Its a Sunday, a day when we at MotorBeam will be getting up at 4 AM, to run. Yes, the day has arrived and its the Mumbai Marathon. The three of us will be running in the half marathon category, which is 21.097 kms long. BMW is the official car partner for the event and the BMW X1 will be the lead car in the half marathon category. Now the question is, who amongst us will finish first? Here are some stats -

Faisal Ali Khan (left most)
0 – 100 meters – 13 seconds
Top Speed – 21 kmph

Dr. Javeid Khan (right most)
0 – 100 meters – 14.5 seconds
Top Speed – 17 kmph

Dr. Sanah Sopariwala (center)
0 – 100 meters – 18 seconds
Top Speed – 12 kmph

But this is not about speed, its about endurance and reliability is the only thing that matters. Due to confidential reasons, we can’t disclose the power to weight ratio of each of us. But weight does matter and so does aerodynamics and due to the different horse power of each one of us, it becomes difficult to judge, who is most likely to win this 21 km race!

Update - Sanah was the fastest of the three, finishing the marathon in 3:06, I came in second at 3:15, with Javeid coming in third at 3:31. Sanah says that power and speed is not everything and mileage plays a key role in an endurance race. I think otherwise and have challenged her for a quarter mile drag race to prove my point!

It’s a new day of a new year. 2012 is here! We, the MotorBeam team would like to wish all the readers a very Happy New Year 2012. 2012 is going to be different, but before we get there, lets have a deja vu of 2011. We published more than 2000 posts in 2011, which is around 5.5 posts every day. There was not a single day when we did not publish anything, keeping up to our resolution of posting regularly to satisfy the automobile hunger of our readers. We plan to continue this in the new year as well. We introduced video reviews and also tried to post live updates from every car and bike launch in the country.

What ever we do, we do it for our readers. And for 2012 we plan to take reader feedback as seriously as we have always done. Thus you need to tell us what we new ideas and features we should implement? If you have been leaving a comment on any of the posts, you must be well aware that we reply to each and every question addressed to us. This is not going to change, because we love our readers and we love interacting with them. This is not a one way conversation, it never has been, so go ahead and talk to us. Once again wish you and your family a very HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012, keep revving!

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe is undoubtedly a beautiful car with distinctive lines and a somewhat understated low profile style; it is a whole 41 mm lower than the saloon so we would expect this to have considerable influence over the car’s performance. This car is supposed to be the sports version of the standard C-Class, so does it live up to these claims?

Looking first at the engines, there are five engine options which include three petrol and two diesel units. Two of the petrol engines are 1.8 litres though they have alternative degrees of tune producing either 156 bhp or 204 bhp. The third petrol unit is a 3.5 litre V6 with a power output of 306 bhp. This is the fastest option and will achieve a 0 to 62 mph acceleration time of just 6.0 seconds. All petrol engines come with a seven speed automatic gearbox as standard. The diesel engines are both 2.2 litre CDi units with power outputs of 170 bhp or 204 bhp.

Given the styling differences between the saloon and the coupe you would anticipate that the latter handles much better than the former; and you would be correct. The coupe has great stability and feels precise round the bends even at some considerable speed. There is virtually no body roll and there is as much grip as you might wish along with as many electronic aids as you could wish for.

Comfort levels are very high with superb seats that provide excellent support. As with all coupes there is limited space in the rear and taller adults will feel a little cramped particularly during long journeys. Everything inside the car is as you would anticipate with a Mercedes-Benz. Everything comes perfectly to hand and driving the car is pure unadulterated pleasure; naturally there is all the equipment that you could hope for.

If you choose one of the economical diesel engines you can return a fuel economy of 53 mpg though with the V6 you will be lucky to see 22 mpg. If you are looking for an second hand Mercedes C class then please do check out Motors.co.uk, where you can find Mercedes in a selections of colours.

Hi, this is Rohan Salgarkar and I want to share my experience. I walked to the 3M Car Care in Vimanangar Pune. The executive Umesh was very helpful and enterprising and explained the details of the process. He recommended an additional treatment to the existing UV, that of Paint protection, detailing and scratch removal, since my car is 1.5 years old.

I wasn’t convinced 100% hence he put a demo patch on my car. The result was significantly better with just a few rounds of polishing. I was happy and handed over the car. The total estimated time was 5 hours. I wondered, are they serious??? But yes, the 3M guys took detailing very seriously. First they took the car on the ramp and cleaned all the plastic parts, small gaps, tar marks, Every possible gap where u can reach only with a fine brush. They gave a good foam wash to the car cleaning every possible dust. The car had started shining already. This had consumed an hour. They wiped the car (only with special micro fiber cloth) and covered every plastic part..even the indicators and rubber strips and antenna.

The clay process followed, which removed most of the scratches on the paint. This was a lengthy process and consumed almost 2 hours. The special glaze treatment added shine to the paint up to 65 microns (any new car has up to 45, as per 3M). The car was almost done and the owner of 3M Car Care outlet did the last inspection and deployed few more work hours to cover some minute details left.

The results were WOW!!. My car had lost its glaze and being black, it was visible although more. But now I’m happy it looks better than a new one (not exaggerating). I will make it to their outlet after couple of months for a wax wash, which will make the treatment stay effective for a longer period. Hope this experience will act as a guidance for those looking to get a treatment done for their cars.

1. Wear Safety Equipment

It is always important for a motorcyclist to make sure that they are wearing safety equipment before they start riding. If they should crash into another motorcycle, an inanimate object or just about anything else during a race, they could face serious injury. If they are not wearing a helmet or anything else important, however, the injuries could prove deadly. They should never believe that they do not need these things, or that they are too skilled to ever have to use them. Accidents happen to the most experienced professionals. It is also vital for a motorcyclist to have insurance. They can check out websites such as MotorcycleInsurance.com for more information.

2. Watch the Environment

During a race, some riders become so caught up in going fast and getting ahead of the competition that they do not pay attention to their environment. Yes, they will be aware of where they are, but they will not be paying attention to something nearby or something not immediately in front of them. If they want to succeed in the race, they need to be very aware of what is happening around them, no matter what. They have to focus on several different things in order to avoid problems and collisions of any kind.

3. Ride with Confidence

Motorcyclists that do not feel good about who they are or what their motorcycle looks like is bound to suffer during races. If they do not feel happy, they will not perform in the best way that they can. If every person in the race is not confident, the event will be less fun and contain less spirit. Even if the motorcycle is not the most expensive model on the market, or the rider has never won a race before, they should still do their best.

Hyundai’s presence in Australia has been boosted by the release of the latest offering from the Korean manufacturer’s ‘i’ range, the Hyundai i20. The i20 is the latest car to enter the ever growing small car market, with subcompact cars becoming increasingly popular among Australian buyers. The design of the car took place at Hyundai’s European Design Centre in Russelheim, Germany. Development has also taken place on European roads. It has accordingly been built to European standards and this, unsurprisingly, is reflected in its styling.

For the Australian market, the i20 has some adjustments, for example the front suspension has been altered to suit local roads. The i20 comes with a 1.4-litre engine with 73.5kW and 136Nm of torque, accompanied by either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. Fitted with the manual, it has a fuel consumption rate of 6.0-litres per 100 kilometres, while with the automatic it goes up to 6.4, which coupled with low CO2 emissions means the car is designed to be an environmentally friendly choice.

Some of the safety features of the i20 include front and rear crumple zones, and side impact intrusion bars on the doors for added protection. It is also fitted with six airbags, including front and rear passenger side. The i20 also features a number of devices designed to help the driver avoid dangerous situations. Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) helps prevent the brakes from locking, while Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control help maintain grip and keep the car on track. The i20 has been issued with a 5-star rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Another security feature is the keyless alarm system. Those living in remote rural areas of Australia may be interested to know that in the event of a puncture or other such problem, all i20s come equipped with a full size spare wheel. One factor that can impact on the purchase of a car is car insurance which can be influenced by the type of car, its value and safety record, as well as a number of other considerations to take into account.

An important consideration is the record of the driver. Those who have a poor driving record (for example a history of accidents, or infringements) or drivers who have filed claims previously may find that they are considered more likely to claim and therefore higher risk. Additional factors that can affect insurance include gender, age and geography. For example some might consider young males to be more likely to be involved in incidents that result in a claim and those who reside in areas with a high rate of crime like theft may find that they are considered more of a risk. In light of the internet’s increasing influence on business, there are now many websites that operate in this area, and Comprehensive car insurance quotes can be obtained online.

As 2012 draws closer the car world is looking towards the latest offerings from manufacturers. The new year sees new cars and new additions to existing models from most car makers. Of course journalists and enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the release of models from Volkswagen and other manufacturers, but as ever the car world looks to luxury brands, such as Infiniti for inspiration. 2012 has a lot in store for the premiere brand, with Sebastian Vettel’s model expected to be released at the beginning of next year. Here is a rundown of the developments in the Infiniti car world:

The Infiniti M sedan will include enhancements; additional features including a new 18-inch Wheel Package and a Graphite interior treatment will be available on models equipped with the Deluxe Touring Package. The Infiniti QX SUV, which was redesigned for 2011, will include new option package changes in 2012. These additions include: Infiniti’s innovative Blind Spot Intervention, the 15-speaker Bose Cabin Surround sound system, heated second row seats and remote tip-up second row seats and headlight washers are now fitted to QX56 2WD models.

Infiniti FX midsize crossover receives a revised front grille and front fascia design, new gauge lighting and standard heated front seats on all models. There is also a new Limited Edition which features an exclusive blue exterior colour, 21-inch 10-spoke dark finish aluminium-alloy turbine wheels, a Navigation System with hard-drive media storage and a novel 360-degree Around View Monitor. Next year promises to be a good year for the car company, and they certainly have a lot to be proud of. 2011 saw the company’s partnership with Red Bull racing and in the end their association with the Sebastian Vettel, who dominated the Grand Prix. The company are also due to release a car designed by the young driver, which will increase interest in the already successful car company.

As global car sales continue to decline, now is a good time to visit a reputable car dealer like Evans Halshaw and look for a bargain to drive off the forecourt. For those searching for a family car, the Hyundai i40 Saloon is vying for your attention. Highly practical without sacrificing style, Hyundai have impressed. The first thing you notice about the Hyundai i40 Saloon is how good it looks, especially for a family car. The sleek exterior is fashionably sporty. Despite only being a four door model, there is sufficient space for four or five people to be seated comfortably inside.

While the i40 Saloon has a smaller 525 litre boot compared to its bigger brother the i40 Tourer Estate’s 553 litre boot, there remains more than enough luggage space for day trips and holiday drives. One gripe is that despite the back seats being foldable to create more stowage space, the opening through the cabin from the boot is rather narrow. If you require a huge amount of stowage space on a regular basis, you may need to opt for the bigger booted i40 Tourer estate.

Everybody wants to do their part for the environment. The Hyundai i40 Saloon’s 1.7 litre diesel engine can return approximately 50mpg and do 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds. Hyundai have obviously tried to make a fuel efficient family car. If buyers upgrade to the Blue Drive model for an additional £300 they will benefit from stop-start and reduce CO2 emissions to just 119g/km. The running and servicing costs for the i40 Saloon are competitively priced, meaning it can help save money as well as the environment.

To complement the low running and service costs, Hyundai have introduced their 5-year Triple Care package, which handily incorporates the warranty, free vehicle health checks and roadside assistance for the full 5-year duration, offering genuine peace of mind and value for money. Hyundai are lauded for making well developed and robust cars. Behind the wheel a good look around at the different features convince you about Hyundai’s craftsmanship, but also their obvious conscience regarding family cars.

Safety and reliability is a huge issue and it was pleasing to find the i40 Saloon comes well equipped with nine airbags as standard. This includes airbags for the driver and passenger seated in the front, but also curtain airbags for back seat passengers. The i40 Saloon handles very well, although not as well on tighter bends as a Ford Mondeo, it must be said. However, the i40 Saloon is still a pleasant and comfortable drive, with an easy to use six-speed manual gearbox and nicely responsive progressive breaks.

Entry level cars come equipped with LED daytime running lights and air conditioning, while even the mid-range cars come with cruise control, a rear view parking camera and touchscreen Sat Nav. Needless to say, Hyundai have impressed with the i40 Saloon. Certainly one to consider if you’re planning to purchase a new family car, the i40 Saloon proves Hyundai’s continued commitment to improvement.

Selling a car can be an extremely frustrating process.

Driving round garages getting estimates to try and get the most money for your car can be frustrating for some or even daunting for others. It may also be the case that you need to sell your car quickly in order to free up some valuable funds to either re-invest in another car or spend on something else, especially in the modern financial climate.

The motor industry is notoriously ruthless when it comes to buying cars from you or offering part exchange. So if you are sat thinking about the most convenient way to get somebody to buy your car from you then here are a few suggestions about selling your car online.

Quick quotes

Once you have decided that it is time to sell your beloved vehicle you will probably want to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. This is so that the vehicle is no longer a drain on your resources and to try and sell it with as much tax and MOT on the vehicle as possible. The longer the tax and MOT does have a factor if you are taking it to a garage or selling your car privately.

The first stage is obviously to get the motor valued. The quickest and easiest way to do that is to go and search for some instant quotes online. This can be done at a time to suit you as the websites are accessible 24 hours a day. There are also guides on the internet for sellers that you could take advantage of. It could be as straightforward as entering your registration number, the car make and model and then you receive a figure within a few seconds. There of course is the added bonus that you don’t have to worry about the salesmen trying to offer you less than the car is worth.

It may be a good idea to see if you can find similar cars on such sites as Autotrader, Gumtree etc. This way you can try and gauge the amount you could expect for your vehicle.

No haggling

There is nothing worse than attempting to sell your car and having timewasters contacting you at all hours of day and night with low bids for your car. Some of the people that contact you will not be timewasters but the majority will come and view the car and offer a low amount to start with.

Granted, it is a buyer’s market and the prices of vehicles are coming down all the time, but motorists will still want to secure a fair deal for themselves. If you sell your car online the chances of somebody haggling or bartering with you over the price until you are blue in the face is greatly reduced. With selling your car online you know from the word go precisely what the car is valued at so there are no nasty surprises or charges when the time eventually comes to hand over the keys to the buyer.

Effortless

Gone are the days when you have to drive between dealerships in the hope of getting more money from the next for your car. You can save yourself the time and petrol, another expensive commodity, and set up a sale online. The money can be transferred instantly into your bank account once you’ve accepted an offer.

Some websites, such as wewillbuyyourcar.com, even offer a pick-up service. This means that they will come and collect the vehicle at a time and a place to suit you. Or you can deliver it to one of their garages, both of which make it even easier to part with your car.

With the current financial climate as it is and world economics seemingly falling into another recession then there are options once you have sold your car. If it is the increasing cost of motoring that is forcing you to sell your car then there are other forms of transport.

Public transport is another option:

• Buses
• Trains
• Trams
• Coaches
• Taxis

All of these may be more expensive in the long run though. Perhaps put the money you get from selling your car to good use by buying a push bike. These are inexpensive and will help you to become fitter, although many will just leave the bike at home when the weather turns horrid.

Some people have turned to motorcycles which are also cheaper to run as their MPG is higher than most cars. If you are buying a new bike then the initial outlay is about the same as a small car however the insurance and tax is generally cheaper. If you are worrying that people do not see cyclists or motorcycle then worry not as motorists are now being taught  to be more aware of people on two wheels.

If you do decide to sell your car then make sure you are comfortable in the knowledge that you got a good deal from whoever bought it from you.

What Qualifies as a “Bad” Driving Record?
Laws and insurance costs vary from state to state, but typically the insurance company will consider the last three to five years when you inquire about an auto insurance quote. Speeding violations are especially bad because they may indicate the driver is at high risk for an accident. Accidents you are liable for are also a bad mark on your record. Of course, a DUI or DWI is extremely problematic, but you may be surprised to learn that poor payment history also affects the cost of your premiums.

Whatever the reasons for a poor history, your mistakes are in the past. There’s not much you can do to erase the past from your record, but there are several things you can do to lower the cost of insurance coverage today. Start by talking to a qualified insurance professional. Be honest about your situation and tell him you’re interested in learning how to reduce your car insurance rates. Even if you don’t choose to purchase a policy, you can glean valuable information for getting back on the right track.

Step One: Comparison Shop
Comparison shopping may be the best way to lower your rate. The insurance field today is highly competitive and a visit to any number of websites can yield several different quotes. By entering your personal information and the kind of insurance you need, you’ll soon have multiple companies competing for your business. Asking for quotes won’t obligate you to purchase a policy, and remember that you should never pay for an insurance quote. Stay away from any source that charges a fee to provide multiple quotes.

Step Two: Drive Less
Average mileage is one of the factors considered in the cost of your auto insurance, and so is the reason for driving. Reserve driving strictly for getting to and from work and you may garner a lower rate. Cut down on the miles you drive by taking public transportation, car pooling, bicycling or asking a friend for a ride. Eliminating miles may also help you save money on gas and parking fees – money you can use to help pay for your insurance policy.
Step Three: Install Safety Features
A vehicle with safety features like air bags, automatic seat belts and anti-theft features typically costs less to insure than one without them. Install safety features if you can and make certain the ones that already exist are in good repair. If you’re in the market for a new car, buy one that gets high marks on consumer safety ratings. And before buying that new or used car, take a few minutes to compare insurance costs. Visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety online to learn more about safety features and car insurance prices.

Step Four: Keep It Basic
Full coverage may be unnecessary if your car is worth less than 10 times the cost of your premium. If that’s the case, drop the coverage to the minimum your state requires. Find out what your car is worth by checking Kelley’s Blue Book or speaking to the loan agent at your bank. Asking for a higher deductible will also lower the price of your auto insurance. The deductible is the “out of pocket” expense you would pay in case of an accident. The higher the deductible, the less your insurance company has to pay out and the less your policy will cost. If you already have other insurance policies, ask a representative about receiving a discount for bundling your policies.

Step Five: Improve Your Credit Record
Few people know that a poor credit rating also affects the amount they pay for an insurance policy. Improving your credit rating may not only lower your car insurance rate, but it also may qualify you for loans at a lower rate than those you’re already paying. By federal law, all consumers are entitled to one free record of their credit history each year. It’s not necessary to pay for a report unless you have already received one within the year. Check your report for mistakes that may be lowering your credit score. Call the reporting companies immediately if you detect unauthorized activity on your credit report.

Just because you’ve made some mistakes in the past doesn’t mean finding affordable auto insurance is impossible; it just might take a little longer to figure out. Following these steps can help you get back on track and if you slow down a bit, you’ll be eligible for rate reductions in no time. Drive safe!

This guest post was written and provided by David Brenner who works with Hartford Auto Insurance providing the best insurance deals, rates and contracts to safe drivers.