Nissan Servicing & Warranty Repairs In Leicester Continue At Sturgess Nissan

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Since the start of the year the Sturgess Aylestone Road location has been offering the complete range of Hyundai cars and commercial vehicles alongside the Fiat brand which we have represented for the last four years.

What may have slipped peoples minds is that we are still a fully authorised Nissan Approved Repairer.

We are authorised to carry out all routine servicing or maintenance on your Nissan and should you be unfortunate enough to need it we are still able to carry out any Nissan warranty repairs that it may require.

Our bodyshop, also located at Aylestone Road, retains its Nissan Approval to go alongside the many other manufacturer approvals we hold.

All the Nissan expertise and customer service our customers have experienced over the previous months and years will continue. The same friendly staff, the same quality workmanship, the same Nissan technical know-how, the same family business values and above all the same desire to offer Leicestershire’s Nissan owners the best value for money.

The supply of Nissan parts and accessories will also continue as before.

For a limited period we are offering all Nissan customers half price MOT, £20 off your next service and a free of charge GardX paint treatment on any new or used car purchased between now and the end of July 2012.

We look forward to seeing you soon. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact any member of our team.

We’ll be happy as always to help.

 

 

The Hyundai i40 Road Test – A Car For All Reasons by Chris Sturgess

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Hyundai, as a car manufacturer, is a relative newcomer having started car production as late as 1968. This should not lead one to think that Hyundai is not a very serious global industrial player. One look at their website shows exactly how significant they are on all the continents. They are an extremely large industrial entity that happens to make cars; very good cars in fact.

The latest product to come from Hyundai in the i40 saloon, recently released following the very good reception afforded to the estate car bodied i40 Tourer at the end of 2011.

Time was spent with the 1.7 CRDi Style automatic and a very pleasing time it was. The 1.7 litre diesel engine gave excellent performance over a predetermined route and motorway cruising was relaxed, the car benefiting from a 6 speed automatic gearbox. This in turn helped deliver respectable fuel economy in spite of fairly hurried driving.

The style of the saloon is curvy but angular with all the key points of the cars overall design having relevance and no unnecessary features or clutter. This design thinking also applies to the versatile Tourer, which does not sacrifice style over function but does not let function get in the way of style.

The interior is well laid out with the prominent dashboard being of a “V” shape giving an almost extruded style to it. Prominently located is the easy to use touch-sensitive navigation system that also acts as the screen for the reversing camera system. Also incorporated is a quite superb audio system with full iPod connectivity. The sound quality is of great depth and clarity and betters some systems found in more expensive cars. The driving position is comfortable with electric seat adjustment, dual zone climate control and very clear and intuitive instrumentation.

Driving the new Hyundai i40 leads to the inevitable question of what sort of person will ultimately buy this car. Undoubtedly it will appeal to the Corporate car market with the i40’s available low CO2 Blue Drive models and the choice of saloon and estate body styles. It will however have a much further reach as it should be seriously considered by anyone who is looking to downsize from a bigger car without wanting to sacrifice creature comforts, convenience and ultimately “toys.” It will appeal to families who are looking for good interior space and layout, coupled with enormous boot capacity. It will most of all, appeal to people who want an exciting looking car from a manufacturer that has the ability and business sense to offer all their cars with a 5 year, unlimited mileage warranty. Yes, you read it right, a 5 year, unlimited mileage warranty.

Definitely then, a car for all reasons.

Sturgess Are Proud To Support Rally For Heroes 2012

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As a business Sturgess Motor Group look to support as many charities as possible. This year is no exception and we have also taken to our hearts the Rally For Heroes 2012. 

The Help for Heroes Road Trip started in 2010 with the idea of taking in some of “The best driving roads in Europe” whilst raising money for a worthwhile charity.

The core of the event incorporates a drive of a minimum 5 miles for each service person that has made the ultimate sacrifice serving their country in Afghanistan during the current conflict.

The rally will follow the route below, which takes in some stunning scenery and the most famous driving routes and race tracks in Europe. So much so, we’re quite envious!

Start Point Dunfold Aerodrome (Top Gear Track)
1st Night Somme, France
2nd Night Limoges, France
3rd Night Monaco
4th Night Vaese, Italian/Swiss border
5th Night Stelvio National Park, Italy
6th Night Edelweiss Lodge, Bavari
7th Night Nurburgring Circuit, Germany for the finish and final party!!

Together with the Jaguar XF Forum, we are aiming to raise £5,000 to have a car in the Rally to represent us, and raise money for this more than worthy charity. The car, of course, is a Jaguar XF, being driven by one of the Forum Members, Steve Metcalf. We thank Steve for volunteering his car, and his time.

If you would like to help us reach our £5000 target please visit our Virgin Money Page. We’d be very grateful of your support.

If you want to find out more about the rally visit www.rallyforheroes.com 

If you are a current Jaguar XF Owner, or a prospective owner, and want to find out more about the Forum please visit www.xfforum.co.uk.

 

Alfa Giulietta Road Test Review by Chris Sturgess

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Some years ago, one of the major credit card providers promoted their card under the headline “… says more about you than cash ever can.”

Whilst the link between a flimsy piece of plastic and a car might be a bit tenuous, the principal about an object speaking volumes about an individual is very true when put into an automotive context, and none more so than Alfa Romeo.

Alfas have always appealed to those people who like to distance themselves from the norm. Those people who have no desire to explain their car buying rationale other than to say, ”I drive an Alfa.” The latest car from Alfa, the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta lets more people make that distinction. A 5 door hatch, with a variety of engine and trim options with a starting price of around £17,500 means that the Giulietta is courting buyers from a very busy sector or the market which has a number of well established brands and models. It has got to make a very big impression indeed to lure buyers away.

So does it succeed? Well, yes it does.

The Giulietta range offers a very complete package providing a powertrain to suit every need, a spacious interior and a wide choice of options to help personalise your Alfa. All this is before you consider the car’s styling. The front is the new face of Alfa Romeo, with the now familiar side mounted registration plate and the deep, distinctive radiator grille and bumper design from the 8C supercar.

On the road, the car gives a firm but not uncomfortable ride with precise steering and well controlled suspension. A smooth gearshift and a light clutch takes the strain away whilst the added fun and practicality offered by the unique Alfa DNA system, helps you change the car’s personality depending on the road conditions, so “D” for Dynamic meaning quicker throttle response, sharper steering and braking inputs. “N” for normal conditions and “A” for All weather so a softer throttle for adverse driving conditions and pre-warned safety systems.

The driving position is set comfortably with good visibility all round and a clear, well laid out and clutter free dashboard with some added pizzazz from the design of the switches. The overall level of equipment is good with standard fit daytime running lights, stop/start technology, air conditioning and split folding rear seat. All finished off by some of the most beautiful and distinguished rear lights you will ever see on a car in this price range. Have a look at one at night and you will see what I mean.

So, should you consider a Giulietta. Well, it is practical, fun to drive, offers respectable fuel economy and good value for money. It also gives you the right to say “I drive an Alfa.”

Jaguar XF 2.2 Road Test By Chris Sturgess

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New Jaguar XF 2.2 Luxury

When you grow up with a product for so long, you assume certain things should be a “given.” So it was with me with Jaguar engines. They should be at least 6 cylinders in a straight layout, consume petrol, be 4.2 litres in capacity and nothing less would do!

Today’s 6 cylinder engined Jaguars are 3 litres in a “V” formation, diesel powered and are supremely smooth and economical. However, with an ever increasing need for more choice, even lower fuel consumption and emission levels, Jaguar have recently launched the 2.2 litre, 4 cylinder XF model.

Prices start at £30,950 for the SE model up to £43,050 for the range topping Portfolio.

Having spent some time with Jaguar XF 2.2, I have to say how quickly my pre-conceived notions were banished and how good this car really is.

Start up revealed a very nicely insulated and smooth engine with only a vaguely noticeable 4 cylinder thrum. The car pulled away very cleanly from standstill and provided a constant power delivery to the required speed with the very minimum of fuss. One journey which combined motorway, city driving and hurried cross country delivered fuel consumption of over 40 miles per gallon which for a car of this size is very respectable.  The claimed 52.3 mpg on the combined cycle does not seem to be unrealistic.

This low fuel consumption is assisted by the incorporation of an 8 speed automatic gearbox into all 2012 XF models excluding the 5.0 petrol variants. Questions may be asked as to why it is necessary to have 8 speeds when 6 was probably quite sufficient, but let me help you by illustrating what the benefit is. At a constant 70 mph, the engine is rotating at only 1500 rpm. Incredible!

Another advance seen on the 2.2 litre car is intelligent stop/start technology, which is quite a feat on an automatic. This allows the engine to stop when the car is at a standstill and will restart as soon as your foot is removed from the brake pedal. Start up is instantaneous and entry into roundabouts and other road junctions can be handled with absolute confidence. The stop/start system will work when the car says it can work and has you have to have faith in the car to decide when are the appropriate conditions are for the system to become operational.

Other detail changes for the latest XF models are slimmer headlights which include daytime running lights, new rear lamp LEDs and boot lid detail, revised infotainment and touch-screen layout and different, soft-feel dashboard switches. There is a host of under skin enhancements that build on the XF’s multi award winning design and reliability.

To conclude, Jaguar can be rightly proud of what they have achieved with this car. It is a 4 cylinder car that needs absolutely no apologies. Indeed it should be bold and shout about what it offers in terms of driver comfort, fuel economy, levels of specification and a general feeling of well being. A full range of Jaguar cars is available at Sturgess Jaguar in Leicester.

 

Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce Members Offered Savings On New Fiat & Afa Romeo Models

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Members of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce can now receive substantial discounts on new Alfa Romeo and Fiat cars thanks to an agreement between the Fiat Group and Leicester motor retailer Sturgess.

Under the scheme, savings of up to 20 per cent on a new Alfa Romeo will be available to chamber members who buy their new vehicles from Sturgess Alfa Romeo in Almond Road, Leicester.

By buying their cars through the Fiat Group Affiliation Scheme they will for example save up to 16 per cent on the price of a new Alfa Mito, up to 19 per cent on an Alfa Giulietta and as much as 20 per cent on Alfa Brera and Spider special editions.

Similarly, chamber members purchasing new Fiat models from Sturgess Fiat in Aylestone Road will be eligible for discounts of up to 27.5 per cent on a Fiat Punto Evo, up to 27 per cent on a Fiat Panda and up to 24 per cent on a new Fiat Bravo.

Sturgess marketing manager Nichola Moore said: “We’re pleased to be able to support Leicestershire’s business community by offering new cars at preferential prices which aren’t normally available.

“Our intention is to run this initiative until the end of 2011 but  we will continue it into next year if it proves a success.

“The discounts available will change quarterly but will be posted on our website www.sturgessgroup.com/offers.”

To qualify,  potential purchasers  must provide Sturgess with their Leicester Chamber of Commerce member number and let know Sturgess know that they wish to buy their new car though the affiliation scheme when visiting the dealership and/or placing an order.

For more information on the Fiat and Alfa Romeo offers available visit the website.

 

 

 

Sturgess Motor Group Launches New Website

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Sturgess Motor Group has launched a new website including a version which will allow mobile phone users to navigate its pages more easily.

The website has been built for the Leicester-based motor retailer by Gforces, a leading firm of motor industry web designers.

In addition to a more user friendly car search function, the new site has been designed so that the growing population of smart phone, Android and iPhone owners can use it with ease.

Sturgess marketing manager Nichola Moore added: “The launch of our sophisticated yet easily navigable website is among a raft of measures we’ve taken recently to enhance customer experience. “It follows the major refurbishment of our flagship Jaguar and Land Rover showroom in Narborough Road as well as other recent advances such as the launch of our free iPod and iPhone App and free Wifi in all our showrooms.”

Sturgess of Leicester is Leicestershire’s only independent motor dealer and employs 194 people. In addition to its Jaguar and Land Rover dealership, the 113 year old company sells Nissan, Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Volvo cars at showrooms across Leicester.

Contact: Nichola Moore, Sturgess Motor Group, 445 Narborough Road, Leicester, LE3 2RE Tel: 0116 2826868

 

Sturgess Jaguar Land Rover Welcomes New Sales Executives

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With the imminent launches of the 2.2 litre new Jaguar XF and the Range Rover Evoque, Sturgess Jaguar and Land Rover has increased their sales team by two.

James Billard joins Sturgess with 18 years of Land Rover experience. James is a familiar face to Leicestershires’ Land Rover and Range Rover owners having worked in and around the Melton Mowbray area for a considerable amount of those 18 years. James joins the Sturgess team that already has in excess of 40 years combined Land Rover experience between them; on top of the 63 years that Sturgess have represented the Land Rover brand.

Raj Bhandari joins the Jaguar sales team. Whilst Raj is a relative newcomer to car sales having moved from the mortgage sector, he has gained experience with the Nissan brand over recent months at Sturgess’ Aylestone Road dealership before making the move to Jaguar.

Commenting on the 2 appointments, Company Chairman Chris Sturgess said, “We are delighted with the recruitment of James and Raj. James has an enviable track record with the Land Rover brand and his enthusiasm is infectious.

“Raj, in the short time he spent with our Nissan franchise, earnt a reputation for excellent customer handling and service skills and he has great enthusiasm for the Jaguar brand. Both are considerable assets to the well established sales team at our Narborough Road premises and I am extremely positive about the business potential over the coming months.”

Upsurge In Orders Reported After Prices Are Released For The Range Rover Evoque

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Following the announcement of the prices for the new Range Rover Evoque, Sturgess Land Rover in Leicester have reported a upsurge in orders for the new model.

Due out in September, prices will start from £27,955 and rise to £44,320.

There are five engine and transmission combinations to choose from; the 150bhp eD4 diesel and 150bhp TD4 diesel are available with a six-speed manual transmission only while the 240bhp Si4 petrol is available with a six-speed automatic only. The 190bhp SD4 diesel Range Rover Evoque is available with both. The eD4 diesel is a two-wheel drive only model; the rest of the range is four-wheel drive.

The starting prices for each engine are: eD4 £27,955, TD4 £28,705, SD4 £29,705 and Si4 £38,995.

There are three trim levels available; Pure, Prestige and Dynamic. Pure and Prestige are available across all four diesel engines while Dynamic is available only on the SD4 and on the Si4 Petrol.

Finally, there are two body styles; the 5-door and the Coupe, the latter demanding a £1000 premium.

Standard kit on the Pure includes 18in alloys, leather seats, touch screen display, climate control, Bluetooth, climate control, parking sensors and on the four-wheel  drive versions, Terrain Response and Hill Descent.

The Prestige adds 19in alloys, satellite navigation, rear camera and automatic headlights and windscreen wipers. The Dynamic adds 20in alloys, Adaptive Dynamics and aluminium pedals.

On top of this there is a TECH pack available for the Pure which adds much of the standard kit from the Prestige at a cost of £1900 and a LUX pack for the Prestige and Dynamic which adds the likes of digital TV, keyless entry, dual-view touch-screen display, and a surround sound audio system for £4325.

 

A female friendly lifestyle choice in Leicester

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No matter your lifestyle, there’s a genuinely female friendly garage choice for women drivers in Leicester.

We first met Steph of Foxy Choice when we organised a Women in the Driving Seat evening event for local female motorists. It was a popular feature in our calendar and  Marketing Manager, Nichola Moore, sees this as a way to show women drivers how much the Group cares about their motoring welfare not just the value of their business. We have now signed up to FOXY Choice’s female friendly approved UK garage network as further evidence that we really do care for their female customers long after the car has been sold.

Sturgess operates seven franchised car dealership operations in Leicester covering Toyota, Nissan, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Volvo and Land Rover brands. The dealership name and logo will be familiar in the city with branches in Narborough Road, Aylestone Road, Almond Road and Walnut Street. All locations are ATA employers (Automotive Technician Accredited) which means their staff are accredited to repair all makes of cars not just their franchised brands. They also subscribe to the Motor Codes Service and Repair code which is working its way towards full OFT Code of Practice approval. These are both signs of superior standards in an industry with too many garage/dealership complaints and where women often feel ill at ease and on their guard.

This female unease is precisely why Sturgess have signed up to the FOXY Promise to ‘never overcharge, patronise or sell women services they don’t need or want’ AND have appoined Catherine Standley, Debbie McIntyre, Gill Clifford, Trish Blaber, Sheena Tegg, Rebecca Hill and Jessica Watts to be Female Business Ambassadors as part of the FOXY Choice female friendly approved garage network.

Sturgess of Leicester is one of the UK’s oldest family operated motor dealers and was founded in 1897. Women shopping for a new or nearly new car to suit their lifestyle and budget will find they have a genuinely female friendly choice here, whether it’s a 4×4, a prestigious executive car, a sporty convertible, something for the family or a stylish and environmentally friendly supermini.