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Motoring journalists are a privileged bunch. Many of them don’t realise it, some can’t appreciate the fact but imagine this scenario: Every week a new car, a full tank of fuel, your pick of brands (within reason) and everything handed to you on a plate, in exchange for a few hundred opinionated words in a publication that is hoped to sway public opinion and convince Joe Bloggs to buy a certain car, or not.
What did we like? Stunning electric blue colour (Malta Blue – exclusive to this range), great lines and funky 17-inch spoked alloy wheels. Stylish light clusters. The Renault Megane GT-line is a looker. Power delivery from the 97kW turbo charged engine is immediate and responsive. Handles well on the road.
It’s not every day that I get to test a car that I instantly take a liking to. The new Renault Clio RS, on the other hand, is exactly the sort of car that I love getting my hands on. There’s so much appeal in this little hot hatch – from its spunky shape, sporty lines, fantastic, strange angles and eye-catchingly bright metallic yellow paintwork to its slick interior, with trendy red trim and shiny finishes. I couldn’t wait to drive it.
I recently had the pleasure of test-driving Volvo’s face-lifted XC60 with a new engine. Not being a huge fan of mummy-mobiles (as so many of these medium to large SUV types can be called), I was naturally skeptical about my latest ride. However, I can honestly state that my flag is still flying for Volvo – I found the XC60 every bit as enjoyable to drive as their V and S range (I’ve not had the pleasure of any of the C-types yet).
It’s not often that I get the chance to compare two vastly differing models in the same range, so I’m grabbing a recent opportunity with both hands to present the top and the basic specification of Land Rover’s Discovery 4 range.
I enjoy driving a Lexus sedan. There’s something about the executive bulk of their cars that inspires me. I feel like somebody, and they are just that much different from the other luxury brands to satisfy my desire to be somewhat alternative. So it was with great anticipation that I awaited my turn to drive the Lexus IS 350 E.
I count my Mini experiences as major high points throughout my life. Each time I’ve driven one, there’s always an adventure that accompanies each drive. In fact, these driving highlights have become known as Mini adventures by those who’ve participated.
To many people, the name Volvo conjures up images of solid, staid, somewhat pricey reliability and safety. The ubiquitous family estate car stuffed with irritable children, or the somewhat unimaginative but comfortable sedan being driven by a harried businessman. Few people would have associated words like dynamic, cutting edge design, innovation, funky, cool or chic with a Volvo. But that has all changed and Volvo’s new 60 series is an affirmation of this impressive change of association.
Some people like to drive something a little ‘different’, a little more avant-garde if you wish. Some people prefer to drive a car that makes them stand out from the crowd on the highway – that makes people wonder about their tastes and choice. Some people like to proclaim their individuality beyond the clothes they choose to wear and what or where they eat. Some people want more from their car design than most. Those people would drive a Range Rover Evoque.
Some cars, like people, are attractive. Others, you like to listen to. Still others have that unique je ne sais quoi that whips peoples’ heads around and generally causes a little flutter of silent appreciation and the odd stare as you pass. I got to experience the latter first hand this week after taking delivery of a sleek Mercedes-Benz SLK250 to put through its paces.