Teens Top 10 Guide to Cutting Insurance Premiums

The cost of insurance is still the biggest issue for young drivers aged 17-24.

The average cost of insurance for a new driver is £3000, often more than the value of their car. 

The What Car? Teens Top 10 Guide to Cutting Insurance Premiums

1.       Increase your excess.  Boosting the amount you pay in the case of an accident can have a direct effect on your premium. A £400 excess increase can bring down your premium by almost the same amount.

Average saving £277

2.       Stick with a lower trim.  Going for the top-of-the-range trim level might well bump you up an insurance group. If a 17-year-old driver upgrades from a Studio to an Edge trim on his Fiesta, his costs could jump by around £400.

Average saving £432

3.       Research the level of cover.  Third party or third party, fire and theft cover is usually cheaper than comprehensive insurance, but the average saving is so small that we would always recommend choosing the best cover you can afford.

Average saving £53 (third party only)

4.       Add a parent.  Convincing a parent to join you on a policy can bring down the costs significantly. Our sample driver reduced his premium by more than £1100 just by adding his 52-year-old accountant mother to his policy.

Average saving £1005

5.       Extra training.  Insurers appear to be undecided on the merits of the most popular driver training: Pass Plus. Some don’t offer any discount for taking the six-hour course, while the average premium reduction for those who do is £456. Check with your insurer before you commit.

Average saving £456 (if offered)

6.       Get a no-claims discount

Many insurance companies will now let you build up a no-claims discount on someone else’s vehicle, so try to convince a parent to let you use their car.

Average saving £253

7.       Leave out the mods

Some insurers might not charge you for adding alloy wheels, but that full bodykit could end up costing you more in higher insurance premiums than its price suggests.

Average saving £305

8.       Stick to a curfew

Restrict your driving hours to between 6am and 11pm. This may not be for everyone, but it could save you cash.

Average saving £492

9.       Stick with a smaller engine

A step up from a basic 1.25-litre Fiesta to a still-modest 1.4 can bump up insurance premiums by more than £250.

Average saving £265

10.   Shop around

Start your search on comparison websites, and then ask companies directly if they can beat the lowest prices you find.

FORD FIESTA AND FORD MONDEO WIN CARBUYER 2012 AWARDS

The Ford Fiesta and FordMondeo are winners in the 2012 CarBuyer Car of the Year awards.

Experts testing for CarBuyer.co.uk rated the Ford models on running costs, safety, performance, owner satisfaction, reliability and comfort.

The website concluded: “The Ford Fiesta’s blend of driving fun, family-friendly practicality and great value makes it hard to beat. It's the way the Fiesta drives that really stands out. Agile handling and sporty responses make it fun to drive on a twisting back road, while the comfortable suspension and low noise levels help take the strain out of long motorway journeys.

“Factor in a five-star Euro NCAP score, value-for-money prices and a huge dealer network, and it's not hard to see why the Fiesta takes a well-deserved second straight victory in this category.”

In five-door hatchback guise the Mondeo delivers all the space and practicality a growing family will ever need, according to Car Buyer, while a wide range of engines and trim levels means there's a model for every taste and budget.

“All versions drive brilliantly, thanks to a chassis that delivers the perfect blend of handling comfort. What's more, the Mondeo's low noise levels and supportive seats make it one of the best motorway cruisers in the business,” said the online advice site.

Mark Ovenden, Ford of Britain managing director, said: “The 2012 Fiesta and Mondeo models showcase the style, technology dynamics and value for which Ford is renowned. It is fantastic too that independent motoring advisers CarBuyer agree.”

The Ford Fiesta is on sale from £9,495, while the large car Ford Mondeo range starts at £17,795. 

FORD FUEL ECONOMY STRIDES PROTECT FAMILY BUDGETS

Ford can offer motorists some good Budget news with the announcement of a new Ford Fiesta capable of returning over 85mpg.

The latest Ford FiestaECOnetic model now on sale emits just 87g CO₂/km – meaning free road tax and no London Congestion Charge for the car – while sipping diesel fuel at the rate of just 85.6mpg (combined).

The top-selling Ford Fiesta leads a car range which has reduced its average fleet CO2 to 134g/km today from 154.5g/km in 2006 according to independent analysis by Clean Green Cars (cleangreencars.co.uk).

As market leader in the UK, selling more cars and vans than any other manufacturer, Ford’s low-CO₂  technology has the greatest impact in shielding household budgets from the effect of rising fuel prices.  And British expertise and brain power are behind Ford’s drive towards ever more fuel-efficient motoring – a team of more than 2,000 Essex based engineers lead on the development of the company’s latest fuel-sipping petrol and diesel engines.

Six years ago the best a Ford Fiesta could achieve was 65.1mpg, a Ford Focus could do no more than 51.4mpg and the Ford Mondeo 44.1mpg.

Today, alongside FordFiesta’s 85mpg, this year’s Ford Focus ECOnetic is also road tax and congestion charge-exempt at 83.1mpg (88g CO₂/km) and a 65.6mpg (114g) FordMondeo is available as both a five-door and estate.

All these models are diesel, featuring Ford’s acclaimed 1.6-litre TDCi engine assembled at Dagenham at the site’s high-tech wind-powered plant.

For petrol fans, Ford’s new 125 and 100PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine debuting in the Ford Focus achieves up to 58.9mpg (and as low as 109g CO₂), which still saves on road tax in the first year.

Mark Ovenden, Ford Britain managing director, said:  “We cannot influence how the cost of motoring changes as a result of today’s Budget, but we will continue to design, develop and market innovative vehicles that minimise the cost of motoring for today’s families.  Our cars are fun to drive, stylish and packed with technology, while returning up to 20mpg more than just a few years ago.”    

Hyundai i40 Tourer crowned Best Estate Car

The Hyundai i40Tourer has held off well-established rivals to take the overall title of Best Estate Car in Business Car Manager’s annual awards. The awards identify the top company cars across nine distinct categories, and the Hyundai i40 was chosen as the winner above rivals such as the Ford Mondeo Estate, Volvo V50 DRIVe and Skoda Octavia Estate.

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO Hyundai Motor UK, said: “To take the Best Estate Car award is a huge honour for us and it bears testimony to just how well the Hyundai i40 Tourer performs. The lowest BiK tax rates coupled with ultra-efficient engines, premium levels of equipment and space and practicality make the i40 Tourer the ideal business estate car.”

Ralph Morton, Editor of Business Car Manager, said: “We’ve brought together the very best and while they straddle a mix of classes and sectors, they’re united by one attribute - they’re all great additions to your business. Hyundai’s continued growth in the UK has seen it launch several new top-quality cars for business users. The i40 Tourer is one such car that fully deserves this award as it provides a compelling alternative to the established rivals. If you also factor in low running costs and a 5 Year Triple Care warranty you get an estate car that’s a cut above.”

The Business Car Manager Best Estate Car Award is the third major honour that the Hyundai i40 Tourer has won since its launch in September last year. It has already won the Best Estate Car title at the 2011 Scottish Car of the Year Awards along with the Golden Award at the 2011 EuroCarBody Conference.

With BiK rates starting at 13% and insurance group ratings beginning at 12E, the Hyundai i40Tourer 115PS Blue Drive model is capable of 65.7mpg on the combined cycle with emissions rated at just 113g/km.

Ford Fiesta crowned Diesel Car’s Used Car of the Year 2012 and Ford scoops four category wins

The Ford Fiesta was commended as best small car and crowned the overall winner of Diesel Car magazine’s Used Car of the Year Awards 2012.  Three further awards for best large car, best estate car and best MPV went to Mondeo, Mondeo Estate and S-MAX respectively.

Ian Robertson, Diesel Car editor, said of the Ford Fiesta:  “Sublime handling, great build quality and exceedingly economical TDCi engines make it both a heart and head decision.”

The Ford Fiesta continues to be Britain’s best-selling small car, with sales exceeding 349,000 since launch in 2008.   Improvements to the Fiesta ECOnetic range, which is powered by a 95PS version of Ford’s 1.6-litre TDCi engine, deliver class-leading emissions of 87g/km of CO₂ whilst returning 85.6mpg combined.

Kevin Griffin, Ford Britain fleet director, said: “We are delighted that the Ford Fiesta has been crowned Used Car of the Year 2012 by Diesel Car magazine.  Fiesta’s appeal is the combination of striking exterior styling, great driving dynamics and technology and equipment that have typically only been available on larger vehicles.  Coupled with a choice of economical powertrains, Fiesta delivers the perfect overall package for new and used, fleet and retail customers alike.”

The FordMondeo and S-MAX were also recognised with overall category wins.   A fuel efficient 65.6mpg 1.6-litre TDCi was added to Mondeo’s range last year – producing only 114g CO₂/km which ranks among the best in the large car segment.  January saw the introduction of the Mondeo Zetec Business Edition with standard specification including colour touch-screen navigation system and USB connectivity, 17in alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, LED daytime running lights, privacy glass and power-folding door mirrors.

Ian Robertson said:  “The Mondeo is simply head and shoulders above the competition when it comes to dynamics with the best ride and handling in its class.  The estate retains the same core values as the hatchback – excellent ride and handling, a quality cabin and space aplenty – but goes one better on the storage front offering 537 litres with rear seats in place.  The S-MAX kiboshed the old adage that a people carrier has to be a bland tool, because it is genuinely enjoyable to drive.”

Hyundai Unveils Teaser Images Of All-New Santa Fe

The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe will have its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in early April.

Hyundai will keep the name “Santa Fe” for the new vehicle, continuing the solid brand heritage of the automaker’s most representative SUV model. The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, which is entering its third generation, has reached worldwide cumulative sales of about 2.56 million units since its 2000 debut. 

Based on Hyundai’s design philosophy, Fluidic Sculpture, the new Santa Fe adopts its own design concept called “Storm Edge,” which captures the strong and dynamic images created by nature during the formation of a storm.

The third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe features sophisticated and refined lines, which are in harmony with bold and voluminous surfaces, completing a more aggressive and classic look than its predecessor.

The design adopts the hexagonal grille – a key design cue of the Hyundai family look – a two-tone voluminous bottom car body and wider front and rear bumpers, creating a futuristic and urban-style SUV image.

Dynamic side character lines give a more aerodynamic feeling, while emotional details expressed on the exterior design deliver a premium image, suggesting a new design direction for Hyundai’s next-generation SUVs.

The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, whose core product concepts are “Refinement,” ”Smartness” and “Practicality, ” is expected to be a hit in the global SUV market, offering the best value to customers in every aspect, with its differentiated design, cutting-edge technologies, good fuel economy and practical use of space.

Ford’s First-Ever All-Electric Passenger Car Takes to The Road at 2012 Geneva Motor Show

Ford is offering visitors to the 2012 Geneva Motor Show an early opportunity to try its first-ever all-electric passenger car, the Focus Electric.

The fuel-free Ford Focus has a target range of 100 miles, can be charged in just three to four hours when connected to an appropriate charging facility and is powered by a 23kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

“We believe that experiencing the responsive performance and agility of the new Ford Focus Electric will add to the excitement customers are already feeling about this very viable and cost-effective car,” said Stephen Odell, Ford of Europe’s CEO and chairman.

Much of the Ford Focus Electric’s steering, handling and braking feel is shared with the agile, sporty, fuel-powered five-door hatchback Focus model upon which it is based. The absence of a petrol or diesel engine and the vehicle’s outstanding aerodynamics lead to a remarkably quiet and comfortable in-car experience.

From launch, the Ford Focus Electric will also employ Ford’s advanced voice control, device integration and connectivity interface, SYNC, with specially developed features to enhance the enjoyment of driving an electric vehicle in the most efficient way. This is also something visitors will be able to experience at the event.

“The suite of smart driver information technologies will transform the way customers think about energy usage and their transportation needs,” added Odell.

Ford Focus Electric will be the flagship of Ford’s new family of electrified vehicles and join the growing line-up of energy efficient ECOnetic Technology-badged vehicles that are leaders or among the very best in their segment in terms of fuel efficiency.

The Ford FocusElectric will be on sale in the UK in 2013.

Production-Ready Ford Fiesta ST Debuts at 2012 Geneva Motor Show

Ford Motor Company is unveiling the new production-ready Ford Fiesta ST at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in advance of the performance hatchback going on sale in the UK in the first half of 2013.

Customers have clamoured for a new Ford Fiesta ST since the last model in 2008. The all-new model will take the Ford Fiesta ST performance to a new level. The numbers tell the story: 180PS 1.6-litre EcoBoost, 240Nm of torque, 0-62mph in under seven seconds, and top speed of more than 136mph. At the same time, the EcoBoost technology delivers a 20 per cent reduction in CO₂ emissions compared with the previous Fiesta ST.

Developed by Ford’s Team RS, the new Ford Fiesta ST delivers significant ride-and-handling improvements through the introduction of a specially tuned chassis that sits 15mm lower than the standard Fiesta; Ford’s enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system; and three Electronic Stability Control modes. The technologies were put to the test over 5,000 kilometres of driving on Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife.

“We believe Ford customers will be blown away by the new Fiesta ST, and not only by the exhilarating performance but by the styling and specification, too. This dynamic new hot-hatch is undoubtedly our best Ford Fiesta ST to date,” said Jost Capito, Ford’s director of Global Performance Vehicles.

The high-contrast interior features unprecedented levels of equipment and specification to suit the sporting driver, with standard Recaro sports seats appearing in a Ford Fiesta ST for the first time.

It will also be equipped with MyKey, which allows owners to limit performance and ensure activation of safety features for when less-experienced drivers use the vehicle; and SYNC, Ford’s voice-activated in-car connectivity system. A new bold and dynamic exterior design drives home the high performance message and features the latest Ford design signatures including a large trapezoidal grille.

The new Ford Fiesta ST was engineered using Ford’s global Performance Car DNA and developed by Ford Team RS, the European arm of the company’s Global Performance Vehicles group.  The experience of the engineering team in working with Ford’s motorsport partners to develop the Fiesta RS WRC, Fiesta Rallycross and Racing Fiesta vehicles, also proved invaluable for developing the new Fiesta ST.

With production of the new Fiesta ST confirmed for Europe, Ford also remains open to introducing the high-performance small car to other regions, including North America for the first time following a highly positive response to the five-door Fiesta ST concept that made its North American debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

“We’re delighted to be bringing a new generation Fiesta ST to our European enthusiasts in 2013 and we’ll have more to say about our plans for other markets in the near future,” said Capito. “With the Fiesta ST joining the new Focus ST, we will again be able to deliver a choice of affordable small performance cars that are designed to deliver a unique blend of stand-out styling and dynamic on-road performance with true practicality for everyday use.” 

Hyundai Reveals Veloster Turbo For Europe

At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai will reveal a new turbocharged version of the 1+2 door Veloster sports coupe.  Through the addition of a turbocharger, engineers at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, have boosted power output and increased low-end torque to best suit European driving tastes and enhance driver enjoyment.

The Hyundai Veloster Turbo is the first Hyundai to feature the company’s 1.6-litre GDI engine with a high-compression, twin-scroll turbocharger.  In European specification, this new T-GDI unit generates 186 ps and 270 Nm of torque.  In non-turbocharged form, the Hyundai Veloster offers 140 ps and 167 Nm.

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK, commented: “UK drivers tend to prefer more torque from a lower engine speed, so our European engineers have specified a set-up that still provides a substantial increase in power – up from 140 ps to 186 ps – while also delivering the desired low-end torque.  The resulting package is very competitive against the performance of competitors such as VW Scirocco and Vauxhall Astra.”

“Veloster has quickly established itself as a fun car and a unique proposition,” Whitehorn added.  “The enhanced performance will increase the Veloster’s appeal for drivers who want the perfect combination of stand-out design, a fun drive and the practicality of a hatchback.”

Maximizing fuel efficiency and performance, the new engine has an air-guided intercooler, direct fuel injection system and dual CVVT, with a bed plate and a serpentine auxiliary belt adopted for enhanced engine reliability.  Accelerating from 0-60 mph, the Hyundai Veloster Turbo takes just 8.4 seconds (manual) compared to the 9.7 seconds (manual) of the regular Veloster*

Exact CO₂ emissions and fuel economy figures for the new Veloster Turbo will be announced nearer to launch in the UK.

The Hyundai Veloster Turbo is fitted with a quicker-ratio steering rack and a revised steering calibration to match, which provide for precise cornering, feedback and control.  As with the turbocharged engine, the front and rear suspension set-ups have been tuned to match the expectations of European drivers.

The driving experience is further enhanced by the sport-tuned engine intake and exhaust notes: the trapezoidal centre tailpipes of the normally-aspirated Veloster have been replaced with two larger free-flowing circular pipes, allowing for a more robust sound.

To handle the power enhancements, the Hyundai Veloster Turbo is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission – developed in-house by Hyundai – featuring a wider gear ratio spread to handle the additional torque output. 

The new Hyundai Veloster Turbo has the same practical appeal as the original model, thanks to the innovative 1+2 door design.  It also now features unique front and rear bumpers and foglights, new rear spoiler and grille, new 18-inch alloy wheels with chrome inserts, projection headlights with unique LED headlight accents, and unique LED taillights.  These elements further accentuate the car’s eye-catching styling and add a greater emphasis on its performance.

The Hyundai Veloster Turbo will come with Hyundai’s industry-best Five Year Triple Care assurance – a combination of a five-year unlimited warranty, five years of roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.  Pricing for the UK will be announced nearer launch.

* Figures stated are manufacturer’s estimates

CarBuyer Video Review of the All New Hyundai i30

CarBuyer review of the all new Hyundai i30

Hyundai reveals All New i20 with the lowest conventional engine CO2 emissions.

Hyundai has released the first image of the All New i20, ahead of its world premiere at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.  The new model features refreshed styling, enhanced equipment and the lowest CO₂ emissions of any conventional powertrain car on sale today.

Among the four powertrain options available to buyers of the All New Hyundai i20 will be the new 1.1-litre, 3-cylinder ‘U-II’ diesel engine that generates 75 ps.  When mated to Hyundai’s Blue Drive technologies, this derivative emits just 84 g/km of CO₂ - a figure lower than any other car with a conventional powertrain.  The engine was developed at Hyundai’s Diesel Centre of Excellence – part of the European R&D set-up in Rüsselsheim, Germany – and showcases Hyundai’s expertise in clean diesel technology.

This ground-breaking new engine will be offered alongside another sub-100 g/km diesel.  When combined with Blue Drive technologies, the upgraded 1.4-litre ‘U-II’ 90 ps engine emits 96 g/km.

The debut of the All New Hyundai i20 sees the introduction of fluidic sculpture form language to Hyundai’s supermini.  The revised exterior design carries the hallmarks of Hyundai styling, including the company’s signature hexagonal grille and new headlamp units.  Updating their own design from the original i20, the stylists at Hyundai’s European design studio have further modernised the All New Hyundai i20 with a more contemporary profile for the front and rear bumpers, a new sculpted bonnet and new wheel designs.

In terms of dimensions, the width (1710 mm), height (1490 mm) and wheelbase (2525 mm) of All New Hyundai i20 remain the same, while the length has increased by just 55 mm (front 30 mm, rear 25 mm) over its predecessor to 3995 mm.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Europe commented, “The Hyundai i20 has been very popular with European buyers since it came to market in 2009, thanks to its combination of efficiency, quality, practicality and value.  With an enhanced engine line-up that includes the lowest CO₂ emissions for a conventional powertrain, and sharper styling influenced by fluidic sculpture, the All New Hyundai i20 will appeal to a broader range of buyers, including younger consumers.  The assurance of our industry-best, comprehensive Five Year Triple Care package makes the All New Hyundai i20 an even more attractive proposition.”

First image of Hyundai i-oniq concept car revealed

The first image of Hyundai’s new i-oniq concept car has been released today, showcasing new technology and design which present an impression of the company’s future thinking.

The i-oniq is an electric sports hatchback with a range-extending petrol engine.  Intended to convey the latest thinking from Hyundai’s designers and engineers, the
i-oniq evolves the company’s fluidic sculpture form language and represents bold ‘New Possibilities’ with its futuristic powertrain.

Hyundai stylists chose dynamic proportions to create i-oniq’s aesthetic and functional body shape.  Its design combines gentle feature lines and muscular surface treatment, conveying both premium and sporty qualities evident in both the exterior and interior of the car.  Further design elements, such as the ‘penthouse roof’ and LED headlights, emphasise the efficiency and advanced technology encased within i-oniq.

At 4.4 metres long, i-oniq has space for four occupants in its driver-oriented cabin.  High-tech equipment in the driver interface and controls reflects contemporary and future premium consumer electronics technology.  Passengers benefit from a lounge-style space designed to optimise comfort, featuring sculpted surfaces inspired by musical instruments to create a positive contrast with the sports-focused driver area.

The i-oniq concept has an innovative powertrain that demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to clean technology.  A 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine is mated, via a generator, to a lithium ion electric motor which produces 109 ps.  In electric-only mode, i-oniq has a range of 120 km, while with assistance from the petrol engine it can travel up to 700 km, producing just 45 g/km of CO₂ in the process.

Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, Allan Rushforth, commented, “The i-oniq concept has been created to reflect the new thinking that runs through the Hyundai brand.  It has a bold design, inside and out, that provokes contemplation on the future of automotive possibilities, and a powertrain that highlights one of the ways in which we could power future products – wrapped in a package that exudes premium qualities.”

New Hyundai i30 named Car of the Year by CarBuyer.co.uk

Korean manufacturer Hyundai has claimed its first UK Car of the Year award for its new i30 model. The Hyundai i30 was also named Best Family Car.

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of CarBuyer, said: “This is a clear sign of how far Korean companies have come in recent years, with their cars now as sought-after as Korean technology products such as TVs and mobile phones.

“The Hyundai i30 is a great all-rounder – it’s stylish, practical, well built and good to drive. On top of that, it’s great value, cheap to run and comes with peace-of-mind as standard with a five-year warranty.”

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor UK, said: “Winning the CarBuyer ‘Car of the Year’ title is a huge honour for us and a fantastic endorsement from one of the most popular automotive consumer websites for the New Generation Hyundai i30 . It really reinforces the strength of our offering to our customers.

“We believe that the New Generation Hyundai i30, on sale in the UK on March 12, offers the best overall package and value for money in its segment backed up with a stylish design and improved levels of refinement. It will appeal to progressive and discerning buyers who want a car that looks great, performs well and is backed by one of the industry’s best warranties in the form of our Five Year Triple Care package.”

New Hyundai i30 named Car of the Year by CarBuyer.co.uk

Korean manufacturer Hyundai has claimed its first UK Car of the Year award for its new i30 model. The Hyundai i30 was also named Best Family Car.

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of CarBuyer, said: “This is a clear sign of how far Korean companies have come in recent years, with their cars now as sought-after as Korean technology products such as TVs and mobile phones.

“The Hyundai i30 is a great all-rounder – it’s stylish, practical, well built and good to drive. On top of that, it’s great value, cheap to run and comes with peace-of-mind as standard with a five-year warranty.”

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor UK, said: “Winning the CarBuyer ‘Car of the Year’ title is a huge honour for us and a fantastic endorsement from one of the most popular automotive consumer websites for the New Generation Hyundai i30 . It really reinforces the strength of our offering to our customers.

“We believe that the New Generation Hyundai i30, on sale in the UK on March 12, offers the best overall package and value for money in its segment backed up with a stylish design and improved levels of refinement. It will appeal to progressive and discerning buyers who want a car that looks great, performs well and is backed by one of the industry’s best warranties in the form of our Five Year Triple Care package.”