Ford Mondeo Titanium Plus Special Edition

When looking for a practical, executive feeling car for the family or business, you may not consider a Ford.  However, the Ford Mondeo Titanium Plus Special Edition is capable of representing both needs.  The 1.8 TDCI model is economic as well as being cheaper on road tax than its petrol sisters.

With its heavy feel, the Mondeo Titanium sticks to the road with ease offering handling experience that is next to none.  The 1.8 TDCI special edition Titanium plus struggles slightly from a standing start whilst it pulls the great lump to a steady speed, although with the right clutch control, practice and a touch of patience you can get the car to be very responsive.  Especially impressive when cruising the motorway and taking advantage the responsive acceleration when overtaking. 

The size of the Mondeo Titanium alters your perception of speed so watching the speedo is necessary, although by setting the cruise control, the chances of getting a ticket for speeding is reduced dramatically.  Furthermore, Ford has introduced an array of gadgets designed to keep the occupants and other road users, safe.  The monitors your driving behaviour, beeping at you if it feels you have lost your attention; steering wheel vibrates when the car feels it may be drifting across lanes; and then there is my personal favourite, the image that appears in the wing mirror if there is something in your blind spot.  Perfect.

Steering wheel controls allow you to adjust the stereo from the main instrument menu, in addition to being able to read ‘fault’ information instead of just seeing an engine management light appear.  Always useful.  The model also comes with Front and Rear parking sensors to aid parking in those tight spaces.

The spacious interior can handle 5 large adults, the boot has enough room for a month’s shopping and a buggy and the rear Privacy glass adds protection for personal belongings.  This car has the luxury feel whilst also being a nice practical family car.

In the light of the above, it is fair to say the Mondeo Titanium Plus Special Edition is strong, solid and comfortable drive.  I am un-easy with the amount of technological gadgets, as it seems they are just waiting to go wrong, however, a highly recommended drive. 

If you are looking to purchase or lease this vehicle for a new job or need one to replace an old car for a long period contemplate 28 day hire or long term car rental.  Have a look at the Rental versus Lease post before subjecting yourself to long term commitments.

Enjoy the drive.

Ford Focus 2011

The all new Ford Focus appears to have a little too much technology.  Technology that even NASA could be jealous of.  Nevertheless, how long until it, all goes wrong?  Since seeing the new park assist, lane departure and sign reading capabilities of the Focus advertised on the television, I can only say that my initial reaction was…… wow, surely it cannot work.  Surely, the advertisement is falsely showing the car will control the steering wheel and not the driver.  In my mite to obtain one for a test drive, I have so far been left to read other peoples reviews and so far it actually seems true.  The new Ford Focus 2011 will park itself (with a little help).  Ford seems to have low stocks in the UK possibly due to the Japanese Tsunami or just incredible demand for this fantastic vehicle.

 Top Gear has likened it to the Golf and claim that it is actually a great car.  Not something I would have expected from the Top Gear team, so I would assume it is an immense car.  Ford have shown themselves as being possibly the number one vehicle manufacturer with their innovative driving technology in addition to providing a car that could keep you occupied for hours by testing all of its technology.  Nevertheless, where do they go next?  Will they eventually provide a car that can drive itself?  Quite possibly.

With safety to the driver, occupants and other road users in mind the Ford Focus should help reduce accidents.  Not to be confused with ‘prevent’, as the driver will always be the main controller, however the cruise control space awareness functions to stop you getting to close to another vehicle, or the front camera that will read road signs and alert you just in case you missed them.  Alternatively, the speed limiter that will reduce fuel input to the engine to keep you below the speed limit should all assist you with a perfectively safe driving experience.  There just seems too much to get to grips with and to be honest I think it is making people lazy.

The media clip is from a fantastic review site trusted reviews.com.  This trusted clip has confirmed for me that the car can actually park itself.  Incredible!

New Car

Just purchased a new car and waiting for it to be built, tested and released from the factory?  Waiting for it to arrive in the UK, be registered, chassis details sought and prepared to be delivered to you?

If you are this person, you will understand that the excitement of buying a brand new car is short lived when you learn that delivery dates are put back at what seems like every opportunity.  Huge demand for vehicles, things going wrong in the factory and incredibly unfortunate events such as the recent Japanese Tsunami all have an effect on when you will get your car.  Unfortunately it is just a waiting game and there is not too much you can do about it.  So, how do you get around? How do you get to work, visit family etc?

You may wish to consider public transport.  Fantastic alternative to driving, helps the environment and the UK's public transport system is slowly becoming reliable.
You may wish to consider leasing a vehicle.  Low costs, although your new car will arrive before the contract ends leaving you with two cars.

Our favourite choice is to long term rent a car.  A little more expensive than leasing although the flexibility is worth it.  Agreements are on a 28 day hire basis and you can hire for as long or for a little as you like (minimum of 28 days).  The car can be delivered to you and upon conclusion of the hire it can be collected again.

Long Term Car Rental is a unique service offered only by a few.  Most of the companies purchase their own stock so you are not tied into returning by a certain mileage or month and the rates are extremely competitive.

28 day Car Rental

Renting a car for a long period can be slightly more expensive than leasing a vehicle.  However, there are benefits!  Leasing a vehicle can tie you into a minimum term contract, generally no less than 24 months.  Returning early due to job loss or similar attracts 'early return' penalties.  Renting a vehicle long term is based on 28 day periods that roll over for as long as you need, therefore, returning early attracts no penalties, offering you the flexibility needed when starting a new job for example.

Most Long Term Car Rental Hire companies may sign you into a term of 6 periods, where at the end of the 6 periods you will be required to return the vehicle and take a different one.  There are some companies that actually own their stock and as such will not require you to return after 6 periods, saving you the Inconvenience of learning a new car, taking a day off work to swap cars, etc.

Why 28 days and not a month?  It is quite simple really.  Not every month consists of the same number of days so by charging on a rolling 28 day basis keeps things simple and charges the same so you always know where you are.

Can I change the car during the rental?  This varies from company to company but in most cases this is possible.  Generally you will return the vehicle at the end of your current period and the staff will change the agreement.  Again, swapping at the end of the 28 day period will simplify payments.

Companies that own their own stock have access to various makes and models in addition to having the ability to source vehicles in at short notice. It is just up to you to select a vehicle.

Have you considered what car would be suitable? Taking into account your height, how the car would perform in the town or on the motorway?  Keep your eyes peeled on this blog as we aim to provide all the information you will need.

Regards

Dan