Your subsequent new vehicle could auto-dial 999 soon after a crash

The European Parliament this week voted in favour of installing devices which will automatically contact for assist from the emergency services in the occasion of a crash.

The intention is to have them fitted as standard in new vehicles and vans by March 2018.

The initiative, eCall, will alert the emergency services with details of your precise location, the time of incident and the direction of travel.

So even if a driver is knocked unconscious in a a single-vehicle incident (say they run off a quiet road when no other drivers are about), then an emergency response unit will be dispatched to the scene of the accident right after getting information from the in-vehicle devices.

Even if no-one particular in the vehicle is capable to speak, a minimum data set is sent.

Some vehicles, such as the Citroen C1 Connexion, now come fitted with telematics technologies as component of the package. Check out the video beneath to see how the technologies functions.

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It’s estimated that eCall cuts emergency response time by up to 50% in the countryside and by as much as 60% in built-up areas.

Moreover, if a driver sees an accident, they can report it immediately by pushing a button on the dash that will place them via to an emergency response manage area.

And ahead of any of the tin-foil hat brigade get worried about their whereabouts getting tracked, ‘sleep mode’ is the default function of eCall, so it does not let for vehicle tracking outdoors of emergencies.

Roll-out of the initiative was scheduled for this year, but opposition regarding information protection has led to delays.

Security initial

Would you be far more ready to install a telematics device in your car if it wasn’t employed to monitor your driving (such as eCall, for instance)?

Let us know below…

Your subsequent new vehicle could auto-dial 999 soon after a crash

Kickstart this winter with a free battery test at Tiger Wheel & Tyre

The days are getting shorter, temperatures are dropping, and according to Tiger Wheel & Tyre it’;s time to give your car battery the old pre-winter once over.

“Much like humans, car batteries aren’;t especially enthusiastic about getting started in the cold. The exercise is often accompanied by much groaning and if you’;re lucky, after a few failed attempts you might enjoy success. But if you’;ve ever been stranded in the cold with a dead car battery, you’;ll need no encouragement to bring your vehicle to Tiger Wheel & Tyre and have your battery tested,” said Group Marketing Executive Joe du Plooy.

It bears mentioning that even a relatively new car battery can die prematurely if you don’;t actively take measures to extend its life. Here are some guidelines from Tiger Wheel & Tyre to extend your battery’;s life this winter:

• If you go away for any length of time, disconnect the battery and attach it to a trickle charger or arrange to have someone come over regularly to start and run your car for several minutes at a time.
• Keep in mind certain vehicle tracking devices draw power from your car battery and will drain it completely if the battery isn’;t allowed to recharge.
• Cut down on short trips. Frequent trips of less than 20 minutes don’;t give your battery enough time to charge and drain it faster.
• Park inside the garage where it’;s warmer, to protect the battery from extreme cold which shortens its lifespan.

Kickstart winter with a free battery test from Tiger Wheel & Tyre, because you know that if it is going to die it will happen on a Sunday morning at 2 AM,” concluded du Plooy.

Tiger Wheel & Tyre stock a range of superior quality, maintenance-free automotive batteries from leading brands ATLASBX and Duracell. Visit the website www.twt.to to locate the store nearest to you, then stop in for your free battery test and to get sound advice on the best battery for your vehicle.

Also view:

Safe Driving in Winter /Driving in Snow and Ice

Kickstart this winter with a free battery test at Tiger Wheel & Tyre

2016 Honda HR-V First Drive Overview: Modest Gets Tall

The SUV-ification of the automobile marketplace continues apace, with buyers in even the smallest segment now deciding that they, as well, want the larger seating position and (in all-wheel-drive versions) the undesirable-climate capability afforded by a crossover-type automobile. Honda is displaying much more hustle than usual with the new 2016 HR-V, receiving into this game in the still-early innings. The Nissan Juke, the Mini Countryman, and the Buick Encore have been the pioneers but in the past year the size of the field has far more than doubled, with new entrants such as the Chevy Trax, the Jeep Renegade, the Fiat 500X, and the upcoming Mazda CX-3. The HR-V crossover, which slots in beneath the wildly well-known CR-V in size and cost, promises to be a powerful entrant in this burgeoning field.

Solid Feel

Whereas the CR-V is primarily based on the Civic, the HR-V shares its platform with the Fit subcompact. The HR-V, however, is a entire order of magnitude more solid- and substantial-feeling than that waif-like small box. The cabin is significantly wider, the windshield is not miles away, and the interior design and style and materials are much better. If you never looked behind you, you could effortlessly be convinced that this is a new CR-V.

Indeed, the HR-V is substantially bigger than the wee Match. Its wheelbase is longer by 3.2 inches, its front track wider by 2.1 inches, and the rear track is up by 2.6 inches. General, the HR-V casts a shadow 9.1 inches longer and 2.8 inches wider than the Fit, and it stands 3.2 inches taller.

These added inches, of course, bring with them a lot more w7 Compared to the Match, the HR-V is practically 400 pounds heavier by Honda’s measurements. Even so, its curb weight of roughly 3000 pounds is svelte for this class.

Not So Speedy

In other markets, the HR-V makes use of the Fit’s 130-hp 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, but for the United States Honda wisely bypassed that engine in favor of the bigger, 1.8-liter unit from the Civic. Alas, the 1.8-liter’s output is not that much greater, mustering 141 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque at 4300 rpm—figures that are near the bottom of the baby-ute pile. It’s no surprise, then, that the HR-V is slow, with zero-to-60 occasions likely falling in the 9-to-10-second range. The CVT automatic, which is the only obtainable transmission with AWD, sends revs soaring and keeps them there although 1 waits for speed to create. (Or one can flap through the paddles, which causes the transmission to run by way of 6 preset ratios.)

Honda provides a 6-speed manual in front-wheel-drive LX and EX models, and it offers the sensation of livelier acceleration. We like that the stick is easy to shift, but the clutch travel appears long and the throws a bit ropey. Sadly, the manual is at a genuine disadvantage in fuel economy. According to the EPA, the automatic returns 28/35 mpg with front-wheel drive, beating the manual by 3 mpg in the city and 1 mpg on the highway the CVT-only AWD model nets ratings of 27/32 mpg. All of these figures are at or near the top of the class.

On our straight, flat, and visitors-choked drive route in South Florida, the HR-V didn’t show considerably verve for cornering—although it didn’t have a lot chance to do so beyond an aggressively taken on-ramp or 2. The HR-V’s electric energy-steering method, even though, does provide reasonable effort, and the suspension capably soaks up road irregularities.

Inner Space

The HR-V’s genuine talents lie elsewhere—chiefly in its men and women- and cargo-carrying capacity. Packaging has extended been a Honda forte, and it’s definitely on show here. The HR-V follows the Fit’s lead in cleverly putting the fuel tank beneath the front seats, which enables the rear seat cushion to flip up, creating a sensible space for ferrying taller objects. Alternately, the split rear seatbacks can flop forward, as can the front passenger seatback. Even when it’s not displaying off its gymnastic flexibility, the HR-V boasts the largest cargo hold amongst its peers, whether or not that’s behind the rear seats or with that row folded. And the really low cargo floor facilitates effortless loading, a boon for these who frequently haul heavy items.

View Photos View Images

2016 Honda HR-V First Drive Overview: Modest Gets Tall

Kickstart this winter with a free battery test at Tiger Wheel & Tyre

The days are getting shorter, temperatures are dropping, and according to Tiger Wheel & Tyre it’;s time to give your car battery the old pre-winter once over.

“Much like humans, car batteries aren’;t especially enthusiastic about getting started in the cold. The exercise is often accompanied by much groaning and if you’;re lucky, after a few failed attempts you might enjoy success. But if you’;ve ever been stranded in the cold with a dead car battery, you’;ll need no encouragement to bring your vehicle to Tiger Wheel & Tyre and have your battery tested,” said Group Marketing Executive Joe du Plooy.

It bears mentioning that even a relatively new car battery can die prematurely if you don’;t actively take measures to extend its life. Here are some guidelines from Tiger Wheel & Tyre to extend your battery’;s life this winter:

• If you go away for any length of time, disconnect the battery and attach it to a trickle charger or arrange to have someone come over regularly to start and run your car for several minutes at a time.
• Keep in mind certain vehicle tracking devices draw power from your car battery and will drain it completely if the battery isn’;t allowed to recharge.
• Cut down on short trips. Frequent trips of less than 20 minutes don’;t give your battery enough time to charge and drain it faster.
• Park inside the garage where it’;s warmer, to protect the battery from extreme cold which shortens its lifespan.

Kickstart winter with a free battery test from Tiger Wheel & Tyre, because you know that if it is going to die it will happen on a Sunday morning at 2 AM,” concluded du Plooy.

Tiger Wheel & Tyre stock a range of superior quality, maintenance-free automotive batteries from leading brands ATLASBX and Duracell. Visit the website www.twt.to to locate the store nearest to you, then stop in for your free battery test and to get sound advice on the best battery for your vehicle.

Also view:

Safe Driving in Winter /Driving in Snow and Ice

Kickstart this winter with a free battery test at Tiger Wheel & Tyre

What is a variable price house loan?

It can be confusing, specifically when you are new to the home loan industry, to comprehend just what the distinction is in between distinct kinds of loans. Do you need to have an offset or redraw account? Must you split your loan? Will you need a guarantor? We have articles on all these attributes but let’s take a step back very first and answer a standard question: what is a variable price property loan?

What is a variable rate property loan?

At its core, a variable price residence loan is what it says on the tin a property loan on which the interest that is charged can fluctuate (differ) at any time. Any change normally mirrors alterations in the RBA official cash price, alterations in marketplace interest prices, or may possibly simply be a company choice by your financial institution.

In terms of your home loan repayments, a variable price loan implies that the monthly loan payments will alter to match any alter in the interest rate applied. Here’s an example of the distinction a altering interest rate can make to the monthly repayments of a $ 400,000 property loan on a 25 year term:

Property loan	Monthly repayment @ 5%	Monthly repayment @ 5.5%	Monthly repayment @ 6%
$ 400,000	$ 2,338	$ 2,456	2,577

General example only. Figures need to not be relied on for your individual situation.

What distinction could a fluctuating interest price make to your property loan? Play around with our mortgage calculator to find out.

Variable rate home loans are far much more quickly responsive to alterations in the official cash rate. Usually, when the official cash price falls, you must count on the interest price on your variable price home loan to fall quickly afterwards when the official cash price increases, you must count on an boost in the interest price on your residence loan virtually straight away.

Fixed-price residence loans, on the other hand, have theoretically already priced short-term predicted rises and falls in the official money rate into their fixed interest rate, so must not be as rapidly responsive to RBA money price choices. At time of writing, typical fixed price residence loans on CANSTAR’s database, across most fixed terms, are priced decrease than the average regular variable price. This indicates that our economic institutions are possibly expecting a further reduce in the official money rate in the near to medium term.

Click here to compare house loan interest prices on our database.

Pros and cons of variable rate home loans

The major benefit of a variable rate loan is flexibility. Although you have to meet your minimum month-to-month repayment, you can typically spend more if you want to. There is also no price penalty if you make a decision to sell your house and move. Read about potential cost penalties right here.

The main disadvantage of a variable price loan is that your minimum repayment quantity may possibly rise or fall at any time. If you are on a tight spending budget, this could be a genuine difficulty for you.

If you’re taking into consideration a variable price residence loan, be certain to do your analysis and thoroughly compare fixed and variable rate loans before creating a decision.

Other articles you may well like

Going guarantor on a residence loan

What can count towards a residence loan deposit?

10 approaches to save for a home deposit

What is a variable price house loan?

2015 GMC Canyon two.5L Automatic 4×4 Tested: An Okay Truck in Search of Two Far more Cylinders

Six cylinders. That is what we’ve identified to be a requirement as we’ve made our way by means of the different offered configurations for the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon, Common Motors’ hugely anticipated, lately introduced mid-size pickup twins. The 2015 GMC Canyon tested right here has just 4 cylinders, and it isn’t precisely the full-size truck replacement for adventurous weekend warriors that GM thinks it is.

But Look at Its Fuel Economy!

GMC will inform you that the Canyon’s normal-problem 2.5-liter 4-cylinder will net you the ideal fuel economy of any mid-size pickup, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. That is wonderful, till you take into account the Canyon’s (and the identically rated Colorado’s) decade-old competitive set. (A new Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier are on the way, however—as nicely as a second-generation Honda Ridgeline.) And issues decline from there: Add 4-wheel drive, like our test truck had, and the EPA figures drop to 19/25 mpg. Not only is that just 2- and 1-mpg much better than the far a lot more potent V-6 4×4’s numbers, but it’s also not far adequate above the thriftiest complete-size Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 4×4 trucks (17/22 with the base V-6) to look worth it.

In this test we saw 18 mpg, with the 2.5-liter 4 fighting a multi-pronged battle against the axis of weight (4158 pounds), a 6-speed automatic whose overriding goal was to grab the highest gear achievable, and torque and horsepower peaks (191 lb-ft and 200 horsepower) situated too close to redline to be valuable. For comparison, a V-6–powered Canyon 4×4 crew cab we not too long ago tested got 17 mpg, and a Chevrolet Silverado crew cab 4×4 V-6 managed 16 mpg. These trucks also occurred to be 1.7-and 1.5-seconds quicker to 60 mph than this Canyon, while also offering useful back seats.

Cruising at speed, the Canyon necessary a downshift (or 2) to keep 75 mph when encountering a slight grade, and even then, the engine sounded coarse and displeased with the request. Should you be hooking up a trailer, the V-6 Canyon can tow up to 7000 pounds, whilst the 6-cylinder Silverado/Sierra can lug as significantly as 7600 pounds. Provided that our 4-banger test truck can pull only 3500 pounds, the other trucks’ genuine capability appears worth the sacrifice of 1 or 2 mpg.

Six-y Dreams

In truth, we’re not even confident why GMC sees match to supply the 4, specially offered how the brand’s pricing structure virtually begs buyers to upgrade to the 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6 that is optional on every single Canyon save for the base SL. On the second-rung-up Canyon (curiously, GMC’s trim-level structure moves from SL to “Canyon” to SLE, then SLT), the V-6 commands $ 1235, plus the essential $ 650 6-speed automatic for a total of $ 1885 on the SLE, where the automatic is standard, the 6 also fees $ 1235 finally, on the prime-flight SLT, GMC charges just $ 950 for the exact same engine.

Getting 5.7 inches narrower, 17.1 inches shorter, and 3.6 inches reduced than an equivalent extended-cab Sierra, you’d feel the Canyon would be much more maneuverable, but your 1st 3-point encounter with a perpendicular parking spot quickly banishes that hopeful believed. GMC says the Canyon’s turning circle is 41.3 feet, which, although not as poor as a Sierra’s 46.9, is nonetheless much less than nimble.

Are there upsides? Confident, the Canyon rides nicely, even though the physique and chassis do not really feel as ingot-strong as do these of a Sierra, and the truck is prepared to round corners even when traveling at a quick pace. The interior appears pleasant, even if all the materials are generally bland and challenging to the touch, and—somehow—power mirrors aren’t incorporated on a truck with an as-tested value of $ 30,200.

All of this isn’t to totally shoot down the Canyon. Like the Colorado, trim-level-for-trim-level, it’s numerous thousand dollars less expensive than an equivalent Sierra or Silverado. And even though it does not redefine the segment, regardless of having a head start on the competition, it is newer and provides many a lot more contemporary conveniences. Just do yourself a favor and get the V-6.

View Photos View Pictures

2015 GMC Canyon two.5L Automatic 4×4 Tested: An Okay Truck in Search of Two Far more Cylinders

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The Week in Trucks

First Car Rental adds 165 New Cars to Car Hire Fleet

First Car Rental is excited to announce that this month it is adding an additional 165 new cars to its car hire fleet.

There will be 100 new Toyota Etios 1.5 XS sedans added to Group C; 50 new Honda Brio 1.2 auto sedans in Group D; and 15 new Honda Mobilio 1.5 Comfort 7-seaters in Group I.

Says Melissa Storey, Executive Head of Strategy, Development and Marketing at First Car Rental, “The addition of 165 new cars allows First Car Rental to cater to our growing car rental demands and provide customers with the right vehicle for their travel needs.

The Toyota Etios and Honda Brio sedans offer comfort and style while the Honda Mobilio 7-seater is a great choice for group travel.”

New vehicle specs:

The lively Toyota Etios 1.5 XS sedan comes with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, air con, power steering, electric windows and an audio system. The car’s safety features include dual front airbags, central locking and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution).

The all-new Honda Brio 1.2 auto sedan is a stylish car boasting a 1.2 i-VTEC engine that delivers 65kW of peak power and 109Nm torque. The Brio comes with electric windows all round, air con, power steering, USB/aux connectivity for the audio system and steering wheel radio controls. Safety features include dual front airbags and ABS (with EBD).

Honda-Brio-Sedan

;

The Mobilio is powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and comes with a built-in audio system (radio/CD/MP3/USB/Aux), power steering, steering wheel radio controls, air con (with separate vents for rear passengers), electric windows all round, adjustable side mirrors and a 12V accessory socket in the centre console.

Safety features include remote central locking, dual front airbags, head restraints and ABS (with EBD).

All 3 models will be available to hire by the end of April 2015.

Also view:

Car Rental and Road Safety

TOYOTA-ETIOS-SEDAN

First Car Rental adds 165 New Cars to Car Hire Fleet

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The Week in Trucks

Up-to-speed with off-road driving?

Off-road driving may well look like a lot of entertaining, but if you are not cautious you could finish up facing costly auto repairs – or even find oneself on the wrong side of the law.

We’ve all seen these ads displaying rugged 4x4s tackling extreme terrain, but tempting as it perhaps to follow suit and head off-road in your personal automobile, you’ll need to swot up on a couple of groundrules 1st.

Is your auto up to off-roading?

If you are organizing on taking your automobile down a moderately bumpy off-road track at no excellent speed, then most automobiles will be up to the job.

Even so, if it is serious off-roading you’re considering, which involves driving on rocky, steep or exceptionally muddy or wet terrain, something other than a 4×4 is most likely to come to grief.

Here’s HonestJohn.co.uk’s list of the best 10 autos for off-road use:

• Land Rover Defender


• Mercedes Benz G-Class assessment


• Land Rover Discovery


• Nissan Patrol


• Toyota Land Cruiser


• Mitsubushi Shogun


• Variety Rover


• Fiat Panda 4×4


• Suzuki Jimny


• Jeep Grand Cherokee

What sticky circumstance did a footballer get himself into following driving off-road?

Tyred and emotional

If you do own 1 of these vehicles, or another make of 4×4, don’t assume that you will be okay to right away start off driving off-road – you’ll want to check what tyres you have very first.

The very best tyres for owners who want to use their vehicles both on and off-road are recognized as ‘All Terrain’ tyres.

These may be supplied as an optional added when you get your automobile, so make confident you request them if off-roading is on the agenda.

Yet another alternative you might want to think about are ‘Mud Terrain’ tyres.

There, as the name suggests, are designed to cope with particularly muddy conditions, and are most suitable for folks who will spend around 80% of their time off-road, such as farmers.

They are not recommended for drivers who will clock up a substantial quantity of road miles as big tread gaps mean that braking distances are considerably longer in wet climate.

Off-road, on cover?

If you’re arranging on driving off-road, then get in touch with your insurer to see if you are covered.

Probabilities are you will require specialist 4×4 off-road insurance. Premiums for this sort of cover will cost much more than for a traditional policy, as there’s a higher threat of harm to your car.

Adrian Flux and NFU Mutual are amongst the insurers which offer this variety of cover.

Track modifications

Do not assume you can simply drive off down any old track if you’re searching for a bit of off-road action.

According to Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is illegal to drive a motor car on widespread land, moorland, Forestry Commission land, or in truth ANY land which is not element of a road with no authorisation.

That implies you must get permission from the landowner initial, or threat a heavy fine or even attainable confiscation of your automobile.

Keys to the byway

The only ‘off-road’ areas you can drive with no looking for permission are identified as ‘Byways Open to All Traffic’ (BOATs), or Roads Utilized as a Public Path (RUPPs) both of which should be marked on Ordnance Survey maps.

Even if you are driving legally on a single of these roads or byways, you must make confident that you do not result in damage either to the atmosphere or wildlife.

If you do, you could end up in big trouble with the England and Wales Forestry Commission, who have the power to seize your vehicle if they take into account it necessary.

If you are in any doubt about where it’s legal and safe to drive off-road, it is a excellent idea to seek the advice of the British Off-Road Driving Association (BORDA) initial.

This is the UK’s only expert Association committed to off-road driving at authorised venues throughout the UK. Uncover out much more at www.borda.org.uk.

Recovery position

The brief answer is no, so if you’re planning on going off-road, you must be prepared to foot recovery charges your self if something goes wrong (and preferably have a buddy with a winch and a 4×4 themselves.)

Verify the small print of your breakdown cover if you are uncertain, but most providers clearly state that they won’t cover you if your automobile is involved in motor racing, off-road driving, rallies or track days.

They also won’t come out if your vehicle breaks down in a location they can not get to.

Off-road driving suggestions

You have got the proper vehicle, the appropriate tyres, the appropriate insurance and you have identified a legal route to drive on – but are you up to speed with off-road driving strategies?

The following suggestions may possibly sound obvious, but it just takes one little mistake to finish up in critical difficulty, so ignore them at your peril.

• If you are travelling up a sharp incline, check there is a clear route for you to exit at the top. Make confident as well that there are no massive rocks or other hazards, as you will not be capable to see these when you’re driving.


• When you’re driving down a steep hill off-road, remain in 1st gear and go down slowly, Go as well rapidly and you could finish up with the front of your automobile buried in mud.


• Travel at a reduced speed when driving by way of water. This will assist guarantee you don’t flood the engine. If you are not specific how deep the water is, or no matter whether there’s a firm surface underneath, do not danger it.

Up-to-speed with off-road driving?

The Week in Trucks

 
  

  

  

 

About these advertisements

The Week in Trucks

First Car Rental adds 165 New Cars to Car Hire Fleet

First Car Rental is excited to announce that this month it is adding an additional 165 new cars to its car hire fleet.

There will be 100 new Toyota Etios 1.5 XS sedans added to Group C; 50 new Honda Brio 1.2 auto sedans in Group D; and 15 new Honda Mobilio 1.5 Comfort 7-seaters in Group I.

Says Melissa Storey, Executive Head of Strategy, Development and Marketing at First Car Rental, “The addition of 165 new cars allows First Car Rental to cater to our growing car rental demands and provide customers with the right vehicle for their travel needs.

The Toyota Etios and Honda Brio sedans offer comfort and style while the Honda Mobilio 7-seater is a great choice for group travel.”

New vehicle specs:

The lively Toyota Etios 1.5 XS sedan comes with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, air con, power steering, electric windows and an audio system. The car’s safety features include dual front airbags, central locking and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution).

The all-new Honda Brio 1.2 auto sedan is a stylish car boasting a 1.2 i-VTEC engine that delivers 65kW of peak power and 109Nm torque. The Brio comes with electric windows all round, air con, power steering, USB/aux connectivity for the audio system and steering wheel radio controls. Safety features include dual front airbags and ABS (with EBD).

Honda-Brio-Sedan

;

The Mobilio is powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and comes with a built-in audio system (radio/CD/MP3/USB/Aux), power steering, steering wheel radio controls, air con (with separate vents for rear passengers), electric windows all round, adjustable side mirrors and a 12V accessory socket in the centre console.

Safety features include remote central locking, dual front airbags, head restraints and ABS (with EBD).

All 3 models will be available to hire by the end of April 2015.

Also view:

Car Rental and Road Safety

TOYOTA-ETIOS-SEDAN

First Car Rental adds 165 New Cars to Car Hire Fleet

Property Loans – Star Ratings

With interest rates at historic lows and confidence rebuilding after the global financial crisis, many are turning towards housing to invest their dollars. Owning your own home has long been the dream of many Australians but, no matter how low rates are, it can still be a struggle to cobble together a large enough deposit to get your foot on the property ladder.

As an owner-occupier, it’s worth the stretch to get into your own home. Despite the sometimes frenzied real estate competition from investors, owner-occupiers are by far the biggest portion of buyers. Just as there is a wide variety of real estate on the market, there are a multitude of home loan options available and showing you how to navigate through them is what we do best.

Our Home Loan Star Ratings Report looks at 101 lenders and 1,298 products to determine which providers and products offer outstanding value for borrowers across variable, fixed-rate and line-of-credit loans for both residential and investment purposes.

Rates are critically important but features matter, too. Our comparison arms you with a better understanding of home loans so you can easily work out what’s right for your purpose.

Property Loans – Star Ratings

The Week in Trucks

 
  

  

  

 

About these advertisements

The Week in Trucks

First Car Rental adds 165 New Cars to Car Hire Fleet

First Car Rental is excited to announce that this month it is adding an additional 165 new cars to its car hire fleet.

There will be 100 new Toyota Etios 1.5 XS sedans added to Group C; 50 new Honda Brio 1.2 auto sedans in Group D; and 15 new Honda Mobilio 1.5 Comfort 7-seaters in Group I.

Says Melissa Storey, Executive Head of Strategy, Development and Marketing at First Car Rental, “The addition of 165 new cars allows First Car Rental to cater to our growing car rental demands and provide customers with the right vehicle for their travel needs.

The Toyota Etios and Honda Brio sedans offer comfort and style while the Honda Mobilio 7-seater is a great choice for group travel.”

New vehicle specs:

The lively Toyota Etios 1.5 XS sedan comes with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, air con, power steering, electric windows and an audio system. The car’s safety features include dual front airbags, central locking and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution).

The all-new Honda Brio 1.2 auto sedan is a stylish car boasting a 1.2 i-VTEC engine that delivers 65kW of peak power and 109Nm torque. The Brio comes with electric windows all round, air con, power steering, USB/aux connectivity for the audio system and steering wheel radio controls. Safety features include dual front airbags and ABS (with EBD).

Honda-Brio-Sedan

;

The Mobilio is powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and comes with a built-in audio system (radio/CD/MP3/USB/Aux), power steering, steering wheel radio controls, air con (with separate vents for rear passengers), electric windows all round, adjustable side mirrors and a 12V accessory socket in the centre console.

Safety features include remote central locking, dual front airbags, head restraints and ABS (with EBD).

All 3 models will be available to hire by the end of April 2015.

Also view:

Car Rental and Road Safety

TOYOTA-ETIOS-SEDAN

First Car Rental adds 165 New Cars to Car Hire Fleet

Pregnant? Flying? Some queries to ask

It’s no secret that Aussies love to travel about 3-quarters of a million individuals travel overseas every single month, and our rate of departure continues to increase. Where do we go? Properly, Aussies appear to adore travelling to America, New Zealand, and Indonesia, 3 massive traditional tourist destinations for Aussies. Singapore also receives approximately 31,000 Aussie guests each and every month, Thailand receives a respectable typical of 49,000 each and every month and Vietnam almost 20,000 per month.

With our adore of travel in thoughts, it goes with no saying that travel insurance coverage is a should when you jet off – no matter whether for company or pleasure. If you’re pregnant when you fly, although, there could be some restrictions in terms of what you will be covered for. CANSTAR Travel Insurance coverage Award winner insureandgo.com.au suggestions that some key questions pregnant travellers ought to ask their insurer when seeking for a policy are:

For how many weeks I am covered? A common pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, but CANSTAR study has identified that for several international travel insurance coverage policies, coverage for these who are pregnant ceases at around the 20-week mark. If you are pregnant and intending to travel after the 20 week mark, ensure that you confirm coverage with your travel insurance coverage provider.

Am I covered if this is IVF pregnancy? CANSTAR analysis has also discovered that most policies either do not cover, or charge an extra premium to give cover for, pregnancy-related complications for women who are pregnant from IVF treatment. It is registered as a pre-existing situation, so make positive you disclose it when applying.

Am I covered for emergency C- Section? According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in 2011 roughly 1 in 3 ladies in Australia gave birth by caesarean section. While not all of these births had been emergency, it is still anything to preserve in mind.

Am I covered for complications due to pregnancy and what if I had to cancel my trip or return residence early? Even though healthcare complications and expenses overseas might be your main concern, do keep in mind the monetary hit you may receive if you want to cancel all or portion of your trip. With a child on the way, possibilities are that’s funds you cannot afford to drop! You can locate far more details about flying overseas whilst you are pregnant right here.

And of course if an unexpected pregnancy occurs following booking your trip and prior to your scheduled travel, you need to notify your insurer ASAP. “If they (the traveller(s) turn out to be conscious of their pregnancy prior to their holiday commences, it is advisable that they inform their insurance coverage organization of any alterations as soon as they are aware of it,” mentioned an insureandgo.com.au spokesperson.

In addition to this, it is certainly essential to always study your policy document carefully it can be the most minor of information that trigger headaches when it comes to claiming on travel insurance coverage.

Prospective travellers can examine travel insurance policies at CANSTAR, in order to uncover a policy that functions very best for them.

Pregnant? Flying? Some queries to ask

The Week in Trucks

 
  

  

  

 

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The Week in Trucks

Group Driftworks 1-2 at BDC Round 1

Team Drif2rks kicked off the 2015 season in commanding style at the weekend, taking the prime qualifying spot and the overall win in the Pro class, along with the Constructors trophy at Round 1 of the British Drift Championship.

Held at Lydden Hill circuit in Kent, Drif2rks drivers Phil Morrison, Rich Grindrod and Jack Shanahan have been representing the group in the Pro class, while Chris Smith flew the flag for Drif2rks in the Pro-Am class.

Saturday was reserved for the Pro-Am half of the competition, with Chris putting in some very good runs and securing 18th location in qualifying. Following a amazing lead run in his Prime 32 battle, Smiffy’s gearbox blew although chasing challenging when the positions had been reversed, bringing his day to an unfortunate finish.

Sunday morning was set aside for a lengthy Pro practice session which was perfect for Phil and Rich, who spent the time fine tuning their cars and dialling them in prior to qualifying. The DW86 in certain was looking great, with Phil getting no concerns at all sticking the vehicle on all 6 clipping points.

Sadly for Jack he was dogged by issues early in the day, resulting in him having to line up for qualifying getting in no way driven the car. He needn’t have worried nonetheless, as he effortlessly secured 7th location.

Phil netted the leading qualifying spot in convincing style with an outstanding 94 point run, while Rich battled vehicle concerns on his way to taking 29th.

Come the battles and Wealthy fought his way previous Matt Carter in the Leading 32 before succumbing to Danny Eyles in the Prime 16. On the other hand, Phil and Jack picked off the competitors one by one ahead of facing each other in the final.

Phil led the initial run in commanding style but, with the roles reversed, span as the 2 approached the hairpin and handed the win to Jack – the second year in a row he has won the first round of the BDC at Lydden Hill. Check out footage of the pair’s first battle below:

As a outcome of the team’s all round functionality, Group Drif2rks also took property the Constructors trophy for the occasion.

Thanks to every person who has been supporting us and let’s hope we can continue our excellent type!

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Written by Ali Posted on April 22, 2015. Filed beneath Drift Events, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry via the RSS 2.. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Group Driftworks 1-2 at BDC Round 1