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[iamrichardwinter]

Review: The Kia XCeed

  Some days, during lockdown, I imagine a time when I would sit at my work desk and fly through the days ‘To Do’ list. On the day I’m imagining, the sun is bright, glinting off the new cars. The staff are laughing with the steady stream of customers, the scent of fresh coffee wafts on the breeze, and there is the regular jingle of keys as they pass from hands of the service department to their awaiting owners.

Something catches my attention in the periphery of my vision; a customer pushes through the tall glass doors of Leslies Motors. They have walked straight past the pre-owned vehicles on the forecourt, so I can safely assume they’re after something new. They haven’t walked directly to one model, instead they browse the variety that the brand has to offer.

One of my colleagues walks up to the customer, offers his hand, and after a succinct and professional introduction asks a question that gets straight to the heart of the matter; “So, what are you looking for in a new car?”

Invariably the response is; “well, I’m not sure. But, I want something higher up”. And there it is - I’m waiting to have ‘showroom bingo’ cards made with this response printed on.

I’m not making sense, am I? What am I talking about?

“SUV” is apparently a dirty word. This imaginary customer wants to buy into the UK & Europe’s new love of Crossovers, and they don’t want to admit it.

The moment you point at the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Kona, Toyota Rav4, Honda CRV, Mazda CX-5, or any of the numerous SUV’s now available, the customer says, “ah yes, that’s just what I’m looking for!”

Europe loves SUV’s. It’s not a bad thing. They are comfortable, practical, well built, and generally loaded with the latest features. And Kia’s newest offering is just that, and a whole lot more.

Allow me to introduce, the Kia XCeed.

Looks: The name Kia Ceed may seem familiar. Years ago Top Gear used the Kia Ceed as the “Star In The Reasonably Priced Car” feature. There, the penny’s dropped hasn’t it? It was an entirely different car back then, the new Kia Ceed was launched in 2018, and has quickly become a favourite amongst critics looking for an alternative to the VW Golf or the Ford Focus.

Since then, Kia have made an Estate [Kia Ceed Sportswagon], a sporty Shooting Brake [Kia ProCeed], and most recently a Crossover SUV [Kia XCeed].

The XCeed is longer than the Hatchback it is based on, and sits at a higher ride height. It features rugged SUV-style protection, roof rails, and a front bumper similar to its SUV kin; the Kia Stonic & Sportage.

Interior: The XCeed, and it’s Ceed based brethren, all received Kia’s new 10.25” touchscreen display.  When you sit inside, it feels like the cabin has been based around this connectivity suite. It’s not just a feature, it’s a highlight.

The software has been a Kia strength for a long time. The displays are instinctively user friendly, and this new screen has taken that a step further. It features Android Auto & Applce CarPlay as standard, and can be splitscreen - to show the Satellite Navigation, DAB Radio, and Apps at the same time - or widescreen, to show a huge Sat-Nav or Reversing Camera.

The ‘3’ receives a semi-leather interior with Heated Seats, and the ‘First Edition’ launch special adds a full leather interior with Heated & Ventilated Seats. As well as a Sliding Panoramic-Glass Roof, making the elegant interior appear larger than it appears.

Engines: The XCeed uses the most popular turbo-charged Kia engines. A growling 1.0T with more than adequate pace, and a smooth four-cylinder 1.4T. But, what’s exciting about the new XCeed is that it’s be the first Kia to get the new Plug-In Hybrid drive train, since the electric-specific Kia Niro. Kia claims the new XCeed PHEV offers an almost unbelievable 202 miles per gallon (WLTP).

This 1.6 Petrol engine is paired to a battery with roughly 40-mile range. That may not sound a lot, but I’ve been using a Plug-In Hybrid recently, and hear me out; in reality I only need to charge once or twice a week, often while I’m sat at work. During the week I won’t use a drop of fuel, as I’m running entirely on electric power. Then, at the weekend if take a longer journey, it drives like a regular Hybrid, and can be topped up with petrol on the go – no need to wait hours for a charging station. It’s the best of both worlds.

The six-speed DCT gearbox is supremely smooth, and in electric mode the XCeed is practically silent. This has taken Kia’s already good car to new levels. The PHEV version offers a refinement that premium models wish they could offer in this price category.

 The Competition: When it comes to Crossovers and SUV’s on the market, you are spoiled for choice. But how many offer a Plug-In Hybrid option?

In looks you may compare it to the new Audi Q3 Sportback, with its sleek rear end. But this isn’t hybrid, not even close. The Q3’s bigger brother, the Q5, is. However, at £50,000 plus change, vs Kia’s £30,000, customers are unlikely to be comparing these two.

BMW has a smaller and more affordable option; the X1 PHEV. At £38,200 the BMW is rouhgly in the same ballpark, but when comparing features of the X1 PHEV ‘Sport’ leaves a lot to the imagination compared to the Kia’s top-of-the-range ‘First Edition’. The XCeed features a Sliding Glass Panoramic Roof, Power Boot Hatch, Full Leather interior with Heath & Ventilated Seats, and a futuristic 12” digital dashboard. So, it’s the driver’s choice; for the excitement you’ll pick the BMW’s XDrive25e engine, but if you’re leaning towards family value, with features often only found in premium brand’s, you’ll pick the Kia.  

The real battle will once again be between Kia and Ford. The new Kuga offers a PHEV which is competitively priced and offers plenty of kit. The blue oval will test Kia’s value, but not it’s comprehensive seven-year warranty. The Ford is larger, and what you gain in size, you lose on interior design. But that is subjective, and to some the Ford’s utilitarian interior may appeal.

The other choice? Kia. Walk into a Kia dealership and you currently have a choice between two Plug-In Hybrid Crossover SUV’s. The same engine, motor, battery pack, seven-year warranty, and features, are all available in the previous mentioned Kia Niro PHEV, and for a similar price.

Business User:

The XCeed is destined to be hot property with Business Users. It’s satisfyingly snug on longer journeys, has space for all the family, and sits as comfortably in the corners as it’s hatchback brother.

The PHEV is going to be the Business Users first choice. While the initial price maybe more, you’ll end up paying less in company car tax thanks to the low BIK (read: low emissions). So, you’ll have better fuel economy, a longer range, a smooth electric drive, and less to pay each month from your wages. It will mean a small change in lifestyle, for a big financial gain.

Chances are you’ll choose to lease, and run as an asset off balance sheet, or finance on Kia’s new 0% PCP*.

Island User:

The Garden Isle is an apt name for our green and pleasant land. The ferry port cities across the water suffer with some of the most polluted air in the country, but thanks to the Solent we’re not party to it. The Kia XCeed as a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle ensures that Island families can still go out into the great outdoors with their bikes, scooters, and surf boards, and rest safe in the knowledge that the emissions are significantly less that what they had been previously driving.

The additional boot space and roof rails of the Kia XCeed add practical features to and already beloved hatchback. It comes standard with the latest Kia safety features, including ‘Lane Keep Assist’, Driver Attention Warnings, Forward Collision Avoidence, Hill-Start Assitance, as well as the usual ABS, Tyre Pressure Monitor, and Intelligent Cruise Control.

Compared to other Hybrid rivals, the Kia XCeed makes a real case for itself thanks to its features, value, and the reassurance of Kia’s industry leading seven-year warranty.  

Choices:

The Value Choice: Kia XCeed ‘2’ 1.0T Manual

The Range Topper: Kia XCeed ‘First Edition’ 1.6 PHEV Automatic

Leslies Motors Favourite: Kia XCeed ‘3’ 1.6 PHEV Automatic

Verdict:

The design is going to polarise people. Either you love the looks of the XCeed or you don’t.

When I had two XCeed ‘3’ in white sat on the forecourt waiting to be collected by their new owners, I had the whole service team begging me to organise an offer for them.

For most buyers, the 1.0T is going to be ideal on the Island. The 1.4T offers a little more refinement on longer journeys. But for business users, or those wishing for a serenely smooth electric ride, the PHEV is going to be first pick. Thanks to its low emissions and tax benefits. The interior is going to offer a wow-factor to your passengers, not often seen in this price range and you’ll be back by Kia’s legendary warranty, and the offer of 0% finance*.

The only tough question, is how to place your order while we’re all locked in.

 *Offer advertised to end: 30th June.

[iamrichardwinter]

Review: Honda Jazz Hybrid

Cast you mind back to this time last year. If you went looking for a small Hybrid car, you would have one choice. And if you were looking for a Hybrid small SUV you would be lucky to have the choice of two. Well, the crafty engineers at Honda may have just built the ideal small car that fits both.

Introducing the all new Honda Jazz & Jazz Crosstar. Both of these are exclusively Hybrid and are seriously clever little cars – and ‘little’ may be the reason that they’re going to be so popular.

Looks: Firstly, lets tackle the obvious question; why are there now two Honda Jazz? Well, the new Honda Jazz comes in two styles: the Hatchback and the Crossover. The standard hatchback is reminiscent of the outgoing car, in that the profile continues with class-leading interior space, but the design has moved forward and looks exceptionally contemporary. If this modern uncluttered flair is Honda’s new style, then the Leslies Honda team are on board. It looks like Honda’s designers drove this right off the set of a RoboCop remake. Clearly inspired by the latest smartphone products, now we’re keen to see what will happen to the rest of the Honda range.

Then, Honda threw a curveball, and also launched the Jazz Crosstar. It’s no secret that Europe and the UK has fallen in love with SUV’s. Honda have taken an already upright and capacious model, and given it the crossover SUV pizazz. The Honda Jazz Crosstar is based purely on the top of the range ‘EX’ specification, but with a higher ride height, featuring SUV black body protection, silver roof rails, and a more rugged Crosstar front grille.

Meaning there is now a small hybrid hatchback and a small hybrid SUV available– both practically untouched markets, and one that is sure to pique the interest to a lot of people.

 Interior: The interior of the new Honda Jazz Hybrid is just as modern as the exterior. All of the essentials are here, but hidden within the touchscreen display to maximise the effect of Honda’s minimalism design; a smooth simple dashboard, an easy to read Touchscreen Display & Digital Speedometer, finishing with a sleek-and-simple two spoke steering wheel.

Compared to the new Honda CRV Hybrid and the (soon to be released) all-electric Honda e, you can see where Honda’s designers have taken inspiration. However, the dashboard is significantly more simple – you won’t need a degree in Computer Science to get to grips with the new Honda’s controls.

In the ‘EX’ specification, expect to have your choice of Black or modern Grey semi-leather interior with matching dashboard finishes. While the Jazz Crosstar gets a unique Water-Resistant Cloth interior, for those adventurous weekends away.

 Engine: The new Honda Jazz has even less engine options than before, which makes life simple: You’re getting a 1.5 Hybrid petrol, and that’s final.

The outgoing model used a 1.3 with manual or automatic gearbox, but the new Honda Jazz is Hybrid only. They’ve replaced the efficient 1300cc engine with a larger and more refined 1500cc petrol.

Honda’s hybrid systems are different then some others on the market. While others swap back-and-forth between engine and motor, Honda uses its engine to produce electricity for the motor rather than drive the wheels.

If you were to drive other hybrid hatchbacks, you would cruise on a flat road in practically silent serenity. But, find one of the Island’s steeper hills, and the engine cuts in and shatters the electric illusion. In the Honda, the engine is running at a constant speed keeping the battery topped up, powering the smooth electric motor, and producing a refined ride unfound in other small cars.

Pricing:

The previous Honda Jazz started at £14,500. The new Honda Jazz will start from £18,980. That sounds like a lot, just to go Hybrid – But there is more to it than that.

Honda no longer makes a basic ‘S’ specification. All Honda Jazz now feature MyHonda+ App Control, Virtual Assistant, Android Auto & Apple Carplay, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Touchscreen Display with a Reversing Camera. These are the features you’d expect to find on a high specification car. And on top of that, you’ll have an automatic gearbox and Hybrid power.

The Honda Jazz has traditionally had to compete with the Ford Fiesta and the Citroen C3. And at first glace, the price makes the Honda look expensive. But, as neither of these are hybrid, once you look at what it can do for your economy compared to its competition: Ford Fiesta (44 MPG) / Citroen C3 (48 MPG) / Honda Jazz Hybrid (63MPG).

That little bit extra upfront now looks like it’s worth it, right? Thanks to all the money you’ll be saving on petrol each month.

However, considering neither of these are even remotely electrified the only small hybrid worth mentioning as direct competition is the Toyota Yaris Hybrid (from £18,745). The Yaris was launched 8 years ago, and for similar money you could be sat in the brand-new Honda Jazz with the latest features and gadgetry.

The Honda Jazz Crosstar is a similar story. After one look at the abilities of Hybrid vs Petrol, it’s not worth your time reading about how the Crosstar is going to be significantly more economical than the Ford Fiesta Active or Citroen C3 Aircross.

In reality, the Jazz Crosstar’s real competition is Leslies Motors customer’s current favourites; the Hyundai Kona Hybrid (From £22,340), the Kia Niro Hybrid (from £24,885), and the Toyota C-HR Hybrid (from £25,625). Each of these are the standard specification, and simply won’t stack up against all the features of Honda’s top of the range new Jazz. And, if you’re looking for a small crossover, it’s only real competition is the Hyundai, the others are simply too long to be worth considering. For a compact hybrid SUV, with plenty of practically, there really is only one choice.

 Business User:

The Honda Jazz is going to be a great company car. Choosing a Self-Charging Hybrid is the easiest form of electrification. Simply fill up with petrol and drive. The battery recharges itself, and the automatic gearbox takes care of the rest.

Thanks to the Hybrid motor, economy is high and CO2 is low. Meaning company car tax (BIK) is going to be lower than a lot of the traditional hatchback competition. What will really please Business Owners, is that the new Honda Jazz is set to be the cheapest self-charging Hybrid in the UK on a business lease. Monthly costs can be as little as £155 (+VAT)*.

 Island User:

Honda knows its audience. The Jazz has always leaned towards comfort, rather than a firm sporty ride. It’s one of the reasons the Honda Jazz has been so popular with Island customers. The suspension does its job, perfectly absorbing the Island’s bumpy roads. The seats are supportive and but spacious taking the last jolt out of all but the biggest Island potholes.

Honda say the seats are as comfortable as those in a premium saloon, and the back seats retain Honda’s party piece; Honda Magic Seats – They fold flat or the front bunch can be lifted vertically for taller items. Or, for a more comfortable space for your four-legged house mates.

 Choices:

The Value Choice: Honda Jazz ‘SE’ 1.5 Hybrid Automatic

The Range Topper: Honda Jazz ‘EX Crosstar’ 1.5 Hybrid Automatic

Leslies Motors Favourite: Honda Jazz ‘EX’ 1.5 Hybrid Automatic

 Verdict:

The Honda Jazz was already a class-leader in so many ways. The clever engineers at Honda have taken what was popular about the previous Jazz, and made the biggest improvement they could. By choosing a hybrid power train, Honda not only pushes the new Jazz into a practically uncontested market, but it’s a significant saving on fuel. Also, thanks to the Hybrid system, it’s quicker from a standstill, which makes pulling out of junctions safer and the smooth automatic gearbox ensures the drive is supremely refined.

Once you compare this with the competition, you won’t want anything else.

 * [12 upfront payments over 48 months, with 6,000 miles per annum.]

[iamrichardwinter]

Review: Hyundai i10

The ‘City Car’ is king.

Everyone is making them. Just think how many great choices there are; the Ford Ka, Vauxhall Adam, Seat Mii, Skoda Citigo, Vauxhall Viva, Suzuki Alto, Citroen C1, Peugeot 108, Renault Twingo. The list goes on. Except it doesn’t.

Without anyone noticing, the booming trade in ‘City Cars’ is died with a whisper. Every one of the models you’ve just read, is either no longer available or won’t be available by the end of the year. So, the King is dead, long live the king.

The ‘City Car’ class is a staple of the UK’s roads, but for how much longer? If you only needed a car to get to work & back, and occasionally pick up your partner, the City Car was perfect. Manufacturers bought into the need, but customers wanted more. So, manufacturers started adding luxury extras as standard; like Reversing Cameras, Panoramic Sunroofs, and Touchscreen Sat-Navs.

Well, thanks to new EU rules on emissions, manufacturers that used to be champions of this exciting category of nippy small car, have given up the title and simple walked away.

With the country’s biggest brands pulling up the roots to products that have bloomed, the results of decades of hard work, you’d expect someone to stand up and take advantage. And that’s exactly what Hyundai have done.

This is the new Hyundai i10.

It has time-and-time again been one of the best-loved small cars in the Leslies Motors range. You’ll have to excuse the comparison, but customers move from one i10 to another like hermit crabs looking for a new home. They love them so much they only give them up when the right one comes along. And we’ve had a lot of customers waiting, as this is the all-new Hyundai i10.

Looks:

There is only so much you can do with a small car. It has to be small on the outside, and spacious on the inside, which logically means pushing the exterior to all four corners. However, if you put the previous i10 next to the current i10 you’ll notice huge changes.

The new model has a much more angular design, making it stand out and instantly recognisable. The design language seems a lot more intentional – the new i10 wants to be noticed as you drive by. The front day-time running lights are now not just a feature but a distinctive highlight, set in a big European style grille. The longer wheelbase make it appear larger without the vehicle’s footprint growing any more – and makes the drive feel a lot more refined and grown-up.

Look out for the new turbo-charged ‘N Line’ model, due later this year. It’s guaranteed to be a head turner.

 Interior:

The interior is where the new i10 has really raised its game. The dashboard flows seamlessly into the Touchscreen. It’s given driver’s the saloon car feel, but at a City Car price tag. The front seats have plenty of room for even the tallest drivers – trust me, I’m 6ft 4”. The back seats will easily accommodate two grownups and offers more head room than most of the i10’s traditional competitors.

Hyundai say the 8” touchscreen in the new i10 is the largest in its class – which is great, as the touchscreen software has long been a strength for Hyundai. Designed in South Korea, the same place as Samsung & LG, you’d expect the software to run smoothly and be incredibly user friendly. Android Auto & Apple Carplay work instantly, without any need for configuration. Play Spotify or Audible, send voice-dictated text messages, search for new Sat-Nav locations, and so much more by simply pressing the Voice Command button on the steering wheel.

And it’s not just the aesthetics that have improved; thanks to the wheels being pushed further into the corners, those sitting in the front and rear benefit from extra leg room.

Engine:

The Hyundai i10 has two engines, and a third on the way. Choose between an economical 1.0, a nippy 1.2, or the ‘N Line’ exclusive 1.0T. Each has its merits, but for just £500 you can upgrade the standard 1000cc to the more refined 1200cc. You’ll than yourself later.

My customers often lament about the struggle to find a small automatic, now there is less choice than ever. But, the Hyundai i10 may eb the answer, as both of the naturally aspirated engines are available as automatics – and again, at just a £500 premium. To the uninitiated, that may sound like a lot of money to go automatic, but most manufacturers charge between £1,200 - £1,500 to upgrade to an automatic box.

The Competition:

Competitors to the new i10 are few and far between. Manufacturers are ditching City Cars almost as quickly as they disposed of diesel engines after VW’s Diesel-gate scandal.

The Toyota Aygo is a popular choice with Leslies Motors customers. It offers as much tech gadgetry as the i10, but at a cheaper price. However, once you compare the two side-by-side, you’ll realise that your money could be better spent – the Hyundai is a significantly more grown-up affair. It’s quieter, smoother, and feels more solid on the road.

Since VW killed off the Skoda Citigo & Seat Mii, there are only two real competitors to the new mature Hyundai i10. The first is the VW Up. Both start at roughly the same price (~£12,500), but the i10 features a lot more safety features than its 9-year old competitor. And, the both have a ‘hot’ version, the iconic VW GTI vs Hyundai’s new ‘N Line’ – lead by former staff of BMW ‘M Sport’ division.

The other is the i10’s sister; the Kia Picanto, and it’s sporty twin stunt-double, the Picanto ‘GT Line’ & ‘GT Line S’. The Hyundai offers a five-year / unlimited mileage warranty while the Kia offers seven-year / 100,000 mileage warranty. If you’re choosing a small car that will do over 20,000 miles a year, the Hyundai is the safer bet.

Business User:

From personal experience, this isn’t a car I’d expect to see many company directors in – though I’d love to be proven wrong. In reality, the new i10 is going to be the ideal business pool car. Something everyone can hop in and complete chores. Covered in business branding, it is going to make a great first impression and will be instantly recognisable. Coupled with efficient engines and the latest safety features, is makes a strong case to sit in your company’s car park.

Island User:

The Island is a happy home for a little car like the i10. The longer wheelbase means its going to be even more comfortable in the corners of those twisting country lanes. And, the lightweight of the i10 will make it fun to drive and easy to live with.

The small engines are ideal for short journeys, as they reach optimum temperature sooner, and provide economy figures close to larger hybrid equivalents. Though I often prefer the characteristic thrum of a three-cylinder, the four-cylinder 1.2 is going to better for those that escape the Island’s shore more than a few times year – and for those that do, maybe consider upgrading to the automatic gearbox too.

Choices:

The Value Choice: Hyundai i10 ‘SE’ 1.0 Manual

The Range Topper: Hyundai i10 ‘Premium’ 1.2 Automatic

Leslies Motors Favourite: Hyundai i10 ‘N Line’ 1.0T Manual (Due Summer 2020)

Verdict:

The City Car was once the bastion of your first new car, and with less choice currently on the market that would be expected to change. But, the Hyundai i10 makes a fantastic case for itself. Not just for first-time drivers, but also for those that need a second car, or simply don’t need anything larger.

The longer wheelbase makes the ride refined and comfortable – as adept on town streets as it ever was, but just at home on those longer motorway journeys.

When you’re looking from website-to-website, showroom-to-showroom, struggling to find something suitable small, fun, and reliable, the new Hyundai i10 could be what you were looking for all along.

[iamrichardwinter]

Review: Mazda CX-30 Mild-Hybrid

The lockdown is in effect. I’m at home, wishing I was being productive at work. So if I can’t talk to you in the showroom about my favourite new cars, I’ll bring them to you.

Introducing the all-new Mazda CX-30 Mild-Hybrid.

 When Mazda announced a new SUV for the European market, bigger than the CX-3 and smaller than the CX-5, you would be forgiven for expecting the CX-4. However, that name is already taken by a car built exclusively in China.

Introducing the Mazda CX-30. And it is a thing of beauty.

Based on the architecture of the award-winning all-new Mazda 3, the CX-30 uses many of the same parts at its core. But the CX-30 is fractionally shorter, and as expected with an SUV, sits significantly higher with a comfortable upright seating position.

Mazda are on their self-proclaimed; “Road To Premium”. Their new products are no longer aimed at taking customers from the likes of Ford and Toyota, but offering an alternative to German giants; Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz - And they do it well, but for significantly less.

Looks: Based on aesthetics alone, you can see how. The approach is distinctly Asian design house, but with the stereotypical big front grill that is so popular with its new European target audience. The lines are characteristically Mazda, flowing from their KODO school of design.

The new Mazda 3, and now the Mazda CX-30, have taken ques from Scandinavian simplicity. Gone are the individual fog lights, gone are additional pseudo-sporty plastic grills, and gone is the Shark fin antenna from the roof. The CX-30 imitates the Mazda 3’s stunning sleek design, and adds a practical SUV ruggedness.

Interior: If you thought the exterior was eye-catching, the interior of the Mazda CX-30 is one of the best cabins in its class. Arguably the best cabin in any class. Interiors have been something Mazda has excelled at for years.

The seats are comfortable and supportive, the materials feel high grade, the touchscreen is easy to use, and the lines flow perfectly. It’s simply a nice place to be.

Mazda believe in cabins being “driver-centric”. And as soon as you take a seat, you’ll see what they mean. The cabin has been created around the driver, ensuring every journey is comfortable. Not one of my customers has complained about discomfort in these.

Second, the touchscreen doesn’t need to be a touchscreen - which in my opinion is great. Mazda continue to use the MZD dial, next to the gearbox. This feel much more up-market than prodding at a display, it becomes intuitive almost immediately, and it also means you’ll never get sticky fingerprints all over your shiny new screen.

The software works perfectly. Using the MZD dial it flows easily from page to page, and the dashboards sleek looks owe a nod of thanks to this display. Hiding all the buttons for the CX-30’s high-tech features on pages for when they’re needed and hidden for when they’re not.

Engines: This is where it gets interesting.

Mazda have been bucking the trend for years. While other brands like VW and Ford have been putting tiny 1.0 turbo charged engines into larger and larger vehicles, Mazda have fitted a choice of two efficient 2.0 petrol engines – more on that in a moment.

First let’s answer that question; “if everyone else is doing it, why don’t Mazda?” Well, in laboratory conditions small turbo petrol engines make sense. However, in reality they are never as efficient on the road. It’s the equivalent of putting a plaster over the emissions problem and hoping it will go away. Instead, Mazda introduced us to ‘SkyActiv’ technology, a new design philosophy. In layman’s terms; by improving every facet of the car in order to improve quality and economy. Rather than a small turbo engine having to work hard under strain, and pouring away petrol, the larger Mazda engine is unstressed and refined. Not only is it quieter than its three-cylinder competitors, but Mazda believe it will have a longer life.

Now, back to the other question; “Why two 2.0 petrol engines?”. Along with Mazda’s most popular engine, the ‘SkyActiv-G’ 2.0 petrol, Mazda have introduced a brand-new engine: the ‘SkyActive-X’ 2.0 Petrol.

The difference: ‘Spark Controlled Compression Ignition’. This is something other companies have tried time-and-time again and failed. I could write at length about how it works, but I’d only bore or bewilder most readers. What it means to you, the driver, is that the ‘SkyActiv-X’ engine offers the free-revving power and refinement of a petrol, with the improved economy and reduced CO2 emissions of a diesel. Which also means lower Benefit-In-Kind tax for company car drivers.

‘SkyActiv-G’ 2.0 Petrol Mild-Hybrid: 120 BHP / 45.6 MPG (WLTP)

‘SkyActiv-X’ 2.0 Petrol Mild Hybrid: 180 BHP / 47.9 MPG (WLTP)

 The Competition: It would be easy to compare the CX-30 with Crossovers & SUV’s from other brands; Audi’s Q3 (from £31,295) or the BMW X2 (From £29,725), but it simply isn’t a fair comparison. The Mazda is a fraction of the price (‘SEL’ from £22,895).

What you are getting is similar quality, but for a car that shares a similar price to its hyphenated cousins in the every-man category; VW’s T-Roc, Kia’s XCeed, and Honda’s H-RV.

Nowadays, only a handful of my customers walk into a showroom and buy a new car with cash, so talking about ‘price’ feels redundant. Really, we should be talking about cost. The new Mazda CX-30 is available from Leslies Motors on PCP, HP, or Lease. I often show my customers how these compare – I’d be happy to explain, you only have to ask.

Needless to say, a car that looks as good as this has desirability, and therefore holds a strong residual value. What this means to you, the buyer, is that you could have a car of this quality for significantly less a month than something that loses more of its value. It’s also worth noting, that although the new ‘SkyActiv-X’ Mild-hybrid engine adds almost £1,500 to the price, it adds only £2 a month to the cost a lease.

Choices:

The Value Choice: Mazda CX-30 ‘SEL’ 2.0 SkyActiv-G 2.0 Manual Mild-Hybrid.

The Range Topper: Mazda CX-30 ‘GT Sport Tech’ SkyActiv-X 2.0 Automatic Mild-Hybrid All-Wheel Drive.

Leslies Motors Favourite: Mazda CX-30 ‘Sport Lux’ 2.0 SkyActiv-X Manual Mild-Hybrid.

 Verdict:

Every brand worth its salt have at least one Crossover or SUV, and Mazda have proven time after time - with the CX-3, CX-5, and now the CX-30 - that they know what driver’s want. The Mazda CX-30 is smooth, refined, and its striking looks set it apart from the competition. Customers putting the CX-30 against the well-known European equivalents are going to be wonder what the extra money is being spent on - Personally, I think Mazda’s road to premium should have more expensive brands will have worried.

Test drive Leslies Motors Mazda CX-30 demonstrator to see for yourself.

[iamrichardwinter]

Leslies Toyota is now open

Leslies Motors is excited to announce that the all new Leslies Toyota showroom is open. As a loyal customer I would like to personally invite you to see the Island’s newest car showroom in Blackwater on the 28th, 29th, and 30th of August, with an optional guided tour.

Leslies Toyota in Blackwater will be the Island’s premier vehicle dealership, showcasing Toyota’s pioneering fleet of hybrid cars and their trusted range of commercial vehicles.

Sandown has been home to Toyota on the Island for over 40 years, but I wanted to write to you personally and explain why moving Leslies Toyota is right for the business, for the Island’s environment, and most importantly for the customers, and why you should be as excited about it as I am.

Toyota is one of the world’s best loved brands, and it’s only right that we future-proof this on behalf of our customers so that we can continue to offer the levels of service that they have come to expect. The new Leslies Toyota showroom in Blackwater features several facilities that simply were not possible at the site in Sandown. As a customer you’ll see that from its first concept, the new Blackwater showroom was designed to reduce the impact Leslies Motors has on the environment and improve your experience when you visit.

The new two-story Toyota showroom is designed to be state-of-the-art from the very beginning. The foundations of the building have been built using porous resources, allowing water to safely drain away. Also, the building was constructed by local businesses, using Island builders, and using numerous sources of recycled materials.

It will feature more charging points than any other dealership on the Island, ready for a future of plug-in hybrid & electric vehicles. The showroom and these charging points will be powered by the high capacity rooftop solar array, so the miles you do in your future vehicles will produce zero-emissions, powered from a zero-emissions source.

Cars and vans will be prepared in the eco-friendly vehicle preparation bays utilising the latest green technology features. The water used will be reduced, reused, and recycled in a self-contained treatment facility, and the cleaning products are filtered, captured, and removed, minimising their impact on the environment.

As a customer, when you collect your new car, you will be shown into a dedicated collection bay; this self-contained unit will cut energy waste. No longer will heated or conditioned air be lost when vehicles leave the main showroom, meaning less energy needs to be generated to power the new Leslies Toyota site.

The central location in Blackwater was another reason for the move. Situated directly next to the Newport-Sandown cycle track, Leslies Motors have initiated an Island first; Leslies Toyota Customers will have a choice between a courtesy car or the new fleet of courtesy electric-bikes.

This is where you, the customer, will have a choice to help us in our goal to reduce the impact we as a business have on our beautiful island environment. Leslies Motors will offer the same courtesy services as before with the range of economical cars, but to ensure we make the most of the amenities available to us, as a customer you will also have the choice to opt for one of Leslies Motors new courtesy electric-bikes - Blackwater to Newport on one of these bikes takes less than 10 minutes.

When we decided to embark on this mission to improve the Leslies Toyota experience, I was conscious that it could not disrupt the already outstanding service that the Leslies Toyota staff offer. As a loyal customer you’ll see the same friendly faces you have come to know at Leslies Toyota in Sandown, as well as a few new names, in the new showroom in Blackwater. All the positions in the new Leslies Toyota showroom were filled by current Leslies Motors trained staff; meaning all your future contact will be taken care of by the people that know you and your car best. Your vehicle will remain in the most capable hands, cared for by our trained Toyota Master Technicians and apprentices.

From the new centralised location in Blackwater, the Leslies Toyota Service Desk will be better located to continue providing a collect & deliver service Islandwide for customers using the MOT, Service, and Repair facilities. The new forecourt will provide space for devoted ‘Approved Used Toyotas’ as well as the very best pre-owned range of other makes and models.

The launch of the new showroom will include personal guided tours around the new facilities by the Sales Staff who have looked after your previous purchases. If you would like to take part, visit the new showroom from 2pm-7pm on the open days (28th, 29th, 30th August):

Leslies Toyota,

Blackwater,

Newport

PO30 3BD

Leslies Motors started seventy years ago as a family business, and still stands by the same core values. The new showroom at Blackwater is my way of combining these values with an environmentally friendly focus, and guiding Leslies Motors to develop and improve for future generations on our unique Island.

From myself, my family, and the team at Leslies Motors; we look forward to seeing you at the opening of Leslies Toyota.

 Graham Vanassche

Louis Vanassche

Jessica Vanassche

[iamrichardwinter]

Mazda 3 Mild-Hybrid

Is there a better hatchback on the road than the all new Mazda 3? Leslies Motors would argue; no. The combination of athletic good looks and sheer driving pleasure make a serious statement.

The previous Mazda 3 was a family staple. There was plenty of room for the kids and the dog, but its muscular good looks and sporty drive was enough to keep Mum & Dad’s hair from turning grey. The all-new 2019 Mazda 3 is all this, and so much more; seductive presence and sporty appeal.

From the outside it’s taken Mazda’s design philosophy to the next level; Kodo Design – the soul of motion. The Mazda 3’s fluid flowing lines hint the potential for sheer driving pleasure; it stirs your senses even before you get comfortable in the driver’s seat. The master craftsmen at Mazda have created a dynamic pose, ready to pounce the moment you touch the throttle.

The range of engines is another reason for Mazda being a left-field option. While other manufacturers are making small petrol engines boosting their miniscule power with a turbo, the clever engineers at Mazda are pushing the limits of combustion engine technology. The Mazda 3’s sporty looks are powered by an ultra-lightweight 2.0 SkyActiv-G petrol engine. As race fans say; “There is no replacement for displacement”.

Mazda claims that larger engines get closer to the economy figures in the brochure, than their turbo-charged counterparts. Also, because the engine doesn’t need to work as hard, the Mazda 3 has one the quietest and most refined cabins in its class. The 2.0 SkyActiv-G is also Mazda’s first foray into hybrid technology, albeit a mild hybrid 48v and includes intelligent cylinder deactivation for improved efficiency.

Later, the Mazda 3 will be fitted with Mazda’s pioneering SkyActiv-X engine; taking the internal combustion engine to the apex of petrol technology – The convenience and driving pleasure of petrol, with the pulling power and economy of a diesel.

Talking of Diesel, for those company car drivers that rack up the miles, the Mazda 3 accommodates with a new 1.8 SkyActiv-D Diesel engine to cruise the motorways in refinement.

The creators of the MX-5 RF have learned a lot, including how to create the best driving car on the UK’s roads. This has translated into the all-new Mazda 3, which is at home in the country road corners or cruising along seafront esplanades. Mazda claims to have engineered a feeling, and the engineered feeling is a driving pleasure. The Mazda 3 exudes Mazda’s “Jinba Ittai” motto; the feeling of oneness between the driver and the car.

The feeling continues in the Mazda 3’s interior. The lines and materials compliment the exterior, on their road to becoming a premium manufacturer. The Mazda 3 features Projected Heads-up Display, 360 Parking Camera, and a choice of cloth or full grain leather interiors. The Mazda MZD display is crystal clear and sits on the dashboard to keep your eyes on the road, while the controls are instantly intuitive.

The all-new Mazda 3 is available in popular current Mazda Solid, Metallic, and Pearlescent Paints; Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Machine Grey, Sonic Silver, Artic White, Snowflake White, the brand recognizable Soul Red Crystal, and debuts the new Polymetal Grey.

Company car buyer’s will benefit from the low car tax and high residual value meaning low monthly payments. The high specification Mazda 3 ‘SE-L LUX’ Mild Hybrid is available from £199 a month (+VAT) [6+35] including the Premium Cloth Interior with Heated Front Seats, a Reversing Camera with Front & Rear Parking Sensors, Keyless Entry & Start, Mazda’s Smart Active Safety Features (i-Activsense), and 18,000 miles over three years.

Call or visit Leslies Mazda (PO31 8PG) to test drive the all-new Mazda 3 2.0 SkyActiv-G in shimmering Polymetal Grey Metallic.

[iamrichardwinter]

Honda ‘e’ All-Electric

“Electric at it’s heart, retro in its soul” is how Honda describe their all-new compact electric car – The Honda ‘e’. And they are right. At first glance, you would be forgiven for thinking the first-gen VW Golf had been given the Back To The Future treatment, or that the original Honda Civic had escaped the set of Blade Runner.

This is Honda’s first fully electric car in the UK market, and they’ve timed it perfectly. It’s due late this year (2020), and the Honda e’s premium features will be unrivalled for its size. When it is released, it’ll be the only (battery owned) small electric car on the UK roads.

The five door Honda ‘e’ features elegant understated curves, and ultra-modern LED illuminated Honda badges on the front & back. The two-tone ‘floating’ black roof, will match the black front grill, charging port, body kit, alloy wheels, and hidden rear door handles.

The sophisticated lines continue in the interior, which is familiar, yet strikingly different. Infotainment screens in most modern cars are gradually increasing in size, but the Honda ‘e’ has replaced the dashboard entirely. The touchscreen spans the width of the car; the driver and the passenger has their own screens. And, these are flanked by the Wing Monitors – that’s right monitors. The wing mirrors, usually found on the outside of the car, have been replaced by tiny cameras linked to screens on the inside of the car. A simply clever evolution to reduce drag and increase efficiency.

And, the passenger can make themselves useful. On their personal screen, they can search for locations or information, and swipe it onto the driver’s mainscreen.

The rest of the dashboard that isn’t made of touchscreens is made up of a similar interior to the premium Honda CRV interior, even sharing the gear selection buttons from the CRV Hybrid that launched in January (2019).

The rear-wheel driven hatchback will make every country road and city street feel like a playground, and you can do so practically in silence. Don’t confuse this with a Hybrid, where electric power is used to supplement the engines in-efficiency. The throttle offers responsive torque, so pulling away at busy junctions has never felt so safe - The power of the motor is instantaneous.

On a full charge, the Honda ‘e’ has a range of over 125 miles – two charges a week at home will be more than enough for the majority of Island users (13,000). Currently, with a fast charger at supermarkets or service stations, the Honda ‘e’ can receive an 80% charge (~100 miles) in 30 minutes.

This revolution of motoring is bound to make a big impression when it is launched later this year (2020). To learn more, visit www.honda.co.uk, or look out for the arrival of the Honda ‘e’ at Leslies Honda.

[iamrichardwinter]

PeoplePerHour Customer

Re-writing a 500 word article to promote people to invest in gold, including links to research, references, & quotes.

Investing In Gold: A Safe Bet

Millions of people around the world spend their days working hard, sometimes doing backbreaking labour, to provide for their family. Others take what they have, and invest; and there are dozens of opportunities on the market. But, only one that has stood the test of time.

Some choose stocks or bonds; others invest in real estate or currencies, but only precious metals, especially Gold, return a real, safe investment.

MoneyWeek, the one of Europe’s largest selling financial advice magazines, said; “We've been tipping gold since 2001. In that time it went from [US]$250 to [US]$1,900 an ounce in 2011 (a 660% increase), hitting record highs each year since 2002.” (1)

In recent years, we’ve seen headline after headline describe the falling value of the US$, and, when the US economy eventually fails, personal wealth will be wiped out with it. Investing in Gold is more than just making a profit, it’s ensuring you, your finances, and your family have financial security.

So, why invest in Gold?

1)      The world’s fastest growing economies are buying as much as possible. The international governing body of Gold sales, the World Gold Council (W.G.C.), report: “Bar and coin investment grew by 78% globally compared to the same quarter last year, topping 500t in a quarter for the first time.  In China, demand for gold bars and coins surged 157% compared with the same quarter last year, while in India it jumped 116% to a record 122t. Taking jewellery demand and bar and coin investment together, global consumer demand totalled 1,083t in the quarter, 53% higher than a year ago” (2).

2)      The US$ is the world’s global currency, but for how long? The economy is crumbling under massive debts, and even the government of the most powerful nation on the planet was shut down for weeks while they bickered about finances.

When, not if, paper commodities fail, the money invested in Gold will remain safe. Other nations know this, the Times of India reported; “Gold prices touched all-time high” (3), and this is why they are buying Gold in record amounts.

3)      The Central Banks rely on a fine tuned network with others; it is a precarious balance at best. It is a well-accepted principle of global economics, that those that have the power to manipulate the monetary supply have the greatest influence over it; not the nation’s productivity or GDP.

The safest way to protect against the downturn of these powers, and shield yourself, your finances, and your future from recessions, depressions, and crumbling economic systems, is to invest in a commodity that does not tarnish. The W.G.C. explains; “the demand and supply dynamics of the gold market underpin the precious metal’s extensive appeal and functionality” (4).

Governments around the world are investing in Gold, because they know that soon the US, and the currencies of other emerging global superpowers will lock horns, and engage in a raging war. When one loses, the economic effects will be felt by millions. By investing in precious metal commodities such as Gold, nations are building a buffer again the impending damage.

We offer our services to those who wish to make a stake in safety and provide for the future. Contact us to get started today.

  References:

(1)    “We've been tipping gold since 2001. In that time it went from $250 to $1,900 an ounce in 2011 (a 660% increase), hitting record highs each year since 2002”; MoneyWeek Magazine

http://moneyweek.com/investing-in-gold/

(2)    “Bar and coin investment grew by 78% globally compared to the same quarter last year, topping 500t in a quarter for the first time.  In China, demand for gold bars and coins surged 157% compared with the same quarter last year, while in India it jumped 116% to a record 122t. Taking jewellery demand and bar and coin investment together, global consumer demand totalled 1,083t in the quarter, 53% higher than a year ago”; World Gold Council

http://www.gold.org/media/press_releases/archive/2013/08/gdt_q2_2013_pr/

  (3)     “Gold prices touched all-time high”; Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Gold-prices-hit-yet-another-peak-at-Rs-30420/articleshow/14094154.cms

(4)    “The demand and supply dynamics of the gold market underpin the precious metal’s extensive appeal and functionality”; World Gold Council.

http://www.gold.org/investment/why_and_how/why_invest/demand_and_supply/

[iamrichardwinter]

PeoplePerHour Customer

Four 250 word articles to fill a new blog for a start-up Virtual PA business.

This focused on using psychometric tests to pick suitable employees.

Employing Psychometric Tests

You’re running a business, and it’s doing well. It’s time to expand and hire more staff. You place an advert, and after a few weeks you have a mound of CVs. After you’ve picked the most suitable candidates, how do you choose the right person to employ?

It’s a dilemma many employers face. You have one job left, and a handful of experienced, well-educated applicants, who appear very similar on paper.

Psychometric Tests are a fast, easy, and reliable way to help make that decision. They can turn vague, yet important factors into easily comparable data; factors like personality, aptitude, or how well a candidate works with others.

The tests can be done online; keeping costs down, and means they can be taken anywhere, by anyone. Importantly they’re standardised, so they’ll be the same for any candidates that take them, so they produce consistent comparable results. They may also result in displaying hidden abilities, such as an applicant’s grasp on numerical data or their understanding of complex written information.

The tests aren’t just a way of hiring your team, but also judging a staff member’s suitability for progression in a career. They may highlight members of staff that could benefit from training in specific areas, or prosper from new responsibility.

It’s vital to remember, a Psychometric test is just a form of assessment, to be used as an aid. They should HELP to make decisions, but not make THE decision. Psychometric tests evaluate a person’s abilities under controlled conditions; but when comparing candidates, it’s important not to forget the value of each individuals experience and professionalism.

Alongside your applicants résumé, Psychometric tests will produce a number, it’s up to you give that number a value.

[iamrichardwinter]

PeoplePerHour Customer

Four 250 word articles to fill a new blog for a start-up Virtual PA & HR business.

This focused on what a Virtual PA could do for a business.

What Can A Virtual PA Do For Your Business?

When you run a business, you commit to responsibilities; the responsibility to your clients & customers, to your staff, to the environment, to society, to yourself, and unfortunately to the tax office.

Each one will require proof that what you’re doing is safe, genuine, and lawful. Whether you’re compiling invoices, filling databases, or simply ensuring that you’re easy to contact by any means necessary.

It’s easy to spend a morning replying to a build-up of e-mails, or an afternoon booking travel arrangements. But unless you’re a travel agent, surely this isn’t your job? These are just parts of your day that get in the way of business.

You should be spending your working day with your clients, or drumming up new business ventures with other companies. So, wouldn’t it be easier to have this work done by someone else on your behalf?

In the same way you would trust a full-time secretary, supply your trusted Virtual PA with a few passwords, and a clear list of tasks.

Maybe you have a presentation to make; do you personally need to do all the research? Wouldn’t it be easier for someone else to find all the relevant data, opinions, and papers, and turn it into clear summarised information?

Every business now uses some form of a database, but data-entry is a dull and time-consuming task. Why not outsource it? You don’t personally need to watch your online stock; your Virtual PA could upload new content, offers, and products to your website.

During the festive period, many businesses notice an increase in activity. Your Virtual PA could organise & proof adverts, send holiday cards, and promote the company through social networks.

As a hired contractor you pay your Virtual PA only for the hours they work. There’s no need for Employee related-taxes or benefits, because they’re not employees. Your Virtual PA puts you in touch with a real person, in a virtual office.

Let your PA run your office, so that you can run your business.

[iamrichardwinter]

PeoplePerHour Customer

Four 250 word articles to fill a new blog for a start-up Virtual PA & HR business.

This was about the controversial issue of e-cigarettes in the workplace.

The eCigarette:  Is It All Smoke & Mirrors?

The eCigarette has divided the nation’s opinion.

Since July 2007 smoking in enclosed public places has been banned by law. Over the last few years eCigarette have grown in popularity, with over a million using them regularly.

The eCigarette uses tiny capsules filled with Nicotine that can be replaced. The Nicotine is infused with water vapour, and introduced to the body just like its traditional counterpart, but making them completely smokeless.

Studies suggest there is no tar, chemicals, or carcinogens that are detrimental to the user’s health, and doesn’t cause second hand consequences. So, with seemingly no ill effects, what is it that makes companies want to ban the eCigarette?

Many, including the British Medical Association, think that they are diluting the anti-smoking message by re-glorifying smoking; an effort they spent millions of pounds, and decades trying to combat.

Furthermore, if they are continued to be allowed onsite, then businesses will be seen as responsible for encouraging the addiction to Nicotine.

Also, the products can sometimes look so similar to a real cigarette; they may incite people to break the law and smoke its real equivalent indoors.

But think twice before you cast aside your staff to use these in the presence of traditional smokers. If a staff member chooses to use the eCigarette therapeutically to kick the habit, will it help their rehabilitation, by being forced outside with other smokers and their second hand smoke?

Similarly, businesses choosing to condemn the eCigarette in their premises’ may lose custom from those who choose to use the product.

The eCigarette will continue to cause a raging debate. Will addiction in the work place be tolerated? Will those trying to kick the habit be shunned with the smoker’s? Or will the work place abide the growing trend?

Until Parliament and the EU make a decision for us, it will be down to individual companies to alter their existing drug & alcohol policies.

[iamrichardwinter]

PeoplePerHour Customer

Four 250 word articles to fill a new blog for a start-up Virtual PA business.

The Virtual Assistant

Welcome to the world of tomorrow. In an era where bureaucracy rules, and the task of research, form filling, filing, and admin, consume your working day. A day that could be spent building new business ventures.

But why would you out source this work?

Firstly and most importantly, you’re running a business; your priority is to offer a service and make a profit; hiring a Virtual PA is great way to save on staff costs.

They’re not an employee, but rather an independent contractor. That means you’re not responsible for any employee-related taxes, insurance, sick-pay, or benefits. Also, you only pay for the hours they work on set tasks.

Secondly, 90% of admin work in the modern era is computerised, you no longer put it on someone else’s desk, you send it by e-mail, or post it in a cloud. So, thanks to the internet, why would your PA sit outside your office, when they could do the work anywhere in the world. You no longer need to supply space, a desk, and equipment, just a list of tasks and any necessary resources.

Finally, an assistant doesn’t need to be part of your industry. They won’t become distracted by progressions and changes to your trade; they simply get on with the assignment put in front of them.

Whatever industry you work in, you didn’t get your job to make travel arrangements, fill forms, and file. Whether you are self-employed or a member of a large organisation, your Virtual PA will allow you the time to do what you do best.

[iamrichardwinter]

PeoplePerHour Customer

500 Word PR outsourced from a business building a new website for a Window, Door, and Conservatory company.

OPW by Design:

If you’re looking to furnish your home with new, stylish, and themed glass windows, a modern patio door, or extend your abode with a spacious new conservatory, then OPW By Design can help. However you choose to renovate your home, from first survey, to finished product, OPW by Design will be at your side.

OPW by Design offer a wide range of windows, for every type of home. From expansive Bay, and Beautiful Georgian Period windows, to something a little more contemporary.

OPW by Design have a long history of building elegant, quality conservatories, tailor made to your exact specifications. Your new conservatory will be completely in keeping with the aesthetics of your home, seamlessly extending your Victorian, or Edwardian period house, bringing more light and space with a luminous Lean-to or Orangery, or a touch of class with a stained glass Gable.

Maybe you’re looking to replace your old draughty doors, and renovate the entrance to your home. OPW by Design can supply and fit Composite, UPVC, stylish avant-garde French doors, and modern Bi-folding patio doors. We offer an abundance of choice, and have up to 60% off door prices.

Day time TV is plagued with horror stories of cowboy builders, and grand designs gone wrong. Unfortunately, when people think of getting any building work done, thoughts immediately turn to the worst case scenario. But, how can you argue with our glowing customer reviews?

We make customer satisfaction our number one priority. But don’t just take our word for it, our customers are the people who know.

“Turns out there are still honest tradesmen out there”; says Anthony. “[OPW by Design were] extremely reliable, very high quality of work… my conservatory is now finished and looks amazing”. And when you’re looking to expand your home, or replace those aging windows, that is exactly what you want to hear.

James will put any and all fears to rest. He says OPW by Design were “on time, on price, and service was second to none”. Meanwhile, Jimmy said “Not only was the result perfect, customer service was the main focus for me, and I was really appreciative of the fact that they kept in contact all the way through the job”.

OPW by Design will also pick up where others have left off. Sometimes those horror stories you hear are true, and OPW by Design are there to turn your worst nightmare, into a dream come true. SBanks wrote; “After an awful job by another company… They did their best to recover my conservatory, and it now looks amazing… By far the best thing about this company is how helpful they are”.

To learn more, visit our website: http://opwbydesign.com/index.php

So, come see OPW by Design, because there’s no place like home.

  *Click on our customer’s name to read their full review, or find more at: AllinLondon.co.uk, Yell.com, 192.com, ThompsonLocal.com, and Freeindex.co.uk

[iamrichardwinter]

PeoplePerHour Customer

1000 Word Article for a specialised joint support and brace website, focusing on Ankle sprains and broken bones.

  Ankle Supports & Braces:

By Richard Winter

Ankle pain can strike at any time, and when it does we realise how much we take for granted.  Simply climbing out of a chair can be agony, and the daily commute can seem like a marathon.

BUPA suggests that around 5,000 people a day in the UK suffer from some kind of musculoskeletal injury in or around the ankle. A figure that will only increase, thanks to the common dangers of wet autumnal leaves on pavements, and icy winter streets.

 ‘Ankle Pain’ is another one of those ambiguous umbrella medical terms used to describe a range of ailments. Sports enthusiasts and athletes alike will be no stranger to a sprain, and those with a degenerating bone disorders will suffer on a daily basis. Whatever the scenario may be, there are a wide variety of ankle supports or braces made to match. From the Neoprene compression wraps for the tweak caused by a slip on wet marble floors, to armoured Osteo-braces, often used by post-operation ligament patients; these mount the wearer’s entire foot into a reinforced splint to accelerate the speed of recovery.

Much like the hand, the foot is a very complex part of the human body, built up of a mass of muscles and tendons, designed to push, pull, and support. These muscles stretch from the toes, up the foot, and onto the shin. And with so much going on, and being used so often, there is also room for so much to go wrong.

The most common injury, an inversion sprain, is caused by the ligaments on the outer side of the foot stretching over their usual range, often causing tears. Sometimes patients will suffer from high ankle sprains, which are caused by sudden changes of direction, and produce pain in the front of the shin. These usually take longer to heal, and require a brace that runs up the Tibia.

The range of supports and braces optimise or reduce the amount to resistance to each of the key areas; Anterior (front of the leg), Lateral (side of the leg), and Posterior (back of the leg).

If a patient’s lifestyle requires limited movement, then a brace may be too restrictive. But, quite often if a patient has a severe injury, and wants to avoid further damage, models are available to keep ankle movement to an absolute minimum. Depending on the injury, patients are able to find an array of ankle supports designed to cater for their needs. Finding the right support of the task, means an injury can be well tended for, while not hindering on everyday tasks.

Health professionals treat ankle injuries with ‘P.R.I.C.E’ in mind, and ankle supports are designed to continue this treatment. And, although financially you can spend between £20 – £200, depending on your needs, in this instance it is a medical acronym.

P – Protect, keeping the injury from further harm.

R – Rest, making sure the support, and injured area are comfortable.

I – Ice, the cool temperatures will help to reduce swelling.

C – Compress, to support the injury and reduce swelling.

E – Elevate, by keeping the injured area above chest height swelling will be reduced.

Most Ankle supports offer some level of protection. The inexpensive models are usually a sock-like, supportive, spongy foam wraps, used to reduce feeling knocks and bumps. While the more expensive and protective models use ergonomic, lightweight plastic cases strapped together with Velcro; and each offer varying levels of compression.

Other Neoprene ankle supports act much like a blood pressure monitor, and can be inflated with a hand pump to increase the level of compression around the entire area. While several can be fitted with gel cooling packs to inhibit inflammation.

In common injury cases, where a patient may still be required to walk, work, or care for dependants, many ankle supports will fit into a standard shoe. And, for those worried about unwanted attention, they can be covered with a sock. This is an important factor for sports enthusiasts who may be afflicted with ‘weak ankles’. Those that suffer after periods of exercise, may just want to wear the support while taking part in activities to moderate the amount of torque and tension on the ankle.

While pain killers mask the feeling of pain in the area, they aren’t helping the injured ankle to recover. By reducing the movement and rotation of the foot and ankle, it gives the body time to take care of itself. The common ‘twisted ankle’ will affect thousands of individuals this year alone.

As well as pain, it causes swelling, bruising, restricted movement, and limiting the ability to put weight on the injured foot. Those who wear heels will be the first to admit the detriment it has on undertaking the simplest tasks.

Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and there is a national health service for a reason. If the pain and swelling is prolonged and affecting the patient regularly, visit the GP to ensure it isn’t fractured, broken, or something more serious.

In the meantime, remember to wear supportive suitable footwear and not to ‘H.A.R.M’ yourself. Another useful medical Acronym.

H – Heat. Avoid baths, saunas, and hot water bottles, as this will stimulate the affected area, having the opposite effect to using ice and cooling packs.

A – Alcohol. Avoid the after work pint, as this could increase swelling.

R – Running. Avoid any strenuous activity as it could do more damage, and try to rest the injury.

M – Massage. Avoid rousing the affected area, as it may damage the injury further or encourage inflammation.

[iamrichardwinter]

Recently I began working for PeoplePerHour.com, a freelance community that open's an entire world of paid freelance work.

"How?"; I hear you ask.

Well, imagine if Facebook conceived a child with the jobs page in your local paper.

You create a profile, and fill it with information about your work history and experiences, treating it a bit like an informal CV.

Then you have two choices:

1 - Post an ad, and people will pay you to do that work.

For example; "I can write a 2000 word article on any topic" and give a price "£20"

2 - Find an ad that a buyer specifically needs, and send a proposal.

For example; "Logo needed for new Sports business" "Price: £35"

The site isn't just for writers. It's filled with videographers, voice over professionals, graphic designers, photoshop experts, life coaches, and all manner of people willing to offer work.

Maybe you've got a business building websites, which you're good at.

But filling it with content is time consuming, because you're not so good at it.

Well, why not outsource it to a specialist on PeoplePerHour?

Find a cheap ad for someone to fill the pages with text. Find another to design the business logo. Then have someone else touch-up the photo's for that professionally finished look.

Hey-presto, you have a specialist web-building team, and you've only paid them for the work they've done, and not had to employ them.

The next few posts will be from work I've done for clients on PeoplePerHour.

[iamrichardwinter]

IamRichardWinter turned 2 today!

The Blog, not me personally. I hope at least some of you have enjoyed it.

Peace out GirlScout,

  Richard T. Winter Esq.

[iamrichardwinter]

Winter in Asia: LXVIIII

10th April 2013, 6pm. Koh Chang to Koh Phayam. You stand in the shower. Though it isn't heated in the conventional way, the water from the pipes is as warm at the 30+ Celsius breeze. The tall french window gazes out on the bay. You grin to yourself. Never before have you really enjoyed being naked, but from here you feel like you're completely alone. You throw insecurity into the proverbial wind, and watch the calm waves lap at a narrow beach. The only time you'll be caught out is when a long tail boat arrives with guests twice a day. Otherwise you could be imagine yourself free from the world. Your week has been spent with your face in a handful of books, playing with the half a dozen kittens before dinner, or swimming in bath warm seas. On the first day you took a dip, and spotted a jellyfish, opaque and roughly 10cm across, less that 5cm from your chest. Since then you've been wary about swimming, but not enough to put you off.  You've packed your things. According to the manager the direct boat to Koh Phayam stopped last week as it's nearing the end of high season, so instead you have to go back to Ranong, wait for four hours, then get the another boat. On a quiet island like this, convenience stores are inconvenient. They're few and far between - if they're even open. Instead you've hardly ventured from your wooden decked resort, and been paying 30Baht (66p) for a 1.5l of water. Back in Ranong you can pick up six 1l bottles for the same price. You decide stocking up on supplies is the best option. You squeeze these into the bottom of your bag, along with an armful of pot noodles. You'll survive on these for lunch, one cooked meal in the morning, another at night with a beer, and you'll be happy. The time spent on the pier is soon over. You've got supplies, and refilled your wallet. You've had a cheap lunch, and even organised your train to Singapore for three weeks time. The boat is much larger than the last. After an hour of people loading on numerous boxes of food and drink, deck chairs, and bags of cement, you're allowed to board. You slide between cargo and white wooden benches to a free seat halfway down the deck. When everyone is sat, they drag on a few more crates, and a pair of scooters into the gangway. The views are much the same as the last three journeys, but this time slower, so you listen in on other passengers conversations, read, or try to doze. The boat pulls up to the side of a concrete pier. You disembark and walk the 200 meters to the town. People are waiting for friends and family, young boys have handfuls of fishing wire with a baited hook on the end and try to land a catch. One shows off his trophies to the other boys; two, both a foot long, and thin as a ruler, with a slender pointed snout. You reach the end of the pier, at the cross roads of a small busy town. You stare up at a billboard with a map of the island.  You know where you've booked, you know where it is, but you have no idea where you currently are. Can you walk? Will you need a taxi? Is it cheaper to rent a bike yourself for the day? You ask a shop keeper, she says it's almost and hour walk to the other side of the island, a ride on a scooter taxi would only be 50Baht (£1). The journey isn't long, but isn't uneventful. At crossings the bike doesn't slow to take the 90 degrees turns, and with a 15kg backpack you're convinced the bike is going over. Finally you roll down a narrow grey pathway. The resort dogs come running towards you; a short, black, scruffy terrier, and what you can only imagine is a sort of Alsaition mongrel, and both are obviously delighted to make your acquaintance. Next, the staff come to greet you, and help with the bags.  The room is basic, but spacious. A double bed, fan, mosquito net, attached bathroom, electricity in the evenings, wifi all day in communal areas, a beach front restaurant, and the largest Gecko you've ever seen. He's hanging from the top of the window, belly towards you, but by just his back legs, so he's waving in with his front webbed hands. You grab a book to try and help him back up, but you're sure he'd have run off if everything he was alright. You pick him up, and put him on a tree out of harms way. Later, after an a few hours on the beach, you'll find him surrounded by Army Ants being dragged up the bark. Starving to death or eaten alive by ants? It a macabre question that haunts you, which would you have chosen. In the first 24hours he won't be the only wild animal you'll meet. Under your sink lives a Frog, that when removed from the room with the 'bum hose', does star jumps onto the wall with a slap. An almost spherical Toad will slide into the bathroom in the evenings, and stay for the night. On a tree not far from your door, you'll find a metre long Monitor Lizard, which according to the manager likes to live in the attics of the bungalows. A tree nearer the entrance is home to a young, brightly beaked Hornbill. And seating in the sea by day will present you with the wings of white headed Sea Eagles spread aloft as they float on the currents circling for prey. From the sea, you'll be sat amongst numerous hermit crabs, and their more conventional sideways scuttling cousins on the shore. By night, armed with a torch, you can chase the larger ones, with one of the 'beach bum' dogs, as they zip along the sand, digging them up whenever they take shelter. Buffalo Bay, as it is known, is almost completely closed off. From the your striped blue and white towel on the beach, you trace the shore around each side to where they end. The two almost meet one another, but for a score of watery meters, on the opposite side, and is the only way in for boats. Through the gap is the closest you'll get to the Burmese coast on this trip, and it's not-so-distant hills fill you with a desire for your next adventure.  The emerald green tide leaves a narrow strip of white sand, then as it retreats, stays waist deep for few hundred meters as you wade out into the bay. In the evenings, you relax outside at a table with one of your cooked meals, and a cold bottle of Chang. You can hear the waves gently washing against the sandy bay shore. It's not only white tourists here, many of the guests are Thai. Big groups sit and dine together. You think to yourself; the last place was beautiful, a real getaway. But this place has the perfect balance, between convenience and undisrupted beauty. Why leave to do exactly the same on another island, when you're enjoying yourself so much here? You book three more nights, you buy another beer.