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Leading insurance companies have warned motorists of the importance of having the right insurance.
According to a poll released in the past few days by Marks & Spencer (M&S) shows that nearly 60% of all drivers in the UK have fallen victim to car crime.
Meaning that a fully protective policy is vital for anyone that is looking for insurance, which isn’t a problem but it seems a lot of drivers are putting this area of their insurance at risk.
Almost 60% of drivers admitted in the anonymous survey that they do not activate their vehicle’s alarm when it is left parked up.
Andrew Ferguson, M&S head of general Insurance said:
"It’s important to make sure the vehicle is secure when unattended."
The RSA Insurance group have recently announced the UK’s first online insurance service, RSA customers can now add cover options to their accounts without having to phone a call centre.
The company believe that as the policy is only available online it will help keep premium costs down to a minimum.
Head of RSA Insurance Keith Maxwell said:
RSA eChoice is all about empowering the customer to take complete control of their insurance. Our customers want to be able to pick and mix their covers, rather than buying an off-the-shelf package as traditionally provided by insurers.”
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This car is Audis 4×4 which has been long awaited. The Q5 comes with a range of 6 engines and is generously equipped, which is what you expect for the price.
The interior is huge and very practical. There’s a mountain of room for four adults and still over 540 ltrs of luggage space. In addition the rear seats fold down in order to give you even more storage space, in fact it almost trebles. If for some reason you need even more space, there is the option of a fold front passenger seat too.
Q5: Lease from around £300pm
The basic trim comes with leather seats, 18” alloy wheels, single zone climate control, four powered windows, parking sensors and automatic lights and wipers. These are all standard options. If you want a little more, you could go for the S line version. This includes more sporty styling touches to the exterior and interior and you get the special xenon headlights.
There are six engine option available with the Q5. The diesel options are a 3.0-litre V6 and two 2.0-litre versions. The two later engine options are the most sensible in regards to economy as they are still strong performance wise and offer significant saving in terms of running costs. For those of you who are fans of petrol, you can chose from a 3.2-litre that generates 237bhp or a pair of 2.0-litre turbo charged units. All are capable performers.
The Q5 has very firm suspension, which means that it handling is very similar that that of a hatchback, especially considering its size. The steering is correctly weighted, loads of grip and solid body control. You will have fun driving it from day to day however, the firm suspension does mean you make a compromise on the ride. The ride is understandably firm and you feel every jolt and bump.
On the safety front the Q5 offers a hill-descent control to help you whilst off-roading down slopes. It also offers off-road programmes that will detect the weight and distribution of the cars load and prevent the car from toppling over. The Q5 also includes remote central locking as standard.
The car does come with a load of features and sporty looks. Prices start from around £26,000 new and lease for around £300 a month
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Audi offer a quality car in the A3. It’s made to high standard, performs and handles well. Ideal for leasing as it keeps its resale value. However, it’s a little on the expensive side compared to it competitors.
Prices start at £16,0000 and at the top of the range you can pay as much as £30,000. The entry range models do have a lack of kit compared to competitors. There is also the huge price difference. The Golf is nearly £1000 lower than the A3 and its basic models offer a little more kit.
Engines choices start at a 1.6 petrol engine that generates 101hp. For the deranged there’s an 261hp 2.0 ltr at the other end of the spectrum. In the diesel category we have 3 choices: A 1.6 and two 2.0ltr. all three come with start stop function.
MPG-o-MATIC: Some diesel engine options offer good fuel performance.
In handling and ride terms the A3 performs well. It offers a firm ride right from the entry level option. I holds its speed well through corners although the steering is a little light. It all lends towards an entertaining drive.
The car comes with all round airbags; twin front driver and passenger, curtain and side airbags. The A3 comes with Deadlocks, an alarm and central locking to improve security.
The standard model comes with a cd player, air conditioning, electric windows and alloy wheels. There is a sports option which adds a different suspension pack, sports style seats, climate control, mp3 input socket and a multifunction steering wheel. This line also features some other cosmetics tweaks too, including Larger alloy wheels, leather upholstery and a muscular body kit. Four wheel drive and xenon headlights are also available on some models.
If your tall you won’t want to be in the back on any long journeys. In the front some taller people will find their leg catches on the centre console. However, the front seats are spacious and in addition, the front seats are adjustable and offer an opportunity get comfortable. The boot is shaped well and offers plenty of room for the size of the car. The 5 door model offers further boot space and a little more room in the rear.
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Audi customers can look forward to lower insurance premiums and running costs according to new research.
New data from the Association of British insurers shows that Audis 50 group ratings are lower than those of their major German competitors.
The database which is used to calculate insurance premiums is managed by the Motor Insurance Repair and research centre which updates the list on a monthly basis. Based in Thatcham it completes its work on behalf of ABUI and Lloyds syndicates.
The rating system uses a points system which awards penalty points to each car depending upon a number of factors. This includes purchase price and the cost of key parts. The cars are tested by putting them through an independent crash test and then repairing them. The higher cost of repair and purchase cost, the higher the score. Therefore a higher insurance group rating.
On security Audi have scored well by using features throughout its range such as its Thatcham category 1 Alarm and immobiliser and Thatcham category 4 locking wheel nuts. They also use extensive covet and overt marked parts. This enabled to reach a maximum 5 star award for theft security from the British Insurance vehicle Security Awards. In addition the company has three What car security related awards.
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Audi TT; Maintenance and reliability
The Audi TT received great reviews upon its unveiling. Very modern looking and at the cutting edge of style, Jeremy Clarkson in describing it said “it’s all form and no function” and “a hair scrunchie for men”.
Now that the TT has been around for a few years. How is it fairing in the reliability stakes. Have any problems surfaced?
There are no huge problems, but nothing is perfect. The first problem is minor. If the radio and rear screen de-fogger are used at the same time, you may hear a whining noise from the speakers.
Some cars may suffer a coolant leak. This comes form the Thermostat housing and is usually down to a bad O-ring.
The Engine noise may make a funny noise. It can howl or groan due to a problem with the pressure system.
Some TTs have problems Idling. Dirty throttle bores, faulty plugs and dislodged idle control dampers may cause rough idling
The Quattro Models are being fitted with front and rear stabilizers to improve handling
To find Part for your Audi TT Visit: www.carsparefinder.co.uk
For further information on problems visit: http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2000-to-2006-audi-tt-2.htm
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