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Archive for April, 2020

Could Motorists Receive a Refund for Car Registration and Insurance Costs?

As the impact of the Coronavirus continues to play havoc on our day to day lives, roads are still largely empty compared with normal traffic levels. It’s hardly unsurprising, however.

On the one hand, we’ve been told to stay home unless going out for one of few “essential” reasons, and on the other hand, in the parts of the country where restrictions are starting to be lifted, that doesn’t mean jobs will come back any time soon. Given these changes, our cars are seeing much less usage than they normally might.

But what does that mean for some of the significant costs we bear each year as part of having our car on the road? For starters, we’re paying registration to have our vehicle authorised and approved for roadworthiness, yet we are discouraged (or even fined!) from taking our wheels out. Similarly, insurance is for the most part designed to mitigate any risk associated with an accident, but we should feel pretty comfortable there won’t be any collisions when our cars are parked up in the garage.

 

Should drivers be eligible for a refund?

If you ask thousands of Australian motorists, apparently, the resounding answer is ‘yes’.

In recent days, one online price comparison company has started a petition making the point as to why shouldn’t Australians be eligible to receive a refund on a portion of their unused car registration and insurance costs?

Quite predictably, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. After all, times are tough at the moment and we could all do with a little extra money in our pockets.

 

 

But is it likely that government and insurers would budge?

According to some, the principle of ‘fairness’ goes some way to underpin the request for a partial refund. And sure, if either state governments or insurers are feeling charitable, the prospect certainly can’t be ruled out.

However, we also have to put into perspective broader efforts being made by all levels of government. From health care costs, to support for businesses, jobs and the significant ‘benefits’ payments being distributed to support people who receive subsidies and/or find themselves impacted by a change in employment circumstances. This means that government debt is set to balloon. Believe it or not, we’ll all be paying for that soon enough.

What is also missing from this equation is a ‘benefit’ that motorists have seen offset their car expenses. That is, the overwhelming majority, if not all drivers have seen a significant reduction in running costs. Petrol prices have plummeted in recent weeks, not to mention, most of us are driving nowhere near as much as we normally might. On top of that, a reduction in wear and tear can only help delay some costs arising from repair work.

In light of this benefit relating to lower petrol costs, the federal government will also lose a chunk of its fuel excise intake due to refiners and petrol operators shifting less fuel. And ultimately, this fee is more linked to your driving activity than say, registration, which would still normally apply even if you were not using your car or out of the country.

Although insurance refunds could be on the agenda – especially if there is enough of a vocal push from insured motorists – even here, we have to consider, your car is meant to be insured even when it’s not being driven, in case of fire and theft, or for that once a week trip to the supermarket.

 

We can all hope for a better-than-expected outcome as far as partial refunds go, but let’s realise the principle of ‘fairness’ is merely a cover for that request. http://credit-n.ru/ipoteka.html

Skoda Scala: Funny Name, Cool Car.

Czech manufacturer Skoda seems to slide under the radar at times. That’s a pity because the almost criminally underrated brand does make some pretty decent machines. Their Octavia wagon and sedan, and especially in RS form, is lauded by journos globally.

2020 ŠKODA SCALA 110TSI

2020 sees Skoda ramp up its attempt to be more visible in the marketplace and build upon their simple yet catchy “Simply Clever” marketing phrase.

A new small to mid-sized five door hatch is on the way. Named Scala, it builds upon the revamped design signature that Skoda introduced in 2019. It’s currently slated for a June release for Aussie showrooms and will come packed with plenty of tech and safety. There will be three models available: 110TSI, Monte Carlo, and a limited run Launch Edition.

It’ll be powered by Skoda’s potent 110TSI turbocharged petrol engine and drive the front wheels via a choice of transmissions. The good old three legger, a manual, is offered with six speeds and only in the entry level mode, or a seven-speed DSG transmission, available in each trim level.

2020 ŠKODA SCALA Monte Carlo

The lead-in variant, the 110TSI, brings with a feature list that would normally be found for thousands more. The Euro style sweeping indicator lamps which are becoming more and more popular (and are a sensible addition to any car) complement 18 inch alloys and privacy glass for the rear windows. For the humans inside adaptive cruise control, Skoda’s Smartlink smartphone pairing service, along with Android and Apple apps, plus a wireless charging pad, are also standard.

The “Virtual Cockpit”, a 10.25 inch full colour LCD display features in the driver’s binnacle. This too is standard across the three. A repositioned touchcsreen of 8.0 inches for the 110TSI/Monte Carlo and 9.2 inches for the Launch, allows access to the various onboard functions and apps, plus the audio system.

Red ambient lighting will provide a warmth to the cabin’s signature red styling in the Monte Carlo sports seats, whilst the Launch Edition will have leather trim. Monte Carlo’s passenger’s will have a panoramic sunroof as standard.

Extra standard equipment for the 110TSI includes a powered tailgate, Lane Assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and seven airbags. The Monte Carlo adds full LED front lighting, a dual zone climate control system, with teh front passengers having sports seats and sports pedals for the driver. The Launch Edition adds heating for the front and rear seats, body coloured door mirrors, a chrome grill frame and chrome window surrounds, Auto Parking Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Side Assist/Blind Spot Assist.

2020 ŠKODA SCALA Launch Edition

Launch pricing sees $26,990 for the 110TSI Manual, and $28,990 for the same car with the DSG transmission. Monte Carlo will start from $33,990 whilst the Launch Edition will price from $35,990. These are drive-away prices. http://credit-n.ru/calc.html

Classic Car Movies: The Car Is The Hero.

There are some topics in life which are more divisive than pineapple on pizzas. Star Wars versus Star Trek, Holden versus Ford, Connery versus Moore. Best car films in any discussion fall into the divisive category.

What makes for a good car film, though? Is it the car or cars that are why the movie is regarded as a classic ? The story line? The set pieces? Trying to pin down a definitive list is impossible, so we thought we’d shop around and get an idea of what people thought. One film that was a clear favourite is a home grown production.

Starring a young up and coming actor named Mel Gibson, it’s a movie that brings in just about everything a good car film needs. Action, pathos, a chase scene or three, “The Goose”, and of course that incredible XB Falcon. “Mad Max” is a film that simply can’t be overlooked.Steven Spielberg is best known for a few films starring Harrison Ford and a mind-blowing sci-fi film or two. However, an early part of his career involved a story that is about is simple as it comes. With minimal dialogue it relied on Spielberg’s ability to heighten tension with a simple camera move. Starring Dennis Weaver and based upon a book written by a car driver that had a similar experience with a mad truck driver, “Duel” remains one of the most gripping films of its kind nearly fifty years on.It’s almost impossible to write a list of car films without including this entry. The stars of the film were three little machines designed by Alec Issigonis. The story line, again, was simple. Money, in the form of gold bullion, a few gags, some brilliant scenery and an amazing chase sequence, toss in the broad Cockney accent of Michael Caine, and you have “The Italian Job”. This one celebrates fifty years or delighting audiences.It was agonizing to toss out some of the films that could have made the cut. There is the original “The Fast and The Furious” from 1955, and the remake & subsequent series of films. There was Jason Statham’s “The Transporter”, and the sublime recreation of the relationship between James Hunt and Niki Lauda in “Rush”.

But number 4 goes to a Steve McQueen favourite. Based on real life events, and featuring film from one of the races itself, “Le Mans” takes our fourth grid spot. Packed with macho appeal, and the sense of unburnt “gasoline” hovering around the screen, Le Mans was notable for the bravery of the cameramen hanging on to the cars and heavy cameras of the time.Number five features a product of Ford. It also happens to feature McQueen. It’s a film that has an unbroken street based chase scene of nearly ten minutes. Two cars were used, powered by a 325hp 390ci V8 powering down through a four speed manual. The film is, of course, “Bullitt”.  The car? A 1968 Ford Mustang 390 GT 2+2 Fastback. We know there are plenty of truly classic films that are built around and feature cars as the real heroes of the films. Let us know your thoughts. http://credit-n.ru/avtokredit.html

The Dying Art of Manual Driving

Among the diehard motoring fanatics, manual driving has been a fundamental component of one’s driving abilities. Even then, it offers a level of authenticity that you just don’t get when the car does all the work for you! After all, there has always been something about those perfectly-timed gear changes that just resulted in a sense of self-satisfaction.

However, much like a lot of things, especially in today’s day and age, a ‘trend’ doesn’t necessarily stay in vogue. At least if something more convenient and simple takes over. It doesn’t matter how much more authentic manual driving might feel to the masses, because the masses quite frankly don’t care.

What is surprisingly, however, is that they also don’t seem to care about the prospect of some handy savings on the up-front price of a manual vehicle either. Although that could have something to do with the fact that selling a second-hand manual car on the market these days is becoming more difficult than it otherwise should be.

Where do manual cars stand in the market today?

While manual car sales remain resilient throughout many European countries, it’s a vastly different proposition down under. In fact, cars with manual transmission have accounted for a diminishing portion of all new car sales over a long time, and it doesn’t help that more and more manufacturers are turning their backs on manuals when releasing their latest models.

Now accounting for well under 10% of all new car sales in Australia, it appears that there is no love for manual driving anymore. Everyday Australians want the convenience of an effortless drive. And, when you would normally have to grind along in peak traffic, who can blame them?

But we also need to consider the role being played by the population’s fanaticism with SUVs. Once upon a time, not all that long ago actually, true SUVs built for off-road conditions were favoured with a manual transmission.

Now, however, because we use our SUVs for almost everything but off-roading, the clear direction has seen the latest models fitted with automatic transmission as default. Driving purists must be in disbelief! Or maybe they’ve made the switch as well, since less than 2% of SUVs are now manuals.

What does the future hold for manual driving?

If there is one sole bright spot for manual cars, however, they have a loyal support base among light commercial applications. As the preferred choice for many heavy-duty fleets, or tradies alike, there is surely a safe haven for the tried and trusted manual car?

Well, that may have been the case, but if you haven’t noticed around you, dual-cab utes have rose to prominence as some of the nation’s best-selling vehicles. More to the point, it’s not only tradies using these vehicles now. Instead, they are finding themselves in the hands of families who want convenience and simplicity. Yep, you guessed it! That’s another one of our preferences squeezing manual sales.

But at the root of all this, there’s something else happening. Younger drivers just aren’t interested in manual cars. Forget about the fact they can’t drive manual, they don’t even want to learn how to do so. What’s even more worrying for fans of the format is that if we do move the way of autonomous vehicles, what then for the nostalgic days of manual driving? http://credit-n.ru/zaymyi-v-ukraine.html