THE MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF GEM MOTORING ASSIST GOODMOTORING ROAD SAFETY І CAR REVIEWS І HOLIDAYS І FEATURES І YOUR LETTERS AUTUMN 2015
Your votes have made us the UK’s number WINNERS one breakdown provider for 2015! AGAIN... See inside for results of the Auto Express Driver Power survey
BE OUR GUEST...... for a tour of the Morgan Motor Company
MIND YOUR BACKS, folks We help you alleviate the pains that are driving you to distraction
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GEM Benefit Sheet A4_29.07.15_#1.indd 2 29/07/2015 14:36 Welcome tO THE AUTUMN EDITION! As I write this, I am looking with pride and satisfaction at the results of the recently-published Auto Express Driver Power Survey. Thank you very much if you took the time to complete the survey, because once again GEM has been voted the overall winner, as well as ‘Best Buy in Breakdown Cover’. We are passionate about giving you the very best possible service, not just in breakdown recovery but for everything connected with your motoring. Everyone at GEM joins me in thanking you for your loyalty and support. We are more motivated than ever to find ways of improving our service to you in the years to come. It’s not very often that we get the opportunity to organise a GEM member event, so we’re excited about the exclusive tour of the Morgan Motor factory in Worcestershire on Thursday 22 October. Unfortunately we won’t manage to fit every member onto the tour, but there are 10 pairs of admission tickets to be won. Somehow it reminds me of a Roald Dahl story, but if you expect me to dress in top hat, tail coat and cane for this tour, then you’ll be disappointed. And please remember my name is Williams, not Wonka! Anyway, all the details of the tour, and how to apply for a pair of tickets, can be found on page 6, right next to our car insurance advertisement, which I would love you to investigate if you may soon be in the market for a renewal of your annual premium. Our colleagues at Shield offer a top-class, professional service which I recommend highly. Do give them a try. Better still, if you contact them for a quote before 31 August 2015, your name will automatically be entered into a draw to win a £250 prize. Other goodies available this time: we have a fabulous weekend for two in Cambridge (page 28) on offer as our competition prize and two robust and highly visible Stoplock car security devices (page 11). Enjoy this edition and stay safe.
David Williams MBE Chief Executive
ALL ABOUT GOODMOTORING MAGAZINE ARE YOU SITTING GOOD MOTORING is Good Motoring is published by Complaints policy: We COMFORTABLY? the magazine for members GEM Motoring Assist. hope you never experience of GEM Motoring Assist. © GEM Motoring Assist 2015 any problems relating to the As we get older, we all tend to suffer from Good Motoring is the property contents of Good Motoring. aches and pains, stiffness and reduced Editor: James Luckhurst of GEM Motoring Assist. All rights GEM Motoring Assist can flexibility. But if this affects your ability to Editor-at-large: reserved. The views expressed in accept no responsibility get in and out of your car - or drive around Valerie Singleton this magazine do not necessarily for problems arising from safely and in comfort, then it’s definitely Road Test Editor: reflect the views of GEM Motoring advertisements with Good David Motton Assist. Motoring. In the first worth exploring a few ideas that could GEM does not accept any instance, complaints and make driving life a bit easier. Proofreader: responsibility for errors or omissions. correspondence relating to A brand new video from GEM explores Roger Rushton Good Motoring is distributed advertisements should be some worthwhile tactics and tools that could [email protected] quarterly via Royal Mail to members directed to the advertiser really make a difference and ensure your road of GEM Motoring Assist worldwide. concerned. Should you not journeys are made in comfort. We look at Advertising enquiries: For questions and comments reach a satisfactory conclusion the whole science of ergonomics, we make David Breary, Creative relating to GEM membership, Good within a reasonable period of Publishing Services Motoring subscriptions and editorial, time, please contact us by post suggestions on journey planning [email protected] contact GEM Motoring Assist. or email. and we give advice on what to look for if you’re considering changing your car. Do encourage family members getting in Write to: Good Motoring, GEM Motoring Assist, Station and friends to take a look at touch with Road, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5EN the video, which you’ll find at goodmotoring: Telephone: 01342 825676 motoringassist.com/drivercomfort Email: [email protected] Please note: magazine enquiries only to this address Website: www.motoringassist.com Cover image: Close-up of a Morgan sports car. For a chance to join us on a Morgan factory tour, please see page 6. 413 CONTENTS Autumn 2015
ON THE BACK TO COVER BASICS Paul Caddick considers how the increasing stress of modern driving is affecting our health. There have been great strides in the design and manufacture of modern car seats to adjust in accordance with different body shapes using them, but these are compromised by cost, space and other safety CELBRATING GEM’S SUCCESS paraphernalia. Readers of Auto Express once again voted us number Page 20 one in their latest Driver Power Survey. As a way of saying thank you for your vote, we have 10 pairs of tickets for an exclusive GEM tour of the Morgan Car factory in Worcestershire taking place on 22 October. Page 6
THE THE ALL-SEEING DRIVERLESS CAR Harrison Keasey, a blind 13-year-old schoolboy from Worcester, ponders on the future of road transport and his own AUTUMN vulnerability. Will driverless cars prove the answer to the challenges he faces? How affordable, reliable and secure will they be? EDITION Page 18
HITCHING A RIDE... Deborah Meaden, star of Strictly and Dragon’s Den, ON THE COVER chats to our editor-at-large Valerie Singleton about her choice of car, her driving skill and her views on road safety. Page 22
CUBA’S CHEVVIES AND LINCOLNS Alan Hart spent a few days on the sub-tropical island, just as hostilities with the USA were being patched up with presidential handshakes. But, as he reports, the new accord could see much of the ‘real’ Cuba (including its amazing line-up of old cars) disappear without trace. Page 30
FRAGRANT VIOLATIONS “I did a supermarket shop. Some time later a horrible smell developed in my car. I searched everywhere but could not locate the source. Eventually, I found a haddock fillet had lodged itself under one of the seats...” We conducted a poll recently to establish what you rate as the worst smells you can encounter in a car, as well as your most unpleasant smell tales. Not for the faint hearted... plus details of the Government’s forthcoming in-car cigarette ban. Page 15
4 www.motoringassist.com CONTENTS Autumn 2015
WONDERFUL WEEKENDS Enjoy our eight-page selection of sensational short breaks - perfect for a late season get-away. Page 38
FANCY A LUXURY TWO-NIGHT BREAK IN CAMBRIDGE? ... then don’t miss our fabulous competition with a truly brilliant prize. Good luck! Page 28
NEW MAZDA MX-5 Fresh (and soaking) from the launch in Scotland, road test editor David Motton was just in BIKE BREAK the nick of time for his review. Fresh from a short trip to As owner of a Mk3 MX-5, he the Dordogne, Henry Harris was excited to be one of the first offers some wise words on safe to drive the fourth generation motorcycle touring and the toll a version of the world’s best- FAB selling two-seater sports car. full day of concentration can take. PRIZE... Page 34 Page 48
BACK CHAT ALSO INSIDE PRODUCT TEST Our member interview Your letters...... 8&9 Rod Ashley, ably assisted by his page returns, and for Your GEM member benefits...... 10&11 picky grandson Louis, puts five this edition we pay a portable child booster seats through visit to Edward Loofe GEM Road Safety Charity news...... 19 their paces, assessing them for in Prestwich. Motorcycle safety tips...... 36 comfort, durability and support. Page 66 On the Road...... 47-63 Page 26 Mazda MX-5 Mk 4 road test...... 48 Buying a second-hand Audi TT...... 51 Hyundai i30 road test...... 52 Volvo XC90 road test...... 54 Toyota Avensis road test...... 56 Mazda CX3 road test...... 58 www.motoringassist.com 5 Special event Your votes have once again made us the UK’s number one breakdown provider! See inside for results of the Auto Express Driver Power survey Thank you for voting us number one! To show our true appreciation of the loyalty and support we receive from our members, we have 10 pairs of tickets on offer, to join us for a tour of the Morgan Motor Factory in Worcestershire. It’s taking place on THURSDAY 22 OCTOBER, with coffee, our own private factory tour and a light lunch included. See below for details of how to enter the draw for tickets
RESULTS FROM the 2015 Auto and see the process of hand-made Express Driver Power Survey assembly that makes a Morgan such show for another year that GEM a cherished piece of engineering. Motoring Assist remains the UK’s The tour will finish in the number one breakdown recovery museum, where you can chat to provider. The result sees GEM David Williams, Good Motoring achieve number one for overall editor James Luckhurst and road service for the sixth year running, test editor David Motton. as well as occupying number We’ll be picking and announcing one position in each of the seven the 10 lucky winners on Wednesday categories. 16 September. To enter, please email We are absolutely delighted to [email protected] and be in top position this year, and you MUST put Morgan Tour in the we thank everyone who voted for subject line of your email. Good us. We have made a significant luck - we hope to see you there! recent investment in the way we handle calls for assistance from Winners will be provided with the terms and conditions relating to this promotion. our members, and the aim is to continue our efforts to achieve even higher standards, so that our members always get the very best possible breakdown recovery service. Unfortunately we can’t thank every member whose vote put us in the number one slot, but we do have an exciting opportunity for 10 lucky GEM members to receive two tickets for an exclusive tour of the Morgan Motor Company factory, starting at 11am on Thursday 22 October. Coffee will be served from 10.30 and the tour itself will be followed by a light lunch. We’ll watch a short film before heading to the Morgan factory, where we will visit the workshops Apply by 15 September to [email protected]
6 www. www.motoringassist.com Your votes have once again made us the UK’s New GEM Car Insurance number one breakdown provider! See inside for results of the Auto Express Driver Power survey There’s no turning back...
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fullpage.indd 1 10/05/2013 11:25 your letters
Feedback [email protected]
Beware your safety features I am often stopped at traffic lights when there Have we gone too far with modern high intensity may be a dozen cars in front of me, with possibly headlights, super sticky tyres and powerful only one or two cars not showing brake lights. braking on every day vehicles? Arguably these Is this just plain laziness? The subject is further high performance assets can encourage over- complicated, by the increasing use of the engine confidence, leading to excessive speed in adverse stop/start system in modern vehicles. If this is conditions. the case, then car manufacturers should modify Extremely bright headlights are a hazard to any the system, so that the handbrake has the same oncoming driver or rider on an unlit road. The effect and the Construction & Use Regulations be wall of intense white or blue light coming towards amended to suit. you does not allow any vision of your kerbside. Ken Toone This is not conducive to safety. In my opinion, this and other modern assets cannot be considered While I am in total agreement with John Burkitt safety features if the driver uses them to their on the subject of people driving with fog lights limits. I ride vintage and classic motorcycles as on, I should point out that many modern cars well as drive cars. The biggest problem for me are rely on drivers keeping feet on the brake when those bright headlights. stationary, to enable operation of the stop/start Dave Blanchard function, particularly if the car is an automatic. This is the case on my Mazda CX-5, where the Foot up, foot down? “i-stop” function is triggered by additional It seems obvious to me that John Burkitt (letters, pressure on the brake pedal. summer edition) has no experience of automatics, Richard Hurrell and of high intensity lights. High intensity lights have nothing to do with the brakes. They should I would have thought that the manufacturers only be used in foggy conditions. Automatic would be able to devise a system where you transmissions are designed to be kept in ‘drive’ could stop the car on the footbrake then engine at all times, and the footbrake applied and kept cuts, apply handbrake, release footbrake and depressed where stationary at traffic lights or halt engine stays stopped. When it’s time to pull signs. Where delay is experienced, the automatic away, the engine should restart with the release gearbox should be placed in ‘neutral’ or ‘park’, the of the handbrake. For now, please appreciate it engine switched off and the handbrake applied. maybe the car’s fault and not the driver’s. Tony Vardy Alan Woolidge
The “i-stop” in my car cuts out the engine when Mr Burkitt’s problem is more likely to be caused the car is stationary, if I keep my foot on the brake. by the use of the “autohold” function in many This is a new fuel economy device and is being modern cars. It is possible to override the fitted to more and more cars. function or even switch it off but it’s provided Do speed Graham Edwards as an additional safety feature. “cushions Bryan Peak One explanation for the use of footbrakes at traffic really work, lights may be drivers’ lack of knowledge as to how I think we have heard quite enough about or do they to deal with the new automatic stop/start engines. dazzle from rear lights, so this strand of For example my car requires a further pressure correspondence is now closed. Ed. create extra on the pedal when the engine stops to ensure that risk? the word “HOLD” appears on the panel - you Motorway moan can then remove foot from brake pedal and brake I wish to gripe about the consistently poor lights extinguish. lane discipline on our motorways, particularly Michael Green on the newer four-lane sections. Recently on ” RECOMMEND GEM BREAKDOWN COVER AND RECEIVE A £ 2 0 VOUCHER!
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GEM_RAF Ad 400x43mm_01.14_#1.indd 1 01/08/2014 11:36 your letters
a four-lane M25 section, I was in the fastest, Slow progress least congested inside lane and, ludicrously, My grandson is currently taking driving lessons Making the overtaking lane was the slowest, most - he is 18. He has had at least 30 lessons and tells contact: congested lane. Perhaps a few more convictions me he has yet to park in a bay, parallel park in We welcome for lane-hogging and tailgating under the 2013 the road, reverse around a corner and execute an your letters and regulations would address these poor habits. emergency stop. I know I took my test some 30 we do our best Marcus Loxton years ago but had just six lessons and covered to publish as all of the above. I did pass first time and have many of them Spare a thought for cyclists enjoyed driving ever since. What might others as we can. Do As a GEM Member I would have expected think about modern instruction methods - more please keep any Mr Etchells (summer edition) to have a more complicated now, I know? Could his instructor be letter meant for considerate approach to vulnerable road users taking advantage, and is there a set programme publication to a as called for in the Highway Code. A minority of items to be covered during lessons? Any advice maximum length of cyclists ignore the rules to suit themselves, welcomed. of 200 words. but so do a significant minority of motorists and Joy Phillips motorcyclists. Cycle routes can be inadequate Important and are advisory. Often they suddenly stop Bubble, bubble, bubble, stop! before a destination, are too narrow, are parked Whilst I welcome the presence of traffic police Please don’t on by motorists, have drains, glass and other conducting speed checks near my home in send any detritus across them. Hereford, I take great exception to the sight of membership Roy Finch the officer with the ‘gun’ chewing bubble gum enquiries or and blowing bubbles ‘on the job’ as I drove by. change of Know your A35s from your A40s It looked revolting and certainly did nothing to address notices The caption to the photo of the Austin on page foster respect for his role or the worthwhile work to the editor, as 45 of the summer edition says it is an A40 he was doing. there may be whereas I think it is an A35. Rose Newton a delay in our Geoff Castle response. A smarter satnav Thanks, Mr Castle, and to Reg James and others Mr Stokes’ article reviewed GPS units with a who spotted the error. The photographer, Mr small side bar regarding smartphone satnav, and Sowersby, says sorry! he suggested Scout and Waze. If you actually want a GPS just to get you somewhere, without Humps and bumps social media capability, then OsmAnd is the Do ‘speed cushions’ actually work? Or do they outstanding winner. It is genuinely offline, it has create greater risk? Cushions and chicanes routing for car, cycle, public transport and foot, all were recently installed in my quiet village and sorts of search facilities and you can try it out for have resulted in many dangerous practices as free, the only limitation being the number of map drivers are delayed behind chicanes on a road downloads. And the purchased version is £4.99. which otherwise would not be restricted and Stephen McKinnon thus would not impede the free-flow of traffic. These devices may look fine and dandy on Text, Facebook, BANG the planners’ model but it seems to me they Recently, I have noticed a pattern appearing in represent a menace in the real world. radio traffic reports – repeated motorway and John Richards road incidents, similar locations, similar times. Drivers texting? I believe that many drivers will Preaching to the converted get out their mobiles and carry on with their texts Paul Caddick, in his article on setting a good and social media. Some of these people will drive example, is preaching to the converted. We were mindlessly straight into the vehicle in front. The brought up by parents who taught us sensible, rest of us can either note and avoid these stretches safe and responsible behaviour. How many times or apply an enhanced level of defensive driving. do we see the exact opposite these days? Graham Clifton A parent dragging a small child across a busy road in the face of traffic, mobile phone pressed We will be focusing on distractions in the winter to ear, is an often encountered example. edition, with results of a large-scale member Roy Smith survey on the subject. Ed.
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GEM_RAF Ad 400x43mm_01.14_#1.indd 1 01/08/2014 11:36 Your Offering you GEM a helping hand At our recent Annual General Meeting, a member requested that GEM’s free Accident Management Service be more widely explained and promoted. Chief executive David Williams is happy to oblige Being involved in any road collision legal action in cases where you have is a traumatic and frightening experience. been the victim in a collision caused by Apart from the initial shock and another driver. Our service is backed by safety concerns, you also face lengthy a legal expenses policy underwritten by procedures to inform insurers, arrange ARAG, which offers an indemnity limit of repairs, access courtesy cars, deal with £100,000 and could give you the chance legal issues and much, much more. to make a significant saving on your However, thanks to GEM’s free accident motor insurance policy, as this additional management service provided by Integrity option often adds around £30 to your Claims Management Ltd, these issues annual premium.” need no longer be a worry. Integrity will Integrity will also arrange for a like- IF YOU NEED HELP take the strain of managing the whole for-like replacement vehicle in non-fault IF YOU want GEM to help you reduce process - from recovery of the vehicle at claims and they have their own firm of the stress and strain after a road the scene through to legal issues involving specialist solicitors to work on members’ collision, please follow the following the other drivers involved in the accident. behalf in the unfortunate event of any procedure: Integrity can help whether you are at fault personal injury. This legal service will n If you are involved in any road or not. Their experienced claims handlers even make sure that you recover out-of- accident which will result in a claim will liaise with your own insurer and pocket expenses such as loss of earnings, being made on a motor insurance those of the other vehicles involved to travel costs, damage to personal effects policy (irrespective of who is at ensure you are back on the road as soon and even medical treatment in cases fault,), please call Integrity Claims as possible. where there is clear third party fault. Management on 0345 3700 945 from Russell Ryan of Integrity Claims Thanks to a number of nationwide the scene to get immediate help. Management said, “Our dedicated team nominated and insurance-approved n If you are involved in a minor of advisors will guide you through the bodyshops, the service can also arrange a road accident which will not result whole claims process; this includes taking top quality repair of your car. in a motor insurance claim, and from which you only need a short recovery, contact the GEM breakdown number DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT on 0330 999 2505. We were unfortunate to have our car written off in an incident where a young driver reversed n Remember that GEM Breakdown out from his drive into the lane we were travelling on. It was a “hands up” sorry I didn’t see you. Cover is restricted to a maximum I decided to use GEM’s Accident Management Service. I contacted Integrity that evening and claim of £70 if you are involved in a spoke to a Claims Manager giving all the relevant details. She organised for our vehicle to be collision. collected the next day. Before lunchtime we had a courtesy car for the duration of the claim. n You can be sure that whether you The service we received from the team was first class, updating us regularly as the claim suffer a vehicle breakdown or are progressed. All the staff at Integrity who dealt with us were friendly and efficient from start to involved in an accident, help is just a finish and we were grateful for this. phone call away. Having passed the driving test in 1957 with clean licences ever since and being members of n Check motoringassist.com GEM for 38 years we would certainly recommend the above Management Claims Team to any for more details of our Accident members who unfortunately find themselves in a similar situation. Management Service. Joan and Tony Agg
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GEM_RAF Ad 400x43mm_01.14_#1.indd 1 01/08/2014 11:36 A CLOSER LOOK AT THE BENEFITS OF GEM MEMBERSHIP
COMPETITION WINNERS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE If you’re stuck on a technical matter, chances OUR SUMMER edition broke all recent records in terms of how are you’ll find some help in our online reference many entries we received to the competition and draws. So first of library (motoringassist.com/car-maintenance). all, we must congratulate If you’re still stumped, call the office (01342 Mr Daniel Lister of 825676) and we’ll pass your question to our Maidenhead in Berkshire, technical team. whose entry was chosen from more than 600 correct emails and cards submitted PICTURE WINNER up until the deadline of Our £50 prize for this edition goes to Dan 31 July. It will now be our Searles, a sports injuries specialist and pleasure to ensure that holistic health practitioner from Coventry. Daniel and his guest will Dan is pictured with his son Ralph coming be well looked after at the home from a recent holiday in Spain. “You Warner Leisure Hotel of can see behind us the Rock of Gibraltar their choice. Warner Leisure Hotel, and the Monarch plane that flew us back to We also congratulate Holme Lacy Birmingham. We had a great time, although the following members I didn’t get to drive as we were chauffeured whose entries were drawn at random to win a GEM/RoSPA driving around by my mother-in-law,” he writes. assessment. They are Mrs Nyria Atkinson, Mr Brian Norwood, Mrs Thanks and well done to Dan. We’ll Ann Simpson, Mr Maurice Kibble and Mr John Adams-Lewis. look forward to receiving your picture The five winners of the Philips Atlas were Mr George Towns, Mr submissions for next time, and as it’ll be our Ramesh Rathod, Mr Dave Hutton, Mr Peter McLoughlin and Mr Bob 80th anniversary edition, we’ll up the prize Pryor. A copy of the latest Philip’s European Road Atlas is on its way to £80. So, if you’re heading somewhere to each of them. extraordinary or special, make sure you Don’t miss a cracking line up of competitions, prizes and offers have Good Motoring ready for the photo in this edition. You could win a two-night luxury break for two in that could earn you £80! Send your entries Cambridge, with city tour and leisure activities (details on p28), a to [email protected] and ensure tour of the Morgan Motor factory with coffee and lunch included images are high resolution. (p6) or one of two £29.99 Stoplock security devices (immediately below). There’s also a cracking reader offer from our friends at the Bird in Hand country inn near Maidenhead (p24). Good luck!
TWO STOPLOCKS TO GIVE AWAY Stoplock continues to be in great demand with customers seeking a robust visual deterrent to car thieves. It’s the UK’s leading security brand, fitting most vehicles. Stoplock is fully attack-tested, has a 10-year guarantee and is easy to fit. It continues to receive category 3 approval by Thatcham Research, which assesses vehicle security systems for the car insurers. If you would like your name in the draw for one of two Stoplock devices, each worth £29.99, then send an email to competition@ motoringassist.com, ensuring you put Stoplock Draw in your title. Make sure you include your membership number, too. The closing date for your entries is Friday 30 October 2015.
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GEM_RAF Ad 400x43mm_01.14_#1.indd 1 01/08/2014 11:36 News updates
‘FAILED TO LOOK’ RESEARCH REVEALS TOP CONTRIBUTOR TO COLLISIONS
DATA from the IAM shows that ‘failure to look properly’ is the most common contributory factor to a collision, included by police officers in more than 30,000 reports of incidents annually.
JOHN ROGERS GOES ITALIAN... IN LONDON’S WEST END
A RISKY BUSINESS ON THE MOTORWAY
Pic: John Sansom Pic: John GEM MEMBER Peter Baker, from minibus. I pulled out and drew level Lucky winners of a recent Cheadle Hulme, was driving with with him while Tom my colleague Good Motoring competition John a colleague on the M61 near Bury peered across. No surprise that he was Rogers and his wife Jane are seen recently. It was morning rush hour, so simply compromising his own safety here about to enjoy the first part the motorway was busy. At one point and the safety of others by talking on of their prize: a Theatre People they were following a silver minibus, his mobile phone,” says Peter. (theatrepeople.com) dinner show whose driver seemed to be having “Tom got the above picture - and overnight package. Next was difficulty keeping a constant speed apologies for reflected papers. Even a trip to see the show The 39 Steps and staying in the inside lane. though we’re level with the minibus and a night at The Queens Park “We were aware that he was slowing driver, you can see how far onto the Hotel. Next day John and Jane down, speeding up and wandering hard shoulder he has drifted.” took a trip down the Thames and on and off the hard shoulder. At one GEM’s recent survey on distractions had lunch on the boat, courtesy of point we were actually worried that revealed just how much of a risk City Cruises (citycruises.com). he might be ill or losing control of the members believe this behaviour to
CARS WORTH A SECOND GLANCE >>> Our ‘On The Road’ section starts on SKODA SUPERB USED AUDI TT MITSUBISHI ASX MAZDA CX-3 page 47. Forecast to have sector- Expect to pay from £6k Satisfying performance The six-speed manual leading residual values for this sleek sports car from this 2.2-litre diesel gearbox is a pleasure
12 www.motoringassist.com A LITTLE HELP WITH A NEW CAR
Dear GEM, I need to replace my Vauxhall Astra Estate this year with a similar size car but having a higher seating and driving position for easier access. I need a petrol engine (as I cover a low annual mileage) and automatic transmission. The Ford C-Max looks ideal but doesn’t have a petrol automatic option. The Ford B-Max has this option but is smaller than I would have liked. Can you suggest any other cars with a petrol automatic option that I could consider? Martin Frayn
Road test editor David Motton replies: If you are looking for a petrol automatic with a high seating position and easy access you could consider the Toyota Verso (pictured below). This MPV is available with a 1.8-litre petrol engine and an automatic gearbox. This version of the Verso is priced from £24,300. The editor of Good Motoring, James Luckhurst, recently reviewed the Verso and was impressed. A RISKY BUSINESS ON THE MOTORWAY You might also want to test drive the Volkswagen Golf SV. It’s larger and higher than the regular Golf be. GEM chief executive David PARENTS AT hatchback. It’s available with a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine Williams said, “We surveyed 3,313 with a DSG automatic transmission. I’ve driven this car members earlier this summer. Of ST GREGORY’S myself and found it capable, and with this engine and these, 89% said they never use a ACADEMY IN gearbox it’s priced from £22,390. The Citroen C4 Picasso hand-held phone while driving, STOKE-ON- THP 165 is another petrol car with an automatic gearbox. while fewer than half of one per TRENT ARE It has the high-up driving position you are looking for cent (16 people in total) admitted TO PAY £15 and a roomy and comfortable cabin. It’s priced from using a phone a lot of the time on A TERM IN £22,710. I hope these suggestions are useful. their journeys. Also, take a look at our brand new video on comfort and “The survey went a stage further, CHARGES IF ergonomics: motoringassist.com/drivercomfort and invited respondents to reveal THEY USE THE the consequences of being on the SCHOOL’S phone while driving. NEW DROP- “Three people admitted they OFF ZONE. had crashed as a direct result; 17 said they had nearly crashed and THE SCHOOL 89 admitted the need to make a SAYS IT WON’T sudden correction. WASTE ITS “Good journey planning includes EDUCATION building in breaks to check for BUDGET messages and voicemail. There is TO SOLVE really never a justification for using the phone while driving.” PARKING Picture: Tom Gregory PROBLEMS.
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Pics: Katherine Jones Fragrant violations
We conducted a poll recently to establish what you rate as the worst smells you can encounter in a car, as well as your most unpleasant smell tales. So if you’re of a delicate disposition, you may prefer not to turn the page...
OUR RECENT ‘pong poll’ gave you the the driving task. Of course, the important opportunity to tell us what you thought thing is to deal with any smell as early as were the most unpleasant odours to possible. This is straightforward (though A bad smell be found on your car journeys. Being a possibly not quick) if the source of the smell family publication, we thought we should is obvious. is dangerous maintain decorum and propriety by not “However, if you cannot work out where “ going into too much detail; however, you a smell is coming from, then it makes sense because can browse the graphic on the next page for to get your car checked,” he said. it distracts details of how you rated different smells. We reached our ‘honours board of “Although this was a light-hearted automotive aromas’ by totting up the you from the and unscientific study, it’s important number of first, second and third votes driving task. to remember that a bad car smell is no each received, to give a total out of 150. laughing matter,” says GEM chief executive Interestingly, those sweet-smelling artificial David Williams. “Not only does it spoil air fresheners (popular with many taxi your journey, but it’s also potentially drivers) finished ahead of wet dog, take- dangerous because it distracts you from away food and petrol in the smell stakes. >> ” 15 Smells survey (continued) TELLING OF THE SMELLING... Thanks to everyone who took part in our Pong Poll, and for sharing your horror stories with us. We don’t have space to include them all (and some fall outside the acceptable boundaries for a family publication such as this), but here are a few that may stir a few memories for you:
I once parked alongside the River Thames for seat and a sheep leapt in front of our car. I SMOKING BAN a lunch date. It wasn’t until someone asked instinctively “braked” with my foot, grinding FOR CARS why mounted police were checking the cars the mess into the carpet. The smell was n From 1 October it that I realised mine was sitting in water. I horrendous. We had to stop and scrub the will be illegal to smoke in managed to reverse the car onto dry land. I carpet and use a de-odourising spray. private vehicles carrying tried everything to try to get rid of the smell someone under 18. The to no avail. It took six months before the smell My little boy managed to upend his fixed penalty will be £50. went. (supposedly spill-proof) milk beaker when n Private vehicles will have he was about 2, and the back seat of the car to be smoke free if they I remember borrowing a friend’s car, a stank until I used some bicarb on it. You are enclosed and there fishing enthusiast, who had forgotten he had only had to open the car door... is more than one person left live bait in the boot. After one hot day it aboard, and one of them is was unbearable! My youngest son, on a long trip to Cornwall, under 18. n ate a pack of chicken crisps, only to bring it all If another passenger is smoking and there is Spilt milk got under the boot carpet and was up five minutes later over the back seats. All someone under 18 in the not cleaned up, because we could not see it, we could do was scoop it up into a plastic bag car, then the driver will be but we did eventually smell it. until we got to our destination. Neither my liable for the fine. wife nor myself can eat chicken crisps now. n The rules apply to Recently I was driving in Canada. We motorhomes, campervans passed over what had obviously been a I did a supermarket shop. Some time later and caravans when they collision site with a skunk. There was no a horrible smell developed in my car. I are being used as a vehicle sign of the animal but the smell was on the searched everywhere but could not locate but don't apply when they road and stayed in the car for 30 minutes the source. Eventually, I found a haddock are being used as living after we drove over the spot. Our local fillet had lodged itself under one accommodation. friends said they knew people who had of the rear seats. n A driver aged 17, to sell cars after hitting skunks as they smoking alone in a vehicle, could not get rid of the smell. We are Our new puppy ate a quantity will not be committing an lucky in the UK. of duck mess on a walk, then offence. brought it up in the car shortly We were in Scotland. I had trodden in afterwards. I swear Proctor & dog muck on the beach without Gamble shares rose 10% next day realising. As we drove away, on the back of the quantity of cleaning I was in the passenger products we purchased.
120 117 PONG POLL: RESULTS This graphic shows how you voted for your worst car smells. The final scores represent a combination of your first, second and third choices. 80 77
34 33 32 18 7
16 www.motoringassist.com 84994 GOOD MOTORING EWT 715F 20_08_15_EWT 15/07/2015 09:56 Page 1
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Cars have played a key role in the be capable of being adapted for people with lives of many people, when it comes to as wide a range of disabilities as possible. transporting them to a destination safely Permanent software: all the systems, and efficiently. Since the arrival of the car including the firmware in the car, will more than 100 years ago, and especially need to be easily updatable. For example, since its increased affordability in the last the engine management system and the 50 years, they have grown increasingly satellite navigation systems will need to be popular amongst hungry consumers. kept current. However, for those of us who have a Security: will the entry and ignition disability – for example a visual impairment systems be voice-operated to maximise or other eye conditions such as cataracts its market? If so, what security will be in – learning to drive is out of the question. place to ensure only authorised people This also means that because of our can use it? Or will these vehicles feature vulnerability, we will have to rely on other physical buttons arranged in a layout means of transport, some of which come at that is simple enough for the user? Or a financial cost; taxis, for example. perhaps both, so that users can choose their These are people who want more preference for operating the car. Going independence and greater freedom, and back to the maximum security, can means they might just get it in a few years’ time. of encryption be enabled that prevent Back in 2010, Google announced the unauthorised people from using the car? arrival of so-called driverless cars, ie To conclude, whilst visually impaired cars that would incorporate the latest people are able to reach a destination on technology to give the disabled community foot with the aid of a white stick or guide a revolutionary driving experience. At dog, there is no doubt that the freedom Many the time of writing, these vehicles are the introduction of the driverless car visually undergoing thorough tests to ensure they would give would be of great benefit. “ are safe and secure for driving. Assuming that technology proves to be impaired Many visually impaired people have all that is claimed, the potential market people have questions that need to be answered prior to for a driverless car must be huge, not the release. only among visually impaired but also questions that Affordability: ideally we would want sighted people. The speed with which this need to be everyone who needs it to be able to afford market is exploited may well depend on such a car. However, we also want it to how reasonable the initial price is, as well answered... be reliable and at the cutting edge of as how the benefits of a driverless car are technology and this often means a premium marketed to all. GM price for new products which can be way beyond the means of ordinary people. I believe the price to the consumer should be kept to a reasonable level, as this would open up the market to as many people as ” possible. However, there may need to be some sort of subsidy for this to happen, at least initially. Reliability: obviously, consumers will want to operate this car in the same way as existing cars. Therefore, the new technology needs to be 100 percent reliable in much the same way as in an aeroplane, so that the safety of the occupant, pedestrians and other road users shouldn’t be compromised in any way. The operating systems should
18 Road Safety Charity New Charity video homes in on driver comfort ARE YOU sitting comfortably? Do you much physical stress as possible removed from experience any discomfort or pain when you the process. get in and out of a car? What about when The video script was prepared in you’re looking over your shoulder to check for consultation with experts at Wessex traffic? Perhaps you’re regularly offering lifts Driveability, part of the Forum of Mobility to someone who’s less able than you and who Centres. We’d also like to acknowledge the does need a little help sitting comfortably in support from Westminster City Council, who your car. helped with the funding of the production.
The Charity agreed to co-fund the Video presenter Peter Baker said working Pic: Mark Taylor production of a useful and informative on the project had been a revelation. “I Presenter Peter Baker video that focuses on the whole issue of suffer from stiffness in my back and frequent learnt a great deal from ‘ergonomics’, which is the scientific discipline restrictions on movement, so getting in and working on the GEM that applies theory, principles, data and out of a car can be painful,” he said. “I learnt ergonomics video. methods to design in order to optimise human a great deal about some of the simple but wellbeing and overall system performance. effective aids that are available, so I no longer In other words, it’s all about you and your suffer in silence and I urge you to look for passengers being comfortable and well looked solutions that will make driving a pleasure after while you’re on car journeys, with as once again.”
Take some time to watch GEM’s brand new safety video on ergonomics and driver comfort. Go to motoringassist.com/drivercomfort
Take a look some of the other GEM Charity videos Topical, informative and relevant for everyone
Blue Light Aware How can you best help an emergency vehicle on a blue light run, while also ensuring you stay safe and legal? Take a look at bluelightaware.org.uk Drugs, driving and the law We guide you through the recent changes in legislation, and explain what effects drugs (including medicines). Check out motoringassist.com/drugs Still Safe to Drive We designed this suite of informative videos to help you stay as safe as possible on the road, for as long as possible. Have a look through the site: stillsafetodrive.org.uk Stay safe in flood conditions The UK’s unpredictable weather means we need to have the right skills and understanding to stay safe. Take a look at motoringassist.com/drivinginfloods
43 Back to basics Paul Caddick is urging us It’s ironic that we all still look forward to collapsing onto the sofa or into an armchair at the to get up and be active – end of the working day and taking the weight off or risk the consequences our feet, yet most of us will have spent nearly all of the day sitting down at work. According to the of sitting still for too long stats, the average British adult spends between 50% and 70% of their day sitting down, and it’s not doing any of us any good. World Health 20 www. www.motoringassist.com Driver comfort
Organisation figures show that physical inactivity Dr Graham Cox, an author on the subject (and Prevention has been identified as the fourth leading risk inventor of a simple device to improve driving factor for global mortality, causing an estimated posture – the ‘SHOFT’), writes: ‘Most seats are & Cure 3.2 million deaths globally. The main concerns designed so that our knees are above the level So what can we do to improve our lot? are: Obesity and Slower Metabolism, leading to of our hips, which is good for safety but poor cardiovascular issues and diabetes in particular; ergonomically. When driving we need to extend n Take frequent breaks. The Highway Code Cancer and Heart Disease, an increased risk of our legs asymmetrically to move the pedals, turn recommends that a 15 60%; and Rheumatic Disorders due to wear and the steering wheel, change gears and constantly be minute break be taken tear to joints caused by a lack of activity and sitting on the lookout for danger. ‘ for every 2 hours of badly. Though we often start out well and with due driving. This is the maximum time you are But the biggest issue we face from our sedentary consideration for back health when driving, it is recommended to drive life is back pain, and apart from the desk job and not long before we are slouching or slipping down without a break and at leisure time in front of the TV, it’s the car that’s into the danger zones. As soon as your bottom each break you should at the heart of the problem. In a recent study of moves forward and a gap between the back of the get out of your car and walk about (i.e. change business car drivers, at least half had suffered seat and your own lower back appears, or between of posture). from lower back trouble in the last 12 months, and your shoulders and the top of the seat, then it is a n Do regular neck leisure drivers are similarly afflicted. It is essential sure sign that your spine is in the wrong physical exercises to stretch your spine. as drivers that we note this and take care of our shape and certain areas of the spine are taking n You can check your backs, in order to make ourselves safer, better excessive strain. What’s more, the vibrations and posture whilst driving focused and more comfortable behind the wheel. bumps also dehydrate the spongy discs that sit by being aware of your between our vertebrae and allow us movement, vision and mirrors; if you begin to slouch in your Sitting Time Bomb and act as shock absorbers – the less fluid, the less seat your vision of the Bryan McIlwraith, an Inverness-based osteopath they work. road/mirrors will not and an expert on car ergonomics, writes: ‘Ask The point to remember is that you need to sit be as clear. Use this as a an anthropologist and he will say that man is well back in your seat so that your back is in reminder to re-correct your posture. essentially a hunter-gatherer; we are designed to contact and supported from top to bottom. n Choose a car that has be up and about all day, trotting around looking a seat and steering set for things to eat. Instead, modern man sits at a Less Pain, More Gain up with a good range of desk during the day, slouches in front of the TV According to the Chartered Society of adjustments. n Make sure you sit at night, and in between may drive for several Physiotherapy (CSP), the essential thing to keep in well back in the seat hours a day. When we use our backs in such an mind is just to keep your back moving throughout to ensure your back is inappropriate way, is it any wonder that they fail?’ the day. If you are sitting, whether in a car or at always supported from Almost 31 million days of work were lost last a desk, get up and walk around for at least five top to bottom. n Drink plenty of fluids year due to back, neck and muscle problems, minutes or so every hour – ‘movement is medicine’ throughout the day. according to the Office for National Statistics is their motto; keep your back moving to keep it n If you are suffering (ONS), and this is in spite of the fact that the flexible. They have a useful simple leaflet (check from continuing back problems, make sure you country’s workforce has largely swapped heavy out csp.org.uk/publications) for desk-based make an appointment manual labour for sitting in offices. As Prof workers with examples of stretches that can help to see an appropriately Steve Bevan, director of the Centre for Workforce drivers, too. trained specialist or Effectiveness at the Work Foundation, bluntly puts The more we abuse this incredible part of our your GP. it, ‘Sitting is the new smoking. The more sedentary body’s architecture, the more we will suffer you are, the worse it is for your health.’ throughout every part of our physical and mental being. Take care of it and it will take care of you. Desperate Driving Being fit and healthy, and free of pain, can only Sitting puts 50% more pressure on our lumbar make us all better, safer and happier drivers. discs compared to standing, and then combine it Back pain can ruin your day, but as a dangerous with the bumps and shocks from the road surface, distraction behind the wheel, it can all too easily the use of the pedals to brake and operate the ruin the lives of others, too. GM clutch, not to mention the twisting when looking around, and it’s surprising we can still walk when we get to our destination. CHECK OUT OUR NEW VIDEO... Of course the increasing stress of modern The GEM Road Safety Charity has co-funded the driving and living is a growing problem, but then production of an informative video that looks at there is the seat we’re sitting on – the car seat is ways you can make your driving experience more far from ideal. There have been great strides in comfortable. With expert help from Wessex the design and manufacture of modern car seats Driveability, we examine some simple but effective to adjust in accordance with the great variety of aids. We also guide you through the process of body sizes and shapes using them, but they are changing your car if the time has come to choose something more appropriate for your needs. Take a compromised by cost, space and the other safety look right now at motoringassist.com/drivercomfort and driving paraphernalia surrounding them. As 21 www.motoringassist.com Wheel life with Dragon Deborah
Deborah Meaden is probably best known as one of those fearsome Dragons on BBC Television. She is also a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur. Her recent appearance as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing won her a fresh audience of fans and has given her a fun new hobby. We caught up with her recently to hear about her driving, and to exorcise a few automotive demons Interview by Valerie Singleton, Pics: John Eccles Hitching a ride
What car do you drive? Civic, only two days after I bought it, in I drive a Porsche Carrera 4S. I had to look the middle lane trying to turn right and that up because I’m not a terrible car nut. someone waved me across and I went into I enjoy my cars but I don’t know the latest the side of a vehicle. I don’t trust anyone My mother and greatest. My car is a convertible and I now saying I can go. I always check myself “gave me her love it. that it’s safe. yellow Fiat How long have you been driving and who You’ve mentioned a love of speed. Has that taught you? ended you up in trouble? 850 as my I was impatient - very impatient - to learn to I have lost my licence twice from speeding. 18th birthday drive. I learnt in Brighton with BSM when I was 17 and passed my test in Minehead. Talk me through the circumstances... present... I crammed the lessons in, worked hard Both times I have been banned through the and really went for it. I nearly failed my ‘totting up’ system. The tickets I’ve had test because Brighton was very controlled always came from driving on my own very with lots of traffic lights and Minehead had late at night. I’m not saying it with pride but hardly any at the time. I was used to being on a motorway it was a bit too easy for the told ‘it’s green now, you can drive’. In speed to creep up. Minehead I was waiting too long and had to ” make my own decisions. But I passed. What speeds are we talking about? For the first ban, I already had two speeding What was your first car? offences and I was caught doing about 100 My mother gave me her yellow Fiat 850 miles an hour. I was going way too fast, as my 18th birthday present. I was a very driving a BMW. So I lost my licence and lucky girl. I was allowed to do with it what I couldn’t drive for 6 months. wanted. It was very old so I traded it in for a new grey Honda Civic, my pride and joy at And it was not once but twice?! the time. It wasn’t until I did it a second time and lost my licence again for 6 months that I really How often do you change your cars? learnt my lesson. I’m quite funny about my cars. I have to know which car I want next and there has You obviously like going fast and if you to be a reason. I love my Porsche. I’ve had drive a Porsche it must be very tempting. it for seven years. It starts when I want it I do like going fast and it’s so easy but to, it hugs the road, goes fast, it’s good in unfortunately they don’t accept that as an the winter and great with the hood down excuse in court. in summer. I love it. I’ll keep it until I see another car and think ‘oh that’s lovely’. Are you a patient driver ? I think so. I’m quite a practical person. I Do you like driving or is it just a means of can get really angry about things I can do getting from A to B? something about but don’t see the point I loved driving. And then for a while, getting upset about things I have no control because of work, I was just driving sensible over. If it’s a traffic gridlock there’s nothing I cars for miles, rather than cars I loved, and can do about it. driving became a chore. But now I hardly drive at all, although I do, I absolutely love Are you a good passenger? it and really enjoy it. I think in life I prefer to be the driver.
On a scale of 1 to 10 how good a driver What annoys you about other drivers? would you say you are? Rudeness, particularly in the lanes. There I’m actually not a bad driver. Blowing my are these unwritten rules about who own trumpet, I think I’m a good driver. I’d reverses, who pulls in, so it does annoy >> say 8. When I went to meet Why not 10? Deborah, she asked that Touch wood I get from A to B without any our £100 donation be problems. I had three minor accidents in my given to Tusk Trust, the first year of driving. One I literally drove elephant protection my car into a boat on the back of a trailer charity. Next time, my along Brighton beach front; I was looking colleague Maxine Ashford will be asking questions at handsome young men at the time. I got to former England their attention but not for the right reasons. cricket captain I didn’t have a lot of money then and my Michael Vaughan. parents weren’t going to help so I had to repair the car myself. That taught me a Val x lesson. Another time I was in my Honda
23 Hitching a ride
>> me when people just quite regularly. And I don’t even bother to thank usually get off my horse or acknowledge me, and after a ride and head also when I am riding too. off to my dance lesson, I’m always conscious to which we do locally. It was not thank people and do the until I lost right thing. What is the next dream “ car that might catch your my licence You’ve been involved with eye? And while we’re at GEM before, supporting it, your dream passenger for a second a campaign for safety on and dream journey? time that I the road for horses. What Well, my Porsche isn’t advice would you give to exactly environmentally really learnt drivers around horses? friendly, so I can’t really preach about the my lesson... Well certainly slow down… especially on environment. So I’d love the day when bends. And you must always be aware on I might have a totally environmentally bends anyway as you don’t know what’s friendly car. I’d love to spend time with around the corner. Slow down and give the Elizabeth I. I think I’d take her on the same horses a wide berth. And people get past route as all the processions she used to make the horse and then shoot off, revving their and see what she makes of today’s journeys. engines. That’s scary for a horse. You are Road minister for the day. What ” What’s in your glove box? would you change or revoke? I don’t really use my glove box. Probably There is way too much signage. I think it has whatever they stuffed it full of when they a negative effect, no one reads it any more. sold me the car! But in the back of the car is I’m sure it doesn’t work. I would review a pair of dance shoes. it all. Make people a bit more conscious of their own driving and not relying on Is that as a result of being a contestant on being told what to do. I concentrate and GoodMotoringStrictly Ad A5_LayoutCome Dancing? 1 26/07/2015 08:02 Page 1 pay attention myself. I don’t need ten signs Yes it is and my husband and I now dance saying it’s safe or not safe. GM
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Rod Ashley takes a close look at Riding high car booster seats Baby and child transportation Diono Little Tikes Booster Seat with cup-holders equipment comes in a bewildering Price: £14.99 (Argos) variety of sophisticated models. For this Size: 46 x 35 x 19 cms review we focus on simple, yet essential equipment – ‘Car Seat Group 2-3’ Available in bright red fabric, this booster seats for children aged four to booster seat features integral, deep 12 years old. Spanning a wide age, size cup holders for drinks and snacks and weight range (approximately 15kg which made it popular with children. to 36kg), booster seats must be small Its very light weight makes it highly enough for a pre-school child yet large portable, partly because of the shorter arm enough for a first year secondary school length. The design makes the seat slightly pupil. This is quite a task. bulkier and in deeply-contoured rear seats it did not Many adults - parents, carers, always lie entirely flat. User instructions are neatly tucked away in a grandparents and child-minders - buy pouch under the machine-washable, removable fabric cover. The pre- backless booster seats. Some seats connected shoulder-positioning guide made the initial ‘clip and go’ (including the final two reviewed here) use easier than any other seat. Excellent value as a basic seat. are designed largely with portability in ROD’S RATING: mind for more temporary use, such as in rental cars on overseas holidays. Each seat reviewed meets current ECE R44.04 BubbleBum regulations and is listed as ‘Universal’, Price: £29.95 so should fit most (if not all) car seats. Size: 33 x 33 x 11.4 cms Each instruction manual stressed clearly that use in the front seat is permitted Offering an alternative approach to ultimate only if there is no active air bag and that portability, the BubbleBum name appealed booster seats must be used with a lap to children. Smaller than other seats and diagonal belt. reviewed here, this very light, inflatable We considered six features: child Graco Booster Basic model is particularly suitable if you need comfort (an essential non-driver’s (City design) three rear booster seats in a smaller car. Its judgement), usability (clear instructions Price: £17.99 compact design allows quick inflation by and easy adult belt-path guide), ease of Size: 41 x 41 x 21 cms mouth. It also deflates quickly to pack away installing in different vehicles, ability (almost flat) into its own stretchy bag to to keep clean (removable, washable Using high-quality durable plastics, carry for holidays, hire cars, taxis, coaches cover), portability and value for money. this solid yet quite light seat is or school trips, saving rental costs. Memory Wider seats, whilst more comfortable available in several colours. The foam enhances comfort and Bubblebum lost for older children, may be tricky for an removable, machine-washable cover no significant air pressure over a fortnight adult to see exactly where to fasten the is comfortably padded, making of use. The ‘surface-washable’ fabric seems adult belt, so try before you buy. Except it a popular choice with children. durable and comfortable, although some where stated, all prices are at Halfords They particularly admired the two children felt that the smaller seat size gave at the time of writing. retractable cup holders – even a less under-thigh support. smaller child could reach them easily The BubbleBum has no arm rests. Rod’s grandson Louis for drinks or snacks, although tall offered his feedback for bottles can tumble out. Neat touches ROD’S RATING: these tests. are the two-height position arms and the slip-resistant foam-base runners (reducing slippage on leather seats). This model benefits from long arms/ belt guides. Accompanied by a detailed, multi-lingual manual, the Basic City represents excellent value for money. ROD’S RATING:
What’s the legal position? Very simply, the law states that you must use a car seat from birth until the child reaches 12 years of age, or 135cm in height, whichever comes first.
Why not just use an adult belt? It’s against the law and, in the event of harsh braking or an accident, the child could be injured. An uncomfortable child is likely to become restless and prove a distraction. As the name suggests, the seat boosts the child’s height, so a child who can see other occupants and outside is much more likely to be a contented traveller.
26 www.motoringassist.com Graco Connext Price: £27.99 (not yet in Halfords) ASHLEY’S Size: 41 x 40 x 21.5 cms ACE
The Connext uses Isofix-compatible connectors, ensuring that the seat always stays secure. Enhanced safety apart, this useful feature means that a child can climb independently into the correct position and that adults don’t spend time retrieving a dislodged seat. The inwardly tapered cushion front helps ensure a snug fit in most rear seats. Using high-quality durable plastics, the Connext is available in several colours and has a large, well-padded cover which is removable and machine-washable. Overall, this seat was a popular, comfortable choice with children and adults. A detailed, multi-lingual safety manual is even supplemented on the seat-base by a QR code to check fitting instructions by Smartphone. Excellent value for money. ROD’S RATING: Trunki BoostApak Price: £39.95 - £44.99 Size: 40 x 36 x 16 cms (plus 8 litre backpack capacity)
This attractive, beautifully-engineered seat offers a unique slant, doubling as a back- pack for (and to be worn by) the child. The high quality of materials is evident and the ingeniously-designed BoostApak complies with current aircraft hand-luggage regulations. Both these aspects are reflected in the premium price, but the cleverly- packaged BoostApak could save a fortune in charges from overseas rental firms. Instructions and safety labels are exemplary in their clarity and durability. The hard plastic shell acts as the seat base and protects backpack contents, but does make the item heavy for a small child to carry. Will parents end up carrying it? Available in a range of lively designs, the fabric covering is wipe-clean. ROD’S RATING: Good Motoring competition
Win a luxury break for two in Cambridge
We have a FOR THE competition in this edition of Good sauna, spa pool and gym and the latest addition of a Motoring, we think we have a truly wonderful prize, spa treatment room, or test your golf skills on the very generous kindly offered by the four star Hallmark Hotel, just hotel’s magnificent 18-hole, 72 par championship short break outside the beautiful and historic university town golf course. of Cambridge. We think you’ll be inspired by your time in offer from Standing in a picturesque 200 acres, the Hallmark Cambridge. Take in one or more of the many the Hallmark Cambridge Hotel is just five miles out of town, beautiful museums and art galleries. Admire so you’ll have no troube heading in for a fabulous the beautiful architecture and majestic college Hotel and Golf day of exploring the colleges and museums, and buildings, perhaps slipping into one of the chapels Club, close to generally enjoying the atmosphere. Following and churches to hear the magnificent sound of recent extensive refurbishment, the hotel offers a college choir. Explore quaint passages situated this historic old 136 en-suite bedrooms, including executive and around the historic market place, where you might university town family rooms, a spacious lounge and bar, extensive feel as though you’re in the middle of a Harry free parking and free Wi-Fi. Dine within the hotel’s Potter film! You’ll certainly find it’s a unique and AA rosette award-winning Brasserie restaurant and relaxing shopping experience. pamper yourself in the Waves Health and Leisure One of Cambridge’s most famous sons is Oliver Club, complete with large indoor swimming pool, Cromwell, who was educated at Sidney Sussex
28 www.motoringassist.com Enter now! About the prize Hallmark Hotel Cambridge is offering a two-night stay for two people, subject to availability. The break includes one three- course dinner (excluding drinks), breakfast on both mornings, use of the hotel’s leisure facilities, one spa treatment, one golf lesson, a tour of Cambridge and a pub lunch (maximum total value £60) in town.. Enter now... Just answer this one question: Who was elected MP for Cambridge in 1640? (Hint: the answer’s in the article!)
Send an email to us at [email protected] with your answer. Please also include your GEM membership number. The closing date is 29 October 2015. You can also enter by post (address on page 3). Important... Facing page: one of the most Ensure you put Hallmark Competition in famous views of Cambridge - the subject line of your email. King’s College Chapel, seen from If you choose another title, or across the River Cam. leave it blank, then your entry This page (c/w from above): inside King’s Chapel (Iain Lewis will not be counted. Last time - Visit England); a room at the we discarded more than 150 Hallmark Hotel; the Hallmark incorrectly-titled entries! golf course; a gate at Clare College; enjoy tea at the Hotel; the pool at Waves Health Club. Terms and Conditions Pics: visitcambridge.org, This competition is subject to our standard competition terms and conditions. Please email Britain on View the editor if you would like a copy.
For more information, visit www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk
College, and was elected Member of Parliament for Badge Walking Tour of Cambridge (courtesy of Getting there Cambridge in 1640. Previously he had been MP for visitcambridge.org) and lunch for two at The Pub grub... Huntingdon. He became Lord Protector of England, Pint Shop, one of Cambridge’s finest pubs. You Cambridge is and oversaw the beheading of King Charles I in will be the hotel’s guest for dinner on one of known for its colleges (there 1649. After Cromwell died, Charles II became king, the nights - we’re enjoying a quick peruse of the are 31 of them) and Cromwell’s head was displayed as the head of restaurant dinner menu right now, and can spot but it also has a traitor. The head is now buried in Sidney Sussex highlights such as 14oz Chateaubriand prime cut a deserved college, but they won’t say where! fillet, and event burnt Cambridge vanilla cream for reputation for Other well-known Cambridge alumni include pudding (it’s a local variation on crême brûlée). But some of the Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, Clive James, Virginia that’s not all, because we want you to enjoy the best pubs in the country. Head for Woolf and Jack Lewars - a current contributor to facilities of the hotel, including the Waves Health the Pint Shop Good Motoring magazine! and Leisure Club. Enjoy one spa treatment in the (pintshop.co.uk) So exactly what is included in your wonderful hotel’s treatment room and one individual golf where the prize? Well, you and a companion will receive tuition session with a professional (equipment can emphasis is on a complimentary two-night stay with breakfast be provided if you don’t have your own). food and drink in and one dinner at the hotel, plus some leisure All in all, we reckon there’s everything here for a equal measure. treats, two places on an Official Blue and Green fantastic and memorable two-night break.
29 www.motoringassist.com Drive to the Alps
Cuba: visit before it changes for ever... Alan Hart spent a few days on this sub-tropical island, just as hostilities with the USA were being patched up with presidential handshakes. But he sensed the new accord could see much of the ‘real’ Cuba (including its amazing line-up of old cars) disappear without trace
You could be forgiven for thinking you simply unique – but how long can it stay had wandered onto a film set. Standing by this way? the roadside, I watched the gaudy, gleaming The contrasting cars are in many ways grills and polished fins of brightly-coloured a lesson in Cuba’s recent history as it Batista fled Chevvies, Lincolns and Oldsmobiles stands on the threshold of a new era. Since the country cruising by as though clocks had been American president Barack Obama and “ turned back 60 years to Hollywood’s golden Cuban president Raul Castro shook hands at 3am on era. in December 2014, and agreed to end their New Year’s When I walked out of the main square, it countries’ mutual hostility, the population switched to a scene from Soviet Russia in has been waiting nervously, with a mixture Day, 1959... the 1980s as a convoy of drab, box-shaped of hope and fear, to see what happens next. Ladas headed my way. Welcome to Cuba. In the meantime there may be one last This sub-tropical island in the Caribbean is chance to enjoy what Cuba has to offer now 30 www.motoringassist.com” Cuban adventure
as a holiday resort and tourist attraction. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, lying 93 miles south of Florida, 48 miles west of Haiti, and 131 miles east of Mexico. It was from Mexico on board the yacht “Granma” that Fidel Castro, brother Raul and the legendary Che Guevera returned from exile in 1956 to start a revolution with 80 other guerrilla fighters against the repressive regime of Colonel Fulgencio Batista, who had seized power in a coup d’ état in 1952. Batista fled the country at 3am on New Year’s Day, 1959, with 40 supporters and an estimated $300 million in cash. Crowds lined the streets of Havana to cheer the cigar-chomping Fidel and his Communist revolutionaries when they arrived in the capital five days later. They had witnessed thousands of their countrymen being executed, with tortured bodies dangling from lampposts as Batista tried to cling on to power. His right-wing regime had been supported financially not only by the American government and one time 11,500 call-girls were operating in Main pic: Cuba is famous for its vintage business tycoons, but also by the Mafia. the capital as the divide between rich and Chevvies, Lincolns and Mobsters such as Meyer Lansky and Lucky poor widened. Oldsmobiles. Top: the Luciano controlled the gambling, drugs and In his 1960 presidential campaign, La Merced Church in prostitution rackets. John Kennedy condemned the corrupt Camaguey. Middle: a Havana became a playboys’ playground, relationship which had existed between Cuban trumpeter lets attracting writers like Ernest Hemingway Batista and the American government. But rip. Bottom: palm trees at Guama. and celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Ava with the withdrawal of Washington’s aid Gardner and George Raft to its parties. At and the expulsion of Mafia racketeers, >> www.motoringassist.com 31 Cuba adventure
>> Fidel grabbed large amounts of US assets and turned to Russia for support. This led to a trade embargo and the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, when Moscow agreed to remove its nuclear launch-pads if Washington promised to leave Cuba alone. So for many years this sub-tropical paradise became the land where time stood still as Castro quietly implemented his Marxist- Leninist ideals. The only cars were those ‘50s American classics which still roam the island to this day. Some have had different parts replaced so many times that only the original bodywork remains. A few of these gas-guzzling Thunderbirds, Buicks, Pontiacs, Chevrolet Impalas and Ford Victorias have been preserved in mint condition. The majority are daily workhorses, providing a taxi service for nostalgic visitors. They were supplemented in the ‘80s by sturdy Russian-built Ladas, but the supply dried up in 1993 as the Soviet Union disintegrated. After more than 30 years of isolation, Cuba declared itself open again for holidaymakers – although America banned its citizens from visiting “an enemy state.” So for 20 years, the island’s tourist industry has been dominated by Canadians and Brits, who have taken advantage of its sandy beaches, sunny climate and bargain prices. Every year the Cuban Tourist Board has targeted a European country as its partner in FitCuba – a celebration of the historic links between Cuba and our continent. In 2015 it was the turn of Italy to be honoured guests at their May festival. It was of course Christopher Columbus, of Top: an old Buick parked in an Genoa, who discovered Cuba in 1492 on his historic part of Havana. Above (l-r): a pretty church tower in summer way to America. The island was occupied sun; a colourfully-dressed dancer. in those days by Amerindians, who smoked Right: more beautiful old cars line leaves called cohiba through a forked reed up in Havana. Below: the coastline at called a tabac, played a game called batos Yunque Baracoa. (baseball) and rowed around in boats they called canoes. They cooked their food on a barbecue and described the strong wind which occasionally blasted their shores as a hurricane. Spain’s Conquistadores followed Columbus to Cuba, exterminating the Amerindians and later shipping slaves from Africa to mine the gold they found there. When that ran out, they built vast plantations to harvest sugar and distil rum. Cuba libre (white rum, lime and lemon juice and coke) is still the national drink, although mojitos (white rum, sugar, lime juice, Angostura bitters, crushed mint and soda) and daiquiris (white rum, lime juice and crushed ice) are also well worth a try. Typical Cuban cuisine (cocina criolla) has its roots in Africa and Spain. Try the ajiaco, a rich vegetable stew, and the national dish of morrosycristianos (black beans, rice and pork). The favourite dessert is coco rallado y queso (grated coconut with cheese in a sugary syrup). Cuba has an abundance of white sandy
32 www.motoringassist.com beaches, of which Varadero, on the north coast, y Baratillo which has everything that’s best Pics (from top): all is the most popular. Here you can take your in Habana Vieja – friendly atmosphere, live the fun and spectacle pick from a row of five-star hotels which offer music, great food and a wonderfully warm of Tropicana Festival time; Havana’s Plaza San all-inclusive deals. welcome. Visit soon – in case it becomes a Francisco; art exhibits in Further east along the Atlantic coast there’s burger bar. Havana. Below: author a choice of other luxurious rooms at the Hotel Alan Hart was a guest of FitCuba2015, the Alan Hart at the wheel of Melia, Jardines del Rey; the Brisas, Santa Lucia; International Tourism Fair. For further information a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. the Brisas Guardalavaca; and on the Caribbean on the island’s tourism opportunities, visit south coast at the Playa Pesquero and Hotel travel2cuba.co.uk GM Melia, Santiago, where you can simply relax, or take part in the various water sports available around the coral reefs. There’s also sea fishing for big game like marlin and barracuda. The city of Camaguey, with its elegant Spanish colonial style houses, has a nightclub called the Casablanca which is a replica of the Hollywood movie classic of that name. Dance fans can enjoy those toe-tapping Latin- American rhythms of the mambo, rumba, samba, cha cha, salsa, lambada and tango. But no visit to Cuba is complete without a trip to the bustle and bright lights of Havana. From my base at The Panorama Hotel I took a ride in a 1952 red and white Buick convertible into the old town. Not far from La Bodeguita del Medio, where Hemingway sipped his mojitos, there’s a cosy bar restaurant called Nao in San Pedro www.motoringassist.com 33 Motorbike adventure
A gourmet weekend on two wheels London chef Henry Harris loves to share his passions for great food and motorcycling. So much the better if he can combine the two. With due regard to safety and concentration, Henry recounts a recent long weekend
A long weekend in the Dordogne can be board, bike strapped down, gear in my cabin and quite straightforward if you fly. A process that having a glass of Macon to finish the day before never enthrals me. Planning parking, traffic, heading off to bed. getting to the terminal, the whole check-in Spring in Normandy can be chilly first thing palaver. The realisation that you have to go when the ferry docks. Extra layers were vital, as it through the process when you come home... was only 4.5 degrees. Satnav loaded, petrol tank My wife and daughter were duly booked onto full - a getaway from Caen was easy. a flight to Bordeaux and I was left behind to Planning your trip and what you are capable work. Plans changed and I decided to meet them of on a motorcycle is crucial. It is easy to there. I have never realised how easy it could be underestimate the effects of total concentration. to get an overnight ferry from Portsmouth. One You don’t want to get it wrong. Tiredness five hour fifteen minutes from the front door in West years ago meant I wrote off my bike pulling into London to the petrol station by the ferry terminal. a gravel car park when I wasn’t paying attention. Filled up and 15 minutes later, I was directed It was embarrassing rather than painful. through to join the other motorcycles already 500 miles is a good distance to cover on a queuing to board. Within 30 minutes I was on bike in one day. Planning to keep the fun gave 34 www.motoringassist.com www.motoringassist.com Weekend on two wheels
was dense and soft. Definitely worth a detour to have proper French cooking that rarely and sadly makes an appearance in France today. On returning to the Dordogne we stopped off at a local Cognac producer to buy a few bottles of Pineau de Charentes. It is the aperitif of the region; lightly fermented grape juice is fortified with young brandy and the matured for at least eight months. We visited the village of Aubeterre-sur- Dronne. Built into the hillside, it is not just very picturesque as it sits on the river Dronne but is also home to the monolithic church of Saint Jean. This is one of only two churches in France that have been built by carving directly into the mountainside. The other can be found in Saint Emilion. Further up the village the Chateau de l’Aubeterre dominates the skyline with its towers and walls surrounding a large garden. Sadly no visiting as it is a private residence. Leaving the bike, I joined my group for a look at Lac Jemaye, a large lake in the Le Double forest. In spring temperatures of 26C we walked the lake for an hour and a half before taking a table at the restaurant on the sand beach. Grilled duck, steaks and salads fortified in the sunshine. Later that afternoon we drove to the studio of Geoffrey Image (metallimage.co.uk) who makes the most beautiful metal sculptures of fish and other sea creatures. The rest of the family then left Main pic: the stunning skyline of St Emilion. to fly home and I stayed on for one more night From top right: one of with an early start to head for the ferry. the Brittany Ferries fleet; me a schedule that was manageable. I took the A few words of caution to the motorcyclist, a chateau near Saumur; autoroute straight down to Saumur. Three hours especially if you don’t regularly do large mileage. wine cellars in Bordeaux. of slog but it meant the cold slippery roads Don’t underestimate the fatigue you’ll experience of Northern France wouldn’t be a worry. As I from four days of concentrating. Always quit pulled into Saumur the sun was shining and the while you are ahead; don’t push it if you’re tired. temperature read 26 degrees. Heaven! I had an afternoon ferry and realised that at a Saumur is a beautiful town on the Loire. A steady pace I could make it to Caen and spare lazy wander for an hour to stretch the legs and time for lunch. I must say that this was just what clear the mind was a pleasure. After that it was was needed to restore me and refresh me after the country roads only - a real gem is the part from dullness of the motorway. Coganc to Segonzac. Then even more country On the ferry it was straight into my cabin and twisties all the way to the Dordogne. a fine siesta before awaking as the ferry made its French country roads are remarkable. Well approach into Portsmouth harbour. maintained and so full of corners that long On returning to the car deck I was able to stand distances disappear easily. When I arrived at my at the front and admire the harbour lights as we friend’s chateau at 7.15pm I was more pumped approached the landing dock. It is remarkable from the journey than tired from its exertion. with good planning how much you can fit into a The Dordogne is another treat. Twisty wooded long weekend. GM runs between Saint Aulaye and Riberac were Rolling worth exploring and then down towards Saint gentle hills Emilion and Bordeaux. Rolling gentle hills “ through vineyards give good sightlines to read MAKE YOUR BOOKING give good the road and make positive progress easy. Henry Harris travelled courtesy of Brittany A day in Bordeaux looking at antiques was Ferries, who operate year-round sailings sightlines to followed by lunch at La Tupina. This is a part from Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth to read the road of Bordeaux culinary heritage. Much of the five French ports as well as to Santander menu is cooked over burning embers in the fire and Bilbao in Spain. In high season, sail and make place, including a large shallow pan of oil where from just £129 each way for a car plus two positive delicious frites were also prepared. Flavours of passengers, travelling from Portsmouth woodsmoke, garlic and duck seemed to work to Le Havre , To find out more visit progress... their way into some of the dishes. A €39 menu brittanyferries.com or call call 0871 244 meant lunch provided a rustic country pate with 1400 where you’ll find details of their foie gras, then duck confit with those frites that motorbike tours. And for all the latest were moreish in the extreme. A rich chocolate tart special offer visit brittanyferries.com/offers. www.motoringassist.com” 35 Saddle up for a ride in safety... Follow GEM’s safety tips and reduce the risk of being involved in a collision
n Check your motorcycle before riding. In particular can see things well in advance, giving you more time pay attention to tyre pressures, tread depth, chain to react. (if fitted) tension and lubrication and make sure n Motorcycles have a small silhouette, so always try all controls move freely and - where possible - are and position yourself so you can see into the mirrors adjusted to suit you. of the vehicle ahead. If you can see the driver they n Make sure you are wearing appropriate safety can (hopefully) see you, but never assume. Trust only clothing manufactured to a recognised standard. The your senses and skill. law only covers the crash helmet, but nowadays both n A motorcycle is very manoeuvrable and nimble, leather and textile garments come with protection so can filter through and past stationary and slow for vulnerable areas. Remember there is no such traffic. But do so at an appropriate speed and give thing as a cold wet motorcyclist, only a badly yourself time to react and stop if a car suddenly prepared one! turns. A rider with real skill filters slowly rather than n Take time to warm up, especially if you are not a at speed. regular rider and not ‘bike fit’. Ease into the ride and n Remember your journey only finishes when you make sure everything is working as it should and the turn off the engine and place the machine on its tyres have warmed up before you start increasing stand. Make sure the ground is safe for the bike and your speed and lean angles. it will not roll off the stand, causing damage or injury. n Make use of all your senses when riding. You are Also, consider machine security to ensure it is still not cocooned in a tin box so you can smell diesel and there when you next want to use it. mown grass, and you can hear approaching sirens. Because you are sitting higher than most cars you Compiled by GEM’s motorcycle safety advisor, Ian Kerr MBE
36 www.motoringassist.com Confused about Home Insurance?
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Shield arranges insurance on behalf of GEM members. Shield 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 Offi ce: 5th fl oor, 41 Eastcheap, London EC3M 1DT. www.motoringassist.com 65 Autumn breaks
Great getaways Treat yourself to one of our fabulous and relaxing late-season breaks. This tempting selection includes town, coast and country – so we’re sure there’s something just right for you…
some truth that factions of Geordies have hedo- Jesmond Dene House, nistic tendencies and the prolific hen and stag Newcastle party trade fuels this inclination. However, visi- tors come to Newcastle for all kinds of reasons such as graduation ceremonies, weddings, the Relaxing in the pleasant garden grounds of theatre, shows, exhibitions or when on a grand Newcastle’s Jesmond Dene House, I pondered tour of Britain. over my recent walk through the city. In the city centre there are a bundle Before arriving I didn’t know quite of hotels. A much better option is what to expect and any precon- Jesmond Dene House, which is ceived notions I had about it rather hidden from the road, having at best some sort of settling in a tranquil spot decaying elegance turned amid trees, shrubs and out to be quite wrong. colourful plants. In descrip- Here is a place that has tion it looks like a stately seen an abundance of res- home, which indeed it once toration, especially down was, being built in Victorian by the river in the shadow times. of the arched Tyne Bridge. Inside the main hotel there At the Quayside, fashionable are many more stately features riverside apartments enjoy the such as wood panelling, oil company of public sculptures, paintings, polished oak floors I really just vast pedestrian areas and a land- and grand fireplaces. Ceilings are want to sit scaped promenade. Nearby, stylish bars high with intricate plasterwork and public “ and trendy restaurants look on to the Millenni- rooms, apart from having sumptuous sofas and quietly and um Bridge that tilts to allow ships to pass. Other easy chairs, are furnished with tasteful works of soak in its buildings made of steel and glass reflect this art from the Gallery of Northumbria University. scene; it is all modern, chic and even cool. There are also wire dogs of many types and sizes grandeur The people of this city are officially known produced by local artist, Gary Tiplady. as Novocastrians but its citizens prefer and are This hotel is a place for calm contentment proud to be called Geordies. There is probably and soothing relaxation and I really just want 38 www.motoringassist.com” Ye Olde Bell, Barnby Moor
You would be forgiven for thinking that an inn called Ye Olde anything would be worth avoiding, simply because it would be full of clichés and camera-toting overseas tourists. So we are happy to give the thumbs-up to Ye Olde Bell, near Retford in Nottinghamshire. As a motoring journalist, I had heard of Ye Olde Bell as the only intermediary control Make your point in the UK of the original Monte Carlo booking: Rally, the gruelling test of man and machine A classic double room devised by Prince Albert in 1911. So it was a costs £175 per night. treat to visit. Check the website for Ye Olde Bell is actually in the village of special offers or call the Barnby Moor, but is on the original Great hotel for availability. The North Road, so it’s really interesting to £299 ‘Just the Two of You’ motor along here to discover why this route secret escape includes was taken by our roadbuilder forefathers. champagne, private dinner Its selection as a route was actually made for two in your superior long before the motor car, and the hotel was room, full English breakfast and a late check-out. a well-known stage coaching inn on the Call 01777 705121 or visit Scotland to Dover route. yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk The place was bought by local couple Paul and Hilary Levack who had grown up with it as a special venue and wanted it to stay fairly and squarely on the map. You can tell the passion and effort that has gone into every corner of the 400-year-old hotel. Antique furniture and moulded wall coverings have been lovingly repaired, oil paintings cleaned, deep carpets and sumptuous curtains abound, and there are real surprises around every corner: a commissioned colourful mural up the staircase, a life-sized sculpture of a horse, and a jockey-weighing seat in reception. Say, honey, get us a picture. As well as superb food in the comfy bar area with a roaring log fire, there is also the art deco Restaurant Bar 1650, the St Leger Bistro and space for private dining and to sit quietly and soak in its grandeur while events, including being teased by the occasional warm aromas an outdoor terrace of rotisserie chickens drifting from the kitchen. and large garden Chef Troy Terrington from “down south” came completely hidden by to Jesmond Dene a few years ago and he loves the road. Head chef is it here. His enthusiasm for food ensures only Keith Firth, husband seasonal vegetables are used and all the produce of general manager is sourced from local suppliers. Kate. Thus we have Northumberland venison and So, is there an old bell here at all, and if so, where is it? Archive Belted Galloway beef from a nearby farmer, and pictures depict a large bell hanging over the entrance, but it North Sea lobster and monkfish. Try the haggis, disappeared at some point mid-20th century. Maybe it was melted duck egg on toast with salsa verde for breakfast. down for the war effort. However, there are now plans to bring a Another must is the dark chocolate sphere that’s similar bell back, and either mount it in the gardens or even on the filled with salted caramel and gingerbread ice large chimney and create a cream. Interestingly different. bell tower. Perhaps the best endorsement for Jesmond Ye Olde Bell – or Ye Newe Dene House is from the Geordies; they love it Bell as I assume they may and see the hotel as being somewhere distinctive soon call it – is a great base for that special occasion, even if it is just after- for exploring Lincoln or noon tea. It is that kind of place, ye knaa what ah Chatsworth, or you could mean leik? take the train to Leeds or Andrew MacKay York, just 40 minutes away. Enjoy the historic links; you may find some interesting Make your booking: cars and owners in the car Enjoy an autumn breakaway with a seasonal dinner, park and you will be made bed and breakfast package. The price is from £200 welcome by the staff. As per couple per night sharing a Classic Room. GM Kate told me, “The most important thing about running a hotel is A supplement applies to deluxe rooms and suites. the hospitality. All the staff are trained to treat each guest as if they are Call 0191 212 3000 or visit jesmonddenehouse.co.uk welcoming them into their own home”. Peter Baker www.motoringassist.com 39 Autumn breaks
Whatley Manor, Malmesbury
Welcome to a classic Cotswold country house with 12 acres of grounds that lead down to a gently meandering stream. My reason to come here is to experience the taster menu devised by 2-star Michelin Chef Martin Burge and the accompanying wines chosen by Italian sommelier, Andrea Domenicucci. Each dish is explained by the serving staff, who take pleasure in your looks of surprise, and the conversation that results. Martin’s menus reflect traditional produce with fascinating twists of flavour. His own favourite creation is seaweed and mint, yet he admits to loving the simplicity of chocolate with hazelnut. Andrea has developed a wine list that reads like a world tour, including wines from Austria and Switzerland. Yet, there is no pretentiousness. For Martin’s English asparagus, dressed with hazelnut sherbet, warm parmesan and deep- You may fried quail eggs, Andrea chose the simple, and satisfying white Bourgogne Aligoté as the see the blue accompanying glass. He recommended an Italian “ sheen of an dessert wine with the cheese - an excellent idea. Head Gardener Andy Spreadbury oversees a occasional diverse range of Whatley’s grounds, from the giant small, secluded rose garden to the main lawn popular with crows and scurrying wagtails. He dragonfly also conducts occasional tours where you may see the blue sheen of an occasional giant dragonfly hovering over a lily pond. The former stables area is also the centre of Make your booking: Whatley Manor’s gourmet short break costs from another distinctive feature of the Manor, the £520 for two, including dinner in the Dining Room, Aquarias Spa. Its outdoor-indoor pool faces onto use of spa facilities, early morning tea or coffee and another lawn and trees, making it an ideal place English breakfast. to unwind. ” Call 01666 822888 or visit whatleymanor.com Roger Crisp
40 www.motoringassist.com Autumn breaks
St Brides Spa Hotel, Saundersfoot
Saundersfoot is a traditional Welsh seaside town, where our accommodation for two nights was the contemporary St Brides Spa Hotel, a luxury retreat 10 years in the making for owners Andrew and Lindsey Evans and their team. The hotel dominates the headland, its enviable, elevated position above Saundersfoot Harbour offering stunning views across the waters of Carmarthen Bay. As the sun lowered in the sky, the fishing boats headed out into the bay and the air temperature dropped; the bubbling waters of the infinity hydro pool wrapped us up in a warm, contented perfume shop and chocolate factory, as well as a glow and the force of the water pumping from number of ancient churches and an impressive the swan neck fountain helped ease away Grade II listed abbey built in 1910. tensions. Back at base that evening, the Cliff Restaurant Hotel guests have the opportunity to enjoy a had a definite buzz about it. Described as Lights 90-minute session in the spa. Complete with salt ‘unbuttoned fine dining’, our menu had been infusion room, sensation shower, aroma steam created by head chef Toby Goodwin, using came on room, herbal rock sauna and ice fountain, it’s the local produce that highlighted the best of “ like clusters perfect way to wind down. There is also a long Pembrokeshire. We tucked in to pan fried list of soothing health and beauty treatments and scallops, mâche and bacon salad with red of candles ‘escape packages’ available, all based on marine pepper pesto followed by local lobster with baby flickering products designed to make use of the natural potatoes with Café de Paris butter. healing properties of the ocean. We witnessed the changing view of around the Just a 20-minute drive from Saundersfoot, Saundersfoot through large picture windows. bay... Tenby is a ‘must see’; its narrow streets festooned Lights came on across the headland like clusters with bunting, pastel-coloured houses lining the of candles flickering around the bay, whilst front and golden sandy beaches we thought inside the hotel stylish driftwood and shell could rival any found in the Mediterranean. arrangements brought the seaside theme ever Located on Castle Hill, a promontory separating closer. the southern beaches from the harbour, the Karen Bacon award-winning Tenby Museum and Art Gallery is the oldest independent museum in Wales. ” Displays include the bones of a woolly rhino found on Caldey Island, mammoth bones from Amroth and part of the jaw of a cave lion. Hidden on Quay Hill within the narrow streets of the town we stumbled across the three-storey Tudor Merchant’s House, the oldest home in Tenby, which reflects how a successful Tudor merchant would have lived with his family during Tenby’s heyday. And just 15 minutes by boat is Caldey Island, offering serenity in a Make your timeless location. Inhabited mainly by Cistercian booking: monks who have been living a life of prayer and The Dining Escape learning on the island since 1929, Caldey has lets you stay any two nights between a guest house, post office, museum, tea room, October 2015 and April 2016 from £200 per night, including accommodation, full breakfast, three course evening meal each evening, a 90-minute bookable session in the thermal suite and hydrotherapy pool, access to the fitness suite, Wi-Fi and car parking. Call 01834 812304 or stbridesspahotel.com www.motoringassist.com 41 Autumn breaks
Braye Beach Hotel, Alderney On my first It was 25 years since my first and only visit to Alderney, when I had been invited to the visit I had wedding of friends who still live there. The island “ completely has hardly changed. Perhaps it’s because it’s not the easiest of the Channel Islands to get to that it missed the has remained so unspoilt. It’s the closest to both Britain and France but the unpredictable seas 12 huge around Alderney, tides known as the Race and Victorian the Swinge, make getting there by boat decidedly troublesome. So plane is a better bet. forts I stayed at the Braye Beach Hotel. From outside it looks nothing like a hotel and is rather historical stories. I liked the tale of Conrad Gries, unprepossessing. Inside it is different; elegant a German soldier who illicitly kept a map of and comfortable. I was given a charming room where the Germans had laid thousands of mines overlooking the beach and a warm welcome by during their occupation and when the war was Richard Proctor the manager. over gave that map to the liberating forces. He What was extraordinary on my first short visit apparently returned to Alderney quite a number ” was that I had completely missed the 12 huge of times over the years. Victorian forts that almost ring the island… After the museum I met Martin Batt, an except for the stretch of rugged cliffs which environmentalist who’s running the Living was where I had taken a walk. What I had seen Islands Project, a recently launched scheme were the remains of the gun emplacements which aims to bring together, develop and Make your and batteries built by the Germans when they promote the island’s landscape, history and booking: occupied the island during World War 2. Today wildlife. Three nights with the a number of these bunkers are used for bird I found the history of Alderney especially Living Islands Tour costs watching, though they had a chilling atmosphere absorbing but it is also today a lively island from £499, and includes that was more than just the cold and damp. with lots of events, festivals and guided walks. accommodation with I decided on arrival to see the part of Alderney I The population is small, only about 1900, and breakfast, a two-day hadn’t seen first time around and those forts that they all seem to know each other. Between my activity programme, are such an unusual feature of the island. Only exploration of the island and its history I spent travel by air from three and a half miles long by one and a half quite a lot of time tucked in a corner, meeting the Southampton and a wide, it doesn’t take long to drive around and the locals and hearing why they loved Alderney choice of places to stay. Call 08444 937 095 or scenery is varied and interesting with numerous so much. channelislandsdirect.co.uk deserted sandy beaches. Valerie Singleton Annabel Finding who runs Alderney Mini Bus Tours offered to show me around before dinner. And the forts were incredible. Annabel gave me a helpful tip. ‘Anything in stone is Victorian – anything in concrete is German’. We drove out to the Giffoine, a wild headland overlooking two small rocky islands, Les Etacs, inhabited by thousands of noisy gannets. In 1854, while the forts were still under construction, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited Alderney to take a look at the work, surprisingly managing to get to the island by boat. The long main street in St Anne, the only town, was inaugurated Victoria Street and the Queen wrote in her journal that ‘the island is very rocky and barren but very picturesque’. I called in at the island museum, like all island museums a terrific mix of exhibits and Pics: Martin Batt 42 www.motoringassist.com Autumn breaks
Isle of Eriska, Scotland
Who wouldn’t love the run of a 300- acre private island with a recently awarded Michelin starred restaurant and a newly- opened spa? Eriska is a haven of tranquillity and the perfect place to escape the stresses of everyday life. Indulge in long walks on the beautiful untouched beaches, do some otter spotting and enjoy a heavenly treatment in the newly opened spa that’s complete with a state-of-the- art thermal suite with sauna, steam room and Rasul room. The restaurant on the island was awarded its first Michelin star in September 2014. Barney Burnham
Make your booking: The Hilltop Spa Getaway costs £499 per person (based on two sharing) and includes three nights’ accommodation in a luxury Hilltop Reserve on a self-catering basis, as well as spa treatments and one dinner in the restaurant. The Hilltop Reserves come complete with their own private hot tubs and stunning views over the loch towards the Isle of Lismore. Or stay in the main hotel for 3 night’s dinner, bed and breakfast costing £615pp. Call 01631 720 371 or visit eriska-hotel.co.uk www.motoringassist.com 43 Autumn breaks
The Talbot, Knightwick
It was nearly 10pm on a Monday evening. From our first floor window we had a perfect view of the local Morris men as they rehearsed their dances. The sun was still visible in the western sky, and apart from the banging of sticks and the squeeze of the accordion, every- thing was peaceful. Dinner had been excellent. Start- ers included pig’s head brawn, French onion soup and cheese soufflé, with exciting mains such as belly draft of pork with griddled Talbot black pudding and locally shot roe deer slow roasted in the Aga. Two courses cost £27, three courses £33. Breakfast was sure to be excellent, too. After all, the Talbot had recently collected the British Pork Executive’s ‘Best Pub Cooked Breakfast’ award, and we already knew they were pretty good at serving the most divine soft, creamy scrambled egg. OK, it’s not the hardest breakfast dish in the world to concoct, but we’re constantly disappointed by pale, anaemic slabs of what’s meant to be scrambled egg, microwaved to oblivion. If you’re in the hospitality industry and this is how you serve scrambled egg, go The Valley, Truro and try it at the Talbot, then leave, ashamed of yourself. A quick word about the hours between dinner and breakfast. On a sunny day this place is Nice touches in the very comfy and individual bedrooms include enough to convince you never to jars of biscuits and little ‘night cap’ decanters. If you’re unable to holiday abroad again. It has just disconnect from the modern world, then you might find the WiFi about everything you could want; system a little eccentrically temperamental, but that’s perhaps a stunning beaches, great food, a good excuse to switch off and enjoy the atmosphere, the comfort, million places to visit, its own flag the home-brewed beers (called This, That and T’Other) and the and, to top it all, a fine line in both excellent food. We’re convinced that a night here did us good, cream teas and beer. and will do you good, too. The flipside, of course, is that it’s Chrissy Wardrobe only when you drive there that you remember just how far away from anywhere Cornwall actually Make your is (with the notable exception of Devon, which is booking: right next door; but Devonians presumably don’t Dinner, bed and have much need of holidays in Cornwall). breakfast from £80 per It was fortunate, therefore, that if you were person, based on two choosing a site to cheer up three comatose sharing. Single rooms Londoners, this destination would be high on the with breakfast available list. Even after eight hours’ driving in the pouring from £60 per night; rain, the immaculate cottages and beautiful rural doubles from £90. setting of The Valley were enough to put smiles Call 01886 821235 or back on faces. the-talbot.co.uk The complex is a converted caravan park, just outside Truro, which now boasts 46 architect- designed holiday properties. In a secure, gated compound, the set-up boasts outdoor and Pics: Richard Sowersby
44 www.motoringassist.com going first to Spitbank Fort and then on to No No Man’s Fort, The Solent Man’s Fort, making it about half an hour’s cruise altogether. Some people on board might This thumping great concrete edifice and its be taking the day trip to have a look round, three companion forts have been guarding the enjoy a buffet lunch and then return. Others stay waters of The Solent since the threat posed by overnight, as I did. Napoleon III in the mid 1800s. Nothing could On arrival, and after a Prosecco reception, seem more sturdy, in fact. In the lighthouse part, we took a tour. Every space was carefully things became clearer. I was watching, almost designed, including shafts with pulley systems eye to eye, a huge P&O liner passing by only to raise ammunition from the basement to the a few hundred yards away in the deep water guns. Although of a different era, the defensive channel, followed by a massive Navy frigate. wartime theme is now continued in a lighter It turns out that these forts, perched on a vein throughout, with quotations from Churchill shingle spit between Portsmouth and the Isle written on the walls on each floor. Churchill was of Wight, have almost no foundations. The a great lover of Pol Roger pink champagne and Victorian engineers had calculated that simply he might have enjoyed finding time to come out the fort’s own weight would be enough to keep and learn how to open his favourite bottle with it planted. Another surprising feature that the a sabre. cunning Victorians devised is that each fort is No Man’s Fort and its neighbour at Spitbank self-sufficient. There are no pipes, cables can be hired out for events, conferences, parties, Make your or attachments to the mainland. Even the weddings, celebrations and any other reason that booking: fresh water comes from artesian wells about fits an enclosed, independent, exclusive venue. 400ft down. You can also book a room as you would a hotel, An overnight No Man’s Fort offers 22 bedrooms, meaning as I did, with the proviso that you realise it’s not experience on full board costs from £450 that it accommodates around 40 people when exactly a hotel. Whatever your reason, the forts per room per night fully booked. Bear in mind 400 people at a are certainly unusual and welcoming places to with Amazing Venues. time were posted here during wartime. These visit. The mix of Victorian wartime history and Call 0330 333 7200 or bedrooms are all en suite and huge. secluded location is hard to resist. Take a book amazingvenues.co.uk Apart from the wonderful panorama from or a newspaper and spend your time gazing out the lighthouse tower, there are two outside hot from the lighthouse at the ever-changing scene. tubs, a small sauna, a spa, games rooms, golf It is the equivalent of casually people-watching simulator and a library. The central atrium has with a coffee on a bistro terrace in Paris or the Lord Palmerston Bar and lounge area. In fact, Madrid. the forts were known as Palmerston’s Follies, The boat back to the harbour crosses the deep- because construction finished too late for them water channel, calls in again at Spitbank Fort, to be used against Napoleon. Indeed, the guns, and then aims directly at the 170m-tall Spinnaker which required 15 men each to use them, have Tower, Portsmouth’s unmistakable skyline never been fired. landmark. The transfer boat leaves from Portsmouth, Roger Crisp
indoor swimming pools, a basic gymnasium, an on-site restaurant and bar, a mini football pitch and a tennis court – plenty, therefore, to amuse a family escaping to the countryside. The top end of a market always requires investment and the owners of The Valley have clearly bought into this philosophy. The cottages are beautifully built, with large windows taking full advantage of the rural views and any Cornish sunshine. We considered the ‘Day Out Suggestion’ posted through our door each morning (a nice touch) but decided that a day in Cornwall needed four key mixture of its own beer and other craft ales, along ingredients – beer, sunshine, the sea and fish and with a decent bar menu. A spacious outdoor Make your chips. Accordingly, while my companions rustled seating area allows customers to enjoy the sea booking: up breakfast, I was tasked with finding a pub by views and enhance their tans, while a specialist Prices at The Valley the sea, which had an on-site microbrewery and fish restaurant adjoining the bar offers slightly for seven nights in a served fish and chips. Nae bother, as they say. It higher class fare. 2 bedroom cottage is a matter of some pride that it only took me half As if the above were not enough, Lewsey Lou’s sleeping four range an hour to fulfil this request (and I’m fairly sure Fish & Chips is immediately across the road from from £550 low season that this place is the only one of its kind, even in Driftwood’s entrance. After a few hours slaking to £1,575 high season. Cornwall). Better still, I was spared the task of thirst in the sunshine, a round of fresh caught fish Short breaks are available. being designated driver. and chips completed as perfect a day as you can Call 01872 862194 or Driftwood Spars is located on the sea front in have in England. thevalleycornwall.co.uk St Agnes and is an old-fashioned pub serving a Jack Lewars www.motoringassist.com 45 46 GOODMOTORING Autumn 2015 THE ATON THE WHEEL OF THE NEWROAD MAZDA MX-5 ...AND WE PLAY IT SAFE IN THE NEW VOLVO XC90
Scottish Highlands, early August, wonderful roads... all in all, the perfect time to be putting the new Mazda MX-5 through its paces. Yes, we persevered with the roof down, but I think you can see from the picture below just how wet it was becoming. Never mind! ‘Icon’ is one of those words which is used rather too often, but if any affordable sports car of recent years deserves the description, it’s the Mazda MX-5. Some 25 years after the first generation combined old-fashioned fun with Japanese reliability, the MX-5 continues to be much loved by Mazda MX-5 p48 car enthusiasts. As the owner of a Mk3 car, I’ve been looking forward to driving the new Mk4 since I first saw photos of the Hyundai i30 p52 new model last year. Mazda promises it’s lighter, more efficient and – most important – better to drive than before. You can find out what I think of the new Mazda on page 48. For the record, dear readers, we never put the roof up Volvo XC90 p54 once, despite the deluge. DAVID MOTTON Road Test Editor
David serves as a juror for the prestigious UK UK Car of the Year Awards. Read our car reviews online at motoringassist.com/car-reviews
Mitsubishi ASX p60 Toyota Avensis p56
Skoda Superb p56 47 road test
What is it? How safe is it? Who should buy it? The new Mazda MX-5 is the fourth Roof down, visibility is excellent If you reckon you can get by generation of this popular roadster, although it’s compromised a bit with just two seats, or are a modern-day equivalent to the with the roof up. Every model looking for a second car for those classic British sports cars of the ‘50s is equipped with front and side sunny weekends, you won’t be and ‘60s. airbags and a pop-up bonnet. disappointed by the new MX-5. Mazda MX-5
Driving and performance
You can buy quicker cars for similar money, lacks in power, it makes up for in rev-hungry but few will be anywhere near as much fun as eagerness. Besides, in a car that weighs just the new MX-5. It really is that good. 1090kg, the 1.5 is strong enough for a claimed That’s partly down to Mazda’s efforts in 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds. It needs to be reducing the car’s weight. The new MX-5 is revved hard to give its best, but that’s no chore around 100kg lighter than its predecessor, when an engine is as smooth as this one. making it the lightest MX-5 since the first. The For another £850, the 2.0-litre adds an extra centre of gravity has been lowered, and the kick to the MX-5’s performance, lopping a new MX-5 is shorter than before, with a more second from the 0-62mph sprint. As well as compact wheelbase. What the extra top-end power there’s a lot more punch in It makes for a car of remarkable agility and the middle of the rev range. balance. The steering is light, but provides “1.5 lacks in The 2.0-litre runs on 17-inch alloys rather than subtle feedback and unerring precision. Some power, it the 16-inch wheels of the 1.5, and the ride isn’t sports cars bully their way down the road; the makes up for quite as supple. But this is still a comfortable MX-5 just seems to flow. It’s quick to react to car by sports car standards. the wheel but doesn’t feel nervous, and bumps in rev-hungry Roof up, the MX-5 is quiet enough for in the road are effectively smoothed away by eagerness... motorway journeys, with a noticeable the brilliantly-judged suspension. reduction in wind noise compared with the There are two engine options: a 131PS previous model. (129bhp) 1.5-litre and a 160PS (158bhp) But the MX-5 is clearly not a car made for 2.0-litre. Don’t dismiss the less powerful engine motorway journeys. It’s at its best on winding just because this is a sports car. What the 1.5 ” country roads. Safety Equipment Costs
All cars have driver, passenger and Mazda tends to provide lots of standard Compared with most roadsters, the side airbags which have been designed equipment. Even the basic SE trim has MX-5 is very affordable, with prices to protect occupants’ heads, even manual air conditioning, remote central starting at £18,495. For low running with the roof down. Other safety kit locking, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED costs, the 1.5 is best, with official includes a pop-up bonnet, designed to headlights and more. Upgrades to SE-L combined economy of 47.1mpg and reduce pedestrian injuries in a collision. models include climate control, cruise emissions of 139g/km, putting the car The passenger seat has anchor points control, a DAB radio and a touchscreen. in Band E for Vehicle Excise Duty. The for an ISOFIX child seat. With the roof Sport models have parking sensors, 2.0 is thirstier, returning 40.9mpg on the down, the driver has a good view all rain-sensing wipers, uprated stereo and combined cycle and emitting 161g/km, around; over-shoulder visibility isn’t other goodies. Not surprisingly, SE-L bumping the car up to Band G for VED. quite as good with the roof up. Nav and Sport Nav models have satnav. Resale values should prove strong.
48 www.motoringassist.com Space and practicality Verdict and figures
Price: £23,295 If practicality is a big concern then perhaps you’re looking at the wrong car. There’s Performance: 0-62mph in 7.3 space for two inside. The dashboard design has been brought up to date, with improved seconds fit and finish and sporty looking cowled instruments. All but the most basic model have Economy: 40.9mpg combined a seven-inch colour touchscreen display in the centre of the dash. It’s easy enough to Insurance: Group 29E use, although you’ll either love or hate the way it sits proud of the rest of the dashboard. Tax: Band G (£180 first year) Drivers of most shapes and sizes should find a comfortable position, though more legroom would be welcome for the tall. The 130 litres of boot space is less than in the old Figures for the 2.0 Skyactic-G car. That’s enough room for two overnight bags, and the boot opening is very small. Sport Nav Review: David Motton
It’s great to drive, and more affordable 4 than most two-seat convertibles. Boot space is limited, but that’s to be 6 expected of a small roadster.
WE SAY: The MX-5 is an absolute hoot to drive, and great value, too. www.motoringassist.com 49 Ford Galaxy Driving and performance
Despite the car’s size (it’s 4.8m long), as soon as you get underway it hides its bulk very well on the road, which is just what you want WE SAY: The £8490 Viva is a pleasingly simple and makes both open-road driving and city manoeuvrability easy. and simply pleasing small car. The suspension is on the comfortable side, but it’s far from sloppy.
Test: Al Suttie Test: You retain comfort and control on twistier roads, helped by accurate steering. Engine refinement in all conditions is first rate but there’s a bit of wind noise at high speeds if the radio’s off. Power delivery from Vauxhall Viva the 180PS (178bhp) diesel is very linear and strong. Hauling seven adults around wouldn’t pose the Galaxy any difficulty. The 0-60mph Driving and performance time of 9.6 seconds for this car seems believable.
Safety Costs The Viva is Vauxhall’s replacement for the Agila and is based on the new Corsa, so it has a good start in life. It’s also very keenly priced. Whichever way you configure the Viva, it comes with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. It gives 74bhp and, in No EuroNCAP test yet. You Avoid the petrols and four- Ecoflex spec, emits 99g/km of carbon dioxide while delivering can choose seatbelt airbags wheel-drive versions. Pick all 65.7mpg average economy. The non-Ecoflex versions manage (at extra cost) to improve but the highest diesels and 62.8mpg and 104g/km of CO2 emissions, so neither is going to occupant safety further both fuel and tax costs will break the bank on running costs. From rest to 62mph takes 13.1 – although these aren’t be good for the sector. seconds, quicker than a Suzuki Celerio or Volkswagen Up, so suitable for use with child the Viva is not left struggling in traffic. You do need to work the seats secured by the seatbelt Space engine quite hard to get up to motorway speeds, though, and rather than ISOFIX mounting some road noise becomes audible at higher speeds. points. Talking of ISOFIX, we’re surprised that a family- The Galaxy’s space is vast. oriented car like this doesn’t Even in seven-seat mode Safety Costs have mounting points in the there’s still enough boot front passenger seat. room for the weekly shop.
Vauxhall provides six airbags Emissions and economy are as standard and there is also not class-leading, but the Equipment ESP stability control and a tyre £7995 starting price (with Standard kit is good across the range with highlights including pressure monitoring system. lane departure warning on all DAB radio, steering wheel controls, keyless start, dual-zone air That’s decent kit for a small, models) is very competitive. conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trim levels add affordable car, but what you navigation, power-fold rear seats and power-fold door mirrors. don’t expect to be included is Space We spotted one notable omission - there’s no USB connection a lane-keeping assist system for passengers in the middle or rear seats. that is fitted to all Vivas. That’s the kind of big-car safety kit It may be small, but Vauxhall Overall verdict you usually find on much more has pushed the body sides expensive models, so it’s a of the Viva far to its edges to Read our full review online at motoringassist.com/car-reviews definite plus for a city car like create a very spacious cabin the Viva. for this size of car. WE SAY: The Galaxy (from £26,445) is very Equipment practical and good to drive, too.
There are only two trims offered, comprising SE and SL. The SE
comes with cruise control, lane departure warning, six airbags Young Tristan Test: and front fog lights with cornering function as standard. Adding air conditioning to the SE will contribute another £495 to the final bill. The SL has climate control as standard, as well as alloy wheels and Bluetooth hands-free connection. Vauxhall expects 60 per cent of Viva customers to stick with the SE trim. Overall verdict
50 Used car choice
“A sleek sports car that’s great to drive... this TT will satisfy both head (2006-2014) and heart.” Words: Al Suttie Words: Audi TT
Introduction check the service history for evidence of Others to consider It’s hard to believe that the second- remedial work. BMW 3 Series Coupé: more practical and generation Audi TT has been around for Brake squeal is a common TT affliction, with just as broad an engine range, the BMW nearly 10 years. Good used examples can but is usually simple to solve with some is handsome and drives superbly. Pricing for now be bought from around £8,000. copper grease applied to the back of the equivalent models is similar to the Audi TTs. The model arrived in 2006 with looks that brake pads. Inside, a wet boot carpet Nissan 350Z: one for the more hardcore were handed down from the original’s. points to blocked drain holes around the driving fans, thanks to its muscular 3.5-litre However, underneath was a much more rear hatch that need clearing out. V6 engine and rear-drive handling. More modern chassis derived from the excellent affordable than the TT, but pricier to run. GM Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk5. The second Which one to buy iteration offered more cabin space and a The TT is a sleek sports car in either Coupé larger boot, though the rear seats remain or Roadster forms, so recommending the just as cramped and useless. 2.0-litre TDI diesel might seem strange. Shop for a second-hand example and However, it packs a 168bhp punch combined front- and four-wheel drive versions are on with 258lb ft of torque, which is more than offer, along with strong four-cylinder turbo the 3.2 V6 can muster, so it’s no slouch and petrols, frugal turbodiesels and a punchy delivers 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds. All this and V6 petrol option. There is also the 335bhp it also gives a combined economy of 53.3mpg five-cylinder TT RS and a choice of Coupé or and 139g/km of carbon dioxide emissions Buying used? Roadster open-top models. to keep running costs very reasonable. Like Simple tips to protect you and your A facelift for the whole TT range in 2010 all TTs, it handles superbly and has a much investment brought xenon headlights with daytime more composed ride than the previous n First things first: review how much running lights for S line models, while the generation TT. you can spend, what types of car best 2.0-litre petrol engine was boosted to If you must have a petrol, the 2.0-litre TTS suit your needs and what you can get 208bhp for more pace and better economy. is the one to own. It hits 62mph from rest for your budget. Check and compare in 5.2 seconds, feeling every inch the junior website and newspaper advertisements. What to look for supercar in pace and handling. n Buying from a dealer: ask friends Although generally robust, there are a and colleagues for recommendations. You get more protection; however, they couple of areas to inspect. First are the How much to pay may well want to encourage you to buy aluminium front wings and bonnet that are Around £6,500 will bag you an early TT 2.0 something that’s more expensive. prone to minor dents and are expensive to TFSI Coupé, though it will have quite a few n Buying privately: you’re likely to find fix properly. The paint on the TT is not as miles on the clock. Around £8,000 is where lower prices than dealers are asking, well finished as you might think, so look for the best cars start from, while a Roadster but there’s little legal protection if the a dull finish or chips. Still on the outside, will set you back another £1,500 on top. car is faulty unless you can show that check tyre wear as these TTs get through For a diesel, £10,000 is the starting point the seller lied to you or the car was rubber quickly. Expect to pay around £500 for well cared-for examples, while V6 petrol unroadworthy on the day of sale. for a set of quality tyres and reckon on models can be picked up from £8000 in good n Test drive: make sure you get a replacing them every 10,000 miles. condition. A TTS Coupé will set you back proper test drive opportunity. Take Audi recalled the TT in 2009 as the from £13,000 for one with average mileage, someone with you to listen out for funny screeches, rattles and bangs while vacuum pipe on the brake servo may while the TT RS starts at about £20,000. you focus on what it’s like to drive. become damaged. There was another n History checks: carry out basic recall for cars made between August and Overall rating: identity checks via the DVLA; but a September 2009 with the DSG paddle- proper history check is essential. Visit shift gearbox as the engine’s electronic We say: dekra-expert.co.uk/GEM for costs and ECU brain could disengage the clutch and Sleek and great to drive, this TT satisfies details of a pre-purchase vehicle check. leave the car without drive. In both cases, head and heart. David Motton
51 road test
What is it? How safe is it? Who should buy it? The Hyundai i30 is a spacious Stability control is standard on all If you’re looking for generous family car offering plenty of kit and models, as are six airbags. The i30 equipment levels for your money, low running costs. It’s stylish to look also scored five stars in its Euro then take this seriously. If you do a at, but inside there’s still a whiff of NCAP tests. The driver’s knee high mileage, then don’t choose the bargain-basement tinniness. airbag is an optional extra. weak, lifeless model we tested. Hyundai i30
Driving and performance
First impressions are of an attractive, stylish steering that gave little in the way of feedback, hatchback that’s likely to prove a worthy and therefore did not inspire the confidence we alternative to pricier rivals in a highly wanted. Disturbingly, this applied to journeys competitive sector. The cockpit was generously on long straight stretches as well as round (if over-fussily) equipped; finding a comfortable corners. We had a little play with the ‘Flex Steer’ driving position was made easy by the system, offering Comfort, Normal and Sport adjustable steering wheel (rake and reach can be settings. changed). So quite a good start, really. Since the steering’s already too vague, why Switch on and start heading somewhere... would we want to make it any lighter by then the disappointment sets in. We found engaging Comfort? And since this version of the little in the way of driver satisfaction from We found i30 is anything but sporty, there’s little incentive this, the least powerful model in the i30 line- little in to weight the wheel any differently. After all, up. Acceleration was always an effort, rather “ this is no VW Golf. the way than being pleasurable or rewarding. From a We drove a series of lengthy test routes, standing start, we were left wondering if we of driver totalling more than 500 miles. Comfort levels would ever get up to sensible cruising speeds. satisfaction were generally acceptable and the car’s air On motorway stretches we found we had to from the conditioning proved to be fast acting and plan any overtaking manoeuvres a lot further effective on an extremely hot day. ahead than we would have expected to, simply i30... Last moan? The satnav... strange phrasing at because the i30 just ran out of va-voom too roundabouts and some irritating directional quickly. We’d better get the negatives out of gremlins that could have really spoilt our day the way, because our next gripe was the flabby had we needed to rely on the technology.
Safety Equipment Costs ”
The Hyundai i30 has been awarded The i30 family includes five different Prices are keen across the range, and five stars by Euro NCAP, scoring 90 levels of trim, but even the most basic don’t forget the peace of mind that per cent in both the adult and child model benefits from generous levels comes with a five-year warranty. The occupant protection categories. Six of equipment. S trim models have air 1.4-litre petrol S version starts the airbags assist in providing all-round conditioning, keyless entry, Bluetooth range at £15,195; its diesel counterpart crash protection, and come as standard and USB socket. Our version, the SE weighs in at £17,195. The 1.6-litre diesel on all models. Choose Premium trim Nav, came with rear parking sensors, SE, at £18,495, looks an interesting if you want a driver’s knee bag. Active leather-trimmed steering wheel, proposition, especially as it emits only safety features include Hill Assist and touchscreen satnav and rear view 94g/km of CO2. For Premium spec automatic flashing hazard lights for camera. Choose Premium and you get a you’ll spend £20,295 for the 1.6-litre urgent stops. stop/start button and 17-inch alloys. petrol version or £22,295 for the diesel.
52 www.motoringassist.com Space and practicality
We didn’t initially warm to the endless acres of grey that make up the i30’s interior. However, space was reasonable in the cabin (accommodating three adults in the rear for any length of time would probably end in tears, mind you) and at 378 litres, very decent in the boot - that’s more than the Ford Focus. Even more impressive is that you can quadruple the luggage space by flattening the rear seats - a simple task which frees up a total of more than 1300 litres. Verdict and figures Driver comfort, as already observed, was adequate, but there was a sense of being squashed in by the low roof. Any driver much Price: £16,495 as tested over six feet in height might find this too Performance: 0-62mph in 13.2 restricting. seconds A final word about dashboard visibility. The Economy: 47.1mpg combined two main dials were easy enough to read, but Insurance: Group 7 the fuel and temperature gauges were too small. Tax: Band E (£130)
Figures for the i30 5DR SE NAV 1.4 100PS. Review: James Luckhurst
Putting the rear seats down gave 4 masses of useable space. This engine felt too weak and there 6 were gremlins in the satnav.
WE SAY: Good looking and spacious, but this version’s too much like hard work. www.motoringassist.com 53 road test
What is it? How safe is it? Who should buy it? The XC90 is an impressive new Very. It’s a Volvo, which means it’s A well-heeled family driver keen on range-topping SUV with impeccable made by a manufacturer that has protecting all the offspring in one of safety credentials and a quality always put safety right at the top of the safest cars on the road, or a busy reputation, and unarguably the best its list. executive looking for comfort and car Volvo has ever made. efficiency while clocking the miles. Volvo XC90 Driving and performance
Volvo has excelled with the new XC90. The behaviour. For a big and quite bulky car, we car is all-round thoroughly impressive. It’s a found the Volvo surprisingly good fun to drive. strong performer, civilised and refined, with It has a surefootedness, poise and body control impeccable manners and an engaging feel You can that is really enjoyable. The steering is pert and behind the wheel. press on informative, and you can press on without any It is available with petrol or diesel engines, “ concern about lurchy cornering unsettling your and there is also a hybrid, but the pick of the without any passengers. range is the new 2.1-litre, four-cylinder diesel concern Ride quality is very good on the car’s standard that’s expected to prove the most popular. suspension, so it doesn’t really The engine has plenty of punch, with a about lurchy seem worth bothering with the expense of benchmark 0-62 mph acceleration time of just cornering... optional air suspension at an extra £2,150. below eight seconds. The car is capable of That is really only worth considering if you almost double the British legal limit, so it is want to go for the optional bigger 21-inch by no means working hard for cruising at a wheels that look impressive in filling the wheel permitted motorway pace. As a result it feels arches, but also firm up the ride. relaxed and is pleasantly quiet for a long trip. Air suspension is very cushioning, and the You might expect a big SUV to be at home ultimate luxury, but with standard wheels on the motorway, but such bulky vehicles ” and suspension the car feels nicely damped and don’t always suit twisting B-roads. However, perfectly acceptable. show the XC90 a winding country lane and it Whether on steel suspension or air springs, the rewards you with dynamically accomplished Volvo is a comfortable, quick and capable car.
WE SAY: The XC90 is a luxury SUV that is roomy, cosseting and drives brilliantly.
54 www.motoringassist.com Space and practicality
This is a big and cleverly packaged car. The cabin is roomy, with generous legroom, elbow space and headroom all round. There are seats for seven adults, with the rear two rows easily foldable to extend the carrying capacity. Volvo has made the rear seats thinner to free up extra space, but they’re still supportive and comfortable, and those at the very back are not just for small children as in some seven-seaters. The boot room is reasonable, at 397 litres with all seven seats in use, then varying between 775 and 1,102 litres in five-seat mode – the centre seating row is adjustable to let you increase legroom at the very back. There is a maximum of 1,951 litres of load-space as a two-seater. The car is well-endowed with stowage places, including a pair of little cubby-boxes either side of the boot. These amusingly have a spider’s web design complete with cartoon spider etched inside their lids.
Safety
This car bristles with high-tech safety kit. It has autonomous emergency braking to reduce the car’s speed if you fail to react quickly enough to a danger it has detected ahead. There is also an automatic protection system that activates in the event of your accidentally driving off the road, in which case all the relevant safety systems are armed, to guard against the risk of serious injury. Equipment
The big Volvo isn’t cheap, but you get a lot of kit for the money. All versions come equipped with keyless entry and start, satellite navigation, an electrically adjustable driving seat, electric tailgate, LED headlights that turn into the bends and dip automatically in response to an oncoming vehicle and a cabin air-cleansing system. The satnav is combined with a The XC90 gives exciting performance nine-inch tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system. 4 and behaves perfectly on all road types. You’ll get a nasty shock when you see Costs 6 the price tag.
Prices start from £45,750, so it is in the luxury class. It has good economy for its size and performance, and service intervals every 18,000 miles. The D5 achieves an official combined figure of 48.7mpg to 49.6mpg, depending on the size of alloy wheels fitted. On paper, the T8 hybrid achieves 134.5mpg but you’d be lucky to match that. It’s also expensive to buy, with prices from £59,955.
Verdict and figures
Price: £50,185 NEW VIDEO REMINDER Performance: 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds Funding from the GEM Road Safety Charity and Westminster Economy: 48.7mpg combined City Council has allowed us to produce a new video that looks at issues connected with ergonomics and driver comfort. Insurance: Group 34 Take a look at motoringassist.com/drivercomfort and tell your Tax: Band G (£180 first year) friends to watch as well. There are some great tips that will be especially relevant for anyone who’s a little less mobile and
Review: Sue Baker Figures for the Volvo XC90 D5 AWD Inscription Auto. flexible than they used to be! www.motoringassist.com 55 Skoda Superb Driving and performance
Smooth, well-mannered and civilised, the Superb is a very enjoyable car to drive. The previous model was always a satisfyingly WE SAY: The Avensis is solid and reliable, but well-sorted car, and this new one has the same feel with just lacks razzmatazz. a little more verve and refinement. The balance between ride
Test: Maxine Ashford Maxine Test: comfort and handling feels very nicely resolved. Even a coarse road surface does not disturb the cabin’s calm unduly. The car has very good body control, and so feels well composed for a swift drive on a bendy road. Don’t expect sports car handling, though, because it Toyota Avensis is more orientated towards a limousine’s composure, but with just a bit of a sporty edge to it. The nicely damped and cushioned ride Driving and performance quality makes the Superb a low-fatigue car over a long distance.
The new Avensis is available in four trims. We tested the Safety Costs Touring Sports model powered by the new 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission in Business Edition Plus. Priced at £25,975 this model can sprint from The Superb has lane assist The vast majority of Superbs 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds and tops out at 124mph. According to warn if the car is starting will be sold as diesels, with to official figures it can achieve combined fuel economy of to wander, and blind spot prices starting from just over 61.4mpg with carbon emissions of 120g/km. detection to guard against £20,000. Fixed price servicing When it comes to performance, the 2.0-litre engine delivers pulling out with another packages are available. plenty of punch and in fairness to Toyota they put the car vehicle where you can’t through a gruelling and somewhat punishing test run in easily see it. There is also a Space Switzerland with steep and twisting mountain climbs and lots traffic jam assist feature that of hairpin bends. applies the brakes for you in heavy traffic. Rear traffic The Superb has always been alert protects against the risk excellent for space, and now Safety Costs of hitting something when it is even roomier, up front reversing out of a parking bay. and in the boot.
Although we await the Euro Prices for the Avensis start Equipment NCAP rating, Toyota is from £17,765 for the 1.8 confident the latest Avensis VVT-I saloon, rising to All versions come equipped with multi-collision braking, LED will be awarded five stars. £28,440 for the 2.0-litre rear lights, DAB digital radio and a touchscreen infotainment As well as all the usual safety D-4D Touring Sports. system. With SE trim you get cornering front fog lights, rear features, the company has just parking sensors, adaptive and cruise control. There are also introduced its Toyota Safety Space clever details, like a folding umbrella stowed in each front door, Sense system, which is fitted as and a cup holder grip for opening a water bottle one-handed. standard across the range. This features a pre-collision system There’s plenty - for people Overall verdict with autonomous emergency and luggage. Drop the rear braking, which operates at seats and there’s 1,609 litres Read our full review online at motoringassist.com/car-reviews speeds between six and of stowage, with cup holders, 49mph. deep pockets and handy trays. WE SAY: The Skoda Superb really lives up to Equipment its name’s bold claim.
Techno treats and creature comforts are plentiful; even the
entry-level models come equipped with LED daytime running Motton David Test: lights, air conditioning, cruise control, a six-speaker CD/radio sound system and Bluetooth connectivity. The two Business Editions have a very efficient Toyota Touch 2 Go multimedia and navigation system. The range-topping Excel adds a panoramic roof, adaptive headlights, 10-speaker audio and 18-inch alloys. Overall verdict
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What is it? How safe is it? Who should buy it? The Mazda CX-3 is a small SUV There’s no Euro NCAP rating for If you want a small SUV that’s great to rival the likes of the Nissan the CX-3 yet, but every version has to drive, the CX-3 is very appealing. Juke, Renault Captur and Vauxhall a long list of safety kit including However, it’s not the roomiest car of Mokka. There’s a choice of petrol driver, passenger, side and curtain its kind, so think twice if practicality and diesel versions. airbags. is your priority. Mazda CX-3
Driving and performance
If you enjoy driving, you’ll love the CX-3. When Although the diesel is noisier than either the road twists and turns, you’ll have more fun petrol engine, we found it the pick of the bunch. in the Mazda than just about any other small It might have just 105PS (104bhp), but it feels SUV. The steering is direct and precise, and much stronger. There’s plenty of pulling power the car has a real appetite for corners. There’s from low revs, so despite being 1.1 seconds plenty of grip and very little lean. slower to 62mph than the entry-level petrol, it Dips and crests are dealt with securely. This feels quicker most of the time. firm control means the ride can feel a little hard The six-speed manual gearbox is a pleasure to but it’s not uncomfortable. SE and SE-L models, use, with a slick and snappy action. A six-speed which are equipped with 16-inch alloys, ride automatic is available. It changes gear promptly bumps more smoothly than range-topping and smoothly, with paddles behind the steering Sport Nav cars on 18-inch wheels. The six- wheel for manual control. However, it adds Mazda expects most buyers to choose the speed £1200 to the price of the petrol and £1300 to the 120PS (118bhp) 2.0-litre petrol engine. It’s “ price of the diesel. a perky enough engine, and delivers brisk manual Most versions of the CX-3 are front-wheel performance. Mazda claims a 0-62mph time of gearbox is drive, but three 4x4 models are available. Don’t around 9.0 seconds. a pleasure expect to go chasing proper off-roaders through There’s noticeably more top-end punch from the mud, but for staying mobile through the the 150PS (148bhp) version of the same engine. to use... winter the four-wheel-drive cars are a good bet. However, the more powerful petrol is only Our only real complaint is that there’s too available in the most expensive specification much road noise at speed. Otherwise we’re level with four-wheel drive, so it’s rather pricey. thoroughly impressed.
Safety Equipment Costs ”
There’s no Euro NCAP rating for the Mazda is, as usual, generous with Prices range from £17,595 to £24,695. CX-3 yet, but the car has a long list of standard equipment on the CX-3. That’s a lot when the cheapest Nissan safety equipment. All models have SE cars have air conditioning, a Juke is £13,930. However, the Mazda front, side and curtain airbags, as well touchscreen multimedia system, a is more powerful and better equipped. as stability control, Hill Hold Assist to digital radio, cruise control and all- It should be cheap to run, too. The stop the car from rolling backwards on round electric windows. SE-L extras 120PS petrol achieves 47.9mpg on the a slope, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring include rear parking sensors, heated combined cycle, while the two-wheel- System. SE-L and Sport Nav cars also front seats and climate control. Sport drive 105PS diesel achieves 70.6mpg. have Smart City Brake Support, which Nav cars have satnav, along with LED It’s worth knowing that SE-L spec is slows the car at low speeds if it detects headlights, a reversing camera and an cheaper to insure than SE trim because a collision is likely. uprated stereo. of the extra standard safety equipment.
58 www.motoringassist.com Space and practicality
The CX-3 is based on the 2 supermini. Although it’s longer, taller and wider than the 2, the distance between the front and rear axles is identical. That means the cabin isn’t especially roomy. Those in the front have enough space, but the rear seats are cramped for adults. The way the window line rises while the roof curves downwards creates a rather claustrophobic feel. How the CX-3 shapes up next to its rivals depends on the comparison you make. The Nissan Juke is very small in the back; the Verdict and figures Renault Captur offers a more family-friendly cabin. Likewise luggage space is more or less on a par with the Juke’s: think weekly shop Price: £20,395 rather than family holiday. A Captur’s boot will Performance: 0-62mph in 10.1 accommodate more bags. seconds The CX-3’s boot floor can be set to two levels, Economy: 70.6mpg combined giving one large space or hidden storage under Insurance: Group 13E the floor. However, top-spec versions lose this Tax: Band B (£0 first year) facility and gain a powerful speaker under the floor instead. Figures for the Skyactiv-D diesel SE-L Review: David Motton
The driving experience excels in the 4 fun stakes for this mini-SUV sector. The rear feels cramped due to conflicting 6 window lines and roof curves.
WE SAY: Great to drive and look at, but some rivals are more practical. www.motoringassist.com 59 road test
What is it? How safe is it? Who should buy it? The Mitsubishi ASX sits in the It’s always good to see five Euro If you seek decent space, and a smart highly competitive crossover sector. NCAP stars. Specifically there’s interior with generous gadgetry, then The 2.2-litre diesel model we drove stability control, traction control and this should be a front runner. Just offered gutsy performance and anti-whiplash head restraints, as make sure your passengers can put excellent economy. well as brake assist technology. up with the ride. Mitsubishi ASX
Driving and performance
We had a good 95-mile journey to become mode. Well mannered in and around town, familiar with the manners and quirks of the ASX was happy to glide smoothly the ASX. A swift press of the starter button up to junctions, giving a comfortable (if and we were ready to roll. First test: some unspectacular) ride. In truth there was little sharp turns and roundabouts to get out of a evidence of any big capability until we hit particularly complicated railway station one- some long stretches of wide, rural road. way system. Top marks straight away for the Here we quickly became aware of the ASX’s ASX’s tight turning circle. significant strength... and its weakness. It In truth, it was an easy car to settle in to, It showed showed efficient acceleration, especially from though it took a heavier than expected shove efficient 30/40mph upwards, allowing for comfortable to ensure the doors shut properly. Buttons, “ cruising and efficient, deft overtaking. The switches and dials were all easy to see and acceleration, performance from this range-topping 2.2-litre logically laid out. Additionally, we were especially diesel model was more than satisfying. enjoying the best of both worlds; practicality from Better still, the computer showed an average fitting a family saloon or estate, combined economy of more than 45mpg. Wind noise with a nice high driving position that came 30/40mph was prominent on the motorway, even with into its own on the narrow, twisting country upwards... the radio on. lanes around our home. But we couldn’t help but feel that the Our diesel automatic version came ASX’s welcome gutsiness was let down by equipped with paddle gear changes, so we soft suspension and vague steering - surely made good use of these immediately, while not the best accompaniment to this sort of also spending some time in fully automatic engaging performance. ” Safety Equipment Costs
There’s plenty of standard safety There’s air-conditioning as standard Prices are attractive across the ASX equipment included in the ASX. across all models, as well as heated model range, which starts at £15,434 Seven airbags, anti-whiplash head folding door mirrors, electric windows, for the ZC 1.6-litre petrol version and restraints, ISOFIX child seat mounts, alloy wheels, Bluetooth and tyre goes up to £25,134 for the 2.2-litre ZC-H traction control and brake assistance pressure monitors. Move to the ZC-M diesel automatic. The 1.6 petrol version form part of every specification, as and you get 17-inch alloys, cruise delivers 47.1mpg and has stop-start does electronic stability control. Our control, rear parking sensors, climate technology. If you’re tempted by the model had optional four-wheel drive, control and heated front seats. At the 2.2-litre diesel, bear in mind its 9,000- allowing instant power to the rear top, the ZC-H includes satnav, electric mile service intervals. Economy-wise, wheels. The same button locked us in driver’s seat, panoramic glass roof and the 1.8-litre diesel offers 61mpg and four-wheel drive mode. leather seats. average CO2 emissions of 119g/km.
60 www.motoringassist.com Space and practicality Verdict and figures
Price: £25,134 as tested The ASX interior found favour on family journeys, with decent space in the rear seats Performance: 0-62mph in 10.8 (legroom was particularly generous, thanks to the high front seats). A third adult in the seconds middle would feel restricted for head and leg room, though. Driver space is fine, and Economy: 49mpg combined finding a comfortable driving position is a doddle. The steering wheel is adjustable for Insurance: Group 20 rake and reach via a chunky lever on its left hand side. There’s a big glove compartment, Tax: Band G (£180) with two centrally-located bins for storing bits and pieces. Space in the boot for shopping, luggage and other paraphernalia is decent. There’s also an extra 30 litres of Figures for the ASX 2.2-litre diesel stowage available under the boot floor. 4WD ZC-H auto 5 door Review: Abby Luckhurst, Pics: James Luckhurst Review:
The performance is exciting, the ‘box 4 is sweet as a nut in its mid range. The suspension’s too soft and the 6 steering feels vague.
WE SAY: The ASX offers gutsy performance that’s rather let down by imprecise steering. www.motoringassist.com 61 roadWhat testis it? How safe is it? Who should buy it?
The V70 is the big boy of the Volvo It’s hard to argue with the safety If you want a big, spacious car that is range. It offers refinement, style and standards Volvo strives to meet. The also practical, comfortable and fuel- practicality, and the 181hp D4 engine V70 has the Euro NCAP five star rating efficient, then you’d be hard pressed to combines this with very decent that you would expect, and the car is beat the V70. Don’t forget the V stands driveability. packed with safety features. for Versatility. Volvo V70 D4
Driving and performance We feel particularly qualified to comment on the driving and performance of this car, having just finished a 1,300- mile road trip in one (to put that in perspective, it’s the equivalent of London to Rome with a couple of side trips thrown in). In fact, an 80-year old passenger was in the back, so we made sure we asked about his experience too. At 4,814 mm long, this is a big car, but it is particularly easy to drive thanks to excellent all-round visibility, a high seating position and light steering. The model we tested was fitted with a 2.0-litre, 181hp V4 turbocharged diesel that’s a perfect fit for the car; just sporty enough while still remaining frugal. It’s front wheel drive and despite its size, understeer is not an issue and cornering is precise and confident. The optional 8-speed Geartronic transmission (£1,550) and paddle-shifters (£150) are a logical option and Space work well with the D4. The boot is sensibly shaped so that the maximum space What we really liked was the comfort the car offers is available, and at 575 litres it’s a decent size but still 120 both to driver and passengers. The front seats are really litres less than the Mercedes E-Class. If you put the 40/20/40 comfortable and ideal for commuting or long road trips folding seats down this expands to a whopping 1,600 litres. such as the one we were on. Even those in the back aren’t Safety treated like second-class citizens and we didn’t hear one One particularly clever detection system will grumble (other than the odd snore) from father in the automatically brake for you if a cyclist who is heading in back. Another nice touch was the 70 litre (about 15 gallon) the same direction tries to overtake you from behind and
Review and pics: Andy Turner Andy Review and pics: fuel tank that needed replenishing after 900 miles. then swerves in front of you.
62 www.motoringassist.com Verdict and figures Price: £46,100 as tested Performance: 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds Economy: 60.1mpg combined Insurance: Group 29 Tax: Band D (£110) Figures for the V70 D4 SE Lux S/S 5 door
This engine is a perfect“ fit for the car; sporty enough yet still frugal.
Equipment Standard equipment levels are OK but not up with the likes of BMW. The SE Lux model is the most luxurious and” comes with leather-faced upholstery and an 8” active driver’s information display and headlamp cleaning system.
Costs The entry-level price of £27,195 is decent, especially when you take the low CO2 figures into account. Volvos are becoming more desirable but residual value is unlikely to be as high as a BMW or Mercedes.
We liked how the car’s 4 performance only drained the fuel tank slowly. 6 The purchase price mounts up too quickly when you add all those tempting extras.
Read our full review online at motoringassist.com/car-reviews www.motoringassist.com 63 The car that Jack built
Andrew MacKay tells a fascinating story of privilege, genius and true engineering nous that led one enthusiast to build his own special Bentley
As a wee boy, Donald Jack must have been the offered his son the car. Thus the first Bentley envy of his school chums as he was chauffeured became a part of the Jack household. It was also around in the back seat of his father’s open at this point where the genius, expertise and Lagonda. Indeed, it may well have been this engineering nous of Donald became evident. flirtation with gracious living that so seasoned his He stripped the engine down and found that one This was automotive juices towards a life among Bentleys. of the con rods had seized, broken the cap off and “a car that Donald Jack, through circumstances that did not the crankshaft had battered the piston right up into had never involve winning the pools or being favoured by the combustion chamber; the aluminium crankcase a wealthy aunt, has owned by his own diligence was holed but not at a critical part. The engine was been a car, a a few Bentleys. It all started when his father repaired but there were indications that the car vehicle built attended a presentation of agricultural equipment in general needed an overhaul, so he completely and spotted a 1937 4.25-litre Derby saloon in the stripped it down, rebuilt and resprayed it. with certain showroom. Alas, he had just acquired a new car All things Bentley were now coursing through Jackisms... but the Bentley had such a powerful allure he Donald’s veins and he had the inkling to start a bought it. new project. So he decided to build a Bentley from Some time later the car “blew up” and it was scratch. This was a car that had never been a car, recovered to a garage in Bathgate. Donald’s but a vehicle built with certain Jackisms that were father was disenchanted with this episode, his arguably an improvement on the factory model. honeymoon with the Bentley was over and he He chose to build a Bentley MkVI Special that ” 64 www. www.motoringassist.com Engineering project
Facing page (c/w from would truly justify its name but it would “sort of top left): Jack’s Bentley look like an Invicta”. purrs off the drive, ready Donald did get off to a fairly good start with his for an adventure; the chassis at an early stage of project as he had some useful Bentley parts in his the project; a rear view of workshop that he could use. However, the process the Bentley; the side shot of acquiring major organs and peripheral parts shows just how long the took some time but he did make a start by seeking car is - the bonnet alone a chassis and engine. is seven feet long; made to Providence shone upon him when an enquiry measure - the thermostat housing was cast and from a Bentley enthusiast seeking parts brought machined to give the the two men together. On offer was a chassis and correct offset to suit an engine that had been bought from a magazine. the radiator The engine was a B80 MkII “D” that was . probably made during the war or immediately the remainder was constructed to blend in; the This page: Jack at the wheel, ready to show our after the war. This engine had an aluminium whole was then veneered and lacquered. The seats rteporter just what his cylinder head, its con rods were fully polished are Reliant Scimitar with the front ones folding flat, creation was capable of. and the crankshaft was fully machined. It was a which allows the tonneau to be flat. straight eight Rolls Royce unit of 5.6 litres that was After 15 years of collecting parts and three years supplied to Thornycroft; records show that 297 of to build, the Bentley MkVI Special was completed. these engines were made. He regularly drives the car to rallies and Bentley The engine did not have a sump, inlet manifold, Owners’ Club occasions all around the country and starter, dynamo or bell housing, which would even abroad. indicate that it had never been used and was Is he pleased with the finished result? “Yes, I’m probably a spare. This B80 engine used the same happy,” he says. “It is a pleasure to drive at the pistons, con rods, bearings as the 41/4-litre MkVI national limit at 2000rpm. It returns 15mpg but is Bentley after the war, it was the same size and had a bit sore on front tyres. I’ve now purchased a set the same bore and stroke. Donald just happened to of 18in radials, which are only now available and have four 41/4 MkVI carburettors. There were four which may improve this situation.” Siamese ports going into the eight-cylinder engine I went for a ride (as a passenger) in Donald’s so he put a carburettor on each hole. The manifold Bentley. The engine produced a most glorious was made up of two 41/4 MkVI manifolds that powerful and deep roar on start up. I don’t think were cut and had extensions welded. I’ve ever been in car with such a long bonnet. The windscreen came from a Beaulieu sale, I was in the open air, speeding along, faster than and he picked up 18in Derby Bentley wheels and fairies, faster than witches. My hair was being Derby hubs, which were grafted on to the MkVI teased from its roots, whipping and stinging my wheel bearings by a local engineering company. forehead. The car felt hugely stable and composed The petrol tank, very likely from a 1920s Rolls and its brakes capably brought this huge car to a Royce was resourced in Paisley and his trawl convincing halt. netted many more bits and pieces for this three- In front of me, the windscreen was shallow and dimensional automotive jigsaw. It would be some I had to duck to avoid the full blast of the wind. time, however, before the starter button was There was no seat belt and no airbag, but I had a pressed and the engine fired. metal handle to hold for some kind of reassuring Donald’s vision was of an Invicta 4.5 low chassis comfort as we accelerated. model of the early thirties. He had altered the Bentleys have a sporting heritage and it seems chassis by moving its forward cruciform section that Donald has factored this into his driving style. back and adding extensions. New springs were The ride is in fact extremely comfortable and in made for front and rear suspension. A high ratio this grand car I could hear the music of Dr Finlay’s crown wheel and pinion were fitted to the rear axle Casebook as we passed through villages. People and a Laycock overdrive was also included in the on the pavement were not in the least fazed by the drivetrain. car’s presence. Perhaps there are more old cars It is now becoming clear that Donald’s technical lurking in lock-ups than I realise and the sight of expertise was apparent. He learnt how to cut them is common. louvres on the bonnet; he built the body, cutting Donald says that he built the car for nothing wood to shape; fitted the aluminium panels and as he “doesn’t like spending money on that type made a cast from aluminium for the thermostat of thing”. His Bentley MkVI Special is a truly housing. His engineering skills, knowledge, magnificent car and if you fancy embarking on expertise, craftsmanship and dedication could not a similar project I would advise you to add the be disguised. essential tweed cap with perhaps a cloak to your The centre portion of the dashboard is MkVI and shopping list. GM
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