Average Brits Spend One Year of Their Life in Traffic – Here are the Best Cars for Tackling Your Commute
By Motor Match • 01/08/2023
Here are our top 3 expert tips to help you choose and maintain the perfect companion for your commute.
We've all been there, stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, clutching the steering wheel, and mouthing the words to 'Bohemian Rhapsody' on the radio as if it's a lifeline. It's the daily grind, the commuter waltz, the vehicular ballet on the M6 at half-past five.
This dilemma is slightly too common for our liking. A recent survey by FREE NOW even revealed that the average Brit spends nearly one year of their life in traffic. That's enough time to watch the entire "Game of Thrones" series 60 times, learn a new language, or even master the art of sourdough bread baking. With so much time spent on the road, having a car that suits your needs and delivers a comfortable, efficient commute is crucial.
With this rather amusing yet frustrating statistic in mind, it's clear that your beloved motor is practically your second home. That's why at Motor Match, we believe your car should be more than just a steel box on four wheels. It should be a comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable sanctuary that makes the daily duel with traffic more bearable. Here are our top 3 expert tips to help you choose and maintain the perfect companion for your commute.
1. Prioritise Comfort and Convenience
If you spend a lot of time in your car, comfort should be high on your list of priorities. Look for a car with comfortable seats, preferably with adjustments for lumbar support and seat height. Additionally, consider convenience features such as Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone use, a quality audio system for entertainment, and adaptive cruise control to make those long traffic queues more bearable.
For comfortability, you can’t go wrong with the Vauxhall Corsa. This unassuming hero of the motorways might not have the adrenaline-inducing allure of a sports car, but that's not what you're after when you're facing off the M60 during rush hour.
The Corsa was born and bred for the long, winding motorways of Europe, with seats that feel more like plush armchairs than car seats. The suspension is as smooth as that of a much pricier luxury saloon, soaking up those pesky potholes like a sponge.
You won't be getting a Vauxhall Corsa with the expectation of high-octane thrills. Instead, you're investing in a peaceful, serene oasis amidst the chaos of rush hour. After a long day at work, the Corsa’s commitment to ride quality will feel like a warm hug, turning your commute from a necessary evil into a much-needed moment of respite. With the Corsa, it's not about the destination, but the journey - even when that journey involves the occasional unexpected traffic jam.
2. Choose Fuel-Efficient Cars
Fuel efficiency is key for commuting. A car with good miles-per-gallon (MPG) can save you significant money over time. Hybrid and electric vehicles, which have lower running costs, are an excellent choice for commuters. At Motor Match, we have a range of fuel-efficient vehicles that are perfect for the daily drive. Enter the PEUGEOT 208.
The wizards at PEUGEOT have put their eco-friendly thinking caps on with the latest iteration of the 208. This sprightly hatchback is lighter and boasts superior aerodynamics compared to its predecessor. The result? Stunningly impressive fuel economy. The champion in this respect is the 1.5-litre diesel variant, which not only produces fewer emissions but also offers a real-world MPG figure that breezes past the 60mpg mark.
Don't fret if you're a petrol-head; the 208 hasn't forgotten about you. The 1.2-litre, 75hp variant promises an over-45mpg performance during day-to-day driving. The manual and automatic 100hp versions are not just content to match this; they're aiming to surpass it. Even the 130hp auto model, despite its zippy performance, will comfortably sail past the 40mpg threshold.
When it comes to other running costs, the compact 208 doesn't pose a heavy burden on your wallet. But then again, who said being an eco-warrior doesn't come with a hint of sportiness? In a traffic-bound world, the 208 is the green beacon that shows the way towards an eco-conscious, fuel-saving commute.
3. Consider Vehicle Size and Maneuverability
Smaller cars often prove to be excellent city commuters due to their compact size and manoeuvrability. They can be easier to handle in heavy traffic and simpler to park in tight spots. However, if you frequently travel on motorways or have a longer commute, you might want a larger car that offers more stability and comfort.
The art of navigating congested roads isn't just about endurance, but also manoeuvrability, and that's where the Fiat 500 truly shines. With its compact dimensions and responsive steering, the 500 is like an agile ballet dancer, twirling effortlessly through the tightest of traffic scenarios. Whether you're navigating the maze of city streets or negotiating compact parking spaces, the 500 is an absolute dream to handle.
Its small turning circle allows you to make quick and efficient direction changes – invaluable in unexpected traffic jams or sudden detours. Furthermore, its well-weighted steering gives you an impressive feel of the road, with a level of responsiveness that turns every manoeuvre into a smooth and controlled action. Even at low speeds, the car responds eagerly to steering inputs, making it a breeze to handle in stop-and-go traffic. In the Fiat 500, the hustle and bustle of the commute becomes a surprisingly enjoyable ballet of navigation.
Choose the right car for your commute
With the average Brit spending so much of their life in traffic, choosing the right car for your commute is not a decision to be taken lightly. Prioritising comfort and convenience, fuel efficiency, size, safety features, and maintenance can transform your commute from a chore into a much more pleasant experience.
At Motor Match, we are here to help guide you in finding the perfect commuter car that suits your budget and lifestyle. Our range of high-quality used vehicles offers something for every commuter, and our expert team is always on hand to provide advice tailored to your needs. With the right car, even the worst traffic can become just another part of the journey, rather than a dreaded part of your day.
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