SECTOR FOCUS: BUSINESS TRAVEL REVIEW:MG3 FORM SPORT


Chiltern Railways reveals ‘inspiration station’ on board?


By Sally Gillespie Senior Communications Manager


SPONSORED BY: CHILTERN RAILWAYS


It is said that many of the best ideas come to you when on the loo. With this in mind, Chiltern Railways is giving passengers’ creative thought processes a boost by transforming bog- standard onboard toilets into ‘inspiration stations’ that provide a window into a different world. The company has installed


the latest in a series of floor to ceiling vinyl images in the ‘smallest room’ for those seeking inspiration, as part of a dramatic refurbishment of its Birmingham to London trains. The inspiration station has been designed to resemble Hughenden Manor, the home of the Victorian statesman Benjamen Disraeli. It depicts the gardens and a marble sculpture of Mary Anne’s foot made from an original cast. Robert Bandy, heritage manager at the National Trust’s Hughenden Manor, said: “It’s really great to see some of the objects and furniture from Hughenden being shown in such a different way. Benjamin Disraeli loved to show off and I am sure he would find it particularly amusing to show off aspects from Hughenden in a way that he would never have dreamt of.” The new ‘inspiration space’ is


just one of the improvements that the Chiltern Railways has made in its bid to tempt passengers over from Virgin Trains. Following faster trains and free wi-fi, the company has recently embarked on a rolling programme to overhaul trains. Passengers now benefit from new seat covers, tables and carpets throughout the trains, following the style of the popular silver trains. The exterior has also been enhanced to resemble the livery of the silver trains.


40 CHAMBERLINK MAY 2014


MG3 set to confirm marque’s reputation


BY SUE COOKE F


igures announced by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and


traders show that MG is the fastest growing manufacturer in the UK for both March and for the


2014 year to date. As the marque celebrates its


FACTS AT A GLANCE Model: MG3 Form Sport Basic Price: £10,296 otr Engine: 1.4 litre 106 PS


Performance: 0-60mph in 10.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 108 mph


CO2 emissions: 136 g/km


90th year, the British brand has increased its appeal to the company car market by introducing a diesel engine and easier access for customers with 43 dealerships which MG says it expects to double towards the end of the year. Year-to-date sales have increased by 574 per cent and the fact that the MG3 is designed and engineered in the UK in Birmingham has to be a big appeal.


Combined fuel consumption: 48.7 mpg


red circles. I was quite surprised and delighted when it turned out to be my road test car. As well as a wide range of


exterior graphics, there are also many interior finishings, wheels and mirror caps. The interior specification is also


impressive and includes more luxurious equipment such as electronic hill hold, CD audio with MP3 compatibility, distinctive signature LED daytime running lights and six airbags The 3FORM model adds Bluetooth and audio streaming, DAB radio and climate


‘A much admired sporty looking car and will particularly appeal to younger drivers’


I road tested the MG3 supermini, which is a much admired sporty looking car and will particularly appeal to younger drivers with its ultra-low insurance group of 4E, strong residuals of up to 61 per cent, and high levels of equipment on all specifications as standard. What will also appeal are the personalised design options which number over one million. On the day the car was delivered, I was admiring a very good looking white car which had what looked like a helicopter landing pad on the roof in big blue and


control. The road test model was the 3FORM SPORT which is second to top trim and is expected to be the highest selling trim and adds 16” Carousel alloy wheels and sporty side skirts. 3STYLE is the top of the range, with 16” ‘Diamond cut’ alloy wheels, reverse parking sensors, cruise control and automatic headlights and windscreen wipers as standard. The sporty and powerful 106PS engine creates a little pocket rocket with great acceleration when needed for quick overtaking. The suspension is firm, as you would expect in a sports car, but I found motorway journeys more comfortable. MG is offering quarter two offers on the MG3 with


a three years fixed servicing package. MG CARE3 will be available for a one-off payment of £550 including parts, labour and VAT. All MG3 specifications are available on PCP from £99 a month or with zero, 10 or 20 per cent or more deposits. The MG3 with its contemporary and personalised


styling options, great performance and low insurance group will prove a best seller with younger drivers in particular.


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