Martin Ward, manufacturer relationships manager Cap HPI talks Majorca rentals, Fleet News Awards judging and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio launch

 

Friday/Monday

To Majorca for a long weekend break in the sun, with ’er indoors, and well deserved I thought.

The car hire queue was huge, around 1.5 hours, but once at the front it was pretty quick to get our Opel Astra, which was big enough for the two of us.

The car park opposite was a hive of activity with so many rental cars coming and going. Manufacturers are forever saying they are cutting down on rental sales.

I find this hard to believe as the demand is so high, and none more so than in the UK where tourism is on the up, and demand for hotels and car rental is huge.

 

Wednesday

Invited to be a judge again in January at the Fleet News Awards.

Blimey doesn’t time fly? Only seems like yesterday we were in Peterborough judging this year’s entries.

Next thing you know we will all be in London in March for the annual event.

 

Thursday/Friday

Over to Belfast for the UK press launch of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Alfa’s first real SUV.

It looks pretty, with some lovely, crisp lines, all in proportion. We drove the diesel first, and it was good, and the second day was the turn of the 2.0 petrol that produces 282PS.

This engine really suits the Stelvio and we achieved 34.4mpg on our test route on a variety of roads, in both Northern Ireland and over the border in the south. 

Prices look reasonable starting from £33,990.

The quality is up to a high level and the recently re-vamped and modernised plant in Cassino, about an hour from Rome, has turned up the flame in the quality control department. 

Fit, finish and materials are really very good. The drive is great with plenty of buttons to press for a different driving style.

Fleets will buy quite a few of these Alfas and anyone lucky enough to get one, will be happy with this stylish, Italian, iconic brand.

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