Entertainment

<p style="margin-left:0px;">Ever fancied taking a totally plastic, totally fantastic shopping-spree in your very own Barbie Dream Car? Well, now you finally can. Thanks to the power of AI, we’ve given your favourite cars the hottest, pinkest make over possible.&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Batteries not included.&nbsp;</p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">1. Audi Q3&nbsp;</span></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">An Audi that’s always dressed to impress.&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/image_016e530c2f.png"></span></h2><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">2. Ford Fiesta&nbsp;</span></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The Ford Fiesta, where fashion meets the fast lane.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/image_4ed08ca0c1.png"></span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">3. Mazda 2&nbsp;</span></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Living life in the pink lane.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/image_7a0ec49d6d.png"></span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">4. MINI Hatch&nbsp;</span></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Steering towards fashion with Barbie’s MINI Hatch.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/image_6f45ab3caf.png"></span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">5. Kia Picanto&nbsp;</span></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Accelerate your style with the Kia Picanto.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/image_ba6660f219.png"></span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">6. Range Rover Sport&nbsp;</span></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Perfect for any country Barbies.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/image_600734482a.png"></span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">7. Suzuki Swift&nbsp;</span></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Glide to glamour in a Suzuki Swift.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/image_bba041bb4b.png"></span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">8. Toyota IQ&nbsp;</span></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Definitely not new from Mattel, the Toyota IQ.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/image_64bf490d1b.png"></span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">&nbsp;9. VW Golf 8&nbsp;</span></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Golf 8. Full glam.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/image_afd70880fe.png"></span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">10. VW Up&nbsp;</span></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Strutting up the runway with an all-plastic VW Up.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/image_423cd5b245.png"></p>

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We took popular vehicle brands and used AI to find out how they would look as Barbie Dream Cars.

Using AI To Turn Popular Cars into Barbie Dream Cars

Advice

<p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">One of the most important factors to consider when buying a new car is how fuel-efficient it is, especially if you drive a lot of miles per year. In this article, we’ll run through some of the most fuel-efficient cars on sale today.&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">How is Fuel Efficiency Measured?&nbsp;</span></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Miles per gallon is the standard measure of fuel efficiency in the UK, although the European Litres per 100km standard is sometimes quoted by German, French and Italian car manufacturers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">How do you work out fuel efficiency?&nbsp;</span></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Many modern cars have an MPG readout on the digital dashboard, but if you want to double-check your MPG, or calculate it yourself, it’s quite simple:&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">When you fill-up your tank, reset your car's trip computer.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Drive until you need to fill up again, alternatively, you can monitor it over a long journey, as long as you fill up again at the end.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">When you fill-up again, make a note of the amount of fuel dispensed.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">With your data collected, first convert the number of litres used into gallons by dividing by 4.54.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Then divide the number of miles by the number of gallons.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li></ol><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">This gives you the MPG figure for that tank of fuel/journey.&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">What are the most fuel-efficient cars in the UK?</span></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">With most car manufacturers focussing their research and development on improving fuel efficiency, there are plenty of cars to choose from if you want a high MPG figure: Here’s our top list of fuel-efficient cars in the UK.&nbsp;</span></p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">7. Mercedes C-Class C300 e - 470 MPG</span></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/Mercedes_C_Class_C300_f63abdda1a.jpeg"></span></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Since its introduction, the C class has been a top contender in the luxury saloon market, but with the latest hybrid powertrain, it is also one of the best options for fuel efficiency.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Achieving over 470 MPG in Mercedes’ tests, it far surpasses the next best petrol or diesel hybrid cars. The large battery pack contributes significantly to this enormous MPG figure, meaning it can drive quite a distance before even needing to call upon the 2.0L petrol engine.&nbsp;</span></p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">6. Skoda Octavia iV - 256.8 MPG&nbsp;</span></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/Skoda_Octavia_i_V_95380a226a.jpeg"></span></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">If you need more boot space and don't want an SUV, the Skoda Octavia iV could be the perfect option. It boasts over 250 miles per gallon from its 2.0-litre petrol engine and hybrid motor combination but affords over 500L of boot space. Making it a very functional and efficient family car.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">As with other Skodas, the interior and trim is purposeful and well-made. Whilst the tech has improved massively over the last 5-10 years, they’re still slightly behind the competition of Mercedes and BMW in finish level and luxury.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">5. BMW 330e - 217 MPG&nbsp;</span></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/BMW_330e_f099992c16.jpeg"></span></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The BMW 3 series is another saloon car favourite, boasting impressive handling and road-holding capabilities alongside the comfort and luxury required of a German cruiser.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Alongside the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, the 330e has a large battery and motor combination pushing the total horsepower to nearly 300 bhp. The 330e slightly outpaces the C300 e to 60mph, too.&nbsp;</span></p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">4. Peugeot 308 Hybrid 180 - 210 MPG&nbsp;</span></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/Peugeot_308_Hybrid_e8b9162b8d.jpeg"></span></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">If you don't need the height and bulk of an SUV or the luggage space of an Estate, the Peugeot 308 Hatchback might fit the bill nicely. It has just enough room to carry 5 adults and a reasonably sized boot.</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The 1.6-litre petrol engine and motor propel the car to 60 in around 7 seconds, meaning it has a reasonable turn of pace.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It can also do nearly 40 miles on electric power alone, meaning if your commute to work is short, you might never need to fill up at the petrol station between weekends!&nbsp;</span></p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">3. Lexus NX Hybrid - 84 MPG</span></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/Lexus_NX_Hybrid_65174eaa4d.jpeg"></span></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">As the first SUV in our lineup of fuel-efficient cars, the Lexus NX is a great choice for efficiency, luxury and SUV styling. Packed with incredible safety features including the latest dynamic radar cruise control for collision avoidance.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">At 84 MPG it does not fare as well as the saloons and estates it competes with, but it still does well, considering its nearly 2 tonne kerb weight.&nbsp;</span></p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">2. Toyota Prius - 67.3 MPG&nbsp;</span></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/Toyota_Prius_e66f45f5fa.jpeg"></span></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The car that popularised the hybrid technology still remains one of the most commonly seen petrol/electric vehicles on the road. Considering the Toyota has incredible reliability scores, great MPG and clever packaging, it's not too surprising.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Favoured by Uber drivers the world over, the Prius offers plenty of space for 5 adults and their luggage and is not likely to break the bank on fuel costs or repairs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The 2023 model achieves just over 67 MPG, it’s important to note that this is the first <i>self-charging hybrid</i> listed, plug-in hybrid MPG figures are often higher than self-charging ones, as they include the energy put into the battery via home charging, whereas self-charging hybrids need no additional energy other than filling up with petrol.&nbsp;</span></p><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">1. Hyundai Tucson PHEV - 80 MPG&nbsp;</span></h3><h3 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/Hyundai_Tucson_PHEV_d154af04bc.jpeg"></span></h3><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">If you’re looking for a more affordable Hybrid SUV, the Tucson is a great choice, with over 80 MPG achievable, and more than 550 litres of luggage space in the rear, it’s perfect for the cost-conscious large family.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Like many other PHEVs discussed, the Tucson can do nearly 40 miles on electric-only power, with the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine kicking in to help out when required.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Hyundai has really begun to target the high-end sector with their recent models, with premium features like smart parking assist, radar cruise control and top-spec infotainment systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Affordable repairs for any budget</span></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Make your repairs work for your budget. Split the cost into interest-free monthly payments at 1000s of partnered garages and dealerships nationwide.&nbsp;</span></p><div class="raw-html-embed"><a href="https://www.bumper.co/"><button class="border rounded-full py-0.5 px-1 bg-accent border-tone-contrast w-auto">Find a service partner</button></a></div>

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Lowering your fuel consumption is something everyone is keen to do but what cars currently on sale offer the best MPG figures? Our latest article lists the top picks. 

7 Best Cars For Fuel Efficiency | UK 2023 Guide

What are the Most Fuel Efficient Cars You Can Buy in the UK?

For Partners

<p style="margin-left:0px;">This month's Dealership of the Month award goes to Chiswick Honda &amp; MG, part of the Norton Way Group.&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Having recently gone live with Bumper’s PayLater and PayNow solutions, the Chiswick team have won the award for their instant adoption of these payment methods into their process across the business. &nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Regional Account Manager Jack McHale said, “I’m delighted to hand the award to the dealership. Their win is a recognition of a shared performance with both the sales and aftersales departments utilising Bumper to benefit their customers with a choice of payment options.&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/Chiswick_Honda_and_MG_With_Jack_Mc_Hale_0d587a1e55.jpg"></p><p style="margin-left:0px;">“The teams have integrated Bumper into their daily conversations with customers following their training and recent launch. The feedback from the customers, service advisors, and sales execs has been great; with them all stating&nbsp;the ease of use as a key reason for its rapid uptake and success”.&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Congratulations to William, Tracy, Elliott and the whole team at Chiswick Honda &amp; MG.&nbsp;</p>

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The Dealership of the Month award celebrates one of the top performing dealerships on the Bumper network. Bumper’s Jack McHale delivers the award to the team.

Dealership of the Month: Chiswick Honda & MG

Chiswick Honda & MG Take Home Dealership of the Month Award 

<p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Everyone knows Michelin Tyres - the company with the jolly man made of tyres as its mascot. You’ve also most likely heard of Michelin stars – stars awarded to high-quality restaurants around the globe. But did you know they’re both the same company? This is how a tyre company started giving out the world’s most prestigious restaurant awards.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Back in the 1880s in France, when there were very few cars on the roads, brothers Andre and Edourard Michelin needed a way to increase their tyre sales. To get drivers out on the streets and using more tyres they had the bright idea to create a guidebook.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The guide initially focused on essential travel information like maps, instructions on how to change tyres, and places to refuel. At first the guides were given out for free in the hopes this would encourage more drivers to use them, until one of the brothers entered a workshop to see a stack of their guides being used to prop up a workbench.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/Michelin_Star_Plaque_3285c4a114.jpeg"></span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Under the assumption that nobody cared about the books because they hadn’t spent their hard-earned money on them, the brothers reworked their guide and began selling them for seven francs each (92p in today’s money).&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Included in this new version was a list of hotels and restaurants. They also removed any paid advertising. Noticing how much influence the guide had on diners’ choice of restaurants the brothers started to send ‘mystery diners’ to write reviews.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">In 1926 their famous star system was introduced. Initially, only one star was used, but five years later they began a one, two and three-star rating system, where one star was worth a stop, two stars were worth a detour and three stars were worth a special journey.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Today the star system is still in use and has become a symbol of a great quality restaurant and top-notch dining across the globe.&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Michelin Man&nbsp;</span></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The Michelin brother’s famous guidebook wasn’t their only stroke of marketing genius. Around the same time as the guide was introduced, the brothers began to use a mascot.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><img src="https://bumper-blog-prod.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/Michelin_Man_1_4d07dbe4fc.jpeg"></span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Almost exclusively known as the ‘Michelin Man’ this mascot made entirely of tyres’ real name is Bibendum. The name comes from ‘Nunc est Bibendum’ which is Latin for ‘it’s time to drink’, as early adverts showed the character drinking a glass of nails to show how strong Michelin’s tyres were.</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Other early adverts depicted Bibendum as a womanizing, cigar-smoking, beer drinker. But luckily, he soon cleared up his act and in the 1920s he was often shown participating in sports like cycling and running or helping families change their tyres.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">It’s safe to say the tyre-shaped mascot has been a work-in-progress for the company, which has now become a refined and instantly recognisable character for everyone. Just make sure you don’t type ‘vintage Michelin man’ into Google or you’ll be in for a bit of a fright!&nbsp;</span></p>

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Michelin isn’t just a tyre company; they also award restaurants with prestigious Michelin stars. This is the story of how it all started.