When did Volvo become such a popular car to lease!!?? Apart from our electric car leasing propositions, it has been Volvo which has proved to be one of the stars of 2019. The traditional view has been that Volvo is car for the older-customer based on frugal designs and safety features. Of course, the brand has done a lot recently to change this warped view; they now have one of the leading SUV propositions via their XC ranges, they are pushing all things PHEV and electric (see Polestar!) and their vehicles are now designed in a way which are both modern and cost-effective.
It is no surprise that the UK’s company car market now places the Volvo near the top of the wish list and the brand has definitely grown at the expense of Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Indeed, the customer view is that these vehicles are simply as good at the German prestige alternatives.
A big thank you to our personal leasing customer, from Bristol, for sending pictures of their brand-new Volvo SUV – the XC60! A great alternative to the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC, the XC60 now offers solutions in petrol, diesel and PHEV format. Indeed, Volvo are now moving their engines across to mild hybrids as part of their commitment to removing combustion engines in the not too distant future.
But are Volvos not lacking in specification? Is it possible to amend the vehicles before or after delivery? When customers land on our website they will see the “standard” vehicle; what we mean is that the price you see for the vehicle is based on a standard vehicle without any additional factory, manufacturer or dealer based options and will often not include the cost of metallic paint (which most brands do charge additional amounts for).
This is important to recognise, as you may build a car on the manufacturer website and include a plethora of options and then mistakenly believe that the leasing broker website is taking all of these into consideration. As a matter of clarification, ask for a bespoke quotation on your vehicle to ensure it has the necessary options.
But can you add options to a car on lease? This very much depends on WHEN you want to add the options. For a customer wanting an asap delivery, i.e. 2-3 weeks, this will necessitate a stock vehicle .When we say a stock vehicle, this means a physical vehicle which has been built and is currently with a dealership or which is sat at a compound centre in the UK or across the border in Europe. The key point note is that the car is built – you cannot send the vehicle back to the factory to have additional options placed on the vehicle nor can you amend its colour!
When we speak with a customer we try to understand what is more important 1) timescales; or 2) specification. If it is the former, you will have to compromise on the vehicle you receive; as a contract is based on 2, 3 or 4 years, you need to ensure it meets your need and requirements. This is not to say that we can’t meet all of your time/spec requirements, only that there needs to be some understanding of the process. For any vehicles with additional specification (and which you require) do note there will be an additional cost to pay.
Can I add specification before delivery? Subject to what is being added, such as towbars/privacy glass/dog guards, the supplying dealership or a 3rd party may be able to assist and fit the product to the car before delivery. These options must be added to the contact and their costs will be spread across the contract. In adding them to the contract, the items must be there upon collection. You, or the company, may be charged for missing items. But what if I have taken delivery – can I add specification afterwards? Again, this will depend on the proposed item.
If this is something which will not materially affect the car, or which is likely to be considered a positive addition, you can seek the permission of the finance company to add it to the vehicle. In some cases they will ask you to remove it before collection (ensuring there is no damage) and in others they will allow the item to remain on the car. Please do not modify the vehicle in a material way without speaking to the finance first – adding a bodykit or changing the upholstery may seem a good idea to you but …. Just speak to your leasing broker for further advice and guidance.
In terms of the car shown here, the Volvo XC60 ESTATE 2.0 T5 [250] R DESIGN 5dr Geartronic (Petrol Auto), this is based on the following configuration:
- Bursting Blue Premium metallic
- Nappa leather/textile contour sports – Charcoal/Dark open grid
- Metal mesh inlays
- 19″ 5 double spoke diamond cut /matt black alloy wheels
- Family pack
- Rear parking camera
- CD player
As standard the car includes navigation, 2-zone climate control, rear park assist, 19” alloys, cruise control, front park assist, keyless start, lumbar support, dark tinted glass, rain sensor with automatic windscreen wipers, tinted windscreen, DSTC, hill descent control, hill start assist, sports floor mats, Bluetooth, front collision warning with auto brake, lane keep assist with driver alert, oncoming lane mitigation, road edge detection, power tailgate, 12.3” driver instrument display, 9” touch screen. Auto dimming interior and exterior mirrors, electrically folding/adjustable and heated door mirrors,.
High gloss black door mirrors, DAB radio, body coloured external, R design tread plates, adaptive brake lights, headlamp levelling, LED headlights, 3-spoke steering wheel, contour sports, sports pedals, city safety with pedestrian detection, first aid kit, run off road protection, 60/40 split folding seats, heated front seats, WHIPS, immobiliser and anti-theft alarm. In terms of additional specification, consider adding – rear parking camera, winter pack and the Tempa spare wheel.
On the technical-side, company car and business users can note the P11d at £41,425.00 and CO2 at 165g/km. The 1969CC 8 speed auto petrol engine delivers 250ps, 0-62 time of 6.9 seconds and combined MPG of 30.1 (WLTP). Service intervals are set at every 12 months or 18,000 miles whichever lands sooner.
So would you select the Volvo XC60 as your next car leasing option?
More reading Volvo XC60 Car Lease Information
