The car battery has become increasingly important over the years. Cars have more electrical equipment. Many systems once driven by the engine are now battery-powered. The latest advanced fuel saving technology mainly relies on battery power. So it’s not just the time of year increasing battery use.

This all means it’s vital your battery is in good condition for reliability and ultimately your safety.

If you compare small cars today they have electronic engine management systems, electric locking and security, electric in car entertainment, and in a lot of cases electric power steering.

New crossover cars have all of the above plus electronic all-wheel- drive systems many have electronic stop start fuel saving technology.

The tip is to get your battery checked before it causes you problems.

You can find many dealers offer free battery or winter checks. Others offer it for a token £10. These are great offers.

You might feel a bit suspicious of free offers but you will find these are genuine value deals. Car dealers do it simply to keep in touch with customers and show-off their service.

It really is worth getting your battery checked for your own peace of mind and safety.

Regards
Ralph
carbuyersinfo.co.uk. car comparison website revealing differences and similarities to help you find the best car for your purpose and purse

Today, the recently launched A1, DS3, and Juke are probably the best small cars to look at if you want something special because they appear very different.

When you give them a quick look over the first thing you might notice is the price. They seem to have expensive entry prices. However they’re not to be confused with tiny town cars like the 500 or the loss leader entry models of the super-size small cars.

The Fiesta and Corsa, for example, may have cheap entry prices but when you inspect the specifications you’ll probably going to want something better. The most desirable cars in this class have alloy wheels, front fogs and touch of silver plastic and leather inside. Now you’re looking at a cost similar to the entry prices for the A1, DS3 and Juke which appear different from the everyday Clio or Polo.

The DS3 has the lowest entry price by about £1,000.

Let’s examine the detail. You can see the complete breakdown and comparisons over on carbuyersinfo.co.uk.

Audi A1 Review
3.95m long, 270/920 min/max load space
1.2, .14 petrol engines, 1.6 diesel engine.
47.9 to 74.3 combined mpg
99 to 139 CO2s, 112 to 141 mph, 6.9 to 11.7 secs to 62 mph.

Citroen DS3 Review
3.95m long, 285 minimum load space
petrol or diesel engines.
42.2 to 70.6 combined mpg
104 to 153 CO2s, 112 to 133 mph, 7.3 to 11.3 secs to 62 mph.

Nissan Juke Review
4.14m long, 251/830 min/max load space
1.6 petrol or 1.5 or 1.6 diesel engines plus AWD
37.2 to 55.4 combined mpg
134 to 175 CO2s, 106 to 134 mph, 8.0 to 11.5 secs to 62 mph.

Fuel consumption is a concern and you can see the A1 and DS3 are highly efficient. The Juke although slightly larger with larger engines and an AWD option is still respectable.

None of the these three are slow off the mark. They’re all spritely with high performance options.

So although their entry prices may look expensive they not only offer something different they are, especially the A1 and DS3, highly efficient cars. So you can see some quality and value for your money.

Other significant factors are modern safety features, green engine ranges and reliability from being built on proven platforms.

They’re difficult cars to fault. I would personally calculate if the diesel engine options are viable and keep an eye on the car insurance groups when comparing different engine and trim options.

Overall these cars offer something different. They’re not as expensive as they appear at first. They rank highly for efficiency. If you like the look of them the important thing is to devote some time to test drives and find out if the driver comfort is to your personal taste. It’ll be a bit of fun. You should enjoy driving all three.

Regards
Ralph

What’s more is in their compact size MPVs seem to offer the space found in saloon and hatchback cars half a metre longer. Plus they have more versatility. Their interiors also seem to be better thought out.

The Vauxhall Meriva has a significantly lower entry price, but it is shorter than the C-Max and Picasso with less load space and smaller engine options. Let’s examine the Picasso, C-Max and Meriva data more closely.

Citroen Picasso Review
dimensions 4.47m long, 500l load space, 1734 with rear seats down
engine options 1.6 petrol 120,155 outputs, 1.6 diesel 110 and 2.0 150/160

Ford C-Max Review
dimensions 4.38m long, 432l load space, 1732 with rear seats down
engine options 1.6 petrol 105,125, 150 outputs, 1.6 115 and 2.0 140 diesel

Vauxhall Meriva Review
dimensions 4.29m long, 397l load space, 1496 with rear seats down
engine options 1.4 petrol 100,120, 140 outputs, 1.3 and 1.7 diesel

Although the Meriva has a lower entry price it’s  smaller, with less load space, and smaller engines but it’s possible to be walked up the model range and into Picasso and C-Max prices.

The Meriva, Picasso and C-Max petrol engines have similar efficiency overall, although there are differences on paper they may amount to nothing on the road. Ford’s diesel engines are significantly more efficient than the Meriva and Picasso.

It’s unusual to catch the French napping with diesel technology. Ford have managed to leap forward with its new model. Citroen will come back and Vauxhall’s diesel Fiat engines won’t stand still. Fiat is the world’s largest manufacturer of diesel car engines.

If you bear in mind body size and engine efficiency the Meriva is suspect when you look at higher models. For now the C-Max has one over Citroen for diesel efficiency so they will enjoy a purple patch.

However diesel is not viable for all motorists. They cost more to buy as cars and the fuel is more expensive. You need to compare petrol with diesel for the same performance and trim level. Then calculate at what total mileage your fuel savings recover the added cost of a diesel car.

As a diesel the C-Max looks good for now.  If it’s petrol there’s little difference between the C-Max and Picasso. There is the question of style and comfort but they’re for your personal taste. I like the Citroen. The Meriva is a contender if you keep it cheap and basic.

I haven’t mentioned the only other 5-seat compact MPV – the Scenic. It still remains the benchmark and a contender. It’s a must go compare.

Regards
Ralph

data date April/May 2011

What’s changed is the buyer’s knowledge and how the Internet has improved this, like so:

• If we go back a few centuries only a few had knowledge and it was only of one thing but it was in-depth.
• Go back two decades and it was said a lot of people knew of a lot of things but knew little about any one thing.

The fact Internet users make comparisons like Tiguan, Q5, Yeti suggests people now know a lot more about things they’re interested in. How?

A searcher would need to have a depth of knowledge to connect a popular, prestige and value product. It’s not just the knowledge VW also make Skoda, Seat and Audi. They know these cars can share platforms or parts like engines, transmissions, suspension, steering and brakes.

Rather than flip from say VW Tiguan review to Skoda Yeti review they know car comparisons tell them both what they’re getting and what they’re not getting with each brand.

That sounds like a wised up buyer with a depth of knowledge to me to be enhanced by their further research.

Just a quick look over these models and we expect the prices differences. As we move up the price ranges they have stronger styles more bulk suggesting bigger engines under the bonnets.

When we examine the detail:

Skoda Yeti Review 4.22m long, 416/1760l min/max load space
1.2, 1.4 and 1.8 petrol engines. 1.6 and 2.0 diesel.

VW Tiguan Review 4.43m long, 430/1510 min/max load space
1.4 and 2.0 petrol, 2.0 diesel.

Audi Q5 Review 4.63m long, 540/1560 min/max load space.
2.0 or 3.2 petrol, 2.0 or 3.0 diesel.

So why do people make further evaluations given the differences in brand equity, dimensions and engine sizes support ideas of value and quality?

The only similarities is they all have 2.0 diesel engine options. The Tiguan and Q5 have  2.0 petrol options, the Yeti is 1.8.

The Yeti 2.0 diesel has 110, 140 and 170 power outputs
The Tiguan 140 and 170.
The Q5 is 143 and 170.
Performance figures are similar. Combined mpg and CO2s favour the cheaper cars.

The Yeti 1.8 has a 160 power output.
The Tiguan 2.0 petrol is 170 and 200.
The Audi 180 and 211.
Engine efficiency figures are similar.

So researching buyers can find similarities in some engine options and dismiss small differences as insignificant. They can also dismiss differences in size and style if they wish and focus on price.

There are differences in style, prestige and comfort but they’re matters of personal taste. The question is will the buyer spend their money in exchange for these features or keep their money and settle for what they must see as substitutes.

I suppose the main idea is you have choice and you can substitute a Q5 with a Tiguan which can be substituted with a Yeti.  The big change is buyers decide to make these comparisons themselves and can do so quickly and easily on the internet.

The differences in prices between an Audi, VW and Skoda are very significant. It will be interesting to see if buyers’ product knowledge and buying decisions put the differences under pressure.

Regards
Ralph

Buyers of small cars are highly concerned about costs and fuel consumption. There’s little overall difference in the fuel economy of a Picanto and 500 but the Picanto is significantly cheaper to buy at the entry level. Does it make the Picanto a winner? You do get 5-doors for your money.

The Fiat may be more money to buy but it is an attractive package. Some shoppers when they see a product as smartly packaged and more expensive think they are indicators it’s better. Does this make the 500 the better car?

You can find the car comparison over on carbuyersinfo where I simply present the data for viewers to come to their own conclusions. Which small car is best? Here’s how I’d summarize it.

• The Fiat 500 range of prices is over £1,500 more than the Kia Picanto range.
• There’s no significant difference in their fuel consumption. They rank so closely there could be no difference in real conditions on the road, especially as the combine mpg figure is a calculation from two lab’ test figures.
• The two cars are virtually the same size with the Picanto having only a tiny bit more space in the boot.
• The two have similar performance figures and although the 500 has slightly quicker models on paper it won’t mean anything on the road.
• The Fiat 500 has a Euro NCAP 5-star rating. The Picanto has recently been awarded 4-stars.

You can see the 5-door Picanto is cheaper to buy than the 3-door 500 whilst there being no real difference in size, fuel economy or performance. At this stage we can’t say the 500 is a better car.

However if a car fits your purpose and purse the next most important consideration is car safety. The difference between a 4 and 5-star rating is side protection. I’m not going to scare you with the stats but it is very important. The reason ESP/ESC is becoming standard on all cars this year is to help prevent skidding and the dangers of a side impact.

The Picanto is the only new car recently rated by Euro NCAP not to have been awarded 5-stars. Manufacturers know about future standards years in advance and comply at their discretion.

If you want to put a price on safety refer to car insurance compensation for personal injuries. I hear it’s at least £1,000 for supposed back-lash.

Now we’ve looked at serious stuff let’s look at the silly side. This is not my opinion, only my observations over decades. Many small car buyers give their cars names. They dress them with trinkets. Some cry when they are separated at the point of part-exchange. I’ve seen people pray in gratitude on delivery. There’s a lot of love going on with some car owners and their little cars.

Somehow Fiat have packaged the 500 in a retro style and fitted a little jewelry inside - not too much – and buyers loved it, rushed to buy and are prepared to wait in line for delivery.

The 500 may cost more to buy than a Picanto but this is compensated for by its safety rating plus it seems to appeal to buyers’ taste for things Italian.

The Picanto still remains cheaper to buy plus it has 5-doors with modern styling.

Regards
Ralph
Fiat 500 vs Kia Picanto carbuyersinfo.co.uk Car Comparison site differences and similarities revealed to help you find the best car to suit your purpose and purse

As of 16/10/2011 there will be new style MOT certificate. I’ve detailed:

• What are the new changes to the MOT certificate?
• Your MOT test record
• When can you MOT your vehicle?
• Why do you need an MOT certificate?
• How to check an MOT certificate is genuine
• How to replace lost or damaged MOT certificates

over on what changes to the Mot certificate mean to you. You’ll find lots of links to even more important DVLA information.

It’s an exact copy of the DVLA document. On their site you can find additional information about motoring and owning a vehicle. It’s worth a visit.

I just hate paying fines, don’t you?

Regards
Ralph
carbuyersinfo.co.uk car comparison site revealing differences and similarities to help you find the car to fit your purpose and purse

The Nissan Qashqai was launched at the time large SUVs and 4x4s took a dive in popularity. Since then the Qashqai has become a highly successful car in the UK. It was promoted more as a Sports Urban Vehicle distancing itself from then unpopular Sports Utility Vehicles.

Crossovers like the Qashqai, VW Tiguan, Ford Kuga and Skoda Yeti have revived the SUV, 4×4 sector as fun and family cars. Even prestige makers have entered this niche. The most recent entrants have been value brands – Hyundai ix35, and Kia Sportage.

The Mitsubishi ASX enters this sector with the ix35 and Sportage at prices to compete with the Qashqai which once had the price range to itself. All have significantly lower entry prices than the Kuga and Tiguan as well as the one time market leaders – the Freelander, RAV4 and CR-V. The Yeti is the cheapest.

Nissan Qashqai prices range from £17,000 to £23,000. The Mitsubishi ASX  from £16,000 to £24,000. No real difference there.

Both cars are the same overall length. The ASX has a little more load space with the rear seats up and even more with them folded.

Is there any real difference in engine efficiency?

The Qashqai petrol engine 1.6 2WD has a combined mpg of 42.8/44.1 mpg, 154 CO2s, 112 mph maximum speed and 0 to 62 mph in 12.9 seconds.

The ASX petrol engine 1.6 2WD has a combined mpg of 47.9 mpg, 135 CO2s, 113 mph maximum speed and 0 to 62 mph in 11.4 seconds.

These are lab’ figures so there may be little difference in real on the road conditions. However the ASX is significantly cleaner and slightly quicker.

The Qashqai diesel engine 2.0 2WD has a combined mpg of 47.1 mpg, 159 CO2s, 120 mph maximum speed and 0 to 62 mph in 10.0 seconds.

The ASX diesel engine 1.8 2WD has a combined mpg of 51.1 mpg, 145 CO2s, 124 mph maximum speed and 0 to 62 mph in 9.7 seconds.

Again little difference although the ASX is slightly cleaner. It’s the same story if you compare the 4×4 options.

The Qashqai does have a 2.0 petrol option which is a bit juicy and an economical 1.5 diesel which has a combined 53.3 mpg, 139 CO2s, 108 mph and 0 to 62 mph in 13.2 seconds making it the most economical and clean option.

With similar price ranges, size, space and engine efficiency there’s little to sway the car buyer if they particularly like the look of one or the other or finds the driver comfort of one is more to their taste. Both cars are among the most comfortable in this sector so it may simply be a matter of style.

If you are actually thinking of buying a car in this sector keep an eye on car insurance groups as you consider different models. If you’re considering a diesel engine calculate at what total mileage you recover the added cost of buying a diesel car with savings in fuel costs – you’ll find some big surprises.

If you too consider the Qashqai and ASX similar, both comfortable and stylish you may decide on the best deals for discount, finance, part exchange and add-ons. There can be a good 4 or £5,000 even more to be negotiated in this sector which can help contribute to later depreciation and running costs.

There’s also a longer 7 seat Qashqai which may also set a trend for the future.

It seems the Nissan Qashqai was a good idea at the time since proven by its continued sales successful which is underlined by many other makers entering this sector with very similar cars.

Regards
Ralph
carbuyersinfo.co.uk car comparison site revealing differences and similarities to help you find the car to suit your purpose and purse.
data date March April 2011

The Fiesta and VW’s have always stuck with clean simple lines. However the new Fiesta has sleek style curves rather like a Mazda2 while the Polo retains clean lines albeit a bit chunkier like a Golf. So the Fiesta and Polo look different.

The other main difference is there’s a credible Polo GTi. Hot hatches definitely elevate the image of a model. Think what Williams then RenaultSport did for the Clio and VXR for Corsa. It’s said the new 207 will see the return of their GTi. If the new Polo GTi catches on like the original Golf GTi – well.

Otherwise the Fiesta and Polo are very similar:

• They have the same entry-level price.
• They have a similar range of engines and trims.
• The Fiesta and Polo are virtually the same size.
• Both their 1.2 petrol engine versions have very similar fuel consumption, emissions and performance. It’s the same story with their manual 1.4 petrol engines.
• The Polo has a more efficient 1.4 automatic.
• The Polo BlueMotion diesel is highly efficient.
• Overall the Fiesta 1.6 diesel looks to me like it has the better combination of economy, emissions and performance.

So that’s it. The Fiesta and Polo are very similar apart from their style and the significant fact the Polo has a GTi. I think the Polo has at last taken the original Golf’s place in the small car sector and is a real contender. But watch out for the new 207 and Clio.

A few things to watch out for:

• When car fuel consumption figures rank closely the DVLA make the point theirs are lab’ figures and there may or may not be any difference on the road.
• If you’re thinking about diesel compare it with a petrol engine with similar acceleration and the same trim level and note the difference in their prices. Then calculate at what total mileage savings in fuel consumption pay for the premium you pay on a diesel car.
• When you consider different engines and trim options note the different car insurance groups. Car insurance groups have widened to 1 to 50 so a wider range of insurance premiums can be charged.

If you’re looking to buy a Fiesta or Polo you can happily go for the one you like the look of or find nicest to drive – subject to the deal of course. You’re unlikely to regret not buying the other one.

Regards
Ralph
carbuyersinfo.co.uk. car comparisons to help you find the car to suit your lifestyle and budget.

Car buyers know these groups of cars share the same platforms and want to see if there is a difference and an advantage in one over the other. There are differences in brand equity, style, and equipment levels. Normally size, space, engine efficiency and safety are all the same.

The differences in brand, style and equipment is countered by differences in prices so there is normally no advantage in one or the other. If there was only one model would sell.

By making cars appear different manufacturers can charge different prices. They also avoid over selling a model. For example if a person buys a Mazda2 and is asked why they didn’t buy a Fiesta the reply might be, ‘everyone’s got one.’

Clearly under the skin the Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10 are virtually if not the same car. As they cynically say in the trade, ‘same message different envelope.’ Their style is very different. The Picanto has changed from clean simple lines to bold style lines with some sort of Dan Dare chin at the front end. The i10 had a makeover earlier this year but remains familiar.

The trick – sorry difference –  is in standing of the brands and equipment levels with their different prices. Hyundai enjoyed a slightly higher standing in the market place with good equipment levels. Kias were cheaper but had longer warranties.

It seems Hyundai retain the higher equipment level at the lower end but Kia have higher levels at the top end and have leapfrogged Hyundai prices. They’ve done the same with the ix35 and Sportage. It’s a way of getting more money for basically the same car. VW do it. Vauxhall do it. They all do it because they need to profit in order survive.

The more you pay for a Kia or Hyundai the more you’ll value the brand. Think VW vs Skoda. These so called one percenter brands as they are known in the trade for their market penetration are on the rise backed by very high levels of customer satisfaction. And today their buyers can no longer be seen to have simply bought a cheap brand – THEY’E GOT THEIR HEAD SCREWED ON THE RIGHT WAY.

Some may stick their nose up if they drive an Audi, BMW or Merc but we know it’s not their car and they’re a salesman in a company car.

So the similarities are the Picanto and i10 are virtually the same size, with similar versatility. Engine efficiency is virtually the same. We’re waiting for Euro NCAP safety ratings.

The differences are branding, style, equipment and price. Style is a matter of personal taste and equipment a matter for your wish list. You decide what you’ll pay.

So it’s a decision for the heart, not the head. Either way they’re great little city cars and you won’t be disappointed if a tiny car is what you are looking for.

I’m sorry there are no shocking significant differences to your advantage but that’s the way it goes. If it were me I’d buy the best deal.

Regards
Ralph
carbuyersinfo.co.uk car comparisons to help you find the car to suit your lifestyle and budget

Over the past four decades interest in small more economical cars rose every time there was an economic downturn or rise in fuel prices. Historically this hasn’t necessarily meant a rise in the sale of small cars. People said one thing about their intentions in surveys but that wasn’t what they actually did. The medium small Focus, Astra, Golf sector remained the most popular.

The reason car buyers have said one thing and done another in the past is although a car has to be affordable it also has to suit a buyers’ lifestyle. Over the past four decades small cars have grown from 3.5m to near 4m increasing their interior space and safety. Today small car sales are edging to the fore.

What is surprising is the renewed interest in the Crossover, SUV, 4×4 sector. This sector near died a death by 2007 because of running costs but has been rescued by the Crossover car concept. A Crossover car is built like a car – not a truck – and drives more like a car with more car like running costs.

It seems car buyers believe Crossovers, SUVs and 4x4s are suited to their lifestyle and are now a consideration as they become financially viable. The Nissan Qashqai’s amazing success is a good example.

The Nissan Qashqai replaced their Almera which competed in the most popular Focus, Astra, Golf sector. The Qashqai is an interesting alternative to the ubiquitous family hatchback.

A Qashqai is built on a Renault Megane platform as is the Renault Scenic but the Qashqai does not have the versatility of MPVs so why the interest? Without going into explaining the body styles of estate cars, SUVs and MPVs the main difference is the Qashqai has a prominent horizontal bonnet as opposed to one box MPV style with a steeply sloped windscreen merging into a sloping bonnet.

I can’t analyse the attraction of a prominent bonnet, maybe it’s an indication of a big powerful engine under the hood or perceived frontal crash protection. Certainly Ford have latched onto this style feature with the new C-Max having a more distinctive bonnet more like the Kuga than the old C-Max.

I seems against all reason SUVs should compete with more versatile MPVs when it comes to cars suiting lifestyles. However Crossovers have improved SUV versatility. The interest in Crossovers, SUVs and 4x4s seems to be a combination of being an alternative to the ubiquitous hatchback, with near MPV versatility and 4×4 macho styling.

What nearly killed the SUV sector was the viability of running the things. Vehicles like the RAV4, CR-V, Freelander followed by the Tiguan have managed to survive but with entry prices £20,000 or more it’s a bit of a stretch from the price of a family hatch.

Although the Qashqai costs more than a Megane it’s close enough to be considered. What has really racked up the interest in Crossovers is lower priced entrants into the market like the Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi ASX and Skoda Yeti.

All the new entrants have the 4×4 style, adequate – not MPV – versatility in the dimensions of a Ford Focus. This makes them strong contenders as cars to suit people’s lifestyles.

If you compare their performance, emissions and fuel consumption with traditional 4x4s the improvements are amazing. However they don’t come close to the new improved efficiency of the everyday family hatchback. But maybe that’s not the comparison being made. They could be comparing Crossovers with the cars they are replacing.

Car sales have been poor since 2007 with owners postponing changing their cars which are most likely to be reliable and durable enough to hold onto. If their car is something like a Focus, Astra, Scenic, Zafira then their versatility probably still suits, whilst engine efficiency and general running costs have been good enough. Who’d pay thousands even tens of thousands to change their cars for the same type of car with small improvements?

However a Crossover is different, might suit their lifestyle and is now more affordable. It will be interesting to see when car sales pick up if interest in the Crossover sector will manifest itself in sales as it has done with the Qashqai.

Certainly there are deals to be done with dealers offering heavy discounts and low rate finance. If you ask for even more discount and better finance rates you may well get them. Just be sure you also get a good price for your part-exchange and discount on add-ons. Don’t be swayed by one of these for deals, you need the best on all four.

Four things you need to check:

• Get the latest EuroNCAP rating for new entrants into the market – you need 5-stars and ESP/ESC.
• The elevated view of the road from a Crossover has many advantages but be sure you’re happy with the cars’ higher centre of gravity, it’s stability and handling.
• When considering different engine and trim options be aware of the changes in car insurance groups and the differences in premiums.
• If you consider diesel engines compare it with a similar performing petrol engine and calculate at what total mileage savings in fuel costs repay the extra you pay for a diesel car.

Regards
Ralph
carbuyersinfo.co.uk. car comparison website to help you find the car to suit your purpose and purse