Such peace and quiet! The new Grandland Electric is soothingly quiet, and not just because of the electric drive. Some brands have understood this: As soon as assistance systems start beeping at us, we counterproductively switch them off. Even the stupid EU-obligatory speed warning is not annoying here: when rolling past the town sign, it only beeps super quietly three times (and only from 3 km/h too much). Then it's quiet again. It reminds you, but doesn't get on your nerves: that's how it should be.

Opel has also packaged the electric SUV trio Mokka (small), Frontera (compact) and the family Grandland in a really cool way, without sacrificing practicality for style. Three examples: The head-up display is not playful, but concentrates on a huge number for the speed - as an over 50s driver, you appreciate that. There is still a one-sided parking light here, which we use to make the car visible at night without stressing the starter battery with parking lights. And despite digitalization, there are still buttons and a volume knob. Thank you!

As a hybrid, plug-in or electric vehicle
There is plenty of space for the family, everything in the cockpit is tip-top apart from the now unavoidable hard plastic in a few places, we sit excellently and are delighted with the magnificent Matrix LED light and the surprisingly small turning circle of the 4.65-metre-long Grandland. It is available from 38,770 Swiss francs as a 107 kW/145 hp hybrid or 143 kW/195 hp plug-in hybrid. We drive the electric version, which costs from 42,890 Swiss francs, and not the top-of-the-range 4×4 version with 239 kW/325 hp, but the small one with front-wheel drive and 157 kW/213 hp and a WLTP standard range of up to 545 kilometers. Test car price with options: 55,740 francs. That sounds like a lot, but the average new Swiss car also costs 47,000 francs.

The drive does what an electric drive does: it is quiet and silky and feels much more powerful than the 213 hp on paper. It feels good. No bumps? On the road, the Grandland sometimes feels a little bumpy. It doesn't matter, overall it always remains comfortable - and overland it is an excellent glider. It's just a shame that highway driving results in a severe loss of range; in one case, a full 240 display kilometers disappear for every 120 real kilometers. That's a shame, because it's unsettling. However, it should also be emphasized that in the daily mix, up to 470 kilometers are possible in the test and in the end around 400 on the freeway. And Switzerland is only 350 kilometers long.

Expert opinion Opel Grandland Electric
The Grandland fulfills all family needs, looks cool and also drives really well.

Advantages
+ excellent seats and plenty of space
+ plenty of power and comfort
+ Great range for everyday use
Disadvantages
- Highway range unfortunately poor
- Cockpit style is a matter of taste

The design, the space, the engine, the price - there are a number of factors that impress when buying a new or used car. But what is often overlooked with new cars and is increasingly in demand with used cars today: Is there a warranty? How long does it last and what does it cover? The differences are enormous and worth a closer look.

Warranty cover for new cars depends on the manufacturer and the importer, while for used cars the dealer sometimes offers no warranty insurance or either an included or optional warranty insurance via independent providers. The duration and scope of new car manufacturer warranties vary. For most European car brands, the new car warranty is valid for two years with no mileage limit. Japanese and Korean manufacturers are often much more generous in this respect and may, for example, offer a seven-year warranty. In the case of electric cars, there is often a longer separate warranty agreement for the traction battery.

Warranty retention without brand dealer
Warranties are generally subject to conditions. Vehicle owners undertake to adhere to the prescribed service and maintenance dates and to have them carried out only in authorized specialist workshops that work with original spare parts in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Otherwise the warranty is forfeited. However, the same applies here as for mobility warranties: Not only the brand-affiliated businesses provide this. Reputable multi-brand workshops such as carXpert partners also offer this guarantee.

The carXpert network
The name says it all: Behind the name carXpert is a Switzerland-wide network of over 280 independent quality garages and over 40 independent body stores - all experts for your car. In these multi-brand garages, every car feels at home with the qualified specialists because it is serviced and repaired according to the manufacturer's instructions with original equipment parts - guaranteed to keep the warranty! The premium network offers the highest level of expertise and service quality as well as, for example, assistance and used car warranties. The carXpert partners are also ideal contacts for topics such as vacation checks and starter batteries! Many offer a vacation check at reasonable fixed prices. This usually involves checking the starter battery. If a replacement is required carXpert partner a wide range from economy to high-tech premium batteries. carxpert.ch

*The content was created by the Autosprint editorial team in collaboration with carXpert. Cars of all makes are welcome in the carXpert garages and body shops.

The magnificent road up from Beckenried NW through narrow and wide bends to Seelisberg UR is probably familiar to many. In the "most beautiful road safety center in Switzerland" outside the village, at 850 meters above sea level, there is a perfect facility for all test drives - with cars, motorcycles and even trucks. The Seelisberg event center is also the course organizer for the mandatory 2-phase WAB training course for new drivers and is ideally suited for a wide variety of events. Bridgestone has been a strategic partner of Eventcenter Seelisberg AG since the beginning of 2025. At the end of August, the Bridgestone Switzerland team invited dealers and garage owners to a training day there to find out about the current state of the art and the redesigned tire range in a rich driving and workshop program. A lot of theory, but also a lot of background information from Bridgestone technicians in the workshops were one part of the Training Day menu, challenging driving experiences with the Toyota GT86 and bZ4X models were the other. Experienced instructors from the Event Center guided the participants through the tire Variété program high above Lake Lucerne.

Important safety factors
The aim of the workshops was to gather more information and experience on two sensitive topics relating to car tires. Although modern car tires are among the most reliable vehicle components today, despite the high loads they are subjected to when driving, tire pressure and tread depth should always be kept in mind. If, for example, the tire pressure is not checked before a vacation trip with family and luggage, low pressure can lead to heat damage and even tire blowouts during freeway journeys. Insufficient tread depth in the tread can also lead to dangerous situations. Even the legally required 1.6 millimetres is no longer sufficient on roads wet with rain or snow.

The Bridgestone team in Seelisberg made the event participants aware of any shortcomings. In the Toyota GT86, the differences in handling could be seen in the differently inflated tires on the slalom course and on the watered sliding surface. Not an easy task, sometimes even for the tire specialists, to clearly see the different tire pressures on the drive. However, this also means that regular checks are all the more important. It was easier to recognize grip differences in wet handling with different tread depths. These could be experienced on the test track with four Toyota bZ4Xs. Aquaplaning occurs much earlier when the tread is more worn, and you know: then it's generally only straight ahead.

Theory is not gray
Garage owners and tire dealers usually feel more comfortable in the workshop than in the theory room. In Seelisberg, however, the participants were interested and actively followed the speakers. An important topic, for example: How much value do you place on OE tires? "The OE tire can be seen as a tailor-made suit. It is therefore sometimes a little more expensive, but is generally a good choice," emphasized technical trainer Konrad Schütz. After all, the OE tire is developed in close cooperation with the vehicle manufacturer over a period of two to five years and therefore fits perfectly. This involves a lengthy procedure from the initial negotiations with the vehicle manufacturer through to product release. "Test sites are available to us in Italy and Sweden, among other places, and of course virtual tire development is also playing an increasingly important role," Schütz noted. He cited manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Lamborghini, Maserati and Mercedes as quality references for Bridgestone's OE tires, in addition to the large series manufacturers Stellantis, Toyota and VW.

One tire for all drives
As a full-range supplier, Bridgestone is one of the world's largest tire manufacturers alongside Michelin. Also important: 95 percent of Bridgestone passenger car tires for Europe are also manufactured in Europe. To this end, there are plants in Italy, Spain, Hungary and the Czech Republic. The current Turanza, Blizzak and Duravis product ranges cover both seasonal and all-season tires. Bridgestone Switzerland Country Manager Urs Lüchinger describes the range as follows: "We have made the tire range more efficient and simplified it with new products that sometimes replace two existing ones. In addition, new tires are being developed together using Enliten technologies for electric cars and vehicles with combustion engines. This means that these tires are ideal for both combustion and electric cars."

When asked about tire wear in electric cars, Lüchinger says: "In many early electric vehicles, the powerful starting torque was actually responsible for rapid tire wear. In the meantime, however, the difference to combustion cars has decreased - thanks to innovations such as our exclusive Enliten technologies and the adapted driving style of EV users."

For the first seven months of the year, the Swiss Automobile Importers Association (Auto-Schweiz) reports a further decline in new car registrations. Many uncertainties are currently slowing down the market. However, this makes the question that arises when it does come to replacing a vehicle at some point all the more important - namely the question of financing: should I buy, lease or subscribe? Are there already sensible ways to share a car? There are many ways to put a new car into operation today. It is therefore extremely important to first carefully analyze the conditions of use, the type of drive, the performance requirements and, of course, the financial possibilities.

Cash purchase remains the favorite
Because the car market has changed so much in recent years, the Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) recently carried out a detailed survey. Surprisingly, this revealed that Only 22 percent even bother with all the financing methods before buying a car. The majority of car customers pay for their new car immediately and appreciate being the owner of the vehicle. Around 80 percent paid for their car in cash or by bank transfer, ten percent took it over at the end of the leasing contract and only around ten percent are currently leasing. Leasing as a method of financing is therefore still only popular to a limited extent among private customers. And car subscriptions and car sharing? Both are only wallflowers.

Silvia and Hansueli buy cash
But what suits whom? Silvia and Hansueli both work. They have children, but they have since moved out of their home and are working themselves. Our couple is therefore on a solid financial footing. Silvia and Hansueli prefer to pay for their cars immediately, which gives them the greatest flexibility and best control over ongoing maintenance costs. Like the vast majority of so-called direct buyers, they justify this decision with sufficient funds and the intention to keep the car for a longer period of time. In contrast, these typical car buyers see no advantage in other procurement options. They also want to avoid debt as much as possible - a typically Swiss virtue. However, a comparatively high initial investment and ongoing depreciation of the vehicle must be taken into account for this type of purchase.

Pia and Kurt prefer to lease
The two creatives Pia and Kurt are different from Silvia and Hansueli. They are in their mid-thirties and not particularly car-savvy, preferring to invest their money in travel rather than buying a car. There are no plans to have children, but this could become an issue. In other words: Pia and Kurt want to be mobile without any problems and are looking ahead to the next few years, but everything could change in the long term. So they rely on predictable monthly installments and, thanks to leasing, also expect to be able to constantly update the model they drive with a new model - because they don't want to have to deal with resale and, on top of that, they want a young car that doesn't require major repairs. The prerequisite for this is, of course, a stable financial situation.

Pia and Kurt also opted for leasing because they wanted a new electric car. This way, they don't have to worry so much about the residual value of the vehicle, which is currently vague in the case of e-occasions. Leasing, which is often maligned, can make a lot of sense here. With leasing, Pia and Kurt buy the exclusive, time-limited right to use the new car without having to spend a lot of money or take out a loan. However, as lessees, they do not own the car; at the end of the contract, the lessor gets the car back.

However, the aforementioned survey of TCS members also revealed that many car buyers are put off by the leasing conditions. As many as 60 percent of those surveyed stated that they did not want to commit themselves for several years. In addition, many fear that they will pay more if they decide to lease. In fact, caution is advised before signing a leasing contract. After all, in addition to the installments, there are other cost factors to consider, such as mandatory comprehensive insurance, repair and service regulations and repurchase costs. The contract usually specifies a period of two to five years and the maximum annual mileage. There may be a negative surprise if more kilometers are driven than initially expected: The additional costs are often significantly high. Conversely, since vehicle maintenance is included in the monthly installments, planning reliability is improved. Interesting: in German-speaking Switzerland, only eight percent opt for leasing, compared to 13 percent in French-speaking Switzerland and 18 percent in Ticino.

Tabea reaches for the car subscription
Tabea is single and lives in the suburbs. She can't do without a car, but neither buying nor leasing is an option: buying in cash would simply not be financially viable, and financing a loan for it also puts Tabea off, as does leasing: what if everything changes tomorrow? Tabea opts for a newer alternative to buying and leasing and now pays a monthly rate as a kind of car flat rate that includes everything - from insurance and taxes to maintenance, including tires: the car subscription. Many providers are currently trying to make such subscriptions attractive. Subscriptions, a mixture of leasing and rental, offer a great deal of flexibility in terms of mileage and term. Depending on the provider, subscriptions range from one month to around four years. The subscription can often be terminated on a monthly basis, allowing Tabea to react at short notice if, for example, she finds a partner, announces the arrival of a child or moves house and no longer needs her own car in the city. In some cases, she can switch to other vehicles on the fly. The monthly rate is generally higher for a short term than for a long subscription period. Tabea should note that the choice of vehicles may be limited depending on the provider.

Nevertheless, the advantages are impressive: During the term of the lease, you are tied to the vehicle and cannot easily swap it for another model. In contrast, you can configure the term of a car subscription more freely. As leasing contracts are usually quite complex, it is important to study them carefully. For example, how serious are tempting offers such as zero-percent leasing? Are hidden fees to be expected when signing the contract? It should also be borne in mind that premature termination of the leasing contract can be associated with high costs. But Tabea should check the offers from car subscription providers just as carefully. Although cost transparency is advertised in this area, included services vary from provider to provider. The unavoidable depreciation of the new car - around 50 percent in the first two years after registration - is included in the monthly installments for both leasing and subscription.

Car sharing
Markus doesn't really have much use for cars. Markus lives with his girlfriend in the middle of the city, has a public transport season ticket and finds it rather pointless to own a car that mostly sits around and costs insurance, motor vehicle tax and parking space rental as well as losing value. Markus rarely needs transport capacity. And if he does? Markus is convinced that a car-sharing solution is the obvious choice for urban commuters. Now he can use a car when and only when he needs it. The most important advantages of such a solution, as offered by Mobility, are the flexibility of the vehicle type, cost transparency and uncomplicated logistics. Markus is therefore very happy with it, as he only needs a car sporadically, but when he does, he can count on quick availability and doesn't have to deal with high monthly fees and long-term obligations. What Markus also doesn't like, however, is that it's not his car, so he has to take even small items such as his cell phone charging cable in and out of the car again and again.

Very individual decision
Ultimately, which form of vehicle procurement is best for whom always depends on the specific situation. There is a suitable solution for Silvana and Hansueli as well as for Pia and Kurt and Tabea and Markus. That leaves the question of the type of drive. The preferred vehicle categories already seem to point the way. For large limousines and sports cars, combustion engines and buying or leasing are likely to remain in the foreground for quite some time, while in the area of mid-range models and small cars, where the focus is on practical use and economical operation, plug-in cars should soon gain a significant share - also because they can be tested virtually risk-free via subscription or sharing solutions.

TCS: Save money when filling up
We start with the app of the Touring Club Switzerland (TCS), which has a lot to offer: traffic jam reports, parking space search or even a fuel price radar! Of course, the app also fulfills one of the most important TCS roles: Help in the event of a breakdown. You have to be a TCS member for this, but other functions are free to use. The practical TCS app is available free of charge for iOS and Android.

Tacho 55 Start: How much is my speedometer ahead?
Car speedometers don't have to go faster, but they can - and usually do. But how much more speed do they show? This can be checked with speedometer apps. Such apps are a dime a dozen, but not all of them are equally good. Speedo 55 Start GPS Black Box would be our recommendation. The smartphone becomes a precise speedometer via GPS; this app also shows distance and average speed, is free (optional upgrades) and only available for iOS. For Android we recommend: Speedometer GPS Speedometer.

EchoSOS: This app saves lives worldwide
Smartphones have built-in emergency call functions that also transmit the location as automatically as possible. However, depending on the country or situation, this only works to a very limited extent. The tried-and-tested EchoSOS app transmits the GPS location to the local emergency services - anywhere in the world! It also displays local emergency numbers and stores emergency contacts and medical information, which is transmitted directly to the emergency services. EchoSOS is also free and available for iOS and Android.

Here WeGo: It doesn't always have to be Google
Google Maps is the most widely used navigation app. But Google is not so keen on data protection. If you attach great importance to your privacy, you should take a look at Here WeGo. This app deletes timestamps after use, does not collect any personal data without consent and anonymizes all information. Globally, it covers slightly less than Google Maps, but still covers almost all countries, and it also shows real-time traffic data. Its trump card is its strong offline functionality. Here WeGo is free and compatible with both iOS and Android.

Waze: live traffic jam warning via crowdsourcing
The Waze app is not only a navigation system but also a traffic jam warning system. This works because its users form a community that reports accidents, traffic jams or roadworks in real time. The app reroutes you accordingly based on the information. Petrol stations with prices are also integrated here. Waze works worldwide and also in Switzerland. Good to know: Waze's radar warning function is deactivated in Switzerland, otherwise the app would not be allowed to be used in this country. Waze is free and available for iOS and Android.

Flush Toilet Finder: What has to go, must go
The Flush Toilet Finder app comes to the rescue for anyone who has to go on the road. Whether in the city, on the highway or abroad: the app lists over 200,000 public toilets worldwide, from free and paid public toilets to barrier-free toilets and toilets in shopping centers, restaurants or train stations. Users of the app can even rate the toilets. This gives an indication of which toilets are particularly clean or well equipped. This app is also free of charge and available for iOS and Android.

eCharge: Against charging anxiety for e-cars
The TCS app's petrol station radar (see left) can also search for charging stations, but the TCS has another app especially for electric car drivers: eCharge. With this app, you can find charging stations throughout Europe, whether fast or normal charging. In addition to prices, the app also displays real-time information about the charging station (free or occupied). You can also pay directly via the app at some charging points, and the app also works for non-TCS members. It is free and available for iOS and Android.

Radio Paradise: A feast for the ears without algorithms
Do you enjoy listening to music in the car and like the principle of listening to the radio because it allows you to discover new music? But are you annoyed by radio stations that constantly play the same hits? Then Radio Paradise is for you. This is an American, non-commercial Internet radio station that, unlike commercial stations, plays music selected by people - without any algorithms. There is something for every taste in the various genre channels. The app is free and available for iOS and Android.

Twint: parking fees now easier to pay
Who hasn't experienced the tedious search for a parking space? Once a parking space has been found, the next problem arises: parking in the city is almost always subject to a charge, but the range of parking payment apps is like a jungle. Twint (in collaboration with Parkingpay) has a function that can be used to pay for parking spaces. You can also call up the prices or opening hours of parking spaces and manage your parking time. Twint is free and works on both iOS and Android.

Swoosh Comics: Against boredom in the back
Long car journeys can be incredibly boring for children. With the Swoosh Comics app, you can combat boredom in the back seat. For 13 francs a month, this app offers access to a large selection of comics in e-book format, including popular titles such as the "Funny Paperback", "Batman" and "Lucky Luke". The content can also be downloaded and used offline, avoiding roaming charges when abroad. The app itself is free, easy to use and runs on both iOS and Android.

Do you still remember them? Saab 99, Saab 900 Turbo, Saab 9-5 or the power Swedes from the Swiss Saab tuner Hirsch: to this day, such models trigger at least a loud clicking of tongues of recognition and shining eyes. No wonder: the car brand Saab (short for "Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget"), founded in 1947 by the aircraft manufacturer Saab, which still exists today, stood for engineering skill and stubbornness. It was loved by its customers for this, but also punished by the market with unprofitable sales figures. General Motors took over and saved Saab time and again, but also misunderstood the brand and made mistakes with its model policy. When the end came in 2012 and leftovers were sold off to China, it was the finale of a long ordeal.

Enthusiasts from 21 countries
Perhaps also because of the tragic end, Saab lives on in the hearts of fans. The international Saab meeting in Switzerland showed just how intensely. 350 guests were expected for the 40th anniversary of the Swiss Saab Club - but over 750 attended: the "IntSaab" at the beginning of August became the largest Saab meeting ever on Swiss soil. Fans from 21 countries flocked to us to take part in the enthusiast get-together at the Mechtal OW sports camp against a glorious Alpine backdrop.

At almost 1000 meters above sea level, 450 Saab models from the 93 to the 9-3 Cabrio shone, with a few very special models in between. Including a poison green Sonett I from 1955, one of six built. Or the oldest Saab in Switzerland, a 1951 Saab 92. Or the rare station wagon of the last 9-5 launched shortly before its exit - only one is on the road in our country. Or the Saabo. The what, please? Saab once built 390 of these caravans. In addition, there were four Saab motorsport racers that roared around the track. Congratulations on this Swedish midsummer celebration of a different kind.

Today, cars are prone to breakdowns in a different way than in the past. Whereas it used to be tangible mechanical problems that caused an involuntary forced stop, today it is more likely to be the electronics. What hasn't changed is that, if the worst comes to the worst, a fast breakdown service is the be-all and end-all - and mobility insurance reduces the consequential costs.

Assistance for new cars
Just a few years ago, this was a matter for luxury brands, but today almost all car brands offer widely varying mobility guarantees, often called assistance, for new cars. These cover, for example, the costs of a replacement vehicle, any hotel accommodation, cab rides or onward travel by public transport. Assistance is usually provided around the clock, seven days a week, and usually also in the event of incidents for which you are responsible. However, new car mobility warranties usually only run for a certain period of time - often similar to the warranty period - and only cover a certain amount. Maintenance and repair according to the manufacturer's specifications is important: Assistance is only maintained if the maintenance is carried out by authorized dealerships. This does not mean that the car can only be taken to an authorized dealer.

The hit parade of mishaps
The most common reasons for calling a breakdown service are trivial. The most common reason for calling for help is a flat starter battery. In second place is a flat tire. Locked keys or misfueling are also common. And while it used to be the carburetor that caused trouble, today it is often the electronics. Incidentally, tire punctures are in first place for electric cars - and the starter battery is in second place: electric cars also need the small battery in addition to the large one.

Assistance from independent providers
But what if the car is older and the manufacturer assistance has expired? Even then, there are ways to protect yourself in the event of a breakdown. Mobility guarantees are available from various providers, including the Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) or for member companies of the Swiss Automobile Trade Association (AGVS) via the latter - or from partner companies in the carXpert network. This carXpert Assistance promises round-the-clock mobility in Switzerland and throughout Europe. On average, the waiting time after a call until roadside assistance arrives is just 35 minutes; in eight out of ten cases, the breakdown can be repaired directly on site. In the other two cases, the vehicle is towed away and the assistance service, Mobi24, covers the cost of a replacement vehicle or public transport ticket for a quick onward journey. Depending on the situation, overnight accommodation or follow-up costs are also covered - for just CHF 27 per year.

Automatic emergency call
Good to know: If it's not a breakdown but a more serious accident, a lot has happened in recent years. Since 2018, e-call (emergency call) has been mandatory for all new cars coming onto the market in the EU and Switzerland. The emergency call system is based on the standard European emergency number 112, which is used in Switzerland as well as 117 (police), 118 (fire department) and 144 (rescue service). In the car, E-Call is recognizable as an SOS emergency button. If the button cannot be pressed manually, it automatically activates the emergency call when the airbag is deployed; details of the location are forwarded directly. The button should only be pressed manually if there is a medical problem. In the event of technical breakdowns, the assistance centers should be contacted. By the way: As E-Call is technically outdated today, an update will be available in 2026.

The carXpert network
The name says it all: Behind the name carXpert is a Switzerland-wide network of over 280 independent quality garages and over 40 independent body stores - all experts for your car. In these multi-brand garages, every car feels at home with the qualified specialists because it is serviced and repaired according to the manufacturer's instructions with original equipment parts - guaranteed to keep the warranty! The premium network offers the highest level of expertise and service quality as well as, for example, assistance and used car warranties. The carXpert partners are also ideal contacts for topics such as vacation checks and starter batteries! Many offer a vacation check at reasonable fixed prices. This usually involves checking the starter battery. If a replacement is required carXpert partner a wide range from economy to high-tech premium batteries. carxpert.ch

*The content was created by the Autosprint editorial team in collaboration with carXpert. Cars of all makes are welcome in the carXpert garages and body shops.

The situation is as familiar as it is annoying: suddenly we can hardly move forward. There are only brake lights ahead as far as the eye can see. A glance at the navigation app doesn't bode well, and even the possible detours are colored red. The city so close - and yet so far away. Drivers can only hope that they won't lose too much time in the traffic jam. Once this test of patience has been overcome, however, the stress does not necessarily get any less: the search for a parking space in the city center is often very tedious. The solution to this problem might be closer than you think: Park and Ride (P+R). The principle is simple: car drivers park at a station in the suburbs and switch to public transport for the rest of the journey. In Switzerland, the term P+Rail is generally used because the parking spaces are usually located directly at SBB stations or S-Bahn stops. Especially for commuters from rural regions, visitors and tourists, this is a good way to get to your destination without stress and, in view of the high parking fees in cities, it is even cheaper.

Apps for booking
An example: If you want to travel to Zurich from Bern on the A1, for example, you can park your car at the P+Rail site in Dietikon ZH for eight francs a day, get on the train and arrive at the main station just fifteen minutes later (return ticket with half-fare travelcard for seven francs). By comparison, a parking garage in Zurich quickly costs between 35 and 45 francs per day. Apps are available for booking. A ticket can be conveniently booked via the SBB P+Rail app (a SwissPass login is required), which recognizes the location and searches for nearby parking options. Also helpful: modern systems display available parking spaces in real time. Tickets can be purchased by the hour or day and extended or canceled in the app; the parking time is checked digitally via the license plate. Other apps such as Parkingpay or EasyPark also cover many P+R zones; with Parkingpay, you only pay automatically for the actual parking time.

There are also weak points
The advantages of P+R are obvious: the parking spaces are cheaper than in the city, with daily prices ranging from 3 to 20 francs, depending on the location. Monthly season tickets cost between 30 and 160 francs, annual season tickets between 300 and 1600 francs (both only available in combination with a valid public transport season ticket). In addition to the lower costs, there are other factors that should not be underestimated: If you avoid city traffic, you remain largely stress-free - and at the same time do something for the environment and other drivers, because the car does not drive into the city center, which reduces CO₂ emissions, noise and traffic jams.

Despite all the advantages, the system does of course have its weaknesses. The number of seats is limited, which can be tedious, especially at busy stations. If you arrive too late, you are left empty-handed - even if you have bought a ticket in advance. Another point: not every P+R location is optimally connected to public transport. If the connecting bus only runs every 30 minutes, the time saved is wasted. Finding the P+R facilities also sometimes leaves a lot to be desired: those who are unfamiliar with P+R facilities sometimes spend a long time looking for signs. And finally, security is always an issue: cars parked in P+R areas for hours or days on end can attract thieves. At the end of July, for example, two cars were broken into in Zug.

Foreign countries are still
The potential of P+R is still huge, as a look abroad shows. In Amsterdam (NL), for example, there are spacious parking garages with combined offers: Parking ticket plus day pass for the streetcar at a single price. In Vienna (A), drivers can park at subway stations for around 4 euros per day and get directly into the city center. Copenhagen (DK) combines P+R with bike rental and an integrated public transport ticket. In Madrid (ES), on the other hand, many facilities can even be used free of charge if you have a valid public transport ticket. In Switzerland, we are not quite there yet, but cities such as Zurich and Lausanne VD are catching up.

Already attractive today
The conclusion: P+R may not be a panacea, but it is a clever and all too often overlooked alternative for many drivers - especially for commuters from the conurbation or for city visitors who don't want to deal with traffic jams and the hassle of searching for a parking space. Good planning saves money, time, nerves and the environment. However, the strengths of the system can only be fully exploited where there are enough spaces and dense public transport connections. There is still room for improvement here. Nevertheless, P+R is already an attractive option for a stress-free start to city life.

One of a kind! Cars that only exist once are the salt in the soup of every Concours d'Elegance for classic cars. The 21st Zurich Classic Car Award (ZCCA) impressively demonstrated just how varied this can be. A Hansgen-Jaguar XK 120 Special built in 1953 shone as a unique racing car of inestimable value. But also the tiny and amusing Michelotti-Morris Spiagetta beach car from 1973, driven to Zug by its owner from Geneva.

The history of the Spiagetta is a nice example of what makes events like the ZCCA exciting - because you always learn something new. The coachbuilder Michelotti built a few dozen Spiagettas based on the Fiat 850. Then Australia was considered as a possible market. But Australia did not want Fiat technology. So the prototype was built using British Morris technology. But the project petered out and the prototype remained. A fan got hold of it and still owns it today.

Zug replaced Zurich this year
The fact that the ZCCA 2025 had moved from Zurich to Zug was due to the ongoing redesign of Zurich's Bürkliplatz, where the ZCCA had previously (and presumably will again in the future) been hosted. The city of Zug was happy to welcome the ZCCA and was a perfect fit in terms of atmosphere: the old town, riverside promenade - and almost 70 classic cars built in 1928 and later, which competed for class and overall victories in beautiful summer weather and temperatures of up to 32 degrees. But the ZCCA didn't just take off locally: The event, which was taken over by Open Air Tours, is now organized by NUK and has become smaller and therefore better. "Quality instead of quantity, class instead of mass," says organizer Stefan Fischer: like every Concours d'Elegance, the Swiss equivalent of Pebble Beach needs "as high a calibre of participants as possible," says jury president Ulrich Safferling. "We have achieved that!"

In fact, once again it was possible to dream with open eyes: In addition to likeable everyday cars such as the BMW 2002 or Citroën CX, there were also Mercedes 300 SL Roadsters and one of three Monteverdi Tiara cars. The jury judged. In addition to all the class victories, there were also overall winners. The public's favorite: Ferrari 275 GTB. Best documented vehicle: SS Jaguar. Most beautiful unrestored car: Maserati Ghibli SS. And the Best of Show: Ferrari 365 GTC.

Nobody can avoid this one insurance: third-party liability insurance is compulsory for every car on the road in Switzerland. It covers damage that we cause to other vehicles, things like crash barriers or people. This means that the other car that breaks down, medical treatment, hospitalization and rehabilitation are paid for by the liability of the person responsible for the accident. However, damage to the car of the person responsible for the accident is not covered. Although third-party liability applies abroad, in some countries proof is required - the green card (now usually white). You can find out where at tcs.ch.

Partial accidental damage insurance, which goes beyond this, is not compulsory. This protects against costs caused by external influences such as theft, vandalism, damage caused by animal collisions and natural disasters. Partial casco makes sense if the vehicle is between five and seven years old or has a comparatively high value. And regardless of the amount of damage, the policyholder still has to pay any excess. As the next higher level, fully comprehensive insurance - strictly speaking called collision insurance - also offers insurance cover if your own car is damaged in a collision for which you are responsible. It is recommended for new or expensive cars. Comprehensive insurance, which is mandatory for leasing contracts, covers self-inflicted damage.

Countless supplementary insurances
There is also supplementary insurance. Parking damage caused by strangers, for example, can also be insured. In Switzerland, the frequently advertised passenger accident insurance rarely makes sense. And depending on the situation, third-party driver insurance (often as part of personal liability insurance) can be useful: Anyone who occasionally uses their neighbor's car, for example, should have it. Good to know: In the event of speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, insurance companies generally claim money back. And car insurance generally does not pay for non-collision damage that is not your fault, such as misfuelling.

Which insurance for whom?
If you want to get by with the lowest possible premiums, limit yourself to third party liability plus excess and do without additional insurance. If you are prepared to spend a little more, choose partial casco, which does not cost significantly more, and make sure you have a low excess. Fully comprehensive insurance is for those who want maximum financial protection against damage. The amount of the insurance premium depends not only on the insurance company, but also on previous damage, place of residence and nationality. Either way, it is always worth comparing premium levels, for example on portals such as comparis.ch. After all, if you cancel (you can do so after three years at the latest with one to three months' notice or after a claim) and switch, you can almost always save money - because the car insurance market has been in a state of flux in recent years, resulting in attractive offers.