Drivers Directory Archive
Redefining the family car
The Nissan Qashqai singlehandedly redefined how we perceive the family car when it was launched and has gone on to sell very well indeed. Look around the streets near you and you will see many a family enjoying many a Nissan Qashqai. There are plenty of reasons for this wide ranging sales success and here are just a few of them.
My top 3 test drives
It’s a tough life here at TotallyMotor with this poor old editor expected to travel around and test drive cars all the time. Motorways are my friend – or enemy, depending on the traffic – and motorway service station sandwiches are my stodgy sustenance. Still, hopefully at the end of all these mindless motorways and mundane munching is something hot, sexy and metal.
Top cars for an energy efficient fleet
Fleet managers are spoilt for choice right now, with a great range of the latest energy efficient cars constantly refreshing, on the market. Not only great efficiency from diesel cars – which we’ve come to expect – but a new wave of super-efficient petrol-powered cars that are nearly catching up with their frugal diesel cousins. Here are some highlights.
Preview of the new Honda MSX125
Motorcycling is enjoying growing popularity at the moment, driven by the rocketing price of petrol and cost of car insurance. The man and woman in the street are looking for practical and reliable frugality to get them to work, plus a bit of fun at the weekend. This cheeky new Honda MSX125 could fit that bill.
Bikes to meet your budget: the Honda CBF125, for £1500
Here we focus on the best-selling Honda CBF125; a bike that anyone can ride in and out of town easily on a daily commute and with far less fuel costs than in a car. And, of course, the small and nippy little CBF can be parked almost anywhere in our busy city streets, and is very simple and cheap to maintain.
The Peugeot 208 GTI - car guide
The new 208 GTI is the first proper hot hatch that we’ve seen from the brand for sometime. It’s true that in the depths of the economic crisis, most mainstream automotive manufacturers did ere on the side of caution with their new car designs, but, to be frank, the Peugeots of late have been downright boring. Well, the 200bhp 208 GTI that arrives on driveways this May looks to set this yawn-worthy record straight.
Top 3 Kawasaki bikes for racers
Kawasaki motorcycles has a long and rich racing history, both on and off-road, and have taken probably more than their fair share of race victories over the years considering their relatively small company size, especially when compared to the mighty Honda. Here’s our pick of three current Kawasaki sports stars.
All you need to know about the Ford Focus
First things first; we must give the Ford Focus its due credit. Last year, it became the world’s top-selling car of the year, outstripping the long time number one: the Toyota Corolla. With nearly 750,000 sales around the world – 83,000 of which took place in the UK - in 2012, the Ford Focus must be doing something right.
A guide to eco-friendly new cars
The newer the car, the more likely it is that it will have been designed to be more eco-friendly than the older cars out there, and many new car buyers want something greener. A personal contract purchase allows you to change your new car much more regularly, so you can keep up with the latest green developments, and save money on fuel.
A guide to the most luxurious BMWs
The BMW automotive brand has long been associated with the luxurious end of the market, and since the launch of their smallest model – 1 Series – you don’t even need to drive the biggest of the BMWs to enjoy that legendary luxury. Big or small, if you pay the premium, any BMW model can be deluxe. Here are some of the finest.
MINI Clubman: an overview
BMW’s purchase and relaunch of the MINI brand is probably the greatest success of the modern automotive era. The clever marketers at BMW took a neat, fresh and funky product and aimed it perfectly at a market they knew was there, and the best-selling new MINI was born. Here’s our guide to the quirkiest of them all, the Clubman.
Naked ambition
Those that are new to motorcycling might well want to consider going naked. Now, we’re not suggesting you take to the streets wearing nothing but a helmet and a smile, but we are suggesting you take a look at an all-round exciting naked motorcycle that’s fast, frugal and fun. Kawasaki’s ER-6n is a perfect example of a tasty naked.
Cost-cutting tips for new drivers
There’s no doubt that new drivers pay a high premium – and we don’t just mean car insurance – to enjoy the UK’s roads. Some of us desperately need our cars to get to work or look after relatives, and especially as the snow falls, we can all see the value of owning our own cars. Sure, it’s not cheap, but here are some tips to trim the cost.
Make sure your bike stays in shape
Whether you ride your motorbike every day on your commute to and from the office or just enjoying taking leisurely road trips at the weekend, it's important to keep on top of maintaining your vehicle. Failing to ensure your bike stays in top shape will not just compromise its performance, but it could also increase the chances of you having an accident.
Top 3 Honda supersport bikes
Whether you're planning on getting a supersport bike for the first time or have ridden them for several years and fancy buying a new model, Honda is one brand of motorcycle you should consider purchasing. For years, the Japanese company has been at the forefront of the motorcycle sector and has produced a wide range of fantastic supersport models.
Why the BMW 5 Series is ideal for work and home life
For most families, it's impractical to have separate cars for work and family life, so what you need is a vehicle that can cater to both. One motor that does this well is the BMW 5 Series Diesel Touring Model, as it's practical and boasts innovative features.
What does 2013 hold for sports car lovers?
Although 2013 is still in its infancy, it certainly looks set to be a great year for sports car enthusiasts. With many of the world's leading prestigious automobile brands set to release several exciting models over the next 12 months, there will be plenty of options for you to choose from if you are looking to treat yourself to a new set of wheels.
Tips for driving safely in the winter
Even for experienced motorists, driving in the winter can be a difficult and sometimes stressful task. Different conditions pose different hazards, so it is important to be well prepared before setting off; read our guide for useful tips on winter driving.
Top things to look out for in used cars
Buying a used car can be an excellent way to get a set of wheels for less money than a new vehicle costs, but there are some things you need to be aware of when you start shopping in the second-hand market. Here are some tips to help you with your search.
What makes MINI such an iconic brand?
Everyone knows a MINI when they see one - but just how has the compact car become one of the icons of the British motoring industry, selling by the truckload all over the world? We explore the history of this much-loved brand and why the car is so covetable.
Advice for motorists keen to stay safe this winter
With the winter months meaning it stays darker for longer and there is a substantial risk of the roads being covered with ice and snow, it's imperative that motorists are extra-careful and ensure they stay safe. While this is something that obviously applies to all car owners, it is perhaps even more pressing for those who have luxury vehicles.
An insight into leading Citroen models
Citroen has been at the forefront of the global automotive industry for almost a century and in that time it has produced thousands of cars that have met the needs of drivers spanning a range of interests and budgets. While you can be confident of finding a Citroen car right for you, no matter what your current requirements may be, it's important to spend a little time researching what options are available to you.
Selling your car: where to do it
There are several ways to sell your car, and the one you choose will depend on how much effort you want to put into the sale yourself, as well as the extent of your desire to get the best price possible. Read on if you need some help deciding on a particular channel for selling your motor.
Top tips for greening your fleet
There are many reasons why businesses need to pay attention to how green their fleet of vehicles is. If you want to improve the eco-friendly credentials of your company cars, but aren't sure where to begin, read our tips on how to green a fleet.
The value of teaching good driving techniques
Whether you provide your employees with a company car thorough a contract hire deal or your workers use their own vehicles to travel for their jobs, it's worth looking into ways you can make them better drivers and reduce their fuel usage at the same time.