Good

motoringThe magazine for members of GEM Motoring Assist Winter 2019

Low-alcohol beers: Just how smart Six of the best ales and are you? lagers tested by our Gather round for our fun enthusiastic panel Christmas automotive quiz!

Operation Road Challenge Motorways outsmarted What’s going in your tank? Tackling London’s worst We knew there had to be change... We check out the latest road offenders but what has gone wrong? vehicle fuel developments A very warm and festive welcome to the Winter edition of Good Motoring!

I hope you will enjoy the interesting and varied selection of articles, reviews and updates we have put together – and as usual for this edition we allow ourselves the indulgence of a little seasonal fun!

Occupying the middle four pages of this edition is the quiz I hope you will enjoy trying out. We have all completed it here in the GEM office, with varying levels of success! Some of the car identification questions were a little ‘challenging’ for me, I have to admit. I reckon the best way to do it is in teams, though there’s nothing to stop you working through it alone if you prefer to shut yourself away for a bit of Christmas peace and quiet. And as it’s Christmas, we do advocate kindness and generosity when it comes to awarding marks! There’s no space on the pages for your answers, so please make sure you have paper and pen handy. Good luck!

As a road safety organisation, it will be no surprise that we take a stern and straightforward approach to alcohol and driving. If you’re planning to drink, then don’t drive. If you need to drive, then don’t drink any alcohol. The Christmas season tends to opens the door to a good few social gatherings, so for this edition we had There are often great fun selecting and reviewing six low-alcohol beers. It wasn’t long ago that some simple most enthusiastic beer drinkers turned their noses up at beverages of this kind. But, “ we’re told, the quality of these beers has improved to such an extent that some are things you can almost indistinguishable from their proper-strength equivalents. So whether you’re a designated driver or just curious to try out a few new drinks, we hope you will find our do to avoid a tasting both entertaining and useful. breakdown... Finally, I just want to reassure you that our roadside assistance teams are here for you if you need us at any time during the festive season, and I know they will do their utmost to help you, whatever the time of day, whatever the weather. Do remember that there are some simple things you can do to reduce the risk of a breakdown, so we do encourage you to get your battery checked before winter and to carry out some other basic maintenance checks. With this in mind I hope you will find our new ‘How ” to...’ video guides particularly helpful. Details on page 59. All I should now do is convey our very best wishes to you and your family for a peaceful and safe Christmas. Paula Williams, Chief Executive

GOOD MOTORING is the magazine for Good Motoring is the property of GEM problems arising from advertisements members of GEM Motoring Assist. Motoring Assist. All rights reserved. The within Good Motoring. In the first instance, Editor: James Luckhurst views expressed in this magazine do complaints and correspondence relating to Road Test Editor: David Motton not necessarily reflect the views of GEM advertisements should be directed to the Motoring Assist. GEM does not accept any advertiser concerned. Should you not reach Advertising: Centuryone Publishing responsibility for errors or omissions. a satisfactory conclusion within a reasonable (01727 893894, centuryonepublishing.uk) Good Motoring is distributed quarterly via period of time, please contact us by post or Royal Mail to members of GEM Motoring email. Assist worldwide. For questions and Write to: Good Motoring, GEM Motoring Good Motoring is published by comments relating to GEM membership, Assist, Station Road, Forest Row, East Sussex, GEM Motoring Assist. Good Motoring subscriptions and editorial, RH18 5EN © GEM Motoring Assist 2019 contact GEM Motoring Assist. Telephone: 01342 825676 Email: [email protected] Complaints policy: We hope you never Please note: magazine enquiries only to this experience any problems relating to the email address. contents of Good Motoring. GEM Motoring Assist can accept no responsibility for www.motoringassist.com

6 Good Motoring Cracking Christmas gifts Additional research by David R Stokes David by research Additional

If you know someone who has always wanted to drive an E-type, a Morgan or even a Morris Minor, then how about a weekend hire from Bespokes (020 7833 8000, bespokes. co.uk). The E-Type Jaguar 4.2 Roadster costs an eye- watering £1074 and this price includes 300 miles. You can buy extra miles in advance, or pay through the nose at £2.40 for each additional unauthorised mile. The Morgan +8 and Morris cost £714. To hire, you need to be at least 28, with fewer than six points on your licence. Glovely Editor’s choice Keep your hands warm with these Stuck for a Christmas present? smart Dents Something from our fabulous Silverstone Touchscreen Men’s Driving Gloves selection should inspire you! in black with red piping (£59.95 from countryattire.com). The manufacturers promise you Breaking the ice won’t need to remove these super-soft, unlined Play safe with the £10 five-piece leather gauntlets before touching a screen winter kit. You get pre-icer and de-icer, (which you would only do when stationary, screen wash, ice-clearing aerosol, ice scrap- of course). The inner wrist is elasticated and er and sponge. Ideal for quick removal of there’s a press stud on the outer wrist. winter’s worst. Head for Silverstone’s fab new ‘Experience’ The archive of the British Racing Drivers’ Club is to go on display in a newly-restored Second World War RAF hangar as part of a £20m project to tell the story of Silverstone motor racing circuit. The Silverstone Expe- rience gives you the chance to learn about the science behind modern- day motorsport as well as seeing historic cars and bikes. On display will be Barry Sheene’s 1979 Suzuki, British Grand Prix-winning Williams. silverstone-experience.co.uk. Tickets leathers and helmet – modified with For more information about The bought online cost £20 for adults, £10 a hole to allow him to smoke whilst Silverstone Experience, including for under 15s and £57 for families of wearing it – and Nigel Mansell’s 1992 how to purchase tickets, please visit four.

14 Good Motoring It’s a steal...

Get those winter

Here’s a good, traditional and effective way of keeping checks done! opportunist thieves away. The Argos Stoplock Pro (£50) is made from hardened steel and boasts an WE RECENTLY decided to get a ‘free winter car anti-drill lock. It’s strong and bright yellow (sounds check’ at Halfords and . But before doing like a Watford defender!), ensuring an effective visual so, we asked one of our recovery operators (Hobbs deterrent against car criminals. in Copthorne) to give the car a quick once-over. They advised that nothing needed doing to it, except perhaps a top-up of fluid levels. Keep it clean The free Halfords Autocentre check can be booked online and includes headlights, brake lights, wiper The Meguiars Mirror blades condition, a battery health check, windscreen Bright Kit (£40) chip check and MOT due date reminder. A more includes shampoo, thorough 10-point check is available for £15, though spray, wax and wheel there was no pressure to upgrade. cleaner, to guarantee We left them to complete the checks. When we you a lovely glossy returned an hour later it was all done – they had finish every time you topped up the fluids and found no other issues. Just as treat your car to a we had expected. good clean. With Kwik Fit we could book a drop-off slot online but this wasn’t an exact appointment time. That said, being first thing in the day, our car was ready Finding your within the hour. The free winter check is a bit more comprehensive and includes checks of tyres, battery, way around coolant/antifreeze, wiper blades, screenwash system How about a TomTom and light bulbs. There are also online explanations of Go Camper satnav? each check. At a hefty £379.99, it’s When we collected the car, they advised that designed to give you nothing needed doing at all. We did notice on the in- worry-free travel and car computer that they had topped up the air in one of keep you away from roads too narrow for your camper the tyres. van. The system will help you avoid traffic holdups Both Halfords and Kwik Fit made us feel at ease, (there are dynamic updates provided using WiFi). carried out the checks quickly and didn’t try to sell us anything unnecessarily. Based on both experiences, we would feel confident taking the car back to either of them for a basic check. It makes scents One thing to bear in mind is that the ‘free winter car Hold your breath before opening the check’ does differ. For instance Halfords do not check Yankee Candle Car Jar Ultimate Air your tyres, unless you upgrade to the 10-point check Freshener (£23.99). If it’s to your taste, then for £15. So if you won’t pay for a winter check but you’ll delight in a delicious mix of orange, want the convenience and peace of mind they offer, mandarin and black cherry fragrances that it’s worth doing your research and choosing the most will last up to four weeks in your car. What’s thorough car check you can find. Jo Fisher more, your friends will be forgiven for Check out our new line-up of ‘How to...’ basic thinking you’re minicabbing on the side. maintenance videos. All the details are on p59.

Good Motoring 15 Editor’s choice (continued) Tripping the

light fantastic Longleat Festival of Light Gaze at Longleat’s illuminated lanterns, displayed across 30 acres of landscaped As Christmas approaches, there are many grounds. The theme for 2019 is Myths and beautiful illuminations taking place in Legends. Explore stories of Greek gods and magical beings. Immerse yourself in tales historic locations, towns and gardens across from British folklore and see the legendary the country. Here are some of our favourites Kraken sea monster lurking in the lake, as well as other amazing illuminated creatures and glowing scenery. Waddesdon Manor Dates: ends 5 January Details: longleat.co.uk

Blenheim Palace The Oxfordshire stately home has a towering Tunnel of Light this Christmas, illuminated by more than 100,000 pea- lights. There’s a Woodland Laser Garden and a Scented Fire Garden, as well as a

Research by Susie Kearley, pic Stuart Bebb Susie Kearley, by Research Water Terrace Light Finale accompanied by classic Christmas tunes. Mulled Every year Waddesdon in Buckinghamshire has a fantastic Christmas cider, mulled wine and hot chocolate are lights display. The theme for 2019 is Christmas music, with decorations available, and you can toast marshmallows inspired by music, and your favourite Christmas songs playing. The around a fire-pit. Don’t miss carousel rides foliage in the gardens is illuminated in a rainbow of colours and fairy-light and a date with Santa for the youngsters. baubles. Coloured lights turn the Manor’s façade into a dancing light Dates: ends 1 January show, and there’s a Christmas market, with gifts, artisan food, and crafts. Details: blenheimpalace.com Dates: ends 6 January Details: waddesdon.org.uk Autumn winners Congratulations to Chris Ayres, from Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire, who was the lucky winner of the two-night break at Leeds Castle in the fair county of Kent. We hope you have a great stay! We had another bumper sack of entries to our ‘Me and My Mag’ challenge. We have chosen this lovely picture from Paul Irish of Solihull in the , who appears to be enjoying some fabulous weather in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, while reading his copy of the Autumn edition. £50 will be on its way to you, Mr Irish. Vilnius is a very pretty Baltic capital city. Your editor was there one January a few years ago, when the temperature was around 20 degrees below and his shoes proved entirely unsuitable for the conditions. If you’re interested, you can listen to his experiences at bbc.co.uk/programmes/p013d1xq Don’t forget to take this edition of Good Motoring if you’re away somewhere. Email [email protected] with your picture.

16 Good Motoring Pic: Jeff Eden Jeff Pic:

Christmas at Kew Gardens

A truly colourful experience, with a fire garden of ruby and emerald and the ‘Sea of Light’. Finally, at the lights, lasers, music and seasonal flames, a tumbling waterfall of light, Palm House, festive projections take fare. For 2019 there’s a new trail, with and a forest of illuminated vines. The your breath away! more than a million lights. A tunnel Temperate House is transformed of light leads you into a magical into a kaleidoscopic laser show. The Dates: 20 November to 5 January landscape with hypnotic animations, highlight is the waterfall light show Details: kew.org

Anglesey Abbey, Dunham Massey, Cheshire The Cambridgeshire abbey comes to life with a Winter At Dunham Massey the gardens Lights event that combines light, colour, sound and are illuminated, the Grand Avenue nature. Highlights include the Winter Garden and is planted with gigantic flowers, Silver Birch Grove, drenched in glorious technicolour. and the house is aglow with Lode Mill and the Riverside Path are beautifully festive projections. Walk through illuminated, and Anglesey Abbey is bathed in light. the glowing Vortex Tunnels and Gubbay Raymond Pic: These breathtaking illuminations are popular, so get in be amazed by the Fire on Water quick - booking is reflections. Immerse yourself in essential! illuminated woodlands, then conclude your stroll with Dates: 12 to 15 seasonal refreshments, toasted marshmallows, December children’s rides and Santa! Details: Dates: ends 30 December Details: nationaltrust.org.uk

nationaltrust.org.uk Millar John Pic: Chinese New Year, London English Enchantment If Burns Night holds no appeal, then head for Trafalgar English Heritage is Square in London to watch the Chinese New Year celebrating in style Parade. As night falls, the streets are illuminated with with the gardens of colour. There are showstopper performances and great estates as their pyrotechnics lighting up the Square. 2020 is the Year of ‘Enchanted’ season the Rat, and you can begins. Follow the garden expect a spectacular trails into a magical parade, free stage wonderland. Prepare shows, music, for surprises that reveal dreamy interpretations of the comedy and dance. past. Head for Belsay Hall (Derbyshire), Brodsworth Hall This is the largest (near Doncaster), Audley End (Essex), Eltham Palace celebration of the (London, pictured), Walmer Castle (Kent) or Witley Court Chinese New Year

(Worcestershire). Details: english-heritage.org.uk outside Asia. Andy Hall Pic:

Good Motoring 17 Motorways ? The rise of the smart motorway has been one of the biggest technological advancements on our long-distance roads in the last two decades. So why are construction teams now facing a pit stop? Neil Barrett investigates

THEY HAD to change. More and more vehicles gantries announcing the country’s first mandatory on the country’s motorways, more congestion at variable speed limits on a permanent basis were key pinch-points... there came a point when ‘just proudly switched on, with some commentators making it wider’ ceased to be a viable approach, hailing the move as a potential congestion-buster for financial and other reasons. Something more and emissions-reducer. fundamental, something more creative just had to However, even back then, it wasn’t just about be done. dynamically adjusting the speed limit for Perhaps surprisingly, it was as far back as 1995 stretches of road. “AVOID changing lanes” when the first long-term steps into active traffic insisted the big blue signs. In other words, there management on the motorways were taken. But were different expectations placed on driver perhaps unsurprisingly, it was on London’s M25 behaviour for this part of the road. The human where it happened. Between junctions 10 and 15, factor plays a part in where we are now (more 24 Good Motoring TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

In the mid 2000s the M42, part of the network of motorways surrounding Birmingham, became the location for the first permanent deployment of Active Traffic Management (ATM), one of the biggest milestones on the smart motorway journey. With the M42’s ATM scheme, alongside variable speed limits came selective hard shoulder running, with the former emergency- only lane being available as a ‘live running lane’ (how we dislike this terminology) at times of heavy demand, displacing any vehicle needing to

The former hard shoulder has been converted to a 24/7 ‘live’ running lane with emergency refuge areas by the side of the motorway.

pull over into one of 41 small emergency refuge laybys along the side of the road. The package of ‘front-end’ features also included part-time traffic lights on slip roads to control the flow of traffic onto the motorway, as well as the latest variable message signs providing real-time information to drivers. The behind- the-scenes technology was impressive, with traffic sensors built into the road surface which, alongside CCTV, control room staff and traffic officers, made it all work. Following a few tweaks, expansion of the tech to more of the ‘Birmingham Box’ (the city’s network of perimeter motorways) and a total rebranding of the scheme to ‘managed motorways’, the scale of the roll out increased massively to the point we have reached now. Somewhere along the line, about that later). perhaps with the advent of the ‘internet of things’ In the following decade, there wasn’t too much and its vernacular of smart devices, we now live - advancement. The M25 scheme was extended to and drive - in the era of the smart motorway. New one further junction beyond Heathrow and there branding aside, the reality is that there is now a mish-mash of different schemes up and down the country under the same banner. Different traffic management needs and varying physical Variable speed limits on a motorway where constraints have led to different initiatives being the hard shoulder operates normally as an the rolled out. emergency lane. In many cases, controlled technology Here’s where we come back to the human factor. motorways have previously been widened, “ Whilst the technology running these roads is so the hard shoulder is intermittent to was clever, many people are now asking how smart accommodate bridges and other narrow passes impressive, it really is to have so much for drivers to take in, which weren’t enlarged. with traffic especially when the rules on any given stretch of smart motorway can change several times over sensors built the course of a day and when there is so much was some experimentation on the M20 in Kent into the road difference between the types of smart motorway, for what was to come later. How much of this as well as between these high-tech roads and inaction was due to a perception of low practical surface... classic, un-upgraded stretches of motorway. necessity and how much was due to the political There is something to be said for driver masters of the time favouring public transport, is education and personal responsibility, of course, unclear. but safe driving could perhaps do with fewer, >> 25 Good Motoring ” TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

>> rather than more, things for those behind the review takes place, telling MPs bluntly: “We wheel to think about. know people are dying on smart motorways.” In The safety concerns are very real, with fatal the same week, the boss of Highways England collisions on motorways up in 2018 and a ... it would Jim O’Sullivan said that the dynamic type of number of widely-reported incidents on smart smart motorway is “too complicated” for drivers. motorways, many connected with vehicles “have been Yet more motorway tech is just around stopping on the hard shoulder when it is a live better if these the corner. In late 2018 another Kent-based running lane with tragic, almost inevitable trial saw the A2/M2 corridor and connected consequences. car owners did vehicles ‘talking’ to each other about road Such is the level of concern that a number not bother to conditions, speed limits, traffic light timings of motoring organisations, not least GEM, are add a third- and more. However, as this magazine lands on your doormat, the hitherto fast-expanding party system smart motorway roll out is now forced to take a that may contemplative break. n Isolated stretches on a smart motorway where the hard shoulder becomes a permanent or may not ‘live’ running lane through a junction and have been immediately surrounding the slip roads. WE RECOMMEND approved GEM has asked ministers and highways authorities to call a halt to their rollout of by the smart motorways across the country until a manufacturer. proper review of safety has been completed publicly calling for a halt to the rollout of smart and adequate refuge areas provided for drivers. motorways until a full review can be carried out Road safety officer Neil Worth adds: “Despite the spread of smart motorways, there is still into their safety, including adequate provision of no specific advice contained in the Highway refuge facilities. Code – a situation that is unacceptable, bearing It looks as though these calls are now being in mind that so many motorists are being heeded. Soon before this edition of Good penalised every day for driving at the wrong Motoring went to press, the transport secretary ” speed or in a closed lane.” announced a complete pause whilst a safety

n Familiarise yourself with the rules and signs that apply to smart motorways, so that you stay safe and avoid a penalty ticket for speeding or using a closed lane. Visit the GEM website (motoringassist.com/ smartmotorways/). n Knowing what to do if you break down in a stretch of smart motorway will be very helpful for everyone’s safety. Then you will know what to do if you experience a breakdown yourself, and will also understand what’s happening if another vehicle breaks down. n On a smart motorway, one or more lanes may be closed because of an incident ahead. You’ll know because of red X signs above the carriageway. Emergency vehicles will use these lanes if they can. It is illegal to drive in a lane showing a red X so you should move safely into another lane. n Motorway and dual carriageway breakdowns are distressing and potentially risky – for recovery operators as well as for occupants of stranded vehicles. If you see a stranded vehicle or a recovery taking place, please help those involved to stay safe by slowing down and moving to the right. n Take a look at GEM’s recently revised Motorist’s Breakdown and Emergency Guide leaflet, with smart motorway advice included. Download a copy from motoringassist.com/leaflets/ 26 Good Motoring Our winter selection of dog-friendly hotels

*

38 Good Motoring dog-friendly BREAKS

An increasing number of lovely hotels are opening their kennel doors to your four-legged friend. Alan Jones has done a bit of sniffing around... here’s his selection of properties worth a visit

The Feathers Oxfordshire Cholmondeley Arms Cheshire

Take your dog back to school at this exceptional Cheshire Our winter selection of country pub. It’s a very relaxed, homely experience where you can tuck into pub grub, great beers and a mighty selection of artisan gins... all around big log fires. The pub is part of the Cholmondeley Estate and is surrounded by farmland and prosperous ‘green wellie’ Cheshire villages. Cholmondeley Castle itself has beautiful gardens and if you’re exploring the local countryside you’ll find plenty of walking opportunities. Free dog biscuits and fresh bowls of water are to be found in the pub, where you can even buy dog beer! Doggy will be more than welcome at The Rooms start from £100 at weekends with breakfast Feathers, where there are dedicated dog served in the pub, pets are charged £10 a night. The six -friendly rooms (book in advance). The bedrooms are found next door to the pub. hotel is situated in lovely Woodstock, handy for Blenheim More details: cholmondeleyarms.co.uk Palace (admission £17pp) and a short distance from or 01829 720300 Oxford. Pets can stay in any room at no extra charge, but they also have a special dog room deal starting at £199 a night, for two adults and one dog. This includes a three- course bar dinner and breakfast. When you arrive, your dog gets a gift bag to enjoy during its stay, including a bowl to keep, an old towel to borrow, and a walking booklet full of tried-and-tested routes. From Woodstock you can explore the rest of the Cotswolds with its picturesque hamlets and flat open fields. By the way, it’s not just your dog who will feel pampered... the luxury feel works for humans, too! More details: feathers.co.uk, 01993 812291

Penally Abbey Pembrokeshire You simply can’t beat walking a dog on a beach, can you! Penally Abbey is a family-run hotel in the middle of the well-kept village of Penally, just a 30-minute walk down to the seaside town of Tenby. Manorbier beach with its well-preserved castle is a 10-minute drive. The hotel is a Victorian gothic mansion, modernised with great care and love. The 11 rooms and public spaces are imaginatively designed with hints of traditional and modern styles working together. Close by there are cliffs, seaside paths and beaches, making it a doggy heaven for long walks. What you may miss in a more mainstream hotel chain (no pool, no gym) is made up for by the personal care of the owners. Every care is given to make dogs feel at home - a relaxed and pampered welcome awaits. Double rooms from £145 in low season, and from £165 in high. Dogs £10 per night. More details: penally-abbey.com, 01834 843033

39 Good Motoring dog-friendly BREAKS No. 15 Great Pulteney Somerset Bath is a city of Regency history and was once the Salty Dog Hotel County Down very centre of Georgian fashion. Today it is above all a good walking destination, with parks, a river and fine open spaces to explore. No. 15 is a boutique hotel with contemporary eclectic decor and a flamboyant dog- friendly welcome, right in the heart of this architectural gem of a city. Delights include an enticing cocktail bar, a fab little spa, and happy young staff who keep the mood upbeat and friendly – No. 15 is a total winner for dog owners. Your furry companion will be spoiled rotten with hugs and treats as soon as you enter, as will you – there’s a free ‘larder’ of soft drinks and snacks to tuck in to. A key part of any stay is the bed quality; here the beds are supremely comfy with Hypnos mattresses. Some rooms also feature Here’s a place that has been free-standing bathtubs for long, luxurious evening soaks, pet friendly since opening (perhaps while devouring those free snacks). Rooms cost in February 2012. The hotel, a group of converted grand from £102 a night and dogs are £15 per night. There’s a Victorian seaside villas overlooking the Irish Sea, will give free ‘Woof Box’ filled with nutritionally-balanced treats, a warm welcome to all well-behaved pets. Nearby Bangor as well as a blanket and bowl for your stay, plus a ball and is a great place to explore, with the Ards Peninsula, other goodies. Strangford Lough and all of County Down within easy More details: no15greatpulteney.co.uk, 01225 685308 reach. The Northern Irish coastline is spectacular; don’t miss the rightly famous Coastal Path and an abundance of beaches, as well as forests, hills, trails and pathways to explore. The Salty Dog’s welcome is warm for humankind as well as for dogs - helped in no small part by the dog- loving owners themselves. The £15 one-off charge for a dog is sent to a local animal shelter, a caring touch. A double room starts at £85 a night, and you’re encouraged to bring your own dog bedding and toys * (these can be supplied at a cost). There are lots of treats to be had too in the hotel with a Doggie Box including a canine (!) toothbrush. There’s a canine menu in the Bistro with doggy ice cream, beer and chocolate available for total spoiling. The hotel also has a few house rules for dogs, so do check the website for more information. More details: saltydogbangor.com, 028 91270696

Auchrannie Resort Isle of Arran Why not give your dog its own island! Arran is known as Scotland in miniature and is a gem of Scottish tourism. Because of the wealth of beautiful countryside to be found on Arran, Auchrannie have been welcoming dogs as guests since it was built. The owners even offer doggy towels for that post-walk clean-up. Charges range from £30 per stay in the lodges and £10 per night in the hotel. Dogs can access almost all public areas, so you can finish your day with your dog in the bar by a peat fire. The resort will also spoil you with a luxury spa, swimming pools and a soft play area for kids. Ideal for families, couples and friendly for solo travellers. There are three eateries to choose from: the Cruize Bar Brasserie specialises in pizza, pasta, steaks and burgers; the Bramble Seafood and Grill does a mean scone as an afternoon snack by the fire and Eighteen69 serves up tapas Scottish-style in its spectacular glasshouse setting. More details: www.auchrannie.co.uk, 01770 302234

40 Good Motoring dog-friendLY BREAKS

Devonshire Arms Nth Yorkshire If a dog could choose its short break destinations, then this lovely property in North Yorkshire would almost certainly figure high on the list. Dogs here even have their very own lounge at this pet-friendly hotel, though well-behaved humans are free to use it too. On , doggy will receive a bed, water bowl and selection of tasty treats. There’s a great river walk in the grounds of the beautifully ruined Bolton Abbey, and a dog- friendly beach nearby. The hotel, originally built in the 17th century as a coaching inn, retains much in the way of original character, with four- poster beds adding to the sense of occasion. Once part of the Bolton Abbey estate, it boasts antiques and art once owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire (hence its name). There are lovely views across the moors to Beamsley Beacon, a prominent summit in Lower Wharfedale. Relax in the top-notch spa after all that walking, then tuck in to dinner in the four-rosette restaurant. You are also handily placed for exploring North Yorkshire’s finest towns such as Harrogate and Skipton (market days are especially fun times to visit). Rooms from £119 a night with breakfast. It’s a great place for kids and families too. A charge of £10 per dog per night applies. More details: thedevonshirearms.co.uk, 01756 718100

Trigony House Dumfries Prestonfield House Edinburgh Possibly the most dog friendly hotel there is! Set in In need of a bit of luxury? Under the shadow of Arthur’s the rolling hills and woodland of Dumfriesshire, the Seat in lovely Edinburgh is the Scottish capital’s most hotel provides dog owners with a pack on arrival which dramatically luxurious hotel. Perfect for a city break includes a map of the best walks close to the hotel. where doggy can be accommodated, Prestonfield House Dog sitting is also on offer if you really need a day sits in 23 acres of gardens and parkland - just right for or night away from doggy. Rooms include dog beds, that early morning walk. You are still only a short cab or bowls, generous boxes of gourmet treats, towels and bus ride way from the city centre, but you could for all the complimentary soil bags. The garden even has ‘poopoo world be in the glorious Scottish countryside. bins’ where you can dispose of them. The hotel charges dogs £25 per night in rooms, with At breakfast, dogs tuck in to sausages to start the day. a luxury bed and box of treats made available. Access Then they can choose a session of reiki to help them to most of the public areas is allowed so you can treat cope with their life of luxury. The hotel yourself to posh afternoon tea without your dog needing is family owned by dog lovers (you to be tied up outside, howling. can so-o tell) and the human food is No access is allowed in the Rhubarb (not Roobarb!) wholesome, imaginative and perfect for restaurant but you can eat together in the bar if you really an evening of recharging your batteries need to. Prestonfield House is good for smaller dogs, as after a long forest romp. well as for owners who like their dose of luxury to be Details: trigonyhotel.co.uk, 01848 331211 served up with a theatrical twist. Details: prestonfield.com, 0131 2257800

41 Good Motoring The festive season fast approacheth, so we thought it was high time we did a little finding out about some of the many non-alcoholic ales and lagers that are now available. Most of the big brewers have at least one non-alcoholic sample on their list, and if the critics are to be believed, the majority of them taste a whole lot better these days than in 1986 when Kaliber was launched onto the market. So whatever your reasons for exploring the merits of non-alcoholic beers, we hope we may inspire you to try out some of the brews we tasted, or let us know about some others you’ve discovered. The notes provided by our tasters, and their combined scores out of 100, are shown below. Pics: Leah Motton

Brooklyn Special Effect (£1.30 for a 355ml bottle) Appearance VERDICT: Ruby, slight head. Very nice. Strong taste, but Nice and clear. well balanced. Caramel colour. Good integrity The appearance and of head. Inviting. aroma was good, but A bit too dark. the taste didn’t live up to expectations. Smell A slight let-down on taste. Pleasantly complex. Citrus, Definitely drinkable. gentle maltiness. Good aroma, can detect Score: 61 American hops, excited to taste it... Fruity, hoppy. Smells fruity and better than it looks.

Taste Citrus. Very nice. Low- Too sweet and doesn’t taste like beer. Sharper and yeastier than anticipated from the smell. Also tastes better than it looks. alcohol Feel in mouth Warm and creamy. Syrupy and has lost its hoppiness and bite. Smooth. beers Nice and clean with minimal aftertaste. Erdinger Alkoholfrei (£1.30 for 500ml) Appearance Taste Slightly cloudy, golden. Complex. Full taste. A cloudy appearance that No flavour. you wouldn’t see if drinking Odd taste, but nice and from the bottle. drinkable. Looks like it will be tasty. Tastes better than its aroma Enchanting golden would suggest. cloudiness. A relatively balanced taste.

Smell Feel in mouth Hoppy. Strong carbonation on first Very little aroma, couldn’t sip. Then smooth. detect anything specific. Very thin, no body and not A strange but appealing smell pleasant. that’s not beer-like. Slight fizz on entry yet Unappealing. smooth when swallowed.

42 Good Motoring San Miguel 0.0 (£3.49 for 4 x 330ml)

Appearance Taste overwhelmed the feel. Amber colour, good head. Fine, insofar as it is wet. Looks the part! Poor head and no bubbles. VERDICT: Flat and scummy. Not the smoothest, but more depth of flavour. Smell Not well received. Smoky and malty. Most unfortunate. Sour smell, a little like Extremely unpleasant. I would unfermented beer. rather drink water. Did not smell inviting at all. Actually smelt like bacon. Score: 32 Smells like a two-week-old unwashed drip tray.

Taste Smooth, malty, piney hops. Not pleasant. Would not want this again. Foul aftertaste, musty and malty.

Feel in mouth Mid bodied, noticeable carbonation. Syrupy.

Can enough of this beer make me drunk? The beers we tested generally had alcohol contents of 0.5% by volume. Your body processes the alcohol in a low-alcohol beer nearly as quickly as you drink it (for a 330ml bottle the average time is just over nine minutes), just as it rapidly processes the alcohol in rye bread, apple juice and a ripe banana. It’s estimated you would have to drink between 40 and 50 bottles of a low- alcohol beer in one hour to get over the drink-drive limit.

Heineken 0.0 (£4.50 for 6 x 330ml) Appearance VERDICT: Blond, not much head. Pale. Easy drinking. Not at all Looks like a lager. obvious it is non-alcoholic. Looks like it could be a Fairly good... for a lager! good beer. Lack of bubbles, Fell below expectations, but though. was a little warm. The most like an alcoholic Just about drinkable when lager, and it remained liveliest there are no alternatives. Style the longest. over substance. Smell Score: 39 Grassy. VERDICT: Has an aroma to it, not loads Very tasty. Right up there but some. with the best. Doesn’t smell like it should You would want to serve be drunk. this one ice cold to get any Stale. enjoyment from drinking it. Taste Like a proper beer. Crisp, clean. I could easily finish this, Not bad for a lager. but would probably not Average. Would be good if order a second one. colder. Unlike lager in taste but not Score: 58 entirely offensive. Feel in mouth Light, smooth. A little syrupy and thin. Goes down well. Felt diluted. Tasting continued overleaf >>

Good Motoring 43 LOW-ALCOHOL BEERS (continued)

Adnam’s Ghost Ship 0.5% (£1.59 for 500ml) Appearance Ultra smooth. Warm and golden. Looks very good. Feel in mouth A bit dark but looks good to Light. A little watery. drink. Not syrupy and more hoppy. Clear in the glass, but Good texture, very unusual. Neither golden smooth. nor light. VERDICT: Brewdog Nanny State 0.5% (£4 for 4 x 330ml) Smell Good but not the best. Hoppy, citrus. Hats off to the brewer. Appearance Quite dry, quite thin, quite A good aroma, can detect This is excellent. Nice ruby colour. drinkable. the hops and citrus. It’s Not for me, I’m afraid. So dark it is scary. definitely a step in the Can I finish the bottle? Amber and ale-like. VERDICT: right direction. Looks like a true ale. Ruby Disappointing. Not for me. Smells like an old man (but a Score: 73 and clear. Best beer of the bunch nice one). for me. My taste buds are Reminiscent of what you Smell converted to hoppy ale. smell in an old country Hoppy, pleasant. The stand-out winner for me, pub. Nice fruity smell. which got better as the tasting Indistinguishable from an Reminiscent of a caramel progressed. alcoholic IPA. blancmange. Not bad at all. Smells like a beer! Can detect Taste Columbus hops. Score: 77 Clean, hoppy, but the citrus is stronger than I would like. Taste This beer doesn’t have the Dark hops. Slight odd Our sweetness of the others, metallic aftertaste. winner which is preferable. Converted me to ale drinking. Very let down by the taste. Instantly recognisable. Delicious hops. Unlike the others it’s really hoppy and bitter.

Feel in mouth Carbonated. Creamy texture. It feels just like silk on the way down.

How the scoring worked: Appearance (6%): setting the expectations, frequently a sign of good or bad things to come. Smell (24%): breathe through your nose, then with your mouth open, and finally through your mouth only. Taste (40%): sipping, letting it warm and wander on the palate, swallowing, and then breathing out. Feel in mouth (10%): focusing on the beer’s texture on the palate, looking for body, carbonation, warmth, creaminess, astringency and other palate sensations. Overall (20%): honest and constructive comments relating to the drinking experience, with suggestions for improvement where necessary.

n All beverages purchased in Tesco, but widely available in supermarkets and wine stores.

Our tasters: David Motton, Jon Mason from Call Assist Shaun Hazelwood from Call Assist Andy Somerville and John Goodsell, from the High Weald Brewery and The Engine Room bar in West Sussex

44 Good Motoring Good Motoring road test

What is it? How green is it? Who should buy it? Forget the old bargain-basement This isn’t a strong point. The diesel Caravanners have championed the Korando. With the new model, emits 144g/km of CO2 as a two-wheel previous Korando, but may be put SsangYong is moving mainstream as drive, and 170g/km as a four-wheel off by the new car’s lower weight and a rival to the likes of the Kia Sportage drive. Most rivals have a lower carbon higher price. The roomy cabin and and the Nissan Qashqai. tyre print. long warranty certainly appeal. SsangYong Korando Driving and performance All diesels have an automatic gearbox, with a choice of two- and four-wheel-drive. The smooth-shifting six-speed auto suits the car well, and offers normal, sport and winter The previous Korando was a big and heavy car, and rather modes (this starts the car in second gear for better traction back-to-basics in the way it drove. The new Korando is on snow and ice). We tended to leave the gearbbox in the lighter, more sophisticated, and better to drive in just about normal setting – this is not a car for dashing about. every way. It’s not perfect, but it is a big improvement. That goes double when the road is twisty. Vague steering By the end of the year buyers will have the choice of petrol doesn’t encourage enthusiastic driving, and the car can feel and diesel Korandos. The 163hp 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol ponderous compared with a Kia Sportage or Seat Ateca. will be significantly cheaper than the diesel and could turn The ride is reasonably comfortable, though, provided you out to be the pick of the range. However, for the car’s first avoid the top-spec models with 19-inch alloy wheels. These few months on sale all Korandos are diesel-powered. exacerbate a tendency to jostle and fidget over imperfect The 1.6-litre engine is less powerful than the 2.2-litre fitted surfaces. to the previous-generation Korando, but performance If you want to stray away from tarmac, it’s worth choosing is steady rather than downright sluggish. It’s a rather either the ELX or Pioneer versions, which come with all- clattery engine on start-up, and can sound gruff when weather tyres as standard. Even if you don’t plan to head accelerating hard. Once cruising along it’s reasonably quiet, off road, this kind of tyre will offer better grip in winter though. There’s a little road noise but for the most part the compared with the summer tyres fitted as standard to other Korando’s cabin is hushed and serene at speed. Korandos.

54 Good Motoring Space/practicality Safety Details and verdict

Price: £28,495 SsangYong has brought the Korando up to Step inside the Korando, and date with a host of driver aids across the Performance: 0-60mph in 12 secs you’re greeted by a smart, Economy: 43.5mpg combined board, including autonomous emergency modern design. Most of the braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping Insurance: 32D plastics are quite hard, but the assist and driver attention alert. The long list Tax: £530/£145 of kit has contributed to a five-star rating from SsangYong can compete with the safety experts at Euro NCAP. the likes of Hyundai and Kia in Our verdict: terms of interior quality. Figures for the 1.6D 4x4 Pioneer Auto Equipment It has the beating of these rivals when it comes to space. There’s lots of room in the You get a lot for your money. There are front, with plenty of seat and four trim levels; ELX, Ventura, Pioneer and wheel adjustment to help find Ultimate. Even the least posh spec comes with a comfortable driving position. 60/40 folding rear seats, cruise control, 17-inch A roomy box under the driver’s alloys, a DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, armrest and large door bins and manual air conditioning. Ventura adds take care of storage. goodies including a rear-view camera and Even tall adults should be Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Pioneer spec comfortable in the back of the has been set to suit the needs of caravanners, while Ultimate is crammed full of gadgets. car, thanks to generous head and legroom. The transmission Drive it away... tunnel is quite small and the Costs cabin rather wide, so sitting Cash or finance?Finance three passengers in the back Best deals? SsangYong’s own PCP shouldn’t be a problem. has a temptingly low monthly cost There have been big price rises compared with but a hefty initial deposit and high There’s a full-size spare if the old model, but the Korando is still good value overall outlay. So, our best deal compared with the competition. Prices will start you opt for the Pioneer model, was Embrace Leasing’s with an from £19,995 when the petrol arrives. Diesels something SsangYong has initial rental of £4,571 plus monthly cost from £26,495. However, fuel bills are likely included in the spec in response payments of £481 over three years. to feedback from caravanners. What’s it worth when I change? to be relatively steep, with the four-wheel-drive Residual values are better for the diesel returning 43.5mpg on the WLTP combined This eats into space for bags new Korando than its predecessors cycle. On the plus side, SsangYong’s seven-year by raising the boot floor. Other but still below the class best, so warranty should avoid unexpected maintenance versions have a healthy 551-litre expect around 35% when you sell and repair bills. capacity. after three years and 36,000 miles.

4 The Korando’s cabin offers lots of passenger space. 6 It’s not quite the bargain it used to be. Review: David Motton David Review:

WE SAY: The Korando now offers a worthy alternative to mainstream SUVs.

55 Good Motoring We’re here to answer your questions... Members of our panel of experts offer their responses to your questions. If you have a query, send it to [email protected]

IF I DECIDE TO BUY AN ELECTRIC CAR, WHERE ARE the The other day, while BEST-AND WORST-EQUIPPED AREAS OF THE COUNTRY driving round a FOR CHARGING IT UP? I LIVE IN SIDCUP. roundabout, I was terrified by a sudden In which case, you may be better off sticking to loud siren noise. I don’t petrol for the time being, as Bexley is the only mind telling you it gave London borough which hasn’t installed any public me the fright of my charging points to date. The council says it plans life. I’M ALWAYS HAPPY to have 13 points operational by the end of the TO MAKE WAY, BUT THaT SORT OF BEHAVIOUR WILL year. The London borough of Westminster has 375 CAUSE COLLISIONS. ISN’T IT public electric vehicle (EV) charging points, while AGAINST THE LAW? three other boroughs - Richmond, Hammersmith and Fulham and Wandsworth - each have more than 200 public charging points. Outside London, Milton Keynes has the highest concentration of EV charging points, with 0.83 per 1000 population, and 192 points across the town. Nottingham with 215 charging points has more than any other UK town/city. Kingston Upon Hull, Mansfield, Northampton and Swansea currently have no public electric vehicle charging points. These are all major towns with more than 150,000 population. Sirens are there to act as a warning device to allow I’m thinking of fitting my car with winter other road users, so in tyres this season. Is this something you would normal circumstances, the earlier they switch recommend? them on, the earlier you notice them and the more Winter tyres offer better grip than the summer rubber fitted to time you have to plan most cars once the temperature drops to 7˚C or below. They’re and react to the vehicle. not just for when the roads are covered in snow and ice, but work Terrifying other road users very well whenever the temperature is low. is definitely If you live in an area where severe winter weather is not the common, I would recommend swapping to winter tyres. best Alternatively, you might want to consider four-season plan! tyres such as the Continental AllSeasonContact or Michelin CrossClimate, which are designed to work well across a broad spectrum of road conditions. They won’t be as grippy in the dry and warm as summer tyres, or as strong in the snow as a winter tyre, but they strike a good balance for a region with a varied climate. I’m considering fitting some to my own car when its tyres need to be replaced.

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