The increase in business travel and the need for short-term transportation for family trips has made the use of the Internet for booking car rentals an important aspect of travel planning. Companies like Hertz and Enterprise have extensive car rental booking sections on their web sites, allowing consumers to book most types of cars for a relatively low price up to a day in advance. However, there are a few important tips for those who are new to booking car rentals online to remember before diving in.

One important consideration in booking car rentals online is that the rental price, typically in daily price format, is only one cost of renting the car. There is the usual cost of driving a car, with the bulk of that cost coming in the form of gasoline.

Availing temporary auto insurance is a wise thing to do in case you do not have any other general car insurance. This can be done during the course of booking. There are additional charges that include local and federal taxes, in accordance with the state you are in. Usually the price that is advertised is not actually what you end up paying… There are additional charges and fees that creep up.

It’s also important to consider your specific purpose for renting a car. Where you plan to go, how long you’ll need it for and your budget need to be considered too. From economy and compact to premium and utility, various vehicle types are available for reservation via the online car rental booking sites.

Remember to take account of the number of passengers, cargo and other factors, because it’s best to reserve a car with the next highest capacity. So, if you have four passengers and three large pieces of large luggage to take along, you should opt for a five-seater with the capacity for four large luggage pieces.

If you are looking for a car to be able to keep up with your impeccable sense of style as well as your busy lifestyle, look no further than the Audi A3.

The Audi A3 comes in three different power trims, the 2.0 liter front wheel drive, the 2.0 all wheel drive and the 3.2 all wheel drive. All trims are showstoppers and offer the very best features that you always expect from Audi. From 200 to 250 horsepower, the A3 will create rocket speed that you will enjoy keeping up with.

You can get the A3 with every feature imaginable, from the modest advantage point to a high tech model that will blow your socks off. Some of the A3 models come equipped with Bluetooth phone connections, rain and light sensor capabilities, satellite radio and custom designed speakers, and even automatic climate zone control to keep you and your passengers happy. You can choose from simplicity and take it to a premium model with just a small alteration to the price tag.

The hatchback design of the Audi A3 gives this car substance and character. You will marvel at the contemporary design that sets you in a motor class well above all others.

The A3 is perfect for long road trips no matter what the conditions are outside. Equipped with precision handling and pin point control, you can safely transport yourself and your passengers with peace of mind that the A3 will arrive you there safely. Full airbag protection gives you that added senses of assurance that Audi will protect your precious cargo should an accident occur.

The A3 is great on gas mileage and fits right in with giving you the fuel economy you would expect from Audi. Feel at ease tooling around town and car pooling in style when you are behind the wheel of the A3 because this car won’t break your budget.

There are so many reasons why the Audi A3 fits in with any contemporary lifestyle; all you have left to do is just try one on for size.

Looking for a premium sub compact car that will use less gas and help the environment too? Look no further than the Audi A2.

Although not a traditional hybrid per say, the A2 gets such good gas mileage in comparison to others in its class that it helps limit emissions into the environment, therefore leading the way to a green style of living that so many are looking to implement in this day and age.

When it comes to looks, the Audi A2 steels the stage with its adorable concept style design that so many people are looking for. Although small in stature, the A2 dies not lack in personality. This little Audi can whip in out of parking spaces while wearing a cheerful smile all the while. Maybe not every mans version of a chick magnet, but if you are looking for an eco green lover, she will be all over you and this vehicle.

The Audi A2 is classified as a supermini, meaning it is for the most part super small, especially in its class. There are many advantages to driving a supermini, the first one is obviously the gas mileage, on average the A2 gets around 45 miles to the gallon but on freeway driving it can max out in the low 60’s for gas used per gallon.

The Audi A2 goes doesn’t take the term supermini lightly, it’s still great on gas and that’s its main selling point, but the A2 isn’t miniscule. The A2 can comfortably seat four with little problem. This car comes standard with a hatchback, so storage space is minimal but the design and emissions limitations make this an eco friendly environmentalist’s dream car.

The Audi A2 strives to give consumers what they would expect from such a name in the automotive industry. With the environmental movement taking center stage in lifestyles across the country, living green is becoming a mainstay for most people. Choosing a vehicle that can limit the waste being dumped into the air as well as keeping more oil in the ground is a one of the pluses that Audi has created in the A2.

Save your pocket book with the price tag of the A2 as well with all of the gas you are going to be saving through the life of the vehicle. The Audi A2 is the perfect eco friendly car for the green blood running though your veins.

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge

Dodge is looking to spur sales in Germany while at the same time increase the country’s birth rate in a new marketing campaign that’s one for the ages. German women who come to a Dodge dealership with proof of procreation and the resultant pregnancy will get a discount on the Dodge car or minivan of their dreams. Apparently, the birth rate in Germany is precariously low, which has led Dodge to, ahem, conceive this idea. Expecting moms get nine months (clever) deferred financing if they can present proper proof of their pregnancy. Considering women have to pee on those sticks to find out if they’re preggo, we hope local German dealers have plenty of latex gloves and disinfectant on hand. When my wife had some odd cravings when she was pregnant, but never once did she ask for a Dodge. She did tell me once, however, that the Dodge Ram logo looks like a uterus, so maybe this campaign makes sense after all.

[Source: Obscene Desserts, Photo by Viewmaker | Creative Commons 2.0]

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Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA, Tuners, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Toyota

When you think about the Toyota Venza, we doubt the first thing that comes to mind is customization. But that hasn’t stopped Toyota from tapping Street Image, Inc. and long-time partner Five Axis to create a duo of Venza project cars for November’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The two low-slung crossovers (don’t call them wagons) attempt to highlight and accentuate the active lifestyles of the Venza’s core demographic, beginning with the Street Image variant (above) that boasts an upgraded engine and brakes, massive rollers, a lowered ride height, body kit, a black/burgundy interior and a sat-nav-equipped entertainment system. Toyota says the Street Image SportLux version attempts “to give the occupants the feel of a refined sports car while retaining the Venza’s utility and functionality.” We say, good luck.

Five Axis makes a slightly more compelling case for customizing the Venza with a stow-away rack system created by Magna Car Top Systems that can transport everything from bicycles to skis. New front and rear bumpers, wider fenders and pot-hole averse 20×10.5-inch wheels round out the exterior mods on the Venza AS V.

We’ll be checking out both models in Vegas in a few weeks, but check the gallery below now for a preview.

[Source: Toyota Open Road Blog]

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Filed under: Suzuki, Motorcycles

The Suzuki GSX-R1000 has been around since 2001, replacing the venerable 1100 sportbike that couldn’t quite match the performance of the sensational Yamaha R1 that was introduced in 1998. Ever since, the big Gixxer has been battling it out with the other Japanese literbikes for the outright performance crown. For 2009, the model gets evolutionary changes that are meant to eke that extra bit of speed out of the platform, which has shed a few pounds off the slightly porky model of the past few years. One instantly recognizable update is the new dual exhaust cans, now made from titanium in a very swoopy shape. There’s a slight bump in the engine’s compression, which now has larger titanium valves for better breathing potential. The front forks also come from Showa and feature the firm’s new Big Piston technology. All in all, it may not be as flashy as the ABS-equipped CBR from Honda or the new crossplane crank from Yamana, but Suzuki’s definitely been in-the-hunt these last few years. We’ll see how things play out on the track and on the sales floor soon enough. (NOTE: pics are of European model, we’re still waiting for Suzuki to release images of U.S.-spec version.)

[Source: Suzuki]

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Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Volkswagen

When it was first unveiled, the Volkswagen New Beetle’s only mission in life was to emulate and modernize the look of the classic air-cooled Bug that was so popular in America during the ’60s and ’70s. The New Beetle’s first restyling was so minor that you’d be forgiven for not even knowing it had been changed. Not so for the next update, a hardtop of which is due for the 2010 model year with a convertible following one year later. Such ergonomic deficiencies as a huge expanse between the driver and the windshield were acceptable in order to get the look right the first time around, but not any longer. Therefore, expect to see some radical changes for the cute little Bugger that will make what Volkswagen’s own Walter De’ Silva calls “a much more mature product.” The word “mature” doesn’t quite jive with the current New Beetle, so we’re pretty interested to see how far this redesign will go.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd, Photo by Tim in Sydney | Creative Commons 2.0]

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Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Safety

California recently banned talking on cellphones, and then followed up by making texting illegal, while driving. For a moment there, it was looking like all you were going to be able to do behind the wheel in California was, you know, drive. But thanks to the dedication of Governor Schwarzenegger, individual freedoms have not been extinguished. Promising to only sign bills that are “the highest priority for California,” Arnie vetoed a bill that would ban driving with dogs in your lap.

While we understand the spirit of the veto — California does have much bigger issues to deal with than lapdogs — we do sometimes wonder why a 40-pound kid has to be in a child seat, but a 40-pound, unpredictable animal can take a nap between you and the steering wheel.

[Source: AP, | Photo CC | Credit: Katrinkles]

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Filed under: Motorsports, Sports/GTs, Safety

It was bound to happen, but it hurts nonetheless. The KTM X-Bow is hot off the presses, and it didn’t take long for some brand new ones to show up on the ‘Ring in Germany with their new owners behind the wheel. That hallowed circuit has led to the demise of more than a few machines, not to mention their drivers, and will inevitably continue to claim casualties as racers test their skills on its winding asphalt. The latest victim is one of the aforementioned German-powered, Austrian-built sportscars from KTM. According to reports, the car spent some time skidding on two wheels — fitting considering KTM’s motorcycle heritage — before meeting the barrier and coming to an involuntary halt. Fortunately, it appears as if the carbon-heavy structure did its job well and protected the owner and passenger. It breaks the heart, but rest assured, it won’t be the last. Click on the cropped pic for full-size shots of the carnage. Thanks for the tip, everyone!

[Source: The Sun]

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Misc. Auto Shows, Motorcycles, Rumormill

Harley-Davidson introduced its first official trike in years earlier in 2008 and now looks to flip things around a bit with a new reverse-trike that leans into corners. Rumors indicate that the huge American Motor Company will bring the corner carving trike in concept form to a motorcycle show set to take place next month in Cologne, Germany. If that debut indeed takes place, the machine is likely to be powered by the liquid-cooled Revolution V-Twin engine from the Rod series as opposed to the 45-degree air-cooled mill powering most of its bikes. We’ve known that the company has been working on this design for the past few years, filing patent drawings way back in 2006. The market is definitely ready for it now that Piaggio and Can Am have toed the waters. We look forward to seeing just how accurate these rumors prove to be next month. Thanks for the tip, Moose!

[Source: Wired]

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