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