The body may not be beautiful, looking a bit like an unsuccessful weightwatcher in a Lycra suit, but this car has some highly attractive compensations which amply prove that first impressions can sometimes be misleading.

The Lexus GS offers an almost silent ride in plushly comfortable seats. Whilst there is no diesel version on offer, the petrol models deliver creditable performances. The 3 litre, 245 bhp V6 hits 62 in a cool 7.2 seconds, which shrinks to 6.1 seconds if you opt for the 4.3 litre, 279 bhp V8. It has to be said, though, that it is unexceptional in the handling department. That’s not to say that it’s bad; but it’s not to say that it’s good either. It feels a little on the large side to be nimble at first but once you’re used to the bulk, it turns out to be rather more responsive than you might have predicted. The standard model only manages 28.8 mpg and the larger V8 less than 25! But if you think of the car as rotund diva with a surprisingly alluring singing voice, you’ll have a fair summary of the GS.

The passenger space is generous, although larger passengers may find sitting in the back a little oppressive after a while: the rounded rear end seems to limit at least the sense of space. Rather oddly, the boot is large but curiously long – reaching heavy luggage from the back of it may be a test of one’s spinal resilience.

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If you have been thinking about purchasing a left hand drive 4×4 for either business or personal use and you are based in the Capital or home counties, it’s recommended that you do some research to find a suitable left hand drive 4×4 London dealer who specialise in left hand drive vehicles. There are many things to consider when purchasing a new 4×4 and even more when it is left hand drive, these types of 4×4 are imported from Europe normally straight from the manufacturer, so you need to know the people you are dealing with have the correct knowledge and are compliant with importing vehicle regulations.

By using a specialist left hand drive 4×4 London based dealership you will find a wide range of premium vehicles are available like Land Rover, Range Rover Sport, Discovery or Defender, or the Mercedes Benz ML350, BMW X3 Sport, or the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Volvo XC90. You also can save £1000’s compared to right hand drive vehicles and find that many have a higher spec as standard, as well finding some models that aren’t generally for sale in the UK.

Specialist left hand drive dealerships should take care of all the legal requirements you need for driving both here in the UK and also around Europe and can help you out with any requirements you may need, depending on the use. Some people choose to have a left hand drive vehicle if they spend part of the year abroad and using a UK based dealership means you don’t get confused by the language barrier and know exactly where you stand when it comes to insurance. It is also handy to have a left hand drive vehicle if you frequently travel abroad for either business or pleasure.

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Vehicle registration plates came into existence in the United Kingdom in 1904. The majority of vehicles are required by law to display a valid plate. The legislation that first required the carrying of number plates was the Motor Car Act 1903, which came into force at the start of 1904. This statute required all vehicles to be registered and as such, each vehicle was assigned a specific identifying number. This law came into being in order for vehicles to be traceable should they be involved in an accident or criminal activity.

UK registration plates are square or rectangular in shape and the law dictates the exact dimensions of the lettering contained within them. This includes the spacing between the characters as well as the width and height of the characters themselves. From 1st September 2001, it became mandatory for licence plates to be printed using one specific typeface. All plates must be in accordance with the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001. For all vehicles manufactured from 1973 onwards this means that the plates must be made from reflex-reflecting material. Front plates should be white while rear plates are yellow and both contain black characters only. Only vehicles manufactured prior to 1973 are permitted to carry black plates with silver, grey or white letters and numbers.

The standard size for front number plates is 520mm x 111mm. Most rear plates are the same size, but they can also measure 285mm x 203mm or 533mm x 152mm.

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The Mercedes C-Class has filled a significant gap in the stylish, cost effective end of the market and is as an attractive alternative to BMW’s range. Combining sleek looks and quality components, this vehicle comes with all the trimmings of its competitors, while only having a starting price of £19,125.

Holding up the rear are the 1.8litre petrol and 2.0litre diesel engined models, which offer all the pizzazz of their more expensive cousins, but obviously won’t have that extra bite, unless you go for the C200K or the C220CDI. However, the majority of prospective customers would be advised to opt for the 3litre diesel, which pushes out some 224bhp and is sporty, attractive and effective. However, the speed freaks among you would be better choosing the C63, which comes with a rather impressive 6.3litre V8 engine. You can expect to pay at least £50,000 for the privilege of calling one of these your own.

Of course, surface looks are only half the beauty of the C-Class; its majestic road handling is also what will turn heads. What appears to be a regular standard looking saloon shows a completely different side on the open road. Granted, it is not going to live up to the BMW 7 series when it comes to feel and driving comfort, but there are very few cars, if any, in this sector that will make driving such a pleasurable experience.

Passengers, if you haven’t already forgotten about them, will also enjoy the ride, as there is plenty of legroom and comfortable seats in the back. The estate model will easily be able to handle large families with lots of baggage; a 1,500litre boot will swallow almost anything you might try to throw at it. The top-end models, such as the C63, are not going to provide all the comfort of the more family-based editions and could have you calling for a chiropractor after a few hours driving.

The cost-conscious should note that trips to the petrol pump would come around far more frequently than you might like with the bigger engines. If you are a sucker for the Mercedes badge and the sleek style of the C-Class, one of the smaller engines will prove to be much more fuel-efficient. However, over long journeys, one of the V6 diesels would make a chariot fit for a king. Quite simply, this is the coolest looking and roomiest saloon on the road today.

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The BMW Mini is one of the most popular cars in the United Kingdom. It comes in different engine specs: the regular Mini, the Cooper, Cooper D, and the newest one, the Cooper S.  A Mini lease may often be taken out by people with a small family who want to experience a stylish and fun type of motoring.

A standard Mini lease has a term of 36 months and comes with an agreement for contract hiring. Upon leasing, there is the usual requirement for advance payment, which is followed by monthly payments with VAT. The deal for the lease of the car is often based on 10,000 miles per annum.

The newest version of the Mini now features an engine which is British-built and has a new and enhanced suspension system. A manual transmission with six speeds is also supplied in this new model. The Mini features alloy wheels, a CD player, and an anti-lock braking system. You can also have the option to add other features, for an extra cost, such as metallic paint, automatic gearbox, leather seats, climate control, air conditioning, electric sunroof, Bluetooth, and satellite navigation.

The handling of the Mini lets you have a go-kart feel with its poise and grip, which is similar to an expensive sports vehicle. The dimension of the car makes it easy to manoeuvre. The steering system responds quickly giving you a ride that is firm and comfortable.

Mini leasing allows you the chance to experience a great lifestyle in an inexpensive way. You can get the most out of the car — from security and safety, to reliability and quality, as well as great driver satisfaction.

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The purpose of the retention scheme is to allow a registration mark to be held, without being applied to a vehicle, for a period of 12 months prior to being re-assigned to another vehicle. You can make an application for retention if you are the registered keeper of the vehicle to which the registration mark is currently assigned. Applications are made using form ‘V778/1 Retention of a Vehicle Registration Number’. The total charge is £105, which includes a £25 application fee and an £80 assignment fee.

If your application is granted, you will be issued with a ‘V778 Retention Document’, which is valid for twelve months. This document provides details of the registration plate, the name of the applicant (grantee) and the name of any nominated person who will own the plate, if different from the grantee. The nominee details can be changed by the grantee, within the twelve-month validity period, by returning the retention document along with the £25 fee.

The terms of the retention document have been fully exercised when the registration plate is assigned to a vehicle. This can be a vehicle registered to the grantee or the nominee. Entitlement to the registration mark then transfers to the registered keeper of the vehicle to which the mark is assigned. This will be detailed on the V5. If the vehicle receiving the registration mark is already registered, its assigned registration mark will become void unless an application to either transfer or retain it is made simultaneously.

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We all know that Jaguar has on at least a few occasions struggled to come up with the goods as manufacturers of luxury, top-notch cars that people want to buy (in preference to, say, BMW or Mercedes-Benz). But when it comes to the fabulous XF series, they have really pulled the rabbit out of the hat.

The comfort is truly sumptuous; you’ll find luxurious seating with masses of space front and back (and this is especially true of the large diesel version). Add to this a mammoth-sized boot – 540 litres, no less – and you’ll quickly appreciate that elegant luxury is the name of the game. The interior ambience, enhanced by ingenious lighting solutions and high quality gadgets, is opulently splendid.

The car comes in petrol and diesel versions, although the petrol V6 doesn’t quite match the performance of the diesel models or the larger 4.2 litre 286 bhp V8 petrol, which hits 60 mph in 6 seconds. This is very much a grown-up’s car – the young may feel it doesn’t fit a boy-racer image. It doesn’t and it shouldn’t (although some have noted that it resembles an Aston Martin from the back): it’s a class act rather than a ‘fast and furious’ gimmick.

The Jaguar XF gives you a beautifully cushioned ride and you can sense the fabulous suspension as you cruise along. It isn’t averse to cornering at relatively high speed, either, hugging the road securely. A real beauty all round.

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As the financial crisis continues to topple the financial standing of almost all car companies, the car market is facing a serious predicament as to what will be the next step in solving this dilemma. Thankfully, car leasing firms are now plentiful, assisting every car-dreamer in choosing the right car financing scheme that is flexible and budget-friendly. Now, with car leasing deals in great supply, everyone can drive a Hyundai Coupe 1.6S, Hyundai’s modern-generation car. Through a Hyundai leasing plan, potential car leasing customers can vie for a low-cost, manageable car-leasing scheme that matches their financial capacity.

The Hyundai Coupe 1.6S is a dependable and trendy car that can jive the demands of both rough road conditions and sensible, sedate driving. The car is equipped with central locking and alarms, power steering, an immobiliser, passenger and driver safety airbags, side airbags and many other features, delivering convenience at its peak. In addition, the car can zoom up to 115 mph, with a pulling power that can reach up to 106/3000 (lb ft)/rpm. These state-of-the-art technological features really make the Hyundai Coupe a rewarding car, which can be driven by just allotting £100 a month for a 36-month leasing term.

Leasing a Coupe can be done in an effortless manner. Customers are required to pay the initial payment, normally ranging from £600 or more, depending on the scheme guidelines or the negotiation arrangement. After that, the leasing firm will then calculate proportionally the remaining balance according to the length of the term through monthly instalments. Upon the contract’s expiry, the customer will have the option whether to surrender or purchase the car.

With so many opportunities at one’s fingertips, a Hyundai leasing plan gives everyone the chance to experience the wind rushing through their hair as they drive the cool Hyundai Coupe 1.6S.

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If you are looking for a left hand drive 4×4 in London the first place that you should visit is someone who specialises in this type of vehicle. If you live in London or the Home Counties, your task is very much easier than someone who may live in the delightful Scottish Highlands, but even these fortunate people would be well advised to take a trip to the capital.

It will not be difficult for you to access a left hand drive 4×4 London specialist and when you visit you will find a huge range of left hand drive 4×4 cars. The massive advantage of buying one of these vehicles is that you will save a considerable amount of money over a standard right hand drive model. The range means that only the best left hand drive cars with low mileage and complete equipment levels are chosen. This makes it easier for you to find the right left hand rive 4×4 car with the specification that you require. Whilst you would expect to see lots of Range Rover and Land Rover left hand drive 4×4 vehicles, there are other makes that are available, and if you should have a special requirement, the left hand drive 4×4 London specialist will be able to source the right vehicle for you.

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The Cherished Transfer Scheme is used to transfer a registration mark from its assigned vehicle to another. The registered keeper of the assigned vehicle is the only person authorised to make this application, using form V317 ‘Application to Transfer or Retain a Vehicle Registration Mark’. The fee for this process is £80 made payable to DVLA.

It is important to note the benefits and restrictions, which are specific to this scheme. For example, only testable vehicles can participate in the Cherished Transfer Scheme. This means that vehicles such as milk floats and tractors are exempt. Motorcycles and mopeds are, however, eligible to participate.

With regards to MOT testing, a valid certificate must be held if the vehicle is more than three years old. In addition, the vehicle from which the registration mark is being transferred, known as the donor vehicle, must be available for inspection to confirm its authenticity.

It is possible to make an application to transfer the registration mark from a donor vehicle that has an expired tax disc, as long as the tax expired less than 12 months beforehand and there was no gap between the expiration of tax and the SORN declaration.

The recipient vehicle for the private registration plate must also hold a valid tax disc. If the registration mark is being transferred to a vehicle, which is already registered, its assigned mark will become void unless an application to transfer or retain the mark is made simultaneously.

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