| Mazda 3 - 'a reliable and spacious hatchback'
What Car? was impressed with all the petrol engines, describing the 1.4 litre as "sweet" and noting that the 1.6 and 2.0 versions "serve up good performance".The magazine was less complimentary about the diesel offerings which fail to match the performance of rival cars.Ride can be uncomfortable around town, but both ride and handling are more than satisfactory at speed.Driving position is good and the dashboard easy to read, while there is plenty of room for two adults to sit comfortably in the back, even on longer journeys.Although the Mazda 3 scores highly on performance and practicality, it gets fewer marks for interior styling, which Auto Express describes as "dark and dreary".Despite that, the hatchback is well worth considering as it is reasonably priced and retains its value well.All models come with electric front windows, electric heated mirrors and central locking, while air conditioning and a CD player come as standard on more expensive models.Mazda 3 prices start at £11,400 and the entry level 1.4 S model is in motor insurance group three.Motorists could save an average of £68.92 on their car insurance with Kwik-Fit Insurance, according to a study conducted last year.© Adfero Ltd
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Drivers dislike car insurance safeguard devices
Despite potentially aiding drivers in avoiding a car insurance claim, the number of motorists stating that they approve of speed cameras has fallen by more than 20 per cent since 1999.A recent study by the Institute of Advanced Motorists highlights that 69 per cent of car insurance customers support the devices, marking a reduction of more than 20 per cent compared with eight years previously when nine in ten motorists were encouraged by the cameras.Paul Smith, founder of road safety group Safe Speed, recently said: "Speed cameras are to road safety what a hammer is to watch repair.""Speed cameras are 'bad psychology' and have a wide range of damaging side effects. They are the hammer that is damaging road safety."In addition, the findings showed that more than 25 per cent of respondents or a member of their household may have risked their car insurance premiums by speeding and being caught by one of the devices.On average, drivers could save 16.4 per cent on their motor insurance with Kwik-Fit Insurance; research from last year has shown.© Adfero Ltd
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Eco-campaigner and Model Laura Bailey Launches ibuyeco, the ...
To coincide with World Environment Day, model and green campaigner, Laura Bailey, is helping to launch ibuyeco, the new eco-friendly car insurance scheme which enables people to make a practical contribution to help tackle global climate change. The launch is taking place in the heart of south west London; the home of the infamous 'Chelsea Tractor' and a symbol of the environmental problems caused by UK school runs. Despite increasing environmental concerns, it is estimated that the UK school run contributes over two million tonnes of CO2 per year(X) (more than the annual emissions of the Bahamas!) However, with ibuyeco, drivers can now use part of their insur ance to counter the damage done by their cars to the environment by offsetting all of their CO2 emissions for the duration of their policy.
Still in the driver's seat
Felt suddenly disoriented in a busy intersection. Been lost close to home. Some even admitted to a minor fender-bender or two. The roads had become less friendly than they used to be. But these seniors weren't quite ready to relinquish their keys. They were among a dozen students in their 60s, 70s and 80s who recently gathered at the Weston Council on Aging for the AARP Driver Safety Program -- eight hours of classroom lectures, films, and self-assessment quizzes taught over two days. "I want seniors to continue driving safely," said the class instructor, 88-year-old Harold Homefield, a sprightly, bow-tie-clad man who presided over a lively session. "We're married to our cars." It's a hard truth: Age creeps up on senior citizens and makes nonnegotiable demands on their vision, hearing, reaction time, coordination, and judgment.
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