0 Budget provides relief for motorists

Conditions have become increasingly difficult for drivers in recent years, with the cost of fuel continually pushing towards record levels. Fuel companies continually point towards rising wholesale prices, but increases in fuel duty by the government - already the biggest fuel tax in Europe - have not helped motorists.

Drivers will have been relieved, therefore, when chancellor George Osborne announced in this latest Budget statement that the planned three-pence-per-litre hike in fuel duty, pencilled in for September, is being scrapped. It doesn't make conditions any better for motorists, but it prevents further pressure being put on their wallets.

Yet for companies, there was extra relief in some of the other details of the Budget. Company car tax banding are being changed, for example, to reward drivers of low-emission vehicles. The current regulations charge five per cent company car tax on vehicles which emit 0-75g of carbon dioxide per kilometre; from 2014-15 cars emitting 0-50g/km will be charged five per cent tax and seven per cent the year after, but vehicles which produce 50-100g/km will be subject to a nine per cent levy in 2014-15 and 11 per cent the following year.

With petrol prices prompting many fleet owners to consider more economical vehicles, the promise of significantly reduced tax bills (multiplied of course for each vehicle in the fleet) is likely to persuade many to buy environmentally-friendly vehicles.

One model which could be set to benefit is the Nissan eNV200 electric van, which has been proving its credentials in a recent test as a commercial vehicle for British Gas. The energy supplier plans to make a large proportion of its fleet of 13,000 vehicles electric by 2015, and has been putting the eNV200 through its paces with a series of practical tests. Colin Marriott, fleet general manager at British Gas, said the firm has been "very impressed", adding: "After our month-long test in 2012 which went well, the cold weather testing was vitally important to establish the van's characteristics in real-life working conditions.

"The drivers enjoyed the experience and the vehicle's performance and reliability. We will now continue further testing in 2013 and 2014 ahead of us deciding our future fleet mix."

Jon Pollock, corporate sales director at Nissan GB, was predictably pleased with the results of the performance trials. "We're delighted that the next stage of testing for British Gas has been a success," he said. "Working with a large fleet operator like British Gas allows us to receive a range of feedback before the van launches in early 2014 and we look forward to continuing our close working relationship."

While British Gas could expect big company car tax savings by switching to electric vehicles, smaller companies can also reap the benefits. Remember also that electric vehicles qualify for the government's Plug-in Grant, so speak to dealers and check out the offers on Nissan vehicles from retailers such as Evans Halshaw to see what the potential savings could be.

 

Detail: Budget provides relief for motorists

0 Mercedes GWA 300 SLC

In the world there are many automotive companies specializing in the manufacture of vintage cars, which are based on modern machines donor. But among them stands out the American company GWA (Gullwing America) whose owner - Arturo Alonso become famous some very distinctive and original designs, earning the respect of colleagues and unconditional lovers of rare cars. His new creation - the convertible GWA 300 SLC. This car is constructed by request of one client from Eastern Europe which name is kept secret, and is a tribute to the memory of Mercedes 300 SC (W188) of 1955, only 92 pieces of which were produced. At the heart of construction the roadster Mercedes SLS AMG to which in GWA studio made a new aluminum body lies and redesigned interior.

The same car has got a removable hard top, adjustable suspension, a new exhaust system and executed in a retro style alloy wheels dimension of 21 inches front and 22 inches rear. Engine and transmission completion is not subjected.

 

Most likely, GWA 300 SLC will be manufactured in one piece, as befits the author's car. However, granting orders Arturo Alonso can make this car a small series, as with other models GWA.

 

The chance to see any of the GWA models on the road is almost equal to zero. These cars go at once to garages of collectors of automobile rarities and if leave on the road, only, as they say, on holidays.

 

 

Detail: Mercedes GWA 300 SLC

0 Most powerful Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

Daimler company shared the official information about the most powerful Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG, which will be presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013. Together with technical data producer also revealed official images of the novelty. Under the hood of a charged Mercedes A-Class will house a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that can achieve 360 h.p power and 450 Nm peak torque. The drive is transmitted to all wheels through a seven-speed robotized transmission AMG SPEED SHIFT DCT, which can operate in three different modes. As a consequence, the hatchback is capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and achieve 250 km/h top speed electronically limited specifically.

In addition, Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG got stiffer suspension, a diminished clearance, as well as the cooling system, designed for the supercar SLS. In addition, the car is equipped with "three-tier" system of stabilization, one of the modes which (Sport Handling) allows slightly weaken the control electronics and increase the amount transferred to the rear wheel torque. Is provided as well to completely turn off ESP.

Appearance of hot version of the Mercedes A-Class is not much different from the civil hatchback. However, the car can be charged to recognize on a radiator grille with two strips, slightly different front bumper, black air intakes and mirrors and light-alloy 18-inch wheels.

Inside, the standard sports seats replaced bucket, and appeared on the dashboard carbon fiber inserts. In addition, Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG received sport steering wheel, special pedals and red seatbelts.

European sales of Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG will commence in the summer of 2013. The manufacturer has not yet disclose the price but it is expected that for the hot hatch asked about 41 000 euros.

 

Detail: Most powerful Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

0 Citroen C4 Cross Hatchback

Company Citroen unveiled a crossover version of the model, called C4 Cross. The car is made based on the hatchback and designed for the Chinese market. From the normal version Citroen C4 Cross differs protective plastic bodywork, slightly increased ground clearance, roof rails and a few other small details. Hatchback is equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine capacity 106 h.p, which is installed in conjunction with a 5-step mechanics or 4-speed automatic transmission. 

 

Drivegear Citroen C4 Cross will be only the front. The PSA Peugeot Citroen joint venture and the Dongfeng company will be engaged in release of the car. The prices for Citroen C4 Cross in China will begin from 111,8 thousand yuans (about 17,8 thousand US dollars). About possible delivery of model to other markets is not reported.

 

Detail: Citroen C4 Cross Hatchback

0 Crosslane Coupe at Paris Auto Show

Audi at the Paris motor show demonstrated own vision of future crossover. And it should be a cheerful, aggressive, sporty, technological and economic. Basis crosslane coupe - spatial structure Multimaterial Space Frame, which consists of an aluminum alloy, carbon fiber-reinforced and reinforced polymer GFRP. Protecting passengers cell of welded aluminum profiles, front and rear zones, taking a blow in the accident, as well as the central tunnel, carbon fiber floor and sills. Plumage - polymer. Because of this, a lot of conceptual hybrid managed to hold at 1390 kg, despite the fact that it has on-board lithium-ion traction battery.

 

Audi crosslane coupe - is plug-in hybrid which battery can be recharged from a household electrical outlet or toll-phase 380-volt terminals. The power plant consists of a 1.5-liter supercharged three-cylinder TFSI engine with direct injection (130 h.p and 200 Nm), and the motor-generator (68 h.p and 210 Nm). The hybrid in the mixed cycle provides profitability only 1,1 liters on 100 kilometers of a way and CO2 it emits only 26 grams per kilometer.

 

It can not be called a wimp, acceleration to 100 km/h - 8.6 seconds in mixed mode and 9.8 - in electric. The electric Crosslane coupe can move at speeds up to 130 km/h After that, turn the main source of mechanical energy becomes three-cylinder engine, but during intense acceleration motor could still be included in the work.

Detail: Crosslane Coupe at Paris Auto Show

0 Preparing Your Car for the Winter

Preparation is extremely important when it comes to driving during the different seasons of the year and this is especially true in the run up to winter. You’ve already spent a lot of money on the vehicle, either in cash or maybe you bought it using car finance, so you want to take care of it! Preparing your car for the winter is a must for a variety of reasons. Firstly, you are likely to encounter freezing conditions and this can cause a number of problems for your car. You need to ensure that your car is safe to drive on the slippery, icy roads that you will no doubt experience during the winter. Aside from preparing yourself for the these somewhat compromising driving conditions, you have to prepare your car as well. Being prepared will help save you a lot of trouble and more importantly, help to prevent accidents from occurring.

If you are unable to do basic car maintenance yourself, always take your car to a qualified and reliable mechanic. It is best to have your car thoroughly checked before the winter season is in full swing if at all possible, especially if you have an old car. The battery, brakes, thermostat and heater are a few top priorities. The tires also need to be checked for tread as worn tires will be no good in the icy conditions. You can buy special winter tires but most other tires will be fine so long as  the tread is at least 3mm deep. In terms of road safety and accident prevention, your brakes and tires are your top priority. Road surfaces are slippery and treacherous when winter sets in.

It is also advisable that you wash your car before the winter and then apply a coating of wax. This will help to prevent corrosion during the winter season. Salt is usually placed on the road on a regular basis to neutralize the slippery conditions of the winter roads and this can cause corrosion and damage to your car. Washing and rinsing your car on a regular basis will minimize this potential damage to the paintwork and the exterior. Being diligent in this area will pay off in the long run.

 Another important aspect of your car that many people often neglect is the windshield/windscreen wipers. You might find that your standard wipers are not suitable for the winter season. If at all possible, it is best to secure winter wipers to prepare for the winter. Winter wipers are capable of clearing the heavy snow that may gather on your windscreen. It also pays to check that the wiper nozzles are clean and nothing is blocking them. You need the wiper fluid to reach your windshield or windscreen as quickly as possible in order to allow you to easily clear the snow.

If you follow the points we've mentioned in this article, you should be able to cope much more easily during the winter. Remember, preparing your car for winter involves preparing both the inside and outside of your car. Remember to have snow tires if possible (mainly for those living in climates with harsh winters) and check those brakes. Safety is the most important aspect of your preparations.

Detail: Preparing Your Car for the Winter

0 New Golf GTI 2012

Golf GTI 2012

Tomorrow opens Paris Motor Show on which should pass presentation of this German novelty, but the first images leaked to the Web already now. As we see, new Golf GTI remained one of the most reserved hot hatchbacks on style, though differences from the base Golf 7 presented at the beginning of september, here much. Are evident both a new bumper, and a traditional red strip on a front grille, and red supports of brakes.

Compared to the previous generation 2-liter engine was slightly more powerful: 220 h.p vs 210 h.p, and also expected 230 h.p version. However, according to this indicator, many competitors have already gone a long way. However, there is evidence that the Germans could still surprise us on the technical side.

According to some reports, Golf GTI can find clutch Haldex. No, it will not be all-wheel drive, although this nod we used to see a crossover with transmission 4x4. In the case of golf multi-plate clutch will serve as the self-locking differential. Argues that such a radical modification of the hatchback shows the best time on the track compared to the conventional models with limited slip differential. 

Detail: New Golf GTI 2012

0 Maserati GranCabrio MC

The company published images new model Maserati GranCabrio MC, which official premiere will be at the Paris Motor Show. The car turned out to 48 mm longer than the GranCabrio and GranCabrio Sport, as well as different from other convertibles of aggressive front bumper, rear diffuser, a spoiler on the trunk lid and the new disc. Under the hood GranCabrio MC accommodate 4.7-liter V8, capable to issue 460 h.p and 520 Nm peak torque. The motor is paired with a six-speed transmission ZF, so acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 4.9 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 289 km/h.

Besides, the car received the processed sports suspension bracket, the brake system Dual Cast including aluminum supports of Brembo with six pistons in front and four behind, and monocoque chassis.

Finally, the use of high strength steel, aluminum and composite materials allowed the creators GranCabrio MC reduce weight about 100 kg compared to other gigs mark. Approximately sale Maserati GranCabrio MC must begin in 2013. The company will report about the prices for a novelty later.

Detail: Maserati GranCabrio MC

0 New Ford Mondeo and other 5 novelties

Concern Ford decided that in the ongoing crisis automotive industry best defense - to attack. On the eve of the Paris Motor Show in Amsterdam gathered the entire top of the European division of Ford - CEO, five vice presidents, as well as leading designers and technicians - to speak before a large audience of 2,500 representatives of dealerships, as well as journalists. In the model number of the company there are such significant changes that the leadership, Ford has decided to thoroughly explain to the public what awaits customers in the future. Argued that such a big debut of the new models have not been in the history of the brand.

The trick here is that on the one hand a manufacturer introduces a wide range of fresh developments, and on the other hand, found a way to drastically save, giving up the separation of model lines to the American, European, Asian, Latin American, as it always was. It seems there is a lot of novelties, and actually the scale of models and updatings becomes limited.

 

In previous years, the company held the opinion that it's impossible to please customers all over the world at once. Some models - Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo - were focused primarily on Europe. And, say, a large sedan sold in America under the name Fusion, was not intended for the Europe. Six years ago, the situation began to change: the strategy was presented One Ford, means that this practice will begin to phase out. It's time to get rid of the "double". Instead of two crossovers - Escape and Kuga - has produced a novelty. Similarly, replacing the European Mondeo and U.S. Fusion comes a single model. Further unification continue. If today 43% of the cars made ​​by Ford global platforms, over the next five years, the proportion is expected to grow to 71%, said at the Amsterdam event President Alan Mulally.

New Ford Mondeo: Go further

According to the creator of the design new Mondeo Chris Hamilton, that style machines - this is what will allow the company to stand out in the new world are equally good cars and implement it's new slogan «Go further». From now on, the bet on an emotional connection with consumers. Looking at the latest generation of Ford's model, we have to admit that the car will not get lost in the background of the recently submitted beautiful next-generation Mazda 6 and the other competitors. Rejecting the old corporate identity, to be called kinetic design Ford company could find for their machines new image. Annoy some fussy old thing of the past: the car began to look more solid and sporty at the same time. Grille evokes unequivocal association with models Aston Martin, but hardly anyone will say that the legendary British brand - bad role model.

If the old Mondeo was overgrown class D, the novelty has slightly increased in size, and it can be without any exaggeration to compare with the Toyota Camry and Nissan Teana. A change made ​​to the stuffing of Ford models, perhaps even more remarkable. Ford without false modesty say , that set a goal to become the leading company in terms of efficiency of cars and to reduce CO2 emissions of their cars. Therefore, instead of the base 1.6-liter four Mondeo will receive a 3-cylinder engine volume of 1 liter. And, thanks to a turbo-supercharging it even more powerful than the former junior Motor: 125 vs.120 h.p The new unit has already received the prestigious Engine of the Year.

Another innovation on the technical side - is the emergence of hybrid and electric versions. The last belongs to the category of Plug-in Hybryd Electric Vehicle (PHEV), that allow you to make short trips and accelerate to 100 km/h solely on electricity, and when the battery charge is depleted, the case enters a traditional engine. Argued that the combined cycle such modification will consume only 2.3 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers.

Ford EcoSport: Fusion of Brazil

Compact crossover, which has already started production in Brazil, is intended to compete with such entered into the fashion models as Nissan Juke and Kia Soul, as well as entering the market new Opel Mokka and Chevrolet Tracker. It is interesting that at the time Ford was one of the pioneers of this class, having started in 2002 miniature Fusion, but then in the West, he won success. But in Latin America, where the Fusion releases under the name EcoSport, decided to develop the idea: in previous years, there have brought to market four-wheel drive Fusion, and now there developed a completely new model, which is probably a great success in Russia.

EcoSport is built on a platform of Fiesta, but it's noticeably larger. This crossover in almost all respects than, say, Skoda Yeti. At length he surpasses the Czech model by 18 mm (4241 mm) in width - 64 mm (2057 mm) and a height of - 5 mm (1696 mm). He concedes only to the wheelbase - 2521 mm to 2578 mm. But in order to further increase the space inside the car, the creators of SUV carried spare tire on the back door.

Like most competitors Ford EcoSport will be produced in front version, because of transmission and 4×4. Gamma engine promises to be quite broad, and here the 1-liter turbocharged unit with 125 power - in the right place! Alternative would amount to atmospheric quartet of 1.5, 1.6 and 2 liter and 1.5-liter turbodiesel.

Ford Fiesta Updated

Initially, the new Fiesta looks differently, but now designers had to radically alter it's "person" in accordance with the new policy of the company. Though the overall silhouette, doors, fenders, roof, it was impossible to touch - not an easy task. First Ford has already shown a hot Fiesta ST, but now we first saw the civilian version, and I must admit it: turned fine!

Salon last Fiesta was one of the most interesting in the class, so Ford designers almost did not touch it. But here's equipment increased seriously. Ford are proud to say that they got a lot of entry-level equipment, which previously found only on machines with two classes above. It's about multimedia system SYNC (its main feature - control via voice commands), the system of automatic emergency braking and the Smart ignition key MyKey. About last i must tell a little more. This feature allows parents to reconfigure the machine, if they give it to children who don't have much experience driving. You can limit the maximum speed of the machine, disable ESP off and not let off the buzzer, seat belt warning. Moreover, MyKey prohibit listening to music, while the driver and front passenger are not wearing. By the way, even after fastening volume may be limited during the trip for safety.

Ford Transit: Stylish trucks

The new Transit van also contributes to reducing the number of redundant models in different markets. In America, this model is now will replace Ford E-Series. In general, the changes that have occurred in the family van and minibuses Transit Tourneo - a design change to become a global car models. But, of course, in the line of commercial vehicles - a logic of development and it's design finds.

Representatives of the Ford explain: driving a large Transit usually works hired driver who is not too worried about the minor damage the body. So modelers have taken care of protecting the body unpainted plastic. But the heel Transit Connect is addressed to small business owners, who often personally lead retail delivery van, and drive off on it, say, shopping for the family. Here design requirements are quite different, and sort of went Connect dandy. By the standards of commercial vehicles, of course. His face with slanted headlights, a wide mouth grille and protruding spoiler below the front bumper as if alluding to the relationship with the hot hatchback Focus ST and Fiesta ST.

The same, of course, can be said about debuted at the Amsterdam event  the passenger car Tourneo Connect. This model will be available in 5 - and 7-seater versions, and will receive all of the wonders of technology, which got cars Ford last generation multimedia system SYNC and the key MyKey.

Detail: New Ford Mondeo and other 5 novelties

0 Reduce the cost of car insurance

You can’t drive without car insurance and this necessary expense doesn’t come cheaply. At least there are a number of means whereby you can reduce it. 

Car Insurance is an expense that some people just pay without giving it too much thought. After all, everyone needs car insurance, right? However, with a little bit of thought, there are a number ways that people can reduce the cost of their policy. 

 

With the advent of the web and the online age it is easy to compare car insurance via the internet. A site such as Insurance (USA) Money Super Market (UK) iSelect (Australia) offers comparisons on car insurance. These comparison sites are easy to use and may save you valuable time when comparing auto insurers and their many offerings. 

When it comes to insurance, it’s critical that you read the policy from cover to cover and have a full understanding of what is included. It is a legal document and it will explain to you what you are entitled to, and what you are liable for. 

 

Third party is the minimum level of insurance that you must have. It covers you for any damage you cause to someone else’s car. This does not though; cover you for your own car. 

The cost of insurance is based on the risk assessment of you and the insurer’s pricing model. So if you can prove to an insurer that you are a lesser risk, you are more likely to pay less. Things such as age, gender, and address can’t be changed, however some things can be. For example, if you don’t make any claims and have a good driving record, these factors will be taken into account. 

If you read up on the reasons why you would pay for more insurance, you can work out what would make you pay more and in turn, what you can do in order to pay less. For instance, if your car is a high risk of being stolen, that will raise the price so any form of alarm or other security device is may bring the cost of your insurance premium down. 

The more you drive, the higher the risk of you being involved in an accident so the less you drive, the less chance of an accident there is and, in turn the less you should pay in car insurance. 

Some occupations pay less for car insurance so if you think this applies to you; inform your insurer of what your job is. For instance, driving around the block will appear more favourable then making a two hour trip each-way, the same will apply if you work from home, or use public transport to get to your workplace.

 

Sometimes insurers will have lower costs to attract new customers. It might pay to ask as a new customer, what special offers (if any) they have for new joiners. Don’t be afraid to compare car insurance and as a result of this, who you insure yourself with.

 

By paying your premium, you are insuring yourself for a twelve month period. But how much do you really need to pay for? If you picked a more conservative amount, you would pay less on your car insurance. When you’d finally need to claim, the amount you aren’t covered by could be dwarfed by the amount you saved on lower insurance premiums. Obviously your individual needs would determine whether this would be a suitable or even a viable option for you. 

 

Detail: Reduce the cost of car insurance