Hyundai is the largest motor company in South Korea and the third largest manufacturer worldwide. But how reliable are the vehicles they produce?
In this article we look at the company’s performance and placement in UK reliability surveys and also look closely at a number of the vehicles they produce, including the Tucson and the i10.
So, how reliable is Hyundai?
How reliable is Hyundai? An impartial look at the brand Read More »
Did you know that Jeep became the primary 4-wheel drive vehicle of the United States Army and the Allies during World War 2? Civilian models were then produced in 1945. Since then, Jeep have become renowned for their off-road SUVs, and at one time, pickups.
You would expect that a manufacturer that helped see us to victory in the Second World War would be quite literally bulletproof. Right?
So why are people asking the question; are Jeep reliable?
In this article, we look at whether Jeep are reliable and how this compares to their main rivals.
Is Jeep reliable? An unbiased look at the American classic Read More »
Brand History Did you know that Jeep was designed at the request of the American Army during World War II,
On the Road From keeping your car well-maintained and safe, to knowing the changes to road rules and MOT regulations,
Press Releases If you’re interested in finding out about projects we’re involved in and new developments that are taking place
Every year here at OSV, we work with well over 1,000 individuals and businesses in an effort to help them find the right vehicle for their leasing needs. And although we generally can find the right fit for most of our customers, we realise there are occasions when another leasing company may be the better option. In this article we give you a list of some of the companies that have a solid vehicle leasing history in the UK. Please keep in mind there are assuredly companies with a sound reputation that aren’t on this list. Simply put, we can’t include everyone, At OSV we understand that knowledge means better buying decisions.
Top car leasing companies in the UK Read More »
Brand History [vc_masonry_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”-1″ style=”lazy” grid_id=”vc_gid:1565292910832-f12efb26-aab0-1″ taxonomies=”3061″]
Brand History Articles Read More »
So you’ve ordered your car, now you just have to wait for it to be delivered. The thing is, your vehicle supplier hasn’t actually given you a specific date. We understand that this can be frustrating, you’ve bought something and now you want to know exactly when it will be in your possession; it’s fair enough.
Maybe you have to plan the sale of your current car, or perhaps your existing vehicle may be due to be handed back. Whatever your reasons, it is understandable that you want to have a clear understanding of timeframes.
At OSV, we have had years of experience working with all manufacturers and we understand the complexities and difficulties that can cause delays. Therefore, we have written this article to help you to fully understand how long your car might take to show up, which will enable you to be fully educated and put the right plans in place.
How long will it take for my car to be delivered? Read More »
The London Motor Show, held in 2019 at the ExCeL London was a huge event which attracted over 30,000 visitors in its 4-day run. For the first two days we took some time out to listen to informative panels about the future of electric, women the motor industry and had a chance to see a possible future for James Bond! Of course, it wasn’t all about the panels, we saw stunt shows, supercars and brand new cars from Hyundai, Isuzu and MG. To find out more about what we saw, keep reading.
The London Motor Show – Supercars, Electric Cars, Women in Cars Read More »
Vehicle tax (car tax) or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is something that we all have to pay if we want to drive our cars. The same way you have to pay company car tax if you want to drive a company car.
Like it or loathe it, it’s a necessary part of driving and living here in the UK. But, where does vehicle tax actually go? In this article, we explore where our vehicle tax goes and what exactly it pays for.
Where does Vehicle Tax go? Read More »
Subaru is popular with a core set of buyers. The company’s marketing is targeted specifically to their niche in the market. Subaru owners want the cars because of the drivetrain engine, off-road capabilities and the fact that, in the sports market, they are affordable.
Despite being a very niche market, Subaru has been a strong presence when it comes to customer satisfaction and reliability for some time now. But, how reliable are Subaru? In this article, we look at Subaru’s reliability and the things you should look out for as an owner.
How reliable is Subaru? An honest assessment Read More »
Where do you look when you’re searching for ideas and recommendations on a new car? Do you rely on reviews? Or are you more interested in what friends and family have to say? In this article we look at the various things which influence us when making a large purchase.
What are the deciding factors when buying a new car? Read More »
Just-In-Time is an effective production process used by many car manufacturers in the UK. It relies on component delivery being efficient. With the possibility of a no-deal Brexit still looming will this process be affected if their deliveries are delayed at customs. We take a look at how JIT works…
What is Just-In-Time and how could Brexit affect it? Read More »
Did you know that a new list of things to check have been added to the MOT? Are you aware that learner drivers are now allowed on the motorway during lessons? These are just a few of the changes which have been taking place when it comes to driving over the last few months. Continue reading to find out more.
New driving laws and changes to the MOT could incur unexpected costs Read More »
So, you’re thinking about buying or leasing a new car in the next few months? You know that it’s going to take some time for the car to be assembled how you want, but it’s still only going to be a few weeks, right? What happens if you don’t need your car until May? Is Brexit going to make that much of a difference?
What are the consequences of Brexit for the car industry? Read More »
Technology is everywhere, and our cars are no exception, but despite all the sophisticated new features, seatbelts are considered the first – and best – line of defence against potential harm. With 63% of drivers saying that too much in-car tech can be a dangerous distraction, OSV Ltd wanted to know which tech drivers actually wanted, and which they could live without. In some cases, the answer seems to be ‘most of it’.
DS Cars are a fairly new brand in their own right. The premium brand of the Groupe PSA, which is Peugeot, Citroen, Opel and Vauxhall, was announced by Citroen in just 2009. It was only in 2015 that the Citroen branding was dropped and DS became a standalone brand.
That said, in the short time they have been on the market, DS cars have become extremely popular and are now quite a common sight on our roads.
But, how reliable are DS cars?
In this article, we look at how reliable DS cars are, and how this compares to their rivals.
How Reliable are DS Cars? An Honest Assessment of the DS Brand Read More »
We know how the story goes – you buy a car that has an official fuel consumption figure of 65.6mpg, but find yourself managing just 52.1mpg all the time. It’s a drag and you’re paying out more than you expected. What gives?
Measuring these figures can’t be easy for the testers involved, but it’s hoped that it’s just about to get a whole lot easier.
For more than thirty years, the New Driving Cycle (NEDC) has been used to carrying out fuel economy and European new car emissions tests. As of September 2017, however, a new test has replaced the dated NEDC. It’s called the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test (WLTP).
In case you were wondering what it’s all about and what it will mean for you as a driver and car owner, OSV has got you covered with our article all about the WLTP.
The new Ford Focus Electric is distinguishable from the standard Focus in a few ways: Naturally, it’s cheaper to run, but it’s also more expensive to buy. And while it’s got more standard kit, it doesn’t handle as well.
Lots of pro and cons for buyers to assess, then.
Ford Focus Electric vs Nissan Leaf vs Volkswagen e-Golf: Review & Comparisons Read More »
Want a premium EV but got a case of serious range anxiety? The new BMW i3 Rex is a lot like the i3 electric car – but crucially, it has more range.
As such, it’s a hugely compelling proposition for buyers who want an upmarket EV so that they can do their bit for the environment, but who have lingering range anxiety issues.
Review of the BMW i3 Rex Read More »
The new Smart ForTwo ED is ideal for anyone who needs just two seats, super duper low running costs and who wants to do their bit for the environment. It’s smartly styled, easy to drive and fully electric. For the commute to work and back, it looks absolutely perfect. The fact that it’s so small means you’ll never need to worry about negotiating tight city streets ever again, while its 0-62 time of 11.5 seconds is more than enough to keep up with traffic.
Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Vs BMW I3 Vs Renault Zoe: Review & Comparisons Read More »
Review Of The Kia Soul EV The new Kia Soul EV is a lot like the impressive petrol-powered Soul, but
Kia Soul EV Vs Renault Zoe Vs Nissan Leaf: Review & Comparisons Read More »
Review Of The Smart ForFour ED The new Smart ForFour ED is the all-electric version of the popular city car.
Smart ForFour Electric Drive Vs Volkswagen e-Up! Vs Renault Zoe: Review & Comparisons Read More »
The smiley new Volkswagen e-Up! Hatchback might be a bit unfortunately named (hey up!), but it’s based on one of the most popular city cars around. It’s a lot like the standard VW Up!, except it’s quieter and cheaper to run. That said, it’s also a lot more expensive to buy and depreciates badly. Is it worth making the switch from petrol to electricity? OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our 2018 Volkswagen e-Up! Hatchback review.
Volkswagen e-Up Vs Nissan Leaf Vs BMW i3: Review & Comparisons Read More »
If you love Hyundai as a brand, you’ll no doubt be keen to find out what their first ever fully electric car is all about. Fortunately, they haven’t bodged it, and the new Hyundai Ioniq Electric is ideal for families who want to do their bit for the environment, and who want to keep costs down at the same time. It emits zero CO2, offers plenty of usability and is even fun to drive.
Hyundai Ioniq Electric Vs Renault Zoe Vs Nissan Leaf: Review & Comparisons Read More »
If you love the regular and super popular VW Golf but fancy making the switch to electricity, there’s no reason why you couldn’t love the new Volkswagen e-Golf Hatchback, too. It’s got all the hallmarks of a traditional Golf – including top-notch build quality and reliability – and emits absolutely no CO2 and gets energy-saving regenerative brakes as standard.
Volkswagen e-Golf vs Nissan Leaf vs Renault Zoe: Review & Comparisons Read More »
The new BMW 6 Series Gran Diesel Coupe is elegant, fairly economical and has sporty pretensions. If you want something a bit more luxurious than the 5 Series, it ticks a lot of boxes.
It’s a lot like the two-door 6 Series in many ways but gets two more doors and more length. It also boasts more space in the rear as well as a larger boot. Overall, it’s one of the most accommodating if expensive BMW’s on the market.
BMW 6 Series Gran Diesel Coupe vs Mercedes CLS vs Porsche Panamera: Review & Comparisons Read More »
Every one of the highlights of the auto calendar, the Geneva Motor Show always gets our engines going here at OSV. Last year, highlights included the blistering Ferrari 812 SuperFast, the McLaren 720S and the Lamborghini Aventador.
Catching the eye and capturing the imagination this time around is a brand new Skoda gas hybrid, Porsche’s stunning rival to the Tesla X – and, um, a Volkswagen school bus that drives itself.
There’s more too, including a brand spanking new Aston Martin that’s so fast the brand themselves aren’t letting us know quite how fast just yet!
The Geneva Motor Show 2018 Highlights Read More »
The number of SUVs in the list of the top twenty most popular vehicles has almost doubled since 2013, increasing from four to seven. However, new research by leading independent vehicle professionals, OSV Ltd, reveals that there seems to be a correlation in the growth in the number of people who think badly of the SUVs – and their drivers. Although just over a third (34%) of people said that they would consider buying an SUV in the future, more than half (54%) said that owners of these vehicles were some of the most annoying drivers on the road, a description most often used when referring to the driver of a more traditional 4×4.
Is it the SUV or is it the driver? Read More »
A few years ago, we reported that the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) found that men are more likely to be involved in crashes because of bad driving habits than women. These bad habits included driving too fast and drink-driving. They found that men were nearly twice as likely to be involved in a collision due to being careless, reckless or in a hurry. They also found that men are more likely to crash because of poor behaviour or inexperience. However, that was a few years ago, so is this still the case? In this article, we settle the argument once and for all and give you some top tips to stay safe on the roads…
Who is in more accidents? Men or women? Read More »
Electric cars have become hugely popular as of late. New registrations of plug-in cars have increased to more than 125,000 by the end of November 2017 and 126,000 electric vehicles were registered in 2017. So it’s safe to say the electric car market is growing. Now everyone knows how electric cars work, they work with a battery. However, there is a new type of electric car that could be coming to the market soon. We’re talking about hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. First coming to prominence at the Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota unveiled a concept car that ran on a hydrogen fuel cell. So what are hydrogen fuel cars? And are they a real possibility for the future? In this article…
What are hydrogen fuel cars? Are they are real possibility? Read More »
If you are in the market for a new car, you might be looking at a ‘monthly instalment’ plan. This is where you pay a monthly fee for a vehicle, and then depending which plan you go for depends on what happens at the end. You have a few options available to you. But, what are they? And what is the best option for you? In this article, we give you the lowdown on each leasing option, what it entails, and hopefully, help you decide which one is right for you.
What are the best leasing options for you? Read More »
If you are going on holiday then the chances are you will want to rent a car.
But how do you know you’re getting the best deal? Or that you are dealing with a good company?
In this article, we give you some insight into the rental car industry, and let you in on some secrets that will help you when looking for a rental car.
Six secrets to know when renting a car Read More »
When it comes to getting a vehicle, there are several options to choose from these days. You can lease, finance or pay by cash. But what do these options mean to you, the consumer? Which option is best suited to your needs? There is usually one option that makes more sense for your current situation and for your future plans. As a leasing company, who value transparency and honesty above everything else, we see it as our job to help you work out which option is right for you. So in this article, we are going to look at your three options; finance, leasing, and paying in cash, and help you decide which one is best for you…
Should I buy or lease a car? Read our two point guide Read More »
At OSV, we mainly talk about new cars and vans. But did you know that we also offer used cars? That’s right, it’s not something we do all that often, but we offer used cars and vans on finance and to buy outright. However, we haven’t done that many articles on getting a used car or van, so we haven’t yet answered many of the questions our customers ask. So in this article, we are going to answer your frequently asked questions, ranging from what finance options are available to why you should get a used car from OSV…
Getting a used car through OSV: FAQ Read More »
Electric vehicles are slowly becoming an established part of the world’s transport ecosystem, but while Norway is known as the green car capital, it might surprise some people to learn that France is leading the way in electric vehicle infrastructure. According to the new Electric Car Index from OSV Ltd, the UK’s leading independent vehicle professionals, the French installed more than a third more electric vehicle charging points (11,987) in the last year than anywhere else in the world – only Germany (ranked fifth overall with 1.1% market share and a single buyer incentive) came close, with 7,937 – putting them at the top of OSV’s electric vehicle index.
France powers ahead in electric vehicle prep – new OSV index reveals Read More »
If you need a new car, you might be considering getting a secondhand car.
Getting a secondhand car is a very viable option, but it is not without its risks.
We look at some of the risks involved in getting a used car and what to look for when getting a secondhand car.
What are the risks of getting a secondhand car? Read More »
Many of you might not know that you can also get a used car through OSV and it’s an option that many people do take up.
However, getting a used car through OSV is slightly different than getting a brand new car through OSV.
So in this article, we are going to go through getting a used car through OSV including the service we provide and what to look for when looking at getting a used car.
Getting a used car through OSV Read More »
Safety is hugely important when looking at a new car, and we are very lucky that our cars are safer than ever. Every car that goes on sale in the UK and Europe has to go through a safety test, called a Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) test. They are then given a rating, an NCAP rating, that shows you how safe the car is for drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Of course, you don’t have the time to go through every NCAP rating of every car on the market, so how do you know which cars are the safest? In this article…
What are the safest cars in Europe? Read More »
1997 was a big year. Tony Blair’s ‘New Labour’ came to power, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published, and Britain relinquished its claim on Hong Kong. Amidst all of these local-global events, in West Success Andrew and Debbie Kirkley were preparing for their own big occasion: the launch of their business, OSV. 20 years on, OSV’s format has changed a little, but the business is more successful than ever before.
When Andrew and Debbie renounced their respective careers, as Fleet Manager for Dagenham Motors and PA to a Technical Director at Barratt Homes, their aim was independence. Working within the popular ‘pile ‘em high and sell ‘em cheap’ model, the OSV of 1997 was a business created merely to make a living. The OSV of 2017 is a family, with an emphasis on service and long-term customer relationships.
Celebrating OSV’s 20th Anniversary – Press Release Read More »
BVRLA chief executive John Lewis called on the government for restraint following the 1p a litre increase in road fuel duty that came into effect on 1 October. “This tax rise will impose another cost burden on businesses who are already working flat out to protect jobs in a challenging economic climate…
What is fuel duty? Read More »
A few years ago we reported that the Department for Transport stated that driving was getting safer. And in 2016, there were 44% fewer fatalities due to car accidents than there were in 2006. Based on that statistic, driving is safer now than it was ten, eleven years ago. But is that really the case? And if so, why are our roads safer now than they were a decade ago? In this article, we look at whether driving really is getting safer, why driving is getting safer and some tips to stay safe on the road…
Is driving getting safer? Read More »
Love them or loathe them, motorways have become a big part of modern driving. Despite their intimidating look, motorways are actually hugely safe and, as long as you stick to the speed limit, there is no real reason to hate them. So what is the speed limit on the motorway? And has it increased? In this article, we look at what the speed limit is on a motorway, whether it has increased recently and tips on staying safe on the motorway…
What is the speed limit on the motorway? Has the speed limit increased? Read More »
You’re about to take your driving test! The lessons, the money spent learning, the expectation from friends and family as well as knowing freedom is waiting for you at the end of the journey, the pressure can seem unbearable! However, passing the test is just the first hurdle. Buying your first car is by far a bigger challenge and can present more questions than you may have realised. You obviously want something that looks the part, is fun to drive but is also affordable. There’s nothing worse than having a great car all your friends are jealous of but not having enough money to fill it up with petrol…
What Should I Buy As My First Car? Read More »
Choosing the best family car has got to be one of the hardest vehicle decisions you’ll make. However, with a bit of thought beforehand and some research along the way, there is no reason why you shouldn’t end up with a car perfectly suited to your needs.
How to choose the car for your family Read More »
We weren’t too far into December before we started having snow. While we didn’t get much here on the coast, there were plenty of places in the UK that had a fair bit. And as we all know, when the UK gets snow, everything comes to a stand-still. Trains get cancelled (at least they have an excuse this time), schools close, roads are closed and people are warned not to travel unless absolutely necessary. However, what if you do need to go out? Or worse, what if you attempted to go out and you’re car has gotten stuck? Or, what if you have a car that has towing capabilities, and you want to help those who are stuck in the bad weather?
8 tips for winter towing Read More »
Several years ago we reported that men got more stressed than women when stuck in a traffic jam. A study found that women’s stress levels increased by 8.7% whereas men’s stress levels increased by 60% when faced with a traffic jam. Regardless of who gets more stressed, getting stuck in traffic is tedious, stressful and can ruin a perfectly good journey. It can put you in a bad mood before or after work and can ruin your day if you let it. However, getting stressed isn’t the way forward when getting stuck in traffic. Stress can put pressure on your heart and cause dizziness and breathing problems and can make you do reckless or irresponsible things…
How to avoid getting stressed when stuck in traffic Read More »
Whether you are aware of it or not, we waste a lot of fuel. It’s not something anyone does on purpose, it’s just something that happens when you drive a car. In 2010, Europeans wasted 2 billion litres of fuel a year costing £2.4 billion a year. 71% of motorists studied were driving with under-inflated tyres meaning 4.8 million tonnes of additional and unnecessary CO2 emissions annually. So what can we do to reduce the amount of fuel we waste? There are several things that you can do, these range from fairly big things to little things that you can do every day. In this article…
How to improve fuel efficiency Read More »
It’s not everyday you would consider getting a pickup as a company car. But pickups are actually a very valid option if you’re looking for a company car that is practical and professional.
We predict that there will be quite a few pickups that are doubling up as company cars in the future, after all, pickups are seriously upping their game when it comes to luxury.
In this article, we will give you our top 5 reasons why we think your next company car should be a pickup.
5 reasons why your next company should be a Pick-Up Read More »
When we talk about leasing or finance we often talk about it in the long term. Contract Hire contracts are often between 2-3 years and finance options such as Hire Purchase can be up to 5 years so short term isn’t something we really talk about. However, it is an option. And it’s a great option for those in a certain situation. Not many people know that we offer short-term leasing as it is not one of our most popular forms of leasing or finance, but we do offer it. So in this article, we are going to talk about how short-term lease works, the pros and cons, and the reasons why it might be good for the situation you are in…
Should I get a short term lease? Read More »
