Drive for Equality

By Katrina Robinson

With the way that gas prices have soared over the past few years, it only makes sense that consumers are becoming more aware of (and concerned about) their cars’ gas mileage. If you’re in the market for a new car, gas mileage is certainly one of the factors that you’ll want to look into. With this in mind, we’re happy to present to you a list of the top three cars with the best mileage. (Note: Annual fuel costs were calculated using the assumed fuel price of $3.71 per gallon.)

1. 2011 Honda CR-Z
The Honda CR-Z lets you save money on gas without sacrificing speed and muscle. With 35 miles per gallon reported in city limits and 39 mpg on the highway, the CR-Z averages 37 mpg, which means that it’ll only take 0.68 gallons to drive a full 25 miles. The sporty coupe is reasonably priced, and it’s estimated that you’d spend approximately $1500 annually on fuel with this model.

2. 2011 Lexus CT 200h

Talk about luxury and style…and gas savings?! The Lexus CT 200h is a hatchback-modeled compact car that is sure to save you loads in gas. With a combined 42 mpg (43 mpg in city limits, 40 mpg on the highway), you’re looking at spending around $1350 annually on fuel…without sacrificing style. That makes this car hot, hot, hot.

3. 2011 Toyota Prius

We’ve saved the best for last. Go from 0 to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds, and save gas while you’re doing it. The Prius is now the most demanded car in the United States and is ideal for anyone who finds him or herself driving long distances—and frequently. The Prius comes in at 51 mpg in city limits and 48 mpg on the highway with a combined 50 mpg. If you decide to go with the Prius, you’re sure to soon see yourself saving a lot of moolah. Specifically, you can look forward to only spending about $1100 in gas annually.

As you can see, all three of the cars that made our list for the best gas mileage are hybrids. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, it looks like it might be time for you to check out a hybrid. Be sure to look into the three we’ve mentioned!

Katrina Robinson is a freelance writer who covers a wide variety of subjects, from personal finance to obtaining a private student loan to student loan consolidation. You can also learn more about multi car insurance.

A little over a year, Ferrari announced that it would launch a renewed version of Ferrari 599 GTB , which would have the name Ferrari 599m (for modificato ). N this supposed upgrade include certain touches on aesthetics more than anything on the outside.

But apparently those plans have been scrapped, as the mark of the Prancing Horse will focus more on developing the replacement of known model. Just because they are giving some insight to the car that will be released in mid-2012.

For example we speak of an aluminum chassis and a 6.3-liter V12 engine, mated to a gearbox with 7-speed dual-clutch, similar to the already disclosed mounting the Ferrari FF .

You do not have too much information No, but it is said that the Italians want to make a vehicle more comfortable and a little less radical. Understandably, the purists will certainly not welcome this news because it is a bit going against the spirit of the signing of Manarello . Do you think the same?

In the living room of Barcelona, ​​Volkswagen presented the highly anticipated Beetle, undoubtedly the most striking novelty of the brand. But other models have also been present, and exclusive releases for the Spanish market last straw.

We quote Volkswagen Scirocco Limited Edition , a limited edition to only 300 units. Actually no big news, because it is basically a Scirocco R-Line with some special touches.

Yes, has the advantage of being slightly cheaper in all its forms. For 700 euros less than it would otherwise, we have attractive 18-inch wheels Chicago, customized interior, panoramic roof and an exterior R-Line kit.

It was announced that this car will be hitting the Iberian market before the summer. 1.4TSI be offered with 122 hp engines and 140 hp 2.0 TDI with manual gearbox or DSG automatic (diesel).

Unfortunately, there has been talk about a possible motorization 1.4 TSI with 160 hp, so now we will enjoy a great sport, but that does not detract qualities to this Special Edition: The Volkswagen Scirocco Limited Edition . These are their prices:

• Limited Edition Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI: 26,160 euros
• Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI Limited Edition: 30,100 euros
• Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI Limited Edition 1.4 DSG: 31,870 euros

If we talk about radical sports car design, one of the leading brands is certainly Lamborghini. The Italian firm develops an aesthetic cars impossible to overlook, but it also provides a permanent source of inspiration for novice designers.

The same has happened with the Mexican Daniel Chinchilla and Alberto Fernandez, who created the Indomitable Lamborghini supported by the Italian manufacturer itself. It is inspired by the F-22 Raptor (like the Resale ), and liked the product so much that even a U.S. company has bought the rights to manufacture.

This is the company’s 215 Racing (based in Pennsylvania) that will manufacture the model on their own, and although they have the patronage of Lamborghini not be able to put that name at the time to market, will be called Mostro Di-Potenza SF22 .

This “brute power” has not been named in vain, as promises to the power of 2,000 hp with maximum torque of 2,700 Nm. That is really bestial figures. It shall be provided with an engine of 9.4 liters and eight cylinders in V, with two turbos. Will also have a sequential automatic transmission No 6 speed can reach a speed of 426 km / h.

The obligatory question is can they accomplish all this? The company is not an expert in these matters, and these benefits are not playing anything. But they’re determined to complete the project. Plan to build 50 units of Mostro Di-Potenza SF22 since mid-2012 at a rate of 2 per week.

It will cost 950,000 dollars (about 670,000 euros) and can reserve a copy by paying a thousand dollars. Hopefully this supercar so promising, but uncertain, got to see the light.

The best engine of the year has been chosen the 0.9 TwinAir of Fiat Powertrain . The Italian firm has won the important Galardo International Engine Of The Year 2011 , where 76 journalists from 36 countries experts choose the drive that they deem more outstanding. Super loosely to recognized brands as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes Benz.

Fiat gets second consecutive year this award, as it did in 2010 thanks to the 1.4 MultiAir, with its innovative management system air for admission n. Engine 0.9 TwinAir is mounted on the Fiat 500 (although soon mounted the Fiat Punto and Alfa Romeo MiTo Evo), and with only 875 cc two-cylinder reaches 85 hp.

It is clear that recognition does not value received power as a primary factor, other qualities are qualified. Their consumption and emissions are very low, and the remarkable performance. Also this engine has triumphed in three other categories: Best New Engine, Best Engine to 1 liter and Ecological Motor Best of the Year.

Moreover, Volkswagen was two trophies: Best Engine Best Engine high performance with more than 4 liters thanks to 4.5 V8 of 562 hp. In general, the Germans had a very successful presence. Audi took back an award for Best Engine from 2 to 2.5 liters for its well managed L5 2.5 Turbo.

While BMW wins Best Motor paragraph 1.8 to 2 liters with twin-turbo 2.0 Diesel 204 hp. They also double in Best Engine 2.5 to 3 liters with the 3.0 biturbo biturbo petrol and 3.0 diesel. To make matters worse, with its 4.0 V8, BMW turned to take the Galardo for Best Engine 3 to 4 liters, an achievement that has held since 2008 without interruption.

Another winner, this time from Italy, was Ferrari with the strong 4.5 V8 Best engine chosen over 4 liters of the Year Best performance based engine.

When the crisis seriously threatens the big three U.S. automakers, namely General Motors , Ford and Chrysler , had to resort to a bailout with government money. The only company that does not accept the State aid was Ford , determined to endure the situation from its own resources, but the other two gladly welcomed the measure.

This time, he blew his turn to Chrysler to pay back the loan in full. Owed to the government a whopping yankee 5,900 million dollars, and 1,600 million Canadian dollars.

In total, the amount totaled 7,500 million dollars, approximately 5,300 million euros. Paying all of a tug ³ n, avoid the tremendous interest of 300 million annually. This sum is used to avoid bankruptcy, and the goal has been met happily. Chrysler already reaping economic benefits.

The giant Fiat was also a savior of the group, and his reward is more than juicy. Of a few are increasing their participations, and are starting to reach 46% to 86%, which will be practically the owners of Chrysler .

Continuing with its frequent updates, Volvo brings good news very timely. Already in recent weeks, the brand has introduced changes in the larger models in its catalog, and now it does on its popular Volvo C30 .

The compact Premium will now include a new diesel engine, which broadens the range reaching a wider audience. We are talking about a turbo diesel engine with 2 liters and 150 hp, with maximum torque of 350 Nm. Work with a gearbox six-speed manual, but you can also opt for an automatic of the same number of gears.

Its average consumption is 5.1 L/100 km, increasing to 5.8 L/100 km if we have the automatic transmission. Respectively, the emissions are 134 and 154 g / km. This entrainment of the Volvo C30 is very successful, and that there was considerable difference between the C30 DRIVe C30 115 hp and 17 hp D5.

With the new engine enters the compact premium minisegmento of approx. 150 hp, a sector with good sales. The official name of this car with “new heart” is Volvo C30 D3 , and is offered in four finishes available in the version normal. The price list is this:

Kinetic Volvo C30 D3: € 24,590.00
Kinetic Auto Volvo C30 D3: € 26,551.13
Momentum Volvo C30 D3: € 26,480.72
Momentum Volvo C30 D3 Auto: € 28,441.85
Summum Volvo C30 D3: € 27,781.50
Summum Auto Volvo C30 D3: € 29,742.63
Volvo C30 R-Design D3: € 28,824.88
Volvo C30 R-Design D3 Auto: € 30,786.01

‘DANGER DAY’: INSURER EXPECTING RISE IN CAR CRASHES ON MONDAY 17 DECEMBER

• 17 December worst day of year for car crashes
• Bumps and smashes double in week before Christmas
• Ford Focus drivers in more crashes than any other road user
  

Today (17 December) is the worst day of the year for car crashes, according to claims data from The Co-operative Insurance.

A major analysis of claims data from four consecutive years shows that claims relating to car collisions and bumps increase on 17 December compared to a typical day of the year.*

The Co-operative has dubbed the date ‘Danger Day’ – the day of the year when car crashes are on average twice as likely to occur.

The data also shows that more accidents occur in the week before Christmas than any other week of the year, with claims relating to car crashes up by 53% overall between 18 and 24 December.

Grant Mitchell, Head of Motor Insurance at The Co-operative, said: “Our data shows that people are more likely to be involved a car accident in the run up to Christmas than any other time of the year.

“We believe this is down to a combination of the ‘pre-Christmas rush’ when everyone is going to the supermarket or to buy last minute gifts along with the fact that people also feel tired and sluggish from the Christmas party season, which makes it harder to concentrate on the road.

“Of course, when these factors are combined with busy roads, bad weather and the fact that the days are at their shortest, accidents can and do happen.”

It also shows that Ford Focus drivers are most commonly involved in car crashes on 17 December, according to The Co-operative’s data. Vauhall Astras are second most likely to be involved in bumps and smashes, followed by Vauxhall Corsas.

The claims data also shows the UK’s accident ‘hotspots’, with nearly four times as many crashes likely to take place in Glasgow on 17 December than the average UK town or city.***

Table shows UK accident ‘hotspots’, according to Co-operative Insurance data

Grant Mitchell said: “We all have a lot on our minds in the run-up to Christmas, but it’s vital we don’t sacrifice the safety of ourselves, our families and other people as a result. Staying safe over the holidays is the most important thing, and by making a commitment to driving responsibly we can help prevent devastating tragedies on roads this Christmas.”

The Co-operative Insurance recommends a number of measures to help motorists avoid unnecessary car accidents in the run up to Christmas:

• Plan ahead to make journeys as stress free and safe as possible

• Leave extra time for possible hold-ups so you’re not tempted to speed

• Make sure you can get home safely from festivities using a taxi or public transport or with a designated driver who hasn’t consumed any alcohol

• If there is snow and ice, avoid driving if you possibly can

Ends

Notes to editors

* An analysis of more than 200,000 claims relating to car accidents shows that they have increased by an average of 205% compared to a typical day of the year on 17 December 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

** Data highlights the cars most commonly involved in road accidents over the course of a year (2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011)

About The Co-operative Banking Group

The Co-operative Banking Group, formerly known as The Co-operative Financial Services, is the banking and insurance arm of The Co-operative Group, which is the world’s largest consumer co-operative with around six million members, over £14 billion turnover, and core business interests in financial services, food, travel, pharmacy and funeral care.  The Co-operative Group has over 5,000 retail trading outlets.

Following the merger with Britannia on 1 August 2009, the organisation is one of the largest and most highly diversified mutual businesses operating in both retail and corporate banking markets.

As part of The Co-operative Group, the business is characterised by its unique ethical and member reward policies and very high levels of customer advocacy.

The Co-operative Banking Group has £70 billion in assets, 12,000 staff and nine million customers.  It has over 300 high street branches, 20 corporate banking centres and major presences in Manchester, Leek, London, Plymouth, Skelmersdale and Stockport.

It is the only mutual organisation that enables its members to earn financial rewards for the products they hold, as well as giving them the opportunity to have a say in how the business is run.

The Nissan Dualis is a perfect example of the new breed of SUVs which have become so popular on the roads over the last five or so years. It also highlights many of the problems which so many car reviews have with this new breed of sporty urban 4X4. Can a car truly be at home both on the school run and on the off-road? The answer of course- as with most SUVs- is no. But that is to misunderstand their appeal. Yes the Dualis Ti AWD is a 4WD with pretensions of off-road ability but in truth few if any will ever be driven off the road. This is a very much an urban motor and, although not without fault, it fulfils its role well.

It is hard to deny that the styling of the new Dualis is pleasing to the eye. It’s ever so slightly sloped roof combine with its pleated bonnet to give a real sense of adventure- some would even say aggression. There is definitely something of the tomboy about the Dualis. It may be small compared to some of the SUVs out there but it still looks like it would be up for the fight.

Sadly the engine does not match the ambitions of the styling. The 2.0 litre engine gives little cause for excitement and it’s hard to find a single Nissan Dualis review that does not refer to it as ‘sluggish’ from a standing start. Nor does the CVT transmission help matters- although it at least helps make it more economical to drive.

Whilst a touch more ‘uumph’ under the bonnet wouldn’t of hurt, Nissan has got a lot of the other essentials spot on. The handling in particular is superb. Light and responsive, for our money it outclasses all of the other SUVs in its price range, with perhaps the exception of the Suzuki SX4. Some have complained that the drive can be a little rough for a car which is likely to spend much of its life in or around the town but this is not something we have noticed.

The interior is as you would expect from a modern Nissan. Everything feels well put together and durable enough to withstand the kids which are likely to be inside it. It’s hard to pin down the exact market for this breed of car but it feels as though young families are the most likely to inhabit it. The rear seats are a little tight for adult legs but ideally suited for children. The boot is larger than you would expect for a car of this size with a capacity in excess of 400 litres- a capacity which can be more than trebled when the seats are folded.

For motoring purists the concept of the SUV may be a confusing one- neither this nor that. However, there is no denying their popularity with the buying public and the Nissan Dualis goes someway to explain that appeal.