Tuesday 30 April 2013

New Yellow Light Study Aims at Improving Current Systems

According to a recent article published by the Insurance Journal, Hesham Rakha, the director of the Center for Sustainable Mobility at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, hopes to change the way yellow light systems work across the country.

Rakha and his team at Virginia Tech have been studying drivers' behavior and reactions as they approach yellow lights since 2005. Their goal is to determine signal times for intersections that are safer than those currently in use, while still keeping those signals efficient and practical to use.

According to Rakha, if yellow light timing is not set correctly set at an intersection, a "dilemma zone" is created. Rakha's so-called dilemma zone occurs when the driver approaching an intersection can neither stop in time before entering an intersection, nor can they safely make it through before the light turns red. In this situation, drivers who try to implement an emergency stop increase their risk of a rear- end collision, but if they decide to go through the intersection, a collision with side street traffic could occur. The choice can be a risky gamble. The research Rakha conducted found that while only 1.4% of drivers actually cross the stop line after the light turns red, more than 20% of traffic fatalities in the U.S. occur at intersections.

According to the article, current yellow light times are set for 4.2 seconds on a 45 mph road. Rakha explains that timings are based on the assumptions that drivers require one second to perceive and react to the change in signal, and that drivers requires 3.2 seconds to stop from 45 mph at a comfortable deceleration level of 10 feet per second squared.

To test this, Rakha used Virginia's Smart Road, located at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. The road has signals that allow the researchers to change the length of the red, yellow, and green lights. This let Rakha and his team study driver behavior by changing the signal when a test driver is a certain distance from the intersection. The research revealed that 43% of drivers who crossed the stop line during a yellow light duration were not able to clear the intersection before the light turned red.

Rakha's research also determined that the perception-reaction times were slightly longer than one second, but that driver deceleration levels are significantly higher than the deceleration level assumed for traffic signal design. However, if road conditions are poor, drivers react 15% slower because they are processing more information, which reduces deceleration by 8%. To remedy this, the intersection would require a longer yellow light interval.

Rakha and his team developed a procedure to compute and change yellow light interval duration that can account for drives being caught in the dilemma zone. The team created tables for light vehicles at various speeds for dry and wet roads to enable traffic planners to set traffic signals that can be adjusted to road surface and weather conditions. They also created tables for driving characteristics for different age groups, since studies showed that elderly drivers were not able to react to changing signals as quickly as younger drivers were.

Beyond their tables, Rakha and his team are moving on to development of caution lights that can hopefully be used on existing traffic signal structures. These warning lights will alert drivers when a green light is about to change to yellow. This would provide drivers with longer times to react. The team also hopes to take this a step further by implementing vehicle-to-vehicle and infrastructure-to-vehicle communication that can create a warning visible on a vehicle's in-car display, which can be customized to each driver's reaction time. The goal is to provide a four- or five-second warning when approaching an intersection.

The post New Yellow Light Study Aims at Improving Current Systems appeared first on CarInsuranceQuotes.net.

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Clint's project

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Mortgage rates in Duluth, Minnesota

Reach your goals sooner when searching for low mortgage rates in Duluth, MN, by using our site's up-to-date data and calculators. Whether you are purchasing a new home or refinancing, We provide the ability to check local mortgage rates in Duluth with our easy rates search function.  It offers real-time, accurate data on mortgage rates throughout Minnesota

How to get cheap van insurance quotes Read more here.. Where to get cheap quotes Check out more... When to obtain new quotes

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Monday 29 April 2013

Methods For Acquiring Cheap Van Insurance Quotes Online

There can be numerous types of van insurance packages to consider while amount c (Read more ...)

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Refinance in DC Metro, DC

Discover valuable tips and tools to assist in your refinance in DC Metro, DC, by visiting our site. Rates can change throughout the day and week, but our easy search function allows to you to check local refinancing rates. As mortgage rates change, we can help you find the best deal for your needs.   Refinance mortgage

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SAGA’S AFRICA DRAWS TRAVELLERS AGAIN & AGAIN

Gone are the days when it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to view Africa’s inspirational landscapes and unique wildlife

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Sunday 28 April 2013

Health insurance goes mobile

New mobile apps and integrated remote health coaching/monitoring can save you money and improve your health. But will your privacy be protected?

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Top 4 Van Insurance Money Saving Suggestions

Everybody likes to save some cash, particularly in the present economic crisis. Consider it or not, one place you could possibly be reducing cost is on your insurance to your van. Finding the right insurance is crucial as it safeguards you and your van against a lot risks, not to mention that it's required by law inside the UK.

Which means you must have insurance, however it doesn't mean you need to pay a high price. You'll find affordable deals, however you have to know the best way to approach the purchase of your insurance policy. Here is a look at a few wonderful money saving suggestions you should use as you look for an ideal offer when insuring your newly purchased van- http://www.cheapestvaninsurance.org/

1 - Spend Time Procuring Around

At first, if you wish to lower your expenses on your van insurance, you are going to spend a while in shopping around. It doesn't need to take much time though. Typically the internet has produced comparability shopping easier than ever. All you have to do is jump on-line, go to some comparison websites on the web, fill out a quick type and you'll be comparing prices quickly. Simply ensure that you always take a look at more than the quote. Finding the right cover is also vital, so examine core features and price for one of the best all around package for your requirements.

2- Decrease Your Rates with a Increased Voluntary Excess

One other manner though which it can save you and decrease your rates is to go along with a higher voluntary excess. It's a very simple principle to remember. The larger your voluntary excess you opt for, decrease the price on your insurance will likely be to suit your needs. Simply increasing the voluntary excess simply by a number of quid could make a huge distinction. Work out exactly what you'll be able to afford to spend to be your voluntary excess. Therefore go with that choice to be sure to plug spending leaks on your van insurance coverage costs.

3 - Do not Allow The Insurance coverage to Lapse

Don't enable your insurance coverage to lapse if you wish to avoid wasting cash with your van insurance. If you happen to wind up permitting the coverage to lapse, insurance firms are going to take a look at you as a huge risk. They might even suppose that you are somebody that's irresponsible. In many cases you will end up paying out extra for the insurance you want, in case you have left your insurance coverage on the van to lapse. Ensure you preserve your coverage going, even when you need to go along with a brief time period option, while in search of one of the best long run policy for your needs.

4 - Search for Any type of Doable Discounts

Just remember to search for any potential reductions. Many individuals don't realize what number of reductions are available and they never think to look for them or ask about them. Saving a little occasionally with discounts can actually add up to a nice financial savings on your policy. You will find discounts for buying on-line, reductions for a number of policies, secure driving savings, discounts for safety devices and more. Ask about discounts available and try to get every low cost that you can get.

The more discounts you get, the more you may save on your van insurance coverage. In concluding, you can easily obtain cheap van insurance, low cost van insurance quote, tool insurance, short term van insurance, cheap quotes from 1st central car insurance as well as Autonet van insurance by doing adequate and quality van insurance comparison when searching for van insurance.

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Hot Car Deal – Mazda 6

Which? Car deal: The 2013 Mazda 6 is one the most fuel-efficient cars in its class – and one of the best-looking. Find out how to save money on three models.

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Saturday 27 April 2013

Unknown – The Keith Laskey Show! An Insurance How-To Guide.


Unknown – The Keith Laskey Show! An Insurance How-To Guide.

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Auto loan rates in Portland, Oregon

Looking for a new vehicle in Oregon? It's a good time to be shopping for a loan. Rates are low right now, making it much easier to afford the payments on a new car. Still, it's important to find the best deal. Use our research to find the lowest auto loan rates in Portland, OR,

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Friday tips round-up: Admiral, AstraZeneca

With the motor market under a great deal of regulatory and political scrutiny, The Times' Tempus column has recommended investors to stay clear of Admiral following its 'unimpressive' trading statement ...

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Friday 26 April 2013

Boston bombing and insurance

Insurance for sporting events will likely be affected by the Boston Marathon bombings, according to a major risk modeling firm.

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What supermarkets don’t want you to know

Discover the tricks supermarkets use to encourage you to spend more on your weekly shop.

Do you always seem to come away from the supermarket with a couple of items that weren’t on your shopping list or having spent more than you had intended when you walked into the store?

This probably isn’t an accident and, in fact, you may be doing exactly what the retailer expects of its customers.

With this in mind, we reveal five of the most common supermarket tricks.

Changing layouts

As well as being inconvenient for regular customers, changing the layout of a store is a ploy to encourage shoppers to spend more time searching for their items and probably spending more money.

While you’re traipsing through the aisles looking for a carton of semi-skimmed, you might be tempted to pick up a six-pack of your favourite lager.

Dynamic pricing

You might logically assume that supermarket chains have one price for every item that is applied across all of its store...

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Direction For Finding Lowered Van Insurance Rates Nationwide

Van insurance policies comes with different types of insurance policies for their drivers, although price of these kinds of coverage rely upon the exact type of insurance policy picked, it could some times rely upon the most important goal of the utilization of the van (irrespective of whether business or non commercialized use).

1.
Regardless of how pricey a van insurance cover might be, your legal duty will be to at least get the most primary policy or protection against any uncertainty.Typically, all vans will require fire as well as theft policy besides public liability cover. But business vans also need 3rd party protection along with other policy which cover the van but do not identify anyone driver. On the other hand, particular personnel may be designated for eligibility of discounted price.

2.
It is extremely very easy to add new add-ons to comprehensive insurance policies. A few of these add-ons may include additional protective cover for legal expenses coverage, fixture cover, breakdown protection as well as audio coverage. It's perfect in circumstances whereby saving money on policies has to be your uttermost purpose.If you do not drive numerous miles, mileage rate reductions can decrease your payment and experience levels can help save you cash on insurance policy.

3.
A huge portion of insured drivers lower their monthly cost through preferring to pay off a considerably greater voluntary excess provided that an crash isn't their own carelessness.Special discounts could be available for those that did not made any kind of claims and put in security alarms or garage storage might dictate a cheap van insurance rates.

4.
Insurance providers include varying policy demands when working out van insurance costs for people.Engine size and van capacity do determine rates in addition to small gestures that offer little bumper peel off stickers using telephone numbers for individuals to phone if a commercial van driver is being dangerous on the roads.

5.
Insurance costs can easily be lessened if you are paying the full annual payment instead of per month payments- this would prevent you paying the interest fees on the full premiums that incorporates the monthly installments. And also, raising your amount of excess when signing up for the coverage from the outset can also help minimize premiums considerably.

6.
Look into the optional protection coverage that your insurer may have included as part of your policy, determine whether you could actually save cash as you take them up or simply buy them cheaper some where else. Many insurers could have more suitable packages once you take up their policy while some will not. Since you're obliged to pay the total amount of your van insurance cover, you may also be in a position to change some features that come with your policy so as to lower your quote.

7.
Always bear in mind that van insurance premiums can vary significantly from one insurer to another due to the cost of the van making up the premium and the various risks being exposed to the insurer on a daily basis when you use your van. Insurers tend to increase van insurance premiums when the goods and items been transported are quiet expensive and dangerous- this is because they are exposed to more financial risks .

Finding several van insurance quotes would enable you save money and time as it would help you determine the cheapest option to go for and the policy that offers the best value for your money.

Van insurance comparison websites have sprung up over the years to help individuals choose from a number of non-compulsory extras and add-ons along with supporting car owners establish a cheaper van insurance cover. Legal expenses, personal injury cover, breakdown cover are usually a handful of the numerous additional protection people are in a position to choose from .

Eventually, it always pays to be persistentwhen evaluating a cheap van insurance quote. Obtain as many insurance quotes as you can available then you will be in a better position to ascertain what insurance policy is the best for you and best value for money, get a quote here- http://www.cheapestvaninsurance.org/one-day-van-insurance.html. Nonetheless though, a lot of van insurance you may choose from, between cheap one day van insurance, short term van insurance premiums, cheap commercial van insurance here- http://www.cheapestvaninsurance.org/short-term-van-insurance.html and more. Having big price reductions from all of these insurance policies additionally involves similar tactic and also patience.
Also read:

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Thursday 25 April 2013

Around the world for $1.5M

Try to beat this exotic vacation itinerary.

Why you need new quotes Read on to find out more.. Related content.. Similar articles.. Read more..

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Hot Car Deal – Citroën C3

Which? Car deals: The golden rule when buying a Citroën C3 is never pay full price. Here are a couple of the best deals we've found.

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Van Insurance: How Do I Get A Cheaper Quote Online?

Investing in vans or similar vehicles has resulted in many businesses doubling or even tripling their profits because of the role these vehicles play. From small scale one man business to large scale multi million pound organization, van use is an integral part of their daily activity and adequate van insurance cover is also essential for any type of van used- http://www.cheapestvaninsurance.org/

Adequate insurance cover does not come cheap thereby causing several businesses and sole traders to under insure their vehicles due to the exorbitant nature of insurance premiums. Finding an inexpensive van insurance premium can most times become a daunting task if you do not know how and where to find it- below are great tips you can adopt when searching for low- cost van insurance premium for your business.

No matter your circumstance; looking to renew your policy or wanting to buy a new policy, conducting a small research will take you a long way into saving you money by comparing premiums.  The net has changed the way we search for data and information on this basis offers the ideal starting point for all reseach to be conducted.

Research Online and Save Time and Money

Manually sifting through dozens of van insurance quotes from numerous insurers is now an old fashioned way of doing things. By comparing quotes on comparison websites, you are guaranteed to find some of the cheapest quotes possible. Upon filling a form on the comparison site, your details and information is then passed unto other insurers who will then provide their quotes based on your requirements within minutes.

Not all van insurance offers will meet your policy expectations, however, there are still a lot of policies that are guaranteed to meet your desired level of cover at an affordable rate of premium. Upon settling for your chosen quote and insurer, endeavor to give the insurer a quick call to discuss and confirm the details of your chosen quote before buying your policy online. 

Without a shadow of a doubt searching for cheap van insurance online is the most ideal place to begin your search using comparison websites, however, also call up the insurance company and try to decrease the quote even further down.  An ample opportunity to uncover the details contained within the new policy document and clarify terms you're not familiar with. Upon providing your new or amended details to the insurer after the initial quote, they may now use the new information to revise their previous quote which could even become cheaper still.

Call Up Your New Insurers To Discuss The Policy

Insurance for van is a little more of a specialist type of cover than car or even home insurance. Apparently, not all insurance companies are able to returns quotes for specialists type of cover like for van insurance . Most times motorists just prefer to take the easiest option by settling for what they've been used to, in particular, things they've been familiar with in the past . However, if you're serious about reducing your premium you must to go the extra mile.

Shopping around for better quotes or premium is an essential requirement for getting cheaper premium whether you're happy with your current provider or not. Whether utilizing the services of a comparison website or approaching insurers directly, discovering 'budget' or 'bargain' van insurance premium ought to be reasonably easy and straightforward.

Securing a cheaper quote is an important ammunition in which you can persuade other insurers to give you a better quote or premium deal. On numerous times they will decline your request to change their quotes, however, this is just a simple means of establishing a conversation- who knows the insurer might even have a change of heart and reduce your premium even further.

Final Cross- Checks To Your Policy Coverage

At this critical stage before your policy acceptance, you will be in a better position to figure out what's best to retain or discard with your policy in order to keep your premium at a low. A typical example can include; protected no claims bonus, third party personal injury cover, legal expenses cover, private protection cover and lots more- but why allow them in your policy when you have no need for them in the first place?.

Obtaining a cheap van insurance premium entails taking out any unwanted extras withing the policy so you can pay for what you require only- thereby saving you money. Increasing your level of excess to an unscrupulous amount can be tempting, but always remember that should you be involved in an accident your insurers would request that you pay up the entire amount before your vehicle can be repaired. You will be astonished at how all this policy trimming can help you shed off significant amount of money.

Furthermore, to obtain a cheap van insurance premium that will not break the bank, you will need to go the extra mile. Whether that's researching alternative providers online or phoning your current insurer to see if they can remove any unnecessary baggage, there are plenty of options to help you get the right result.

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Wednesday 24 April 2013

No seat belt for this bumpy ride

This week, we'll get reminders of the turbulent times in which we live. And that's just the economy.

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NASSCOM GIC Conclave 2013 - Session 4A - Robert Bosch

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What supermarkets don’t want you to know

Discover the tricks supermarkets use to encourage you to spend more on your weekly shop.

Do you always seem to come away from the supermarket with a couple of items that weren’t on your shopping list or having spent more than you had intended when you walked into the store?

This probably isn’t an accident and, in fact, you may be doing exactly what the retailer expects of its customers.

With this in mind, we reveal five of the most common supermarket tricks.

Changing layouts

As well as being inconvenient for regular customers, changing the layout of a store is a ploy to encourage shoppers to spend more time searching for their items and probably spending more money.

While you’re traipsing through the aisles looking for a carton of semi-skimmed, you might be tempted to pick up a six-pack of your favourite lager.

Dynamic pricing

You might logically assume that supermarket chains have one price for every item that is applied across all of its store...

Similar articles.. Read more.. Related posts.. Similar posts.. More sites on related content..

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Tuesday 23 April 2013

New Yellow Light Study Aims at Improving Current Systems

According to a recent article published by the Insurance Journal, Hesham Rakha, the director of the Center for Sustainable Mobility at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, hopes to change the way yellow light systems work across the country.

Rakha and his team at Virginia Tech have been studying drivers' behavior and reactions as they approach yellow lights since 2005. Their goal is to determine signal times for intersections that are safer than those currently in use, while still keeping those signals efficient and practical to use.

According to Rakha, if yellow light timing is not set correctly set at an intersection, a "dilemma zone" is created. Rakha's so-called dilemma zone occurs when the driver approaching an intersection can neither stop in time before entering an intersection, nor can they safely make it through before the light turns red. In this situation, drivers who try to implement an emergency stop increase their risk of a rear- end collision, but if they decide to go through the intersection, a collision with side street traffic could occur. The choice can be a risky gamble. The research Rakha conducted found that while only 1.4% of drivers actually cross the stop line after the light turns red, more than 20% of traffic fatalities in the U.S. occur at intersections.

According to the article, current yellow light times are set for 4.2 seconds on a 45 mph road. Rakha explains that timings are based on the assumptions that drivers require one second to perceive and react to the change in signal, and that drivers requires 3.2 seconds to stop from 45 mph at a comfortable deceleration level of 10 feet per second squared.

To test this, Rakha used Virginia's Smart Road, located at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. The road has signals that allow the researchers to change the length of the red, yellow, and green lights. This let Rakha and his team study driver behavior by changing the signal when a test driver is a certain distance from the intersection. The research revealed that 43% of drivers who crossed the stop line during a yellow light duration were not able to clear the intersection before the light turned red.

Rakha's research also determined that the perception-reaction times were slightly longer than one second, but that driver deceleration levels are significantly higher than the deceleration level assumed for traffic signal design. However, if road conditions are poor, drivers react 15% slower because they are processing more information, which reduces deceleration by 8%. To remedy this, the intersection would require a longer yellow light interval.

Rakha and his team developed a procedure to compute and change yellow light interval duration that can account for drives being caught in the dilemma zone. The team created tables for light vehicles at various speeds for dry and wet roads to enable traffic planners to set traffic signals that can be adjusted to road surface and weather conditions. They also created tables for driving characteristics for different age groups, since studies showed that elderly drivers were not able to react to changing signals as quickly as younger drivers were.

Beyond their tables, Rakha and his team are moving on to development of caution lights that can hopefully be used on existing traffic signal structures. These warning lights will alert drivers when a green light is about to change to yellow. This would provide drivers with longer times to react. The team also hopes to take this a step further by implementing vehicle-to-vehicle and infrastructure-to-vehicle communication that can create a warning visible on a vehicle's in-car display, which can be customized to each driver's reaction time. The goal is to provide a four- or five-second warning when approaching an intersection.

The post New Yellow Light Study Aims at Improving Current Systems appeared first on CarInsuranceQuotes.net.

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6 steps to financially detoxify with a budget

Like cleansing your body with a special diet, purge your debt and start saving with a budget.

Similar articles.. Read more.. Related posts.. Similar posts.. More sites on related content..

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Will mortgage rates continue to drop next week?

Mortgage experts predict what will happen to rates over the next week -- and why.

Why you need new quotes Read on to find out more.. Related content.. Similar articles.. Read more..

Why you need new quotes Read on to find out more.. Related content.. Similar articles.. Read more..

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Monday 22 April 2013

6 Amazing Hybrids Eligible For Insurance Discounts


Getting a hybrid can do a lot more than cut gas bills and help reduce the impact on the environment–there are a lot of insurance discounts available, too. Most insurance companies recognize the importance of hybrids, and they want to reward drivers who choose to own these vehicles as, in general, people who buy hybrids have reduced their chance of injury by 25%, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute.

Similar to drivers who get a discount for not having an accident for a set amount of years, owners of these six hybrids should be searching for an insurance company that offers them discounts.

1. Ford C-Max

On the inside, the Ford C-Max is very similar to a Prius and owners get comparable gas mileage. However, that’s where the similarities end. Prius’ aren’t known for their power and some people aren’t very impressed with their looks. The C-Max offers up a better driving experience, more power and it starts at around $25,000 to make it a viable option for eco-friendly drivers on a budget.

2. Ford Fusion

Another Ford model that is considered to be one of the best hybrid cars due to the strong performance, fuel economy, and it even rates as the best midsize car for those on a budget (and not just for hybrid models). It has a four-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor that produces 188 horsepower and gets around 47 mpg on the highway, which is fantastic for long commutes and road trips. Stop and go city traffic also isn’t a problem since the Fusion is known for great handling.

3. Toyota Camry Hybrid

Long touted for its reliability, when the Camry went hybrid it easily won over critics and long-term traditional Camry fans alike. It comes in right behind the Ford Fusion for affordable midsize cars, and the large cabin size is especially appreciated by families. It offers 43 mpg on the highway and 37 in the city, and it dishes up a nearly flawless transition between the gas and electric motor. For such a large vehicle, the mpg is extremely impressive and it’s slated to take over the Prius as Toyota’s hybrid of choice.

4. Chevy Volt


For drivers who are prone to taking long trips, or simply forget to plug in their engine, the Chevy Volt offers the best of both worlds. Extremely affordable, the Chevy Volt is the best option for combining gas savings with an electric engine and the range of a gas engine. The interior is luxurious and filled with high-tech options, which also leads to a slightly higher starting point in the mid-30s.

In general, it feels a lot like a traditional vehicle, and it’s a good transition model.

5. Nissan Leaf

As a 100 percent electric car, the Nissan Leaf makes a serious statement about being environmentally friendly. Some people think the cabin is too small, but for drivers who prefer a smaller vehicle, it also offers up beautiful, sleek lines. Just keep in mind that it can take 20 hours to charge an electrical vehicle, so for drivers who have trouble remembering to plug in their smartphones, this might be a bit of a challenge.

6. Prius V

The Prius is still a huge part of the hybrid market, and no best of list would be complete without mentioning the latest Prius V. The space is roomier, there’s plenty of cargo room and it comes with a 1.8 liter engine with four cylinders. It’s even possible to use electric-only mode for brief distances, but overall the Prius gets about 44 highway mpg. It’s prone to starting slow, but the bigger size is appreciated.

When considering a next car purchase, why not save money and the environment? There are constantly upgrades and changes in the hybrid car world, and they get better every year.

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Aviva publish report to help tackle claims and rising premiums

Aviva have published a report in a bid to tackle how insurance claims are dealt with and to devise a solution to stop insurance premiums rising.

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How to save an extra £50 a month

What would it take to make you happy? For some of us, it could be as simple as saving £1.66 per day.

£1.66… it doesn’t sound like a particularly earth-shattering sum, does it? In fact, it’s the kind of loose change you often find rattling around at the bottom or your bag or collecting dust on the mantelpiece.

However, some 9 million Brits would feel happier with their lot if they were able to put aside this amount every day, which would equate to £50 over the course of a month.

This is according to research from government savings arm NS&I, which also found that 62% of Brits are dissatisfied with the amount of savings they have.

With this in mind, we’ve rounded up some tips that could potentially help you save. You’re probably not going to attempt them all, but taking up just one or two could help you hit that £50 target.

Save on showers

Following a recent spate of price hikes, the topic of energy bills is a huge source of concern for households across the UK. Luckily, there are numerous ways you could slash your energy bill with minimal effort.

You could, for instance, replace your traditional showerhead with a water-efficient model. According to the Energy Saving Trust, this could save the average family of four around £72 a year on water heating and another £78 on water bills.

Once you factor in the £27 cost of the showerhead, that’s an annual saving of £123 or just over £10 per month. While it doesn’t exactly meet the £50 target, it’s a decent start.

Remember this tip only applies if your shower currently takes water directly from your boiler or hot water tank.

POTENTIAL MONTHLY SAVING: Around £10 or higher if you also try other tips.

Stop wasting food

According to research from the Waste and Resources Action Programme, the average family with children wastes 680 a year on food. Doing the maths, that’s almost £57 per month.

Check out Stop wasting £680 a year on food for tips on how you could save.

POTENTIAL MONTHLY SAVING: Almost £57

Cut the interest on your debt repayments

If you’re currently paying expensive interest on your credit card, you might able to save money with a 0% balance transfer card as these products won’t charge any interest during an introductory period.

Imagine you have a debt of £2,500 and are paying interest at a rate of 20%, you would be paying £38 in interest alone this month.

With a balance transfer card, you could avoid these interest payments during the 0% period and focus on paying down your debt.

Just one word of caution – most lenders charge a one-off fee if you would like to transfer a balance onto a card and it’s wise to take this in account.

POTENTIAL MONTHLY SAVING: Depends on your level of debt

Ditch the vending machine

By now, you’re probably sick of being told how much money you could save by taking a packed lunch into work every day, but have you considered how much you spend on snacks?

Say you buy two cans of cokes and a bar of chocolate from the vending machine every day, you could easily be spending £1.66. Ditch this habit and you could potentially save £50 a month.

POTENTIAL MONTHLY SAVING: £50

We can’t promise eternal happiness, if you follow our money-saving tips. However, you might be able to put a little extra into your savings each month and perhaps feel a little less financially frustrated.

**This material is for information purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We strongly encourage our readers not to rely solely on this content, but to seek independent advice when making financial decisions.**

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Sunday 21 April 2013

How To Get The Best And Affordable Van Insurance Cover For You A

Investing in vans or similar vehicles has resulted in many businesses doubling or even tripling their profits because of the role these vehicles play. No matter the type of vans employed in the running of a business, the law requires that every vehicle must be covered with an up to date insurance policy before being driven on the roads or used for any business activity.

Getting the right insurance coverage for a van can become extremely expensive for businesses, especially those requiring fleet insurance for their numerous vans. So what are the most effective ways for lowering van insurance costs?

Whether renewing your current policy or buying a new policy, one of the most efficient ways for lowering your premium is to take the time out to compare different quotes from insurers. In this day and age, the way we search for information has been greatly influenced by the advent of the internet, and so provide the best place to begin your search for the least expensive van insurance quotes.

Take Time Out To Begin Your Research Online

The days of painstakingly calling and dealing with several insurers at a time to compare quotes are now over. Comparing quotes one by one is a boring and tedious way of getting cheap quotes, but with the use of comparison websites, you can get dozens of quotes within minutes thereby saving you time, energy and money . You would be able to gain access to numerous quotes from different insurers once you complete the form.

However though, not all quotes will be suitable for your needs, you will discover that some insurers will be in a much better position to provide you with a decent level of cover at a low cost rate . Before you completely commit to the insurance quote, it’s always advisable to call the insurer and discuss the terms of the policy and to see if you can even get a reduced rate for the policy.


While the net is one of the best places to commence your search, calling the quote provider to lower the quote even further is an ideal strategy to getting the cheapest premium possible. It’s a great way to discover exactly what’s contained within the policy cover you’re buying and, most importantly, what they do not include. After giving the insurance company any new information regarding your policy, they should now be in a much better state to give you their final quote.

Discuss Your Policy In Detail By Phoning The Insurer

Van insurance being a specialist type of insurance cover can be rare in comparison to all other known insurance. Not every insurance company would offer cheap policies, in particular competitive premiums. Often times, motorists prefer to go with the easy option by dealing with previous insurers they used in the past instead of trying new insurance companies. Nonetheless, if you’re serious about obtaining cheaper premiums you might just want to go deeper.

Being satisfied with your current insurer doesn’t mean you cannot go out there looking for better bargain premiums, there’s a lot to be gained by shopping around and comparing quotes. Not a lot of motorists understands that finding cheap quotes can be inexplicably very easy, what ever type of approach you adopt in finding bargain insurance quotes, your desired outcome is within your grasp.

Getting a cheaper quotation from an insurer, you can persuade other insurance companies you approach to beat that particular quote thereby making your premium even cheaper on the long run. Insurance companies are in no obligation to change the quote they’ve given you, when approached most will categorically decline your request, but it’s just a good way of establishing a medium of communication between you and the prospective insurer.

Proposed Changes To Your Coverage

Bare in mind that your utmost goal is to lower your premium quiet considerably, so you should decide what part of your policy is needed and what’s not, in order to maintain a balance between reasonable premium and adequate cover. Some policies might include other products you really do not need, for instance, step up cover, protected no claims bonus (PNCB), personal injury cover, third party injury cover, European cover, legal expenses cover and so on. There is no need allowing them in your policy when you do not need them.

Obtaining a cheap van insurance premium entails taking out any unwanted extras withing the policy so you can pay for what you require only- thereby saving you money. Don’t go increasing your level of excess by an insane amount, just make sure you aren’t paying for unwanted add- on. Getting rid of all the unwanted optional extras from your policy will help you save loads.

In a nutshell, you cannot discover cheap van insurance quotes or premiums if you do not take out time to commit towards finding it. Irrespective of you conducting researches that involves you calling your prospective insurer or getting quotes from numerous insurers, there are many different choices you could make to get you the right outcome.

Resources:
http://www.cheapestvaninsurance.org/one-day-van-insurance.html
http://www.cheapestvaninsurance.org/short-term-van-insurance.html

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FTSE 100 movers: Tullow Oil dives on drilling plans

Tullow Oil saw its shares drop significantly after its joints venture partner Northern Petroleum gave an update on one of its wells at its joint venture project in French Guiana. Following an announcement ...

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SAGA COMMENTS ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

As we approach the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice on the 28th January, Roger Ramsden, chief executive, Saga Services, comments on the value of a good book.

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Saturday 20 April 2013

4 tips to get the best mobile banking experience

With wide adoption of smartphones, mobile banking is growing. Find the best bank apps.

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SEC impedes crowd-funding revolution

Setting up the legislative framework of crowd funding was the easy part. Determining how it will all work seems to be another matter.

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Check Your Credit Score First Before Buying A Car

By Aaron Crowe

In the car buying world, impatience can be expensive.

Even after researching trade-in value and finding the most reliable car you can afford, you don’t want to rush into the finance manager’s office at the auto dealership and tell them to do whatever it takes to get you in the new car.

You’re probably exhausted from dealing with the car salesman, but don’t give up yet. If you’re not willing to spend a little more time checking your credit score before you go to the dealership, your impatience could cost you a few thousand dollars.

If you’re going to finance through the dealer, first check your credit score to make sure it doesn’t have any problems and to ensure it’s accurate. The Federal Trade Commission released a study in February that one in four consumers found errors on one of their three major credit reports that could lead to them paying more for products such as auto loans.

Don’t think that the dealer is doing you a favor by providing you a loan. With a credit score in hand, you can be in a stronger position to get a better interest rate, as personal finance blogger Glen Craig learned when he checked his credit score before shopping for a new car many years ago.

The finance manager offered Craig a 6.5% interest rate, a few points higher than the rate he had already gotten from an outside bank. Craig told him to take another look at his credit score and told him about the rate he had from the bank, and the manager beat that loan with a 3.5% interest rate on a three-year loan. He saved about $500.

“Even though I had gone through everything I could to negotiate the price of the car down I still would have lost out if I didn’t already have my credit score checked,” Craig says. “Once you sit in the finance manager’s office it’s a whole new ballgame.”

To get a low advertised rate from a dealer, having a preferred score and knowing what it is can be helpful, he says.

While a credit score is a key factor, it isn’t the only factor when evaluating an auto finance application, says Jacquelyn Johnson, a communications manager at Ally Financial, which provides auto financing services.

Ally Financial also looks at factors such as credit history, income, terms of the proposed transaction, and if the consumer has the ability to manager the proposed monthly payments, Johnson says. Its customers can apply for financing online before going to the dealership.

Auto loans are the third largest source of debt after mortgages and student loans, with approximately $783 billion in outstanding auto loan debt in 2012. 

Though auto dealers don’t provide the financing for loans they help consumers set up, they have a financial interest in the loans and get a cut from the loan provider. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a warning in March about auto dealers making deals for higher loans to minorities, with the auto dealers getting higher revenue for loans with higher interest rates.

Good credit scores are needed more now than before the 2008 recession to get good loan rates, says Eric Counts of CreditNerds.com. Before 2008, “sub-prime” credit users with credit scores of less than 620 had approval rates of 60%, Counts says. Today, those sub-prime application approvals are down to 9%, a rise after falling to a low of 6% in 2009.

A loan for $25,000 can have major differences at different interest rates. A sub-prime borrower approved at 10% interest for 60 months would pay $531 per month and $6,870 in interest, according to Counts’ figures.

Someone approved for a first-tier prime rate of 1.9% for the same loan terms would pay $437 a month and $1,226 in interest. That’s a savings of $5,664 in interest and nearly $100 less per monthly payment.

Besides possibly having a wrong credit score, the dealer or bank could see a different score than what you see. They may be looking at a score from a different credit score agency, or their scores may be customized to help them predict how likely the borrower is to pay the loan on time.

There are plenty of imposter websites that the FTC warns against using, and only annualcreditreport.com is authorized to provide free annual credit reports that consumers are entitled to under the law.

Each of the nationwide credit reporting companies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — are required by federal law to provide a free copy of a credit report by request once every 12 months.

 

Aaron Crowe is a freelance reporter who specializes in personal finance topics and covers the auto industry for CheapCarInsurance.net.

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Friday 19 April 2013

Learning About Vehicle Insurance Suitable for Young Vehicle oper

Auto insurance policy here in the UK

Car insurance policies insurance rates have gotten so excessive that car owners cringe at the sound of it. Mainly because of the prices sky rocketing to a level of no return. During the years, car insurance policy has been on the rise- it has now become a portion of 'household' expenditures and obtaining a bargain coverage is without question easy starting to become an illusion compared with reality. On the other hand, although prices are ever rising, it's still a requirement for each and every drivers to own. 

Why must you have a motor insurance cover policy?

In most nations, vehicle insurance is considered vital for all drivers. Primarily here in Great Britain, its a primary obligation for all motorist to obtain a policy on any car they operate. Currently there are numerous gains to holding an insurance coverage- however , the two most significant are:

To help protect you against 3rd party allegations and court costs: If connected in an impact which is caused by you, a third party could prosecute you for negligence or any burden they could have sustained due to the impact. 

Driving a vehicle while you are unprotected can result in a disqualification from driving as much as several years, get penalty points on your driving licence, you would required to retake your test of driving ability and risk of prison time for constant culprits.

What to expect when you drive without using the proper insurance cover

Driving a motor vehicle without an ideal insurance cover is an offence. The following are what may happen if you're arrested for driving with no an insurance protection: 

1, You may incur endorsements on your licence which may hinder your ability to secure a job that involves driving or even risk losing your licence all together.
2, It's common for persistent offenders to get couple of months or even several years ban for not having an insurance policy on the car they drive.
3, Offenders do get minimal or massive fines which will depend on how severe the offense might be- some offence may carry up to a maximum fine of £3000 if it endangers life or property. 
4, There have been known cases of prolific offenders doing time for the amount of damage they've caused as a result of not having a policy.

Things to consider before taking out a policy

Young and new drivers attempting to by car insurance for the first time can rather find it complex- as they may not know what to look out for in a policy. With all the 'jargon', 'lingo', terms and conditions contained within the policy, new drivers might often need experienced drivers to explain the policy to them in plain and simple English. Nevertheless, there are still important things to consider in a policy before even considering to buy it. These are just a few of the many factors to consider: 

  • What level of cover would be suitable for your situation? the three basic level of cover include- third party, third party cover and theft and comprehensive policy. 
  • Most insurers in the UK require excess- level of excess is the amount you contribute towards repairing your car when you're involved in an accident. Voluntary excess is not mandatory while compulsory excess is 
  • Avoid settling for the first quote that comes your way, otherwise, you'll lose out on cheap deals. Compare as many quotes possible.
  • Always observe the special conditions that applies to your policy- whether you're protected when you drive within other European countries, are you entitled to a courtesy vehicle should your car be out on repairs? are you allowed to drive other cars with the owners permission? 
Ways to lower your car insurance premium

Apparently, there is no cheapest car insurance provider. There are too many factors that influence the price of car insurance premiums: the type of vehicle you drive, who you are, your driving history, where you reside and your occupation all help decide the kind of quote you get for your policy. Your sole objective will now be to spot the cheapest car insurance deal possible by:

  • Getting a car that's categorized to fall within the low insurance group. For example, smaller engine sized cars like Fiat Punto, Vauxhall Corsa all fall within the low insurance group of cars as a result of their small engine capacity. Typically, vehicles with small engine sizes all fall within the low insurance groups- the bigger the engine sizes the higher premium you'll end up paying.
  • Two types of excess: compulsory excess is amount you've agreed with your insurer to pay in the event of an accident, voluntary excess is amount you're willing to pay - the higher your excess the cheaper your policy, vice versa.. Resist the temptation of inflating it, stick with an amount you're comfortable with.
  • Parking your vehicle in a garage overnight can help lower your premium. Minimizing the risk of criminal damage, burglary and theft should enable your insurer offer you cheaper premiums in return. 
  • Installing security gadgets like tracker, alarm and immobilizer often reduce or prevent theft of vehicles as such insurance companies reward drivers with such security measures with discount premiums on their policy.
  • Comparing car insurance prices also means shopping around for the best deal on offer, price comparison website like www. cheap car insurance x. org/ allows you compare quotes from 110 car insurance companies within minutes- saving you valuable time and money.
Where to get cheaper premiums

Discovering affordable premiums can some times become mission impossible. Good number ways you can find discover these elusive low cost quotes will be to minimize your perceived risk factor to the insurance company and compare insurers.

There are so many insurance packages that insurance companies offer to motorist, the package you request would depend on the quote form you're given, typical examples are: quotes for student car insurance-http://www.cheapcarinsurancex.org/cheap-car-insurance/student, green motor insurance www.cheapcarinsurancex.org, pay as you go car insurance under 25 and many more.

Acknowledgement

It's more expensive driving a motor car without having an insurance policy than one with a valid coverage: Your basis of being insured individual is to protect against any liability or litigation that could come up resulting from a loss of revenue or liability caused by collision caused by the policy holder. 

One example is, paying off third party insurance claims that can easily measure to signifigant amounts of pounds, your motor vehicle written off mainly because of crash, legal expenses as well as some other unpredictable liabilities you can incur because of not obtaining an insurance policy.

In contrast, protecting your motor car only provides you reassurance and faraway from problems. Refrain from driving a motor vehicle that's without insurance.

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Money market account and rates in Cary, North Carolina

It's a little rough out there for savers. Banking products simply aren't yielding much right now. But there are several online banks offering better-than-average rates. You can use our tools to shop for a money market account and rates in Cary, NC. These accounts are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, making them a safe

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Which? reveals best and worst car tyres

Which? Car news: Testing by Which? has revealed shocking differences in braking distances between the best and worst tyres in two popular sizes.

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Thursday 18 April 2013

How To Reduce The Risks On Your Vehicle With A Van Insurance Policy

Van insurance gives you rest of mind for your van against any unforseen circumst (Read more ...)

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Auto loan rates in Phoenix, Arizona

It's certainly a good time to be in the market for a new vehicle, especially if you have to finance. Car loan rates are low throughout the nation right now. And that's making it much easier to find a good deal in Arizona. You can use our survey to quickly shop for the best auto

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4 tips to get the best mobile banking experience

With wide adoption of smartphones, mobile banking is growing. Find the best bank apps.

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Wednesday 17 April 2013

Is Now The Time To Buy Legal & General Group Plc?

I'm always searching for shares that can help ordinary investors like you make money from the stock market. So right now I am trawling through the FTSE 100 and giving my verdict on every member of the ...

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Honda Re-Enters Consumer Reports Top Picks List; Accord, CR-V and Odyssey Deemed Tops in Their Categories


Yonkers, NY (PRWEB) February 26, 2013

Last year, not a single vehicle from Honda made it onto Consumer Reports annual Top Picks list. This year, three models from the automakerthe Accord, CR-V and Odysseyhave earned positions in the list, which has new winners in seven of its ten categories. Two sister vehicles, the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, tied in the Sports Cars category.

Consumer Reports 2013 Top Picks report, Car Brand Report Cards and other key findings from the Annual Auto Issue were released at a press conference today before the Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) in Washington, D.C. For more details and videos of the Top Picks, go to http://www.ConsumerReports.org.

The 2013 redesign of the Honda Accord sent the sedan to the top of its class earning its position as Consumer Reports best Midsized Sedan. After a shaky first-year start, improved reliability helped the Honda Odyssey clinch the top spot in the Minivan category. The super-practical and reliable Honda CR-V floated to the top in the Small SUV category, since CR has not yet tested the redesigned Toyota RAV4 last years pick and Subaru Forester, removing them from contention.

The fun-to-drive Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, co-developed by Subaru and Toyota, were both deemed Top Picks in the Sports Cars category because of their super-sharp handling, ample acceleration and impressive gas mileage for a reasonable cost.

This years list has received an overhaul led by Hondas return. After several years marked by some so-so products, its comeback is led by the Accords redesign and the well-rounded performance and reliability of the CR-V and Odyssey, said Rik Paul, Consumer Reports automotive editor.

For the tenth consecutive year, the Toyota Prius reigns as CRs Top Pick for Green Cara position it has held a total of twelve times. The only other vehicle ever to be named a Top Pick in the Green Car category was the Honda Civic Hybridwhich took the honor in 2003. The Prius continues to offer the best fuel economy, at 44 mpg overall, of any five-passenger, non-plug-in vehicle.

This years Top Pick list also sees the return of two European automakers, Audi and BMW. The BMW 328i was named Top Pick in the Sports Sedan category while the Audi A6 was named Top Pick in the Luxury Car category. Neither carmaker has had a Top Pick in the past 10 years. The A6 was praised for its comfortable ride, agility and superb interior quality and the 328i for its combination of handling and impressive gas mileage.

Consumer Reports Top Picks are the best all-around models in their categories, chosen from more than 280 vehicles the organization has recently tested. Top Pick models must meet CRs stringent criteria in three areas: road test, reliability, and safety. They must rank at or near the top of their category on overall road test scores; they must have earned an average or better predicted-reliability Rating, based on problems Consumer Reports subscribers reported on 1.2 million vehicles in the latest survey; and they must perform adequately if tested in crash or rollover tests by the government or the insurance industry.

Consumer Reports 2013 Top Picks list is rounded out by the Hyundai Elantra, Subaru Impreza, and Toyota Highlander. After a one-year hiatus, the Hyundai Elantra, which delivers a lot for the money, returns to CRs Top Pick list in the Budget Car category. For the second consecutive year, the Subaru Impreza has been named Top Pick Compact Car, with both the sedan and hatchback version noted for their compliant ride and impressive fuel economy for all-wheel-drive cars. The Toyota Highlanders comfort, functionality and consistent above-average reliability helped stake its claim as Top Pick Midsized SUV. The category for Top Pick Pickup Truck takes a break this year because CR has not yet tested two important contenders: the extensively updated Ram 1500 and the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra.

Consumer Reports 2013 Top Picks By Category:

MIDSIZED SEDAN: Honda Accord ($ 23,270 to $ 30,860). Honda nailed it with this redesign its roomy, nice to drive, well equipped and very fuel efficient. With its four-cylinder engine, the Accord squeezes out 30 mpg overall and 40 on the highway, which is as good as the tiny Honda Fit. Higher-trim models have advanced safety features seldom found in this category; all models come with a standard back-up camera.

SPORTS CARS: Scion FR-S ($ 25,025) and Subaru BRZ ($ 27,117). Co-developed by Subaru and Toyota, which markets the Scion brand, both are exhilarating to drive, with super-sharp handling, excellent braking, and ample acceleration. While they are dedicated rear-wheel-drive sports cars with jittery rides, noisy cabins and small rear seats, their impressive gas mileage and reasonable sticker prices are welcome nods towards practicality.

BUDGET CAR: Hyundai Elantra ($ 18,445). One of CRs top-rated compact sedans, the well-rounded Elantra delivers a lot for the money. Its roomier and more refined than a typical subcompact yet gets competitive fuel economy. The Elantra also provides nimble handling, a fairly comfortable ride, a smooth, responsive powertrain, and a well-finished interior at an affordable price.

GREEN CAR: Toyota Prius ($ 26,750). Todays pure electric cars are getting the equivalent of 100 or more mpg. But no current plug-in car can match the Prius hatchback for its blend of fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability. Its 44 overall mpg is still the best CR has measured in any five-passenger, non-plug-in-vehicle. The Prius roomy interior, comfortable ride, hatchback versatility and low running costs make it easy to live with.

COMPACT CAR: Subaru Impreza (Sedan, $ 21,345; hatchback $ 22,345). The 2012 redesign breathed new life into the all-wheel-drive Impreza. Both sedan and hatchback versions are good sensible cars, with nimble handling and a compliant, absorbent ride that rivals some luxury sedans. Fuel economy is impressive for an AWD car. And the roomy interior, spacious rear seat, simple controls, and refreshingly good visibility make it easy to live with.

LUXURY CAR: Audi A6 ($ 56,295). Redesigned for 2012, the A6 is agile, quick, and a joy to drive, surrounding drivers and passengers with a sumptuous, impeccably finished cabin thats brimming with the latest high-tech features. The A6s potent, supercharged V6 engine, super-smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, and comfortable ride add to the business-class feel. It returns respectable gas mileage, even with all-wheel drive.

MIDSIZED SUV: Toyota Highlander ($ 38,578 to $ 47,255). For those who want the practicality of an SUV with the refinement of a good sedan, it provides a quiet, well-finished cabin, as well as a cushy ride, secure handling, and a smooth powertrain. The Highlander has also consistently maintained above-average reliability.

MINIVAN: Honda Odyssey ($ 36,830). With improved reliability helping it earn the top spot among family haulers, it provides a comfortable ride and a roomy, quiet, and versatile cabin. The V6 engine performs well and delivers a competitive 19 mpg. And a backup camera a great safety feature is now standard on all models.

SMALL SUV: Honda CR-V ($ 26,455). Virtues include a smooth, responsive powertrain, good fuel economy, a compliant ride, excellent braking, a roomy rear seat, very functional interior, standard backup camera, and outstanding reliability. Its also one of the more competitively priced choices in the class.

SPORTS SEDAN: BMW 328i ($ 43,195). With its recent redesign, the 328i has become roomier, more luxurious and more fuel efficient while retaining most of its sporty, fun-to-drive characters. Ride comfort and fit and finish are impressive. And its 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers quick acceleration, while posting the best gas mileage in its class.

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