Car And Bike Insurance Groups

by: Rob Laird - RPL Driving

When getting prices for insurance, one of the things the company looks at the the vehicle you're insuring.

This is a sliding scale from 1 to 20, with a car like a 998cc Vauxhall Corsa at the lowest group; insurance group 1, a mini cooper convertible higher at group 9, and pretty much every Ferrari up the top at group 20. Bikes have a very similar system.

There are several things need to be taken into consideration when assigning a group:

1. The price of parts, as if there is an accident, it will affect how much the company needs to pay out to repair your vehicle. Also if a vehicle is difficult to work on, making repair times longer, this will also tend to increase the group.

2. The security fitted to the vehicle. More security, less likely to be stolen, less likely for the insurance to need to be used, so therefore a lower group.

3. The cost, quite simply because if the car is written off, and it needs to be replaced, the higher costing vehicle, will have a higher group.

4. Look at a 1 litre car to a 3 litre, obviously the larger engined car would have a more expensive group. Overall acceleration and top speed are also taken into account.

5. Desirability, 2 very similar cars, might have 2 completely different groups if one of them has a history of being more attractive to car thieves.

So before you jump in and buy your car, do some research on the costs of insuring it first, and look at similar cars that might save you hundreds of pounds.

Infiniti fx45

Infiniti fx45

The Infiniti FX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV. It is sold in two models: the FX35 and the FX45. Both were launched in 2003, the same time Lexus launched their GX 470. It replaced the QX4 as Infiniti's mid-size luxury SUV, despite being larger than its predecessor.With the FX45 crossover, Infiniti sought to combine sports-car performance with SUV functionality. The FX45's 4.5 L V8 generates 315 hp (235 kW) and is coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission that incorporates a manual-shift mode. ATTESA E-TS All wheel drive is standard, and the FX45 has a sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension. The FX35 uses a 3.5 L V6.The FX series was updated for 2006 with new options and standard features. The FX35 now has leather seats, a power tilt/telescope steering wheel and a rear view camera with a color screen standard. The FX45's V8 engine was also uprated to 320 hp (239 kW) and it gets a standard sunroof, Bluetooth system, rear view camera with a color screen, and aluminum roof rails.

Infiniti fx45

 Infiniti fx45

 Infiniti fx45

 Infiniti fx45

 Infiniti fx45

Infiniti fx45

Infiniti qx56

Infiniti qx56

Infiniti qx56

It starts with a breathtaking presence, a calm strength derived of clean fluid lines that attract and hold your attention. It continues with the highest level of luxury, not just for the driver and front seat passenger, but all occupants – world class, personalized control over their environments for passengers in every seat in the house. Add in an exceptional driving experience provided by a powerful yet efficient V8 engine design and available Hydraulic Body Motion Control system. Then top it all off with intuitive functionality, which anticipates and responds to the users’ needs and desires. Introducing the all-new 2011 Infiniti QX, the latest example of inspired design, performance, technology and craftsmanship from Infiniti. Available in two models, the QX56 2WD and QX56 4WD, it is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in summer 2010.

Infiniti qx56

 Infiniti qx56

 Infiniti qx56

 Infiniti qx56

Infiniti qx56

Infiniti fx35

Infiniti fx35

 Infiniti fx35

It's remarkable that the Infiniti FX35 made it to showrooms with its concept-car looks intact. While crossover SUVs had long been touted as a brand-new genre of vehicle, most of them at the time of the FX35's launch simply resembled small SUVs or large wagons. When the FX35 debuted in 2003 with its sports-car muscles and hulking linebacker stance, it ushered in a new emphasis on style that other automakers are only now beginning to match.

 Infiniti fx35

 Infiniti fx35

But the Infiniti FX35 doesn't just look sporty -- it's been engineered to feel that way on the road. This crossover SUV handles like a sport sedan on stilts, and it also comes loaded with standard equipment. Unfortunately, high style has resulted in a sacrifice of some measure of practicality, as the FX35 offers less cargo room and versatility than most other midsize crossovers.

 Infiniti fx35

 Infiniti fx35

The second-generation Infiniti FX35 first rolled into showrooms in model year 2009, but for those models produced for 2011 or later.The bold sheet metal that made this crossover such a standout in its first generation carried over into the second, with a couple of tweaks: Its nose was lengthened, its grille restyled and prominent new fender vents added a touch of class or kitsch, depending on who you ask.

 Infiniti fx35

 Infiniti fx35

Changes were also made under the skin. The FX35's 3.5-liter V6 got a slight bump up to 303 horsepower, and it was teamed up with a seven-speed transmission. Lots of standard and optional technology was added as well, including adaptive cruise control and a hard-drive-based navigation system with digital music storage.

 Infiniti fx35

 Infiniti fx35

One well-equipped trim level was offered in either rear- or all-wheel drive. Standard features included 18-inch alloys, xenon headlights, leather upholstery, a back-up camera, Bluetooth, satellite radio and a Bose surround-sound audio system with a six-CD changer and USB port. A bevy of packages were offered, allowing buyers to add options such as the navigation system, an upgraded sound system and adaptive cruise control.

 Infiniti fx35

 Infiniti fx35

With its sleek looks and sporty performance, the Infiniti FX35 is undoubtedly a jock among its contemporaries. It shares a platform with the Infiniti G sedan and the nimble EX, so carlike handling is encoded in its DNA, even though there's ultimately no hiding its higher center of gravity. Another plus is the abundance of technology- and safety-oriented gadgetry. One notable drawback is its skimpy rear passenger and cargo space, which trails that of competing models. Nonetheless, Infiniti's distinctive-looking hauler is a must-see for used buyers seeking a stylish, energetic alternative to the typical bland crossover SUV.

 Infiniti fx35

 Infiniti fx35

The first-generation Infiniti FX35 was offered from 2003-'08 in one fully loaded trim level. Power came from a 3.5-liter V6 engine that cranked out 275 hp with a distinctive exhaust growl. A five-speed automatic was the only available transmission. Traction control, stability control and antilock disc brakes were standard.

 Infiniti fx35

The original FX35's cabin was both sporty and luxurious, with an attractive gauge layout complemented by aluminum trim. Additional standard features included power-adjustable front seats, reclining rear seats, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, HID headlights and a six-speaker CD stereo.

 Infiniti fx35

 Infiniti fx35

Other features were available as options. A 300-watt, 11-speaker Bose audio system spruced up the sound, while a Sport Package added larger 20-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension, and a Technology Package added a navigation system, Intelligent Cruise Control and Lane Departure Alert, among other items. The navigation system was also available as a stand-alone option, and the FX35's cabin could be upholstered in leather.In road tests, we found the first-generation Infiniti FX35 to be every bit as exciting as it looked. We liked its strong V6, and found its steering quick and responsive, much like a sport sedan. Despite its elevated ride height, the FX35 felt balanced and under control, even in fast corners, while managing to provide an acceptably compliant ride. One concern that our editors raised was regarding the FX35's poor rear visibility, a consequence of that taut exterior design. And like the current model, this one was tight on cargo space and lacked a third-row seat.

 Infiniti fx35

 Infiniti fx35

A handful of changes were made to the FX35 during this era. Earlier models (2003-'05) came with a weaker standard stereo and fewer standard features, although side curtain airbags joined the list for '05. Major changes occurred for '06, including revised exterior styling and a slew of new standard features, among them the Bose audio system, leather upholstery, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a rearview camera. IPod connectivity was added to the options list for '07, and satellite radio became standard in '08.

Infiniti

Infiniti

Infiniti

Infiniti is the premium brand of Japan's Nissan Motors. It got its start in 1989 to go against Toyota's Lexus which was taking a serious and successful run against the usual suspects from Germany. Unfortunately for Nissan, Infiniti was a dog.

Infiniti

No offence to my canine friends, the Infiniti dogs were ugly and boring and under-powered and barely sold. The decent thing to do would have been to put Infiniti out of its misery and that was almost done in Y2K.

Infiniti

What happened next is another part of the Carlos Ghosn legend. Ghosn is one of the most successful and innovative automotive CEOs in the business. As head of Nissan (and controlling partner Renault) and with his back against the wall, Ghosn told his Infiniti engineers to go out and build him BMWs. With the Japanese talent for reverse engineering and flawless manufacturing they soon came up with some winners. Even the buyers of such things awoke from their BMW, Audi, Mercedes addictions and actually started shopping Infiniti.

Infiniti

The leader of the Infiniti attack is the mid-size G series and the poster child of the G is the G37 Coupe. With Infiniti now experiencing its best sales ever in North America I thought it was time to get some serious seat-time in the flagship. So I drove to Boston and back in a 2010 Infiniti G37 Coupe AWD.

Infiniti

The G37 Coupe comes in four flavours with the base rear-drive model stickered at $46,300. The tester, of course, was the fully loaded AWD version with tons of options which boosted the price to $54,400. My advice -- buy the base model. It too will arrive with the G37's great looks, precise handling and the 3.7-liter, 328-horsepower V6 connected to a smooth, seven-speed automatic. This combination, according to people with stopwatches, is faster than the comparably priced BMW 328i.

Infiniti

I wasn't carrying a stopwatch but I can tell you that in the left lane of the New York Thruway or the Mass Pike I had no difficulty keeping up with adventurous Mercs or Bimmers. The Infiniti's adaptive cruise control kept me at a respectable distance behind them, thus ensuring they, not I, went through the radar trap first. By the way, if the cops don't highjack your wallet on those roads, the toll booths will.

Infiniti

So,with a couple of thousand kilometres at the wheel , what do I think? Performance, handling, speed -- it's nailed the Bimmer benchmark. Styling -- who knows, that's a matter of personal taste, but I think this is one well-proportioned car. It's totally comfortable at the wheel, but you wouldn't want to be a back seat passenger. But so what? If you cared about the back seat or the trunk you wouldn't buy a Coupe. The one thing I did find objectionable, and perhaps a rule out for me, was the amount of wind noise and particularly road noise. Maybe you sports car fans like that but I like a quiet car like the Chevy Malibu, at half the money, which provides a more serene environment for a long trip.

Infiniti

The very good G series has probably saved Infiniti from extinction and the Coupe is the most Bimmer-like G of them all. This is a true competitor at last and should be considered by those who just can't wait to lay their money down on something with that classy BMW blue ‘n white roundel. Make no mistake, the Bimmer 3 Series is still champion in the sales competition leading by about 5 to 3 overall.

Infiniti

But my bottom line for the G Coupe? It's the closest thing anywhere to the Bimmer's 3 Series dominance. That's Carlos Ghosn again; he's a bit busy as CEO of two major automotive companies, but he still had time to fix Infiniti. I hope he doesn't blow up with some stupid business decision because in saving Infiniti, and in saving Nissan for that matter, his performance puts him up in Ford's Alan Mulally's bracket as the top automotive CEO still standing.

Infiniti

Infiniti JX Concept

The Infiniti JX Concept, a preview of an innovative new 7-passenger/3-row luxury crossover that joins the Infiniti lineup in spring 2012, made its world debut at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The Infiniti JX Concept was unveiled by Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura prior to its display throughout the weekend's activities at the famed Lodge at Pebble Beach.
"The JX Concept advances the Infiniti design language, sharing design cues of the Infiniti Essence concept, yet interprets those elements in ways suitable to the needs of a family luxury crossover," said Nakamura. "From the dramatic front grille and headlight design to the crescent-cut D-pillar and greenhouse shape, the Infiniti JX Concept shines as a fresh, bold alternative to the many flavors of vanilla currently dominating the three-row luxury crossover segment."

Beyond its stunning exterior, the new Infiniti JX Concept is designed to excel in three areas where luxury crossover buyers put an emphasis - interior flexibility and roominess, safety, and innovative hospitality features.
"The three-row luxury crossover segment is one of the fastest growing among all luxury vehicle segments, providing a huge opportunity for Infiniti," explained Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore. "And like every segment Infiniti enters, we plan to shake up the status quo - with a vehicle that is guaranteed to instantly become the new benchmark for style, hospitality, roominess, advanced telematics and safety technologies."
In the interior, for example, the production Infiniti JX will offer what is expected to be class-leading roominess, along with a 2nd row seat design that tilts and slides forward providing exceptionally easy 3rd row access.

"With the JX, you will even be able to leave a child seat latched to the 2nd row while getting in or out of the 3rd row - just one example of the vehicle's inspired flexibility and versatility," added Poore. "The 3rd row isn't the typical penalty box either, with adult-sized room for all occupants and five-and-a-half inches of 2nd row forward-back adjustability."
The Infiniti JX continues Infiniti's tradition of developing world's first technologies, offering the currently available Blind Spot Intervention and adding a new feature, Backup Collision Intervention. With this technology, when the transmission is in reverse, the JX will help the driver detect crossing objects behind the vehicle and, if necessary, the system will automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision.
The Infiniti JX will also offer technologies designed to make owners lives a bit easier and more efficient, such as a 14-speaker Bose® Studio Surround® sound system with Waveguide bass technology and an advanced Infiniti Connection Telematics system that can automatically synch the owner's calendar and provide navigation guidance to appointments. It will also feature the Infiniti Personal Assistant, Infiniti's new personal concierge service with 24-hour access to a live team of professional assistants. The Infiniti Personal Assistant benefit is now offered free-of-charge with every 2012 Infiniti vehicle purchase.
And, in keeping with Infiniti's "Inspired Performance," the Infiniti JX will offer a balance of driving exhilaration and fuel efficiency through a combination of a powerful V6 engine and all-wheel or front-wheel drive. The Infiniti JX will also be the first Infiniti to utilize a sport-tuned, but fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission. The CVT will mimic a step transmission when the Sport mode of the Infiniti drive selector is engaged. Additional information regarding the drivetrain and other systems will be provided at the debut of the production version of the all-new Infiniti JX at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2011.

"As a premium crossover with a real 3rd row - along with Infiniti levels of hospitality and driving pleasure, the new JX is another breakthrough design from the brand that has been breaking new ground for more than 20 years," Nakamura added. "We will continue to challenge conventional thinking."

Infiniti g35

Infiniti g35

Infiniti EX was a concept vehicle till 2007. This luxury crossover SUV was unveiled in the New York auto show in the year 2007. This vehicle has passed all the tests conducted and stood ahead of its competitors. The car has a V6 engine assisted by 5 speed automatic transmission. All wheel drive and the dynamic arch profile and similar features makes ahead the Infiniti EX as the outstanding model of the New York auto show.The car roars from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds and has a top speed of 232 kph. The car has excellent braking facility which do not wear out that much quickly like in other cars.The outstanding feature is the AVM (Around View Monitor), which displays the vehicle in bird’s view mode in the monitor kept in  front of the driver, which allows him to discover the blind spots and can make the parking easy.The second beautiful thing is the Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) which buzzes the alarm when the car touches the Lane. And the system itself aligns the car straight by applying brakes with a limited pressure.Infiniti has provided this EX model with a paint that self heals itself. The paint regenerates and fills the scratches in sometime which depends upon the surrounding temperature and use of resin. Accidental scratches are rectified by its own and the car will regain its smooth finish sooner. All these features will make the Infiniti EX the choice of car for everyone.

                                           Infiniti g35

                                           Infiniti g35

                                           Infiniti g35

                                            Infiniti g35

                                            Infiniti g35