Christmas at Devonshire Motors; Santa's not-so-little Helper!

First things first, we would like to wish all of our customers and readers of our Blog a very merry Christmas and- in case we miss it for one reason or another...- a happy New Year. Wishing you all the very best for a fantastic 2014!


We've been a busy team since the last time we updated- with December turning out to be a fantastic month for us with Sales at an all-time high for the time of year. Our annual mince pie and mulled wine event was a great success and we were also able to support our local Round Table in their quest to bring Santa to Barnstaple (& raise a phenomenal amount for local causes in the process!). 


We lent Santa (and his helpers from the Barnstaple Round Table) a top-of-the-range Mitsubishi Shogun 4X4 to tow his sleigh around the town in their annual Santa Sleigh Runs. The tours continued for a fortnight, with trips all over the area including Roundswell, Newport, the Town Centre and, a new route for 2013, Landkey. 

The tours were a huge success, raising an incredible £7031.30 for local charities (smashing their target of £6500 by some margin!) We were delighted to be able to help and loved seeing Santa driving past every evening as he started his journey. (Although he was sat on the cold sleigh behind, rather than in comfort watching a DVD in the back of the Shogun where we would have been ;))

A big congratulations to the Barnstaple and District Round Table and the people of Barnstaple for, yet again, getting behind what is a fantastic, fun, local attraction and helping it be such a success for the seventh year running. 

Second Major Award of 2013 for Your Local Dealership!

We are pleased to announce that the awards shelf has had another new addition- its second of 2013!

Nathan Tomlinson, our Dealer Principal, was named 'Used Car Dealer Principal of the Year' at the high profile Used Car Awards. The event- held at the Brewery in central London- was organised by leading trade title Car Dealer Magazine, and sponsored by Black Horse (part of Lloyds Banking Group). 

The Brewery, London

Launched last year with the aim of celebrating the hard work and efforts of everyone in the used car sector, the awards are already confirmed to be taking place again in 2014 at the same venue. 

More than 400 people attended the black-tie event, hosted by TV personality Mike Brewer (presenter of motoring show Wheeler Dealers) and awards were dished out to worthy winners in 20 categories including to our man in charge!

Nathan with his latest award!

Nathan was, justifiably, thrilled to have won and said, 'The Used Car award is a really great accolade for the dealership- it's been a fantastic year that's seen us go from strength to strength and to win this particular award makes me especially proud. 

We've invested a lot of time and effort in sourcing what we believe are the best used cars in the area. They are prepared and presented to a very high standard and come with the back-up you'd expect from a main dealer. To do this and be able to remain competitive on pricing means we have a unique position which has been recognised at national level".

Used Car Award Winners

As any of you who have purchased from us previously will know, we don't opt for the usual hard-sell routine you may have experienced from other car dealerships. We believe we're different and one of our main motivations for doing what we do is to prove that you can buy a car from nice people who genuinely do care about you and your interests. 

We'd like to offer our congratulations to all those shortlisted and the winners of the awards. A lot of fun was had by all (we won't go into discussion about the free bar ;)) and we're very much hoping to be in attendance next year. Good work Car Dealer Magazine!

A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words...

Or so the popular expression suggests. The important question is: what do the recently released images of Mitsubishi's latest concept vehicles say to you?

Concept vehicles are usually just that, created to showcase the latest designs or technology but very unlikely to ever become a reality. However, the latest incarnations could, if Deputy Editor of What Car?- Ed Callow- is to be believed, break this mould. Here is a brief rundown of the three latest releases from Mitsubishi:

Concept XR-PHEV

Short for 'Crossover Runner'- the XR-PHEV is our favourite: designed to replace the ASX and compete with popular SUVs such as the Hyundai IX35 and Kia Sportage, it features a coupe-like roofline, slim-line headlights and is longer, wider and lower than the current ASX. 

What Car? have quoted Mitsubishi Motors in the UK MD- Lance Bradley- as saying that a very similar vehicle, with as many design cues as possible taken from this concept vehicle, should well be hitting British shores in a little under 2 years. All we have been advised so far is to expect a vastly expanding range over the next few years but we really hope this rumour is true! And it's not just us! Motoring publications and print press such as Telegraph and BBC News have also been raving about it. 


Concept GC-PHEV

The 'Grand Cruiser' as it is known, is designed to be a full sized SUV (not dissimilar in size to the current Shogun) and would, apparently, feature the same plug-in hybrid technology as the Outlander PHEV which is arriving in the showroom early next year. 

It would, however, be unlikely to include the 7 seat set-up that is offered currently as there would need to be some compromise with the additional weight of the battery system so as not to negatively compromise load capacity (an essential in an authentic off-roader such as the Shogun). 

We won't get too excited just yet though, press articles suggest this won't be coming for several years. 

Concept AR-PHEV

If this one was made a reality it would be somewhat of a reappearance of a mid-sized people carrier to the current range. The Grandis was the last- in production from 2004-2010- but this is a far more futuristic version! BBC News reported it as featuring manoeuvrable seating, allowing passengers to move to face each other if they so wish, as well as- what can only be described as- a giant touch screen 'tablet' table. 

Word has also reached us that a smaller SUV (to rival the Renault Captur and Nissan Juke) is currently in discussion over the table with Mitsubishi in Japan and would possibly be based on the Mirage. 

Whatever happens, these are very exciting times for both Mitsubishi and us as a dealership. Having sold Mitsubishi vehicles for more than 25 years, we've seen more changes than most people have had hot dinners, and have never been so proud to be a part of it all. Watch this space!
 

 

A Live Chicken, Mice and Some Unmentionables: The Strangest Things We've Found in Cars

We had a lot of fun writing this blog post and you'll soon see why. Nearly every single member of staff had a story to tell, a few are either very observant or just incredibly unlucky and had many! Here is our selection of the most bizarre items discovered in vehicles:

Bizarrely (and perhaps this is because of our North Devon location), many of the stories related to live- or otherwise- animals. 

We felt images unnecessary for this one...

In recent months one of our technicians discovered an entire family of mice nestled in the spare wheel well of a Mitsubishi Colt Cabriolet. And mice seem to be a popular one- a regular customer of ours once narrowly avoided an accident on the motorway after his wife happened across one of the rodents perched in the travel sweets in the glove box of their Shogun. We imagine her shock must have been quite vocal!

Spiders pop up fairly often too! Thankfully, the exotic-looking bright orange spider lurking on the rear seat of a Honda CR-V turned out, following a quick Google, to be a harmless Orange Orb Spider and was caught and released by a brave member of our Valeting team.

One of our technicians was less lucky- discovering an enormous Tarantula-sized spider in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, just arrived in the UK from Japan. It did not hang around to be caught and (as I'm sure you can imagine) no-one volunteered to chase it!

Vets and Farmers are often the owners of the strangest items- syringes and animal artificial insemination kits are often found in the vehicles of both and the most unusual item? A live chicken discovered hiding in a Mitsubishi L200 two days after it was brought in for part-exchange. 

The Service department were party to the most stories- birds are frequently found in air filters (not live, unfortunately) and among the items discovered in car boots have been dead fish, dog mess- not always in bags- and fleas. A 'couples toy' (we'll leave it to your imagination) was discovered as it rolled out from under the passengers seat of a Honda on a road test. 


 And people, apparently, don't always check their vehicles before they come in for part-exchange as the Sales Team had a few to add too- everything from underwear to a Rambo-style serrated hunting knife have been found in glove boxes of vehicles. 

Have any to add? We've had customers and fellow car dealers alike get in touch on Facebook and Twitter to share their stories. Join in! www.facebook.com/devonshiremotor or @devonshiremotor on Twitter.

Top of the Tweeters

We are very proud to announce that we have been named among the 'most influential' users of Twitter in the UK Motor Trade by leading automotive title Car Dealer Magazine. 

We love to publicise our offers and chat with our customers about everything from industry news, information on what our dealership staff and customers are up to, vehicle launches and images, even the weather! Quite frankly we're shocked every time we log on and see our 3,200 followers but are delighted we've built up such a fantastic community of customers. 

 
To be placed anywhere in the list would have been an achievement in itself but we were delighted to have been listed a very respectable 42nd (especially considering the size of many of the dealer groups beneath us and the fact we are a locally owned and run business!)

To compile the list, which has become a major talking point in the motor trade, the Car Dealer team spent weeks analysing Twitter users via Klout- a website which scores social media users on their influence. 

The magazine then researched each company or individual with businesses of all sizes being considered, from independent traders to multi-franchise dealer groups. 

By no means do we rely on Twitter exclusively- it's just part of what we do to communicate to our family of customers to let them know what's going on. To check out the list in full go to bit.ly/Top100dealers and, to join our ever-expanding social media community, follow us on @DevonshireMotor and send us a tweet or join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/devonshiremotor. 



 

'3' is the Magic Number

We've a whole load of phrases to back up our offerings this Winter- Three is the magic number, third time's the charm, good things happen in threes. Thankfully, we have some incredible offers available- at least enough to make up for the cheesy analogies. 

We have a vast range of offers available for individuals considering purchasing a new Mitsubishi in the next couple of months, which give customers complete peace of mind. The all-new Mirage, versatile crossover- the ASX and technologically-advanced and economical Outlander are all now available with 3 years free Servicing, 3 years Warranty and 3 years free Breakdown Cover. 

We also register a free, 7 day, Mitsubishi insurance note when our customers collect the latest addition to their households- so they can breathe easy that they are covered in the unlikely event the worst happens and can arrange cover at leisure. 

The Mirage is a truly super super-mini- 68mpg, no road tax, the smallest turning circle in its class for easy maneuverability and packed full of additional extras and safety equipment. 

If it had a middle name it would be 'versatile'- the ASX is available with a variety of engines, in Petrol, Diesel, Manual or Automatic and a selection of trim levels ranging from the entry level '2' to the range topping '4', two-wheel drive or four; but always offering a raised driving position and stunning good looks- this is a truly adaptable crossover. 

As anyone who has ever driven one will know, the Outlander requires little introduction. A 7 seat, four-wheel drive which offers over 52mpg; it is spacious, efficient and remarkably intelligent- technology on offer ranges from adaptive cruise control to forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning systems. A premium machine. 

Our offers are constantly being renewed so please check our homepage banners for the latest prices and finance options or, of course, feel free to email, call us or pop in. 



 

Mitsubishi: Fastest Growing Car Brand of 2013

Figures released last week by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders have shown that Mitsubishi are having a very good year indeed.



Mitsubishi Shogun

While we are still two months shy of the end of the year, there is no denying the statistics: sales increased by a phenomenal 86.71% in September alone and year on year sales were up by a huge 49.61%. These percentages place the manufacturer firmly in the enviable position of 'fastest growing car brand of 2013'.


While the new products in the range- Mirage and Outlander- have got off to a flying start, it appears to be the existing vehicles- L200, ASX and Shogun which have helped secure these figures. The crossover- ASX- sales increased significantly, the £5,000 price reduction on the Shogun transformed the sales performance on this vehicle and the L200? Up again this year.

 

A high specification L200 Barbarian Black

The pick-up remains, yet again, retail pickup market leader with 23.4% market share among its peers. In September it went one step further and achieved 26% of the retail market!

And the good news for people looking to buy a new vehicle? Mitsubishi are determined to keep their place on top so have released incredible offers to sustain their momentum. Thinking about a change? Why not take a test drive to see why so many people are buying Mitsubishi!

Drop in for a chat and coffee, call 01271 342600 or email sales@devonshire-motors.co.uk.

The Great Petrol/Diesel Debate

Should you choose Petrol or Diesel for your new car? First things first, you should probably opt for whatever fuel your vehicle takes, but that's another story. All joking aside, it's a long running debate and here are a few of the factors worth considering:

The 'Science Bit'

Conventional Diesel and Petrol are both produced from mineral oil, using different refining methods. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, Diesel contains roughly 15% more energy than Petrol (by volume) and this, combined with a more efficient combustion process, ensures higher fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. 

The Price Point

Diesel vehicles do, as a general rule, tend to cost more to purchase initially whether buying new or used. For example; the Mitsubishi ASX crossover vehicles "List Price" (before any of our special offers etc.) £16,750 for a Petrol ASX, the same vehicle in Diesel would be £18,750. Having said that, Diesel vehicles do tend to depreciate in value slower so they'll likely hold their value. 

Fuel Savings

Diesel is currently still more expensive to buy than Petrol but vehicles that run on the former tend to be more fuel efficient. Recent developments in Petrol engines are narrowing the gap though- the Mitsubishi Mirage is not made in a Diesel version as it can already achieve 68mpg from its 3 cylinder, 1.2 litre Petrol engine. 

Generally speaking, if you are a low mileage motorist (say 7,000 miles a year) and keep your car for 3 years or less, it is unlikely you'll see the fuel savings. In fact, the AA recommend that, if you're planning on using your vehicle for mainly town or stop/start driving, it would be wise to avoid buying a Diesel vehicle with a Diesel Particulate Filter (which most Diesels manufactured after 2009 have). This is because, while filters in the exhaust reduce soot emissions by 80%, the collected particles have to be burnt off and this process needs to be completed during sustained periods of driving at speed. 

Day to Day Running 

Car insurance can be more expensive for Diesel than Petrol vehicles as Diesels have higher average accident repair costs and are more costly, in general, to replace in the event of a write-off, so this is well-worth looking into before making a purchase. 

Road tax wise, the cost of this is based solely on the CO2 emissions created by a vehicle so Diesel vehicles usually win out on this point. You can easily establish road tax costs before buying a vehicle online if you have the registration: https://www.taxdisc.direct.gov.uk and select 'Vehicle Look Up'.  

Another factor to consider would be servicing- Petrol vehicles usually have to be serviced more frequently than Diesels but the cost is often less when sticking to the manufacturers schedule as Diesel filters can be costly. However, if your vehicle is out of warranty and you no longer have to operate within the schedule for servicing, this price difference may be avoidable, our 'All Makes' Value Service, for example, is £99.99 whether Diesel or Petrol. 

Overall

The above are all elements worth considering when you are looking into purchasing a new vehicle but the differences will vary depending on the vehicle itself and, of course, each individuals preference. If you're looking into buying a new Mitsubishi, or any make or model of used vehicle, come and speak to one of our Sales Advisors who can help guide you through the decision. 

Have something to add? Join the debate! Facebook or Tweet us, we'd love to hear what you have to say on the matter. 



 

 

Looking For a Reliable Car? Try Japanese!

Japanese vehicle manufacturers have long been associated with high build quality and overall reliability and, recent statistics reveal that, these assumptions are very well founded.

Warranty Direct have assembled an extensive reliability index- gleaned from data compiled on over 50,000 cars- based on a variety of areas from average cost of repair, time the car is off the road to the average age of the car and the mileage.

We stock, or can source, Lancers (similar to the above)

The Mitsubishi Lancer took equal 1st place by being both the most reliable car on the road and also the cheapest to repair in the unlikely event anything does go wrong (with an average repair bill of a mere £95.43!). An outstanding achievement for a manufacturer when you consider that Mitsubishi holds less than 1% of the market share in the UK.

And it isn't only the Lancer praised for its reliability- the Reliability Index top 10 features no fewer than eight vehicles that are built by, or in conjunction with, Japanese manufacturers. Honda boasts two vehicles in the top 10- the Jazz sits squarely at number 6 along with the HR-V in equal 9th place.

Just one of the ultra reliable Honda Jazz' we have in
stock at the time of writing.

The index also, rather helpfully, makes suggestions as to what is most likely to go wrong with the vehicles in the top 10. The Vauxhall Agila (essentially a re-badged Suzuki Wagon R) has been known to have fuel system issues, Suzuki Alto (5th most reliable) and Toyota Aygo (joint 7th) owners should watch for heater problems and those with Mazda MX-5's, the only convertible in the top 10, should be wary of air conditioning issues.

A resounding theme stands out in the research- the less the car has, the less can go wrong with it and- in the event any issues do crop up- simplicity also eases repair costs. Reliability has, and likely always will be, a key concern of consumers when looking to buy a vehicle. It goes without saying that most people have neither the time nor money to spend at a garage unnecessarily and, while regular servicing and routine maintenance go a very long way, buying a reliable vehicle in the first place should be of paramount importance.

With all this in mind, there really is only one conclusion you can draw: if you are looking for a reliable vehicle- whether new or used- Japanese might well be the way forward.

One More Good Reason to Buy a Mitsubishi Mirage

Euro NCAP has released the results of its latest crash test campaign and it's very good news for drivers of the latest addition to the Mitsubishi range.

The Mitsubishi Mirage achieved a very high 4-star rating, comparable to much larger vehicles and- perhaps more importantly- better than those gained by many of it's closest competitors.

The Mirage was engineered to offer a high level of safety within its compact dimensions, with a whole host of built-in safety features. The base point was Mitsubishi Motor's patented "RISE" (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) active structure, meant to efficiently absorb an impact from all directions and to disperse it, and was built up from there- adding straight and large section cross-members and a reinforced cabin to ensure improved energy-management in the case of a front end crash.



Mirage being put through its paces

And the advancements aren't just evident on the outside- Mitsubishi applies the same attention to safety detail on the interior too: the front seats have double pre-tensioner and force limiter seatbelts as well as a built-in whiplash injury reduction design.

The Mitsubishi Mirage is available with 6 airbags as standard (including side and curtain), ABS, Active Stability Control, Traction Control, Brake Assist and an Emergency Stop System. The automatic- CVT- version of the popular new super-mini also comes with revolutionary Hill Start Assist.

Choose to buy the Mirage? You'll get the peace of mind of knowing that you and your passengers are in one of the safest vehicles amongst its peers, and who can put a price on that?

40% of Motorists Admit to Driving Without an MOT- We Want to Help!

Shocking new findings show that a third of motorists in the UK- 10 million vehicle owners- have driven with no MOT and this figure soars to over 40%, the highest of any region of the country, in the South West!

The survey was conducted by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and also found that, of those who had driven without a valid MOT, 24% admitted driving for up to a month and a small- yet alarming- 7% for up to six months.

We are delighted to announce that we will be among the first to team up with the industry 'Minute or Two' initiative (in partnership with Motor Codes)- which encourages motorists to carry out 10 simple visual checks of their vehicle prior to the MOT test.

We completely appreciate the busy lives many people live and are offering a stress-free MOT experience for customers, carrying out the 10 point pre-inspection on your behalf- for free- before the annual test to help the vehicle avoid failing due to simple-to-fix issues.

We'll also- for the month of October and November- be offering MOT's for a reduced price of just £35 (including a free re-test). Just ring and quote 'Minute or Two'.

The full 'Minute or Two' checklist includes everything from lights, tyres, windscreen wipers and fluid levels and, as with all Service and MOT work, will be carried out by manufacturer-trained technicians with (we wouldn't dare tell you how many!) years of experience using fully-approved parts appropriate to each specific vehicle.


We look forward to welcoming customers- both old and new- to our showroom to take advantage of these fantastic offers. Call us on 01271 342600 or email service@devonshire-motors.co.uk.

Win a Mirage!

We are giving away a brand new Mitsubishi Mirage for a whole year and it really couldn't be any simpler to win.

To be in with a chance to head home in the fantastic new super-mini, all you have to do is take one for a test drive and you'll be entered into the prize draw. (What could be) your Mirage is ready and waiting on our forecourt and one of the people who drives a Mirage with us between now and the 30th November is guaranteed to win the use of this car for a year!

Just waiting for it's new driver!
 

The all-new Mirage combines great styling, excellent fuel economy and real-life practicality- and with low emissions it's the most environmentally-friendly car in it's class.

The little car has only been in showrooms for a matter of months but has already proved very popular- and it's not hard to understand why: chic styling, exceptional comfort, low running costs, incredible fuel economy across the range of between 65.7 and 68.9mpg and no road tax payable on any vehicle in the range (thanks to it's low Co2 emission levels).

And now for the formal bit: Entrants must be 21 years old, hold a full, clean driving licence and be a UK resident. Full terms and conditions are available at www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk. We will announce the lucky winner in December and the vehicle will be delivered in January- what a way to start the New Year!

To arrange a test drive in a new Mirage contact us on 01271 342600 or pop into the showroom on the Pottington Industrial Estate, Barnstaple, EX31 1LQ.

We Hand Out £100 M&S Vouchers

A lucky man from Bideford has scooped £100 in Marks and Spencers vouchers from us, here, at Devonshire Motors.

A delighted Mr Lentern claimed the winnings after entering a prize draw, open to anyone who had aftersales work carried out with us. We felt it would be a fantastic way to thank our customers, it created a buzz around the dealership and John (our Service Manager) was delighted to be able to call up the winner to tell them they'd won! It's not every day you get something for nothing after all and it was especially nice that Mr Lentern was such a loyal customer of ours.



Service Manager- John Harding- handing over the prize to the lucky winner
 

The prize draw was subject to an invoice for work including an MSP Service, Value Service, MOT, Healthcheck, Service Campaign or tyre replacement.


Mr Lentern- who had purchased a vehicle from us earlier in the year- was coming back to the dealership for accessories to be fitted when he entered the free prize draw. Word has reached us that he may be planning on spending some of his prize on some particularly nice wine and a few of the staff are fully prepared to offer their services to help him enjoy his winnings! (We're all heart you know!)

And the draw is still very much open- with a further prize of £100 in Marks and Spencer vouchers due to be won by a Devonshire Motors customer after the 30th September and the possibility of collecting the national prize- a generous £1,000 in vouchers from the popular high street store- at the same time.

For more information on how to enter the free prize draw, call John or Hannah in Service on 01271 342600, email service@devonshire-motors.co.uk or visit our aftersales department at Pottington Industrial Estate, Barnstaple.

Motocross Mayhem at Devonshire Motors

If you had driven past the showroom several weeks ago- one sunny Friday early-August- you might have seen quite a spectacle. The small strip of grass outside the front of the showroom was transformed, for one day only, into a makeshift photo shoot location for some promotional shots of the Motocross rider we sponsor- Mark Osborne.

Mark- who competes in the South West Off Road Motocross Championship and is currently chairman of the Torridge and District Motorcycle Club- carries our logo and graphics on his bike and race clothing and we also contribute towards his race registration fees.

The Mitsubishi L200 is the pick-up of choice for Motocross riders- who find it the perfect vehicle for transporting themselves and their machinery to race venues so the sponsorship was always a perfect match. And Mark does all he can to spread the word at events- taking his van (emblazoned with Devonshire Motors logos) and setting up flags and banners.

He was a relatively late starter to the sport- initially channelling his energies into downhill mountain biking before realising his love for Motocross in his early twenties (a sport his Dad has been active in for many years) but has ambitions to complete all the rounds of the championships and aim for the top spot.


We're sure you'll all join us is wishing Mark the very best for what remains of the season. As a local business we are keen to do as much as we can to support the local community and Mark is a fantastic young rider- we are delighted to be in the position to continue to support him.

Mitsubishi Motability Deals Are No Mirage

With the summer in full swing, we have a series of scorching hot deals available for Motability motorists.

The highlight of our latest offering is the arrival of the all new Mitsubishi Mirage- already proving a big hit since its launch in the UK earlier this year. The clever and compact super-mini is roomy enough for five adults and exceptionally economical.

Designed and engineered from the wheels up to offer a winning blend of chic styling, exceptional comfort and low running costs, the Mirage boasts fuel economy across the range of between 65.7 and an incredible 68.9 mpg (combined).

What's more, both the Mirage 2 1.2 and Mirage 3 1.2 are now available to eligible drivers with nil advanced payment. While even the Mirage 3 1.2 CVT Automatic could be yours with an advance payment of just £199.

But it isn't just those in the market for a compact car who are catered for: there are also outstanding offers on the stunning ASX crossover, including the popular ASX 2 1.6, which is now available with an advance payment of just £499.

Available with a choice of powerful, yet efficient, petrol and diesel engines, the ASX offers impressive fuel economy and emission figures but packs plenty of pulling power when needed. It is also phenomenally safe- boasting a 5 star Euro NCAP rating courtesy of an array of advanced on-board safety features.

For those of you who aren't aware of the finer details- Motability is a national charity offering disabled people the opportunity to obtain a car, powered wheelchair or scooter by using Government-funded mobility allowances. To qualify, recipients must receive specific Mobility allowances- for which we can advise.

Almost all Motability clients choose to have their car on contract hire, which means a new car every three years, insurance and personal accident cover, servicing and maintenance, full breakdown assistance from the RAC, free replacement tyres fitted by Kwikfit and window or windscreen replacement at no extra cost.

For more details of the latest Motability offers or to book a test drive, call us now on 01271 342600 and ask to speak to a dedicated Motability specialist or visit the showroom in Braunton Road, Barnstaple, EX31 1LQ.

Why Choose the Mitsubishi Mirage? It's There in Black and White!

The Mitsubishi Mirage has been a big hit since its arrival with us, here, in Barnstaple earlier this year. 

We've taken the new model and given it a twist, with the exclusive option of different colour roofs and wing mirrors, which give the car a funky edge. And the chance to personalise their cars is going down well, particularly with younger drivers. 

Anna Whear, who drives a Mitsubishi Mirage 3, said: "I was after a new car and I looked at a few different models online. When I saw the different things Devonshire Motors were doing with the Mirage I really wanted one. I really like the fact that they can make it a bit different, so it stands out. There are lots of small cars out there but the Mirage was perfect for me". 

 

Anna Whear with her white Mirage 3

 
Anna's car is finished with a carbon fibre roof, wing mirrors and black alloys (also something we can organise) but the options are huge- everything from snakeskin, leather and hot pink to those colours at the more sedate end of the rainbow are available. 

Vehicle personalisation is becoming a huge trend in the motor trade- just look at the Citroen DS3, Fiat 500 and the Renault Zoe as examples- and, whereas opting for a vibrant coloured roof or interior has the potential to affect your vehicles future value or saleability, the vinyl wrap personalisation means that the customer can stamp their mark on their vehicle but can, ultimately, choose to remove it at a later date or choose something else, entirely different. 

And it isn't just good looks the Mirage has going for it; the clever and compact supermini is roomy enough for five adults. It's exceptionally economical and kind to the planet too and, as CO2 emission levels across the whole line-up are lower than 100 g/km, there's no road tax to pay. It boasts fuel economy across the range of between 65.7 and 68.9mpg (combined), saving you money at the petrol pump. 

We think it's the winning combination of good looks and low running costs and could be the perfect car for younger drivers. No road tax, fuel efficiency and affordable- what's not to like?


 

More than 100,000 Mirages Sold Worldwide

Figures out this week have shown that sales for the Mitsubishi Mirage- know within Mitsubishi as the "Global Small"- have topped the 100,000 mark. Quite a feat considering the vehicle was only launched in March last year!




The Mitsubishi Mirage in 'Pop Green'



The Mirage was first introduced in Thailand in March 2012 and is now available in more than 45 countries worldwide. It arrived in the UK earlier this year and is already creating waves- helping Mitsubishi become the fastest-growing car manufacturer in the UK with sales for the first half of the year across the brand running 40 percent ahead of the first half of 2012!

But it isn't particularly surprising- the Mirage gas quickly won itself a reputation as a compact and clever city car - it's so efficient it has zero road tax across the range, has the smallest turning circle among it's peers and offers an astonishing 65mpg.

Fancy test driving the Mirage? Call us on 01271 342600, email sales@devonshire-motors.co.uk or pop into our showroom in Barnstaple, we'd love to see you!

It's Official: We Have the Country's Best Dealer Principal!

We have serious cause for celebration this week following last weeks annual Motor Trader Awards 2013! Our very own Dealer Principal- Nathan Tomlinson- suprised many of us (including himself!) by beating off the opposition and picking up the prestigious 'Dealer Principal of the Year Award' at the glittering ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Wednesday evening.

Nathan Tomlinson and Sunday Times General Manager Jim Murray-Jones

The awards honour the hard work and achievements of those in the Motor Trade and Nathan was selected by a panel of industry experts. BBC Sports presenter John Inverdale hosted the evening, Comedian Stephen K Amos entertained the 1500 strong audience later in proceedings and there was even an appearance from racing legend Sir Stirling Moss! We took full advantage of the London Taxi photo booth on offer (check out our Facebook Page for a cheap laugh!) and the Lotus Racing simulator- with variable results!



All of this years Motor Trader Award Winners

 Following the event Nathan said "I am naturally delighted to have won. The Motor Trader Industry Awards are well respected by everybody in the business so of course I am very pleased. I see this award as a tribute to what is more than just a typical dealership. We benefit as a direct result of the hard work that everybody puts in at Devonshire Motors, the team here are amazing. More than just that though, we are representing a dynamic brand who work closely with their dealer network to encourage profitability.


"We're successful on a local level because our staff are passionately committed to looking after customers, but our overall success comes from a combination of what we do and the people we work with. I'm exceptionally proud for all of us".  

Considering the sheer number of car dealerships in the UK I'm sure that you'll agree this is an incredible achievement and one all of us at Devonshire Motors are very proud of!

Motor Trader Awards Finalists Again!

We are incredibly proud to announce that we have beaten hundreds of competitors across the UK to make it to the final for a brace of awards in the Motor Trader Industry Awards 2013.

The man in charge, Nathan Tomlinson, is up for the prestigious Dealer Principal award while our Accident Repair Centre, led by Graeme Bennett, has been shortlisted for the Independent Garage of the Year Award.



Motor Trader Awards 2012



The winners will be decided from amongst the shortlisted contendors by a panel of industry experts and announced at a black-tie ceremony at the exclusive, five star Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair, London (altogether now... Ooooooh!) on July 10th.

The event (which is in its 23rd year) is hosted by Motor Trader Magazine- the leading title for automotive industry professionals in the UK- and attracts 1200 key figures and sponsorship from some of the largest names in the industry. 

We're especially proud, having previously won the Aftermarket Innovation Award at the same awards in 2011, to have been nominated for these prestigious awards again and, win or lose, it really is an honour just to have made the finals.

Our table is booked, we're busy dusting off our tuxedos and evening gowns and will be sure to keep you up to date on our progress and will take plenty of photos (early on!) on the evening of the awards. Fingers crossed!

Top to Tow....?

Whether you need to pull a caravan, a boat, a horse-box or trailer- Mitsubishi's long history of creating class-leading 4x4s ensures we will have the perfect vehicle to meet your needs.

The multi-award winning Mitsubishi L200 can handle any environment when it comes to towing, from the farm to the construction site and everywhere in between.

The legendary Shogun, with its combination of power and luxury, is the ultimate machine for country pursuits and getting off the beaten track and, capable of towing up to 3,500 kg, rivals almost all other competitors in it's class for sheer brawn. It makes light of any load.

And the Outlander and ASX are just as capable. The Outlander combines the comfort and practicality of a family vehicle (accomodating 7 people with ease) while the ASX crossover offers unmatched versatility and style and delivers pulling power significantly above what you might expect from an urban crossover.

Far from just selling these giants of the towing world, we can likely give you a few pointers if required too! Our parts department can source the majority of towing equipment you might need- from tow bars to electrics while two of our Service team- John our Service Manager and Service Advisor Hannah are- as well as being knowledgeable in the technical aspects, prolific caravan towers (if there wasn't such a word there is now!)

New to towing or a bit of a dab hand at it? Mitsubishis 'Guide to Towing' might be a worthwhile read either way: www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/towing/... Everything from picking your vehicle, loading up, driving to reversing- it's a pretty concise guide!

We'd also love to hear your towing stories... never had a towing vehicle as good as your Outlander? Has your Shogun got you out of some sticky situations?! Let us know! info@devonshire-motors.co.uk

Everton Supporters At Odds Over Cars

The battle lines have been drawn between an Everton mad couple after they bought two new cars- his in blue and whites and hers in the dreaded Liverpool red.

Derek and Anne Pulford, from Combe Martin, agree on most things but their choice of car colours has proved a source of disagreement and amusement.

Derek bought himself a Mitsubishi Colt Cz1 in white with a blue roof and wing mirrors and liked the car so much he went back to Devonshire Motors in Barnstaple to buy one for his wife.

But with only red Colts left, as the model is at the end of the line, he was forced to make a difficult decision.

Derek, a mental health support worker, said: "I was really pleased when they offered to do my white one with a blue roof and wing mirrors because then it was in the Everton colours but when we went back to get on for Anne there was only red left. As Everton fans we weren't sure but when Anne saw it, it was love at first sight.

"We haven't been up to Everton yet since we got the cars but when we do it'll have to be in the blue and white one. I don't think I could face going up in the red one".

Anne, a nurse, has hung an Everton flag in her red car to show her true colours.

She said: "It's a brilliant car and even though it's red Derek keeps trying to pinch it".

Derek, who helps out as a volunteer with youth football, added" "The service at Devonshire Motors has been second to none. The cars are beautiful to drive and great to look at".



The Pulfords with their two Mitsubishi Colts

 Jason Woolway, Sales Executive at the Mitsubishi dealership in Braunton Road, Barnstaple, said: "We had a joke with them about the colours and it's caused quite a bit of amusement but they are really pleased with their new cars.

"They're both big Everton fans so Derek wasn't sure Anne would go for a red car but she loves it".

The replacement for the Mitsubishi Colt- the Mirage- is now in the showroom and available for test drive. Offering up to 68mpg, no road tax across the range, a best-in-class turning circle (just one reason it is so comfortable and easy to drive) and a choice of a precise manual or a smooth and efficient CVT automatic, it really is a Mirage with substance.

High levels of specification are on offer including traction control and an excellent safety package, even on the base model and if it is style you are after- the Mirage will really fit the bill. Available in a rainbow of colours and with a rear spoiler, colour keyed door mirrors and handles and privacy glass standard on the Mirage 2 and upwards, it is a sporty, welcome addition to the Mitsubishi range.

For more information about the new Mitsubishi Mirage (or any of the other vehicles in the range) or to arrange a test drive call Devonshire Motors on 01271 342 600, email sales@devonshire-motors.co.uk or visit the showroom at Braunton road, Barnstaple, EX31 1LQ.

Off To a Great Start!

Statistics released from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders for February show that Mitsubishi's sales have almost trebled- up to 192 per cent- on the same month last year- the biggest increase of any manufacturer. A huge success that has been echoed by us here, at Devonshire Motors, on a local scale.

Our recent 'Man from Mitsubishi' event was a resounding success with far more cars- both new and used- sold than we could have expected and, most importantly, many happy customers (everyone loves a fantastic deal)! Mitsubishi's claim that the new Mirage would be a volume seller appears to be coming true and the forecourt is now littered with Mirages in (almost) every colour of the rainbow as we have been frantically ordering to keep up with demand!

Devonshire Motors' Dealer Principal- NathanTomlinson said "We are incredibly excited to have the Mirage in the showroom, already we have seen a huge amount of interest". He added- "The Mirage is class leading in almost every respect: fuel economy, zero road tax, low emission and tightest turning circle to name just a few. Our green demonstration vehicle has certainly been turning heads and we expect the rest of the colour range to have the same effect!".

The other vehicle new to our showroom, and a major factor in the recent sales lift for the Mitsubishi brand, is the Outlander- combining the practicality and flexibility of a sports utility vehicle with the luxury and refinement of the world's finest family cars.

Having sold almost one million Outlanders worldwide since 2001, Mitsubishi is naturally very proud of the new vehicle, the safest and most environmentally friendly version ever produced. And with the latest re-incarnation boasting a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, best-in-class fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions as well as the very latest in technological advancements- it is no surprise that so many have sold already.

The success cannot only be attributed to the vehicles though- Mitsubishi Motors in the UK Sales and Marketing Director, Toby Marshall- suggests that "three things are counting in our favour: the outstanding value of Mitsubishi vehicles across the range, the quality and reliability of those vehicles and the legendary customer service provided"- the latter, specifically, being something of paramount importance to us as a dealership.

More details on the Mirage and Outlander (or any of our vehicles) can be found on our website and we have several available to view and test drive at our showroom in Barnstaple, Devon. Bookings can be made in advance by calling 01271 342600 or emailing sales@devonshire-motors.co.uk.

Olympic Equestrians Take Ambassadorial Reigns

Two of the equestrian world's biggest stars are among the first drivers in the UK to take delivery of the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander.

Eventer Mary King MBE and dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin OBE- both members of Team GB's triumphant equestrian squad at London 2012- were presented with their stunning new cars after joining the carmaker as its new brand ambassadors.

The pair- who are gearing up for the forthcoming European Championships and, of course, the Rio Olympics in 2016- will be representing the brand at a number of events this year (including the world renowned Badminton Horse Trials) and putting their new vehicles to good use in the meantime as they crisscross the country competing.

Mary, who has represented Great Britain at six Olympic Games, winning two silver medals and one bronze, and Charlotte, a double gold medallist at London, collected the keys to their top specification Outlander- the GX5- from managing director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK- Lance Bradley- from the Badminton Estate.

The new Outlander is available from the Showroom priced from £24,244 to £33,999 with the GX5 versions (identical to those given to the two Olympians) containing a heap of technologically advanced extras- everything from innovative radar-powered Forward Collision Mitigation and Adaptive Cruise Control systems to the Speed Limiter and 7 airbags- contributing to the vehicles impeccable Euro NCAP 5 star rating. It also comes complete with a satellite navigation system, superb multi-function stereo featuring Bluetooth, and a brand new DAB digital radio receiver.

For more information, or to arrange a test drive of one of these fantastic vehicles, pease do not hesitate to contact us by calling 01271 342600, emailing sales@devonshire-motors.co.uk or by popping into the showroom and speaking with one of our sales team.

Mitsubishi Outlander Arrives At Devonshire Motors

The exciting next-generation Mitsubishi Outlander has arrived at Devonshire Motors in Barnstaple.

It's a car that's very special indeed- and one which has been keenly anticipated by thousands of Mitsubishi's loyal customers across the UK. It represents a hugely exciting direction for the four-wheel drive car. Designed from the ground up to incorporate hybrid plug-in technology, on its way later this year, the new car is very grown up and impressively refined.

And, of course, there's no doubting Mitsubishi's impeccable credentials when it comes to the manufacture and supply of four wheel drive vehicles.

The third generation Outlander combines the practicality and flexibility of a sports utility vehicle with the luxury and refinement of the world's finest family cars. And, having sold just shy of 1 million Outlanders worldwide since 2001, Mitsubishi is naturally very proud of the new vehicle, the safest and most environmentally-friendly version ever produced.

It is, quite simply, packed with clever technological and safety features that are sure to appeal to thousands of potential customers.

It has achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating; boasts best-in-class fuel efficiency and co2 emissions; and it is lighter, quieter and more refined than ever beforee.

Drivers and passengers alike will enjoy improved ride comfort and handling thanks to rear multilink suspension and padded, soft touch surfaces and gloss black appliques add a feel of luxury to the Outlander experience once inside the cabin. The new car is certainly no slouch. In fact, it's 0-62mph time is 10.2 seconds, faster than a 1.6 Volkswagen Golf TDI!

It's available with a technologically-advanced 2.2-litre Diesel unit that delivers 148bhp and a top speed of around 125mph. But it's kind to the planet, emitting just 138 g/km of co2.

New Outlander certainly scores highly in the appearance stakes too. A good looking vehicle, appealing and imposing, the car is designed to make the most of the advanced engineering contained within, resulting in a car that's easy on the eye from the outside and attractively laid out inside.

Nathan Tomlinson- our Dealer Principal- said "This new car really is something special- it has so much to recommend it- It's safe, stylish, efficient and economical. It's packed with ingenious technology that makes it a pleasure to drive and own. We are sure it will prove popular with people who have owned an Outlander before- and we're confident it will attract plenty of new admirers too".

The new Mitsubishi Outlander is available at our showroom now- pop in, call us on 01271 342600 or email us on sales@devonshire-motors.co.uk.