It’s a general rule that modified cars attract higher insurance premiums. But if you drive a modified car – as many auto enthusiasts do – the impact on insurance cost depends on the amount and type of modification and how it affects the car’s performance. Different insurance companies also have different sets of guidelines regarding modifications. Some decline to insurance modified cars as they consider the risk to be too high.

Very basically, insurance is offered on a principle of calculated risk. A car insurance company will work out the likelihood of an accident and cost of putting it right again. Based on this figure, insurers will set a premium. In the event of an accident, vehicle owners can make a claim and the company will pay out the agreed amount. You can find some vehicle insurance plans at MoneySupermarket.

Car insurance premiums are set on a number of factors that include both the driver and the vehicle. Regarding the driver, age is a big factor. Income, credit score, marital status and where you live are other considerations. Another big factor is the kind of car you drive – its design, technology (for example, safety features) and the likely cost of repair. Aesthetic modifications such as alloy wheels, body kits and tainted windows can mean slight premium increases, while engine modifications can incur greater cost.

A car is deemed “modified” when it’s altered from its original factory configuration, and unfortunately, this includes alloy wheels and body kits. It doesn’t mean that this will push premiums through the roof, however. Many specialist insurers have built their businesses around custom plans that cater to modified cars, but for cars with slight modifications, it may be cheaper to ask for quotes from well-known insurance brands.

Infiniti has a reputation for producing stylish cars with sporting performance, which have won over fans as demanding as world champion F1 driver Sebastian Vettel. However it wasn’t a smooth ride – there were plenty of hiccups on the way. Nissan introduced the Infiniti brand in 1989, under pressure to compete with Toyota and Honda’s new luxury divisions Lexus and Acura.  Japanese cars ruled the American market in the 1990s, but they still had work to do in a crowded market until really finding their feet in 2003 and establishing the G sedan as a new classic.

Slow off the Line

The first Infiniti G sedan hit the market in 1991 as the G20, a slightly improved Nissan Primera with a 140hp 1.6L V4 engine and luxuries including a Bose stereo.  Sales were slow in a saturated market of compact luxury cars, and it was discontinued in 1997. The G20 returned a few years later and was now marketed heavily to women, but sales still failed to really take off. After some reflection, Infiniti rebranded in 2003 and emerged as a chic and teach-savvy brand for the new millennium.

Pulling Ahead

The 2003 Infiniti G35 Sedan was based on the legendary Nissan Skyline and was named Motor Trend’s 2003 Car of the Year.  The 260hp V6 engine and Infiniti’s intelligent AWD system marked this driveable car as a critics’ favourite and sales rose significantly.  A major redesign in 2007 built upon this progress< and the 2010 G37 saw a facelift as well as a 328hp 3.7L V6 engine with smart injection and a litany of exclusive technological features that are now seen as a hallmark of the Infiniti brand.

A partnership with Red Bull Racing sealed their reputation, and international expansion saw sales rise ever higher in new markets like the Middle East.  Over the years, Infiniti has built its reputation on cutting edge technology and performance in a subtle package that belies its strength – as a car, and as a brand.

The definition of a sports car is often up for debate. It was probably defined best in the age of the classic Triumph Spitfire or the MG Midget – small convertible, two-seaters with aerodynamic design. Now, with models such as high performance saloons, the definition has become broader. It’s without question that a modern BMW 3 Series or an Alfa Romeo could outperform their forebears. A modern performance car would render an old Triumph practically sluggish. In the modern market most people’s idea of a delectable sports car would be an Alfa Romeo.

Alfa Romeo is renowned for their emphasis on style. Year after year they lead the market in design, with people often turning a blind eye to technical deficiencies. The modern Alfa has no such qualms with build quality or reliability and still tops the market on aesthetics.

The Alfa Romeo GT is a beautiful machine, and pleasingly for the used car buyer, it suffers huge depreciation rates. The GT may cost around £23,000 new but older versions are now available for as little as £4,000. Alfa have a fantastic 1.9litre diesel engine at their disposal which is as frugal as it is quick, delivering 150bhp and a lean MPG figure.

In 2006, Alfa released the Brera, which is now available for around £6,500 for the older models. They may be far from brand new, but the drop in price from over £25,000 is appealing. Lookout for Brera’s at motors.co.uk.

The 147 is a brand most people are familiar with and in years to come, will surely be considered amongst the modern classics. They came onto the market in 2001 and have been a real flagship for the Alfa brand. Again the 147 has a reasonably reliable 1.9litre diesel option which will suit the driver with one eye on fuel costs. Performance needn’t be at such a high cost, and many sporty new cars may actually get a better MPG figure than there cheaper super mini counterparts. The 147 may feature prominently on sites such as Motors.

The Alfa Romeo Spider hit the market in 1996 so can be found for under a grand, for the oldest models. It’s a classic cabriolet and you may now and again find models at motors.co.uk.

The Alfa is an achievable used sports car and features highly on the lists of those that aspire to a grander driving experience.

Ariel Atom has been launched in India priced between Rs. 55 to Rs. 85 lakhs. Although we have no roads in the country for such a machine, the two tracks in India are the perfect locations to utilize the power of this car. What do you think, will Ariel even sell ten units of the Atom this year?

Formula 1 has always been about glamour. Although racing means serious business, when the races are done, everything else takes forefront. Parties, shopping and socializing are the three key areas where every Formula 1 driver has his eyes set on in every race. The race which has the glamour of glamour is undoubtedly the Monoca grand prix, which sees the presence of billionaires showcasing their financial prowess with their parties and yacht.

Now the only Formula 1 race which even comes close to giving the Monaco grand prix a run for its money is the fantastic Singapore grand prix. Firstly the race is a night race, which gives it a unique audience. Add to that the fantastic lightning system and tight corners and you instantly have an attractive race. Obviously all racers are exhausted at the end of the race and more so when the race is close to two hours. The Singapore race certainly is one of the must have races I would like to attend.

Note – This is a sponsored article.