Top 10 Cars with the Best Tech

Car with some of the best tech

Everyone has different priorities when it comes to cars. Some people value performance, others prioritise value for money, and many seek out cars with the best tech. Needless to say, the latter is one of our favourite ways to rank models. Here are our top 10 cars with the best tech.

Auto manufacturers are continually exploring new ways to enhance the driving experience. This means that today’s models offer more bells and whistles than ever. And we’re not just talking about rear vision cameras and parking assistance. Think nightclub-worthy sound systems, collision-avoidance technology and built-in night sky simulators.

If you’re a technophile, you’re in luck. Read on as we list the top 10 cars with the best tech. Our countdown covers all bases, including budget-friendly models and luxury icons.

Tesla Model 3

Tesla is a pioneer of automotive technology and we’re not just talking about battery power. If you’ve ever been behind the wheel of a Tesla or even peered in through a window, you’ll have noticed the enormous screens. These are a signature feature and control everything from cabin heating and cooling to headlight activation. On motorways, the Tesla 3 more or less drives itself thanks to the next-generation Autopilot system. When it comes to fun, the Tesla 3 is definitely one of the cars with the best tech. This model is packed with novel tech features, including custom horn options.

Kia Rio

The Kia Rio may be small, but it punches well above its weight in terms of technology. Safety is front of mind thanks to Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) technology that uses a front bumper radar to detect potential hazards and brake automatically, if necessary. As well as your choice of Android Auto™ or Apple CarPlay™, you’ll enjoy Kia Connect services that integrate features like in-car navigation, weather updates and fuel pricing, so you can find where to buy the cheapest fuel.

When approaching your destination, you’ll get real-time information on public parking space locations, pricing and availability. Download the Kia Connect app and you’ll enjoy even more technology at your fingertips.

Mercedes S-Class

Mercedes has always been at the forefront of tech features and the S-Class is no exception. The huge touchscreen can be activated and locked using facial recognition. If you hate squeezing into tight spots, you’ll love the parking features that many high-tech cars offer. Mercedes has developed some of the best parking assist technology in the business, making it a cinch to pull into even the tightest spots.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Hyundai is known for offering reliable cars that are excellent value for money, and the Ioniq 5 doesn’t disappoint. An all-around camera system makes it easy to keep tabs on your surroundings. If you like to set off on weekend camping trips, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 features a built-in household socket to keep all your appliances charged.

BMW iX

The latest SUV from BMW will impress even the most discerning technophiles. This space-age model is packed with easter eggs, including radiant surface heating technology designed to keep the cabin cosy on chilly winter mornings. Instead of a traditional blind, the sunroof can be changed from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is another all-electric car packed with all sorts of technology. One exciting feature is the enormous 15.5-inch screen that not only acts as an infotainment hub but is also used to customise a laundry list of vehicle settings.

2021 Nissan Versa

An affordable price tag and loads of tech-friendly features earn the 2021 Nissan Versa a place on our list of cars with the best tech. Safety buffs will love features like Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning.

Audi A7 Sportback

Audi has reimagined the limits of a family car with the A7 Sportback. The model treats you to a suite of high-tech features, including an intuitive HD MMI touch display screen. The signature Audi Virtual Cockpit swaps traditional dials for a fully customisable digital screen. Download the myAudi app and you’ll unlock more tech savvy features, including entertainment functions, real-time information about your car and a remote sensor that allows you to lock and unlock your Audi from anywhere in the world.

2022 Range Rover

No model eclipses the new Range Rover in terms of luxury. The car is literally fit for a queen and dazzles passengers with features like ‘hot stone’ massage seats. A Pivi Pro infotainment system takes connectivity to the next level with a sleek ‘floating glass’ touchscreen, intuitive interface and 3D maps. Rear seat passengers aren’t left out, with a high-definition entertainment system compatible with screen mirroring and HDMI connectivity. Definitely one of the top cars with the best tech in terms of entertainment.

Rolls Royce Phantom

The Rolls Royce Phantom is an icon for a reason. Favoured by the likes of David Beckham and Kim Kardashian, this model is the epitome of luxury. One of our favourite features is the Starlight Headliner, which uses fibre-optic lights to create a dazzling night sky. You can even customise constellations. Whispers, the exclusive owners-only Rolls Royce app, is backed by a 24/7 concierge.

Finance the best tech

Whether you’re a budget-conscious buyer or ready to splurge on a luxury model, you’ll be impressed by the cutting-edge technology integrated into cars today. Now you know more about cars with the best tech, it’s time to start browsing the market. The first step is setting a budget, which calls for a fair amount of number crunching. Our car finance calculator simplifies this step with a handy tool that shows you how to work out APR on a car loan in seconds. Simply punch in your numbers and discover how to get the most out of your budget.

For more information on how to calculate car finance interest and secure the best deals, get in touch by email or give us a call on 01246 458 810.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Car Insurance

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Electric cars are growing in popularity. As of May 2022, around 77,000 new EVs have been registered in the UK this year, of which about 39,000 were in March alone.

It may be that you’re looking to upgrade to an EV (electric vehicle) for your next car, in which case, you’re going to need to wise up on the still relatively new electric car insurance. This article is here to address any questions that you may have.

Do insurers cover electric cars?

Most significant insurance companies – think Aviva, Direct Line, and Admiral – do cover electric cars. However, if you find that your go-to insurer doesn’t offer premiums on EVs, then you may be able to research specialist electric car insurance companies instead.

Be aware that insurance for electric cars may be more expensive than that for non-EVs. This is because electric cars have greater specialist components and servicing costs.

However, with the coming 2030 petrol ban, as well as the rising number of EV buyers, insurance for electric cars is falling – and is only likely to fall further.

Why can an electric car be more expensive to insure?

There are a number of reasons why EVs may be more expensive to insure than conventional vehicles. EVs have specialist parts and expensive batteries. As such, they need to be serviced by specialist mechanics, all of which drives the cost up.

However, it’s important to remember that you will benefit from gas and tax incentives with an EV, and could even take advantage of government grants that reduce the total cost of eligible vehicles by £1,500.

What extras can you secure on an electric car insurance policy?

Car insurance for EVs will offer standard coverage for incidents like accidents or breakdowns, but you may also want to see if your policy can cover items like batteries and charging cables.

EV insurance that covers batteries and portable charging cables and/or adaptors will typically safeguard them against accidental damage, fire and theft while in the car, in use at a garage or at home. If you lease your battery on a separate contract from that of the vehicle, you need to advise your insurance provider too, as this may impact any claim you might open.

You may also want to investigate what kind of legal coverage your policy offers, for example, in case someone trips over your charging cable whilst it’s in use and injures themselves. These issues are complicated, but it’s best to establish your liability cover in advance, so that you know what you’re covered for.

Affordable car finance with My Car Credit

If you’re looking to secure an electric car but don’t want to break the bank, contact My Car Credit today. We’ll check your car finance eligibility and help you plot your path toward affordable EV ownership.

Want to learn more about our services? Get in touch with our friendly team today on 01246 458 810 or enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

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Electric Car FAQs – How Much to Charge?

Person charging up their EV
Most owners of EVs prefer to charge their cars at home, but it can also be done via workplace or public charging spots. The amount that it costs to charge an electric car inevitably varies between these locales. As such, the numbers provided below are a guideline rather than a hard-and-fast rule, but this article provides a good overview for how much it costs to charge an electric car..

How to charge an electric car

There are three main ways that an EV can be charged. Each one will impact how much it costs to charge an electric car.

Home

This is the easiest way to charge an electric car. It can be done via a three-pin domestic socket, but it’s more energy efficient to charge an EV with a dedicated home charger, as these are three times faster than a three-pin socket. As EVs become more popular, there are increasingly flexible at-home charging options available.

At-home charging is contingent on being able to install a unit for EVs, which can be pricey. You may be able to secure on OZEV grant in order to fund this, however.

Workplace

Check whether your employer has workplace EV charging, which is being introduced as a scheme to encourage commuters to switch to electric cars.

Public

The public EV charging network is vast, and it may feel overwhelming. Units can be found at locations including car parks, retail parks and service stations.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

Be aware that it’s difficult to provide an exact costing for how much it costs to charge an EV, because this will depend on energy providers, amongst a whole host of other factors, including the location, tariff, charging speed and the vehicle’s battery capacity.

Home

Exactly how much it costs to charge an EV at home will depend entirely on your energy tariff. It also depends on the car that you’re charging up. Smaller vehicles will cost less than larger SUVs.

However, as a general rule, it’s cheaper to charge your electric car at home than either at a workplace or public charging spot. Charging your EV to full capacity generally ranges from under £5 to around £15, depending on factors such as battery size and tariff.

If you’re looking to purchase an EV and are thinking about changing your energy provider, it might be an idea to look for tariffs with more affordable off-peak hours. You can take advantage of these off-peak hours to charge your vehicle, making use of the lower electricity prices.

Workplace

If your company provides workplace charging, you may benefit from discounted or even free charging, depending on their offering.

Public

There’s most variation in terms of how much you can expect to pay for charging an electric car via public infrastructure. Assume that charging your car to 80% capacity will cost anywhere from £7 to £10.

Rapid chargers tend to be the most expensive, but also the most time efficient, as they’ll charge your EV quicker than alternatives. Pod Point report that 30 minutes of charging at one of their rapid charging points at Lidl will cost around £6-7 and give approximately 100 miles of range. It’s slightly more expensive on their rapid chargers at Tesco.

There are also public charging networks like BP Pulse, which has over 9,000 public charging spots UK-wide and works via an app or membership card, offering either pay-as-you-go or subscription-based payment. Ecotricity is a greener option that operates via an app-based membership service, but there are others like GeniePoint and Shell Recharge, too.

Can you charge an electric car for free?

If you’re savvy about it, then there are ways to charge your electric car for free. Some retail parks and car parks offer the chance to do so – but be aware that you may need to pay for parking or conform to other regulations.

Tesco has partnered with Volkswagen and Pod Point, providing free charging on its fast charge points – but be aware that rapid charge points still require payment.

You can also use the Pod Point app and Zap Map to check for UK chargers near you. Use the filter tool to look out for free charging points, or opt for paid ones according to your need.

Cost-effective finance for electric vehicles

If you have doubts about how affordable owning and using an electric car might be, My Car Credit’s team of specialists can advise. We’ll give you an EV car loan quote and help you to find ways of driving more sustainably that won’t break the bank.

Get in touch today on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk and our helpful team will get back to you.

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Which Electric Car Should I Buy?

man using his phone to research which electric car to buy

With high inflation outstripping wage and benefit increases, the UK is going through a serious cost of living crisis. As a result, people are looking to cut costs in every area of their lives – and driving is no exception.

Economical cars can help you do that, saving you on fuel or even road tax over time. While it might seem like a small amount, every penny and pound will count as we all feel the squeeze over the coming months and years.

Keep reading as we look at 8 of the most economical cars that can make driving more affordable.

Most economical electric cars

First and foremost, electric vehicles account for many of the most economical cars on the market. That’s because they’re exempt from road tax thanks to zero emissions, cheaper to run because of fewer moving parts, and cheaper to power with electricity costing less than diesel or petrol.

On the flipside, they’re obviously more expensive to buy. That’s where a car loan finance calculator can help, showing you how the cost can be spread. To make things even more economical, here are some of the cheapest models available…

Fiat 500 Action

Priced at around £21,000 brand new, the Fiat 500 Action is one of the cheapest electric cars available. That’s partly down to its smaller 24kWh battery (compared to 42 kWh on previous models). As a result, the range is a modest 118 miles, making it ideal for urban commutes, short trips and general day-to-day use as long as you have a home charger.

Vauxhall Corsa-e

If you’re looking for something that can go a little further, the Vauxhall Corsa-e is a good option. The supermini’s official range is 222 miles, with prices starting around £25,000 brand new. It’s nice and lightweight so the charge won’t be used up unnecessarily. Naturally, with both of these cars, there’s a lot of money to be saved going for a used, older model.

Most economical hybrid cars

If you’re not ready to be plugging in just yet, or maybe you live in a remote area where chargers aren’t readily available, hybrids offer a good alternative. They use regenerative braking to generate electricity while driving, meaning you can supplement fuel from the pump without any extra work.

Toyota Yaris (and Yaris Cross)

Toyota is leading the way when it comes to hybrid efficiency. Both its Yaris 1.5 Hybrid and Yaris Cross 1.5 Hybrid offer around 60mpg on average.

The standard Yaris is smaller and cheaper to buy, making it the most economical hybrid car that’s ideal for individuals, couples or small families. As a small SUV, the Yaris Cross provides all that, plus a little extra space and the sought-after SUV styling – albeit at a little extra cost.

Elsewhere, the Toyota Prius is another top contender. While it doesn’t quite match the Yaris for fuel-efficiency, it’s been around for much longer, meaning there are a greater choice of older, used vehicles at a cheaper price.

Most economical diesel cars

While cars that are powered solely by fuel burning can’t quite match the efficiency of electric and hybrid models, they’re still some of the most economical cars, thanks to their lower price tags. Of the two fuels, diesel is known for its better fuel economy – making the next two cars a pretty good option overall…

Peugeot 208

With a 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel engine, the Peugeot 208 achieves around 70mpg. Despite being a relatively small car, its five-door design makes it easy enough for rear passengers to get in and out. Its 311 litres of boot space makes it similar to other small cars, with the option to fold down rear seats for a 1,100 litre total.

Vauxhall Corsa

A second mention for the much-loved Vauxhall Corsa – this time for its 1.5 Turbo D model rather than its electric counterpart. It’s almost a carbon copy of the Peugeot 208 with the tiniest difference in mpg and boot space. That said, it does have a more responsive drive, meaning you can go economical without feeling it on every corner.

Most economical petrol cars

Out of all the fuel options, petrol is typically the least efficient – but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not economical. There are plenty of petrol cars to choose from with small engines, which makes them cheaper to buy and run. By choosing a smaller petrol car, you can still get from A to B at a relatively low cost.

Peugeot 108

First on sale in 2014, the Peugeot 108 is the quintessential economical car. It has an official mpg of just under 59mpg, thanks to a modest 1-litre engine and small, lightweight design. That does pose some issues for practicality, with the car and its 180-litre boot more suited to people travelling alone or as a pair. However, if you’re looking to cut costs, it’s hard to go better than this reliable city car.

Citroen C1

Like our top diesel contenders, we have another case of two similar cars matching each other stride for stride. The Citroen C1 is another economical car powered by petrol, with the same mpg as Peugeot’s city car – though it does come with a slightly bigger boot.

Keep your car economical

With the cost of fuel at an all-time high, not to mention everything else rising in price, it’s never been more important to have a car that’s economical to run. Invariably, that means you’re better off with newer models that are more fuel-efficient.

With My Car Credit, you can make your purchase as economical as your up-to-date car. We compare finance from our established network of lenders, saving you time while ensuring you get an affordable deal that spreads the cost of your next car.

If you have any questions about our process, don’t hesitate to contact our team on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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Should I Buy A Tesla?

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Unless you’re completely tuned out of the automobile world, it’s almost certain you will have heard of Tesla. The innovative company has undoubtedly changed the landscape of electric vehicles. In doing so, it has built up a loyal fan base of drivers who wouldn’t purchase anything less. But do you know what a Tesla really is, and whether or not you should buy one?

This article is here to answer all your burning questions, weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of these increasingly popular cars. Don’t forget, too, that My Car Credit can help you find the right car finance with which to fund your new vehicle – whether it’s a Tesla or not.

Teslas: the pros

Environmental impact

Tesla vehicles are electric, which means that if you buy one, you’ll soon be waving a happy goodbye to pumping your car full of fuel. This in turn has the secondary advantage of benefiting your wallet. The environmental impact of electric cars are undeniable – electric vehicles contribute considerably lower emissions than conventional vehicles, not to mention that cities experience noticeably better air quality.

Lower running cost

The initial purchase cost of a Tesla is somewhat pricey and might put you out of pocket without the right car finance (more on that below). However, the running cost of Tesla cars is definitely less than that of an internal combustion engine car – that is, vehicles which run on petrol or diesel.

You might end up having to replace the battery, which can be quite expensive. However, this payment is still balanced out by the savings you’ll be making on fuel. A recent test on the Tesla Model S battery actually found that it still had 98% capacity after seven years of usage – so unless you’re really grinding the car into the ground, you shouldn’t have to worry about replacing it.

The Supercharger network

For newbies to all things Tesla, Supercharger is the company’s charging network. You drive up to a Supercharger location – they’re easy to find using the Tesla app – and plug your car in to recharge. After about 30 minutes, the app will notify you when your car is good to go, and you can hit the road. What’s more, the price you’ll pay to use this is significantly lower than fuel. Tesla estimates that charging via a Supercharger costs £0.28 per kilowatt of energy, compared to an estimated petrol cost of £1.20 per litre for a 42mpg car.

Technology

Tesla’s technology is not to be sneered at. The app is hugely useful, and Tesla works to regularly upgrade the software in its vehicles. This means that improvements are wirelessly beamed to their vehicles without you having to do anything. The huge touchscreen on the centre console means no fiddly buttons or knobs to mess around with, and it’s super sleek-looking. Sentry Mode detects external threats via cameras too. In addition, Tesla is even working on Tesla Autopilot, an advanced driver-assistance system that’s currently under development.

Performance

There’s no denying that every Tesla model is a fantastic performer – even the ones that are focussed primarily on energy efficiency. The fastest Tesla, the Model S, can actually outrun Ferraris and Lamborghinis, so if you’re a particular fan of speed, a Tesla won’t disappoint.

They’re good-looking cars

Having a car that’s super sleek isn’t necessarily top of everyone’s list – but if it is, it’s hard to deny that Tesla vehicles are definitely stylish.

Teslas: the cons

Not great for long journeys

If you’re looking for a vehicle that serves well as an urban commuting car, Tesla will tick the boxes. But if you need something that will stand up to longer journeys, their electric vehicles do come into problems. You’ll have to forward plan your journey according to the available Tesla Superchargers. What’s more, you’ll need to factor in the charging duration to your overall travel time.

It is possible to use public chargers for Tesla, but you’ll only get 20-25 miles of range in an hour of charging. This is compared to 150 miles in 20-25 minutes at a Tesla Supercharger. The range of Teslas is improving, but if you’re regularly travelling longer journeys, they’re perhaps not the best vehicle for you.

Struggles in colder climes

If you’ve previously owned an electric car, you’ll likely already know this, but electric vehicles aren’t efficient in chillier conditions. This is basically because electric vehicles don’t produce much heat, unlike internal combustion vehicles.

There are ways to navigate this – having heat pumps, for example – but only the Model Y has this out of the Tesla vehicles. There’s a heating system you can turn on in other models. This will inevitably bring down the car’s overall range, and you’ll need to swiftly recharge.

Price

You’ll likely be paying twice as much for the Tesla Model 3 compared with a comparable fuel-powered sedan. Teslas definitely have a reputation for being expensive – and the initial price won’t include add-ons like additional seats, the Subzero Weather Package, an upgraded sound system, and Smart Air Suspension.

Software upgrades

Yes, your Tesla vehicle will automatically upgrade its software as improvements are made but the hardware – that is, the car itself – won’t. So, as your software becomes more sophisticated, you might find that the car is too old to support it, a bit like your phone. Plus, Tesla suffers from a lack of inventory – so you may end up waiting for your new car for anywhere between 8 – 12 weeks.

Should I buy a Tesla?

Only you know what your priorities as a driver are. If you’re looking for a sleek, nippy vehicle to get you around the city, Teslas have significant appeal. On the other hand, they’re less great for long car journeys with potentially irritable young children in the back.

One thing you can count on is My Car Credit. We’ll find you the best car finance available, whether you opt for a Tesla or not, matching your needs to the best deal for you. Our online process will have an answer for you in minutes – just fill in our car finance calculator to get a no-obligation quote.

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