Vauxhall Ampera

Vauxhall Ampera is a power packed performer in the range of green cars. It is a hybrid car to the core and comes with a zero tailpipe emission capacity until a distance of 50 miles on full battery. When you cross the 50 mile mark, the car switches on its generator that keeps recharging the battery. The generator is powered by petrol. So, in essence, this is a green car with virtually no limit on its battery range. This car is going to be a major breakthrough in the field of green car technology.

Peugeot 3008 hybrid4

France is all set to bring this excellent green car into the market in the year 2012. This has an edge over the other hybrids and proves more cost efficient on the owner because it mixes diesel and electricity instead of petrol and electricity, which is usually what other hybrid cars use. Once the battery runs out, the car switches on the generator that runs on diesel. Peugeot 3008 hybrid comes in two models – one with a carbon dioxide emission of 104g/km and the other with an emission of 99g/km. The cars will be ready to roll in 2012. In addition to the excellent engine technology used in the car, its structure is perfectly streamlined and sleek.

Volvo V60 plug in hybrid

Volvo is to launch a diesel-electric model as well in 2012. The car claims to reach 150 mg, but will the car actually reach its claim? That is something left to be seen after the car is released into the market sometime this year. It is supposed to be wonderful for a drive with great smoothness and is very friendly on the environment.

Lexus GS 450h

In keeping with the style of Lexus brand, Lexus GS 450h electric car is one of the first rear wheel drives in the range of green cars. So, the cars offer utter luxury of a sports car, which is also very economical on the pocket. What is more, this car comes with a great pickup speed. All it takes for the car to reach 62 mph is 5.9 seconds. So, this car is way apart from your conventional electric car. Lexus GS 450h is a car with a difference and lends the feel of driving a sports car.

Fisker Karma

With just 100mpg emission, Fisker Karma is a car that is one of the most environmentally friendly. Karma is a four door car that can easily accommodate four passengers. The top speed of the car is 125mph and carbon dioxide emission is just 83g/km.

Get home one of these beauties and do your bit for the environment.

Image courtesy:freedigitalphotos.net

Having the Acura navigation system will mean you don’t need to spend money on a sat nav device, but you will still need to pay money out on it as new map updates are released annually (which is down to the fact the UK’s road network is changing every year with new roads and motorways appearing).

If you do decide to buy the new map update they will come packaged on a DVD. Installing them into the dashboard is relatively straight-forward – this is how you do it:

Installation Instructions for the Acura Sat Nav Disc
1. Find the disc drive and tray for the dashboard GPS system. On most Acura cars this will be actually underneath the display screen of the product on the dash. However, some earlier models from around 2003 and 2004 actually have the disc drive located in the glove box or even underneath the driver’s seat – so it’s worth consulting your manual.
2. The Acura sat nav will then ask you to input you serial number. The code can be found on the DVD case printed on a silver sticker. Without this code you can’t install the new maps updates – and the unique codes are also why Acura navigation torrent downloads will not work for you.
3. The new map updates will now start to install and should take around three quarters of an hour.
When installing of the new disc, you should never turn off the Acura’s ignition or the sat nav GPS system itself. If you do this then it’s very likely that the software upgrade will not complete correctly and you may need to take the vehicle to an official dealer or mechanic in order to get it fixed again.

What Comes on the 2012 Acura DVD?
The new disc was released in October 2011 and comes with everything a United Kingdom driver should need for successful satellite navigation in 2012. This includes the following functionality and features:

• All road and motorway updates that occurred in the UK from August 2010 to August 2011
• Millions of Points of Interest files giving the user touch-and-go locations to places of value
• Changes to any business addresses that also happened during this period
• Updated Voice Navigation Command software so the system works better

Image courtesy:freedigitalphotos.net

What’s the Driving Experience Like?
There’s no doubt about it, the dynamics and driving experience of the Accord is extremely impressive. There’s the traditional lively front of wheel drive that we’ve come to expect from this range – and it’s fair to say that you will be entertained especially on those winding country roads. But… and it’s a big but… it is definitely not good as rival models from Ford and Nissan when you are moving around.

Disappointing Suspension Levels
Make no mistake, you will feel every single little bump and niggle in the road surface. It’s very disappointing and the suspension actually seems to be worse on the 2011 model when compared to the last generation Accord produced in 2010. In terms of transmission you can choose from either a petrol or diesel model 6-speed gear box – and the changes are pretty smooth though – in fact some of the most flexible punchy changes I’ve seen on a car this year.

Interior Finish and Design Trim
The new 2011 Accord does retain many of the angled lines from the previous years – but what’s more impressive is the fact that the dimensions and proportions are more athletic-looking then older models. It is wider and longer than ever before and you can opt for either the EX or ES version. There’s even a third option should you want something that looks a bit more aggressive and sporty – so look out for the Accord GT version if that appeals to you.

Overall Conclusion on the 2011 Accord
Yes there are some nice little touches added by the Japanese manufacturer, but this doesn’t really add up to much as many of them will be an additional cost over the standard package. In my view the new Accord is a bit over-priced given the size and quality it offers and other brands definitely seem to be catching fast on Honda’s coat-tails in this particular market. It’s lack of quality interior really does let it down and if I were to give the car a mark out of one hundred then I would be looking at giving it around 65%.

Image courtesy:honda.co.uk

Canadian automotive journalists met recently to select their picks of the best car values for Canadians in 2012. Multiple categories divided the entries into classes, and a brief discussion of the attributes of each winner and runners-up may provide some insight for consumers seeking guidance in their choice of a new vehicle. Choice of vehicle is often subjective, but facts and figures can often tip the balance for undecided people.

Best New Small Car under $21,000

The Hyundai Accent edged out two close competitors in a very tight contest. This category is one of the most significant for Canadians who seek dependable transportation at fair prices. The Hyundai was in a virtual tie with its corporate cousins Kia Rio5. Both vehicles have 1.6-litre engines and sporty six-speed automatic transmissions. The Hyundai retails for $300 less than the Kia. The Hyundai also topped Kia on exterior and interior styling points. The vehicles provide great economy for basic transportation, but both lack the style, power and comfort of other possible choices. The Honda Civic has been Canada’s best-selling vehicle for 13 years straight, and the car has many devoted fans. Honda reliability, resell value and performance always bode well for anyone considering a new car.

Best New Small Car over $21,000

Hyundai again took top honours with the Hyundai Elantra. It beat the Ford Focus, which probably deserves the edge for performance and looks. The Elantra wins on the basis of fuel economy, so consumers who choose vehicles based on operating expenses will find the Elantra a clear choice. Both vehicles offer stylish transportation, good overall performance and stylish looks for appearance-conscious consumers.

Best New Family Car under $30,000

Kia Optima LX wins in this category, and both Hyundai and Kia are making serious inroads in Honda and Ford territory. The Kia features a gorgeous interior and exterior for style-conscious consumers. The four-cylinder, six-speed automatic engine provides excellent power and performance, and the fuel economy is acceptable.

Best New Family Car over $30,000

The Kia Optima Hybrid wins this category, and features the styling superiority of its cousin, the Optima LX. Both are stylish and provide good performance, but the Optima Hybrid provides a greener way to travel. People committed to reducing their carbon footprint will find this vehicle the perfect solution. The Optima retails for $6000 more than the Optima LX, so people on a tight budget will find the choice a no-brainer. The Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Camry, and Ford Fusion also offer mid-size 2012 models that have solid benefits for Canadian consumers.

Best New Luxury Car

All-wheel drive and a seven-speed transmission make the Mercedes C350 4Matic Sedan a dream to handle under adverse weather conditions, which led the features that caused it to be named the top luxury car. It edged out the Chrysler 300S and Acura TL to garner top honours from automotive journalists. Consumers should be prepared to pay the price for luxury—the Mercedes retails for twice the price of the Kia Optima.

Best New Sports Cars under $50,000

Many people were shocked when the Hyundai Veloster beat the Dodge STR8 in this class. The Dodge was an audience favourite, and clearly wins for sporty design. The Veloster performs well, however, and is priced to move even faster. Consumers can own a Veloster for half the price of the Dodge.

Best New Sports Cars over $50,000

The BMX 1 Series M Coupe wins this category by being great fun to drive. The vehicle features an advanced 4.0-litre V-8 engine and retails for $56,275. Acceleration is incredibly powerful, but the Porsche Cayman R provides better braking. The Mercedes CLS-Class is the nearest all-round competitor.

Best New Prestige Car over $75,000

The rarefied category of prestige car was won by the Mercedes S350 BlueTec 4Matic. The powerful luxury car performs well in all categories, and provides a rear seat for passengers. Jaguar’s XKR-S may well have won the category, but it does not provide rear seating, which cost it points in the ratings.

Best New SUV/CUV under $35,000

Dodge Journey is the winner in this category of vehicle. The Dodge easily outperformed its Jeep competitors because the vehicle meets more consumers’ needs, making the sports utility vehicle friendly to families.

Best New SUV/CUV over $35,000 but under $60,000

The Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel won this category on the basis of its extensive passenger room and space for cargo. The eight-speed transmission provides exceptional performance.

Image courtesy:freedigitalphotos.net

The key to success when buying a used car is to make sure that you get the most value for money. You can do that by looking to avoid the following mistakes which will end up wasting you your hard-earned cash.

Don’t Settle for the Opening Price
Second hand car prices can always be negotiated. Don’t be afraid to walk away if the person selling you the car is not coming down in price. If they don’t shift their asking price then go look elsewhere so you can get the best deal for you.

Make Sure You Do the Basic Checks
You can save money with an independent mechanic by doing some of the most basic car checks yourself before you buy. For example, have a look to see whether there are any oil leaks beneath the motor vehicle and check that the windows and locks work correctly. Common rusting spots will be under the wheel arches so check for any evidence of corrosion and filling.

Check the Car’s Reliability Online
One of the advantages to buying second hand motors is the fact that the model you are looking at will have a history in the marketplace which a new car won’t. This means you can look at online automotive reviews and ratings from other drivers to see if it has a history of maintenance problems. Whatever you do, don’t get drawn into an emotional purchase decision based upon what you perceive to be low starting price.

Look into the Car’s History
Don’t take the owner’s word for it, make sure you look into the history of the car. There are now a number of online and text-based services that let you look into the track record of a used car. If the seller also doesn’t have a comprehensive back-dated folder of the previous jobs done on the car then it might be a good time to walk away too.

Don’t Look at the Car on a Rainy Day or at Night
Used cars can look a whole lot better in the rain as the paintwork will tend to look a lot shinier than it normally would, plus the perception can be that the bodywork is better than it actually is. Sames goes for night-time viewings – don’t look to buy a car when it’s dark as it will inevitably hide some of the more un-desirable factors.

Seek far and wide

The average prospective buyer of a new car will visit a number of dealerships within their local area and stop there. However, by limiting the search to so few dealerships the buyer could be missing out on the best prices. With the use of the internet the prospective buyer can find dealerships across the country and therefore with a bit of patience and a bit of persistence can find the best price. It is important to go back to other dealerships and quote the price offered by a cheaper dealership in order to get the best price. This way, the buyer can purchase a brand new car with the latest registration plates for the best price around.

Be flexible

If the prospective buyer has a particular configuration of their model of choice firmly in mind they are unlikely to get the best deal. By being flexible on the configuration of the model, the optional extras, the registration plates and even the colour the prospective buyer can take advantage of discounted vehicles. This is especially true when it comes to ex-demonstration vehicles or vehicles that are coming to the end of their line.

Be patient

Those who want a new vehicle immediately will very rarely get a good price for their new vehicle. By being patient and waiting for deals to become available the buyer can more than likely buy a new vehicle for a better price. Such deals often become available in low season, toward the end of a model line and toward the end of the period covered by particular registration plates. Another tactic that can be used by the prospective buyer is to register interest with a salesman and to call in periodically to see what is available. Using this tactic the prospective buyer gives the impression of being serious about the purchase but not desperate for the new vehicle.

Due to the expense involved in purchasing a new car it is well worthwhile taking the time to ensure that the buyer gets the best price. This can be achieved by seeking far and wide for the lowest price for the particular vehicle, by flexible in the specification of the vehicle that is desired and by being patient in waiting for deals to come up rather than buying spontaneously. By following these simple tips the prospective buyer can save a significant amount of money which can be used more constructively such as on personalised cheap number plates.

Image courtesy:freedigitalphotos.net

The Formula 1 2012 season starts in Melbourne on 16th March and if the last few years are anything to go by, then this year should be fantastic. There are new cars, yet more rule changes, some teams leaving, new teams arriving, new drivers and new developments as always so no one can be sure what to expect…especially when there are going to be 6 World Champions on the grid.

All we can do is make educated guesses like these…

1 Schumacher Will Almost Win a Race

He is a legend that some may say is past his best, but I think he is just getting his hand in. The Mercedes hasn’t been phenomenal, despite having a cracking Team Principal in the shape of Ross Brawn, and maybe it will never be able to compete on a par with Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari, but Schumacher is Schumacher and I have a feeling (perhaps an irrational hope) that he will at some point battle his way through some spectacular driving to a dramatic almost victory.

2 Paul Di Resta Will Shine

Force India was my stand out ‘new’ team of the last few years, with Paul Di Resta the hottest prospect at present in F1. Consistently getting into Q3 helped Force India’s cause and if they improve even slightly this year, then I predict that Paul will only increase his eligibility. If he wins a race this year or even gets on the podium I expect him to be offered a move to one of the bigger teams to replace someone past their best.

3 Raikkonen Will Fit Right Back In

If testing is anything to go by and judging by the objective news coming out from his camp, then it’s like Kimi Rainkkonen has never been away. I reckon if he had the car he would be straight in there challenging at the top. As it is, Lotus will have a demon driver on their hands that will get them points.

4 Ferrari Will Come Back

They will reverse their downward competitive trend and start being more competitive. They can’t possibly get much worse can they?

5 Vettel Will Win 3 in a Row

I’m not a huge Vettel fan but he’s got it right now and Red Bull have something special going on that I can’t see being surpassed unless someone does something extra special.

What are your predictions for 2012?

Image courtesy:freedigitalphotos.net

Now I have been on several trips and many different car hire firms, and as yet all of my experiences have been fantastic.  Not only do I have the enjoyment of the holiday I have also had the chance of testing out loads of different motors, and if you love cars as much as I do then this is a definite plus.

Types of Car Hires for Various Journeys

There are all sorts of different vehicles which you are able to rent.  It could be for one day or the entire time that you are away.  The type of car you choose really depends on the type of holiday that you are on.  Here are some great ideas which can help you save money and get around with ease.

• The Family Holiday

If you have a family of five like I do then it is worth considering hiring one of the many people carriers.  We have found that the seven seated people carrier is very handy for trips away.  There is plenty of space for all those essential items that are required on days out. You have space for pushchairs, picnics, beach toys, and bags too. If you are like my family there is also room for bikes or dinghies.

• The Business Trip

I have to go away once or twice a year so it is always fun to treat myself to a luxury vehicle. These can be great for impressing clients and business associates.  They are fun to drive and you may even be able to claim the cost as a business expense. I have found some great deals on luxury cars by using a car hire comparison website.

• Romantic Breaks Away

Although I have not had many romantic breaks away, thanks to the three young children we have at home, we have been a way once or twice.  The first time that we were away we decided to rent one of the convertibles. It was in the summer time and we stayed in the South of France which meant we had some fantastic drives with the roof down and enjoyed many hours on the road finding new locations to explore.  The second time my wife treated me to a sports car which really was an incredible experience.

Look for the Best Offers

Whichever type of break you are going on I always recommend checking many companies to find the best price. You can save hundreds that way, although it can take some time to sort out which car rental firm is the best one to use.  I now turn to a car hire comparison website.  I am shown up to fifty different results within seconds.  It’s a great way to save even more money and make sure you have the best deal possible.

Image courtesy:freedigitalphotos.net

Accommodations and Activities

Heading further south into Europe, however, you are sure to find destinations, such as Portugal and Malta, that offer beaches and promise fun in the sun.  There are great accommodation options, such as hotels, villas and cottages, so whatever type of holiday you want to go on, you are sure to find great accommodation that will suit the mood you want to create.

If you are seeking to have a holiday that is full of activities, you may want to look for a resort where everything is all-inclusive and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay, such as a spa or a pool.  Booking at hotels where meals are included in your stay can truly help you save a lot of money too.

Types of Tours

There are a multitude of different types of tours that you can choose from when you choose to visit a European destination.  You can always drive a rental car; however, it can be easy to get lost in a different country, so taking a rail tour, walking tour, or bus tour can alleviate some of the headaches of driving yourself.  Plus there will be an itinerary already planned, so you will not have to decide on what to do each day, as it will already be sorted out for you.

Portugal

As stated above, Portugal enjoys a lot of sun for much of the year.  There are many different ways that you can holiday here, and there are many different festivals that you can enjoy that help to illustrate Portugal’s traditions and culture.  You will find an abundance of activities that are fun to do in such a warm climate.  In recent years, the Silver Coast has also become a tourist hotspot.  The crystal blue sea and untouched shoreline create a beckoning beach that will surely take your breath away.  This is all within an hour’s drive of the capital city of Lisbon.

Malta

Malta is also a great place to visit for a summer holiday.  Whether you want to check out historical sites, relax on warm golden beaches or get a taste of Mediterranean food, all is possible when you choose to visit this beautiful island.  Especially popular with European holiday makers due to the cheap flights available from April to October, Malta is a top destination for water sports and is home to some of the best scuba diving sites in the whole of Europe.  There are also plenty of activities to keep the little ones entertained, making Malta a great destination for families.

Photo courtesy of Moranguitta

1. Insurance Companies
You do NOT have to be stuck with the same insurance company for years on end. It might actually be well worth any inconvenience in shopping around to find a good introductory deal with another company. Simply using the internet, you can request online quotations, which will assist you in making comparisons. Every driver has the opportunity to select cheap training car insurance. Today, there are several insurance comparison websites that can provide you with many quotations to compare and choose from. Also, ask around your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to see what works for other people.

2. How Much
Before looking for a car insurance company, it is essential to determine exactly how much insurance you need.  People have different requirements – some lease cars, while others buy their own. The car insurance for these people will be different. Those that lease or buy new cars would be required to have comprehensive insurance policies. However, once the car is over five years of age, this is not necessary.  Prior to changing your current insurance provider, ensure that you make a verification of the amount of car insurance that would be sufficient.  Notably, the rates of car insurance vary from one state to another.

3. Good Credit?
Insurance companies analyze the applicant’s credit history before determining the amount of premium that he or she should pay. Those with high credit scores pay lower premiums as compared to people with bad credit.  It is advisable to work on your credit rating if you need to do so. Ask your bank what you can do.

4. Clean Record?
Accident-prone drivers are categorized in the “high-risk” group. Thus, they pay higher premiums for their car insurance. By avoiding packing tickets and traffic offenses, you will enjoy smaller car premiums.  At one extreme, insurance companies charge those who drink and drive extremely high premiums for their car insurance, and those who are young/got bad grades/drive outlandish cars/have speeding tickets aren’t too far behind.

5. Bundle
If you have other insurance needs, such as home insurance, you can most likely take out multiple policies from one company and enjoy a discount. Most companies offer these discounts as incentives so as to attract and retain customers. It’s called bundling – be sure to ask about this.

6. Extras
Before you select any type of car insurance, there are certain things that you should do. First, drive less, so as to reduce mileage. Next, practice safe driving habits. If you’re a student, maintain good grades and be responsible. Also, live in a safe area.  Those who live in unsafe neighborhoods are charged higher insurance rates as compared to those who reside in safe areas. Lastly, make sure to have, at the least, five quotations to compare before committing to anyone.

Becki Manternach likes to write, travel and save money at grouphealthinsurance.org.