February 8th, 2010 by Katie Norton
As the saying goes, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. This is exactly the advice Skoda took when they designed the new 4×4 version of its Superb Estate family car, which will be unveiled in February this year. Car Pages, the UK Motoring Search Engine, has reported that “the new Skoda 4×4 offers award winning comfort and safety, whatever the weather” – which would have come in handy during the snowy weeks surrounding Christmas.
Britain’s Biggest and Best Car Buyers Guide, What Car, have commented on the latest edition to the Skoda range saying “it shifts torque to the wheels that have most traction – using the ABS sensors as a guide, to give the car maximum grip in slippery conditions”. The icy conditions that gripped the UK this winter would have been no problem for a car with greatly increased driving safety such as the Skoda Superb Estate 4×4.
Winter isn’t the only time this fantastic 4×4 can show off its talents; summer also brings a whole new adventure. The summer months are notorious for vast numbers of people embarking on camping and caravanning holidays, but they wouldn’t be able to get from A to B without a vehicle with impressive pulling power. Car Pages highlights that the 4×4 technology that the Skoda possesses will ensure “pulling trailers and caravans is easier, safer and more enjoyable”.
The Skoda Superb Estate is already the owner of Top Gear Magazine’s ‘Luxury Car of the Year’ Award, even though it doesn’t go on sale until 26th February 2010, and the availability of four-wheel drive only adds to its wide appeal. The list of practical features keeps on going – when 4-wheel drive isn’t needed the system is designed to disengage, meaning fuel consumption isn’t as high as if it were using 4-wheel drive permanently.
If you are looking for comfort and safety, let Sureterm Direct provide you with the comfort of knowing you have quality 4×4 insurance and the safety of having your vehicle covered if anything should happen. Call Free on 0800 999 2030 or click here for an online quote.
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Tags: 4x4, 4x4 estate, 4x4s
February 5th, 2010 by Katie Norton
The Range Rover has not just survived, but has triumphed for 40 years. They say experience comes with age and with 4 decades of wisdom the Range Rover has evolved into one of the world’s top best 4×4s and the chosen transport of the rich and famous.
Speaking of the rich and famous, Radar Online revealed that Katy Perry splashed out on the perfect gift for boyfriend Russell Brand, “a black 2010 loaded Range Rover” – the only problem is that he can’t actually drive. The Range Rover oozes class and sophistication so it’s no surprise it’s the top choice for celebrities.
The Range Rover appeals to drivers of all generations and genders, as GirlRacer.co.uk reports “old-money customers, who appreciate class, retain their love affair with the taller and status portraying Range Rover, with its limousine specification interior and ride comfort”.
Combining luxury and tough off-road features can be a difficult task but the Range Rover makes it look effortless. 40 years on and the latest editions to the Range Rover collection “might still be 4×4s but are a genuine alternative to a luxury saloon”. Back in 2007 there was a possible issue of squeezing “more gadgets and luxuries into an already overweight vehicle”, reported lro.com. However the new Autobiography specification level, in addition to the well know Vogue and Vogue SE options, give customers three engine options bursting with power and torque output in a classic stylish outer shell.
Just like a fine wine, the Range Rover has got better with time. The iconic quality finishing coupled with electronically operated air suspension now provides a “magic carpet ride comfort”, but in the words of Billy Ocean “when the going gets tough the tough, get going”, and this reliable 4×4 loses none of its ability to deal with some of the worst off-road conditions.
With a resurgence in demand for 4×4s both worldwide and in the UK, the British built iconic Range Rover is still going strong. If you want lasting insurance trust Sureterm Direct to provide you with a personalised 4×4 insurance quote tailored to your off-road needs. Call Free on 0800 999 2030 or get an online quote here.
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Tags: 4x4, 4x4s, off-road, range rover
February 4th, 2010 by Katie Norton
The mini has always lived up to its name, being a sporty compact car. However the new 4×4 Crossover is the biggest mini ever, measuring 13ft 3in – not so mini anymore. Owners BMW “believe the crossover will be the perfect vehicle for lovers of big 4×4s who love the macho styling but need to downsize for more acceptable fuel economy”.
The arrival of the new 4×4 mini wasn’t meant to be announced until next month but photos have been leaked, so Mini has decided to release official photos and information on their latest edition to the mini collection. Auto Express have highlighted that “the new car is taking the mini brand into previously unexplored territory”, but the BMW owned company are still keen to keep the essence of mini, and with the added characteristics of a 4×4 this could be the ideal compact off-road vehicle.
Speaking of unknown territory, BMW’s new edition has been given the name Countryman, meaning this mini is like no other and can be taking to newer more rural locations. With its “off-road design” and “AII4 system” the Countryman divides power equally between the front and back wheels, however “in extreme off-road conditions the rear wheels can deliver as much as 100 % of the car’s power” – making it perfect for an off-roading adventure.
The first-class features of this innovative vehicle just keep coming, as Auto Express continue to report that “depending on how the back seats are arranged, boot space can be increased from 350 litres to a cavernous 1150 litres”. Although there are many new additions to this unique 4×4 mini, the styling elements, including the high-window line, large head-lamps and upright tail-lights are evidence that the mini still exists.
The Countryman may be the first big mini, but BMW are hoping it will follow the same trend as its predecessors with big success.
If you’re all geared up for an off-road adventure, the only thing that’s left is to make sure your vehicle is covered when exploring what the rustic side of the country has to offer. Sureterm Direct specialise in 4×4 insurance and can provide you with a competitive personalised quote. Call free on 0800 999 2030, or get an online quote here.
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Tags: 4x4, 4x4s, Classic, classic cars
February 4th, 2010 by Katie Norton
If you’re planning on taking your pride and joy campervan to Glastonbury Festival this year you will be pleased to know that efestivals.co.uk have released information about the proposed festival changes which will run until 2016.
Manoeuvring your campervan can sometimes be tricky, so when surrounded by thousands of music fanatics in a field this task becomes even more difficult. “The application to Mendip District Council asks for early arrivals to be able to park up from 9pm on the Tuesday” and for campervan and caravan areas to be open from noon the same day.
Parking can also be a pain at these festivals, especially when it has been raining (which is inevitable) and numerous vehicles have driven on the same patch. Time is of the essence when you attend Glastonbury festival as the sooner the get there the better tent pitch you can get for your campervan. The new licence proposes a “new access road to the site, with a new peak time access route” – which is hoped to take up to 800 cars per hour.
BBC news has reported on the proposed changes, by saying “if granted, the events future would be secured up until 2016, with the new license replacing the old one”. Caravan owners will benefit the most from the changes, with the possibility of 1000 extra caravan spaces, but for campers who brave the elements in a tent will also be an additional 30 acres of camping space.
“The campervan fields are a secure area protected by steel fencing and security staff”, reports efestivals.co.uk, so you can go and see your favourite bands play safe in the knowledge that your camper is secure. To ensure there are enough spaces in the caravan and campervan designated areas, commercial vans are no longer classed as ‘campervans’ and are not permitted in the campervan fields – which means more room for campervan devotee’s to set up camp and admire their classic automobiles.
Good news for Glastonbury campers, Sureterm Direct specialise in campervan insurance and caravan insurance. Call free on 0800 999 2030 and get a competitive quote from one of our friendly advisors and protect your pride and joy from any unforeseen eventualities.
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Tags: camper, campers, campervan, campervans, caravan, caravans
February 3rd, 2010 by Katie Norton
Scottish tourism is anticipating a surge in campervan travel as the latest ‘bagging’ craze takes off. This original concept is an attempt to “encourage people to travel to every corner of the country and post details of their adventures on the internet”, reports News.scotsman.com.
Holiday stories always provide entertainment for those back home, so writing a blog summarising the best and even worst memories of your trip will give other ‘baggers’ a chance to find out what this country has to offer and where the most precious hidden gems are.
What could be more relaxing than passing through some of Scotland’s best scenery, which is bursting with Castle culture, history and heritage? Take a camera with you and capture those once in a lifetime moments, then upload them onto your blog for others to see. Take your campervan to new and unknown places waiting to be explored and even bring back souvenirs of your travels.
The Bagging Scotland website provides the means to create your own “unique Bagging platform to share with the world”. Set up camp in your campervan, put your feet up and update your blog while on your adventure so you don’t forget any details, no matter how miniscule.
Keeping up to date with the latest fads and trends can be quite difficult, so get your campervan geared up for an exploration trip you won’t forget. News.scotsman.com highlights the opportunity to investigate “whiskey distilleries, beaches and historic monuments to mountains and pubs”, all while in the comfort of your part-time home on wheels.
It has also been reported that a Bagging Scotland campervan “will be touring the country in March to coincide with the campaign’s official launch”. The Bagging craze was credited by Historic Scotland for producing a boost in the number of visitors in 2009 – so let’s if the trend continues.
Recent figures revealed that Scotland enjoyed a “bumper summer” for tourism in 2009, which outperformed the rest of the UK. Could this be down to the new campervan bagging craze?
Give your trip a sense of purpose, but ensure you are covered for any unforeseen eventualities which a new adventure may bring. Sureterm Direct specialise in campervan insurance, so call free on 0800 999 2030 and make sure your geared up for the latest craze.
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Tags: camper van, camper vans, campers, campervan, campervans
February 3rd, 2010 by Katie Norton
We all know planning a wedding can be stressful and hectic, and all that organising can leave you feeling like you’re in for a bumpy ride. However a family-run company have come up with an ingenious concept to smooth out those bumps and ensure you get to the church on time, and in style.
The Evening Gazette have reported that after seeing business boom in 2009, a couple from Middleton St George, near Darlington are on the “road to success” after their Lovedubcars wedding car company has turned out to be a real hit with happy couples in the North-East area.
The company is dedicated to ensuring both the bride and the groom have a memorable journey to the church in one of a “fleet of classic Volkswagen vehicles, from Beetles to campervans”. Arriving in style is very important for your big day, and what could be more stylish than a classically styled campervan, decorated with wedding ribbons.
If you want to feel like the angel of the north on your wedding day, why not hire a 1965 split-screen campervan, a 1969 bay window camper or a 1975 Beetle cabriolet and look every bit as classic as the car you’re in – seeing as it’s your big day, let the spotlight be on you, and with a stunning campervan as your backdrop there is no doubt you will definitely be the centre of attention.
“Lovedubcars took 70 bookings in the first year and already has the same number in the diary for 2010” reports The Evening Gazette. Just like the campervans themselves, the future looks bright for this unique service, with clients starting to spread further afield as the unusual idea starts to catch on. If you think you have the love bug but don’t live in the North-East don’t add this to your list of things to panic about. “Based in Central England near the beautiful Peak District”, Cool Campervans website also offer this curious concept. Make sure your wedding day runs smoothly, by changing up a gear and trying something truly special and unique.
If you love your campervan, trust Sureterm to provide you with a tailored made to fit policy. Call free on 0800 999 2030 and get a competitive campervan insurance or classic insurance quote.
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Tags: camper van, camper vans, campers, campervan, campervans, Classic
February 2nd, 2010 by Katie Norton
Show your passion for the great outdoors by embarking on a journey to the Scottish Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show, held in Glasgow between the 4th and 7th February. The show promises to showcase some of the latest caravans and motorhomes as well as a host of treats for its visitors.
With over 150 companies displaying their newest and most prized models, outdoor leisure accessories available to peruse at your leisure and camping equipment to get you geared up for your motorhome adventure – you really will find everything under one roof.
If you’re new to the motorhome phenomenon then this show could be the ideal place to introduce you to the world of motor-homing. The official show website informs visitors that “the show will occupy 4 halls within the SECC, making it the perfect place to see the latest models, and give you the product range that will help you make your choice”.
The show boasts some amazing features, such as free caravan and motorhome towing and manoeuvring lessons, and a designated catering area, where visitors can enjoy some local Scottish cuisine supplied by one of the country’s finest mobile caterers and witness professional chefs cooking up a storm in a cooking and wine demonstration.
Whether you’re a keen motorhome owner looking to see the latest models, or a novice looking for inspiration and knowledge of the motorhome craze which is rapidly growing as more and more people are becoming interested in being a mobile home owner, the Scottish Caravan and Outdoor Leisure Show looks set to have all the answers.
Sureterm Direct provide competitive insurance policies for motorhome insurance and caravan Insurance. Call free on 0800 999 2030 and get a tailored quote from one of our friendly advisors.
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Tags: caravan, caravanning, caravans, motor home, motorhome
February 2nd, 2010 by Katie Norton
There are so many decisions we have to make in life, so it’s always nice to get a little helping hand to ensure we make the right one. Some Recreational Vehicles are best suited to short camping trips, while others provide luxury and a more comfortable living space for long trips.
Understandably the smaller the RV the easier they are to drive, but with the larger ones you get to take all your home comforts with you. The more amenities an RV contains the higher the price tag, so when considering which type is best for you, knowing what you want to spend on your motorhome is always a good place to start.
Class A RV’s are designed and built specifically for motorhomes and are generally considered the nicest motorhomes of the three main classes. Due to the sheer size that these mobile machines posses, they are seen as more homely and comfortable – being the closest to a house, these homes on wheels are perfect for long breaks away.
Class B RV’s are built on a van chassis so are much smaller in size, on average 17-16 feet. These petite mobile homes are often used for day-to-day use as they are not much bigger than your average van, which is how they get their name ‘van conversion’. The main drawback of one of these may be the lack of space, however if it’s a short term getaway you’re looking for, the Class B could be the ideal option.
Class C RV’s are somewhere between a Class A and Class B motorhome, and are built on a truck chassis. The average size of one of these RV’s is 20 to 30 feet long and they are often designed with side slide-outs for extra room when stationary.
Bus Conversions are another RV option, which are simply a bus that has been converted into a Recreational Vehicle. These motorhomes range from having the amenities of a Class A to others which only have the bare essentials. A major drawback of a bus conversion is the cost, although the top end models look a million dollars, we don’t want to pay that much for one.
Towable RV’s are specifically designed to be pulled behind a car or in most cases a truck. The different varieties of towable RVs include 5th wheel trailers, travel trailers and pop-up trailers and can range from having full amenities to just the basics.
Enjoying your RV is easy; it’s being spoilt for choice that is the hard part. Trying before you buy is a common practise with many things in life, so if you are still unsure which motorhome is right for you then get your comfortable driving shoes on, test drive each model and see which one feels the best.
Trust Sureterm Direct to provide you with a competitive motorhome insurance or RV insurance quote. Call free on 0800 999 2030 and speak to one of our expert advisors.
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Tags: motor home, motorhome, motorhoming, recreational vehicle, rv, rvs
February 1st, 2010 by Katie Norton
To buy or not to buy – that is the question. Well at least it’s the question most perspective new motorhome owners ask themselves. The best way to find the answer is to ask yourself another question – “what will I be using my motorhome for?”
If you are planning to use your motorhome on a day-to-day basis, together with use at weekends and holidays, the most obvious interest would be in performance of fuel efficiency. Someone considering towing a touring caravan will be looking for the previously mentioned features coupled with other factors such as brake horsepower (power produced by the engine) and torque (pulling power).
Both petrol and diesel engines have their pros and con’s, so depending on what you’re looking for in a motorhome this will determine which engine style you choose. The main advantages of a petrol engine are that they tend to produce more brake horsepower than diesels, acceleration is quicker and petrol engines are generally more lightweight. Diesel engines have their own advantages, such as producing maximum torque at lower speeds, and so you tend to get more miles to the gallon while retaining torque over a wider engine revolution range.
The main similarity between a petrol and diesel engine is that the price of both fuels is around the same in the UK, but be aware petrol can be more expensive on the continent. None of us want to feel out of pocket but it could pay to have some understanding of fuel terms in other countries -there is nothing more frustrating than filling your tank up with petrol then realising you have a diesel engine! Say Bonjour to a more fuel efficient motorhome and Au Revoir to high prices.
As of 2010 both Class A (full-chassis) and Class C (van-chassis) motorhomes are available in either petrol or diesel. Maybe the best way to test which type is better for you is to take a test drive and experience what both engines have to offer then work out which best suits your driving needs.
Say hello to low cost motorhome insurance and goodbye to spending hours looking for the best policy for you. Sureterm offer competitive quotes for petrol and diesel motorhomes, call free on 0800 999 2030 and speak to one of our expert advisors.
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Tags: mobile home, motorcaravans, motorhome, motorhoming
February 1st, 2010 by Katie Norton
Motorhome enthusiasts will know that the combination of bad weather and continuing threat of recession have put a dampener on motorhome holidays and weekends away. But there is good news for all motorhome maniacs out there, as Romahome plans a 50% production rise for 2010.
It’s fair to say that Romahome leads the small motorhome field, having won its first award from Motorcaravan and Motorhome Monthly Magazine. The R25, which is the latest Romahome model to be launched in October 2009, takes the crown for ‘Small Motorhome of the Year’, with the Managing Director Brian Bailey commenting that “one of the main aims of the new design was to liberate interior space and it was this feature that wowed the judges and helped sway the decision in our favour”.
Having recognition from one of the UK’s best selling motorhome publications is triumph enough, but to achieve such credit while battling an on-going recessions goes far beyond simple acknowledgement of success. During the credit crunch crisis, many motorhome manufacturers may have felt like they were sinking into dismay; however Mr Bailey believes that having a “good mix of products has allowed Romahome to keep its head above water”.
Romahome output predictions for this year will see the level of production rise by 50%. With units sold in 2009 reaching approximately 160, the forecast for 2010 will see a leap to 240 units – with the latest R25 model at the forefront leading the way.
The R25, and the Outlook, Hy-lo and R20 models before it, comprise both charm and charisma. Boasting a compact yet spacious design this unique motorhome can easily be used as everyday transport. With the look and feel of a mobile home, yet comfortable enough to use as your single mode of transport, it’s no surprise Romahome plan to increase their production by 50%.
Trust Sureterm Direct to provide you with a unique insurance policy specifically designed to suit your requirements. Call free on 0800 999 2030 and get a competitive motorhome insurance quote from one of our friendly advisors.
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Tags: mobile home, motorcaravans, motorhome, motorhoming