GEM's Date with Kate

Good motoringThe magazine for members of GEM Motoring Assist Autumn 2018 GEM’s date with Kate The TV presenter talks about her work, her driving... and her penchant for skinny dipping

MOBILE PHONE FINES: HOW THE OTHER HALF DRIVE: COMPETITION: why are so many drivers bringing a few luxury touches win a two-night break still flouting the law? to life on the road in sunny Torquay 2008 2010 2011 2013 2014 2015 2017 2018

GOLD WINNER

WINNERS AGAIN! THANKS FOR SUPPORTING US CONTENTS AUTUMN 2018

FEATURES 12 Your opportunity to win a wonderful two-night break for two people at classy On the cover Orestone Manor in south Devon.

14 Sharing the roads: Peter Rodger offers his thoughts on the value of stepping into another road user’s shoes, and Good Motoring editor James Luckhurst picks up some wise advice for staying safe on horseback. THESE ROADS WERE MADE FOR SHARING 20 GEM member survey: in this edition we What can drivers and riders do to ensure a safer road consider your opinions on car-buying and environment? Understanding each others’ needs - future mobility. 16 and respecting a horse’s brain - are key! 24 Speed enforcement: Neil Barrett lines up an array of cameras, cops and vans to understand why it’s done, and how effective devices are in reducing collisions. 28 At the wheel with Kate Humble: the TV On the cover presenter shares her thoughts on driving, skinny-dipping and why she wanted to be a professional gypsy.

ADVENTURES 32 Western France and Atlantic Spain in the company of Rod Ashley. ONE WAY OR ANOTHER...... I’m goin’ to get ya’, get ya’, sings Neil Barrett Don’t take Stonehenge for granite, warns 24 as he showcases the latest technology in 35 Susie Kearley. roadside speed enforcement.

Cover pic: Kate Humble. Interview on p28 REGULARS 7 Feedback ON TOUR FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE A selection of your letters relating to items David Williams lines up six of his favourite journeys in the Summer edition, and on other 38 across some beautiful regions of the UK. general motoring themes. 10 Your GEM There are still a couple of places on our off-road driving day, and you can take advantage of other discounts and offers.

43 On the Road The new Ford Focus, plus six other models.

65 Ask the experts Topics in this edition include young driver insurance and ‘causing or permitting’.

www.motoringassist.com 3 Chief Executive’s letter

Winners again! Thank you for your vote.

Welcome to this latest edition of Good Motoring, from your number one breakdown provider, GEM Motoring Assist!

The results of the 2018 Auto Express Driver Power Survey have been published, and it is of course a great delight for me to inform you that GEM has held on to its top spot as the UK’s number one breakdown recovery provider. Thanks to your support, it’s a position we have now occupied for eight out of the past 10 years, and comes hot on the heels of a breakdown recovery survey published in Which? magazine, which also put us in number one position. GEM also achieved the status of Which? Recommended Provider.

From everyone at GEM, I would like to say a big thank you if you voted for us. I am hugely grateful for the loyalty and enthusiasm shown by so many GEM members, many of whom have been with us for decades.You can be sure we will do our very best to provide you with a level of service in keeping with our number one position.

I hope that you will be willing to share the GEM story with your friends and family. Personal recommendation has always been our preferred method of growing our breakdown business – but we don’t expect you to do it for nothing, and we will be pleased in the coming months to unroll a brand new I hope that you online mechanism for rewarding you if you can help us bring in new members. will be willing In the meantime do by all means continue to refer friends and family “ members... please just give our office a call. to share the GEM story with A theme in this edition is ‘sharing the road’, and we will be paying attention to the needs of vulnerable road users, with our editor James Luckhurst in the friends and saddle of a large horse. Taking the time and trouble to understand the needs family... of another road user, and to do something to make their journey easier, can only lead to better road safety outcomes.

We have some great ideas for days out and weekends away, so do enjoy having a browse… and in among our new car reviews is the Ford Focus, which I must admit I am very keen to try for myself if the opportunity comes along.

” Enjoy this edition!

Paula Williams

GOOD MOTORING is the magazine for Good Motoring is the property of GEM problems arising from advertisements members of GEM Motoring Assist. Motoring Assist. All rights reserved. The with Good Motoring. In the first instance, Editor: James Luckhurst views expressed in this magazine do complaints and correspondence relating to Road Test Editor: David Motton not necessarily reflect the views of GEM advertisements should be directed to the Motoring Assist. GEM does not accept any advertiser concerned. Should you not reach Proofreader: Roger Rushton responsibility for errors or omissions. a satisfactory conclusion within a reasonable ([email protected]) Good Motoring is distributed quarterly via period of time, please contact us by post or Advertising enquiries: David Breary, Royal Mail to members of GEM Motoring email. Creative Publishing Services Assist worldwide. For questions and Write to: Good Motoring, GEM Motoring [email protected] comments relating to GEM membership, Assist, Station Road, Forest Row, East Sussex, Good Motoring subscriptions and editorial, RH18 5EN contact GEM Motoring Assist. Telephone: 01342 825676 Good Motoring is published by Email: [email protected] GEM Motoring Assist. Complaints policy: We hope you never Please note: magazine enquiries only to this © GEM Motoring Assist 2017 experience any problems relating to the email address. contents of Good Motoring. GEM Motoring Assist can accept no responsibility for www.motoringassist.com

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Classic car Making owner. Regarding your use of ‘incompetent’, While Canford Classics (Summer edition) would contact: we’re in favour of the notion that everyone love to sell you a beautifully restored Porsche, makes mistakes... ! the world of classic cars covers a much wider We welcome your Ed letters and we do spectrum. I would suggest that a potential classic our best to publish owner visit a few of the many classic car shows as many of them I caught the front of a small car parked appearing throughout the country during ‘the as we can. Do opposite my drop kerb, with no damage to my season’ that extends to September. These may please keep any own vehicle at all. Insurers of the damaged be from, say, 20 cars in a village hall car park to letter meant for vehicle said it was a write-off, but after enquiries several hundred in one of the major displays. publication to a locally, the car was repaired to a high standard In all cases their owners would love to talk to maximum length for £150. Four years later the car has passed all you about their pride and joy and discuss prices of 200 words. MOTs and still looks good. and problems. Please only send When I reversed into a low pole with a tap Car types will vary from the popular A30/A35, a letter if you are on it, my tailgate was damaged. My dealer happy to receive Morris Minors, ‘real’ (pre BMW) Minis, MGBs correspondence encouraged me to claim on my insurance and MX5s, pre-war Austin and Morris, to a in return, and for because it would cost around £6,000 to repair, smattering of exotica such as a DeLorean, your full name but would only cost me my excess. I found a McLaren and maybe even a Porsche. to be published freelance body repair person who works for I think in most cases the ownership is because alongside it in several local garages without a bodyshop. It cost of an attachment to the vehicle, nostalgia, future editions of me £300 for a day’s work (less than my excess). history or relationship to a particular event. I’ve Good Motoring. He did such a good job I have have had no never heard ‘investment’ being mentioned, Please don’t send hesitation in recommending him. and any value appreciation would have to be any membership So are the insurers not bothering to monitor reckoned against the cost of keeping the car on enquiries or repair costs or are they making money on change of the road. address notices repairs to offset lower premiums? The motorist I’m booked into 11 events this year of which to the editor. seems to be ripped off in so many ways in this seven are within 15 road miles of ‘home base’. country. If you do visit and you see a ruby-red SAAB Geoff Wright 900 turbo flying the Swedish flag, that’ll be me. Pop over and say hello - even better if you can Locked out show me your newly acquired piece I respond to Ian McIver and ‘It can’t happen, I of motoring history! am told...’ (Summer edition). As founder of an Mik Sansom auto electrical and vehicle security company established for almost 30 years, I am seeing Bump, bump customers experience this problem more I have a 2017 VW Golf SV. A couple of frequently now. months ago my rear offside corner was hit by To clarify, many new vehicles have a ‘boot’ an incompetent driver parking in the slot next button on the factory remote control transmitter. to mine in a supermarket car park. I was lucky This allows unlocking of the boot alone if because she was seen by two people, both of required, without unlocking the rest of the whom took the trouble to tell me. I made contact vehicle. When this button is used, the vehicle and the other driver’s insurance paid for the remains in the locked state whilst the boot latch replacement of my bumper. This cost more than is electronically pulsed, the unlock command £1,200. What amazed me more than the cost allowing entry. However, as the locking system was that the bumper had split after a hit which remains in the locked state, as soon as the boot must have been relatively mild. Bumpers are latch mechanism is re-latched following its un- surely there to protect the car - or are they there lock pulse, you’ve guessed it... it is all locked up nowadays to provide a lucrative source of after safe and sound again. sales revenue for dealers and manufacturers? So keep the key in your pocket just in case ! Chris Lord Michael McAloren

Bumpers are designed to give way and break under relatively low impact forces. It used to Instant VED be common among repairers simply to discard In reply to Paul Rhynehart’s letter about off-road the bumper and order in a replacement. These notifications, I shout ‘Hear hear!” In this day days, sophisticated repair techniques allow and age of instant everything online, then why firms to repair rather than replace, which is a can we not have instant car tax cover? A good much more environmentally friendly approach, selling point used to be that your car had >> and is generally a lot less expensive for the car www.motoringassist.com 7 Feedback (continued) >> the remainder of the licence that allowed short of statistics to back up its claims, then the new user to drive away with just insurance Getting meanders through a list of possible explanations to arrange for the handover. Surely DVLA whilst ignoring the blindingly obvious. There experts could quickly develop a system that out of town are more cars on the road now than there charges daily for car tax so when you change the were in 2010 (about 1.5 million if you search registered keeper you would receive a refund for Nearly 60 per cent online for the data). That’s 1.5 million more the remainder of that month and pay from the of all fatalities opportunities for accidents to happen. As well day you take ownership of your new car. occur on country as the increasing number of cars on the road I I like the monthly direct debit system but roads. Take care! would suggest there has also been an increase in DVLA still charges a fee. So to keep our hard- Expect the commercial journeys as the growth in internet earned cash for tax we have already paid for unexpected. shopping has generated more home deliveries AND charge us again for part of a month that Read the road (mostly by younger male drivers working to has already gone is just daylight robbery. ahead. Anticipate deadlines). How would you feel if all the fuel was potential hazards. I think the article made a bold assertion that removed from your car just before you collected If you’re overtaking it didn’t back up then proceeded to look for it? I have just received a cheque by post for horses or cyclists, reasons, citing “the three Es” and “the fatal unused tax after changing cars. Why use this pass wide and slow. four”. Government statistics note a 7% increase dark ages system that wastes paper, postage and Speed limits are in traffic since 2009. Against that background, time, that we as tax payers have funded? not targets. whilst current accident figures will disappoint, Edward Sayers should they also shock or surprise? Tony Weeks You are not alone. We have had many letters and comments from members who might wish The correspondent has picked up on one of the to buy or sell cars. Charging per day seems the many factors involved in the picture around the fairest system, so that if you sell, you get a full issue of road safety. I wrote the article quite refund on any unused days, or just start the deliberately setting out to make those who read new tax on the date the car is bought. Using it think about the issue, not to provide a specific the current system, anyone selling a car will line of argument about what the solution may want to wait until the last day of the month be. It “meandered through” some of the issues so they don’t lose out, but anyone buying will to illustrate the complications behind the want the transaction on the first of the month. headline figures (perhaps I should have been The most used words in the correspondence we clearer about the reasoning behind that), quite have received are ‘unfair’ and ‘rip-off’. Ed. intentionally. The intention may be described as being gently provocative. I’m sorry if that has upset the reader, but glad if it has prompted Casualty reduction thought - what it was intended to achieve. We probably have to accept that there will Peter Rodger always be a ‘structural level’ of accidents, some of which have nothing to do with the driver – tyres burst, lorries drop loads into the road Get your dukes right (this recently wrote my wife’s car off), there It was disappointing to note errors in the ‘Four are mechanical failures etc. The advent of more Fabulous Country Houses’ piece (last edition). widely available and powerful electric cars Clumber was the seat of the Pelham-Clinton with stunning 0 to 60 mph times may impact Dukes of Newcastle, not the Cavendish Dukes. on the statistics, as few of us have experienced The present Bolsover Castle was not started by such Ferrari-like acceleration/throttle response Bess of Hardwick, but by one of her sons after and one wonders what will happen when these her death. Finally, the initials atop Hardwick second-hand cars reach the ‘novice/average’ Hall are ES for Elizabeth Shrewsbury. Despite driver. the errors, I hope the article did encourage Cliff Gardside people to visit the houses and castles. Lynne Blake The “What has gone wrong since 2010...” article in the Summer issue seems remarkably Sorry, Lynne; detention for Dr Wakely. Ed.

The cars, the stars I was very gratified to see that you have taken up my suggestion of making your car reviews more critical. If only other people listened to me. As you know, I am a recently retired 65 year-old whose family cars are a Skoda Roomster and a Seat Mii. But I thought you might like to see the one ‘car’ I have treated myself to that doesn’t fit the typical Good Motoring reader profile. Never too old to have a mid-life crisis! Crispin Williams

Oh crivvens... Ed.

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Brian Harrison’s recent Caribbean cruise provided the perfect opportunity for him to brandish his copy of the Spring edition. We studied pictures he submitted from various exotic locations during the trip, including Panama, Havana and AffordableMexico.cover Here he is at forCozumel, careful a largely undeveloped bikers Mexican ... t/ island famous for its stunning reefs and unpapalleled scuba Third Party Property Damage Cover diving opportunities. Brian wins our £50 prize for submitting t/ We've teamedhis pictures.up with We hope Shield you will Total put them Insurance money toewards to your offer Up to £7 SO Lost Keys Cover •Gc.M comprehensivenext big adventure.and TPFT policies* on motorcycles or t/ If you’re heading off somewhere soon, do take a copy of Up to 90 days' European Cover MOTORINGESTABLISHED ASSIST 1932 scooters, thewith Summer optional edition with benefits you and send including: us a picture. We love unusual locations, and have a £50 prize for the photo we like best. Who knows... it could be yours! Email your photo - as high quality as possible - to us here at [email protected]. Call today for an instant quote on 0800 975 146 .,... � 10 www.motoringassist.com ME AND MY MAG: from the Ring of Kerry Lucky winner Here we see GEM Congratulations to Mr Nick member Mark Hughes of Ormskirk in Mansfield enjoying his Lancashire, who was the copy of the Summer lucky winner in our summer edition of Good edition competition. Mr Motoring. He is pictured Hughes and a companion part way through a 900- can now look forward to mile tour of the west of a two-night break for two Ireland, completed with at Ston Easton Manor in Somerset. Have fun! his Mazda MX5 roof permanently down. No small feat in a region known for its occasional showers! £50 to you, sir! Send us a snap from somewhere lovely... to [email protected] Isn’t it time you booked your GEM Driver Assessment? ...as recommended by our very own Valerie Singleton! VAL SINGLETON OBE knows she is a good and determined to overtake her and everything safe driver. This was confirmed by a recent else on the road. Driver Assessment she completed, using the “As oldies, we tend to worry about how sharp scheme organised by GEM in association with our reflexes are. I was therefore very pleased to RoSPA. show my assessor during the session that there “This was the third time in the past five years was nothing wrong with my ability to react to that I’ve had someone in the car to appraise my sudden situations,” Val told us. driving skills,” she said. “I rather think I learnt the most from this most recent assessment, Ready to book an assessment of your own? which was also the most enjoyable.” A GEM Driver Assessment costs £55 and lasts She is proud of her role presenting GEM’s ‘Still around an hour. There is no pass or fail at Safe to Drive’ video resource, which helped the end, although you will receive an honest her confront some of the key issues connected appraisal of your driving, as well as a written Check out another with driving in later life. report. Better still, when you have completed GEM member’s A naturally inquisitive person who loves to the assessment you will qualify for a discount experience find her way along country lanes to explore when you next renew your GEM membership. completing the beyond the obvious, Val prides herself on For more details please call our colleagues at Driver Assessment: understanding other drivers – especially those RoSPA on 0121 248 2099. turn to page 66.

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Win a two-night break in lovely south Devon Welcome to Orestone Manor, your country house hotel by the sea, promising relaxed, efficient yet unobtrusive service

A TRUE GEM of the south Devon coast, Orestone house is the signature Horsley Suite, with amazing Manor is a family-run Georgian country house sea views through the huge sash windows, a king- hotel with spectacular sea views over Lyme Bay size four-poster bed and ‘his and hers’ sinks with and beyond. Full of history and character, it’s in Molton Brown toiletries. The two newer Coach the pretty coastal village of Maidencombe on the House suites in a stand-alone building have a ‘English Riviera’, so called because of the warm sub- duplex feel with a kitchenette and roll-top bath tropical climate. upstairs and the bedroom downstairs near a private Perfect for a traditional seaside break, there’s a patio which boasts a hot tub. There’s another hot “There’s a dramatic red sand beach in a hidden cove you can tub in the main house’s Garden Suite which also has dramatic red walk down to from the hotel (if you don’t mind the another four-poster bed, making Orestone ideal for steep climb back up!), while Torquay with its elegant a romantic getaway. sand beach in a seafront is only a four-mile drive away. Motorists Once you’ve settled into your room and had a hidden cove you clearly love the location as we spotted a classic cocktail on the garden terrace (the Margaritas come can walk 1930s Wolseley Hornet in pristine condition in the recommended), you’ll want to turn your attention car park when we arrived. towards dinner. The hotel boasts two AA rosettes for down to from There are 14 individually designed rooms at its fine dining and this is a foodies’ paradise. the hotel...” Orestone Manor and each is unique. In the main Devon is home to some of the country’s finest

12 www.motoringassist.com For more details about the hotel, please visit orestonemanor.com

Enter now! About the prize The prize is for two people sharing a double room at Orestone Manor Hotel for two nights (Sun-Thu, excluding Christmas, New Year and other holidays), with dinner on one evening and a bottle of house wine provided. Breakfast on both days is included. The prize must be redeemed by 30 June 2019.

ENTER NOW: Just answer this one question: Don’t risk missing out! What is the name of the guest suite in Orestone You MUST put Orestone Manor Competition in the subject Manor’s main house? line of your email entry. Terms and Conditions Please send an email, with your answer, to us at This promotion may not be used in conjunction with any other offer. Please [email protected] also note that some dates will not be available. This promotion is subject to our Please put Orestone Manor Competition in the subject line of your standard competition terms and conditions, which you will find on our website (motoringassist.com/goodmotoring). Or write to us, enclosing SAE to the email. Please also include your GEM membership number. Closing value of £1.95. In order to avoid any misunderstandings, we urge you to read the date is 31 October 2018. You can also enter by post (address on p4). terms and conditions carefully before entering the competition.

fresh produce available, including South Devon Valley’s Sharpham Winery. beef, West Country free range pork and lamb, local History lovers will also enjoy discovering Orestone estate wild game, dayboat fish and shellfish from Manor’s links with the past. It was the former home Brixham and the River Teign, rope-grown mussels of John Callcott Horsley, best known as the designer and hand-dived scallops. The good news is that of the very first Christmas card. His brother-in-law ALL feature on the menu. The owners also grow was Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of the UK’s most fruit, vegetables and herbs in the extensive kitchen celebrated engineers, who first came to the area Words: Russell Higham Words: gardens. as the chief engineer of the Great Western Railway. Eating here is a treat and locals are regulars too Interestingly, the picture of him which hangs in the - always a good sign. It’s not surprising, given the National Portrait Gallery was painted at Orestone in quality of dishes such as seared Brixham landed 1857 by none other than John Callcott Horsley. scallops, crispy bacon, caramelised pearl onions, Rudyard Kipling was another famous visitor to pea cream and pea shoots. There are also classic the area and he, too, was inspired here when he favourites such as moules marinière, pork belly with stayed at Rock House (next door to Orestone). So cider jus apple puree or Devon lamb with ratatouille good luck with your competition entry - who knows and summer truffle. The cheese board was entirely what inspiration may strike our lucky winner when locally sourced and came with helpful cheese they stay in this unique hotel on a coastline that has tasting notes. Even the wine we were recommended been preserved as an area of Outstanding Natural was local - a crisp English white from the Dart Beauty. Good luck! n

13 www.motoringassist.com road safety

These roads were made for sharing ...and as Peter Rodger suggests, it all starts by stepping into the shoes of another road user

EVER RIDDEN A pedal cycle or a motorbike? Too often they don’t do that and, truthfully, Driven a truck? Or a bus? Ridden a horse? we don’t either. We aren’t as good at sharing Driven a van, or a car? Walked along a city as we should be, whatever our parents tried to street? Pushed a buggy along a country lane? teach us. There are some who pour scorn on I suggest it’s likely that most of us will say ‘yes’ Sometimes the idea that we should share, saying that it is to at least two of these, and doubtless plenty will we simply too utopian and unrealistic. Often that sounds answer yes to several. Collectively we use our “ like “I want it all” to me, but perhaps there’s a roads in all these ways (and plenty more). As we don’t point in there. Sometimes the temptation to treat go about our daily lives, we are in amongst all understand others as ungenerously as we feel we have been these things going on. treated is too strong. Sometimes we simply don’t So as we travel around we need to take notice what the understand what the others need. of these other types of road user and try to get others need. “The authorities” like us to share. In some the best out of the limited resource that is our cases this is taken to an extreme with shared road space. Likewise we expect that all the other space schemes, designed to make everyone feel groups will be doing their best to make our lives a that there aren’t fixed rules about who should be bit easier, trying to do whatever is best to help us, where, so everyone works to share the road space. as we try to help them. Wouldn’t that be great! On other occasions the authorities prefer to 14 ” www.motoringassist.com separate us and control the sharing by strict spoken of much – but very strong. The smaller allocation of who can use which bit of space – bus vehicle/road user may be happy to reduce that or cycle lanes, or pavements, are simple routine distance if they are doing the passing, but not the forms of separation and allocation we are all If the chance other way round, ever. So cyclists will pass very familiar with. Problems arise with separation. close to a slow or stationary lorry, motorcyclists Pavement parking, cars using bus lanes, cyclists “to try will pass a traffic queue with a cigarette paper not using the cycle lane – all simple examples someone thickness of clearance – but please don’t use the where, for whatever reason, separation breaks same small margin to drive past them whilst they down. else’s role in are similarly slow or stationary. We don’t like So, are there any “rules” about sharing? Well, this comes that, whoever we are. And in all cases, the closer yes, although we aren’t good at conforming along, give it the pass, the slower it needs to be. to them, and they aren’t always clear and Sometimes people would do the right thing, if straightforward or well understood. a go and find they knew what it was. The problems faced by the There is a scheme becoming more widely out what driver of a 44 tonne articulated truck may not be operated that has the police enforcing a guideline obvious to anyone who hasn’t driven one, and the of 1.5 metres for cars passing cyclists. The British it’s like. issues a horse rider has with passing traffic might Horse Society advises a minimum of a car’s width surprise many others. I’m not making excuses (a Ford Focus is 1.8 metres if it helps) when here – plenty of people simply don’t take enough passing a horse. There’s a separate rule, not really notice of what they do know – but if the chance to try someone else’s role in all this comes along, give it a go and find out what it’s like. It is also better to remember that the interaction ” with the other road user is really with a driver, or a cyclist, or a trucker, not with a car, bike or truck. If we need to share (and we do, there isn’t room not to), the decisions about how it is going to work HORSE RIDER are made, in pretty much every instance, by people more or less like us. Quite how the autonomous vehicle population will manage in the future is a separate discussion for perhaps another day... Sharing can be hard. It can feel that we are not SAFETY getting our “fair share”. It can mean not always doing exactly what we want when we want to. Look at it from my Roadcraft, the “bible” of police driver training says that driving plans are made based on what the driver can see, what the driver cannot see, and point of view... what he or she can reasonably expect to develop. On a country lane, it is reasonable to expect a horse around a bend... so the driving plan, the set of ideas in your head about what you are about to do as you go round the bend – should include sharing the road space with the horse and rider if they are there. You won’t actually have a choice. If they are there, you will have to share, or crash. The same applies to a bus or a tractor. That may be a blunt and unpleasant way to express it, but if it helps prompt thought about how we do all this stuff, it achieves the purpose. It’s very easy to be “preachy” about sharing. The idea of this article is to prompt thought and reflection about how we deal with each other, how we manage the interactions of everyday life on the road, rather than preach. None of us is perfect, we can all gain a bit by looking at our own attitude and behaviour. But I do struggle with people who won’t try to share... people who assume everyone else should bend to their needs, without any thought for the others around them. Next page: editor James Luckhurst and Hercules the horse do some sharing of their own >> 15 www.motoringassist.com

www.motoringassist.com sharing the road Out of the yard According to a 2017 report1 from TRL, there is “widespread anecdotal evidence in the riding community that horse riders frequently experience dangerous interactions, near-collisions, and collisions with other road users on the road.” So being as conspicuous as possible is one way of minimising the risks. The leg bands are particularly good in this regard. The horses here are in single file. The Highway Code mentions horses going in double file but only in certain instances. So if you see them in double file, it’s not because they’re arrogant and intent on making your journey harder. It’s much more likely that either the rider or the horse on the inside may be nervous or inexperienced in traffic. That’s all. 1. TRLPPR845 Conspicuity of horses and riders on the road, 2017 (Weekley, Helman and Wann).

No nagging doubts Pics: Billie Charity If you’ve ever worried about safety around horses then GEM and the British Horse Society have some sensible advice

HOW GOOD are we at understanding the needs kinds of seemingly impossible stunts. of another road user? And if we do understand For me, this afternoon is all about promoting those needs, a more salient point might be: how safety on the roads for horses, riders and others. well prepared are we to act on that understanding If you’re a rider who needs to use the roads, and modify the driving plan and dynamic risk you’re sure to recollect a few close calls or real assessment that goes with it. The sole purpose of incidents. If you drive a car, this little article, then, is to offer useful information truck, tractor, van, bus… HORSE RIDER that may help to reduce the risks created when anything, really – then you SAFETY vehicles, horses and riders are required to share the may also recall moments of Look at it from my same road space. heightened tension involving point of view... It’s a fantastic privilege for me to spend the one or more horses. afternoon with Alan Hiscox, who boasts one of the Why do my horse most impressive CVs in the equestrian world. He is Hercules and I use the now director of safety at the British Horse Society, roads? For one simple but he was previously chief equitation officer at purpose, which is to get us the Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch Training from the field or the yard School. He was also leader of the Met’s Mounted L-R: 18-hand Hercules, up to Llandefalle Common, James Luckhurst and the Display Team. If you have ever been to Olympia BHS’s Alan Hiscox. where we do the vast you are likely to have seen him and his colleagues The GEM leaflet majority of our riding. I cavorting around the show ring at high speed, (right) is available from think that’s the case with removing saddles as they go and performing all motoringassist.com. most riders >> www.motoringassist.com

16 www.motoringassist.com sharing the road

Dead Slow: in the past seven years there have been 2,900 road incidents reported to the BHS. A total of 39 riders have been killed, with 230 horses losing their lives at the scene of a collision or subsequently destroyed as the result of their injuries. 85% of these reported incidents are because vehicles have travelled too fast or too close to the horse. It was this that prompted the BHS to launch its ‘Dead Slow’ campaign in 2016, promoting behavioural change techniques for road users.

How close is too close: there is no specific distance quoted, either in the Highway Code or by the British Horse Society. However, as a driver, it makes sense to hold back. Don’t get up close and pressurise the horse and rider. Look out for the signals and heed any requests to slow down or stop (Section 215 Highway Code). Occasionally it may also be prudent to switch off your engine, if the rider knows that this may cause the horse difficulties.

17 www.motoringassist.com sharing the road “Probably the most comfortable shoes ever!” Men’s Driving Loafers NOW HALF PRICE!PRICE!

SAVE 50% “Shoes A to B: most horses and riders have to use the roads. Given Much obliged: all riders are encouraged to thank drivers for ALL SIZES NOW the choice, riders would never use the roads if there were more their courtesy. It’s a two way process and drivers’ consideration you can bridleways. So when you see a horse on the road they’re likely should be acknowledged. It may not always be a hand signal. wear all to be riding from stable to bridleway or from one bridleway to “If the horse needs 100% of the rider’s attention, please don’t another. Factors such as weather conditions, umbrellas, things feel aggrieved that you haven’t been thanked,” says BHS safety day long” flying or flapping in the wind, engines, air brakes... just about director Alan Hiscox. “All riders will try to raise a hand, or nod anything could unsettle a nervous horse. and smile to you. They will be genuinely grateful for your help.” £15PER PAIR + p&p

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SIZES WAS NOW YOU SAVE Chums Ltd., (Dept. GM818), P.O. Box 50, Prescot, Merseyside L34 9GX ALL SIZES Please send me item(s) indicated PLEASE USE BLOCK LETTERS If I’m passing 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 £30 £15 £15 COLOUR QUANTITY SIZE PRICE >> and horses… they wouldn’t be on the road if a horse... Hercules and I clip-clop out onto the road, HALF PRICE Order style MJ497 they didn’t need to be. We’re lucky, in part because with my wife Abby on her horse, Tom, and Alan Sub Total n I will slow down to a Our friendly UK Customer Service Staff Order style MJ497 – Men’s Driving Loafer the roads up here are generally very quiet, and also following on foot at a discreet distance. We meet I enclose Cheques / POs made payable to Chums for £ UK mainland P&P £5.25 Please write your address (inc. post code) on reverse of cheque. maximum of 15mph. are waiting to take your order. Call Now! TOTAL because most drivers are patient and calm. n I’ll be patient, I won’t one or two vehicles on the ride; thankfully drivers (For orders outside UK, please phone for a post and packing quote) The plan is to ensure that Hercules and I are as are helpful and for our part we do our best to or charge my MasterCard/Visa/Maestro Account No. sound my horn or rev Chums offer you (PLEASE TICK). DEBIT MY A/C. NUMBER AS SHOWN BELOW conspicuous as possible. After all, the earlier a my engine. minimise any possible cause for tension. Alan FREE RETURNS and driver sees someone on a horse, the better. If that n I’ll pass wide and advises on when to ride two abreast and when to complete satisfaction if START DATE: / EXPIRY DATE: / CARD ISSUE NO. means a sea of vivid yellow, then so be it (but here’s slow (a car’s width). go in single file; he also stresses the real value of 08715 265 265 you want an exchange or MONTH/YEAR MONTH/YEAR (Maestro Cards only) Calls cost 13p per minute from BT landlines but may vary depending on your phone company or if using a mobile. n Then I will drive your money back. Name: Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms a simple tip: conspicuous is all about standing out courtesy at the end of an ‘encounter’. It may not for MASTERCARD/VISA/MAESTRO CARD HOLDERS slowly away. Goods usually delivered Address

from your background – yellow horsey kit in front always be possible to take a hand off the reins, but No. 1561474 Chums Ltd. Co. Reg. within 7 days. Post Code of a massive gorse or ragwort bush may be bright, generally a wave of thanks or a nod of the head will www.chums.co.uk/offers Now Telephone and enter media code: GM818 accepted Post orders to: MEDIA but is definitely not a bright idea for staying visible go a long way to improving relations between riders We think you’d enjoy some of the latest products and selected offers by Only one media or promotion code can be used per transaction. Chums Ltd., (Dept. GM818), post from other trusted retailers, charities, ﬁ nance, travel, FMCG and utility CODE GM818 n companies. If you would prefer not to receive these by post, please tick this and safe). and other roads users. box . To learn more about our trusted partners and how we use your data, see our privacy policy at www.chums.co.uk/privacy or ask for Personal shoppers welcome at our showroom. Open Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm. P. O. Box 50, Prescot, a copy when you call us. From time to time Chums would like to send you our latest catalogues, special offers and promotions by post that M57 Junction 4, off School Lane, Unity Grove, Knowsley Business Park, Liverpool L34 9AR. Merseyside L34 9GX we think you’d appreciate as a valued customer. If you would prefer not to receive these, please tick this box . 18 www.motoringassist.com

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within 7 days. No. 1561474 Chums Ltd. Co. Reg. www.chums.co.uk/offers Post Code Now Telephone and enter media code: GM818 accepted Post orders to: We think you’d enjoy some of the latest products and selected offers by MEDIA Only one media or promotion code can be used per transaction. post from other trusted retailers, charities, ﬁ nance, travel, FMCG and utility GM818 Chums Ltd., (Dept. GM818), companies. If you would prefer not to receive these by post, please tick this CODE box . To learn more about our trusted partners and how we use your data, see our privacy policy at www.chums.co.uk/privacy or ask for Personal shoppers welcome at our showroom. Open Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm. P. O. Box 50, Prescot, a copy when you call us. From time to time Chums would like to send you our latest catalogues, special offers and promotions by post that M57 Junction 4, off School Lane, Unity Grove, Knowsley Business Park, Liverpool L34 9AR. Merseyside L34 9GX we think you’d appreciate as a valued customer. If you would prefer not to receive these, please tick this box . 33 www.motoringassist.com

TL 55083 297x210.indd 1 01/08/2018 16:13 PART 2 Member survey 2018 Our second visit to the member survey we conducted earlier this year focuses on your car-buying and your thoughts about the future of mobility

THERE WAS simply too much excellent What you told us: information from this year’s member survey to How often do you change your car? squeeze into one edition, so here we are with I usually buy vehicles at around four years old a second round-up of questions, answers and and keep them for a further four to five years. comments. This time we However where I live we get a fair amount of This time we have focused on car-buying and “have focused car damage and so have kept my car longer. the future of mobility, choosing four specific on car-buying questions that offer the broadest range of answers I have driven the same car, a 1989 Passat estate, and opinions. Analysing them for us is David and the future since new, but also sometimes drive my wife’s Motton, Good Motoring’s road test editor. of mobility... 2010 Golf. “GEM members have their concerns about the future – particularly road safety and the viability I have just been forced to change a perfectly of autonomous cars, if our survey results are serviceable car by the money-grabbing London anything to go by,” he says. Mayor. “But overall, they see more reasons for optimism than pessimism, and they’re looking I believe in the addage If it’s not broken don’t forward to buying their next car.” ” mend it. 20 www.motoringassist.com Member survey 2018 How much do you expect When you buy your next car, to spend on your next car? which of the following are likely to be the three most important Up to £5000 deciding factors?

Between £5000 and £10,000 Performance

Between Technology £10,000 and £20,000 Running costs More than £20,000 Resale value

Purchase price

There’s a broad spread of budgets among GEM members who Good looks have a car purchase in mind. Nearly two-thirds of respondents plan to spend between £5,000 and £20,000. Some 33.6 per Badge

cent have a budget of £5,000-£10,000 in mind. That reflects Safety the intention of most members to make the most of their money through buying a used car. The comments made by Environmental members are at least as revealing as the figures themselves, and show an acute awareness of the speed at which new cars Other depreciate. “I work on the basis that most cars lose 35-40 per cent of their original value in the first three to four years so it is worth going for a pre-owned vehicle,” said one. Whether buying new or used, it seems most members appreciate the Whatever their budget, the cost of motoring plays a huge part need to haggle: “I will negotiate the price and pay what I think in the buying decisions made by GEM members. Asked to the vehicle is worth, not the asking price,” is one comment list the three most important factors in choosing their next which sums up the thoughts of many. car, ‘purchase price’ and ‘running costs’ were by far the most significant, and were chosen by nearly seven out of 10 members. Performance was the next most important (picked by 32.5 per cent of respondents). Perhaps surprisingly, safety “GEM members only made the top three factors for 21.3 per cent of members. see more reasons One attribute which wasn’t listed for members to choose but was frequently mentioned in the comments was reliability. for optimism than Indeed, one member told us his priorities were “reliability, pessimism, and they’re reliability, reliability”. Practicality and interior space were also often listed as important, and members with caravans, looking forward to horseboxes or trailers often cited towing ability as one of buying their next car.” their top priorities. As someone who regularly tows, I can understand why this looms large in the minds of members David Motton who need to tow...

I will keep our current car for ever, if possible. advice would be never again... pure hassle .

Six years is probably the maximum I keep a car. Whichever is the best option at the time, i.e. 0% finance is a no brainer. For me it’s I buy them and run them into the ground! Depends on APR available from seller. I may even “about ride It’s not as rigid as this. Some cars I keep for absorb cost of car into mortgage. comfort, as many years and others I change more often. our roads How will your next car be powered? My current car is 29 years old, of which the last There is far too little known about how the are now 12 have been with me. I won’t change her until materials used in electric cars are produced and horrendous either she dies or I do! how they will be processed at the end of life. This is a major issue not generally addressed. for anything How do you plan to pay for your next car? with normal If PCP works out cheaper I will use it, but put the I’m annoyed that the Government has pushed suspension. final payment aside to make sure I can pay it off. diesel vehicles for years, and now is demonising them. Some of us are not in a position to be Following my husband’s death I need to return his able to pick a hybrid and must put economy first. car which was on a lease agreement with VW. My More questions and analysis overleaf >>

21 www.motoringassist.com ” Member survey 2018

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

Car ownership will decrease in the Agree next 20 years, to be replaced by more Disagree car clubs and rental schemes Don’t know

Existing legislation will be sufficient to govern the use of autonomous cars on the UK’s roads

Security of my personal data will become a much greater consideration when choosing and using a car in future

I am excited about future travel opportunities, because autonomous technology is likely to keep me mobile for longer

A self-driving car just sounds too dangerous

Bearing in mind the issues I have with my home computer, I worry that a self- driving car would be unreliable and risky

There will be fewer road traffic collisions in 20 years’ time than What best sums up how you feel there are now about the future of motoring, road transport and mobility? Asked about their attitudes to a number of possible future I feel developments in motoring, it’s striking how few GEM positive members relish the prospect of autonomous cars.

Just under half of respondents (49.5 per cent) consider that a I feel self-driving car will be dangerous. Why so? negative Many distrust the technology, even those who you might

think would be enthusiastic: “I work in IT, have done since its I don’t inception, I wouldn’t trust a computer to make my toast, never have an opinion mind controlling a ton of metal, moving at speed!” Many echoed these sentiments, others worried about the possibility of hacking. Not all members were so worried, however: “I’m an Despite some negative feelings about technological engineer and I have faith in the technology. People once feared developments and the future of road safety, overall, more the unfathomable speed of a 20mph train.” Others cite the of GEM’s membership feels positively about the future of advantages autonomy promises for those of advancing years. motoring and mobility than negatively. More than one third “Very useful as I get older as it could mean I could continue (36.7 per cent) are excited about the opportunities the future to live in a rural area where we now have no public transport. will bring. However, that still leaves 28.8 per cent feeling I need a car to get to the bus five miles away.” nervous or concerned, whereas the rest are undecided. “I There’s some pessimism about the future of road safety in am not nervous about this but concerned that successive general, seemingly fuelled by distrust of technology which governments have not invested in our roads or infrastructure,” takes control and responsibility away from the driver and broadly sums up the thoughts of many. instead gives it to the vehicle itself. But let’s end on a positive note. “Electric vehicles will When asked how they felt about the statement There will be help the environment and autonomous vehicles will help fewer road traffic collisions in 20 years’ time than there are everybody,” wrote one member. now, 36.4 per cent disagreed and only 24.5 per cent agreed. Here’s hoping that optimism is justified.

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As well as 007’s famous Aston I have completed the credit / debit card authority for £1.99 and Martins, the Offi cial Bond in if I choose to return with 14 days, I will not be charged anything. ★ Email I am absolutely under NO COMMITMENT to take any further At Eaglemoss, we often have exciting offers and news about our products Motion Collection features models and magazines now or in the future. More in the offi cially that we like to share with you. Please let us know how you would prefer to other legendary marques – licensed Bond in Motion collection will be made available and hear from us by ticking the relevant starred blue boxes: We treat your details with respect and you can fi nd our full data ★ ✓ including Bentleys, Jaguars, delivered to me, usually every 4 weeks, and all I need to do is to let protection terms on our website. you know if I do not wish to receive them. In that case my card will BMWs and Lotuses, some of not be debited. I will only ever pay for what I choose to keep. MAKE YOUR PAYMENT ONLINE, BY PHONE, OR HERE... which were driven by those notorious Bond villains. First name Mastercard VISA American Express There is absolutely no commitment Second name Pleased debit this credit/debit card with £1.99. Every 4 weeks you may offer me further Bond in Motion collection replicas and you and you are under no Address will debit a further £12.99 plus £2.99 p&p each, but I may decline obligation to buy any more ★ and you will not debit this card. models – if you choose to stop the collection, simply Post code Card no tell us and we’ll do the rest. Expiry Date / CVV (on reverse of card) Guaranteed! EXTRA ONLINE ONLY: Go to www.eaglemoss.com/ bondinmotion within 7 days and claim your 2 for 1 tickets for the London Film Festival Bond in Motion exhibition. Signature

If, within 14 days of receiving your Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfi nger replica you are not 100% satisfi ed, you are entitled for full refund if you return it in the same condition that you and related James Bond Trademarks © 1962-2018 Danjaq, LLC and UAC. received it. Our terms are wholly in accordance with The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 and your statutory rights are not affected. You may cancel your subscription at any time by and related James Bond Trademarks are trademarks of Danjaq, LLC. GOLDFINGER © 1964 Danjaq, phone, email, or by post to Eaglemoss Collections - Unit 3 Larkfi eld Mill, New Hythe Business Park, Bellingham Way, Aylesford, Kent ME20 6SQ. The 2 for 1 ticket voucher is yours to keep LLC and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All rights reserved. whatever you decide.This offer is open to readers in the UK only. All orders subject to acceptance. Gifts may vary and are subject to availability. Please allow 21 days for the fi rst delivery. For full terms and conditions regarding subscriptions gifts please consult www.eaglemoss.com/bondinmotion or contact us by e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone on 0191 490 6421. ROADSIDE FLASHERS GATSO 1991. That’s when the journey started to change forever for the UK motorist. The first speed camera was launched, not to much fanfare but with a remarkable result. Situated on the M40 in west London, it reportedly captured 400 instances of excess speed within 40 minutes. New laws allowed the installation of the now classic Gatso on the A316 over Twickenham Bridge in 1992. This single statistic is notable: at this one location 22,939 drivers were found to be exceeding 65mph in just 22 days. Since then, speed enforcement has certainly become part of the furniture of the roads; an everyday presence Introduced on journeys across Britain as well as in the back of many 1992 drivers’ minds wherever they go. Whilst the financial Position Nearside, rear facing aspects of safety camera based enforcement can’t be ignored – the revenue raised can be very significant – the Detection Speed at fixed point statistics backing up their necessity speak for themselves: Recording according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Film Accidents (RoSPA), inappropriate speed is contributing Our Rating to 15% of serious injuries and 24% of deaths on our 8/10 roads. Our thoughts: These safety cameras have spent almost 30 Here, we delve into the different types of enforcement years proving that they’re worth their weight in gold (or camera tech. What they do and how effective they are. their original grey) when it comes to detecting excessive It’s time to play Top Traffic Cameras... speed on the roads. However, they don’t always identify the driver and the in-built film can sometimes run out.

VECTOR HADECS 3

Introduced 2014 Introduced 2014 Position Nearside or central Position Nearside or on gantry Detection Speed, red lights , others Detection Variable speed at fixed point Recording Digital Recording Digital Our Rating 9/10 Our Rating 7/10 Our thoughts: These safety cameras might be among the newest but they have already had a huge impact. Our thoughts: Some say the front of the device looks a bit They work in all weathers and are replacing fixed point like a face watching over the motorway. However these speed cameras in many areas. cameras enforce regularly-changing speed limits on some of Britain’s fastest roads. Confusion about how they work and when they’re used means our rating is reduced.

24 www.motoringassist.com SPECS TRUVELO

Introduced 1999 1999 Position Nearside or central Introduced Anywhere, front facing Detection Average speed Position Detection Speed at fixed point Recording Digital Film Recording Our Rating 7/10 8/10 Our Rating Our thoughts: Originally caught up in the controversy of “stealth” speed enforcement, the SPECS camera has Our thoughts: These cameras built on the Gatsos by using been the workhorse of enforcing speed over distance. Its more advanced detection methods and capturing images younger and more powerful sibling VECTOR is gaining from the front. However, we give a slightly lower rating than ground so our rating for SPECS reflects that. we usually might because of the newer, fully digital Truvelo D-Cams.

CAMERA VAN POLICE OFFICER

Introduced 1990s Introduced from 1980s Position Anywhere Position Anywhere Detection Speed at fixed point Detection Speed Recording Digital Recording Brain, notebook, digital Our Rating 8/10 Our Rating 9/10 Our thoughts: Their ‘pop-up’ nature means that camera Our thoughts: True old school enforcement. Is it the vans tackle a variety of speed hotspots across a region with best use of an officer’s time, especially with automated relative ease. They enforce phone and seatbelt violations, enforcement now the norm? We say if it’s done well and too. However, there’s a driving/staffing cost as well as the backed up with roadside education, it can be a powerful regular bill for vehicle and equipment maintenance. way of changing road users’ behaviour.

Words: Neil Barrett

25 www.motoringassist.com GEM Member? Put our HOME INSURANCE to the test... GEM has partnered with Shield Total Insurance to bring you competitive premiums and great personal service WIN 1 Get a quote today for your chance to WIN £250 in our £250* Free Prize Draw! 2 Enjoy FREE Home 1 Year’s Emergency Cover Free HOME when you purchase EMERGENCY Wide choice of Cover † 3 cover options: ✔ Up to £1 million buildings cover GEM ✔ Up to £150,000 contents cover MEMBERS ✔ All policies on a New for Old basis ✔ Cover available for garages and ONLY outbuildings on your land ✔ Optional Key Protection from £12 pa For your instant quote call us FREE on: 0800 975 0876

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www.motoringassist.com Signature Date 41 A passion for wildlife (but not for parking...)

TV presenter Kate Humble talks to Maxine Ashford about her work, her driving... and her penchant for skinny dipping

WE JUST can’t get enough wildlife, science and Top Gear with Quentin Willson, Tiff Needell and nature on our television screens. One presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson. loved by millions for her enthusiasm, curiosity “There’s a bit of a story to that,” Kate admits. and passion for wildlife and all things outdoor “I knew then and still know now very little about I wanted is Kate Humble. Well known on screens across cars - I had driven a Fiat Uno, a VW Beetle and the nation, Kate is also an author and farmer. several trucks in Africa and that was it. I had “to be a Married to television producer Ludo Graham, worked in production a long time, but never had professional she lists a seriously impressive line-up of credits, any plans to appear on television. In fact, I wanted including Lambing Live, Hottest Place on Earth, to be a groom, be in the circus or be a professional gypsy... You Call the Shots, Tomorrow’s World, Off the gypsy. I liked the idea of being nomadic and on Beaten Track and Countryfile. But there are a fair walkabout. Cars were really not my thing – I few unusual shows in the long resumé, such as loved the research, the interviews and having the 28 www.motoringassist.com” licence to ask anyone you like whatever you want, Quentin and it had big leather seats like I was Early snaps but not really presenting. in a sort of gentleman’s club and there was a Kate went to southern Africa when she “Then the BBC said they wanted me to do lot of walnut everywhere. Quentin said, ‘Now was 19, spending Top Gear. I asked ‘why?’ as I was completely then Katherine – this car is worth £97,500’ and I some time living and unqualified in every possible way. They said they replied that it was more than my house cost. working on a crocodile wanted a regular consumer piece and usually the “Needless to say no one had explained to me farm in Zambia. She buck stops with the woman when it comes to about racing handbrakes, so in front of the entire provided our Maxine buying a new car, so I agreed, but did explain I bigwigs of the Aston Martin factory who were with a passable was restricted. all standing watching with their arms crossed, I impression of a crocodile waiting to be On the first day’s filming Kate went with a crew bunny-hopped across the gravel, leaving divots hatched. to the Aston Martin factory. “I had to drive a DB7 as I went. In the end they sensibly gave me all the Vantage Volante. I got into the car with off-road stuff which was perfect – I could >> 29 Kate Humble

>> be muddy and the cars could be muddy. Discussing her appreances in The Chase and Fifteen to One (both for charity, and both of which she won) led Kate to explain a rule she has so far stuck to resolutely. “No reality shows, and never do a programme with ‘celebrity’ in the title. “I was asked to do Strictly and Dancing on Ice the same year. My agent was slightly hysterical because she knows me and the idea of me being in sequins with a spray tan and make-up she found hilarious. “I was filming Springwatch at the time and told the production team, thinking they would roll about laughing too. But they said I had to do it so they could get tickets to the final – that’s all they were interested in. A lot of people told Kate she should do it, so she called her agent, who admitted that Strictly was her guilty pleasure. “She suggested we go and find out more,” Kate tells us. “So, we turned up at the BBC. Obviously, my area of TV is quite grubby and down to earth – you’re lucky to get a cup of tea on set. And here it’s all lovies and darlings and all quite glossy. “We went into an office and they started talking about outfits and high heels and Strictly Takes Two and spray tans. I could where our food comes from and how its produced. Lots of feel myself coming out in hives, with sweat breaking out into people want to make that connection but it’s difficult for them my palms. At this point my agent’s little hand came over to my to have access to it, so we run a farm in partnership with a knee and she whispered ‘You don’t have to do it, it’s OK’. ‘proper’ farmer. “I know people love it, it’s really not for me. I was actually “I have a go but I’m a bit shambolic. I’ve delivered lots of asked to do the jungle the very first year it was screened. My sheep and pigs. It’s lovely when people come and stay and agent rightly said that I would love to be in the jungle, but we say if they leave the farm with clean fingernails, then we would just hate everyone else in there! haven’t done our job. We want people to go away grubby and “And the other thing is, and I know it sounds a little bit smiling,” she says. disingenuous, but it’s genuinely meant – I don’t think I’m a As a result there’s a requirement for Kate to use a fairly celebrity. I’m really not. I do a lovely job that I love and yes, it robust vehicle. “I drive a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. I had a means some people know who I am, but it is just a job.” Mitsubishi L200 as a farm vehicle and I said somebody needs Kate is quick to trace the source of her passion for the to design a practical off-roader. At the smallholding the dirt countryside. “Growing up in rural Berkshire, next door to a road is really steep, north facing and in the woods so a two- farm, meant I was always mucking out horses and climbing wheel drive vehicle wouldn’t get up it. trees. I grew up in the 70s and that was a time before health and “I don’t need a 4WD all the time, but I do need something safety was invented... or computers, mobile phones, tablets or that I can put a bale of straw in, a load of feed and three dogs. the likes. It needs to be a muddy, working, practical vehicle, but not a great gas-guzzling car. I wanted a car that is good on fuel Fingernails efficiency and has a low impact on the environment – that “There were three channels of television so we could either really matters to me. I didn’t think anyone had invented such a watch the test card or go outside and make our own fun. It was vehicle. I said this on Building Cars Live after driving a Tesla. pretty much illegal not to have plasters on your knees and mud I mentioned that I wanted something as green as a Tesla but under your fingernails and be absolutely starving because you’d that could cope with all the practical demands too. Shortly been outside all day whatever the weather. If you grew up in afterwards, Mitsubishi contacted me and said they had the the countryside, nature was there – you collected snails, you Outlander PHEV. I tried it and really liked it, so not only am I always had a worm or two in your pockets. For me, it was part an ambassador so have a car, but I also bought one so we have and parcel of my life and it still is. ‘his’ and ‘hers’ PHEVs. “I had 20 years in London and started to go mad. It was only “I also have a VW California camper van which is the love when I went back out to the countryside that I realised I love of my life (with the greatest respect to my husband). I love being in a place where I can see the seasons unfolding. I love camping and relish the idea of jumping in the van with the dogs that connection with nature and all it chucks at you. I love bad at the last minute and heading off, even if it’s just a short hop weather, I also love it when it gets better.” along to the Gower peninsula. Today a farm in the Wye Valley provides a focus for much “Am I a good driver? Hmm, what constitutes a good driver? of Kate’s efforts. “I have a smallholding and we run courses I’m a safe driver,” says Kate. “But if someone is an idiot I yell in rural crafts,” she explains. “One of the things I think about, at them and I hate it when people drive right up close behind having lived 20 years in a city, was understanding how precious me. I’m quite considerate, I keep a sensible driving space, I that connection is with our countryside and issues such as bear in mind the driving conditions. I don’t think it’s cool to

30 www.motoringassist.com scenes and we met at someone’s house for dinner through mutual friends. So, I met him as an ordinary bloke coming for dinner. There were some really interesting people there and what struck me was that I turned up at the door with my husband at the same time as David. Now everybody knows who David Attenborough is and yet, he turned around and introduced himself and I thought that’s proper good manners. “At the dinner table, he was the most impeccable guest, engaging everyone in conversation and getting their stories out. He knew people would want to hear his stories and he told them with real generosity. It was that example of good manners that has stuck with me ever since. So, on a road trip, he won’t be telling bad drivers where to go, but I will!”

Skinny dipping Finally there is an opportunity to confront the rumour of Kate’s passion for skinny dipping. “Yes, I do like to get naked, but not in public! It’s a weird thing because people are funny about nudity, particularly in Britain. They are either prudish or they think oh, you’re a naturist. A naturalist maybe but not a naturist... “For me, there are certain places, certain situations where there is something just wonderful. I think back to when we were kids – we never wore clothes. We ran around the garden with nothing on and no one blinked an eye. Skinny dipping, all those show off and drive at a million miles an hour. things... and it’s hilarious how people’s attitudes have changed. “I do enjoy driving. My mum taught me and was really I’ve had so many column inches about the fact that I don’t like patient with me. I passed second time, though. In my first test wearing clothes all the time. It’s Billy Connolly’s fault really. I was asked what does MSM stand for? I said I thought it was He once spoke about nudey dancing and I thought – I do that. the Maidenhead School of Motoring, because I had had a few “I’ve nudey danced on an island in the Hebrides at the top of lessons with them. That was one thing I got wrong. Obviously, a hill. It was so beautiful and the weather was wild and you just it’s Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre, but nobody says that! want to take all your clothes off and dance because it’s lovely “When I passed second time it was hilarious because in those feeling the elements against your skin. I’m so tragic I don’t days you weren’t taught how to park. I had to stop and ask a even need music! I’ve nudey danced in the Wadi Rum, I’ve policeman to park my car for me.” nudey danced in the Sahara Desert, in Canada in the woods – At the age of 19, Kate ‘ran away’ to Africa. “I went for two it’s just a thing I love doing. reasons. One was that I had met a South African which in the “We have a little place in France that I adore. It’s a tiny shack, 80s was a hard thing to do, and she said she thought I would five by seven metres, completely off grid. Just an eco-cabin on love the country. At that time, the thing to do with gap years was a lake. It’s my complete treat and if I don’t want to wear clothes to go to Australia. I wasn’t destined for university, but I thought there I don’t. None of us should be embarrassed about our that Africa sounded amazing. And also, in a terrible teenage bodies. I mean I’m knocking on the door of 50 and there’s not a way, I thought it would really scare my parents. lot you can do about it.” “So I went on my own, with £800 hidden in my sock. I ended Quite enough of that, dear reader. There’s just time to up living in a student house in Cape Town and then someone hear from Kate about any ambitions she may have, either mentioned a driver was needed for a safari so I went to see professionally or personally. “I have a little ambition that is them. Because it was 1988 and still the era of Apartheid, the fulfillable. I did the Wye Valley Walk last year, from its source safari clients were being flown in by light aircraft. Because the to my home, a total of 136 miles. I did it with Teg my Welsh planes were so small they couldn’t take all the heavy gear and sheepdog and it was beautiful. needed us to move the supplies. So, we started in Cape Town, “There’s another walk that goes right through the Brecon went through Botswana and finished at Victoria Falls. In their Beacons, from Abergavenny to Llandeilo. It’s 100 miles long. ideal world they didn’t want two men driving the truck because I’m rubbish at navigating and Teg got really fed up with me on it would look like South African military. They basically needed the first walk. I’d be looking at the map, she’d be looking at me a female decoy and someone who could cook. Now, I’d never thinking ‘we’re lost again aren’t we?’ cooked on an open fire in my life. I could make shepherd’s pie “So, I think if I’m going to do a big mountain walk, I basically but I said, ‘Yes, I can drive a truck...’ although I’d never driven need to crack navigation and my compass skills. one in my life. It was a great experience.” Other ambitions? I went to the Democratic Republic of Congo One of the greatest joys for Kate was working alongside Sir last year and had the most amazing experience there, both with David Attenborough, and he’s her number one choice as a road the people and the gorillas. I went to support an extraordinary trip companion. “You know, he doesn’t want to be called a conservation effort and I really hope the film I made and the national treasure, but I grew up watching his programmes and article I wrote could start to transform the lives of the people of course, he’s a huge influence on me as a broadcaster and also and the wildlife in DRC. just as a person,” she says. “Oh, and I would love to be able to bake the perfect loaf of “The first time I met him, I was still working behind the bread – I’m rubbish at weighing things out properly!” n 31 www.motoringassist.com Portland, Plymouth, Biscay, Finistère...*

Rod Ashley crossed the Channel for an exploration of western France and northern Spain, with warnings of onion vendors on bikes and a whole host of happenings worth stopping to enjoy...

AFTER A succession of fly-drive breaks, all was At 478 nautical miles and 20 hours, Plymouth- Rod’s smart tips: 3 In cities it’s worth paying set for an overseas driving holiday using my own Santander was the longest ferry crossing we had for the hotel’s own garage car. Our fortnight away would include some of undertaken, a day after our daughter had reported parking if available, as the northern Spain then up through western France, violent seas (and loathsome mal de mer) on the car is secure off-street. stopping off at our daughter’s rental gîte in the Portsmouth to Cherbourg catamaran. However, 3 Parking sensors help northern Perígord for a few days. In total, it would the Brittany Ferries’ good ship Pont Aven in sometimes cramped garages. be around 1,000 miles of continental driving. bestrode the waves confidently and we enjoyed 3 Fuel stations are few We will pick out just some of the key areas: an excellent dinner and breakfast in La Flora and far between in rural northern Spain, Bordeaux, St Émilion, Brantôme restaurant, even if the intervening cabin time was areas, so fill up wherever and Roscoff. a little cramped. Overall, it was an impressively possible. The last-minute preparations were not smooth service in many ways, and the resident 3 Most large supermarkets have fuel stations. auspicious. “According to our records, sir, your pianist adjoining the restaurant was warmly 3 Fuel may be marginally car’s built-in satnav does not have European appreciated. cheaper in Spain. mapping,” said the satnav company’s advisor. Plymouth’s hot and sunny quayside had given Strange, given that I’d periodically updated such maps on the SD card. So, printing out Google * Shipping Forecast aficionados will know that the sea area town centre maps had been an unexpected activity Finisterre (sic) dropped off the map in 2002 by international squeezed into the final days before departure. agreement and was replaced by Fitzroy.

32 www.motoringassist.com Main pic: the spectacular way to cool drizzle in Santander. Queuing for motorway delay, an overturned truck hanging view of San Sebastián the exit, the satnav suddenly displayed Spanish precariously over a viaduct high above one of the from Monte Igueldo. Other pics (from top): mapping, proving a real boon. Santander’s faded steep, mountainous valleys. the fairground at San grandeur near the old casino belied the fine sand San Sebastián was chic, cosmopolitan, yet Sebastián; a narrow lane of its deserted beach. Lifeguards, wrapped up in with a distinctive atmosphere, and revelling in St Émilion; rooftops sleeping bags, surveyed an empty seascape, surely in 30-degree heat. Its principal beach, named of St Émilion; La Concha to be populated when the weather improved. Concho because of its shell-shape, absorbed Beach, San Sebastián. (Rod Ashley) The following morning we set off for San huge numbers of tourists and locals without Sebastián, towards the French border. Instantly, ever feeling crowded. At the far end lay an old the satnav indicated a two hour hold-up on the funicular railway, redolent of a bygone age. It short journey, but suggested alternative routes. rose steeply up the cliff-side, sporting magnificent Instead of the A8 motorway hop, we were views out to the azure Bay of Biscay, across directed through the mountains, criss-crossing the town (interspersed by generous parks and the motorway. This was actually an unexpected woodland) and into the mountainous hinterland. delight, not only missing the traffic queues, but The ‘fin de siècle’ funfair at the top of the gaining a clear insight into Green Spain – the hill offered, surely, the most spectacular and shepherds and goatherds in their typical Basque memorable views to the elevated riders. berets, dressed in full ponchos against the Descending again to beach level, we took a driving rain; the little villages spartan in their leisurely walk through the gently lapping waves appearance, with their perplexed local inhabitants around the entire bay, stopping only for a cold out in force to watch this strange parade of cars drink in a beachside bar. Before entering the old avoiding the motorway. Our Mazda CX5 pulled town I reflected that, having visited the city only smoothly up the steep gradients, manual override once before on a school trip 50 years previously, selected to avoid the autobox constantly hunting what a lovely setting this popular resort occupies. an appropriate gear. We espied the cause of the Back on the promenade, by the city hall, >> 33 www.motoringassist.com Atlantic tour

Right: detail from a church door in St Emilion. Lower right: the rooftops of St Emilion.

>> another vintage merry-go-round attracted youngsters to its eclectic mix of wild stallions, biplanes and Cinderella coach rides. Under the shade of the nearby lime trees, an impromptu string quartet of music students played Pachelbel’s Canon and Handel’s Water Music to an appreciative and generous audience. Little children darted up, dropping coins in the open violin case before scampering back to their families. After two nights in San Sebastián, it was time to take the motorway across the French border through the featureless Les Landes region to Bordeaux. We made good progress and, as usual, the French aires (rest areas) were spacious if fairly basic. Our Bordeaux hotel was adjacent to the main rail station yet a quick and easy hop by modern Progressing north to Périgord, we were spoilt tram into the centre. Built on the wine trade which by staying in our daughter’s gîte. Venturing into has dominated the region for many centuries, the northern Dordogne locality, the little town of Bordeaux is a large and imposing city. Fine must- Brantôme on the River Dronne boasts beautiful medieval and Renaissance architecture. We whiled away half an hour watching the rented canoes heading over a weir. Most canoeists get stuck. More experienced paddlers back up against the river wall before heading off full-pelt, building up sufficient speed to scoot straight over the edge. We had chosen Roscoff merely as a convenient return port. How wrong could we be in our underestimation? There was so much more to see. It may not have fast road links south like the eastern Channel posts, but like much larger St Malo, is well worth a day or so exploring. Think Stow-on-the-Wold meets Porthleven meets the Rod Ashley travelled with East Neuk of Fife and you’ll get a sense of the Brittany Ferries from unique mix of honey-coloured stone and floral Plymouth to Santander, sees include the Grand Place du Théâtre and the displays, side by side with granite maritime returning Roscoff to ‘miroir d’eau’ of the Place de la Bourse, where buildings, held together by a flourishing fishing Plymouth, each way aboard their flagship Pont wafting mists of waterspray delight children trade, particularly in crustaceans. This ‘ville Aven. Brittany Ferries skipping through them, whilst adults admire the fleurie’ is home to the ‘Johnny Onions’, the offers an extensive list reflections of the fine architecture in the glass-like stereotypical Breton onion sellers on bicycles who of partner hotels for wet surface. La Cité du Vin, a modern museum of travel across to the UK to sell their purple-hued advance booking which homage to wine, clings to the riverside at a tipsy harvest. To make things easy there was even a qualified as an inclusive package, thus attracting a angle, although its €20 entrance fee may dissuade peak-season, free ‘Rosko’ shuttle bus. significant discount. some visitors. Our final hotel, the Brittany Hotel and Spa, was Leaving Bordeaux, we headed east for St perfectly located on the seafront, just minutes The total road distance Émilion, home of some of the greatest Bordeaux from the ferry terminal. Indeed, we drove past the from Plymouth was 1,000 wines and a fascinating walled town in its own hotel twice, believing that it was too upmarket miles, plus 478 nautical miles to Santander and right. Named after the Breton monk who sought to be ours. The Michelin-starred restaurant was 114 from Roscoff to sanctuary in a hermitage carved into the cliffside, fully booked that night. However, a nearby hotel Plymouth. Factor in fuel the Romanesque church is imposing in the provided a wonderful menu and a fitting end to a and hotel savings in the simplicity of its nave and cloisters. memorable holiday. n overnight Santander crossing.

34 www.motoringassist.com Great days out

Stonehenge: don’t take it for granite Susie Kearley recently headed south-west on the A303 to find out more about one of Europe’s best- known Neolithic monuments, which celebrates 100 years in public ownership this Autumn

STAND BY for a special centenary, because 26 the auction to obtain some new curtains, so October marks 100 years since Sir Cecil Chubb when he returned with 30 acres of land including gave Stonehenge to the nation, on the condition Stonehenge, his wife wasn’t best pleased. that visitors were allowed access to the stones, for When the monument was given to the nation Sir Cecil no more than a shilling. three years later, it was the responsibility of bought Sir Cecil had purchased the historic monument the Office of Works, a government department “ three years earlier, in September 1915, for the responsible for architecture and building. Stonehenge princely sum of £6,600 (£650,000 at today’s A programme of restoration began almost rates). It was a neglected ruin at the time; immediately. Fallen stones were put back up, on a whim... Victorian tourists had chipped bits off to take giving the henge a different appearance, and home as souvenirs, or carved their names into visitor numbers increased. However, the sheer the stones, and some of the enormous sarsen numbers of people around the stones caused stones had fallen over. It was so bad that in the severe erosion, so the grass inside the stones was 1880s, wooden props were put in place to prevent replaced with gravel in 1964. By 1968 the henge collapse. By the time it went to auction in 1915, was so popular that a new, much larger, car park the site was at risk of being sold to a foreign was created and a tunnel was built to see visitors ” buyer. Keen to keep it in British hands, Sir Cecil safely across the road to and from the henge. bought it ‘on a whim’. He had actually attended We were able to walk among the stones, >> 35 www.motoringassist.com Great days out

>> touch them, and soak up the atmosphere inside the monument, but as time passed the conservators realised they had made a mistake. The ancient stones were being eroded by the gravel that was supposed to protect the buried archaeological remains. So in 1978, the stones were roped off, amid passionate protests from many - including local druids. Visitors have had to admire the stones from a distance ever since, except during the solstice events, when we are free to walk among the stones. In 1983, the newly-created English Heritage took over management of England’s historic sites. The organisation raised money through memberships, donations and entry fees, and registered as a charity in 2015. A section of the A344 in Wiltshire, which passed very close to Stonehenge, was closed in 2013, and a new £27m visitor centre was built. The plan was to return the monument to its natural landscape. Then in September last year, ministers gave the go-ahead to redirect the A303 into a controversial 1.8-mile tunnel through the Wiltshire hills, intended to restore a more natural landscape Images courtesy of English Heritage. around the henge. The expected cost of the project is £1.6 billion. of a ceremonial celebration, bringing together Feasting communities from across the country. Researchers In 2014, archaeologist David Jacques and Today we drew evidence from historic stone-moving his team found evidence of a 6,000 year old ceremonies in Indonesia and India, and suggested encampment at Blick Mead, little more than a “can follow in that the process of creating the monument was as mile from Stonehenge. They discovered evidence the Neolithic ceremonially important as its intended use. of feasting, including burnt flints, tools and bones Neolithic people would have followed of aurochs (cattle whose meat was consumed by people’s Stonehenge Avenue, a processional route between early man). footsteps... the River Avon and Stonehenge. Today we can “This is the latest dated Mesolithic encampment follow in their footsteps, passing burial mounds ever found in the UK,” Jacques told us. “The and ancient landscapes. There are many glorious Blick Mead site connects the early hunter gatherer attractions in the area, including Avebury Henge, groups returning to Britain after the Ice Age with The Avenue and West Kennet Long Barrow. the Stonehenge area, all the way through to the Stonehenge attracts 1.3 million visitors every Neolithic period in the late 5th millennium BC.” year. You can enjoy the modern museum, and In 2015, archaeologists found 90 standing immerse yourself in a 360-degree projection stones buried under the southern bank of ” of the stones. Images of the landscape change Durrington Walls, the site of a prehistoric before your eyes, taking you through time to settlement. The stones were once part of a show the first woodhenge, then Stonehenge when C-shaped arena used by Neolithic man. it was first built, and how it changed to become Archaeologist Vince Gaffney, from Bradford the modern day Stonehenge. It’s an immersive, University offered an explanation. “What we absorbing, and quite fascinating experience. see is the largest surviving stone monument, Read about life in Stone Age Britain and the preserved underneath a bank, that has ever been lifestyles of the people who lived near the henge. discovered in Britain, perhaps in Europe,” he said. See archaeological artefacts found nearby. There “We presume it to be a ritual arena of some sort.” are Stone Age houses outside the visitor centre, In 2016, a new discovery at Larkhill in Wiltshire and a gentle walk to the henge (or a free bus). found a Neolithic enclosure, around 5,650 years Once you’re at the stone circle, listen to an audio old. The complex once consisted of ditches and guide, or just enjoy the stones at your own pace. banks arranged in two large concentric circles. It A new exhibition opens in October to celebrate shows that the whole area around Stonehenge was the centenary. more ritually active than previously thought. Go for it: entry costs £19.50 for adults, £11.70 for In March 2018, English Heritage suggested children. Family tickets cost £50.70. Members of that Stonehenge may have been built as part English Heritage get in free. n

36 www.motoringassist.com Member CAR Benefit INSURANCE that pays £250 you back! PRIZE DRAW* Get a quote WHEN YOU ENQUIRE today for your chance to WIN £250 in our Free Prize Draw! We've teamed up with Shield Total Insurance to find you the most competitive quotes with some insurers offering valuable extra benefits including: £25 ✔ Up to 75% no claims discount CASHBACK† ✔ Up to 240 days European cover ✔ Up to £10,000 personal accident cover WHEN YOU SIGN UP ✔ Unlimited glass repair & windscreen replacement ✔ 24-hour accident/emergency helpline ✔ Up to £1,000 accidental damage cover for your trailer For your instant quote call us FREE on: 0800 975 0874 † £25 Cashback Offer only available when speaking to one of our agents on the phone quoting GEM17. You must not cancel your insurance within 14 days of inception to qualify for Cashback Offer. * Prize draw T&Cs apply - please visit www.shieldtotalinsurance.co.uk/gem/gem-motor-insurance/. Prize draw offer closes 31/12/2018. Drivers aged 80 or over are recommended to remain with their existing insurer(s), where they will benefit from the loyalty they have earned with them. Shield Total Insurance arranges insurance on behalf of GEM members. Shield Total Insurance is a trading name of Vantage Insurance Services Limited (”VISL”). VISL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. VISL is registered in England No. 3441136. Registered Office; 5th floor, 41 Eastcheap, London EC3M 1DT. GEM769-10/17 Great British road trips

The curve of a coastal road, the view over a sunny hill, the joy of ‘secret’ country lanes. What delights can compare with the great British road trip, asks David Williams? In the spirit of sharing, his personal selection of six journeys will satisfy not only riders, but drivers and passengers too

Exmouth to the edge of Dartmoor watch the boats bobbing in the waves from a Devon - especially outside peak tourist season harbourside bench. - was surely made for touring, with its intimate The A379 delivers its sucker punch as it climbs lanes and soft coastal views. Start at stately and narrows, offering dizzying views across Powderham Castle beside the Exe Estuary the coast near Blackpool Sands. It’s almost then trace the A379 which twists and plunges Mediterranean. Whizz along Slapton Sands, past pretty seaside villages including Dawlish, reaching Torcross and its black Sherman tank, Teignmouth and Shaldon and on to Torquay’s recovered from the sea, turning left to enjoy grand seafront, before it whisks you on towards dramatic sea views from isolated Start Point Paignton’s picturesque pier and colourful beach Lighthouse (pictured opposite). Now ride north huts. through narrow South Hams lanes to South Brent DAVID WILLIAMS Turn right towards Dartmouth after Churston on the edge of Dartmoor, resting overnight at is a highly experienced golf club and the road speeds up before a the theatrically sumptuous Glazebrook House reporter, editor and relaxing 10-minute ‘cruise’ on Kingswear’s Hotel (glazebrookhouse.com), an immaculately travel writer. He has been motoring editor Lower Ferry carries you over the River Dart to conserved manor house in secluded grounds. of the London Evening seductive Dartmouth, brimming with dazzling Standard since 1996. He also harbour views, art and antique shops. Grab a Bibury to Wells contributes regularly to the takeaway crab sandwich at one of the cafés and You hardly need the 30mph signs along this Daily Telegraph and others.

38 www.motoringassist.com Motorcycle touring

100-mile route from Bibury in Gloucestershire famous Cheddar Gorge. Finally, a winding romp Two-wheel to Wells in Somerset; the towns and villages along the A371 carries you into Wells with its touring tips are so striking, you’ll be slowing down to raise ancient cathedral and magical cloisters. your motorcycle helmet visor and gawp, at every n Be seen. If you opportunity. Your starting point at Arlington Tunbridge Wells to Dungeness blend in to the background, no Row - the famous 17th century weavers’ Start with a coffee at one of the many cafés one can see you. cottages - is no exception, before you head along gracing The Pantiles at Royal Tunbridge Think bright. the B4425 through Barnsley. Wells, before climbing the twisty A267 out of Join the A417 to Cirencester and the cloistered town towards Frant, where I rode Kawasaki’s n Never ride tired. calm of St John’s, the medieval church famous accomplished sports tourer, the fine-handling Stop every 75 miles (preferably for its dramatic fan vaults, before following 140bhp Z1000SX, past endless tile-hung more often). the undulating A433 to Tetbury, bursting with cottages, white clapperboard shops and cosy Stretch, refresh antique stores and galleries, then tracing the pubs lining quiet country lanes, finally reaching body and mind. winding A439 to the cosy Old Bell Hotel in Newenden, for lunch at The Lime Wharf Café on n Ride your own Malmesbury (oldbellhotel.co.uk), next to the banks of the River Rother. ride. If your friends majestic 12th century Malmesbury Abbey. Nip back along the A28 to Rolvenden to visit are cornering too Take the B4040 via Sherston, turning left the tiny CM Booth Collection, a real gem with quickly for you, let at Acton Turville for Castle Combe (pictured historic cars and motorbikes; owner Chris Booth them go and join above), once voted the ‘prettiest village in says it’s a hobby that ‘got out of control’. them at the next junction. England’. Tear yourself away and ride the Head west through Northiam, negotiating A420 via North Wraxall, past Marshfield and some of East Sussex’s prettiest back roads via n Invest in the Wick. Push on through unremarkable roads Ewhurst Green to Bodiam Castle (pictured top), best protective surrounding Keynsham before the scenery seemingly floating above its own reflection in equipment you can afford. Your picks up again on the B3114 with long views the moat, then on to the seaside town of Hastings helmet, gloves and over Chew Valley Lake. Climb up into the and its 43 ‘net shops’, sombre wooden shacks boots should be rugged Mendips and before you know it you’re with a footprint the size of a garden shed but comfortable and fit plunging down through ear-popping bends into towering three stories high. Follow the coast >> correctly. 339 Motorcycle touring

the isolated Red Roof Gallery and Café along the B884 near Glendale, for a tasty lunch. Refreshed, head north along the A863 to ancient Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, perched on a rocky outcrop above Loch Dunvegan, then revel in awe-inspiring views of the magnificent

Cuillins catching the evening light as you Pics: David Williams head south along the A87. Pause by the bridge at Sligachan to soak up the atmosphere then surrender yourself to the sumptuous delights of Kinloch Lodge (kinloch-lodge.co.uk), at the head of sea loch Na Dal. Tearing yourself from Skye is hard, but the breathtakingly lofty Skye Bridge at least makes it fun, before you follow the A87 to implausibly >> road via Fairlight and Winchelsea - pausing picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. for a glimpse of the sea - before posing for your close-up at haunting, photogenic, other-worldly Bamburgh Castle to Kielder Water Dungeness. Northumberland’s wild, remote character has long been a favourite with motorcyclists, who Isle of Skye Circular cherish its varied landscape, stunning vistas To make the most of Skye, you need to rise and often deserted roads. This fun, sometimes early, as the first ferry leaves mainland windswept drive, starts at mighty Bamburgh Mallaig at 7.40am, arriving 45 minutes later in Castle dominating the coast; it’s worth finding Armadale. But you’ll find it’s worth it as you time to admire the castle from the beach before follow the A851, before the snaking A87 carries tracing the winding B1341/A1 to rambling, you ever closer to the dark, brooding Cuillin historic Alnwick Castle. mountains. Now follow the B6431 through jaw- Head northwest to Carbost and, after 45 droppingly beautiful scenery to another of the minutes of plunging twists, turns and cascading area’s gems; the National Trust’s Cragside house mountain waterfalls, stop at the island’s only and gardens (above left), where you will see the distillery, birthplace of the pungent, peppery ponds that enabled this Victorian masterpiece Talisker single malt. Rejoin the A863 north to become the world’s first house powered by through ever more craggy scenery to seek out hydroelectricity. Enjoy lunch at the tea rooms

40 www.motoringassist.com (sit by the lake if it’s warm), then follow the My favourite starting point is pretty meandering B6341 through more stunning Portmeirion (above left), a fantasy village scenery, possibly pausing at Otterburn Castle dating from 1925, with plenty of its own Hotel for lunch. Now push further into the wilds accommodation. Ride out through charming of Northumberland National Park, heading for Porthmadog and Tremadog, then Rhyd. Join the Revel in awe- isolated Kielder Water, to soak up the peace and A487 by the Oakeley Arms and left onto the “inspiring tranquillity by the shore. A496 to Ffestiniog at which point the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and isolated as you views of the Portmeirion to Caernarfon climb from the village, and then softens again magnificent You have to blink once or twice to take in the towards Betws-y-Coed. full beauty of wild Snowdonia on this remote, Park alongside the winding A4086 to Cuillins 70-mile journey boasting mountains, pretty admire towering 3,560ft Mount Snowdon in villages, coastline, moors and waterfalls. At the distance, next to the waters of Llynnau catching the times it seems so pretty, so rugged and yet so Mymbyr and from the Pass of Llanberis; the evening light... fragile, it feels almost unreal. But with its twisty, views are heart-stopping. Park again to climb well-paved roads, frequent stopping points and Mount Snowdon on foot or by tourist train, low levels of traffic, it’s perfect motorcycle before a 20-minute drive carries you to majestic country; indeed it’s perfect whatever your Caenarfon Castle (above right) standing ” chosen conveyance. defiantly at the mouth of the Seiont River. n Whatever your travel plans, make

Pics: David Williams sure you’re properly covered!

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ON THE ROAD AUTUMN 2018 ROAD TESTS Few mainstream cars have caused as big a stir as the original Ford Focus. With its bold styling and entertaining drive, it marked a clear break from Ford Focus 44 the Escort that went before it. Some 20 years on, the fourth-generation 46 SsangYong Musso Focus may not be quite such a milestone in Ford’s history, but as Sue Baker has discovered, it’s quite a car. Packed with high-tech safety aids 48 Skoda Kodiaq with a choice of efficient petrol and diesel engines, the new Ford Focus 54 Dacia Duster is one of the very best small hatchbacks on sale. Turn the page for Sue’s in-depth review. 56 Nissan Leaf David Motton 60 Mitsubishi Shogun Sport HOW WE RATE OUR CARS...

62 Mazda 6 An exceptional car and a clear class-leader. plus: A very good car, among the best of its kind. 50 In the lap of luxury Good, but not outstanding. An average car. 58 Used Renault Clio Below average. A car with flaws, or which lags behind most rivals. 65 Ask the experts A very poor car. Best avoided.

Sue Baker gives the new Ford Focus a LEARNERS ON THE MOTORWAY resounding thumbs-up. Richard Wootten offers an instructor’s viewpoint

FROM 4 JUNE learner drivers have been allowed on motorways, as long as they are supervised by an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and in a car with dual controls. The driving test remains unchanged and there is no plan to include motorway driving in it. One of the main reasons for this, I believe, is because there are many test centres without reasonable access to motorways. Learning to drive on the motorway will, therefore remain voluntary and not part of the 44 practical driving test. Around 80% of young driver deaths happen on rural roads, with only 4% on motorways. So why bother? The DVSA’s plan is that having a professional approach to motorway tuition will reduce not only motorway collisions but also the formation of bad habits such as middle-lane hogging, sitting in someone’s blind spot, tailgating and last- 48 minute swooping from outside lane to exit slip road. This is sure to be beneficial for many learners. But there are large parts of the UK with no convenient access to motorways. In Brecon, the area that I serve, the nearest suitable motorway is an hour away. In order to make it an effective lesson, we would need to be out for three hours or more. And we’re not the most remote. Penzance has a test centre nearly two hours from the M5, and I have a colleague in Oban, where the nearest motorway is well over two hours away. Also, what about those learners not on the mainland? James Luckhurst enthuses about the Youngsters in rural locations therefore risk losing out, as do potential capable Skoda Kodiaq. driving instructors (PDIs) who are not yet fully qualified and therefore are not allowed to take learners on motorways. I take my learners on dual carriageways in order to give them the high speed experience they will need for modern driving. But those who can get onto the motorway will be the winners, and they will find it an invaluable learning experience. Before the law 50 changed, the only way to get motorway experience was to book a post-test motorway lesson, or to get a parent or friend to come with you. Or even just to take a deep breath and give it a go unaccompanied. Perfectly legal, but potentially fraught with difficulty. To conclude, I think this is a great initiative. Getting learners to have professional training on a motorway can only be good. However, as The lap of luxury: what with all learner driver initiatives, we may need to wait many years are your options if you before we will see a change in behaviour on our motorway network. have a nice fat wallet? Richard Wootten is an ADI and runs RRF Driving School in Brecon. www.motoringassist.com 43 road test

What is it? How green is it? Who should buy it? One of Britain’s top-selling cars fresh Pretty fair. There are 1.5-litre diesels, Anyone who wants a mainstream, from a total makeover. The fourth both hatchback and estate, with CO2 mid-size five-door hatchback or estate generation of the hugely popular outputs below 100g/km. The lowest car and who would like to have the family hatchback celebrates its 20th is 91g/km, while petrol models range best driving experience available in its anniversary this summer. from 107 to 138 g/km. category. Ford Focus

Driving and performance of multi-link rear suspension for the higher-powered cars. A clever asset is the car’s pothole detection system, that Ford has carved itself a reputation over recent years for the monitors the road surface and reacts to variations with driving calibre of its cars, and this substantially re-engineered minor suspension adjustment to help smooth the bumps. It’s Focus amply maintains that. With a new chassis and longer effective – ride comfort is generally very good. wheelbase, the clear target of this car is to go to the top of the The Focus steers with good accuracy and informative feel. mid-size family hatch class as the best one to drive. That’s a It has a very grown-up demeanour, smooth and civilised bold aim, in a fourth-generation model that arrives just as the on a motorway, slick and responsive across country. It’s Focus celebrates having been around for two decades. Not a impressive for refinement too, and surprisingly so in the wasted one, though. diesel models. Unless you knew what was under the bonnet, Behind the wheel it has a very engaging feel, with the engine sound really wouldn’t tell you. commendable poise and precision on a driver-pleasing twisty The choice of engines is 1.0-litre or 1.5, three-cylinder route. The solidly assured feel of the car’s handling is not petrol engines, and 1.5 or 2.0-litre diesels. Combined fuel achieved at the expense of ride quality either, because that economy ranges from 46.3 to 80.7mpg. One criticism of has a supple absorption that deals commendably with bumpy the left-hand-drive launch cars was the way the pedals are surfaces. off-set to the right, out of line with the steering wheel, and so That’s true with either suspension set-up. The Focus range causing you to twist slightly in the driving seat. It remains to starts with standard twist-beam rear suspension in the lower be seen whether that flaw will be as pronounced in UK right- models, similar to its rivals, but has the greater sophistication hand-drive cars.

44 www.motoringassist.com Space/practicality Safety Details and verdict

Price: £21,570 The Focus has a good range of driver assistance This fourth-generation Focus Performance: 0-62 in 8.3 secs features. Specify blind-spot monitoring, cross- is very slightly wider and Economy: 60.1 mpg traffic alert, pre-collision assist, traffic sign lower than its predecessor, Insurance: TBC recognition, and adaptive lighting. It has partial but a similar overall length. It Tax: £165/£140 autonomous driving features with adaptive has been repackaged on a new cruise control that features traffic jam stop and chassis though, with the wheels Our verdict: go and lane centring assist. The Focus has yet to pushed further out to the corners, be tested by Euro NCAP. which has helped to expand Figures for the Focus 1.5 EcoBoost cabin space. So it feels quite 182PS. Equipment roomy inside for its overall size. It has decent elbow and headroom all round, and rear Every new Focus has standard air conditioning, seat kneeroom is OK. Cabin Bluetooth, and a package of electronic safety stowage is reasonably well Drive it away... aids. Most have a 6.5-inch touchscreen and catered for, including door Ford’s well-regarded SYNC3 infotainment pockets with a long space and a Cash or finance? Personal lease system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and short opening, so you might get Best deals? Ford had only just Android Auto, plus cruise control and a heated items lost at the back of them. announced prices at the time of writing, so deals were scarce. However, windscreen. Higher up, you get a larger colour The hatchback version’s boot Ford’s own Options personal lease touchscreen, satnav, heated seats, and a head-up space at 375 litres is comparable prove the most cost-effective way to display – a first for Ford in Europe. By the way, with rival Vauxhall Astra’s 370 park a new Focus on your drive. With a it’s compatible with Polaroid sunglasses. and a VW Golf’s 380 litres, £1,000 deposit plus £250 contribution though well short of a Skoda from Ford for a 1.0 Ecoboost 125 in Costs Octavia’s cavernous 590 litres. Titanium spec, monthly payments work When the rear seats are folded out at £349 with an APR of just 1.2%. down, the Focus boasts two- This is for a three-year, 12,000-mile On-the-road prices kick off at £17,930 for seater cargo capacity at 1,354 per annum contract and with a final a five-door hatch in base Style trim, with a litres, more than both the Astra payment of £8,227 to own outright. 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and six-speed (1,210) and Golf (1,270) but What’s it worth when I The Focus has never enjoyed manual gearbox. Ford has realigned its pricing, again beaten by the Octavia change? the strongest used values in this class so that is more than £2,000 below the equivalent (1,580). and so it proves with the new model. model in the outgoing Focus line-up. The estate Our chosen specification retains 38.3% starts from £20,380. The dearest version is a of its new price after three years and 2.0-litre automatic diesel estate in top-spec 30,000 miles. Vignale trim, at £30,340.

4 Great to drive and good to see a head-up display. 6 Not as characterful as earlier models. Review: Sue Baker Review:

WE SAY: The new Focus goes straight to the top of the class for its driving calibre. www.motoringassist.com 45 road test

What is it? How green is it? Who should buy it? The new Musso is the Korean maker’s Even by pick-up standards the Musso Someone who needs a proper pick-up latest pick-up. It’s bigger, tougher burns a lot of fuel. Cars with manual with a payload of over a tonne. Or a and more practical than the model transmission have an official combined driver looking for a rough and tough it replaces to better challenge the figure of 35.8mpg and emit 211g/km alternative to a conventional 4x4.

Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Navara. of CO2. SsangYong Musso

Driving and performance pulling power, enough for determined acceleration even with a load in the back. There’s a choice of manual and automatic gearboxes. The manual is a little clunky so we preferred the smooth-shifting six-speed automatic. It’s not a simple task to build a vehicle which can carry a Once up to speed the Musso is reasonably quiet. Engine tonne of cement during the working week but double as a noise stays in the background unless the engine is worked comfortable family car in the evenings and weekends. really hard. Wind and road noise are also kept to reasonable The biggest difficulty is somehow making heavy-duty levels, so a long journey in the big SsangYong won’t become suspension ride smoothly without a load in the back. tiresome. This is where the Musso struggles. With an empty loadbay Around town you are very much aware of the Musso’s size: the ride is bouncy and unsettled. We also tried the SsangYong it’s more than five metres long and just under two metres with a 300kg load, and it made an obvious difference: wide (not including the mirrors). But it’s not as intimidating the ride was firm, but with much less bounce. SsangYong to drive through narrow streets as you might think, thanks to acknowledges that the suspension is too uncompromising and good all-round visibility. It’s easy enough to judge where the is planning to revise the set-up to make the Musso easier to vehicle’s extremities are, and all but the most basic model live with. have a rear-view camera to help shoe-horn the Musso into It’s a shame that ride comfort is poor, as otherwise the parking spaces. Musso drives well when judged against other double-cab All versions have a part-time 4x4 transmission so power pick-ups. The steering is reasonably accurate and the Musso can be sent to all four wheels for better traction in wet corners tidily enough. The engine has 179bhp and 295lb ft of weather or for going off road.

46 www.motoringassist.com Space/practicality Safety Details and verdict

Price: £26,245 (ex VAT) Pick-ups tend to lag behind conventional As a dual-purpose vehicle, Performance: not available passenger cars in the fitment of advanced driver the Musso is very roomy and Economy: 32.8 mpg aids. So there’s no autonomous emergency practical. Judge it as a family Insurance: 41 braking to slow the Musso if the driver fails to car, and you’ll find lots of space Tax: £250 annually spot a hazard, for example. However, all models in a well made cabin. Not so come with six airbags and stability control. long ago, the quality of fit and Our verdict: Good all-round visibility should help the driver finish was a big weakness for avoid trouble in the first place. SsangYong, but the Musso’s Figures for the Saracen 4x4 Auto cabin shows just how far the Equipment brand has come in a short time. Anyone travelling in the front of the car has plenty of head You get plenty for your money with the and legroom, and it is easy to SsangYong. EX models have a DAB radio achieve a comfortable driving with Bluetooth connectivity, 17-inch alloys, air position. conditioning, rain-sensing wipers and automatic Those in the back have lots headlights. Rebel spec comes with upgrades of legroom – this is often a including roof rails, eight-inch touchscreen, weakness of double-cab pick- Drive it away... heated and cooled front seats and heated ups. And there are air vents steering wheel. Saracen adds leather seats, between the front seats to keep Cash or finance? Cash powered adjustment of the front seats, heated everyone at a comfortable Best deals? Any sort of deal rear seats, satnav and cruise control. temperature. was very scarce on the new As a workhorse, the Musso Musso as we went to press, Costs ticks all the necessary boxes. leaving a loan as the most realistic The payload is over a tonne for option. For a Rebel with manual both the manual and automatic gearbox, a loan for its £26,933 list price was cheapest from Precise Prices for the Musso start from £19,995 model, and the SsangYong can Mortgages at £615 monthly excluding VAT. That undercuts the Fiat legally tow up to 3,500kg if you payments over four years at 4.6% Professional Fullback by £2,000, although it’s choose the auto (that drops to APR. £7 more than the least expensive Nissan Navara. 3,200kg for the manual). What’s it worth when I Fuel costs are disappointing, with an official change? Backed by a seven-year, combined figure of 35.8mpg for the manual 150,000-mile warranty, the Musso and 32.8mpg for the auto. Most rivals are more should retain a 40% chunk of its

efficient and emit less CO2. new price after three years and 60,000 miles.

4 Interior is roomy and well made. 6 Disappointing ride comfort. Review: David Motton David Review:

WE SAY: The Musso is tough, good value and well equipped. www.motoringassist.com 47 a week at the wheel Skoda Kodiaq Sportline by James Luckhurst

Friday

First impressions are positive. The Kodiaq seems to be a very chunky automatic gear stick. Behind it sit a couple of none-too- smart vehicle. The colour is great, the high position works robust-feeling cup holders, with a handy little recess to put the really well. The shape is sleek and the interior presentation is key. The arm rest is a bit temperamental; the ratchet sometimes modern and tidy. Perhaps the only question mark concerns the works and sometimes doesn’t. Under it is a reasonable sized front grille, which seems a bit plasticky. cubby hole, perfect for concealing sweeties from small fry in Inside, we detect a contemporary and upmarket feel. There’s the rear seats. a partially leather covered steering wheel with a sporty flat Economy is not brilliant over the country lanes of the Welsh bottom. On its left side are the radio infotainment controls, and border country lanes, but the route is a good one. One while on the right there are buttons to access the vehicle data, thing I notice is that it’s quite hard to see what speed I’m lap timer, driving information and assistance systems. doing. I can’t find a digital read-out so I am reliant on the There’s a big screen for infotainment, and this includes rather old-school dial, which shows light grey letters on a white radio, media, the Skoda Connect Smartlink system, telephone, background. Also, the graduations are only 20/40/60, and we vehicle, navigation, traffic, sound and air conditioning, among would be much happier to see 30 and 70 there as well. The others. It seems strange that my mobile phone connects well km/h markings are clearer, but not much use in the UK. enough through USB, but then everything turns inexplicably We fill up at Crewe; motorway economy up to Scotland is into French. Qu’est-ce que ça signifie, uh? much better, and the fuel needle barely seems to move for hours. A brief stop at Tebay Services allows a cup of tea and swap of driver. Today is a hot day, and flies accumulate on the screen which is angled just a bit too vertical and doesn’t let Saturday the bugs get carried over the top. Co-driver David stubbornly won’t wash the windscreen, as he says it will make visibility To Dumbarton we go. The Kodiaq’s starter button is located worse, not better. I am left with some washing once we reach where you might have expected to put the key in, and there is a Dumbarton. Thanks, Dave.

48 www.motoringassist.com a week at the wheel Sunday

To Freya and Rory’s wedding at Duntrune Castle we go. to it, and even attracts positive comments from visitors on their There’s fantastic scenery up the A82, around Loch Fyne, way to enjoy the event, the authors and the books. Lochgilphead and towards Crinan. We get in one or two frisky overtakes, but both David and I moan about a delay when starting to accelerate, as well as that annoying pause that leaves Wednesday you wondering if you’ll quite make the gaps at junctions and roundabouts that you wouldn’t even think to question if driving A quick whizz to Swansea takes in a variety of roads and a manual car. “It’s lazy, it’s slow, it does not inspire confidence traffic conditions on the 20-inch Vega Anthracite alloy wheels. in me for overtaking unless there’s a long, straight and empty The journey is reasonably quiet and smooth, even on some stretch ahead of us, I’m afraid,” David suggests. Otherwise, the of the poorest surfaces, but with wheels of this size you need claimed 8.8-second time for 0 to 62mph works for us. Later we to expect certain levels of road noise, as well as a ride that’s return to Dumbarton, and perform some more fly-clearances, firmer than you may like in this type of vehicle. ready for the drive south tomorrow. Thursday Monday Sportline is the current top-spec version of the Kodiaq, though The journey from Dumbarton via Crewe back to home gives there is a vRS performance variant due along soon. But is it us time to become a bit more familiar with the interior. What’s worth having, when there are many less expensive versions? In more, the weather is a little cooler so we are not plagued by our opinion, the answer is a resolute yes. OK, so it’s the most insects on this stretch. The seats are comfy, with loads of expensive Kodiaq you can get at the moment, but it really is a movement (electric for the driver, manual for the front-seat capable car - one of the best we have driven in a long time. OK, passenger), and the black ceiling adds to the sophisticated so it won’t have quite the same status as an Audi Q7 or a BMW interior feel. And the space is excellent. Even with seven seats X3, but it’s superbly equipped for the price, and those tempting in use, there’s still a bit of boot room. There’s a slightly strange sporty add-ons you get with Sportline spec - including deeper glove box arrangement, with two cubby holes instead of one. front and rear sport bumpers, bigger wheels and roof rails - The higher one opens only when you realise that there’s a really helps it to stand out from the crowd. button set on the lower one, which flips it open. And the space inside each is unhelpfully lacking. Friday

Tuesday The week is over and it’s time to say goodbye to a car we have enjoyed immensely. Quality-wise it’s right at the top of its A quiet day with a journey into Brecon, then a short hop over class. As a family car it’s hard to fault. In terms of the driving to Hay-on-Wye where we have tickets for Canadian superstar experience, it’s good, it’s comfortable (the seats get 10 out of author Margaret Atwood. The Literary Festival has certainly 10) but if it just had a more responsive gearbox then it would put Hay on the map, yet we are always pleasantly surprised at dispel any doubts we might have about offering an unqualified how everyone copes with the surge in traffic volumes. Parking recommendation. is close to the Festival site, and reasonably priced. The Kodiaq After all, at nearly £40,000 on the road, it will take some looks very smart amid the cars and camper vans parked close thought before getting the cheque book out....

Drive it away... Cash or finance? Personal contract hire Best deals? For a 150 TDI 4x4 with DSG gearbox model, we found a deal from Lightcliffe Skoda Warrington for £349 per month with Details and verdict a three-month deposit over a four-year, Price: £39,440 as tested 10,000-mile per annum Performance: 0-62 in 8.8 seconds period. Economy: 49.6 mpg combined What’s it worth Insurance: 23 when I change? Tax: £830/£140 After the term of the above deal, you can Our verdict: expect a strong 42.5%

Pics: David W. M. Periam W. David Pics: retained value. Figures for the 2.0-litre 190PS DSG 4x4

www.motoringassist.com 49 Driving life’s little luxuries

Time to explore how the other half (well, the other half of one per cent, probably) personalise their vehicles with a few luxury touches. Maxine Ashford investigates

WE ALL HAVE our little indulgences – some can’t resist a superbike to thwart a mid-life crisis, some follow their footie or cricket teams all over the world, others are less flamboyant and maybe enjoy a sneaky chocolate bar, cream cake or even a late afternoon G&T. Me, well I just love a good cup of roasted bean coffee. So when Audi announced that it had developed an in-car espresso maker that plugged into the 12v cigarette lighter socket, it was simply too good an opportunity to miss, especially as I was due to test out the all-new flagship of the German marque – the luxurious A8. And true to form, the portable coffee maker was sent to try out. The kit, which tucks away neatly in an Audi-branded case, includes the machine itself, two espresso cups, 18 coffee pods and In fairness, the machine was fairly easy to use helpful instructions. once I managed to get to grips with squashing The asking price of £187 equates to a good in the coffee filter. It was nice to overlook many Costa or Starbucks take-aways. the harbour at Saundersfoot while sipping on

50 www.motoringassist.com Driving life’s little luxuries

a piping hot espresso. Well, that just got me only Discovery in the world that has a toaster in thinking I could rather get used to this. So I began the centre console and a rotisserie driven by the wondering how far manufacturers would go to power take off. Other ingenious features include satisfy the needs of their customers, especially a slow-cooker that sits beside the engine, a pasta I gave Land those with a healthier than average bank balance. maker, a gas hob and a deployable dining table The answer was simple. If you have enough and worktop. There is even a herb garden and “Rover a cash, we can do it. And here are just a few spice rack in the rear windows. massive examples of the many outrageous modifications Jamie Oliver said: “I gave Land Rover a and sophisticated adaptations that have been massive challenge to create the ultimate kitchen challenge requested and subsequently granted… on wheels. I dreamt big and asked for a lot, and to create what they’ve done has blown my mind. I didn’t Land Rover – Jamie Oliver’s Kitchen think they’d actually be able to put a slow-cooker the ultimate on wheels next to the engine and an olive oil dispenser in kitchen on TV chef Jamie Oliver and Jaguar Land Rover the boot, but they did. The result is an amazing created the ultimate kitchen on four wheels, vehicle, tailored perfectly for me and the family – wheels... highlighting the versatility of a Land Rover we love it. Discovery. Jamie’s bespoke family SUV comes “This unique creation means we can take our with a host of cooking features including a slow- culinary adventures to the next level.” cooker, barbecue, ice cream maker and olive oil The full list of fully functional modifications dispenser. Why, it will even churn butter as you includes a rotisserie, pasta maker, barbecue, drive. slow cooker, toaster, pantry, fridge, olive oil The kitchen was created by JLR’s Special and vinegar dispenser, herb garden, spice rack, ” Vehicle Operations team and the result is the deployable worktop, dual gas hob, sink, salt >> 51 www.motoringassist.com << and pepper mill, pestle and mortar, plus flat night sky, you’ll still be able to keep perfect time. screen TV. As for the price, think in the region of a cool Land Rover was not prepared to put a price on 150,000 euros (around £134,000). the modifications. Red Setter Rolls-Royce Another Bentley Bentayga According to luxury car maker Rolls-Royce, “customer Just like a well-crafted car, Bentley believes that nearly all the cars that leave Goodwood are tasked the a timepiece (or clock to you and me) is a thing bespoke and include features that augment a of rare beauty. That’s why they entered into a patron of the marque’s passion, hobby or interest. engineers collaboration with Breitling to create the ultimate So, essentially, the options list is whatever the with utilising object of desire for the Bentayga – the finest customer imagines. timepiece ever installed in a Bentley. Combining And there have been some fairly unusual wood from a natural materials valued for their beauty and requests throughout the years. One lady asked tree that had rarity, with only the most advanced in-car for the leather upholstery in her Rolls-Royce to technologies, the Mulliner Tourbillon by Breitling be matched to her Red Setter. Another challenge fallen on his is the embodiment of luxury, performance and included perfectly colour-matching the carbon estate... accuracy. fibre interior with a customer’s personally Breitling has long been the preferred brand of designed ‘Candy Apple Red’ exterior finish. the aviation industry because of its reputation This car was then made complete with a signed for durability and precision in extremely tough engine bay from all the team involved. Another conditions. customer tasked the engineers with utilising wood As for the timepiece itself, diamond indices from a tree that had fallen in a storm on his estate. adorn the clock’s dial, on a face which can be The highly complex engineering challenge took chosen in natural or black ebony mother-of-pearl. 18 months to fulfil. ” The case of the clock is machined from solid Other bespoke additions have included cigar 18-carat rose gold or white gold. Softly backlit, humidors, jewellery safes, carbon fibre attaché the counterweight at the back of the mechanism cases, a specially-engineered store for scent has been hollowed out to allow the light to bottles, incorporation of 1,000 ethically sourced pass through the spinning tourbillon. And, as diamonds into paintwork and personalised dog- a finishing touch, the light that shines onto the blankets. watch face can be matched to the ambient lighting And if you really want to stand out then there inside your car, too. Even under a remote desert is a colour palette with more than 44,000 options.

52 www.motoringassist.com Luxury motoring

However, there is one client for whom the available options were not enough. In California, renowned car collector Michael Fux added another bespoke colour to the palette with the addition of his eleventh Rolls-Royce - a ‘Dawn in Fuxia’ shade. Of course, Rolls Royce would never disclose the price of these adaptations, not even to me. A MINI just for you Customers can add their very own personal touch to a MINI via a new online store. The MINI Yours Customised product range includes the indicator inlays known as side scuttles, trims for the interior passenger side, LED door sills and LED door projectors. These new personalised products are designed by customers on a new website and manufactured using innovative production techniques including 3D printing and laser lettering. New advanced production processes enable precise recreation of the customers’ designs and will be delivered within the space of just a few weeks. Customers will easily be able to fit items to their vehicle themselves, or using a MINI retailer of their choosing. Upgraded items will be removable, allowing for customised MINIs to stay on-trend with future additional upgrades, or they can be restored to their original specification for resale. The offer runs throughout 2018 and costs 145 euro (approximately £127) for the dashboard, 145 euro for the side scuttles and 290 euro (approximately £255) for the sills. First Class Maybach With a starting price just shy of £175k, the Mercedes-Maybach S 650 is available with some pretty expensive optional extras. The one that caught our eye was the First Class Cabin package costing £7,300. For that outlay, you get two high quality silver-plated champagne flutes, a refrigerated compartment in the rear with a capacity of approximately 8.5 litres and controllable temperature, individual rear seats that transform the rear into a mobile office and two high quality folding tables in the rear. The business console of the First Class rear suite can be converted into an office desk in seconds. Jaguar with personalised treadplate Customers can add an elegant touch to their new Jaguar E-Pace by personalising the elegantly styled stainless steel sill treadplate finisher for driver or passenger doors. They are illuminated when either the driver or passenger doors are opened and highlighted by soft phosphor blue lighting. This will add a modest extra £502 to the asking price. n 39 www.motoringassist.com 53 road test

What is it? How green is it? Who should buy it? The second generation of Dacia’s Not especially. There are no electric or Anyone shopping for an SUV of this cut-price SUV. Despite a modest hybrid versions, and the 2WD petrol size who knows the value of a pound price hike, the new Duster’s bargain- emits 149g/km of CO2 and achieves should consider the Duster. Brand basement cost remains a big part of the 43.5mpg. The 2WD diesel returns snobs will have to look elsewhere. car’s appeal. 64.2mpg and emits 115g/km. Dacia Duster

Driving and performance

The old Duster had many things going for it, but the driving the old car will immediately notice the improvement. You can experience wasn’t one of them. From the driver’s seat, it’s still hear wind and road noise at motorway speeds, but not clear that Dacia has made a number of improvements. enough to make long trips tiresome. The new model has electric power steering, offering You’ll hear the petrol engine, too. In the fifth of five gears more assistance. Turning the wheel takes 35% less effort, it’s turning over 3,000rpm at 70mph. However, it’s not until according to Dacia. It certainly makes for easier parking, and around 4,500rpm that the 1.6-litre unit starts to sound rowdy. as speeds increase the Duster generally feels less vague and Don’t expect the increase in volume to coincide with a cumbersome than before. sudden surge of acceleration. With just 115hp and 115lb ft It’s not a car that keen drivers will really relish – handling of torque, the Duster petrol seems to build speed in slow is neat enough but the Duster is nothing like as agile as a motion. For more overtaking punch there’s a 1.5-litre diesel Mazda CX-3 or Seat Arona. Instead, comfort has been the with 115hp and 192lb ft of torque. Or if you’d rather stick priority. Really rough surfaces can send a shudder through with petrol power, an efficient petrol engine will be added to the cabin, but for the most part the pliant suspension the range in the first quarter of 2019. smoothes the road rather well. We haven’t driven the production version of the diesel, but Dacia has also worked hard to make the Duster quieter, did take a left-hand drive car with a slightly less powerful with more soundproofing, thicker glass and a more rigid diesel engine around an off-road course. It showed that 4x4 front-end structure to keep noise at bay. Anyone familiar with versions of the Duster have true off-road credentials.

54 www.motoringassist.com Space/practicality Safety Details and verdict

Price: £13,195 Dacia has included more safety kit in the new Very few cars offer as much Performance: 0-62 in 11.9 secs car, including blind spot detection on top-spec space as the Duster for so little Economy: 43.5 mpg models. However, the new Duster achieved money. That was true of the old Insurance: 9 only three Euro NCAP stars. One key omission model, but many of that car’s Tax: £2070/£140 from the Dacia’s spec is autonomous emergency rough edges have now been braking, which isn’t even on the options smoothed over. Our verdict: list. Even on a budget car we would like this The dashboard design has technology to be available, ideally as standard. been thoroughly modernised. Figures for the SCe 115 4x2 Comfort. It doesn’t have the soft-touch Equipment textures you might find in more expensive rivals, but it’s a lot less drab and utilitarian than it We would steer clear of the Access model – the used to be. headline grabbing £9,995 price is tempting, There’s more height but not the lack of air conditioning or a radio. adjustment for the front seat, Essential spec includes these essentials and so you can sit up nice and tall, more for £11,595. Step up to Comfort for alloy and the seat itself has been wheels, a leather steering wheel, cruise control, redesigned to improve long- Drive it away... an onboard computer, satnav and a rear-view distance comfort. We certainly Cash or finance? Cash camera, with prices from £13,195. Prestige cars had no aches after our test drive, Best deals? Strong used values have larger alloys, part-leather upholstery and although it’s irritating that make buying a Dacia outright an climate control, with prices from £14,395. there’s no rest for your left foot. attractive option. For a top-spec There’s grown-up friendly head Duster Prestige SCe 115 4x2 Costs and legroom in the back of the costing £14,395, the best loan car, too, and the rear doors open deal we could find came from Sainsbury’s Bank for the full very wide so it’s easy to get in amount. It worked out at £410 Even allowing for the poor spec of the most and out. per month at 2.7% APR and, of basic car, the Duster is an absolute bargain. Boot space is generous. The course, you have no mileage limits It makes even budget rivals such as the 445-litre capacity is greater than attached. SsangYong Tivoli look expensive. However, a Nissan Qashqai’s, despite the What’s it worth when it will cost more to fuel than rivals with more Nissan costing thousands of I change? In this Prestige sophisticated engines, with a combined figure pounds more. specification, you can expect to of 64.2mpg for the two-wheel-drive diesel. see a healthy return of 52% of the Insurance costs should be low, however, starting list price after three years and from group 9 and ending at group 14. 30,000 miles.

4 Exceptional value and much improved quality. 6 Sluggish performance from the petrol engine. Review: David Motton David Review:

WE SAY: More polished and better equipped, the new Duster is a true bargain. www.motoringassist.com 55 road test

What is it? How green is it? Who should buy it? A plug-in electric car, originally Very, with zero emissions, so no Environmentally conscious types and launched in 2010 and now tailpipe and no nasty exhaust gases. anyone who wants to be kinder to the substantially updated. Leaf stands for That doesn’t include the output from earth as they travel about. Or someone Leading Environmentally-friendly a conventional power station that who wants a commuter car and Affordable Family car. probably supplies the electricity. minimal running costs. Nissan Leaf

Driving and performance

The original Leaf was a bit of a pioneer, quickly becoming road. Like any electric car, it is delightfully refined, with its the world’s best selling plug-in model. It had a 24 kWh absence of engine noise and hushed progress. battery pack and a quoted range of 76 miles. Fast forward The Leaf is quick off the mark, and the car feels lithe eight years, and the new Leaf now has a 40 kW battery and responsive on the move. It is easy to drive, with its and a range of 168 miles, based on the latest Worldwide progressive one-speed auto transmission. Steering feel is harmonised Light vehicles Test Cycle result. Even so, reasonably communicative, and the suspension is pretty good that range is likely to be a bit optimistic in typical driving at cushioning out the bumps and undulations of a typical conditions. road. Recharging via a specially installed home charging unit, There is a clever feature to help improve battery range by included in the price of the car, takes seven and a half hours enhancing the car’s regenerative braking. Called the ePedal, it and would normally be done overnight. Using a 50 kW quick is engaged via a switch near the gear knob. It lets you recoup charger, such as can be found at motorway service stations brake energy, and you feel it instantly when you back off the and shopping centres, should boost the battery pack from throttle and the car slows much more dramatically than you empty to 80 per cent in 40-60 minutes. would normally expect. So you can employ it to drive the With its refreshed body styling and re-engineered car most of the time using just the accelerator as an on-off suspension, the Leaf’s centre of gravity is now slightly lower control, and mostly ignoring the brake pedal. Odd at first, it than before, which makes it feel a little more secure on the quickly becomes completely natural to drive the car that way.

56 www.motoringassist.com Space/practicality Safety Details and verdict

Price: £28,390* Euro NCAP has awarded the Leaf a five- At just less than 4.5 metres long, Performance: 0-62 in 7.9 secs star rating, with a 93 per cent score for adult the Leaf is a medium-size family Range: 168 miles occupant protection, 86 for child, 71 for car with seats for five people, Insurance: 21 pedestrian and for its safety assistance systems. although those in the back are Tax: £0/£0 The Leaf’s safety shield technology suite is quite snug for kneeroom. Rear comprehensive, comprising of lane departure headroom is reasonable, though, Our verdict: warning, intelligent emergency braking with and the car’s boot has grown in pedestrian recognition and cross-traffic alert. size by 30 litres compared with Figures for the Leaf Tekna the previous model: it is 385 * includes plug-in grant Equipment litres, extendable to 1,161 litres by folding down the rear seat- backs. You get a plug-in charging cable, illuminated A bit of boot room has to be charging point, six airbags and a comprehensive devoted to stowing the Leaf’s package of electronic driver safety aids. There on-board charging cable, is a four-speaker audio system with Bluetooth which needs to travel with and audio streaming, automatic climate control, you as a means of plugging in cruise control, rain-sensing wipers and follow- to a charging point when the me-home headlights. Higher-spec versions have car’s big battery pack needs a 360-degree colour camera system, heated replenishing. Drive it away... front and rear seats and steering wheel, and The cabin is comfortable Cash or finance? Contract hire driver alertness monitoring. and functional, if not exactly Best deals? The Leaf qualifies plush. It is a bit disappointing for a £4,500 Plug-In Car Grant Costs that the surroundings are rather to lessen the blow to your wallet. plasticky, and the surfaces With that factored in, we found around the dashboard and door a deal from Blue Chilli Car Prices start at £25,190 for the basic level tops are all mostly firm to the Contracts for £320 per month Acenta (including £4,500 allowance for fully touch. The seats are a bit on the spread over three years with a electric plug-in models). The next model up is firm side too, bucking a recent three-month up-front deposit. That’s for 10,000 miles per annum. N-Connecta, which costs £26,890, and the top- trend for softer cushioning in spec Tekna retails for £28,390. Running costs some other similar size cars. What’s it worth when I change? EV used values have are lower than for a petrol or diesel car, as the been weak in the past, but the absence of an engine means there is much less Leaf puts in a reasonable showing maintenance involved, and electricity re-charges by retaining 34.1% after three are much cheaper than liquid fuel top-ups. years and 30,000 miles.

4 Clean, green, brisk, efficient, practical and blissfully quiet. 6 The time it takes to re-charge, and range is still a limitation. Review: Sue Baker Review:

WE SAY: Slicker styling and a bigger battery are worthwhile improvements. www.motoringassist.com 57 USED CAR CHOICE

Renault Clio Mk IV (2013-present) The French manufacturer has sold more than 14 million Clios since Nicole and Papa first started car-sharing, writes Al Suttie Introduction How much to pay That 14 million figure makes the current generation the most You’ll find high-mileage Clio IVs starting from £4,000, with important car in the French firm’s range, and it has been on many of these cars fitted with the 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine sale for five years now. So there are plenty of used examples as they’re ex-company or rental vehicles. To get our preferred to choose from. 0.9 TCe Dynamique MediaNav model with no more than With styling based on Renault’s DeZir concept car, the 60,000 miles on the clock, you’ll be looking to spend from fourth-generation Clio is quite a looker and does its best £5,750. Choose the energetic Clio RenaultSport with its to hide the fact it’s only available as a five-door. This is paddle-shift gearbox and you’ll need to budget from £9,500. achieved by secreting the back door handles in the rear window surround. The upside to the five-door-only approach Overall rating is the Clio is more practical than some rivals. However, the boot is not the largest in its sector and back seat occupants are more cramped than in a Skoda Fabia. However, the Clio counters with a fine engine range, We say: especially the 0.9-litre TCe turbo petrol and 1.5-litre A great all-round supermini; cheap to run and fun to drive. turbodiesel units. You can also opt for the RenaultSport hot hatch that comes with up to 220hp and a paddle-shift Others to consider gearbox. Citroën C3 (2009-16) Most will stick with more mainstream models and cabin Stick with French superminis and the C3 offers a supple ride quality was improved from mid-2016, so if your budget and large boot, though rear seat space is tight. allows these are the ones to aim for. Ford Fiesta (2008-17) What to look for The consummate supermini thanks to great choice, handling Many Clios live in the city or are a new driver’s first set of and wide engine and trim options. A tough act to match, wheels, so inspect every inch of the bodywork for dents and never mind beat. dings. Take a close look at the wheels for kerbing scuffs and check the tyres for uneven wear that indicates the car has come into contact with the roadside. Look at the history file to make sure the initial service was carried out by Renault as there are some other checks made at this point. As well as a choosing a car with a full service log, consider changing the oil sooner than the two-year/18,000- mile standard periods, especially if the car has lived in town. The 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5 turbodiesel have timing chains that must be replaced every five years and this costs around £450. Also check the history file to make sure any relevant recall work has been carried out to the brake hoses. Which one to buy Every Clio from this generation comes with electric front windows, Bluetooth connection and central locking, but we’d skip the lower order Expression models and head for a Dynamique. This version is offered in MediaNav or S MediaNav trims, with both incorporating a touchscreen in place of the standard radio. This trim also includes air conditioning and alloy wheels, and the S has rear parking sensors, power-fold door mirrors and electric rear windows. When it comes to engine choice, we’d recommend the 0.9 TCe turbo petrol motor every time. Not only is it fun to use and sounds good if you work it hard, it can return 62.8mpg combined economy and carbon dioxide emissions of 104g/km will not cost you much in car tax.

58 www.motoringassist.com there were 319 motorcycle fatalities in 2016 (the most recent available figures) and more than 5,500 serious injuries (an increase of 10% on the previous year). Additionally, research Media messages shows that ‘born again bikers’ (males aged between 40 and 60) are over-represented in collisions. GEM road safety officer Neil Worth said: “There’s a lot of We regularly issue press releases in satisfaction to be gained from riding a motorcycle with skill our efforts to keep road safety high on and precision. That’s why we’re encouraging riders to give themselves a ‘skills MOT’ which will help ensure they reduce the public agenda. Here are some of the risks they face on journeys.” our most recent communications: HELPFUL IN THE HEATWAVE We issued some simple tips to assist drivers and their ‘DON’T DRIVE BLIND’ passengers on journeys in hot weather... not quite realising at We called for better regulation of eyesight tests for drivers, the time that the heatwave would last quite as long as it did! stating that it would cut collisions and make Britain’s roads We encouraged drivers to take a good supply of drinking safer. The only eyesight test at present is when you take your water, preferably in a cool bag. “Staying hydrated helps keep test and have to read a number plate at 20 metres. you in good physical condition during times of high Specifically we asked the Government to consider a temperature,” said Neil Worth. detailed test of every driver’s visual acuity and field of view every 10 years. The call echoed our support for the new MOTORWAY LEARNERS national ‘Driving Blind’ campaign, launched in late July, in We challenged the new opportunity for learners to drive on which organisers lobbied for action to cut road deaths caused motorways, simply because we suspected that few would by drivers with defective vision. bother doing so as they wouldn’t be tested on it. “It’s not a requirement and will not be assessed in the driving test, so we see few, if any, safety benefits. We believe RIDING SMARTER motorway driving should be mandatory for all learners, as We urged motorcyclists to put safety first on their summer experience should show that optional learning opportunities rides, issuing a series of simple safety tips. At the heart of simply don’t work,” suggested Neil. “Take Pass Plus, for our call was a focus on rider skill for those who may have example, which is a great programme but has an average been coming back into biking after a lengthy gap. After all, uptake of just three per cent of newly qualified drivers.”

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What is it? How green is it? Who should buy it? The Shogun Sport is a seven-seat SUV Not at all. There’s just the one diesel If you need a true workhorse 4x4, then from Mitsubishi. It takes the place of engine, and it emits 227g/km of carbon the Shogun Sport could be just what the old Shogun in Mitsubishi’s range, dioxide and drinks a gallon every 32.8 you need. If you mostly drive on the although it’s a little smaller. miles, according to the official figures. road, there are better SUVs.

Mitsubishi Shogun Sport

Driving and performance ability in the rough (although it’s worth noting that the cars used on the mud-plugging section of our test drive had been fitted with off-road tyres). If that’s where your priorities lie, you can safely double the two-out-of-five ‘driving and There’s something slightly ungainly about the Shogun Sport’s performance’ score. looks. Stare at the car for long enough and you’ll realise its However, if most (or perhaps all) of your driving is on the gaping space between the top of tyres and the wheelarch. Tarmac, there are better SUVs than the Shogun Sport. The That gap is there for a reason – Mitsubishi has designed the ride is unsettled, and the steering rather vague, needing lots Shogun Sport to be a proper off-roader, with cliff-conquering of arm-twirling to negotiate tight bends. The Mitsubishi is not approach and departure angles, enough ground clearance to as comfortable as a Kia Sorento, and doesn’t handle with the drive over a bungalow, and long-travel suspension. poise of a Skoda Kodiaq. The mechanical specification ticks just about every box for There’s only one engine, a 181hp 2.4-litre diesel. It has serious green-laning. There’s a low ratio gearbox to handle 317lb ft of torque, which should be plenty if you have a steep slopes, and locking centre and rear differentials to make caravan or horsebox to tow. This is a heavy car, though, the most of any grip. A switchable terrain response system with a kerbweight of well over two tonnes, so acceleration is (with gravel, mud/snow, sand, and rock settings) adjusts the rather steady. car’s systems to cope better with whatever is under the tyres, The engine is a bit clattery but settles down once cruising and there’s a hill descent system to hold the car at a sensible along. The eight-speed automatic gearbox changes smoothly, speed when crawling downhill. and paddles behind the steering wheel allow the driver to take We were thoroughly impressed with the Shogun Sport’s charge of gear selection.

60 www.motoringassist.com Space/practicality Safety Details and verdict

Price: £39,775 The Shogun Sport hasn’t yet been tested by There’s lots of space in the front, Performance: 0-62 in 11.0 secs Euro NCAP, although recent Mitsubishi models and driving position is as lofty Economy: 32.8 mpg have generally been highly rated. All versions as you’d expect of a big SUV. Insurance: 38D have seven airbags, including a knee airbag for The dashboard design won’t win Tax: £2070/£140 the driver and curtain airbags. Extra safety kit prizes for originality, but it’s is fitted to the range-topping model, including neat and tidy and appears well Our verdict: Forward Collision Mitigation and Blind Spot screwed together. Warning, which uses ultrasonic sensors. Move back to the second row, Figures for the Shogun Sport 4. and there’s reasonable head Equipment and legroom. Passengers won’t exactly be stretching out, but they won’t be complaining too There are two versions, badged ‘3’ and ‘4’. loudly, either. The more affordable ‘3’ comes with 18-inch Clambering all the way to the alloy wheels, leather upholstery, electrically third row is a bit of a challenge, adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, but once in place there’s enough a reversing camera, Bluetooth connectivity legroom for adults on short Drive it away... and a six-speaker stereo. Step up to ‘4’ spec journeys. You sit very low to for another £2000 to add heated front seats, a the floor with knees pushed up Cash or finance? Personal more powerful stereo with additional speakers, high, though, which won’t be lease headlamp washers, adaptive cruise control, a comfortable on longer trips. Best deals? The hefty list price 360-degree view camera and extra safety kit. Predictably, luggage space of the Shogun Sport 2.4 DI-DC 3 is very tight with all seven means a lease deal is a much more Costs seats upright. There’s just 131 attractive proposition. We found litres, enough for a few bags the best price from Select Car of shopping but that’s your lot. Leasing at £530 per month for 35 months and 60,000 miles plus In terms of pricing, Mitsubishi hasn’t been With the third row folded away three months’ payment as initial greedy. A starting point of £37,775 is no (a slightly more fiddly task than rental. There was also £235 to add bargain, but it’s not unreasonable when you in most seven-seaters) there’s in fees to this. consider the level of standard equipment. a much more useful 502-litre What’s it worth when However, running costs will be high. ‘3’ spec capacity, although that’s less I change? It’s predicted the sits in insurance group 43D (of 50), dropping to than you’d find in a Kia Sorento Shogun Sport will hang on to 41% 38D for ‘4’ spec cars with their extra safety kit. or Skoda Kodiaq. of its original price after three Fuel bills will be painful if the official combined years and 60,000 miles, which is figure of 32.8mpg is anything to go by. better than most rivals.

4 The Shogun Sport is the real deal off road. 6 Not as good to drive on the road as most rivals. Review: David Motton David Review:

WE SAY: Very capable in the rough, but not as polished as most rivals on the road. www.motoringassist.com 61 road test

and sides. All of these are fairly modest cosmetic updates; the real changes come when you climb inside and Mazda 6 if you research the technology. New materials and gadgetry abound, and there are upgrades to the James Luckhurst renewed cabin design that give a real sense of quality. There his acquaintance with an are even small sections of door trim where Japanese Sen wood is used (it’s more usually employed in the executive favourite manufacture of traditional Japanese furniture and musical instruments). Not sure some of the surfaces WE WERE pleased to be part of the launch of the would stay clean very long if subjected to the usual Mazda 6 a few years ago, so it was exciting to be activities of a busy family on the move, but first invited to the model’s facelift event at the end of impressions are definitely positive. July. The circumstances could not have been more Mazda is committed, for the time being at least, to different. The original launch was in Scotland, early the internal combustion engine, though the firm says one January. Snow threatened to cancel the event that manufacture of its solely petrol/diesel powered but we did manage to do it and to get some good cars will end some time between 2030 and 2035. No driving in. This time the ground was parched, the air surprise that it’s committed to making its engines as was warm and the sun burned down as we put the efficient as possible for the time being. For example, refreshed Mazda 6 through its paces on a varied test the ‘cylinder deactivation system’ on the Mazda 6 route around the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean. allows the engine to swap between two- and four- The updated Mazda 6 is a large comfortable cylinder operation; the idea being that economy is saloon (and tourer). Its attractive ‘soul red’ colour boosted but not at the expense of performance. - the only option among the test models - has been As far as safety is concerned, the SE-L LUX Nav+ improved and is, we were told, 20 per cent brighter trim models and above feature a reversing camera. A and 50 per cent deeper than before. Appraising Safety Pack (an £800 optional extra on Sport Nav+ the exterior we noticed a new grille, described versions and standard on GT Sport Nav+) adds a by Mazda as ‘more aggressive’. There are new 360 degree camera, Adaptive LED headlights, Rear headlights, and new bumpers at front and rear. Smart City Brake Support and Driver Attention The exhaust pipes are more spaced out to give the Alert. ISOFIX child anchors are standard across all impression of something a little bit meaner, a little models; as is auto drive-away door locking. bit more tuned up. Overall a sleek and stylish look.. We had the opportunity to try out two different just not sure that the rear is as attractive as the front models. The 2.0-litre 165PS Sport Nav+ saloon

62 www.motoringassist.com (£27,795) boasts economy of 44.1mpg, with a 0 to 62mph time of Details and verdict 9.4 seconds. Measures to improve Price: £27,795 as tested ride comfort include an increase in Performance: 0-62 in 9.4 secs the diameter of the front damper Economy: 44.1 mpg cylinders from 32mm to 35mm, and Insurance: 25E a change in the valve structure of Tax: £205/£140 the front and rear dampers. The ride was firm, while road Our verdict: noise was seldom a problem, but Figures for the 2.0-litre 165PS there was little to get excited about model is 41.4mpg, and the 0 to 62mph time drops SportNav+ in terms of the driving experience. to 8.1 seconds. Boot space is impressive: 522 litres We felt the gearing was set a bit with the rear seats in place, rising to 1664 when too high. Making our way up a hill that was not they’re folded flat. particularly steep, we were disappointed to have to Drive it away... To conclude, this refreshed Mazda 6 is worth Cash or finance? drop down into second gear in to make progress. Personal contract hire serious consideration, especially if you are a high So although there were all the makings of a sleek, Best deals? mileage driver looking for comfort, great looks and attractive executive saloon, the driving experience Prices are unconfirmed endless miles of smooth motoring. Our preference was sadly missing. A quick peek in the boot as yet, but will be would be for the bigger engine, with its auto box... revealed a smallish lid but an impressive 480 litres keen. A PCH deal for but we are more interested in the diesel variants of storage. a 2.2 Skyactiv-D SE-L which become available in the autumn. Watch this Things certainly improved when we switched to Lux Nav+ saloon will space. try the energetic and willing 2.5-litre 194PS Tourer, require an approximate complete with Mazda’s 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G £1,450 deposit and We liked: £240 monthly payment petrol engine, which was making its UK debut. 4 The classy, sophisticated interior over three years and 4 Overseeing things was a tidy six-speed automatic 10,000 miles per annum. The head-up display - a real boon for safety gearbox (no manual option is available). The ride What’s it worth We didn’t like: was on the firm side, but always smooth, with any when I change? road noise reduced to a bare minimum. It struck us After three years and 6 The 2.0-litre engine which needed too much work as an ideal choice for anyone who covers a lot of 30,000 miles, it will be 6 The dials which felt old-fashioned and sparse motorway miles. That said, there was plenty of fun worth 38.2% of its new and satisfaction to be had from the quieter lanes price, which is about We say: that formed part of the test route. Economy for this on par for this class. The updated Mazda 6 is classy and very comfortable. www.motoringassist.com 63 How you rated the GEM breakdown service... We care a great deal about the quality of service you receive when you need us for breakdown recovery. We thought you might like to see some of the many five-star reviews about GEM Motoring Assist recently submitted to the independent review site reviewcentre.com...

Brilliant service Very pleasant to deal with

Excellent service at a fair price. Each time I have broken Communications were excellent - timely and relevant. down, the company has managed to recover me and my There was an overall sense of ‘customer-intelligence’ which passengers in time and facilitated a safe journey to my gave the strong impression they are there for you rather destination. I have the full cover and I would strongly than themselves as a cheap, quick fix. recommend it to anyone. At times my mechanic was not We have used many breakdown services over the years able to accept recovery on the day but GEM still took my (although very few call-outs) and GEM is currently at the vehicle to my home address and recovered my vehicle top of the premier league, especially at such an economical when my mechanic was ready to work on it without extra price for first-class service. costs. Go for GEM and save yourself some money. 5 June 26 June Friendly and efficient The help I needed in quick time Everyone from first phone contact to the visit was friendly and efficient. Phone call answered quickly, clear information I needed a Home Start - they arrived within the hour. about attendance times and contact number offered. Could not get it going, so arranged breakdown vehicle. It Mechanic fixed the issue swiftly and efficiently. Very happy. arrived a couple of hours later, which was fine as I was at 22 May home, and towed it to my choice of mechanic. Very pleased with service. Very fast service 26 June

Exceeded all expectations I managed to lock myself out of my car at Heathrow Airport on returning from holiday and had to call for help. This arrived in less than half an hour and they got me going Roadside assistance was with me within 15 minutes of my very quickly. GEM were great from the first call and I will call; recovery was needed and that was with me within 20 definitely be renewing my membership. Well Done. minutes. During that time I had 2 telephone calls from GEM 22 May to make sure I was safe, I was much impressed. 19 June ask the experts I can’t believe the cost of my daughter’s insurance

I’ve bought a motor car for my daughter who has just passed her driving test at the first attempt, but I’m shocked by the cost of insurance. What can I do to reduce the premium? Telematics (or black box) insurance tends to work out much cheaper for young drivers. The car has a telematics system fitted, which sends feedback to the insurer about the way the young person is driving. Sticking to the speed limit, driving smoothly and avoiding harsh acceleration and braking is rewarded, usually with a lower premium after a few months. There’s a stick as well as a carrot, because with most policies of this kind bad driving can lead to higher premiums even if the driver hasn’t made a claim. Insurance of this type helps make insurance for young people more affordable while encouraging safe driving.

TOP TIP: BEFORE YOU START A PARALLEL PARKING MANOEUVRE, CHECK TO ENSURE YOUR NEARSIDE WING MIRROR IS FACING DOWNWARDS, AND DOUBLE POINTS CHOOSE A SPACE THAT’S AT LEAST A THIRD LONGER THAN YOUR CAR. My sister Eve organised for our parents to go on the insurance for her Nissan Note while they were visiting from Australia. Hybrids don’t make good load luggers Unfortunately she got the start date wrong (by I’d like to change my current diesel caravan weighing 1500kg, it returned one day) for their inclusion on the policy, and for a petrol-electric hybrid for just 15.5mpg. There’s nothing very as luck would have it my Dad was stopped and environmental reasons. However, I environmentally friendly about a car done for no insurance... £300 and six points. To own a caravan that’s 1,300kg when returning that kind of mileage. add insult to injury, they then did my sister for loaded, so the car needs to tow it. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is another ‘causing and permitting’. Is this right? My budget is £35,000. What are my option in your price range. Unlike It is an offence to permit someone to use a motor options? the Kia, there’s no plugging the car vehicle on a road while uninsured. The law is also More and more hybrids are capable of in to top-up the battery, although clear that Eve’s honest belief that Dad was insured towing, but their capability and legal this means it has a very short pure- is not enough. Had she given him use of the car towing limits vary enormously. electric range of just a mile or so. on the express condition that he first insured it, The Kia Optima Sportwagon PHEV Unfortunately it too received a poor then his failure to do so would not amount to is just a fraction over your budget, review from the Tow Car Awards. your sister ‘permitting’ him to use it. priced at £35,145. However, after There are many reasons to consider haggling I’d expect it to fall within a hybrid but I don’t think towing your price range. It has a legal towing shows them at their best. Fuel limit of 1,500kg, so it can legally tow economy suffers more than it does DORSET... OR ENDORSE IT your caravan. The kerbweight of when towing with a diesel. If you are I’ve received my first ever speeding ticket, 1815kg means your caravan weighs certain you want a hybrid, then these from Dorset Police. There’s an offer of a course 72% of what the car weighs – within two cars meet your requirements. For included, but it doesn’t appear I have any choice the 85% matching guideline which regular towing I would recommend a regarding where I can take it. Is that right? As I caravanning clubs recommend for good turbodiesel over either. don’t live in the county, I’m tempted to grumble safe and stable towing. and take the points instead. However, it did not perform You DO have a choice: Blandford, well in this year’s Tow Car Bournemouth, Poole or Weymouth... all Awards. When economy venues in Dorset, with courses lasting tested towing a three hours and starting (weekdays only) at 9am or 1pm. Other force areas in England and Wales operate a system where you can book onto a course at a location of your choosing, regardless of where the original offence was committed. Another interesting point is that the Dorset ‘Driver Awareness Course’ is open to anyone keen to have their safety knowledge refreshed. In other words you do not have to have committed an offence in order to attend the course.

Our experts are happy to offer their responses to your questions on car buying, technical and safety matters. Send your query to [email protected] 65 last word

It has to be-e-e... perfect Shirley Matthews-Neil shares her GEM Driver Assessment experience

GEM member Jonathan Neil was scratching his head Jonathan to hear). He said he was really impressed and had recently over what he could buy his wife Shirley (‘Whirley’) never assessed anyone with 26 A-stars. Matthews-Neil for her 84th birthday. He read about the GEM “That was very exciting for me, being a first for him. I had driver assessment and thought it sounded exactly the sort of taught my three daughters to drive, and I think they’re all thing Shirley would enjoy. brilliant behind the wheel. But after a test when you’re 17 or “I saw an advertisement for the driver assessment, and also 18, you pick up bad habits, of course you do. And if you’re understood that it would be beneficial for our membership too proud or lazy to have an occasional check-up, then those MasryPics: Balfour renewal, so I picked up the phone and made the booking habits can get worse and worse. I have some elderly friends for Whirley (it’s the name given to her by grandchildren, who are appalling drivers.” and now it’s what we all call her). She was always a bit of a We persuaded Whirley to reveal a few of her motoring driver, up for a road test or a ride in something interesting, secrets. “I had a friend who was a jazz critic on the Sunday but I know she hasn’t had any sort of driver retraining for Times. He was also a car tester and with him I have driven half a century. every sort of car imaginable; he valued my opinion on the “She has driven Porsches, AC Cobras, Jensens, the lot different models. – and I fear she has not always been very complimentary “Jonathan is a little nervous as a passenger. He says he about my driving. I’ve actually done RoSPA tests, but I fear worries that I don’t spot hazards ahead, but I have seen (and she agrees) that my driving does not come up to her them already… and made a little plan to deal with them standards.” safely.” Whirley’s birthday morning came and Jonathan lined So, clutching her assessment certificate, where up her presents, including the driver assessment. would Whirley choose for the drive of her life, and “Her first reaction was to hit me on the head who would go with her? “I would head along the with it,” he says. “Then she calmed down and rural roads of central Spain, through all thought that actually it might be a good idea.” those lovely mountain-top white villages Booking an appointment for the assessment with my youngest daughter Abigail, and was simple once Whirley had regained her we would take a Jaguar or perhaps an composure. “The assessor came and Audi Convertible.” said he would sit next to me with a And would she recommend a clipboard, but that I was not to regard driver assessment to others? “Yes, the experience as a test. ‘Just drive,’ he whole-heartedly. Regardless of your said, so that’s all I did. experience and age, it’s a brilliant “He made a couple of comments way of checking you’re still safe. as we went along, once concerning For me, it was a great experience. someone who was coming around Fantastic to get such a good a roundabout, lost, and decided to assessment, but I still learnt loads stop, even though he had priority. from it, and am definitely a safer driver After the assessment, I asked him as a result.” into the house, where he sat down and n Interested? Call our colleagues at delivered his verdict (loud enough for RoSPA on 0121 248 2099.

66 www.motoringassist.com Membership What it means for you Specially negotiated benefits available to GEM members. More information is available at www.motoringassist.com/memberbenefits

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Part of IF YOU’D LIKE MORE INFORMATION your subscription goes towards Contact us by email at [email protected] or call the membership office on 01342 825 676 (9am –5pm, Mon –Fri) funding valuable where our helpful staff are on hand to answer your enquiry. Alternatively, visit our website on motoringassist.com road safety initiatives GEM Motoring Assist is a trading name of The Guild of Experienced Motorists which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

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GEM Motoring Assist is once again o cially the UK’s number one breakdown provider Just look at the range of bene ts available as part of your GEM membership: ■ Good Motoring magazine posted to your home four times a year ■ FREE technical advice ■ FREE road safety advice ■ FREE GEM breakdown app I cannot praise ■ Great value driver assessment scheme the system highly ■ Specially negotiated discounts on airport enough. From the parking, hotels, car hire and much more initial phone call to being dropped o at home, it was a painless experience. The phone handler was e cient and courteous. The rescue truck arrived in no time at all and we We’re the UK’s number were quickly on our one breakdown way, all sorted out. recovery provider! LF, Derbyshire Driver Power Survey Auto Express 2018

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