Decision Guide

Decision Time

Choosing the right car can be a daunting decision. There are so many considerations, from style and colour, to average MPG and boot space. How do you know that you are making the right decision for you? Here are some pointers to keep in mind when you are choosing your next set of wheels.

Style

It is important to remember that you don’t want to choose style over substance. However, we all want to drive a car that we like the look of and enjoy cruising around town in, and if it turns the occasional head that’s a bonus. You probably have an idea of the style of car you want, whether that be a compact city car or a chunky SUV, but make sure you look at all the options in your preferred category. You may have to compromise on style in some aspects but hopefully this will be the best option in the long run. Colour and interior can be a big deciding factor, not many of us are drawn to a lime green car but maybe it’s your bag? Bright colours certainly help you stand out from the crowd if that’s the impact you are looking for. Don’t undervalue the importance of the interior, you want to enjoy getting into your car and driving it, especially if you spend a lot of time in it. Look for cars that use higher quality materials on the dash that won’t damage or mark easily, this will help maintain that ‘new car’ feel.

Finance

A major factor in choosing a car is affordability. You may aspire to own a top-of-the-range Tesla or dream of the day you are cruising around in a Bentley without a care in the world, but until then you will probably have to put a more realistic budget in place. Once you have identified what your Motability Scheme allowance is, you can factor in other costs too. Are you willing to pay an advance payment for a higher end vehicle? If so, how much? Have you considered how much driving you will be doing in your new car? Fuel consumption can vary vastly between cars and with so many electric vehicles on the market nowadays, you may find the electric route the most financially viable for your needs.

Practicality

Think about who is going to be travelling in your car regularly. Is it just you or do you have a family to accommodate? Perhaps you need to consider adaptations to allow you to safely drive your vehicle or maybe you need to look at wheelchair accessible vehicles? Whatever your needs, make sure you take everything into account when choosing the right vehicle for you. Consider things like boot space; do you need to store a wheelchair, pram, equipment or luggage? Would it help if the seats folded down in a certain way, or do you require decent-sized cubby holes near the driver’s seat so you can access them easily? Make a list of all the attributes you would like your car to have and check them off when considering your options.

Choosing a car is a big decision, it is considered an essential item for many and can offer independence and freedom like no other form of transport. Take your time, decide what is important to you and don’t overstretch your budget, it’s not worth worrying over how you will pay your rent each month just because you splurged on a really nice car.

ASSURANCE FOR WHEREVER LIFE TAKES YOU

OUR MULTI-AWARD-WINNING COMPACT SUV NOW ON MOTABILITY

Experience a car that’s designed to put you first, from the inside out. With our Motability Scheme offers, the multi-award-winning XC40 could be yours for less. Enjoy the comprehensive range of features on our compact SUV, which simplify your journey from start to finish.

Intuitive 9-inch Touch Screen | Volvo On Call Optional Park Assist Pilot | Optional programmable tailgate opening height Euro NCAP five-star safety rating | 479 litres of load space

VISIT VOLVOCARS.CO.UK/MOTABILITY

Fuel consumption and CO2* figures for the Volvo XC40 range, in MPG (l/100km): WLTP Combined 31.0 – 141.1 (9.1 – 2.0). NEDC CO 2 emissions 168 – 41g/km. Twin Engine WLTP electric energy consumption 3.7 – 4.0 miles/kWh. Twin Engine WLTP all electric range 26.1 – 28.0 miles. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. *There is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO 2 figures. The CO2 figures shown, however, are based on the outgoing test cycle and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration.

To be eligible to join the Motability Scheme you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment, which will be taken in lieu of the four-weekly rental for 36 months’ duration. 60,000 mile allowance over 3 years; excess mileage charges may apply. Available at participating retailers. Offer not available with other promotions and may be subject to change. For full terms and conditions, visit www.motability.co.uk. Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB.