Have you ever been on your way to work on a cool morning, and had your windscreen fog up? It’s actually pretty common in generally warmer temperate climates, such as Sydney.
The fog on your windscreen is caused by a difference in air pressure and temperature between the outside and the inside of the car – generally brought on by you and your breathing!
The quickest solution is to switch on the air-conditioning in your car. Air-conditioners will cool the temperature of the inside of your car to match the cool outside morning air. Many drivers will be surprised by the sudden rush of cool air brought on by the ‘demist’ button – but this will evaporate the water condensed on the windscreen as well as cool the temperature to match the temperature outside of the car.
Not keen on the cold? Turn off the vents facing you and point the vents at the side windows. Many of the modern cars come with windscreen air vents, which will blow the cold air directly onto the windscreen – and remove the discomfort of cooling the full car during the chilly mornings.
Other types of demisting car systems include windscreens with thin wires stuck into the windscreen used to warm up the windscreen – this is common for rear windscreens and are often less effective than other air-conditioning solutions.
If you are suffering from a foggy windscreen regularly however, putting a coating over the imperfections in your windscreen (to which the water particles and condensation stick to), keeping your windscreen clean and avoiding cheap replacement glass are all great solutions to investigate.
What works for you when de-fogging your windscreen? Let us know your solutions!
NSW motorists need to be sure to mind the gap and give cyclists a wider berth – this after the new cycling road rule comes into effect.
The new rule states that all vehicles are to leave a gap of at least one metre between you and the cyclist when overtaking at speeds up to 60km/h or 1.5 metres at speeds above 60km/h.
Research conducted by the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety in Queensland has found that bicycle and vehicle accidents were reduced up to 15 per cent as a result of this new passing gap.
If you’re caught breaking the new laws, you might just be slugged with a $330 find and a loss of two demerit points.
With cycling becoming increasingly popular in Australia – as well as becoming a eco-friendly mode of transport being adopted by many – this rule will be sure to assist with road safely for all road users.
As a motorist, be sure to have a clear view of oncoming traffic when crossing broken and unbroken lines – both permitted as part of the new rule.
Nearly all states have similar rules or are undertaking a trial of minimum passing rules with the exception of Victoria, which early in 2017 rejected a recommendation to introduce such rules.
Holden has announced the launch of the new 1.6 litre diesel Equinox – a medium diesel SUV starting from $35,990.
Showcasing a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, the Equinox oiler pumps out 100kW/320Nm, while fuel economy is rated at 5.6L/100km. The engine is hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission as standard and both front- and all-wheel drive variants are available.
The Holden Equinox diesel will be offered with the same trim grades as the current petrol range – all except the base LS. That means Holden has made the oiler available in LS+, LT, LTZ and LTZ-V guise. The two top grades are all-wheel drive, while base models make do with front-wheel drive.
Other features include six airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear-view camera and park assist, 60/40 split folding rear seats and auto headlights. Other comforts include a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with four USB inputs.
Keen on the top of the range models? These include wireless phone charging, powered tailgate, heated and cooled front seat plus a larger infotainment screen.
2018 Holden Equinox pricing
Equinox LS 1.5 manual FWD - $27,990
Equinox LS 1.5 auto FWD - $29,990
Equinox LS+ 1.5 auto FWD - $32,990
Equinox LS+ diesel FWD - $35,990
Equinox LT 2.0 auto FWD - $36,990
Equinox LT diesel FWD - $39,990
Equinox LTZ 2.0 auto FWD - $39,990
Equinox LTZ 2.0 auto AWD - $44,290
Equinox LTX diesel AWD - $47,290
Equinox LTZ-V 2.0 auto AWD - $46,290
Equinox LTZ-V diesel AWD - $49,290
Tesla has gained increased popularity in the market place since their first electric Vehicle (EV) in the mid-2000s. And since this increased demand and popularity from consumers, other big manufacturers are following suit. From Renault, Nissan, Mitsubishi and BMW, the competition has grown.
The recent Energy Market Barometers conducted by Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM) for France in December 2017 and for Germany by the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW) in November 2017 asked experts to weigh in.
One of the first major challenges in the EV ecosystem is the question of charging – both from infrastructure but also how to alleviate the impact on electricity distribution. Experts expect that a share of about 10% of electric vehicles in the car fleet would require major investments in the low voltage grids.
The challenge would be on how to alleviate the stress that the charging of EV’s would present – experts remain divided on who could shape the market and the solutions that would work. However, they agreed that this would probably boil down to country specific factors.
Another key challenge is the ease of adoption of electric vehicles and their ability to compete against petrol and diesel alternatives. Experts agreed - improvements are mostly needed in the EV technology, specifically a decrease in the price per vehicle, and an increase in the driving range. But also an improvement in the charging infrastructure seems to be due.
What do you think the future of electric vehicles will look like? Have you considered your view point on electric vehicles and whether EVs will replace your petrol or diesel alternative?
Looking for a hatchback with difference? Needing a bit of style in that mix? The 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class mainstream variants are said to be hitting showrooms in August of this year – and could offer you a sense of luxury you’ve been craving.
We’re particularly excited for the new MBUX, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience, this will be housed within two 10.25-inch high-resolution screens on top of the dash.
Yes, we hear you – the display concept isn’t that new, however, Mercedes-Benz has added a few nifty touches within the functions – as well as how occupants interact with it – showing us the cutting edge of connectivity.
The MBUX links embedded data sources within your car – such as GPS and vehicle parameters – with cloud based services, artificial intelligence and an advanced voice recognition system. What does this mean for you though? Well, besides the conventional capabilities of being able to personalise your climate control settings or make calls out, your car will start to learn your driving habits – and tailor the screen options to suit YOU. So for instance, perhaps you are on your way to work in the morning, and prefer to listen to a particular radio station, or make a call to your significant other at the same time every day? Maybe it is that you stop for petrol at the same station on your way to work every morning? – your car will start suggesting the quickest route based on traffic or dial your significant other’s number.
Cool right?
Mercedes-Benz has once again brought the lux to the 2018 A-class, with the interior not only looking fantastic, but also setting a new standard for luxury small cars. With more thought out small item storage solutions as well as more space in the back seat and boot.
With the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class estimated to be selling at $41,000 plus on-road costs, perhaps this is one to consider if you are needing more style, usability and speed than ever before.
So you are in the market for a new car – but you have no idea where to start? There are so many options, and these can sometimes be overwhelming for the mainstream car buyer.
Perhaps your needs are simple – you need a safe and reliable car that will get your family around town (between sports practices which need sufficient boot space through to family outings that may include taking your family pet along for the ride).
Confused at where to start? Maybe someone has mentioned that a Jeep is your best bet but you aren’t necessarily sure that this is the right car (or brand) for you. With an overloaded choice, there are many considerations. Here are a few key questions to answer before you get too confused.
Step 1 – decide on car manufacturers that you will not go for
Everyone may have a slightly different answer here, but perhaps you know that Ford will not suit your style or you’ve just never liked Mazda and Toyota. Create a list of car manufacturers that are no go’s for your list. This will help your car broker stay on track when selecting cars that will interest you.
Step 2 – What type of vehicle will suit you for the next couple of years?
What is your lifestyle like at the moment? Will this set to change in the next year or two? Perhaps you need an SUV, with more space and seven seats. Maybe it’s a hatchback or sedan that will be more than big enough to quickly zip you through town. Will you need to tow any trailers or caravans? Think about the type of boot space you require as well as where you will be driving (Going off-roading anytime soon?)
Step 3 – What’s your budget?
Let’s get real – what is your total available budget monthly, what type of deposit do you have available. Be clear on your limit and budget, and stay away from test driving cars that you really can’t afford.
Step 4 – Features? Did you say features?
Make a list of non-negotiable features that you want in your car. Then take this list and prioritize the most important to you – your budget may not allow for everything but be clear on what you’d need vs what you’d like or want.
Be sure to have a good conversation with your car broker about all of these things – they will be best to find you your ideal car! Working alongside a car broker can help alleviate traps and dodgy deals as well as give you access to a wider selection of vehicles to choose from.
While the 2018 Hyundai i30 N is peaking interests and ahead of the mid-April release, Hyundai has released details of the 2018 Hyundai i30 N. Starting at around $39,990 - before any on-road costs - the i30 N will come standard with the higher-output 202kW/353Nm version (378Nm on overboost) of Hyundai’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
A few special highlights in the 2018 i30 N will include an active variable exhaust, an electro-mechanical limited-slip differential, launch control, 19-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero HN tyres, LED headlights and tail-lights with LED daytime-running lights, dual-zone climate control to just name a few.
Safety has also been highlighted in the i30 N, with seven airbags as well as the Hyundai SmartSense package. The SmartSense package includes autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, driver attention alert and lane-keep assist.
Perhaps a downside or negative to the 2018 Hyundai i30 N is that there is no adaptive cruise control or blind-spot monitoring – modern comforts that are lacking.
But what about the standard Hyundai i30 – the Korean manufacturer has certainly not forgotten about its standard i30 range and the revamped i30 range now includes the introduction of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to the elite and premium ranges.
Perhaps the most interesting update has been the availability of Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of safety features on the Go and Active models (the lower tiers). The SmartSense is an optional extra at $1750 but brings many great safety features.
*All prices exclude on-road costs