Mazda revealed the all-new Mazda CX-3 to the world at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The all-new crossover SUV is the fifth model in Mazda’s line-up of new-generation vehicles to feature the full suite of the company’s award-winning SKYACTIV technology along with a stylish KODO – Soul of Motion design. With the global market launch set for Japan in spring 2015, the CX-3 is set to become a core member of Mazda’s model line-up. Click here for our detailed coverage of the LA Motor Show>>> European models will have a choice of three engines: the petrol SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre in two power versions and the new SKYACTIV-D 1.5-litre clean diesel. Six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic and SKYACTIV-MT manual transmissions will be offered either in front-wheel drive format or with Mazda’s new-generation all-wheel drive system. The all-new Mazda CX-3 will feature Mazda’s latest i-ACTIVSENSE active safety systems as well as superb passive protection from its lightweight yet stiff SKYACTIV-Body. Suited to the needs of a modern market, it also offers a generous infotainment package including the MZD Connect in-car connectivity system. The Mazda CX-3 will be on display throughout the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show along with the all-new Mazda MX-5, the 2015 Mazda CX-5 and the 2015 Mazda6, which are also making their debuts. The show is open to the public from 21-30 November. What do you think of the new Mazda CX-3 crossover SUV? Share your thoughts and opinions with us through comments below.

Hyundais, they’ve come a long way. From being the butt of jokes in the West, today’s Kia/Hyundai range of cars are winning accolades and topping sales charts across the world. On that note then, a ravishing concept from the Korean manufacturer appears. This is the Hyundai HCD-16 Vision G Coupe Concept, and has been unveiled at a media event at the Los Angeles Country Museum of Art, before its public unveiling at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this weekend.

Vision G Coupe Concept


The Vision G is a large grand tourer, has a coupe bodystyle with a “slingshot-like” profile, seats four and features styling that is “purposefully understated”. Hyundai insists that the design has a “chivalrous” theme going around it, with the car not having to stylistically shout to get noticed and respected. The Vision G Concept was designed in California, US, with the design team led by Christopher Chapman.

Vision G Coupe Concept

The insides are sumptuously appointed, with quilted ivory leather upholstery, golden accents and fine wood overlays. When the driver approaches the Vision-G, the doors automatically open, as if by a valet. Hyundai calls the “valet door” feature. The HCD-16 in the nomenclature represents Hyundai California Design center, and the number 16 denoting the 16th concept to come out of that facility.

Vision G Coupe Concept

The Vision G is powered by Hyundai’s 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine, which produces 420 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 519 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. Like the brand’s flagship Genesis sedan which also employs the same engine, the Vision G does away with conventional Hyundai badges, and gets winged Genesis badges, both inside and outside. The Vision G gives a fairly accurate representation of what a Genesis with two doors and more panache could look like.

Hyundai has introduced an Audio Video Navigation System in the Elite i20 Asta (O) and i20 Active SX models. The system features a large 17.78cms (7”) Touch Screen with pre-loaded Maps, satellite-based voice guided navigation, rear camera display and other in-car entertainment and connectivity features.

The system comes with Bluetooth Connectivity that lets the user sync their phone with it and implement functions on screen including dialing, answering and sync their music. The built-in navigation features intuitive and suggestive keyboard allows the user to search locations and helps to reach their destination conveniently. It also imbibes pre-saved routes for easy access.

Using the multimedia’s touch screen and paired compatible Bluetooth mobile phone, one can browse contacts, place calls and even navigate to contacts’ addresses all without touching the phone.

It’s a bit of a mind bender this. You’re probably wondering what the hell is going on here. Well, the digital realm knows no boundaries, so one of India’s most popular cars in recent times just played the core of a premium brand’s entry level model in Photoshop. ‘Automotive Manipulator’ Theophilus Chin has imagined what a sub-Evoque, Range Rover SUV could look like; and he chose the Hyundai Creta as the base for what will essentially be Land Rover’s cheapest.

Most of the bodywork from the Creta has been shaved off, and digitally re grafted with Range Rover Sport elements; apart from the glasshouse and the roof. The front end is straight off the RR Sport, with a few tweaks to accommodate itself into the Creta’s volume. Range Rover or Land Rover branding above the grille would have sealed the deal. The rear view mirrors also come off a Range Rover, we believe.

Hyundai Creta Land Rover Render (2)

The sides also have a distinct Range Rover touch, with Evoque like wheel arch trim and a waistline that emanates from the front fender. A rear quarter window has been added, which gets a prominent kink at the bottom. New alloy wheels come off the new Discovery Sport. The back end of this automotive anomaly seems like the new Range Rover Sport rear ended into a Creta, while some wittiness has gone into making those Creta-Range Rover hybrid tail lamps. The roof rails and “shark fin” rear antenna are still retained from the Hyundai though.

A sub-Evoque Range Rover, if it happens at all, will draw swords against the likes of the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA Class It’ll be an interesting car, but won’t look anything like the renders above, which is just some good food for thought.

The Buddh International Circuit makes a fitting location to thrash out Yamaha's potent new, twin-cylinder 300, the YZF-R3. The Japanese company shook the Indian sportsbike scene with its YZF-R15 a few years back, bringing with it a rich pool of bike technology at the time – fuel-injection, liquid-cooling, four valves per cylinder, a steel spar perimeter frame, six-speed gearbox and a lot more. The bike maker has already upped that game with the V2.0, making the R15 sharper, and adding premium bits including an alloy swingarm, which makes now the right time to introduce Indians to a whole new next level, the R3, a serious Ninja 300 challenger.


You can see the R3 lives up to its rich YZF lineage, looking racy, faired and ready to attack a race track. Where Honda's CBR bikes seem to look tamer today, the YZFs are getting sharper, sleeker and a touch wilder looking. The R3's steeply raked front fascia stares ahead with a macho, twin-light 'don't mess with me' air. The visor bubble is smartly integrated, easy to peer through and works well on track to provide excellent wind protection. Instrumentation is smart and modern with all essential information prominently displayed on a soothingly lit backdrop, and the R3 comes with all the high-quality feel you can take for granted on any Yamaha bike in India.

Grips offer top-notch, plush feel, and the switches, though little used at Buddh, are crisp, and smooth to operate. The levers are easy on your fingers and mirrors solid feeling, and easy to adjust. As with all track-focussed sportsbikes, the R3 comes with a forward biased riding position, that worked perfectly at the fast, flowing Buddh track but isn't overly aggressive for regular street use either.

Since the advent of democracy in 1976, Spanish politics has been dominated by the two largest parties: the Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE) socialist party and right-wing Partido Popular (PP) party. In the 2011 national, regional, and local elections, the PSOE—in power since 2004—was handed widespread defeats, giving the opposition right PP outright majorities in 8 of the 13 regions that were up for grabs, and, nationally, installing PP party leader Mariano Rajoy as prime minister.

The electorate soured on the austerity measures the PSOE had adopted to cope with the country's considerable economic problems—not the least of them the highest unemployment rate in the euro zone—but the PP government has taken many measures even further: It raised income taxes, introduced labor reforms that make it easier for employers to fire workers, weakened the system of collective bargaining (thus lowering wages), and reduced both the numbers and salaries of public-sector, public-health, and education employees. The months following the election turned the spotlight on the indignados—the “indignant ones”—who gathered in Occupy Wall Street–style protests against the cutbacks in major cities nationwide; demonstrations have continued sporadically since then.

An important element of PP policy is its opposition to any further devolution of powers to Spain’s autonomous regions, which are responsible for their own education, welfare, and health care budgets—and where chronic borrowing and overspending have contributed significantly to the nation’s economic crises. Rajoy’s determined centralism has only added fuel to separatist sentiments, especially in Catalonia, where parties advocating outright independence won the regional elections in late 2012. In 2013, the regional parliament set the date for an independence referendum in 2015, although this is unlikely to go ahead because it’s unconstitutional.

THE ECONOMY
The introduction of the euro in January 2002 brought about a major change in Spain's economy, as shopkeepers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and real estate agents all rounded prices up in an attempt to make the most of the changeover from the old currency, and the country became markedly more expensive. This did little to harm Spain's immense tourism machine, at least until the recession began to take its toll in 2009. A weaker euro and an improvement in global economic conditions brought the hospitality industry bouncing back in 2012 and 2013; this reflected, in some measure, a return on the government's €1.5 billion loan to "de-seasonalize" the industry (reducing its dependence on the summer beach-bound holiday market) and expand both the eco-friendly and the upscale cultural components of the Spanish travel experience. With the economy staging a slow recovery (the economy shrank by some 1.2% in 2013), tourism remains a bright spot: Spain's 60-million-plus visitors contribute around 12% annually to the country's GDP.

RELIGION
The state-funded Catholic Church, closely tied to the right-wing PP and with the national Cadena Cope radio station as its voice, continues to hold considerable social and political influence in Spain, with members of secretive groups such as Opus Dei and the Legionarios de Cristo holding key government and industry positions.

Despite the church's influence, at street level Spain has become a secular country, as demonstrated by the fact that 70% of Spaniards supported the decidedly un-Catholic 2005 law allowing gay marriage. And although more than 75% of the population claims to be Catholic—attendance at Mass has been bolstered over the last decade by strongly Catholic South American and Eastern European immigrants—less than 20% go to church on a regular basis.

More than 1 million Muslims reside in Spain, making Islam the country's second-largest religion.

THE ARTS
Spain's devotion to the arts is clearly shown by the attention, both national and international, paid to its annual Principe de Asturias prize, where Prince Felipe hands out accolades to international high achievers such as Philip Roth and Annie Leibovitz, and to homegrown talent such as the golfer José María Olazábal and writer Antonio Muñoz Molina, who has taught at the City University of New York.

Film is at the forefront of the Spanish arts scene. Acclaimed director Pedro Almodóvar notched another triumph in 2013 with his comic take on air travel in I’m So Excited!, starring Spanish leads Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz (who also teamed up with her husband, Javier Bardem, under the direction of Ridley Scott for The Counselor).

In contrast, Spanish music continues to be a rather local affair, though the summer festival scene, including the Festival Internacional de Benicàssim and WOMAD (World of Music and Dance), serves up top names to revelers who come from all over Europe to soak up music in the sun.

While authors such as Miguel Delibes, Rosa Montero, and Maruja Torres flourish in Spain, few break onto the international scene, with the exception of Arturo Pérez Reverte, whose books include Captain Alatriste and The Fencing Master, and Carlos Ruiz Zafón, author of the acclaimed Shadow of the Wind, The Angel’s Game, and Prisoner of Heaven. Spain's contribution to the fine arts is still dominated by three names: the Mallorca-born artist Miquel Barceló; the Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida, who died in 2002; and the Catalan abstract painter Antoni Tàpies, who died in 2012.

SPORTS
With Real Madrid and FC Barcelona firmly established as international brands, and La Liga recognized as one of the world's most exciting leagues, soccer remains the nation's favorite sport. The national soccer team, known as La Roja ("The Red One"), is the only team in the world to have won the European Cup twice and the World Cup in succession. La Roja was a serious contender for its second successive World Cup in summer 2014, but was eliminated early in the group stages. After fútbol, what rivets the Spanish fan's attention are cycling, tennis, basketball, and motorcycle racing. Alberto Contador, who won the 2012 Vuelta de España; Rafael Nadal, the first tennis player to hold Grand Slam titles on clay, grass, and hard court; brothers Pau and Marc Gasol, who play for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies respectively; and Marc Márquez who in 2013 was the youngest winner ever of MotoGP, are national heroes.

Iceland is one of the most dramatic natural spectacles on the planet. It is a land of dazzling white glaciers and black sands, blue hot springs, rugged lava fields, and green, green valleys. This North Atlantic island offers insight into the ferocious powers of nature, ranging from the still-warm lava from the 1973 Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) and the 2000 Mt. Hekla volcanic eruptions to the chilling splendor of the Vatnajökull Glacier.

Iceland was settled by Vikings with strong Celtic elements in the late 9th century. Tradition has it that the first Norse settlers arrived in AD 874, but there is some evidence that Irish monks landed even earlier. Icelanders today speak a language remarkably similar to the ancient Viking tongue in which the sagas were recorded in the 13th and 14th centuries. The Norse settlers brought to the island sturdy horses, robust cattle, and Celtic slaves. Perhaps Irish tales of the supernatural inspired Iceland's traditional lore of the huldufólk, or hidden people, said to reside in splendor in rocks, crags, caves, and lava tubes.

Iceland's near-universal literacy might be attributed to its long tradition of participatory democracy, dating from AD 930, when the first parliament met at  ingvellir. Icelandic tribal chiefs decided to join the Norwegian crown in the mid-13th century, and after many centuries under Norwegian, and later Danish, rule, Iceland finally gained full independence in 1944. Today Iceland is a modern Nordic—most find the term Scandinavian too limited—society with a well-developed social-welfare system and one of the highest standards of living in the world.

Iceland almost defies division into separate regions, thanks to its inlets and bays, thorough lacework of rivers, and complex coastline of fjords, all crowned by an unpopulated highland of glaciers and barrens. To divide the country into four compass directions is to oversimplify, but since the Icelandic national emblem (seen on the "tails" side of every local coin) depicts four legendary symbols—one for each corner of the country—the number is not totally arbitrary.

Reykjavík is the logical starting point for any visit to Iceland, before venturing out into the countryside, where rainbow-arched waterfalls cleave mountains with great spiked ridges and snowcapped peaks. You can climb mountains, ford rivers, watch birds, catch trout or salmon, even tend sheep and cattle at a typical Icelandic farm. The west is an expansive section of rugged fjords and lush valleys, starting just north of Reykjavík and extending all the way up to the extreme northwest. The north is a region of long, sometimes broad valleys and fingerlike peninsulas reaching toward the Arctic Circle. The east has fertile farmlands, the country's largest forest, and its share of smaller fjords. Iceland's south stretches from the lowest eastern fjords, essentially all the way west to the capital's outskirts. It encompasses rich piedmont farmland and wide, sandy coastal and glacial plains. Powerful rivers drain the area, carved with impressive waterfalls. The national parks of Skaftafell and  ingvellir are here, as well as the nation's highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur.

If you’ve ever traveled on a commercial jet, you probably know to avoid picking the middle seat in a row of three. If you purchase a last-minute ticket or you didn’t select a seat before check-in, you might not have any other choice but to sit between two strangers on a long transcontinental flight, but assuming you do have your pick of where to sit, it’s worth spending a few minutes to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

An air carrier’s seat map may highlight certain rows as having additional legroom or a missing seat in front, but airlines typically leave out a few critical details that can mean the difference between a decent flight and a miserable one. Take the row just behind a bathroom for example, or one adjacent to the galley, where chatty flight attendants tend to gather between beverage services on a redeye. You don’t want to end up in either, but without some input from passengers who have traveled on the same aircraft type in the past, it can be tricky to know which seat to pick.

Sites like SeatExpert and TripAdvisor’s SeatGuru take the guesswork out of selecting an ideal seat. Both sites display similar results, but it’s worth dropping by both SeatExpert and SeatGuru before you pick a seat for any upcoming flight. SeatExpert lets you locate the aircraft type using your airline name, flight number, and date of departure, making the process a bit more straightforward for novice seat pickers. If you’re already familiar with your carrier’s fleet (you know a Boeing 737-900 from a 737-800, for example) SeatGuru is probably your best bet.

To get started with SeatExpert, enter your flight details and click “Find your Seat.” If all goes well, a detailed aircraft layout will pop up, with seats colored green (a good seat), yellow (less than ideal), orange (worth avoiding), and red (avoid at all costs). White seats are average, and if you end up there, you should be just fine. Naturally, you’ll have the best experience in a green seat, which typically offer more privacy or additional legroom. Red seats, at the other end of the spectrum, are often located near galleys or lavatories, and may lack a window, floor storage, and a normal amount of legroom.

SeatGuru includes additional info, such as a list of in-flight amenities and reviews from people who have traveled on that aircraft type, along with green, yellow, and red color-coding for great, poor, and terrible seats. You’ll find a bit more detail with select seats as well — for example, the seat map for United’s 787-800 (Dreamliner) makes it clear that seat 27L has restricted legroom, a tiny window, and a tray table in the armrest, giving you less space to sit. 16L, meanwhile, has heaps of extra legroom thanks to its bulkhead position behind the business-class cabin, though you won’t have space to store belongings below the seat in front.

Airlines have caught on to the demand for better seats, of course, labeling preferred rows as “Economy Plus” or “Main Cabin Extra” and charging a premium for a more spacious seat. Oftentimes these roomier rows are located in the front near the restrooms and baby basinet locations, however, so even though an airline may charge the same premium for two seats with comparable legroom, you may still have a better (or worse) experience in one location than another. Just as you might not get a better return when you blindly purchase a higher fare or a more expensive bottle of wine, the same applies to pricier seats.

Some seats are better than others in premium cabins as well. Just as you do in coach, you’ll want to avoid seats near the lavatory or galley while seated in business or first class. An expensive flat-bed seat will only go so far when the flight attendants are clanging dishes and silverware after the meal service or blabbering away on an overnight flight. If you want to have the best experience, be sure to review your aircraft seating plan thoroughly before you board the plane, and keep an eye on the seat map after you check in—passengers may change flights or get upgraded to first class, opening up better seats just before departure.

There are travelers and there are “super travelers,” the savvy ones who are constantly booking new flights and always on the go. These are the frequent flyers who use priority lanes, know exactly which seat to book on each type of aircraft, and essentially feel at home in an airport. For those already at that level, or anyone aspiring to get there, this list will help you reach that super status.

GLOBAL WI-FI: XCOM GLOBAL
Xcom Global

When traveling internationally, it’s easy to rack up cell phone charges. Instead of paying your wireless carrier to use data while overseas, Xcom Global will rent you a personal wireless hotspot that conveniently fits in your pocket or bag. You can order online, and the personal device is shipped directly to your home or business along with a prepaid return label. Rates are reasonable, and the device will provide hours of Internet access and save you on cell phone bills in the long term.

EXTRA BATTERY LIFE: JACKERY
Jackery

Cell phones and personal tablets have become part of our daily routines, and one of the worst feelings is when your device dies. With a wide range of battery backups, frequent travelers need something that won’t lose charge after one or two uses. Jackery offers that and comes in different sizes and styles. The extra weight in your carryon will be worth recharging multiple times.

SKIP THE LINES: GLOBAL ENTRY


When flying international, coming home is usually a strenuous process, as the lines can be long and tedious. With a fast application and interview process, Global Entry provides travelers with a speedier re-entry into the country with a quick scan and no lines.

LOUNGE IT UP: PRIORITY PASS
Priority Pass

The airport doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With the purchase of Priority Pass, you can gain access to hundreds of lounges in airports around the world. It doesn’t matter what airline or frequent flyer program you are associated with, Priority Pass will provide you entrance, and with a convenient app for smart phones that offers all the possible options in each airport, it saves time and allows for that extra relaxation period before your flight.

WORK ABOVE THE CLOUDS: GOGO INFLIGHT PASS
Gogo Inflight Pass

Flying domestic? There is no excuse for not working while flying with Gogo Inflight Internet. You can save some money by purchasing a monthly or yearly package, so each time the plane reaches a cruising altitude, you can simply log in and start surfing, working, or playing.

HASSLE FREE LUGGAGE: LUGGAGE FREE
Luggage Free

If you are traveling to multiple destinations for extended periods of time, don’t drag your luggage around with you from place to place. Luggage Free will pick up your bags from your hotel and have them waiting for you at your final destination, saving time and alleviating the stress of baggage claims.

THE PERFECT PACK: BRENTHAVEN PACK
Brenthaven Broadmore

Go ahead and leave your laptop in your bag. This Brenthaven Broadmore backpack is TSA approved and when unzipped, lies flat like a tray. You just have to undo one zipper, and the scanner’s X-ray can see right through the material, allowing you to leave everything inside the bag. The multiple storage compartments and ample space permit heavy-duty packing and storing all of your gadgets.

UNPLUG: SOL REPUBLIC
Sol Republic headphones

There’s nothing worse than being confined by your headphone wires. Wireless headphones powered by Bluetooth are a great option when traveling, and they filter out all the distracting airplane noise. Sol Republic wireless headphones have a play time of approximately thirteen hours and can be taken apart easily for convenient carryon storage.

PACK IN STYLE: BRIGGS & RILEY/HOOK & ALBERT
Hook & Albert garment weekender

Super travelers know investing in good luggage is worth the price. The three-piece hard-shell Torq line by Briggs & Riley comes with a lifetime performance guarantee and is extremely lightweight while still providing that extra comfort of knowing your personal belongings are safely secured. For quick trips, the perfect weekender is a necessity. The Hook & Albert garment weekender is not only stylish, but it’s also beyond practical. The weekender unzips and unfolds into a garment bag with strategically placed compartments for easy storage.



TREAT YOURSELF: MALIN + GOETZ
Malin + Goetz travel kit

Flying can leave you looking and feeling exhausted. During your flight, take some time to wash your face or lather up on lotion. Malin + Goetz offers a starter kit and many other travel-sized products in their line. Their high quality products are used in the best hotels all around the world.

Lexus has made a break with the rest of the conventional car industry by dispensing with old-technology wheels and creating a hoverboard, similar to the one ridden by Michael J Fox’s character Marty McFly in Back to the Future 2. The Japanese car brand – the premium division of Toyota – has always been proud of its use of advances in automotive technology, such as its reliance on hybrid engines, but it has gone one step further with this latest innovation. It has worked with experts in super-conductive technology to create what it claims is one of the most advanced hoverboards yet invented. The concept is the latest project in a campaign called Amazing in Motion, which is designed to demonstrate the company’s commitment to pursuing new possibilities in advanced design and technology. The team working on the project has combined magnetic levitation technology with liquid nitrogen-cooled superconductors and permanent magnets: together, these give the hoverboard frictionless movement of a kind that had previously been thought the preserve of science fiction. Although a totally different kind of transportation, Lexus asserts that the hoverboard does in fact share design cues with the brand’s current model line-up, including its signature spindle grille. It also says that some of the same materials used in its cars are part of the hoverboard, from some of its latest technology to natural elements such as bamboo. Mark Templin, executive vice-president of Lexus International, said: “At Lexus we constantly challenge ourselves and our partners to push the boundaries of what is possible. “That determination, combined with our passion and expertise for design and innovation, is what led us to take on the hoverboard project. “It’s the perfect example of the amazing things that can be achieved when you combine technology, design and imagination.” The hoverboard prototype is being tested in Barcelona in the coming weeks prior to the campaign’s launch this summer.

A boom in cycling and an accompanying rise in cyclists getting killed and injured on our roads mean we all have to be more careful when driving near them Success on the road and track by the nation’s cycling greats – along with the increased costs of public and private transport – has seen the number of cyclists on Britain’s roads explode in the last few years. Indeed, figures from the Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC) show that the number of cyclists on our roads has increased every year since 2008. At the same time – and perhaps not surprisingly, especially considering the voluntary (and, therefore, patchy) implementation of Bikeability, the successor to the old cycling proficiency test – road collisions involving the death or serious injury of cyclists have also increased in recent years. All drivers, but particularly those in busy or built-up areas, therefore need to be alert to the presence of cyclists and mindful of how they use the road. The Guild of Experienced Motorists (GEM) is promoting five useful tips for drivers for sharing the road with cyclists that could help create a safer environment on the road for them. First, good observation is a key skill at all times, but especially at junctions. This, combined with patience, will help ensure safer journeys for drivers and cyclists. And as drivers, we should always attempt to defuse tension, not increase it. Next, don’t get stressed when a cyclist performs a risky or illegal manoeuvre – and don’t attempt to rebuke someone whose riding behaviour offends you. It’s also not a good idea to assume that if one cyclist does something dangerous, then all cyclists do it. You should also bear in mind that cyclists are entitled to the full lane of a road, not just the extreme left part: they need to make their way around hazards such as potholes or drains, so anticipate this and give them the space they need to stay safe. It’s also important to give cyclists plenty of space when passing them – ideally as much space as you would give when overtaking another car. Try to avoid squeezing past or starting to overtake when you can’t see far enough ahead to know you can complete it safely – just as you would any other manoeuvre.

An all-new version of the Volkswagen California camper van has been announced Volkswagen has announced the all-new version of its California camper van. The new California is based on the new Volkswagen Transporter and gets the more efficient engine line-up, improved equipment, a new infotainment platform and the option of adaptive suspension for the first time. It is unique in being the only factory-produced camper van on the market and more than 100,000 have found homes since the model was introduced in 1988. As before, California comes in two versions although the naming conventions have changed. The California Beach remains as an entry-level product with just a basic furniture set that converts into a bed and a pop-up elevating roof. The higher spec California SE is replaced by the California Ocean, which features a full kitchen, 42-litre fridge and automatic elevating roof. Volkswagen claim efficiency improvements of up to 15%. Engines available for the new range are set to include the 2.0TDi in a range of outputs, starting at 100bhp, and likely to include 148bhp and 177bhp versions. A 2.0TSI version will also be offered with outputs up to 200bhp. Four-wheel drive and DSG automatic versions are also to be offered. The Transporter T6 also features a Driver Alert system which detects behaviour consistent with tiredness and recommends taking a break. Brake Assist registers the speed at which the brake pedal is depressed and helps ensure the most efficient braking possible is applied and the Post-Collision Braking System helps ensure safety in the event of an accident by slowing the vehicle down to prevent follow up accidents. UK prices and final specifications for the California have not yet been announced.

So Chris Evans has signed a three-year deal to present Top Gear. Should fans of the show be celebrating tonight? Or just the Ferrari PR team, given Evans’s famed love of all cars bearing the Prancing Horse? I must confess I’m still scarred by Evans’ insistence, while writing a car review for a national newspaper last year, that the Toyota Aygo was “appalling” and then just a few weeks later calling the Peugeot 108 – a car that’s nearly identical in all but styling – “scrumptious”. But tonight I’m reminding myself – repeatedly – that to use that as evidence to suggest he knows nothing about cars would be wrong. As fans will know, Evans has spent a large fortune buying up cars over the years, notably Ferraris and, even more notably, record-breakingly expensive ones. He also makes a point of using his cars, both by handing them over for people to drive for charitable purposes and because he loves them. I won’t be the first car hack tonight to claim to know someone who knows someone who knows Evans, and the word is that he spends more time lusting after great cars than almost anyone else on the planet, and that he delights in making sure they’re all driven, rather than stored as investments. What’s more, if you see him at Goodwood, the British Grand Prix, or Car Fest, you’ll soon realise that the infectious enthusiasm that has long been his trademark is off the Richter Scale when he’s surrounded by his four-wheeled friends. So much though his 108/Aygo confusion grates, all the signs are that he’s a car guy through and through – at least as far as the top end of the market is concerned. For fans of Top Gear, that must be a good thing, even if it doesn’t guarantee success in his new career. In truth, it’s what happens next that really matters. Given the BBC revealed tonight that filming of the new Top Gear will start within weeks, it’s fair to assume that there will be a drip-feed of details on Evans’ co-presenters, although it’s also interesting to note that they’ve already broken the ‘three musketeer’ format by announcing Evans alone. The chemistry between these presenters will be critical. So will Evans’s commitment to the cause; a famous workaholic he may be, but combining Radio 2 duty with Top Gear and more is a huge task. And then there’s the format: Evans and his paymasters must surely know that doing the same as what went before is a one-way ticket to paling in comparison. Today’s announcement is but a small step for the rebuilding of Top Gear. For now, though, we should enjoy the speculation and anticipate the end result. I’m not certain that it’ll be good, but I am sure that today’s appointment guarantees that I’ll be tuning in to find out.

What is a hydrogen car? How much do they cost? How far can I drive one? We’ve got all the answers. What is a hydrogen car? Hydrogen cars use a fuel-cell system that generates electricity from a chemical reaction, which powers a motor to drive the wheels. They act and drive just like a normal car, but are much quieter and more refined. Hydrogen cars are still in their infancy, with only a few manufacturers adopting the new technology at this early stage. However, hydrogen is the simplest and most common element in the universe – and with zero tailpipe emissions (aside from heat and water), it makes absolute sense for cars of the future to run on this abundant natural gas. However, there are drawbacks – not least the price. The Toyota FCV – due on sale in September this year – is set to cost more than £40,000, and with no confirmed government incentives you’d have to be seriously committed to the cause to ever consider buying one. The Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell, available to order now does benefit from a funding grant per vehicle, but the base price of around £53,000 is still very high. In comparison, electric-car buyers currently benefit from a £5,000 plug-in car grant – significantly reducing the initial purchase price. How far can I drive a hydrogen car? The only production-ready hydrogen-fuelled car in the UK is the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell, which the manufacturer claims can travel up to 369 miles without stopping to top up. Refuelling is as simple as it is for conventional petrol or diesel cars – although the tiny number of hydrogen filling stations limits driving range for now. Other hydrogen fuel-cell cars have a longer real-world range, but haven’t been approved for production. The Toyota FCV for example, can cover 434 miles on a single tank. General Motors (the company that sells Vauxhalls in the UK) has invested in hydrogen-fuelled cars, too. The GM HydroGen4 is an SUV said to be capable of 200 miles between fill-ups, and should go on sale in the US next year. How much does hydrogen cost? A kilogramme of hydrogen currently retails for around £4. However, a suitably equipped car should be able to travel much further on a kilo of hydrogen than it can on a litre of petrol or diesel. Figures released by ITM Power, a leading British electrolyser company, show that hydrogen works out at roughly half the price per mile of diesel. Should I buy a hydrogen car? Currently, the only production-ready hydrogen-fuelled car is the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell and it’s available to order now from Hyundai directly. The first six have already been delivered to their new owners, but this was more of a trial than a full launch. Hyundai monitored how the cars performed ahead of the model’s rollout. The Toyota FCV is another hydrogen-fuelled car expected in the next 12 months. It initially appeared at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, and is expected to be on sale in Japan by April 2015. A European launch is expected in September 2015. Where can I buy hydrogen? Unfortunately, you might struggle to run a hydrogen car in the UK right now. There are currently around 14 operational hydrogen filling stations in the country, and the network is slowly growing. There are three in London – three more should be in place by the end of 2015 – and one in the Outer Hebrides islands in Scotland. However, northern England and most of Scotland remains a black spot, as there are no filling stations – planned or otherwise – between Sheffield and Aberdeen. So, should you buy a hydrogen car? The simple answer is no – not yet. But as the infrastructure improves over the next few years and they become easier refuel, hydrogen cars will become a much more feasible option in the UK. Share

Drivers in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea could soon face legal action as the Council moves to prosecute drivers for excessive noise. Supercars could soon face prosecution in parts of London as local councils move to ban excessive noise. Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council has this week launched a consultation to introduce new measures to tackle what it calls “the problem of supercars” in and around the Knightsbridge area. Known locally as a hotspot for supercar traffic, residents are complaining about excessive noise levels and anti-social behaviour. As part of its consultation, the council says it will be looking to address “the issue of high-performance cars speeding in the streets, drivers revving engines and vehicles causing obstructions.” To tackle the problem, the council is looking to introduce a Public Space Protection Order for the area, which would allow restrictions to be imposed and drivers to be prosecuted for breaking them. Fixed penalty notices of up to £100 could be handed down to drivers. Under the new rules, drivers could be prosecuted for revving their engines, speeding, demonstrating “sudden or rapid acceleration,” driving in convoy, racing, leaving the engine turned on in a stationary vehicle, performing stuns, sounding horns (when deemed to be causing a public nuisance), playing loud music, using threatening or intimidating behaviour or causing an obstruction. Speaking to Autocar, the head of Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council Nick Paget-Brown said: “It will need to be enforced jointly by the Police and by the Council’s Noise Nuisance Department. We want to send a clear message to these drivers that we would prefer them not to come into the area with their supercars.” If approved, the Public Space Protection Order would remain in place for three years, but could be extended further. The order can be imposed under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act introduced in the UK last year. Councillor Tim Ahern, Cabinet Member for Environment, Environmental Health and Leisure, said: “I know there has been a lot of coverage of expensive cars racing around Knightsbridge and also parking up and revving their engines. We want to take steps to discourage these drivers from their antisocial behaviour.” Blog – Is London’s supercar crackdown a good idea? Local resident and councillor Quentin Marshall told The Sunday Telegraph: “The noise goes on all day but it is worse in the evenings and at night. It used to be limited to the summer, but now it is becoming pretty much all year round. We are just trying to stop these people who are abusing the rules and using their cars to make a very loud noise.” Writing in The Guardian, Paget-Brown said: “We’re not killjoys. I know the joy of taking my wheels for a ride on a summer’s evening – but my Honda Jazz and Elgar CD are barely audible even at the kerbside. “McLarens, Ferraris, Bugattis and Lamborghinis are a very different story. “Over the past few years, Knightsbridge has become a magnet for a number of young men, mostly from the Middle East, who drive supercars. It’s a sort of competitive peacocking really and routes and behaviours have quickly evolved – including speeding, causing obstruction and, worst of all, engine revving.” Paget-Brown later clarified that the make of the car was less important than the noise it was capable of generating: “It’s not the make of the car, it’s the level of noise it generates,” he said. “The message needs to be that if you’ve got a car that makes a loud noise and that part of the attraction of your car is in revving the engine, then don’t bring it into this area of London. “Anybody who has a car which is not capable of being driven quietly should be very careful before they bring it into the area.” Paget-Brown also hinted that other London boroughs “will be looking closely” at the scheme, suggesting that if it is successful the new order could be adopted in other parts of the capital. Some owners have fought back, however, saying the Council shouldn’t group all supercar owners together. Speaking to SWLondoner, one local resident and Lamborghini Aventador owner – who hasn’t been named – said: “It may be an extravagance but it’s one I’ve worked hard to achieve and it’s wrong to group all luxury sports car owners together as anti-social nuisances or hedonistic men going through a mid-life crisis.” “Yes loud engines are part of the fun of one of these cars but I have always been considerate with mine.” Youtuber Smee150 regularly documents the influx of supercars onto London’s streets during the summer season, as can be seen in his video below.

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For decades, mesothelioma, a life-threatening disease that can affect the lungs, abdomen, and several other major organs, has been linked to prolonged exposure to asbestos.Typically, mesothelioma victims were exposed to asbestos while working at a job site that used asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). In many cases, the manufacturers of asbestos and ACMs knew of the hidden dangers and risks of asbestos, yet failed to inform the public, as asbestos was an extremely profitable mineral. Because of the hinderance of information, workers who developed health issues from asbestos exposure may be eligible for financial compensation to cover expenses such as lost wages, medical bills, emotional suffering, physical pain, and more. If you suffer from an asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible for a large amount of compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, set up for those who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. Use our free Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool to find a top mesothelioma attorney in your area. What Does a Mesothelioma Law Firm Do? Mesothelioma law firms are different from any other type of law firm. Whereas other law firms may specialize in specific areas such as car accidents or nursing home abuse, mesothelioma law firms focus primarily on mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. It’s not recommended to retain legal representation from a general practice law firm or even a personal injury law firm that specializes in a wide array of injury cases. You’ll need an attorney who specifically specializes in mesothelioma cases, as these types of lawsuits are extremely intricate and require vast, in-depth understanding of asbestos exposure and diseases. Attorneys in a mesothelioma law firm have the knowledge and experience regarding federal and state laws concerning asbestos use and its history in the workforce. They also have sharp investigative skills and are able to dig deep to uncover when and where companies and/or other entities exposed workers to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma law firms are comprised of educated attorneys who understand the legal process involving courts, trials, settlements, and appeals. Moreover, an experienced malignant mesothelioma law firm understands that the victim is already suffering enough because of the medical and financial problems associated with asbestos-related diseases. As a result, the law firm will handle most everything regarding the lawsuit, including fighting for the legal rights of the client, interviewing witnesses, obtaining medical history, litigations, and more. A dedicated mesothelioma law firm also understands the severe emotional impact that living with mesothelioma brings, not only to victims, but to family members and loved ones as well. An experienced mesothelioma law firm takes this into account and helps ease the minds of victims and their loved ones throughout this enduring process. What to Look for When Hiring an Asbestos Law Firm Unfortunately, not all mesothelioma law firms are the same. While some may have several years of experience, other law firms are relatively new to the area of mesothelioma. In addition, some law firms may concentrate on other areas of law besides mesothelioma while another law firm may solely focus on asbestos cases. Aside from using your good judgement when determining which law firm you should use, there are several factors you should consider: The law firm should have experience in dealing with mesothelioma cases. The law firm should be extremely knowledgeable in asbestos laws and prior cases. Look for a law firm that focuses solely on asbestos-related cases. Look for law firms with a stellar reputation in handling asbestos cases. The law firm should not only understand asbestos laws, but should also have extensive knowledge of medical problems associated with asbestos diseases. The law firm should always keep you updated on what’s going on in your case. Although attorneys are busy people, they should be accessible. You should always get an initial consultation at no charge before deciding on a mesothelioma law firm. Keep in mind that it’s not recommended to retain a mesothelioma law firm that promises you that you will win your case no matter what. Although statistics show that the majority mesothelioma victims do go on to win their lawsuits, there are a variety of factors involved, and no case is guaranteed. An experienced mesothelioma law firm will help you to understand your chances and what is involved, but will never assure that your case is 100% guaranteed. Making Things Easier Although leading mesothelioma law firms do the majority of work for your case, it’s always a good idea to be prepared and make things easier so that the process gets rolling faster. First, make sure to gather your medical documents, including when and where you were diagnosed, and bring this information to your initial meeting. This will allow the law firm to determine if your case can be taken on. Next, be prepared to provide the law firm with your work history and information including the full company name, address, phone number, your job role, and how long you worked there. Finally, start keeping track of all expenses used pertaining to your disease. For example, always keep a copy of medical bills, hospital visits, mileage used to get to appointments, medical supplies, and anything other expense you paid out due to your illness. How a Mesothelioma Law Firm Can Personally Help You When first getting started, victims usually have a plethora of unanswered questions regarding asbestos and their rights. A mesothelioma law firm should be able to provide you with following information: Evidence Related to Your Exposure: Once you provide the law firm with your work information, they should be able to investigate and determine how asbestos was used at your workplace. In some cases, they may already have the information available. If You Truly Have an Asbestos Claim: Mesothelioma law firms understand what’s needed in order to have a true asbestos claim. With this knowledge, they are able to determine how strong your case is and what the estimated chances are that you’ll win. Most attorneys make sure they’re confident in your case before taking it on. Be wary of any attorney who promises to take your case without knowing any of the details or an attorney who claims they can get you an exact amount of compensation before reviewing your case. Your Case Worth: If the law firm decides you have an asbestos case, they will then be able to come up with an average figure of how much your case is worth. This is including past expenses, daily expenses, medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, physical suffering, future expenses, and much more. Keep in mind, however, that there is no set formula as to how much your award amount may be. The aforementioned factors, along with other details, such as if your former company has a trust fund set up or not, will also come into play. Who Exactly is Responsible: It can be difficult for the average person to determine who exactly is responsible for exposing victims to asbestos. For example, companies can move, go out of business, hide, suppress relevant information, and change ownerships. In some cases, your former company is responsible, the manufacturer of the asbestos products may be responsible, or supervisors and/or owners may be responsible. In other instances, there may be just one sole responsible entity, yet in a different case, there may be several responsible parties. Remember that part of an experienced mesothelioma law firm’s job is to research, seek out, and determine the entity or responsible parties that are liable for your exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma Law Firm Fees Mesothelioma law firms may have different fees as well as different payment options. However, an experienced and caring law firm understands that victims of asbestos-related diseases more than likely have enough financial burden in dealing with their illness, and are unable to afford up-front fees for legal representation. As a result, many law firms work on what’s known as a contingency fee basis, meaning that the law firm only gets paid when you get paid. If the law firm doesn’t win your case, they don’t receive compensation either in most instances. The good news, however, is that a law firm has to be confident enough in your case to take it on, meaning there is a good chance that if your case is picked up, it will be successful. Law firm fees are percentages taken out of your total settlement or verdict amount, and again, the percentage amount will vary depending upon the law firm. Make sure you understand how the fees and percentages work with your law firm beforehand so that there will be no confusion later on. If a law firm doesn’t provide a contingency fee basis, there is a good chance that they don’t have to financial resources to successfully prove your case. Keep in mind that you’ll want a law firm that has the financial capability to take on your case on a contingency fee basis. Attorneys without the resources to handle your case usually can’t provide you with the best representation. An ideal rule of thumb is to ask up-front about how the fees work so that there are no surprises later on. Attorneys with your best interest in mind will have no problems answering any questions you have regarding fees and prices. Frequently Asked Mesothelioma Law Firm Questions Do I have to go to court? This is one of the most commonly asked questions, which is understandable, as most people who are dealing with an asbestos-related illness generally do not want to spend time in a court room. Generally, you will not have to go to court. Most mesothelioma lawsuits are taken care of via settlements. In some instances, however, if the defense doesn’t agree on a settlement or if you don’t agree on a settlement, you may have to go to trial, which requires going to court. An experienced mesothelioma law firm will help you through every step of the way, and if you are too ill to attend, arrangements can be made to record your testimony beforehand. What if I don’t know which company exposed me to asbestos? As previously mentioned, part of a mesothelioma law firm’s job is to uncover the parties responsible for your asbestos exposure. The culpable parties are typically manufacturers who supplied asbestos to job sites, which can range from one company to many. I have workers’ compensation benefits. Can a mesothelioma law firm still help me even if I have other compensation benefits? Other compensation benefits, such as workers’ compensation or VA benefits, doesn’t disqualify you from seeking compensation from the companies who exposed you to asbestos. A mesothelioma law firm can help you file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Additional Tips to Remember When searching for a mesothelioma law firm, you shouldn’t narrow your search down to your local community only. There’s a chance that your case may be filed out of state. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer should have no problems flying to your city to meet with you, given that they are out of state. Although the law firm should be able to give you an average figure that you may receive, giving an exact amount is impossible. Any mesothelioma law firm that guarantees you an exact amount should be considered untrustworthy. A mesothelioma should be able to handle not only mesothelioma cases for survivors, but wrongful death cases involving asbestos exposure. Help With Finding an Experienced Asbestos Law Firm

The PHR is a tool that you can use to collect, track and share past and current information about your health or the health of someone in your care. Sometimes this information can save you the money and inconvenience of repeating routine medical tests. Even when routine procedures do need to be repeated, your PHR can give medical care providers more insight into your personal health story. Remember, you are ultimately responsible for making decisions about your health. A PHR can help you accomplish that. Important points to know about a Personal Health Record: You should always have access to your complete health information. Information in your PHR should be accurate, reliable, and complete. You should have control over how your health information is accessed, used, and disclosed. A PHR may be separate from and does not normally replace the legal medical record of any provider. Medical records and your personal health record (PHR) are not the same thing. Medical records contain information about your health compiled and maintained by each of your healthcare providers. A PHR is information about your health compiled and maintained by you. The difference is in how you use your PHR to improve the quality of your healthcare. Take an active role in monitoring your health and healthcare by creating your own PHR. PHRs are an inevitable and critical step in the evolution of health information management (HIM). The book “The Personal Health Record” assists new users of PHRs in getting started, addressing current PHR trends and processes. What Does Your PHR Contain? The specific content of your health record depends on the type of healthcare you have received. Listed below are documents common to most health records and additional documents that accompany hospital stays or surgery. Reports Common to Most Health Records: Identification Sheet – A form originated at the time of registration or admission. This form lists your name, address, telephone number, insurance, and policy number. Problem List – A list of significant illnesses and operations. Medication Record – A list of medicines prescribed or given to you. History and Physical – A document that describes any major illnesses and surgeries you have had, any significant family history of disease, your health habits, and current medications. It also states what the physician found when he or she examined you. Progress Notes – Notes made by the doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers caring for you that reflect your response to treatment, their observations and plans for continued treatment. Consultation – An opinion about your condition made by a physician other than your primary care physician. Sometimes a consultation is performed because your physician would like the advice and counsel of another physician. Physician’s Orders – Your physician’s directions to other members of the healthcare team regarding your medications, tests, diets, and treatments. Imaging and X-ray Reports – Describe the findings of x-rays, mammograms, ultrasounds, and scans. The actual films are maintained in the radiology or imaging departments or on a computer. Lab Reports – Describe the results of tests conducted on body fluids. Common examples include a throat culture, urinalysis, cholesterol level, and complete blood count (CBC). Surprisingly, your health record does not usually contain your blood type. Blood typing is not part of routine lab work. Immunization Record – A form documenting immunizations given for disease such as polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and the flu. Parents should maintain a copy of their children’s immunization records with other important papers. Consent and Authorization Forms – Copies of consents for admission, treatment, surgery, and release of information. Additional Reports Common to Hospital Stays or Surgery: Operative Report – A document that describes surgery performed and gives the names of surgeons and assistants. Pathology Report – Describes tissue removed during an operation and the diagnosis based on examination of that tissue. Discharge Summary – A concise summary of a hospital stay, including the reason for admission, significant findings from tests, procedures performed, therapies provided, response to treatment, condition at discharge, and instructions for medications, activity, diet, and follow-up care. Your records may contain some or all of the documents above. Depending upon your illness or injury, you may use the services of the emergency room, intensive care unit, a physical therapist, or home health nurse. Often these specialized services have unique evaluation, measurement, and progress reports wich you may also find in your health record.

FLEXIBLE POLICY RIDERS: Lincoln Financial life insurance provides ample opportunities to closely tailor a term life or universal life policy to your individual coverage needs. Long-term care and disability income riders provide benefits should you develop a long-term illness or get injured on the job. An accidental death rider offers your family special benefits in the event of your sudden death. If you're interested in extending your policy coverage to a loved one, Lincoln Financial offers a rider just for that purpose. You can even get an accelerated benefit rider that covers your medical costs and nursing home bills in the event of a terminal illness. MULTIPLE TERM AND UNIVERSAL LIFE OPTIONS: Lincoln Financial's term life policies are available for periods as short as one year and as long as 20 years, and many of these policies are eligible for conversion to universal life policies. Both standard and variable universal policies are also available, in addition to a specialized universal policy designed to combine standard universal benefits with long-term care coverage. On top of these policy options, you can select from a variety of additional coverages, including survivorship and joint coverage options, a mortgage life option, and a return of premium option. SOLID POLICY FEATURES: With Lincoln Financial's interest rate guarantee, you can rely on a certain minimum rate of return on a cash value policy, which is especially valuable if predictability is a main concern. You also have the opportunity to choose the level of death benefit while retaining the flexibility to adjust your policy if your needs change over time. Other popular policy features include no-exam term conversions, a level premiums guarantee, and access to the cash value of your policy. Though Lincoln Financial is missing several features offered by some competitors in the market, including a dividend option with paid-up additions, the company still rates quite well in this category. THE BAD WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE NOT AVAILABLE: A key omission in Lincoln Financial's policy lineup, whole life policies are designed to provide predictability with consistent premiums and a guaranteed accumulation of value. These policies make a great option if you have solid long-term goals and want to lock in a policy that you can count on to meet those goals. Universal life policies, which Lincoln Financial does offer, are primarily designed to provide flexible premium payments, though this flexibility comes at the cost of a guaranteed accumulation of cash value. Universal policies are ideal if you want to be able to respond effectively to future changes in your life and your goals. If you're looking for the kind of predictability a whole life policy can provide, Lincoln Financial won't be able to meet your needs, which is pretty disappointing given its success in other areas of life insurance. POOR ONLINE TOOLS AND RESOURCES: Highly valuable features like online quote tools and beginner's guides are nowhere to be found on the Lincoln Financial website. Even more, the relatively basic resources that are available do not offer enough information to help you make sound policy decisions. Instead, each simple policy description provides a link to policy brochures packed with details likely to be too complex for most non-expert shoppers. To be fair, Lincoln Financial clearly prefers that potential clients contact a company representative for personalized service in all these areas. That said, if you're a hands-on shopper who wants to learn about life insurance and work out your policy options independently, Lincoln Financial won't be able to deliver. LIMITED PAYMENT OPTIONS: Lincoln Financial requires all premium payments to be made by personal check, either by mail or by electronic funds transfer, which is a direct transfer from your bank account. In this way, Lincoln Financial probably seems a bit old-fashioned especially if you're accustomed to paying online or via telephone. That said, this is a relatively minor criticism and is probably not going to be a deciding factor for many shoppers.

Imagine this: you're busy working on your computer and need to access documents saved on your external hard drive. You connect it, get ready to find your data, and...nothing happens. Your hard drive isn't working. Uh oh. Before you panic, there are several things you can try on your own before calling in the pros. Data loss can be due to a number of factors, but two are the most common. The first (and easiest to resolve) is software related. You've accidentally deleted an important folder and emptied the recycle bin, or gone and formatted the wrong drive by mistake. The second—and probably most common—cause of data loss is a fault with the hard drive itself. Given the complexity of modern drives it's no wonder that somewhere along the line something will go wrong. When the drive suffers from some form of failure there's often little that you can do yourself to get the data back—professional data recovery services are usually required. However, there are certain failures that you can attempt to resolve yourself. Recover Your Data with Software When dealing with a software data loss, the first and most important thing to keep in mind is not to work with the drive in question. Every second that the drive is connected to a running system is a second that you lose your chances at recovery. Your operating system is reading and writing to your drive constantly, whether you're actively doing something or not. Now that your system is seeing the deleted data as ‘free space' it will happily overwrite this area—along with your chances of recovery. Shutdown the machine connected to the drive you've deleted data from. Now that your drive is ‘safe' you can make a clone of the drive and attempt the recovery from the clone. There are a number of ways to clone the drive, some easier and quicker than others. Scan the clone with a few different recovery programs. There are numerous options here, both free and paid-for packages are available. Recuva is a good free option, while Zero Assumption Recovery works well if you want to splash out a few dollars. How to Recover Data When Your Hard Drive Goes Belly Up Pictured: The basic components of a hard drive with top cover off and PCB removed. Recover Your Data with Hardware Having covered the ‘deleted data' section of data recovery is all good and well, but what happens if your drive is not even being detected by your machine? Or your machine can see the drive, but just hangs when you try to access it? What about if the drive is completely dead and won't even spin up? Let's briefly cover the main components of a drive, see which components can fail, and what symptoms each failure might exhibit. PCB: This is the (often green) circuit board attached to the bottom of your drive. It houses the main controller (the equivalent of your computer's CPU) along with many other electronic controllers. This is the interface that turns your 0s and 1s from the platter into usable data that your computer can understand. Platters: Your drive contains one or more thin, circular platters. These spin around at anywhere between 5,900rpm to 7,200rpm on consumer drives and are the media that actually store your data. Made of glass or some form of alloy and coated with a magnetic layer, they can store anything up to 4TB of data. Head assembly: Data from your drives' platters is read by means of a series of read and write heads. While in operation, these heads are not actually in contact with the surface of the platters. In fact, they ‘fly' nanometers above the surface of the disk, reading and writing data. Typically a drive will have 2 heads per platter, so a large capacity drive with 3 platters will be paired up with 6 heads, one for each side of each platter. If these heads fail physically or the drive is dropped or knocked over, the drive can experience a ‘head crash' where the heads no longer fly over the platters, but instead make contact with the surface and destroy your data at a few thousand revolutions per minute. Firmware: Your drive runs its own mini operating system in order to deal with all of the data and operations required to access it. Most of this firmware is stored on the platters. A small portion is stored on the PCB, which is required when the drive starts up. Firmware can go wrong, leading to inaccessibility of your data. Unfortunately hard drive firmware is not similar to your mobile phone or tablet—you cannot just update or reflash it. Each drive has its own unique modules and parameters and is highly complex in nature. Now that we understand the basic components of a hard drive let's look at some common failures and symptoms you might experience, determine which component could be causing the problem, and see if we can tackle some of these problems DIY style. If Your Drive Isn't Spinning Up At All This is the one instance where you have a relatively good chance of resurrecting your drive if you're prepared to put in some time and effort. If the drive does absolutely nothing when you apply power to it (no noises at all), it is 99% a PCB problem. With older drives, you could sometimes find a matching PCB from another matching drive, swap it over, and voila. However, on new drives, technology and architecture have changed and each drive contains microcode unique to the drive it's attached to. Simply swapping the PCB with a matching, working equivalent has almost no chance of working and can be outright dangerous to your data. There are two main causes of failure here, either a TVS diode (fuse) has shorted due to overvoltage, or a vital component on the PCB has failed. Hard drive PCBs often have two TVS diodes which act as fuses to protect your drive in the event of a power spike. There will most likely be two of these: one for the 5v and one for the 12v rail. If you accidentally plugged in the wrong power adapter to your external drive, or you experienced a power surge, a TVS diode might have sacrificed itself. If the shorted TVS diode is the only casualty and the rest of the PCB components are OK, then simply removing the shorted diode is enough to bring the drive back to life. You can test this with a multimeter—if the diode reads zero ohms, or close to it, then it has indeed shortened. When shorted these diodes often have a noticeable burnt smell and might have visible burn damage. Note that when a TVS diode is removed the drive is no longer protected, so ensure that the power supply you connect to the drive is correct and healthy. How to Recover Data When Your Hard Drive Goes Belly Up Pictured: A PCB with the TVS diodes highlighted If the TVS diodes don't smell burnt and show the correct digits when measuring them, then the problem is the PCB itself. A replacement PCB is required, but not just a straight swap. There is an 8 pin ROM chip on most PCBs that contains unique firmware info that is required to start up the drive. This needs to be moved from the old PCB to the new in order for the replacement to work. Some hard drives, especially Western Digitals, do not have this 8 pin chip—the firmware is stored in the main controller which is virtually impossible to move. If you want to replace the PCB then you'll need to fine a matching replacement and have the ROM chip moved. There are many online providers that will sell you a matching PCB. Some of them even offer to move the ROM chip for you, saving you the hassle of soldering and possibly damaging the chip. If the PCB was the only damaged component and the drive's internals are OK, then after the replacement and ROM swap, your drive should be up and running again. Another PCB-related item to check are the head contacts. Sometimes they corrode with time, but are easily cleaned with a rubber eraser. How to Recover Data When Your Hard Drive Goes Belly Up Pictured: The contacts on a PCB can cause problems when they become tarnished like this. If Your Drive Is Spinning Up and Making Clicking Noises This is a serious failure and indicates a failed head or heads. It could also mean that your drive has suffered from platter damage if a head crash has occurred. Either way, this is a job for the pros. The drive will need to be opened in a clean room environment in a lab and a replacement head assembly fitted in order to try and recover your data. If your drive is clicking, it's best power it off and leave it in this state until you can send it to a professional recovery company. Powering it up in this state could degrade the disk further, to the extent that it's no longer recoverable. How to Recover Data When Your Hard Drive Goes Belly Up Pictured: A hard drive that experienced a head crash and made a deep scratch. This can render a drive unrecoverable. If Your Drives Spins Ups and Is Detected by Your Computer, But Hangs When You Try to Access It This usually means that the magnetic media is degraded. Basically, there are a large amount of bad sectors that the drive is trying to read, failing to do so, and hanging. This is a common problem that occurs over time and can be worked around, but only with professional data recovery equipment, more specifically a hard imager. If you look at the SMART values of the drive you'll notice and large amount of reallocated sectors to confirm your suspicions. If the data is important then send it off to the pros. If you want to have a crack at it yourself (and risk making the problem worse or losing your data altogether) then you can try a software imager that can work around bad areas. Seeing that software commands ultimately goes through the BIOS, the effectiveness is limited. The best option if you want to go this route is a free Linux application called dd_rescue. It can skip bad areas and image in reverse. If Your Drive Makes a Beeping Sound When You Power it Up The beeping sounds you are hearing is the motor trying to spin the drive up and failing to do so. This is caused by one of two things, both serious mechanical failures. The most common is what's known as stiction. The heads of your drive park either in the center or on a ramp at the edge of the drive when not in use. Remember, the heads don't make contact with the data area of the platters, they fly just above. Sometimes, the heads can fail to park properly and the platters stop spinning with the heads still over the data area. Because of the extremely smooth surfaces of both the platters and heads, they literally stick to each other, hence the name stiction. The drive needs to be opened up in the lab, heads carefully removed and most likely replaced, definitely not a DIY job. How to Recover Data When Your Hard Drive Goes Belly Up Pictured: The head assembly with drive turned off and heads in the parked position. With stiction, they would be stuck somewhere on the platters. The other cause could be seizure of the motor spindle. This is the spindle around which the platters rotate. It can become seized if the drive suffers a hard knock or drop. It's not a particularly common fault, except for Seagate drives as they have a particularly fragile spindle. There are two ways for this problem to be resolved, both of which require pro intervention. Either the spindle can be replaced or the platters are moved to a new hard drive casing along with heads, PCB, the works. If Your Drive Sounds Normal but is Not Detected, or is Detected as the Wrong Capacity This normally indicates a problem with some area of the firmware. Either it's not being read properly which could actually be head problem, or there is some corruption that needs to be resolved. A few years back there was a well-known bug with Seagate 7200.11 drives with firmware version SD15 known was the BSY bug. Googling this provide a wealth of info of the huge amount of failures were caused by this firmware glitch. There was a DIY solution for this particular problem, but with today's drives there is nothing that the end user can do but to send your drive in for professional help. So, there are a few instances where you can attempt to recover your own data. If you've accidentally deleted your data then you might be in luck. If the drive is completely dead and won't even power up then you could go the DIY PCB route if you wish to tinker. Other than that, if your drive is making unusual noises or acting in a peculiar manner, you'll need to hand it over—together with some hard earned cash—to a data recovery professional. Remember, ANY attempts at data recovery are risky. If the data is important, take it directly to the professionals. Nick Parsons is the Founder of SouthBit Data Recovery, leading data recovery service provider in South Africa. He founded SouthBit after receiving his honors degree in digital forensics. SouthBit Data Recovery rovides recovery services to all media including hard drives, SSD drives, and RAIDs. People can get more info on how their hard drive works by viewing their site at here.