Motoring by Press Association 07/06/2018, 10:47 am FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail Send us a story Sign up to our Daily newsletter Choosing a first car can be a tough decision for new drivers. Not only is there insurance to think about, there’s also the all-important daily running costs, too – all on top of the purchase price. While some new drivers ‘get what they’re given’, others are luckier and have the choice of the new car market. There are plenty of decisions to make – it’s important not to compromise on style after all a first car is perhaps the most memorable car for most drivers. Connectivity is also particularly important, with features such as Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay typically being high on the priority list for those in the market for a first car today. Parents will likely be more concerned about safety, and of course, anything that can keep insurance costs down will likely go down a storm. … [Read more...] about The best new cars for first-time drivers
2018 best new cars
Skoda triumphs at New Car Awards 2018
0 Comments Skoda triumphs at New Car Awards 2018 - full list of winners BelfastTelegraph.co.uk The Skoda Octavia has been proclaimed the best new car of 2018, according to a consumer vote by 43,000 car owners. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/cars/skoda-triumphs-at-new-car-awards-2018-full-list-of-winners-36964966.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/incoming/article36964959.ece/5be97/AUTOCROP/h342/Skoda%20Octavia.jpg Email The Skoda Octavia has been proclaimed the best new car of 2018, according to a consumer vote by 43,000 car owners. In the vote for the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2018, Skoda’s new models proved to be a firm favourite with the public, with the VW-owned Czech manufacturer also securing the title of ‘Best Family Car’ for the Skoda Superb. Runners up for ‘New Car of the Year’ were the BMW 1 Series and the Peugeot 3008. Unlike other car awards which rely on editorial judging panels, Auto Trader’s New Car Awards were … [Read more...] about Skoda triumphs at New Car Awards 2018
Falling demand for diesels puts brakes on new car market
THE new car market in Northern Ireland declined by nearly 17 per cent last month as demand for diesels continues to plummet.Just 7,122 new vehicles were registered in March compared to 8,556 during the same month in 2017, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).And after the first third of the calendar year, only 17,200 vehicles have left showrooms with zero miles on the clock compared to 18,962 this time last year.In the UK as a whole, the overall new car market is 12.4 per cent off where it was 12 months ago, with 717,086 vehicles sold against 818,316 in 2017.There was a whopping 37 per cent slump in the number of new diesel cars bought, whereas registrations of petrol cars rose by 0.5 per cent and demand for alternatively fuelled vehicles such as hybrids and pure electrics increased by 6 per cent.SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said March's decline was "not unexpected" given the huge surge in registrations in the same month last year before changes to … [Read more...] about Falling demand for diesels puts brakes on new car market
SEAT to launch one new car every six months until 2020 and kicks off its electric offensive
The brand will sell its first fully electric model in 2020, with a range of 500 kilometres Luca de Meo: “It’s time to look to the future with the ambition to grow” SEAT achieves an after-tax profit of 281 million euros, 21.3% more than in 2016 before extraordinary effects Turnover rises by 11.1% and sets a record at nearly 10 billion euros Investments and R&D expenses amount close to 1 billion euros in 2017, the highest figure in the last 25 years Cash flow from operating activities rises to 947 million euros to reach a historic level SEAT will launch one new car every six months until 2020. The first two vehicles will be the SEAT Tarraco and the CUPRA Ateca, which are going on sale at the end of 2018. Next year the new generation SEAT Leon will be available in dealerships with two variants, the five-door model and the ST family sized version. The following year – 2020 – will see SEAT’s first fully electric vehicle, built on the Volkswagen … [Read more...] about SEAT to launch one new car every six months until 2020 and kicks off its electric offensive
Higher wages, new car tax rules and 8 more changes that’ll affect you from April
The end of the tax year is nearing, when a flood of new changes, as announced by the Chancellor last November, will kick in. Among those set to be affected from 1 April will be homeowners, motorists, workers on the minimum wage and all UK employees over the age of 24 - regardless of your earnings. For diesel drivers, the crack down on pollution continues and, if you're not careful, it could cost you a lot more than expected. Meanwhile, for millions more inflation-hit households - the minimum wage is set to rise again. From pensions, to benefits, taxes and bills here are the important changes that could affect your household budget from the first week of April. For parents, the closure of Childcare Vouchers to new parents has been suspended - here's what you need to know. 1. Minimum wage increases Hot on the heels of employers being ‘named and shamed’ for underpaying staff, the minimum wage is set to rise on 1 April. On this date, the National Living Wage, the minimum rate … [Read more...] about Higher wages, new car tax rules and 8 more changes that’ll affect you from April