Car advice

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  More finance deals since VAT hike
  Car buyers are increasingly using dealer finance agreements to buy new and used cars. According to new statistics from the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA), 6% more new cars and...
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  Ford Focus 1.6TDCi: first drive
  We have already driven the 2.0-litre TDCi version of the latest Focus but this time around we climbed aboard a lower-powered diesel model. This version, the 113bhp 1.6-litre TDCi, still pulls well low-down thanks to a healthly...
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  1p cut won't transfer to pumps
  UK motorists are unlikely to see any price cuts at the pumps following the 1p reduction in fuel duty because the wholesale price of oil is still rising. The RMI Petrol Retailers...
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  What the Budget means for you
  There was some respite for motorists in the latest Budget announcement as the Chancellor looked to lower the ever-increasing price of fuel. The planned inflation rise in fuel duty due in...
• Budget 2011 as it happened
  The Budget – as it happened: 12:34 – Chancellor, George Osborne: “Budget is about reforming the economy and helping families with the cost of living and oil prices.” 12:35 Osborne claims this latest...
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  Kia Rio: first drive
  Kia’s Rio has been a success story with 900,000 cars sold worldwide but rather than take its customers for granted the Korean car maker has reinvigorated its popular hatchback by...
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  Mazda5 on a skiing trip
  The skiing season is coming to an end and for those still thinking of shleping down to the Alps for a last-minute weekend of action you could do no worse...
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  Get a brand-new Octavia for £10,995
  Skoda is selling 2,000 Octavia 1.6-litre MPI models for £10,995 – saving buyers £3,735 off the recommended list price. The Octavia – in 1.2 TSI S guise – took the win for the Family Car category in...
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  Hyundai relieves ix35 waiting list
  Demand for 2.0-litre diesel versions of Hyundai’s popular ix35 has outstripped supply, leading to an extensive waiting list. To relieve pressure, Hyundai has taken the unusual step of offering the 200...
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  Merc C-Class saloon: first drive
  Around 2,000 new components have been introduced on the facelifted C-Class as Mercedes-Benz seeks to take on the might of the BMW 3-Series and the Audi A4.  Although it’s supposed to be a minor refresh, the...
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  Finishing touches for Corsa refresh
  Vauxhall has given its Corsa a bit of a wash and brush-up in order to cement the continuing popularity of this small, but practical hatchback One of the most significant advances of these final touches is...
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  New Eco Car Award winner 2011
  Less than £18,000: Honda Jazz 1.3 IMA HE Hybrid CVT   WHAT IS IT? The hybrid Jazz looks identical to its conventional equivalent but underneath the skin it’s quite different. It’s the first...
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  Parkers launches New Car Awards
  Parkers announced its first ever New Car Awards that celebrate the cars that make your cash go further. The Awards are based on robust scientific research and the findings will be vital...
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  Smart reveals special edition Fortwo
  Smart has squeezed more life out of the Fortwo by revealing a special edition called the nightorange. Limited to a production run of just 235 cars, the nightorange gets vivid orange paintwork...
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  First drive: Saab 9-3 1.9 TTiD
  For a car that has been around since the dawn of time – we jest – the Saab 9-3 is actually something of a guilty pleasure and an interesting, yet relatively cheap to...
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  Volvo cuts price of C30 coupe
  Volvo has reduced the entry-level price of its C30 coupe to £14,995. Originally the standard 2.0-litre version would have started at £16,295 – but the new price will save you £1,300 over...
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  Infiniti EX30d first drive
  Infiniti’s EX30d is an interesting proposition – a premium crossover with bundles of standard kit and a thirsty diesel engine. Can it take sales from Audi and BMW? The EX is a similar size...
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  Infiniti sharpens up its 2011 range
  Infiniti has simplified the G range by offering fewer optional extras and a higher level of standard equipment. The cars, which feature considerable levels of standard equipment, are available as a saloon, coupe and convertible models. Every...
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  Fuel duty hike may be scrapped
  Chancellor George Osborne has suggested that the 1p fuel duty hike, due in April, may be scrapped. The news comes as the price for a litre of unleaded reaches a peak...
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  A year's free insurance on a Corsa
  Vauxhall is offering a year’s free insurance, in conjunction with a personal contract hire scheme, to all customers who buy a brand-new pre-facelift Corsa. The deal, which is available until March 31, 2011, is...