Most relate to the sensational series of deals available right across the dynamic Spanish car maker’s sporty and stylish model line-up, which includes everything from the chic Ibiza supermini to the multi award-winning Alhambra MPV.

But the Snows commitment to customer service and the highest levels of aftersales care will also prove deciding factors for anyone looking to be one of the first on the road with the new registration.

Paul Wilde, Marketing Manager, Snows SEAT, said: ‘SEAT has pulled out all the stops with a suite of deals to make switching to a new car as affordable and hassle-free as possible.

‘The range of offers slashes the recommended retail price of some of our most popular and best-selling models and, when combined with the highly competitive finance deals available, a new SEAT becomes an even more attractive proposition.

‘What’s more, we’ve got loads of vehicles available for registration on 1 March, so anyone ordering now could be one of the first on the road with a new ‘12’ plate.’

Among the deals on offer, a generous discount of £2,310 off the RRP of the best-selling Ibiza SC 1.4 16V SE Copa brings its asking price down to just £9,995, while similar discounts off the corresponding Ibiza 5dr and Ibiza ST models see their prices tumble to just £10,495 and £11,205 respectively.

The now-familiar SE Copa trim level brings luxurious levels of standard equipment to all three Ibiza bodystyles – sporty 3dr SC, practical 5dr and capacious ST.

It builds on the already generous S Copa spec by adding the following:

• 16” ‘Fabula’ alloy wheels (1.4 only)
• Climate control, including refrigerated glovebox
• Rain and light sensors for automatic wipers and lights
• Dark tinted rear windows
• Leather steering wheel and gearknob
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror

These features come in addition to the Ibiza S Copa’s medley of equipment which features the likes of cruise control, four-speaker MP3 compatible radio/CD with AUX-in and steering column-mounted controls, alarm, immobiliser and electric windows all round.

The offer price means, for instance, that the Ibiza SC 1.4 SE Copa is now available for just £199 per month as part of a 42-month Solutions Personal Contract Plan agreement (deposit of £199, terms and conditions apply, 8.9% APR representative).

Move up the SEAT range to the sleek Leon five-door family hatch line-up and the new year deals are just as compelling. Savings of up to £3,085 are available on the Leon S Copa 1.6 TDI CR 105 PS which brings its price down to a remarkable £14,795.  This is nothing short of the best ever RRP for the current generation of the hyper economical Leon E Ecomotive.

And with a Solutions finance offer of £199 per month on the Leon S Copa 1.6 TDI CR 105 PS (deposit of £3,751.59, 42-month agreement, terms and conditions apply, 8.9% APR representative) the Leon is now as affordable as it is frugal.

If you’re after a Leon with a little more ‘oomph’ then the current suite of deals includes three-year 0% finance and up to three years’ free servicing on all Leon FR, FR+ and Cupra R models (35% deposit, maximum 36-month term, free servicing only available with SEAT Finance offer, terms and conditions apply, 0% APR representative).

So, a Leon 1.4 TSI FR is currently available for just £329 per month over 36 months with a customer deposit of £6,671.

Tempting offers apply right across the SEAT range, with significant RRP savings available on Altea, Altea XL and Exeo family vehicles, plus a free servicing deal on the multi award-winning SEAT Alhambra (subject to conditions, SEAT Finance deals only).

For more details on the offers available or to book a test drive, visit your local Snows SEAT in either Poole, Portsmouth, Salisbury, Southampton or the Isle of Wight.  Our Sales Teams are waiting for your call.

Snows SEAT Poole – 01202 627455

Snows SEAT Portsmouth – 023 9265 7800

Snows SEAT Salisbury – 01722 333650

Snows SEAT Southampton – 023 8073 3733

Snows SEAT Isle of Wight – 01983 535727

Back in August last year we let you know about the launch of the new GS, and since then we’ve been keeping you in the loop on all the GS model launches: the GS 450h at the Frankfurt motor show, the GS F Sport at SEMA and the GS 250 at the Guangzhou motor show.

Now we can bring all you GS fans some further news, as Lexus has just released the prices for the entire new GS range in the UK.

And it’s good news indeed: the prices start at £32,995 for GS 250 SE, going up to £50,995 for the GS 450h Premier and GS 450 F Sport.

SE

Powered by a 206bhp (154kW) 2.5-litre V6 Dual VVT-i petrol engine, the GS 250 SE’s specification includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic bi-xenon headlamps and windscreen wipers, LED daytime running lights and a rear-view camera with parking guide monitor. Cabin comfort is assured with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and electrically adjustable front seats (10-way, with memory setting for the driver’s seat) with heating and ventilation functions. The steering wheel is electrically adjustable, too, and incorporates paddle shifts. On-board entertainment is provided by a 12-speaker audio system with CD player, DAB tuner, Bluetooth and USB/Aux ports for connecting personal music players.

Luxury

The Luxury grade builds on the SE specification with the introduction of 18-inch alloys, front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and an HDD satellite navigation system with Remote Touch controller. The Luxury grade also provides a new blind spot detection system integrated into the folding/auto-dimming door mirrors.

F Sport

F Sport versions of GS make a bolder style statement thanks to 19-inch rims, a boot-lip spoiler and sports-styled bumpers and front grille. The F Sport look carries through to the cabin with sports pedals and perforated leather-trimmed sports steering wheel and gear knob. The front sports seats gain further adjustment functions – 16-way for the driver, plus four-way lumbar support.

The F Sport grade benefits from Adaptive Variable Suspension and selectable drive modes plus, on the GS 450h model, the Lexus Dynamic Handling System, which brings together a comprehensive array of steering and handling features, including Dynamic Rear Steering, electric power steering, Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management.

Premier

At the top of the range, the GS 450h Premier is fitted with 18-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels and the same bi-xenon headlamp system and adaptive suspension and selectable drive modes as the F Sport models.

In the cabin the seats are upholstered in semi-aniline leather, with both front seats benefiting from 18-way electric adjustment and memory settings. The passenger seat offers extra leg support and a rear easy access function.

The sophisticated climate control system is divided three-ways between the front left and right and rear sections of the cabin, and is equipped with an ioniser to help maintain an ideal environment. The HDD navigation and premium Mark Levinson sound system are linked to a 12.3-inch central display screen, the largest on the market.

Exterior colours

Nine exterior colours are available for SE, Luxury and Premier models: Arctic Pearl, Sonic Silver, Velvet Black, Mercury Grey, Meteor Blue, Crimson Red, Atlantic Blue, Celestial Black and, for GS 450h only, Obsidian Black.

The F Sport models have a different range of colours: Arctic Pearl, Sonic Silver, Velvet Black, Mercury Grey and Crimson Red, as well as six leather colours with a Garnet red exclusive to the F Sport.

Pricing

Below are the on-the-road prices for the new GS range:

The GS is available to order now, with first customer deliveries from mid-June. For all the latest GS and Lexus news, contact Lexus Hedge End on 01489 795500, our Sales Team will be delighted to discuss your requirements.

Call Snows Toyota today at either of our dealerships at Hedge End 01489 799820 or Southampton 023 8070 7700 to find out more! A brand new GT-86 is just a phone call away!

“We’ve been monitoring local opportunities for a while and are delighted to have been offered the chance to represent this exciting franchise in the Romsey area” said Stephen Snow, Group Chairman of the Snows Group. “We will ensure all prospective new and existing Peugeot customers in and around Romsey and the surrounding areas receive an outstanding level of customer care as they would expect by dealing with one of largest car manufacturers in the world.”

With a comprehensive model range including commercial vehicles, Snows Peugeot will be perfectly positioned to offer credit-crunch busting motoring to the residents of Romsey.

Snows Peugeot will provide its customers with complete aftersales, accident repair, MOT and parts service, and its team consists of a range of qualified experts ready to offer friendly and knowledgeable advice. Visitors to the showroom can explore Peugeot’s comprehensive portfolio of cars, including the new 508 and the stunning RCZ.

Jon Seyfang, General Sales Manager, Snows Peugeot is confident about what the dealership will offer his customers: “The continued demand for the Peugeot brand has made the opening of this dealership possible. We have assembled a team that will offer a professional, friendly experience that ensures our customers can make informed decisions in a welcoming environment.”

To view the Peugeot range or arrange a test drive, call Snows Peugeot on 01794 525700 or drop in to the showroom at Winchester Hill, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 7NU.

For more information please contact:
Paul Wilde
Marketing Manager
Snows Peugeot Romsey
Tel: 023 8078 8789
E-mail: paul.wilde@snowsgroup.co.uk

Snows Kia is delighted to announce that its Kia Sorento has been named as Total 4×4’s Best SUV for the second year in a row – beating off keen competition in a well-established segment.

“With winter really hitting Basingstoke now, there’s nothing more reassuring on the roads than driving a strong 4X4 that can cope with most of the UK’s changeable weather moods. Even better, is to have an award-winning 4X4, in the form of the Kia Sorento in our showrooms!” commented Adam Lawrence, Snows Kia.

Editor Alan Kidd said: “The Sorento was our reigning champion in the full-size SUV class, and it impressed us every bit as much this year as last. Its style, poise, kit and practicality all score heavily in its favour.

“Make no mistake, this award wasn’t about just being cheap. The Sorento beat a long list of premium opponents because it’s very good at everything that matters. Its bargain price and unbeatable seven year warranty merely seal the deal.”

The latest version of Kia’s full-size 4×4 Sorento was launched in the UK in February 2010 and immediately impressed the Total 4×4 team. It remains the flagship of the Kia range and is available in two and four wheel drive versions – but it is the full-time four wheel drive model that again impressed the Total 4×4 judges to retain its Best SUV crown.

The Total 4×4 awards issue was released on Friday 16th December 2011.

For more information on the Kia Sorento please call the Snows Kia Sales Team on 01256 466111.

The all new Kia Rio is available now at Snows Kia Basingstoke. Call the Sales Team now on 01256 466111 to organise your test drive.

But now the wait is over. Making its world debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, we are thrilled to introduce you to Toyota’s new sports car: the GT 86.

The GT 86 has been conceived as an entirely driver-focused machine, designed to deliver the core qualities of the classic sports car experience. That means precise, instant response to the smallest throttle and steering inputs and the kind of performance that appeals to those for whom driving is a passion, not a necessity.

The GT 86 is built on a new platform, with a highly aerodynamic bodyshell stretched tight over the car’s mechanical elements. Rather than fitting a heavy, large capacity powertrain, Toyota has opted instead to go back to its sporting roots, installing a compact, front-mounted, free-revving petrol engine that drives the rear wheels.

The GT 86’s engine is the result of a joint Toyota and Subaru development programme that brings together their technical know-how and mutual passion for sports cars.

Toyota has added its D-4S injection technology to Subaru’s new, horizontally opposed, naturally aspirated 1,998cc four-cylinder boxer engine. This system features separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection, and a high 12.5:1 compression ratio, increasing power and torque across a wide range of engine speeds without sacrificing fuel efficiency and environmental performance.

This four-cylinder “boxer” unit generates 197bhp at 7,000rpm and maximum torque of 205Nm at 6,600rpm, giving engaging performance. The powertrain is matched to the world’s most compact four-seat design to create a car that benefits from light weight, low inertia and a low centre of gravity to achieve the best possible power-to-weight ratio. For the driver that means lively, accessible performance and dynamic character with minimal intrusion from electronic systems.

Power is distributed to the rear wheels via a limited slip differential to give the best possible grip in all driving conditions. The ABS and switchable vehicle stability control systems have been tuned specifically to deliver dynamic stability at the limit of the car’s performance envelope with minimal electronic intervention to help preserve the purity of the driving experience.

The design of the GT 86 successfully works within the technical constraints of achieving the most compact dimensions possible, a low centre of gravity and aerodynamic performance inspired by motorsport technology, while also displaying evocative, sweeping styling that recalls Toyota’s sports car heritage.

The lower grille’s “scorpion” look gives the GT 86 a more powerful appearance, with further sporting details including the model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, twin exhausts and the “86″ piston logo that denotes the car’s special powertrain configuration.

For more information on the GT 86 please contact Snows Toyota at either Hedge End (01489 799820) or Southampton (023 8070 7700).

Volvo Car UK has teamed up with Father Christmas to help raise £25,000 for Action for Children and deliver Christmas presents to children at its projects at sites throughout the UK.

Father Christmas took to the wheel of a Volvo V60 DRIVe R-Design for his tour of the UK and Ireland, which he will use as a practice run ahead of his monumental Christmas present delivery run on the 24th December.

Instead of his normal sleigh being pulled along by reindeer, Father Christmas’ mode of transport was the more powerful, fuel-efficient Volvo V60 DRIVe R-Design. Powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine (115 horsepower) with a combined cycle fuel economy figure of 62.8 mpg, plus an ample boot load of 1,241 litres (with the rear seats down), it’s the perfect ‘sleigh’ to deliver the presents.

Father Christmas set out on his journey on Tuesday 13th December and is on a six-day tour, visiting 12 Action for Children projects, delivering presents and taking part in a couple of games along the route.

Volvo Car UK is urging Facebook fans to get into the spirit by entering a festive Facebook competition (www.facebook.com/insidevolvouk) and with every entry Volvo will donate £3 towards its fundraising target. In addition to brightening the Christmas of children across the UK, Facebook users can win their own prizes by guessing where on the map the V60 DRIVe will need to fill up on its journey. Winners will receive four tickets to a Volvo Track Day, where they will experience the handling ability of Volvo’s range within the confines and safety of a circuit. Along with track days, there will also be a chance to win an 8gb iPod Touch each day.

“We want all our Facebook fans, and the friends and family of our fans, to enter the competition to make sure that we reach our target and are able to donate as much as possible to this worthy cause. Christmas is all about kids, and we want to do our part in bringing an extra couple of smiles to their faces,” says Duncan Forrester, Head of Public Affairs, Events and Sponsorship at Volvo Car UK.

He continued “With such an economical and comfortable car at Father Christmas’ disposal, we’re not sure if he’ll want to go back to his sleigh!”

Action for Children works with over 200,000 children, young people and families across the UK tackling issues including neglect and child abuse. It also offers advice and support to families, while providing ‘drop-in’ play sessions and toddler groups for parents and children who have suffered domestic abuse.

Andrew Harris, Director of Fundraising and Appeals at Action for children, said: “Christmas most definitely came early for us when Volvo offered us this generous £25,000 donation and a fantastic Christmas tour of projects around the UK. It’s not only a fun and imaginative way of bringing a smile to the faces of some of the children looked after by our projects at Christmas time, but more crucially, it raises much needed funds to allow us to continue to help the most vulnerable and neglected children, young people and families we work with in over 450 local projects across the UK. The children are very excited about the visit from Santa, and the gifts will be enjoyed for a long time to come.”

Father Christmas is enjoying some of the highest comfort levels in the V60 DRIVe with the added peace-of-mind that it’s Volvo’s safest road-going vehicle to date. The S60 and V60 were the world’s first cars to offer Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake as an option, as well as City Safety as standard, and they are now joined by the XC60, V70 and S80. With its 1.6 litre turbo-diesel engine, the V60 DRIVe emits just 119g/km, which means not only is it free from first year road tax but it only costs £30 a year every subsequent year.

Local Volvo dealer Snows Poole, joined Father Christmas on his second stop of his tour when he pulled into Weymouth & Portland’s Children Centre. Children from the local area enjoyed meeting Father Christmas and receiving a gift. Snows Volvo Marketing Manager, Paul Wilde commented, “It was a delight to see the excitement on the faces of the children when Father Christmas arrived at the Centre. To be involved in spreading joy to children at this special time of year is very enlightening and we were only too delighted to join Volvo UK, Action for Children and Father Christmas on their tour.

After establishing our first dealership in Southampton way back in 1991 we have continued to grow with the brand and can today boast four dealerships in Poole, Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight!

To celebrate this achievement we have some very special VAT free offers on selected new cars and extremely competitive savings on ex-demonstrator and pre-owned SEAT cars.

Always offering exceptional value for money, Snows SEAT have also just launched an all new discounted servicing programme for SEAT cars three to ten years old – why not visit our website for more details?

Moving forward into 2012 the SEAT range expands with the introduction of the all new SEAT Mii our brand new Supermini.

Snows Group Chairman Stephen Snow commented, “We are delighted to reach this milestone and have seen the brand grow from strength to strength particularly in recent years with the introduction of many new models following the massive investment of Volkswagen Group. We are very excited about the next few years having had a glimpse of what the future holds for this dynamic young brand. Although this is our 20th birthday we’d like to take the opportunity of wishing all of our customers past, present and future a very safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year and look forward to welcoming you into one of our SEAT showrooms very soon.”

SEAT UK is launching a great value new fixed price service offer for vehicles aged from three years right up to ten years.

The comprehensive servicing deal ensures owners of older SEATs can access main dealer service, quality and expertise at ‘local garage’ prices.  And with a local price promise ensuring optimum value for money, there really is no reason not to take up the offer.

Available at all Snows SEAT dealers from 1 December, ‘It’s Fixed!’ means a minor service now costs just £129 RRP, regardless of the SEAT model involved and including VAT, parts and labour while a major service is just £249 RRP and an MoT is only £39.

The idea, simply, is to make it as easy as possible for SEAT owners to know what their vehicle servicing costs will be up front so that they can keep a tight rein on their motoring budget.  That’s why the brand is also introducing transparent fixed prices on a whole range of maintenance jobs for SEAT models aged between three and ten years.

Air conditioning service (£69), brake pad replacement (£99), cambelt change (£299), even alloy wheel refurbishment (£59) – they’re all now offered at easy-to-understand fixed prices at our Snows SEAT dealerships across the South.

SEAT has even created an annual budget planner, to help drivers set aside a suitable
sum for routine vehicle maintenance.

But why opt for a SEAT dealer service ahead of an independent garage?  Well, for starters, the new ‘It’s Fixed!’ programme promises truly great value.  Whether it’s a minor or major service, the dealer won’t charge extra for items such as pollen filters, spark plugs and fully synthetic oil – and they will even wash and vacuum the car for free.

Naturally, all parts and labour are covered by a two-year warranty, plus every minor and major service comes with a free 12 months of SEAT Roadside Assistance – including
Home Start.  This benefit alone is worth between £99 and £240, depending on the age of the vehicle.

And then there’s the reassurance of knowing that the vehicle is in safe hands – each
service is carried out by a SEAT-trained technician with SEAT specialist equipment and SEAT-approved parts.  A dealer promise ensures that no additional work will be carried out without approval.  Plus, with every visit, the Snows will perform a free Vehicle Health Check and report back on what is uncovered, so owners know what requires urgent attention or simply needs to be budgeted for in the future.

Convenience is key, of course, so a handy ‘while-you-wait’ service* is available for many
‘It’s Fixed!’ jobs – provided they are booked in advance.

Sometimes, however, a while-you-wait service just isn’t practical.  That’s when a SEAT loan car comes in.  Costing from just £12.50 – including insurance** – a loan vehicle means owners of older SEATs can get on with their day while the dealer gets on with quickly and expertly fixing their vehicle.

Snows dealers even provide a neat ‘collect and deliver’ or courtesy lift service***
so when the owner drops off his car the dealer takes him to his destination and picks him up, free of charge.

The new ‘It’s Fixed!’ programme comes on top of the host of existing, great value,
offers available to SEAT owners at Snows SEAT.

For instance, if you buy wiper blades from a Snows SEAT dealership a trained technician will fit them for free, while if you’d like a technician to fit an exterior bulb bought from a Snows SEAT dealer the charge will be just £5 labour.  This includes sidelights, headlights, brake lights, fog lights, reverse and indicator bulbs.  Xenon or LED lights can be fitted at a competitive price, too.

Unveiling the comprehensive new ‘It’s Fixed!’ servicing and maintenance initiative Nigel
Griggs, Head of Aftersales at SEAT UK, said: ‘Value for money is top of everyone’s shopping list these days, which is why ‘It’s Fixed!’ makes so much sense for owners of older SEAT models.

‘Returning their vehicles to the SEAT network where they can be worked on by SEAT-trained technicians using SEAT-approved parts and with the very latest SEAT tools and
technology to hand ensures a top quality job and great peace of mind.

‘Add in the fabulous fixed price servicing and maintenance offers – which apply to
all SEATs from three to ten years old – and ‘It’s Fixed!’ becomes irresistible.’

For more information of the ’It’s Fixed’ Service Programme contact your local Snows SEAT dealership in either Poole, Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight.