Just retired, need advice on what size (and make) of car to buy

I have just retired and my current car is a diesel automatic Skoda Octavia. The car is okay, but does seem rather noisy on some road surfaces. Our driving will be a mix of pottering about South East London...

Do all the electrical accessories in modern cars increase fuel consumption?

There seems to be an ever-growing number of electrically-powered devices in cars: digital instruments, heaters, fans, air conditioners, ever more powerful sound systems, built-in TVs, flashing indicators,...

What small economical 4WD do you suggest?

We've just moved to a rural area, where the twice daily school run involves 6-8 miles - each way - of narrow lanes, which are sometimes flooded and muddy. And they will be soon be icy and snowy too! We're...

Driving in a high gear at low speeds - a question

I have been reading more reviews about driving in a high gear at low speeds to achieve fuel economy. I have tried this since and can happily plod along at 30mph in 5th gear (manual) on a reasonably level...

Why are new cars sold with misleading fuel economy figures, like my new Ford Focus EcoBoost?

I would like to warn any of your readers wishing to save money on fuel that the new Ford 1.0 EcoBoost engine is not the way to go. I recently bought the Ford Focus Zetec EcoBoost 125 and the mpg is seriously...

Which British-built car should we buy?

We would like to replace our Mercedes 300TE and Volkswagen Polo 1.4 with a fuel-efficient, low maintenance car which is spacious enough to carry two sets of golf clubs. We drive about 5000 miles per year...

How should I drive my car to benefit from using Shell V-Power fuel?

I’ve taken your advice on Shell V-Power fuel but I would like to clarify a few other factors. My car has only done 40,000 miles and, even for the age, I’m guessing you would still recommend V-Power. For...

Could you do a long range economy test on a hybrid vs a modern diesel?

I love diesels as they suit the terrain here in southern Spain; lots of steep hills where you do not need to change to a lower gear to easily get up them, but we have to go with the flow I guess. I have...

What is the best way to drive up a hill?

On my way home, I drive up a hill with a steady gradient. Is it better for fuel consumption to drive up on a heavy throttle in fourth or on a light throttle in third?

Why has the USA banned the practice of misrepresenting fuel consumption figures?

I thought your readers might be interested to know that when we were in Texas 2 weeks ago we saw a Fiat 500 Pop (1.4 MultiAir) as part of a promotion in a shopping mall. Interestingly the official fuel...