Honest John News Driving

Fifth of drivers expected to cut their mileage this Christmas

Andrew Brady, New Cars Editor
Wed, 21 Dec 2022
  • Around one in five say they will drive less this Christmas
  • Rising fuel prices and the wider cost of living crisis are the main reason for the cut in festive travel
  • The average cost of fuel hit record highs in 2022, with petrol peaking at 191.53p-per-litre and diesel reaching 199.05p in the summer.

Brits are expected to cut down on unnecessary journeys this Christmas as the cost of living crisis continues to take hold.

Research by Skoda has discovered that 23 per cent of UK motorists are likely to reduce their mileage this Christmas. The survey has revealed that drivers in England are expecting to cover just 95 miles on average over the Christmas period (between 23 December and 2 January) - less than Scottish motorists, who are likely to cover around 115 miles on average.

The survey has also revealed that many motorists find driving over Christmas to be a stressful affair - with a quarter of respondents saying they notice their blood pressure rise compared to driving at other times of the year.

The car manufacturer suggests listening to a Christmas playlist to live the spirits on longer journeys, with drivers polled on their festive favourites. More than a quarter of respondents voted for the Fairytale of New York as their number one Christmas track, followed by Driving Home for Christmas and Wham's Last Christmas. The full list is as follows:

  1. Fairytale of New York (The Pogues ft. Kirsty MacColl)
  2. Driving Home for Christmas (Chris Rea)
  3. Last Christmas (Wham!)
  4. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday (Wizzard)
  5. All I Want For Christmas Is You (Mariah Carey)
  6. Merry Christmas Everybody (Slade)
  7. Do They Know It’s Christmas? (Band Aid)
  8. Merry Christmas Everyone (Shakin’ Stevens)
  9. It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas (Michael Bublé)
  10. Step Into Christmas (Elton John)

Fans of in-car karaoke are better catered for than ever, says Skoda, with a wide range of options to stream music in the car - from aux-in sockets to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To enjoy the music at the best possible quality, though, the brand recommends playing MP3 files via a USB flash drive plugged into the car.

What's the best Christmas song to play in the car?

According to research by Skoda, the most popular Christmas song to play in the car is Fairytale of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl.

How can I listen to music in the car?

When it comes to making the most of those seasonal stunners, the better the source, the better the
listening experience. A flash drive (USB) with songs stored in what is known as ‘lossless format’ or
‘compression-free’ files are the best in-car options, with the very best audio quality.

Beyond that you have a file type called ‘lossy codec’, an example of which is the very well-known MP3 file. There’s also cable connection via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a 3.5mm headphone-type cable connection and Bluetooth. ŠKODA owners have the added bonus of being able to enjoy Apple CarPlay or Android Auto without a cable connection with Wireless Smartlink.

Ask HJ

Should I buy a four-wheel-drive car for snow or will winter tyres do the job?

I want to buy a car to drive down to the Alps for the winter ski season. I'm thinking that an AWD or 4WD would be best, or will an ordinary car fitted with winter tyres be as good? I do appreciate that I will need to take snow chains. I don't want it to be too big as it will be parked in an underground car park with fairly tight spaces. I currently have a Honda Jazz so, ideally, not much bigger than that. A newish second-hand car would be best but I would also consider a new car. My budget is £30k. Any advice, particularly a list of models that I should consider, would be really appreciated. Thank you.
A two-wheel drive car with snow tyres is much better than a four-wheel drive without, although a four-wheel drive with snow tyres is the best option of the lot! The Mazda CX-30 is worth considering because it should be as reliable as your Honda and your budget is plenty to get you a brand new car. It looks stylish and feels nicely built inside. It has a 2.0-litre petrol engine so you can expect it to get around 40mpg if driven carefully, about 50% less than your Honda. For parking, it's about 3 cm longer than the Honda. The Skoda Karoq is about the same size as the Mazda. It's not got quite as good a reputation for reliability as the Mazda (it's still pretty good) and it's not quite as stylish looking, however, it is more practical and has better infotainment. Four-wheel drive versions of the Karoq only come with a diesel engine, although I wouldn't let that put you off – it means they have plenty of power and will get better fuel economy than the Mazda. Your budget is enough to get you a new car. Both the Fiat Panda 4x4 and the Suzuki Jimny have lots of grip in snow and are actually slightly smaller than your Jazz, although they both lack power and can feel a little wearing on a long drive. You'll get them brand new under budget.
Answered by Russell Campbell
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Ask HJ

How can I listen to my USB music stick in my old Jaguar X-Type?

I have a 2005 Jaguar X-Type. On my previous Jags I have had a USB connection for my music stick but I cannot find a USB connection in my current car. How can I listen to my USB music stick in my old Jaguar X-Type?
If the car hasn't got a USB socket then you will need to buy a new audio system (which will be very expensive) or fit a USB socket with an FM transmitter. The USB socket will plug into the 12v socket and allow you to listen to your music via the car's radio.
Answered by Dan Powell
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