Raymarine S1000 Autopilot Computer on 2040-parts.com

New cars can save drivers up to 25%

BUYING a new car instead of a secondhand one could save drivers as much as 25% on their motoring costs in the first year of ownership. These savings come from cheaper insurance, lower road tax costs, improved fuel economy and no MoT test. Comparing a brand new Volkswagen Golf with a five-year old model, the new car reduces the annual spend on motoring from £1689 to £1267, saving £422 in the first year of ownership.

2013 Peugeot RCZ facelift priced from £21,595

The facelift for the Peugeot RCZ – revealed at the Paris Motor Show – will cost from £21,595 when it arrives in January 2013. The main change for the RCZ is the loss of the old ‘big gob’ Peugeot nose, to be replaced by a much more appealing front that fits in with the rest of Peugeot’s current crop of cars, complete with LED running lights, new grill and headlights and a bigger air intake with chrome bars. As well as the more obvious changes to the exterior, the RCZ gets some minor interior tweaks, with the Sport spec getting auto lights and option of half leather and leather/Alcantara. The GT spec RCZ gets a few more changes including 19″‘Technical’ alloys, interior sports kit, new interior colours, the option of matt black roof arches, new body transfer decals and more alloy choices.

2012 BMW 3-series: The new features that matter

Those who covet the BMW 3-series probably don't need a lot of reason to buy a new one--other than that there's a fresh model for 2012. But after a splashy reveal on Friday in Munich, Bimmerphiles and mainstream consumers alike have reason to consider the 2012 BMW 3-series for both practical and enthusiast-oriented pursuits. Here's why: The sixth-generation BMW 3-series is fitted with a host of the latest technologies both underhood and underskin, which make the 3-series more relevant for the times yet true to its heritage.