Beat the snow with the Nissan Juke 1.6 Tekna 4WD, available to lease from just £194.95 + VAT a month on a 2 year contract with cars in stock for quick delivery.

Boasting all the style and charisma of the standard Nissan Juke but with the power and performance of a 4×4, the Nissan Juke 1.6 Tekna 4WD combines the comfort and style of a sporty crossover with the driving dynamics of a true off-roader.

Under the bonnet, the Nissan Juke 4WD comes to life with its 1.6 turbo direct injection engine delivering a whopping 190 bhp, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 8.4 seconds.

But don’t be fooled by its off-road capabilities, the Nissan Juke 1.6 Tekna 4WD also doesn’t skimp when it comes to interior equipment with the top-of-the-range Tekna trim boasting Bluetooth, cruise control, Nissan Connect Sat Nav system, rear view camera, leather upholstery and 17’’ alloy wheels.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is pleased to announce a fantastic stock deal on the Nissan Juke 1.6 Dig-T Tekna 4WD CVT, available to lease from just £194.95 + VAT a month on a 2 year contract.

A limited number of cars are in stock for quick delivery via our Fast Lease service. Standard features on the 1.6 Dig-T Tekna 4WD CVT include:

• Bluetooth System

• Cruise Control + Speed Limiter

• Nissan Connect Sat Nav System

• Rear View Camera

• Reverse Parking Aid

• Climate Control

• Sports Seats

• 17″ Alloy Wheels

This offer is only available whilst stocks last so to take advantage of this fantastic deal, call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts today on 0844 482 9595 or follow the above links.

Prices based on a 2 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

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One of the first things I noticed when I moved across the pond was the district lack of Seinfeld on British television. Sure, there are many classic shows like Frasier, Friends, even more modern gems like How I Met Your Mother; however, very few people heard about enormously popular 1990’s sitcom. While the show has not been on the air for a very long time, those that appreciate the antics of Jerry Seinfeld will note a particularly fascinating commercial for the new Acura NSX that features the actor and several notable references to the past show.

The advert features Seinfeld talking to a broker at an Acura dealership. Enthralled by the new car set to be released this year, he wants to be the first one to purchase the vehicle. However, to his chagrin, another individual is on the list before him. His attempts to purchase the first position is the entire plot of the commercial, ultimately causing Seinfeld to suggest increasingly hilarious favours.

The first of these is a simple $20 bribe that, unfortunately, is not taken. The second is perhaps the most notable reference to the television show: the Soup Nazi. Indeed, the “Soup Nazi” refers to the 116^th episode of the sitcom where a character played by Larry Thomas is so strict with his sale of soup to his patrons dubbed him a Nazi. Here, the original actor to play the role comes back holding a large soup pot and uttering the opposite of what he said in the show: “soup for you.” Seinfeld remarks that “he owns all the characters” of the show (which he does and boy did he make a fortune because of it), but this attempt fails as well.

He than tries to give him the last living munchkin from the Wizard of Oz. While the last one was believed to have passed away some time ago, Seinfeld somehow managed to find another one. The next attempt is to give him a dancing holographic monkey, a toy that unfortunately the other man had. After this Seinfeld simply tries to make small-talk with an omelette maker, beginning a similar monologue to the ones that he is known for. This is continued on when Seinfeld dresses up in a tuxedo and tries to humour the mans family at dinner.

The attempts turn rather peculiar when Jerry attempts to recount the last episode of Jersey Gang Land using sock puppets. He than tries to give him a dead alien in a body bag as well as takes him on a speedboat out at sea. His final offer is access to Jerry Seinfeld’s personal zip-line network throughout Manhattan. However, before the transaction was finally agree upon, famous talk show host and comedian Jay Leno sweeps in with a “jet-pack flying squirrel suit” that apparently can get him between New York and Los Angeles in an impressive 20 minutes. Certainly a wink to the rivalry between Jerry Seinfeld’s Porsche collection and Leno’s massive vehicle collection, it looked like Seinfeld was unable to sway the man.

Returning back to classic Seinfeld, Mr Seinfeld forms a fist and says “Leno” in a very similar fashion to his catch phrase “Newman,” referring to an annoying postalworker who he knew on the show. After this Seinfeld is seen seated with an alien, the soup nazi, as well as the munchkin in a diner very similar to the regular hangout on the sitcom.

Set to air this weekend during the Super bowl, the commercial is the second major car advert to feature well known actor. Indeed, Mathew Broderick was in a similar advert for Honda, recreating his role in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. While the game itself will certainly be a fascinating event, the many unique commercials will supply the car enthusiast as well as curious observer with a few laughs.

Click Here To Watch The Commercial

At the Detroit Motor Show, 2012′s hottest new vehicles were once again on show, with revelations from all the major manufacturers. From the sublime to the ridiculous, cars for every occasion were displayed for all to see – even if many were likely to be out of most people’s price range, and most certainly that of the 5,000 journalists from over 50 different countries that attended.

Still; we can all dream, can’t we?

And, in amongst the gas-guzzlers and status symbols, there were once again electric and hybrid cars from the likes of BMW, General Motors, Lexus, Mercedes, Nissan, Toyota and Volvo – to name but a few. And once again these models caused a buzz (quite literally!) and earned huge amounts of media coverage, because electric cars are the new black. Or are they the new Betamax?

Car of the Year 2011 in Detroit was GM’s Chevy Volt – a hybrid. And Nissan’s all-electric Leaf was a close second; both trumpeting the arrival of a brave new world of ecological awareness and herald the electric revolution. Yet both missed their sales targets of 10,000 a year! Admittedly Nissan by a fraction, but the Volt by more than 2,000.

Popular? To put it in perspective, in the same timeframe the Toyota Camry sold over 308,000. (And GM had to also recall Volts for a battery problem fault.)

So, not the best of starts for what is an important time for the fledgling genre. With customers cautiously making their way back to the showrooms post-recession (or even MID-recession!), sales of “alternative power source light vehicles” were up 2.3% in the U.S. last year, compared to an over all 10% rise (according to analysts WardAuto.)

Even the industry is cautious. Sales of hybrids have levelled out and consumers are turning to more fuel-efficient cars rather than gamble on the new electric technology – possibly because of the initial costs of both electric and hybrid cars. Perhaps a case of jam tomorrow? No one has cash to spend right now, and those savings over five years seem an awful long way away.

Ed Hellwig of autoanalysts Edmunds.com says that “consumers will have access to more supply and more choices in alternative-fuel cars than ever in 2012. This could be the year when we see whether this is really ready to go mainstream, or the public just aren’t interested.” And it’s not just at the initial thought process that consumers are wary.

Paul Taylor, chief economist of the National Automobile Dealers Association, said that “People are enthusiastic about hybrid and electric cars but when they see how much they cost, they want to test drive something else.” And that ‘something else’ is the range of fuel-efficient and less thirsty cars that all major companies have developed or are developing alongside the bandwagonesque electrics.

PricewaterhouseCooper’s Autofacts group revealed that more efficient combustion engines are cutting consumption by 15-25% in some vehicles, so competition is fierce – but in reality prices will have to drop eventually and then, possibly, sales will rise.

But no car manufacturer wants to be the first to crack in the game of electric car poker. They’ve all joined in with heavy investments sitting in the middle of the table, and no one wants to be the first to fold or take a gamble and reduce prices. Someone somewhere has to break ranks. But who? And when?

Let’s leave the last word to Anthony Pratt, director of forecasting at car industry analysts Polk. Manufacturers have to be involved in the latest technology. But that technology is in its infancy, and the next five years could be even more challenging.”

When the entire furore over the new registrations last year died down, just before the second wave hits this year, and the “look-at-me-I’ve-got-a-new-reg” -ers have had their moment in the spotlight, reality sets in for the UK car industry.

In 2011, new car sales in the UK fell to 1.94m (4.4% down on 2010), the lowest total since 1994′s 1.91m.

But these figures don’t truly reflect the manufacturing state of the industry. 80% of cars built in the UK are exported, and these figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) are therefore more of a reflection of the British buying economy.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of the SMMT, commented: “This [fall]  is what you would expect to see. Consumer demand is weaker, but at the same time we are seeing a strong performance in some key segments of the manufacturing economy.”

By that, I guess he means exports and fleet sales, boosted by hire cars and company cars. Consumer sales, in fact, actually fell by a whopping 14% fuelled by a lack of confidence in the economy, the VAT increase to 20%, the scrapping of the scrappage scheme and petrol prices.

Strong demand from China, the USA and India helped keep sales of Nissan, Toyota and Jaguar Land Rover afloat. and this is expected to continue throughout 2012. In fact, the SMMT expects the UK Industry to manufacture around 1.5m cars this year (up 5%) and 1.6m in 2013.

But Deloitte, the consultancy firm, expects a further decline in actual car sales in the UK to an actual figure around 1.84m as the economic crisis continues to bite around Europe.

So who do you believe? My money’s on the latter, but then my glass has always been half empty.

There were winners last year. No real surprise that the Ford Fiesta. a perennial favourite, was the best seller, but the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagon Golf and Vauxhall Astra also sold well.

And worldwide, VW sold a record 5.1m, with Europe and China contributing 3.4m  of that. In fact, China’s overall ‘car consumption’ grew by 13.8%, especially in the luxury car market, with Daimler having a great year in the Far East market. Just think what the figures would have been without that! And surprisingly, considering the state of the US economy, VW sales there grew by over 26% (a possible head in the sand syndrome?) as well as more than expected in India.

So not all good news, and not all bad news. But there is no escaping from the fact that 2012 is going to be a tough year for the car industry as a whole.

Fasten those seat belts. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

There has never been a better time to get behind the wheel of a new Nissan with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts.

Throughout January, we’ve got some fantastic deals across the Nissan range with FREE Metallic Paint available on selected models and cars in stock for quick delivery!

Whether you’re after a spacious family vehicle such as the Nissan Qashqai, a quirky city car like the Nissan Micra or a true 4×4 like the Nissan X-Trail, we’ve got a Nissan deal to suit everyone!

Check out our top 5 Nissan car leasing offers…

1. FREE Metallic Paint on Nissan Micra

At the top spot is a Nissan Micra 1.2 Acenta Sat Nav in stock to lease from just £114.95 + VAT a month. Designed for urban life, the all-new Nissan Micra sets the standard for clever design, comfort, technology and performance. What’s more, we’re also offering FREE Metallic Paint in Pearl White or Universal Silver worth £420, helping you save even more money!

2. Nissan Qashqai from £179.95 + VAT p/m

You can now save up to a further £20 a month when you lease selected Nissan Qashqai models with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts before 31st January. Since its launch in 2007, the Nissan Qashqai has grown to become the nation’s favourite crossover, winning over the hearts of consumers with its sleek style, well spec’d interior and powerful engine range. Our cheapest deal is on the Nissan Qashqai 1.6 Visia, in stock to lease from just £179.95 + VAT a month.

3. Nissan Juke 4×4 from £194.95 + VAT p/m

If you’re looking for a new car that’s jam packed with Bluetooth, Sat Nav, reverse parking aid and 17” alloy wheels, you won’t want to miss out on our amazing deal on the Nissan Juke 1.6 Dig-T Tekna 4WD CVT. Prices start from just £194.95 + VAT p/m with cars in stock for quick delivery. The 1.6 Dig-T 4WD engine also delivers an impressive 190 bhp, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 8.4 seconds.

4. Nissan X-Trail from £239.95 + VAT p/m

Next is a great deal on the Nissan X-Trail 2.0 Dci Acenta in stock to lease from just £239.95 + VAT a month. Boasting a revamped style and refreshed interior, the new Nissan X-Trail is more than capable of taking on higher-class rivals such as the Land Rover Freelander and Audi Q5. Its revised 4-wheel drive turbodiesel engine also delivers plenty of power, torque and all the handling you need to tackle any terrain, no matter what the conditions.

5. Nissan Qashqai+2 from £199.95 + VAT p/m

Finally, the Nissan Qashqai+2 1.6 Visia is now available to lease from just £199.95 + VAT a month with cars in stock for quick delivery. Boasting all the style and charisma of the standard Qashqai but with the added benefit of 2 extra seats, the Qashqai+2 is the ideal vehicle for larger families and parents on the school run!

To get an instant quotation on any model in the Nissan range, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts today on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

Like this deal? Join our mailing list to receive weekly emails with our latest car leasing offers straight to your inbox!

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is pleased to offer extra savings of up to £20 a month on the popular Nissan Qashqai.

Since its launch in 2007, the Nissan Qashqai has grown to become the nation’s favourite crossover, winning over the hearts of consumers and critics alike with its sleek style, well spec’d interior and powerful engine range.

An all-new N-TEC+ trim has also just been added to the range, featuring an Around View Monitor – an advanced 360° camera that generates a virtual bird’s eye view of the Qashqai, aiding parking and low-speed manoeuvres.

You can now save up to a further £20 a month when you lease selected Nissan Qashqai models with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts before 31st January.

One of our cheapest deals is on the Nissan Qashqai 1.6 Visia, in stock to lease from just £179.95 + VAT a month. Standard features on this model include:

• Bluetooth Phone Integration System
• Radio/CD with Auxiliary Input
• Body Colour Bumpers
• Air Conditioning
• 16″ Alloy Wheels

To get an instant quotation on any model in the Nissan Qashqai range, call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts today on 0844 482 9595 or follow the above links.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

The government today announced that they plan on extending the Plug-in Car Grant to motorists buying new electric vehicles. Only this time, it’s different – and I’ve only gone and ruined the surprise with that title, haven’t I?

Yes, the grant now applies to vans. This means that you can now get 20% – up to £8000 – off the price of an electric van.

This, of course, is awesome news.

Car manufacturers are tripping over themselves to proclaim their approval of this news. Curiously, all those who welcome the extension just happen to have a wide range of electric vehicles on the market. Hm.

Take Nissan, for instance, who very helpfully pointed out that the announcement has come at a time when they’re conducting real-world tests of a prototype zero-emissions all-electric delivery vehicle in London (pictured).

Called the NV200, it a collaboration between FedEx and Nissan. Over a two month period, they’re running tests to see how their electric prototype copes with the demands of motoring in London.

James Wright, Managing Director at Nissan Motor (GB) Limited said: “Today’s announcement reinforces the Government’s commitment to improving air quality in cities and reducing carbon emissions.

“This grant, coupled with lower running costs and tax benefits, will make switching to an electric van a very attractive option for businesses.”

Quite right.

So why not just take the plunge, already? It offers both short and long-term benefits.

If you fancy yourself behind the wheel of a new car but Christmas has left you strapped for cash, you’ll be pleased to hear that Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has some fantastic low deposit deals available across a great range of cars. 

First up is a great deal on the Nissan Micra 1.2 Acenta Sat Nav in stock to lease from just £119.95 + VAT a month with an initial rental of just £359.95 + VAT. Designed for urban life, the all-new Nissan Micra sets the standard for clever design, comfort, technology and performance. What’s more, we’re also offering FREE Metallic Paint in Pearl White or Universal Silver worth £420, helping you save even more money!

Next is a fantastic deal on the Vauxhall Corsa 3 Door 1.2 SXi, available to lease from just £133.95 + VAT a month. The high-spec SXi trim is hard to beat with its 16-inch alloys, leather covered steering wheel, twist cloth upholstery and front sports seats as standard. Our initial rental is also pretty impressive at a low £133.95 + VAT!

You can now save up to £15 a month on the Hyundai i10 when you lease with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts. Our cheapest deal is on the pre-registered 61 plate Hyundai i10 1.2 Active, in stock to lease from just £99.95 + VAT a month. Initial rentals also start from a low £399.95 + VAT making the Hyundai i10 fantastic value for money.

Finally, the Kia Picanto 5 Door 1.0 1 is now available to lease from just £104.95 + VAT a month with an initial rental of just £341.85 + VAT. Revamped in 2011, the all-new Kia Picanto is bigger and better than ever before, boasting a stunning new style, improved cabin space and crisper handling. A nippy car with low running costs –ideal for those on a strict budget.

To take advantage of one of these fantastic low deposit deals, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts today on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.