lucky to be working at such a good branch, with such new technologies and some of the best cars.

Was there anything you found particularly challenging?

At the start I wasn’t too sure what to do or where to begin as I wasn’t at all like the other apprentices who had been in the programme. Mr Swan from GTG took me under his wing and helped me develop my portfolio, and the rest is history.

What did you learn (about yourself)?

I learned something really important – how to work with different age groups. In the workshop, there are people of all ages and all of them have their life stories and personalities, so it’s a good place to learn social skills. I was also quite comfortable with the cars, which I was a bit worried about in the beginning. The speed at which I was learning surprised me too! I learned how to do paperwork, speak to customers, etc. so I basically got an all-around view of the servicing process.

Who has been your biggest influence and help through this process?

My mentor John Murphy was so great throughout this. He gets varied jobs, big and small, which meant that I get to observe and help with all of them. This made it easy for me to progress and learn quicker rather than constantly doing repetitive things. I think it’s really important to be good at all jobs, an all rounder so to say.

What is the next step for you, career-wise?

Next stop for me will be (hopefully) to go on BMW courses, which will start at an entry level and then as you progress through the stages, you become a BMW approved technician. My dream is to be a master technician – there are only 50 in the UK and two of them work with me at Giffnock BMW. It is really an amazing experience to work shoulder to shoulder with them, I hope one day this can be me.

When Christmas week finally arrives, we’re already at saturation point with the staple festive soundtrack. The radio’s predictable, the go-to compilations well-worn. But don’t embrace a silent night just yet. If you are top to toe in tailbacks (though we’re not sure what this involves, exactly) Chris Rea probably won’t help untangle your nerves – but there’s still hope for a harmonious drive home. Here are a few bright little baubles with which to adorn any Christmas-themed journey.

The hometown party: Christmas in Hollis– Run DMC

Going out for Christmas Eve? ‘Tis the season for reminiscing your mistlesocks off; so queue up some vintage tunes. That crackly dust on the record? Check. A bed of sleigh bells? Essential. Pay a flying visit to the late 80s courtesy of Jam Master Jay and friends. And while you’re at it, check out the video – it’s ace.

Sing along moment:‘I picked the wallet up then I took a pause / Took out the license and it cold said ‘Santa Claus’.

The Christmas meltdown: White Winter Hymnal– Fleet Foxes

Presents that have remained obediently wrapped all month are suddenly becoming unstuck. The turkey didn’t defrost in time. And to top it all off, you have the cold. On the verge of throwing a tinsel-trampling tantrum? Another smug rendition of Walking in a Winter Wonderland could tip you over the edge. Instead, fixate for a moment on the echoing serenity of Fleet Foxes’ White Winter Hymnal. By the time those indie folk tweaksters are finished, that vein in your temple will have slowed its throb, your knuckles will no longer resemble snowballs and you’ll be feeling fully festive and far from frazzled.

Sing along moment: All of it. There are only 9 lines to remember.

Driving children: Let it Go– Pentatonix

Without being reductive, it’s a safe bet that any children who’ve been exposed to Frozen only want to hear one song at Christmas. And during the rest of the year. In fact, for the foreseeable future. So if the chances of you weaning the weans off this testing track look slim, at least mix it up with an acapella adaptation. With any luck they’ll enjoy the soothing harmonies and instrument-free quirks so much you might even get away with playing the rest of the Pentatonix Christmas album – which is packed with family-friendly vocal stunts.

Sing along moment:‘It's time to see what I can do / To test the limits and break through / No right, no wrong, no rules for me, I'm free!’ Though this does seem a subversive message to play to small children…

Morning after melancholy: Drive– Cars

Every item of clothing you own smells of turkey, you’ve eaten yourself insensible and binged on TV naps. Congratulations – you’ve officially survived Christmas. It’s almost time to grab a bin liner and start scooping up the fallout. But first, you’ll be driving the in-laws back from whence they came. So no one is under any illusion about the sorrowful nature of this post-festivity journey, enlist the assistance of American band Cars.

Sing along moment:‘You can’t go on / Thinking, nothing’s wrong / Who’s gonna drive you home tonight?’ (To truly nail the chorus, don’t be afraid to emotionally commit to the moment with some light sobbing.)

What do you get the car enthusiast who has everything? We’ve scoured the shops for perfect auto accessories that will make any driver smile wider than the front grille of a Cadillac. And the good news is, there’s not a pair of Jeremy Clarkson-esque stonewash jeans in sight…

Haute couture for your car

Sometimes, your car deserves a treat, too – and what better way to show it some affection than by adorning it with official branded merchandise? From Citroën to Volvo, Arnold Clark has the perfect fit for your trusty four-wheeled friend.

MINI accessories

Fiat accessories

Ferrari owner

Ok, you might not have the car (yet), but you’ve got the t-shirt, and that’s what counts, right?

Haynes manual jigsaws

In days of yore, dads would spend entire Saturdays under the bonnet of the family Vauxhall Cavalier, swearing at the Haynes manual. Why not let him relive those days with these cool retro jigsaws?

For people who REALLY love Magic Trees

Wear your pine fragrance with pride! This enamel lapel pin might not smell of anything, but it shows everyone you’re serious about in-car freshness.

Thinking of giving your car a spruce up for the New Year?

Soon we’ll be launching the #ACTreatBox competition on Twitter. Five lucky winners will win boxes of treats to make their car shine in 2017. Watch this space!

The estate car was once one of the most common family cars. Today, the SUV rules the roads, but for those who want a little bit more elegance, the estate remains a trusty alternative and has never looked better. Here are some of the finest cars in their class.

Volvo V90

Volvos were once synonymous with the word ‘estate’ and plenty of those older models remain in reliable service today. Decades on, they’re still among the best in their field. The bold angles of older Volvos have been replaced with smoother, more striking curves.

The V90 is no longer top of its class for storage but for most purposes, this should be a comfortable ride for five passengers and their luggage. Volvo has continued to innovate, with a hybrid model soon to be added to the range.

• Mpg (combined): 62.8
• Safety: ABS/EBD, pilot assist, city safety braking system, road sign information system, front and rear curtain airbags, side airbags
• Seats: 5
• Boot space: 560 litre with in place, 1,526 litres with seats folded
• Engine range: Diesel – 2.0 litre (187 bhp or 232 bhp)
• Equipment: Touch-screen display, voice control system, speed sensitive steering, auto-dimming interior mirror, electric folding rear headrests
• Price: From £31,995

ŠKODA Superb Estate

The ŠKODA Superb Estate has it all – space, luxury, power and an affordable price tag. It’s easy to see why it won ‘Best Estate’ in the What Car? Car of the Year awards. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to describe the boot space as cavernous, offering storage that goes beyond any everyday requirements. There’s also a surprising amount of legroom for rear passengers, giving the suggestion of luxury travel. The standard spec is generous but there are plenty of optional extras – from the functionality of an integrated tow bar to the convenience of park distance control. If you want to give the car an even more spacious feel then you could opt for a panoramic sunroof.

• Mpg (combined): Up to 76.4
• Safety: ABS, curtain airbags, passenger knee airbags, cornering brake control, tyre pressure monitor
• Seats: 5
• Boot space: 660 litres with seats in place, 1,950 litres with folded
• Engine range: Petrol – 1.4 litre, 2.0 litre Diesel – 1.6 litre, 2.0 litre
• Equipment: 16-inch alloy wheels, removable boot light, DAB radio, touchscreen infotainment system
• Price: From £21,795

Mercedes E-Class Estate

The Mercedes E-Class brings precision engineering to the estate. It has a far more elegant exterior design than its recent predecessors, but retains a refined functionality. The interior is luxurious and the on-board computer offers endless options to enhance your driving experience. There’s ample space in the back, complemented by the plush interior. The loading bay can even be converted into a third row of seats, although these are only really suitable for children. The boot is hugely practical too, with an automatic tailgate, flat floor and no load lip.

• Mpg (combined): Up to 67.3
• Safety: Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, nine airbags, autonomous braking system
• Seats: 5 – 7
• Boot space: 670 litres with seats in place, 1,820 litres with seats folded
• Engine range: Diesel – 2.0 litre, 3.0 litre. Petrol – 3.0 litre
• Equipment: Alloy wheels, Air Body Control suspension, parking sensors, multimedia system, keyless starting, interior LED lighting
• Price: From £37,265

Volkswagen Passat Estate

The Volkswagen Passat offers a huge amount of space along with an elegant interior, making this a solid choice. Over the years, Volkswagen has tweaked rather than revolutionised the design, meaning that although the look remains reassuringly familiar, the driving experience and refinements have constantly improved. The latest model offers an award-winning electric hybrid engine, offering innovation without compromising the vehicle’s adaptability.

• Mpg (combined): Up to 70.6
• Safety: ABS, curtain airbag system, height adjustable rear head restraints, post collision braking system, electronic stability control
• Seats: 5
• Boot space: 650 litres with seats in place, 1,780 litres with seats folded
• Engine range: Diesel – 1.6 litre, 2.0 litre. Petrol hybrid – 1.4 litre
• Equipment: 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, compositional media system
• Price: From £24,480

<a href=" https://www.arnoldclark.com/new-cars/bmw/5-series

" target="_blank" title="Opens in a new window"> BMW 5 Series Touring

The BMW 5 Series Touring combines the comforts and great driving experience of an executive saloon alongside the practicality of an estate car. The interior is spacious and comes with plenty of kit, with a widescreen monitor, cruise control and climate control all fitted as standard. It is among the most expensive in its class but with the right choice of engine, it should be relatively cheap to run.

• Mpg (combined): Up to 61 mpg
• Safety: Six airbags, traction control, electronic stability control as standard
• Seats: 5
• Boot space: 560 litres with seats in place, 1,670 litres with seats folded
• Engine range: Diesel – 2.0 litre, 3.0 litre. Petrol – 2.0 litre, 3.0 litre
• Equipment: 17-inch alloys, automatic air conditioning, USB audio interface, automatic headlight activation, parking sensors, automatic tailgate
• **Price: From £32,535

Ford Mondeo Estate

The Mondeo is perfect for long journeys and offers a smooth ride and great handling. The interior has a premium feel, but without an intimidating price tag. Most of the peripheral controls are operated from the main touchscreen, giving the cabin a minimalistic and refined feeling. There may not be as much space in the loading bay as in the larger estates, but it should be more than enough for family holidays or business users.

• Mpg (combined): Up to 74
• Safety: Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, emergency brake assist, seven airbags, traffic sign recognition, emergency assistance as standard
• Seats: 5
• Boot space: 500 litres with seats in place, 1,605 litres with seats folded
• Engine range: Diesel – 1.6 litre. Petrol – 1.0 litre, 1.5 litre, 2.0 litre
• Equipment: DAB radio, eight-inch touchscreen, infotainment system, climate control
• Price: From £22,315

Need something more compact?

You could get your first three services absolutely free with Kia’s complimentary Care-3 Service Plan, available throughout January with any new Kia SUV purchase.

The Care-3 package will come free of charge with any new Kia SUV registration in January 2017.

Which SUV are you?

Kia’s SUVs all have very different personalities. Which one suits you?

Whether you’re attracted to the style of the Sportage, the luxury of the Sorento, the quirky cool of the Soul, or the innovative Niro – there’s a Kia SUV out there for you.

Kia Sorento– from £28,195

The Sorento is Kia’s 7-seater SUV, and a top choice for anyone who needs to prioritise practicality.

Four-wheel-drive comes as standard with this model, as does a range of impressive equipment. The extended length and width of this model means that head and legroom are ample, and boot space is 142 litres with all seats in place (increasing to 1,732 litres with seats folded).

Spec:

• LED daytime running lights (standard)
• Xenon headlamps (optional)
• 7- or 8-inch infotainment screen (optional)
• Sat nav (optional)
• Underfloor storage (standard)
• Two cupholders (standard)
• DAB digital radio (standard)
• Bluetooth (standard)
• USB and AUX inputs (standard)

Kia Niro– from £19,495

Kia’s hybrid SUV offering is the first of its kind. The 1.6-litre engine is backed up by an electric motor to provide combined fuel economy of just 74.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of 88 g/km.

Its sleek design and light build materials make this a really unique crossover that’s still practical, with plenty of space for five adults and luggage.

Spec:

• Speed limiter (standard)
• Cruise control (standard)
• Hill start assist (standard)
• DAB radio (standard)
• Bluetooth (standard)
• Touchscreen sat nav (optional)
• Blind spot detection (optional)
• Autonomous emergency braking (optional)
• LED daytime running lights (optional)

Now in their fourth year, the esteemed What Van? awards have recognised the best that the LCV sector has to offer.

Among the worthy winners on the night was the fantastic Vauxhall Vivaro, which successfully defended its crown as ‘Used Van of the Year’.

The reliable Vivaro was commended for its styling which has aged gracefully since its original launch in 2001. The availability and cost of any replacement parts was also a topic of praise, citing the large dealer network as a significant contributing factor.

A proud achievement

Arnold Clark Vauxhall fleet franchise manager Monique Murtagh was delighted to hear the news, saying: ‘This fantastic achievement by the Vauxhall Vivaro illustrates the value and reliability that can be found across the Vauxhall van range. At Arnold Clark we are proud to be able to offer a wide range of new, nearly new and used Vauxhall vans at fantastic prices.’

Check out our range of featured Vauxhall van deals that our dedicated business specialists would be delighted to advise you on.

If one of your new year’s resolutions is to get a more practical vehicle, look no further than the brand-new Peugeot 3008 SUV, arriving in showrooms in January 2017. The second generation of this popular Peugeot has substituted its MPV roots to become more of a purebred SUV.

A strong pedigree

Reinventing a much-loved car is often a challenge for manufacturers. It’s a battle to create something new while providing the familiar features that made drivers fall in love in the first place. The original 3008 was an award winner, taking home the prestigious What Car? Car of the Year in 2010.

The new generation has already become a huge hit with the critics, winning the CarBuyer Car of the Year 2017 before it even arrives on UK roads.

Stylish design

The new 3008 SUV is visually striking with sleek lines running the length of the car, creating a feline-like appearance. The impact is enhanced with chrome highlights, a stylish front grill and angular headlights. On the GT line, the look is further heightened with a Black Diamond roof and black rear panel.

Smart interior

Control is always at your fingertips with integrated controls on the compact steering wheel along with a responsive 8-inch touchscreen control panel. All models include a customisable 12.3-inch heads up display, which shows media, sat nav or trip information. Combine this with a leather trim steering wheel, massaging driver’s seat, contactless phone charging and Apple and Android connectivity, and it all adds up to a very comfortable ride.

Efficient driving

Despite the increase in size and storage space, this car is actually lighter than its predecessor. That allows for greater efficiency, resulting in lower costs at the pump. Peugeot offer a range of 1.6-litre diesel engines with the most efficient offering 70.6 mpg combined, while 1.2-litre petrol engine has a combined 55.4 mpg.

Equipment

There are four Peugeot 3008 SUV versions available – Active, Allure, GT Line and GT. As standard, these come with DAB radio, mobile device MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, lane departure warning system and an automatic emergency braking system.

Moving up the range, buyers can also get sat nav, front and rear parking sensors, parking camera, LED headlights and blind spot monitoring.

Practicality

This is a hugely versatile vehicle, perfect for carrying passengers and large loads. The back comfortably carries three adults and with an impressive 591-litre boot, the 3008 SUV easily has more space than most of its closest rivals in the small SUV category. With one simple pull of a lever, the back seats can be folded down to increase the capacity to an incredible 1,580 litres. The boot floor is adjustable and can be lowered or raised to create a space beneath.

Opening the boot has never been easier even if you have your hands full. Simply wave your foot under the rear bumper and the smart tailgate will open automatically.

What does it all mean?

Paint it Perfect means that you can choose a delivery mileage 66 plate Vauxhall and pay nothing extra for your paint of choice. For example, love the new Astra but not sure if you can spend extra money on the beautiful metallic Deep Sky Blue? Not a problem, it won’t cost a penny more than the Royal Blue that comes as standard.

Transparent offers

Arnold Clark Vauxhall Franchise Manager, David Boyd, said:

‘Paint it Perfect is the ideal way to take advantage of our fantastic deals on delivery mileage Vauxhalls without worrying about how much extra your preferred colour might cost. With our offers, what you see is what you get.’

Customers could even choose new cars with Vauxhall’s OnStar comprehensive package. This exciting new in-car technology package includes emergency response notifications, vehicle recovery and a high-speed 4G Wi-Fi connection.

What else do I need to know?

This offer is available on delivery mileage 66 plate Vauxhalls from any Arnold Clark Vauxhall branch. Choose from our eye-catching range of solid, brilliant or metallic paints. Our dedicated sales executives will help you choose from a large range of Vauxhall paint colours and types to help create your perfect Vauxhall.

Car technology and its implications are accelerating at whiplash-inducing speed. Electronic vehicles are gaining credibility, and the era of autonomous driving is almost upon us: it’s time to get up to speed.

Enter the North American International Auto Show– also known as the Detroit Motor Show. Now in its 29th year, NAIAS gets underway on the 9th of January. From the unveiling of boundary-obliterating car designs to insight and discussion from the brightest minds in the business, believe us – if it’s happening at the Detroit Motor Show, it’s significant.

Strap in for some of the most anticipated launches and previews of this year’s event...

Audi Q8

Hoping to harness the space of an SUV and the elegance of a coupé while prising open an entirely new segment: the new, Audi Q8 concept car. It hasn’t yet gone to production, but things are moving briskly – earlier this week it was snapped prowling through the snow during testing in Scandinavia. Initial sketches show a bold, octagonal grille and low, powerful stance, with some distinctive, uncompromising styling from Audi’s Head of Design, Mark Lichte.

Anticipation levels: It’s an ambitious proposition from Audi – and we’re hoping this could be more of a revolution than an evolution.

Rinspeed Oasis

Ever been driving down the motorway and thought: ‘This dashboard would really be enhanced by the addition of a few bedding shrubs?’ No, us either. We’re gently baffled by the quirky proposition of the Oasis, part car, part terrarium. Sprouting from the clearly fertile imaginations of Swiss automotive think tank Rinspeed, this self-driving allotment has two seats, a 5K windscreen display and a solar panel on the roof.

Anticipation levels: The urban jungle just got greener.

All the technology giants have descended on Las Vegas for the world’s biggest tech expo – the Consumer Electronics Show, better known as CES. This is where electronics experts and ingenious innovators gather to provide a glimpse into the future and demonstrate the developments that will change our lives (or fall into obscurity). Where there is tech, there are always cars and there’s plenty at this year’s show to excite both gearheads and gadget gurus.

Back to the Faraday Future

Faraday Future’s new car, the FF 91, was one of the major reveals at this year’s show. It’s being billed as the car that could steal Tesla’s crown as the fastest electric supercar. During the demonstration, footage showed the car accelerating from 0-60mph in just 2.35 seconds, an astounding 0.15 seconds faster than the Tesla Model S. However, while Tesla has developed into a popular production car, the FF 91 remains a prototype with a long way to go to catch the leading electric vehicle manufacturer. The first production cars are due in 2018 and if the start-up succeeds, it will mean a more far competitive electric car market, which could see big leaps in battery technology.

Interior redesign

We’ve already seen touchscreens become commonplace in cars, but the next generation could use holographic technology, at least according to BMW. At CES 2017, they debuted their HoloActive Touch system, which allows drivers to scroll through and control functions without actually having to touch anything. Unlike other head-up displays, holograms will be created using reflections to give the illusion of a screen floating in space with a camera to detect contact with this virtual screen.

Bosch has also been showing off their cockpit of the future, which detects the driver’s identity and automatically customises everything from the steering wheel position to the temperature. Functions are operated using gestures enhanced by haptic controls to give feedback to the driver. This all sounds very cool in practice, but is it as fun as pushing a nice button? Time will tell.

Everyday electrics

The future of driving is…the minivan. At least that’s according to Chrysler, who unveiled their concept car, the Portal. Look beyond the LED lighting and futuristic materials and you’ll find the most exciting thing about the Portal is the innovative seating arrangement – seriously. The seats are mounted on parallel tracks meaning they move throughout the cabin and are completely configurable – perfect for the millennial on the move. This extra space is made possible as an engine gives way to a battery mounted under the body.

The car is also semi-autonomous, using laser, radar and sonar technology. For the now hands-free driver and passengers, there are USB ports all around it and a community display that allows video and images to be streamed. Chrysler’s new 100 kWh lithium-ion battery boasts an impressive range of 250 miles, suggesting that this concept (or at least some of it) could become a reality.

Countdown to Eli ZERO

There’s more than a hint of the Renault Twizy about the Eli ZERO, which might not seem like a huge innovation, but it shows there is a growing market for the compact commuter car. This two-seater comes with a fully closed cockpit to protect drivers from the elements. It also comes with air conditioning, USB and Bluetooth connectivity and even a 160-litre boot. It’s purely designed for going short distances and its 48V battery helps it reach a maximum speed of 25mph. It’ll cost just over £8,000 when it arrives in the UK at the end of 2017.

Getting to know Yui

A driverless future seems inevitable, given that every concept car makes a feature of autonomy. Manufacturers seem to be forgetting one thing – some people actually like driving. And so Toyota step up to the plate with the Concept-i, a car imagined for the roads of 2030. Of course, it can be fully autonomous in what they call ‘chauffeur mode’ but this is a car that’s been designed with the driver in mind. Unlike many concept cars, there is actually a steering wheel (even if it’s oddly shaped) but the way the driver interacts with the car is completely new. Toyota has pioneered an AI called Yui which is designed to be fun and friendly and anticipate your every need. Yui lives in the dashboard, but communicates throughout the vehicle using subtle shapes and lights, and even provides greetings and messages on door panels. The Concept-i is designed using the philosophy of ‘kinetic warmth’, which you probably have to experience before you can fully understand it. We’re looking forward to finding out, though.

Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases you’ll make, so it’s important to get it right.

There are three main ways you can get a car – buying it outright, leasing the car, or taking out car finance.

We know it can be confusing trying to figure out which option is best for you, so we’ve compiled a list of pros and cons of car finance, which is fast becoming an increasingly popular option for car buyers.

Cons

Applying for a mortgage and other loans

When applying for a mortgage, your mortgage lender will assess your financial situation, looking at all of your monthly outgoings to see whether or not you can afford it. Things like credit card bills and car loans will be considered.

A car loan would add to your overall debt, but there’s also a benefit. Although car finance will affect your affordability score for mortgage and other loan applications, your ability to keep to your monthly repayments will have a positive impact on your credit score.

As with any loan, you will probably pay slightly more

Car finance is a loan (with the exception of Personal Contract Hire), so you will probably end up paying more for your car with finance than you would if you bought the car outright with cash. This is because finance companies will add interest to each of your monthly repayments. The rate of interest depends on many different factors, such as your credit score, the general economic climate and the lender’s rates. You can minimise interest by taking your finance out over a shorter term - however, this will increase the size of your monthly payments. Finance taken out over a longer time will mean you pay more interest overall.

Repossession

Again, because you are effectively loaning the vehicle from the finance company (with the exception of personal loans), you could face vehicle repossession if you fail to keep up your monthly repayments. This is because the car still belongs to them until you reach the end of your finance term.

You can reduce the risk of this happening by being realistic about what kind of car you can afford at the start.

If your circumstances change partway through your agreement term, you can contact your finance provider to request a payment holiday or to extend your finance term (if your agreement allows it) to make your payments more manageable.

Remember, you don’t always own the vehicle

While you’re paying off your finance, the car usually still belongs to your finance provider. Depending on which type of finance you have taken out, this may change at the end of your agreement. You have a couple of options, however. With PCP, you can either pay a balloon payment to keep the car, part exchange it for a new one, or hand the car back. With PCH, you either return the car when your contract ends, request an extension of your existing contract by six or 12 months (depending on the leasing company), or you take out a contract on a new one. With HP, you own the car once your final payment has been made. (Assuming you have stuck to your agreement and not broken any of the terms set out at the start.)

Restrictions on use

There are certain circumstances where getting car finance may be a bit tricky. If you’re a taxi driver, for example, finance companies may be reluctant to offer you a deal due to the high mileage you’re likely to accrue and the difficulty in forecasting the vehicle value at the end of the agreement.

If you’re thinking of taking out car finance on behalf of someone else, you will have to alert the finance company, as they will want to know that the person responsible for paying the finance is also responsible for looking after the car. This would dictate who is allowed to be the main driver of the car.

Some finance deals will also have mileage restrictions. These will be agreed at the start of your term, so make sure you’re happy with the mileage set and try not to go over it. If you do, you’ll have to pay additional charges when your agreement ends.

You may also run into restrictions if you take the car outside of the UK. If you wish to drive the car outside the UK for 30 days or more you may need a letter of acceptance from the finance company.

_{Please note that full terms and conditions apply for any particular finance agreement. This article is designed to provide an overview of some of the common pros and cons relating to car finance. However, it is not in any way an exhaustive list. Your particular circumstances will play an important part in any decision to apply for car finance and you should seek independent advice if you are unsure what this may mean for your credit score and ability to afford any loan repayments.}

The Arnold Clark Real Sale has now begun, offering customers the chance to make huge savings and get that #NewCarFeeling.

It only happens once a year

The Real Sale only happens once a year, giving customers the opportunity to save on over 18,000 used cars from any of the 200 Arnold Clark branches.

Last year, our customers saved over £12 million, with the biggest saving being £4,806. And this year, we expect the sale to be bigger and better than ever before.

‘Real savings on the UK’s biggest range of used cars’

Sir Arnold Clark, Chairman and Chief Executive, said:

‘We are very excited to be able to launch the Real Sale before Christmas, giving customers the best opportunity to enjoy the savings on offer. Each year we offer real savings on the UK’s biggest range of used cars to customers throughout the country. Last year the total customer savings were over £12 million and we hope to exceed that figure dramatically this year.’

Enjoy huge savings on:

• Small cars (city car/supermini)
• Medium cars (family/hatchback)
• Large cars (executive/luxury)
• MPV cars (utility/4x4)

_{Terms and conditions: The #NewCarFeeling competition is not open to any employees of Arnold Clark or its subsidiaries or agencies. Competition ends on 10/02/2017. Winner(s) will be announced via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram (wherever the entry was posted) on each Friday of the Real Sale following 30/12/16. Prizes are non-transferable. There is no cash alternative. By taking part in the competition you agree to your name and photograph being used in promotional material both online and offline. In the event of a prizewinner not replying to a prize notification within 28 days Arnold Clark reserves the right to disqualify the prizewinner. The promotion is not endorsed by Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.}