Mrs C decided that she wanted to change her car in August and finally found a Kia Sportage KZ3 1.7 CRDi that she liked and decided to buy. First off she intended to trade her Peugeot 207cc against the Kia, but we finally decided that a much more sensible financial solution was for her to trade in my Mazda6 and for me to pay her the difference between it and the Peugeot which had only 29,100 miles on its odometer while my Mazda6 had 104,500 miles under its wheels.
And so the deal was done. Sue is loving her new SUV while I am having fun in what was her, but is now my, Peugeot 207cc. All my mates rib me about me driving a "hair dresser's" car but I've found that a cloth cap fits the bill and generates amusement as Dave and I found when we were caught up on a drive down to Nuneaton by a couple of young ladies in another steel roof convertible (we were both driving roof down).
So the Mazda has gone and is sorely missed but the Peugeot is proving to be good fun and generates smiles, which is more important.
Showing posts with label Motoring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Motoring. Show all posts
Sunday, 10 September 2017
Tuesday, 14 June 2016
Driving for a living
Well I have now been driving for a living for a little over 6 months and it is going well. So far I have driven virtually new cars from a Fiat 500 to a VW Sharan 2.0 TDi. The new Vauxhall Zafiras are an eye opener, so much better than the previous model, with the 1.4 twin turbo being a gas guzzler (at 34mpg) and the 1.6 CTDi being a much better bet at 48mpg while delivering roughly the same performance on the road. I'm not impressed with the lower powered versions of the Ford Fiesta but the ones delivering over 100bhp seem to move well enough.
Getting away from the cars, the mini buses are my favourites. Vauxhall Vivaro 9 seaters in basic format are disappointing as they don't have cruise control, pasking sensors or air con and even if up-spec'd to include those features their interiors ar all rubber mats and very workman like while the equivalent Ford Tourneo is a much nicer place to be with a decent stereo, carpets and better noise deadening.
Moving up to the 12, 15 and 17 seaters - most I have driven have been based on the new Ford Transit. Most have air con and the larger engined ones producing 125bhp are pokey enough for most situations and have a lovely gearbox. Handling is better on the ones with twin wheels on the rear axle but even without they are comfortable enough. I'm told that fuel consumption is roughly 27mpg but they do have a thirst for the AdBlue additive. The only feature I'm not impressed with is the anti-stall which regularly does exactly the opposite, cutting in and stalling in the most inappropriate places (often roundabouts).
And then there is the VW Crafter that is roughly 6 years old and is nearing 100,000 miles. It has had a rough old life and the driving experience reveals it's age. While the engine is strong the gearbox harks back to another age. Think Dennis 'crash' gearboxs and you're not far from the experience, which isn't a nice one. It has a low 'crawler' first gear and should normally pull from stationary in 2nd gear, but I have found it safer to use 1st and then short shift into 2nd for best results. It's a rattly old bus and frequently needs attention to keep it on the road (it is by far the least reliable bus on the fleet) but I do have a bit of a soft spot for it despite everything.
While the 9 seaters can be driven without a digital tachograph (Driver Card) anything bigger requires one. Obtaining one was straight forward, quick and painless. Getting used to using one is a bit hit and miss. A couple of times I have left it in the minibus at the end of the job and had to make a trip to fetch it back and return it to my wallet. And of course, you have to observe driving hours rules which can be a pain. Still, it adds a bit of spice and interest to those longer trips. Day trips to central London in the 9 seater is quicker on the dreary motorways but urban driving has to be done outside the bus lanes and is therefore a pain. In the bigger minibuses the motorway sections are a drag at 100kmph / 62mph but urban driving using bus lanes is a boon, except for those that are marked 'local buses' which for me are a no go area.
Jobs have been pretty plentiful with February through to May being good but I'm never going to get rich doing it. June has been a bit quiet but July and August are looking as if they will be very quiet with jobs few and far between - only time will tell but June and July together aren't looking as good as May was, hence no blog posts since April as I was kept pretty busy. Still, at least I get more "me time", which I will cover in a later post.
Getting away from the cars, the mini buses are my favourites. Vauxhall Vivaro 9 seaters in basic format are disappointing as they don't have cruise control, pasking sensors or air con and even if up-spec'd to include those features their interiors ar all rubber mats and very workman like while the equivalent Ford Tourneo is a much nicer place to be with a decent stereo, carpets and better noise deadening.
Moving up to the 12, 15 and 17 seaters - most I have driven have been based on the new Ford Transit. Most have air con and the larger engined ones producing 125bhp are pokey enough for most situations and have a lovely gearbox. Handling is better on the ones with twin wheels on the rear axle but even without they are comfortable enough. I'm told that fuel consumption is roughly 27mpg but they do have a thirst for the AdBlue additive. The only feature I'm not impressed with is the anti-stall which regularly does exactly the opposite, cutting in and stalling in the most inappropriate places (often roundabouts).
And then there is the VW Crafter that is roughly 6 years old and is nearing 100,000 miles. It has had a rough old life and the driving experience reveals it's age. While the engine is strong the gearbox harks back to another age. Think Dennis 'crash' gearboxs and you're not far from the experience, which isn't a nice one. It has a low 'crawler' first gear and should normally pull from stationary in 2nd gear, but I have found it safer to use 1st and then short shift into 2nd for best results. It's a rattly old bus and frequently needs attention to keep it on the road (it is by far the least reliable bus on the fleet) but I do have a bit of a soft spot for it despite everything.
While the 9 seaters can be driven without a digital tachograph (Driver Card) anything bigger requires one. Obtaining one was straight forward, quick and painless. Getting used to using one is a bit hit and miss. A couple of times I have left it in the minibus at the end of the job and had to make a trip to fetch it back and return it to my wallet. And of course, you have to observe driving hours rules which can be a pain. Still, it adds a bit of spice and interest to those longer trips. Day trips to central London in the 9 seater is quicker on the dreary motorways but urban driving has to be done outside the bus lanes and is therefore a pain. In the bigger minibuses the motorway sections are a drag at 100kmph / 62mph but urban driving using bus lanes is a boon, except for those that are marked 'local buses' which for me are a no go area.
Jobs have been pretty plentiful with February through to May being good but I'm never going to get rich doing it. June has been a bit quiet but July and August are looking as if they will be very quiet with jobs few and far between - only time will tell but June and July together aren't looking as good as May was, hence no blog posts since April as I was kept pretty busy. Still, at least I get more "me time", which I will cover in a later post.
Thursday, 18 February 2016
My drives
A couple of pictures of what I've been driving:
One of my regular drives which I refer to as 'Big Bus' - A12UOD is a 17 seater VW Crafter
Another of my drives - a 15 seater Ford Transit
The VW Crafter is one of several vehicles owned by the University, all identified by their 'private' number plates. The rest are on short term lease by manufacturers (or their main dealers). A12UOD is 5 years old and has done 84k miles. The engine is strong, the gearbox is a rough old dog and it is prone to electrical failures, mostly down to faulty diagnostics reporting faults that do not exist. The Fords (I've driven several) have lovely gearboxes but the engines are weak and lacking the BHP of the VW which means that driving requires a whole load of gear changes. The VW also has a tow hitch which results in interesting reverses to park up the bus at the end of the day, ploughing the university verges where reversed in (as can be seen in the photo).
One thing that is taking some getting used to is driving on the digital tachograph. Getting the damned thing in the unit is a trial as it never wants to accept the card. Then the unit location, very low down, makes it very difficult to see what it says you are doing. Then remembering to to switch to rest period, sticking to driving hours and remembering to remove the card at the end of a shift. But I am getting there and staying inside the law.
Then there are the cars, the small stuff. Ford Fiestas, Focuses, Kugas and S-Maxes, Vauxhall Zafiras and Vivaro 9 seater minibuses with the most recent addition being a Fiat 500. The Vauxhalls are a pleasant surprise and way better than the models that preceeded them. All of the cars listed have their quirks but the one thing they have in common is factory fitted GPS satelite navigation which is virtually incomprehsible to use. Why? Because it is incorporated into the sound system (a mixture of AM/FM/DAB) and buttons have a dual use for the 2 seperate functions that results in making changing radio channel a time consuming hit and miss affair. My solution is to use those units for sounds only and use my personal sat nav for navigation as it is a purpose built tool and not a dual purpose piece of electrickery. I like the manual Kuga but not so keen on the automatic one, so overall the Vauxhalls get my vote over the Fords which (on past experiences) surprises me.
One of my regular drives which I refer to as 'Big Bus' - A12UOD is a 17 seater VW Crafter
Another of my drives - a 15 seater Ford Transit
The VW Crafter is one of several vehicles owned by the University, all identified by their 'private' number plates. The rest are on short term lease by manufacturers (or their main dealers). A12UOD is 5 years old and has done 84k miles. The engine is strong, the gearbox is a rough old dog and it is prone to electrical failures, mostly down to faulty diagnostics reporting faults that do not exist. The Fords (I've driven several) have lovely gearboxes but the engines are weak and lacking the BHP of the VW which means that driving requires a whole load of gear changes. The VW also has a tow hitch which results in interesting reverses to park up the bus at the end of the day, ploughing the university verges where reversed in (as can be seen in the photo).
One thing that is taking some getting used to is driving on the digital tachograph. Getting the damned thing in the unit is a trial as it never wants to accept the card. Then the unit location, very low down, makes it very difficult to see what it says you are doing. Then remembering to to switch to rest period, sticking to driving hours and remembering to remove the card at the end of a shift. But I am getting there and staying inside the law.
Then there are the cars, the small stuff. Ford Fiestas, Focuses, Kugas and S-Maxes, Vauxhall Zafiras and Vivaro 9 seater minibuses with the most recent addition being a Fiat 500. The Vauxhalls are a pleasant surprise and way better than the models that preceeded them. All of the cars listed have their quirks but the one thing they have in common is factory fitted GPS satelite navigation which is virtually incomprehsible to use. Why? Because it is incorporated into the sound system (a mixture of AM/FM/DAB) and buttons have a dual use for the 2 seperate functions that results in making changing radio channel a time consuming hit and miss affair. My solution is to use those units for sounds only and use my personal sat nav for navigation as it is a purpose built tool and not a dual purpose piece of electrickery. I like the manual Kuga but not so keen on the automatic one, so overall the Vauxhalls get my vote over the Fords which (on past experiences) surprises me.
Friday, 20 March 2015
Annual MoT test passed
Well that is a relief, the Mazda passed the MoT test this morning, no advisories. In my mind the first MoT since I purchased the car is always the one I am most nervous about as it will reveal any issues with/caused by previous owners which might be why they sold it.
Only comment from MoT tester man was that it needs new rear pads - something I knew about as service is now due and will be doing that with assistance of eldest son Andy (who is a BMW senior service technician). Items identified for attention:
* Oil & oil filter change
* Replace air filter
* Replace cabin air filter
* Replace rear brake pads
* Check coolant strength, top up as required
* Flush brake fluid
* Check everything else
As Andy has access to 2 post car lift there is nothing on the list that is scary and we should (hopefully) get it done in a couple of hours. I understand the only special tool required is the one to reset the rear brakes, which Andy has to retrieve from a loan to a friend. Looks like it will be on our Easter weekend 'To Do List' that includes building/assembling a new shed.
As they say, no rest for the wicked...
Only comment from MoT tester man was that it needs new rear pads - something I knew about as service is now due and will be doing that with assistance of eldest son Andy (who is a BMW senior service technician). Items identified for attention:
* Oil & oil filter change
* Replace air filter
* Replace cabin air filter
* Replace rear brake pads
* Check coolant strength, top up as required
* Flush brake fluid
* Check everything else
As Andy has access to 2 post car lift there is nothing on the list that is scary and we should (hopefully) get it done in a couple of hours. I understand the only special tool required is the one to reset the rear brakes, which Andy has to retrieve from a loan to a friend. Looks like it will be on our Easter weekend 'To Do List' that includes building/assembling a new shed.
As they say, no rest for the wicked...
Tuesday, 20 January 2015
I was/am a winner
After getting the Mazda 6 last year I joined the UK's owners club/forum ( see ) and at Christmas they had a give-away draw. Originally there were to be 3 prizes, but at the last minute a 4th prize was announced. Well I got the 4th prize, £40 to spend in the clubs shop on merchandise. I opted for a T-shirt and fleece and I am highly delighted with them, so here are some pictures...
Excuse the glum expression - I was concentrating on taking the selfie with a newly acquired selfie stick.
So why is this 'big news'? Simply because I never win anything of note. I remember winning a Scalextric F1 set when I was about 10 years old, and have had x3 wins of £10 on the lottery and that is about it. So I am chuffed to Larry with my Mazda6 Owners Club T-shirt and fleece.
Anyway - I promise no more selfies for a while...
Excuse the glum expression - I was concentrating on taking the selfie with a newly acquired selfie stick.
So why is this 'big news'? Simply because I never win anything of note. I remember winning a Scalextric F1 set when I was about 10 years old, and have had x3 wins of £10 on the lottery and that is about it. So I am chuffed to Larry with my Mazda6 Owners Club T-shirt and fleece.
Anyway - I promise no more selfies for a while...
Tuesday, 14 October 2014
MoT time 2
October 8th was the date by which the MoT was due on mother's Seat Alhambra so I had it booked in for Friday 3rd at the Spondon MoT Centre that I have always used since moving to Derby in 1989. Thursday night I had a phone call from my son Andrew and in passing mentioned I had booked the Seat in for it's MoT upon which he says the screen wipers are nearly seized and need freeing off in order to pass the dreaded test. So Friday morning I collect the car from mother and set to in an attempt to free up the action which was obviously straining the wiper motor.
In short, I managed to free off the driver side and smashed up the passenger side mounting bracket - and cancelled the booking at the MoT test centre. Got the whole mechanism off the car, Andy took it into work and broke it some more before succeeding in freeing off the passenger side of the mechanism and welding all the broken bits back together as one. Saturday saw the two of us refitting the mechanism back in the car and a test booked for Friday 10th.
It passed, with 1 advisory which we will have to deal with in due course ready for next year's MoT test. Now all that is left is to insure and renew the road tax and that is it for another year. Happy or what?
In short, I managed to free off the driver side and smashed up the passenger side mounting bracket - and cancelled the booking at the MoT test centre. Got the whole mechanism off the car, Andy took it into work and broke it some more before succeeding in freeing off the passenger side of the mechanism and welding all the broken bits back together as one. Saturday saw the two of us refitting the mechanism back in the car and a test booked for Friday 10th.
It passed, with 1 advisory which we will have to deal with in due course ready for next year's MoT test. Now all that is left is to insure and renew the road tax and that is it for another year. Happy or what?
Thursday, 14 August 2014
Excited
Anticipation... sometimes nervous, sometimes exciting. This time around it is the later as tomorrow afternoon I take delivery of the blue Mazda6 saloon pictured in the previous post.
That will give me a week to adjust to it ahead of a weekend trip to West Mersea, departing next Thursday evening to stay with Suzie's aunt and uncle, taking them to the Clacton-on-Sea air show and visiting some old friends in the area, maybe some family too depending on what they are up to.
Can't wait!
That will give me a week to adjust to it ahead of a weekend trip to West Mersea, departing next Thursday evening to stay with Suzie's aunt and uncle, taking them to the Clacton-on-Sea air show and visiting some old friends in the area, maybe some family too depending on what they are up to.
Can't wait!
Tuesday, 3 June 2014
Yet more American muscle
Thought you might like a few more pictures of American motors taken during our trip to Georgia USA back in March...
Corvette
Another older Corvette.
Another older Corvette.
Real muscle from 1957.
Modern muscle car, a newer model year Firebird.
Made in Ireland, the DeLorean.
The Tallahassee Automobile Museum was where we found this lovely example of American motors was a treasure trove of all kinds of collectables, golf clubs, Bat Man memorabilia including Bat Mobiles and the caped crusader's motorbike. A number of motorbikes, motorboats, outboard motors, guns large and small to name a few of the displays. Well worth a visit.
Corvette
Another older Corvette.
Another older Corvette.
Real muscle from 1957.
Modern muscle car, a newer model year Firebird.
Made in Ireland, the DeLorean.
The Tallahassee Automobile Museum was where we found this lovely example of American motors was a treasure trove of all kinds of collectables, golf clubs, Bat Man memorabilia including Bat Mobiles and the caped crusader's motorbike. A number of motorbikes, motorboats, outboard motors, guns large and small to name a few of the displays. Well worth a visit.
Friday, 30 May 2014
More motors from USA
Thought you might like it if I shared a few more automobile pictures taken during our trip to Georgia USA back in March...
Shame about the rope in the foreground, otherwise a nice Ford GT40.
A brace Ford GT40s.
Remember the Prowler?
Real muscle, Pontiac GTO.
More muscle - Firebird.
More muscle - another Firebird.
Smokey and The Bandit, anyone?
One outrageous Stingray
Same Stingray from another angle
Shame about the rope in the foreground, otherwise a nice Ford GT40.
A brace Ford GT40s.
Remember the Prowler?
Real muscle, Pontiac GTO.
More muscle - Firebird.
More muscle - another Firebird.
Smokey and The Bandit, anyone?
One outrageous Stingray
Same Stingray from another angle
Saturday, 5 April 2014
Historic Cars USA
Sunday morning 23rd March we were in Georgia with my sister's youngest Nate driving us round meeting family including Simeon, known locally as SM. On the way back on the highway to Twin Lakes I spotted a local historic car meet in Dasher. Nate pulled over and turned round so here are the pictures...
A nice clean little T-bucket hot rod.
T-bucket engine.
The interior.
The T-bucket from the front.
Behind the T-bucket the owners lounge in a gazebo.
My sister looking in at the interior - I can't remember what it is.
Same motor, different view.
From the other side.
From the other side with sister behind.
Cobra Mustang - well someone has to love them.
A nice 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Again from another angle.
The Bel Air interior - a shame about the furry dice.
I have to admit to a having a bit of a soft spot for these Jeeps, especially in as good condition as this one.
Old police car.
This Buick was gorgeous.
So I just had to get into the picture.
The wooden bed in the back of this pick-up was superb.
Just as clean under the hood.
Not many cars but so obviously a local meeting of friends of a like mind with a few lovely cars. I am so glad Nate turned around for us.
A nice clean little T-bucket hot rod.
T-bucket engine.
The interior.
The T-bucket from the front.
Behind the T-bucket the owners lounge in a gazebo.
My sister looking in at the interior - I can't remember what it is.
Same motor, different view.
From the other side.
From the other side with sister behind.
Cobra Mustang - well someone has to love them.
A nice 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Again from another angle.
The Bel Air interior - a shame about the furry dice.
I have to admit to a having a bit of a soft spot for these Jeeps, especially in as good condition as this one.
Old police car.
This Buick was gorgeous.
So I just had to get into the picture.
The wooden bed in the back of this pick-up was superb.
Just as clean under the hood.
Not many cars but so obviously a local meeting of friends of a like mind with a few lovely cars. I am so glad Nate turned around for us.
Friday, 4 April 2014
Jackie's 1956 Beetle
Jackie is Margi's husband and Marji is Wayne's sister and Wayne is married to my sister - that's not complicated! Kept for special occasions it is definitely not a daily driver, but is lovingly cherished and costs just $200 a year to run (tax, insurance, fuel and servicing - everything, all in) but remember, fuel is only $3.55 for a US gallon.
Nicely restored 1956 Beetle is as old as me but in better condition.
Used to earn the odd dollar as a wedding car.
The man himself with his car.
The original plate that was on the car, but changed due to new state rules.
You may spot the 'Just Married' transfer in the rear window as Jackie had done a wedding the previous week. The car didn't sparkle as we were assured it normally did for the simple reason that it is under a car port and had gathered a covering or dust and pollen in the few days it had been parked up.
We spent a lovely evening with Jackie and Marji which we thoroughly enjoyed. Hope we can get back there again sometime.
Nicely restored 1956 Beetle is as old as me but in better condition.
Used to earn the odd dollar as a wedding car.
The man himself with his car.
The original plate that was on the car, but changed due to new state rules.
You may spot the 'Just Married' transfer in the rear window as Jackie had done a wedding the previous week. The car didn't sparkle as we were assured it normally did for the simple reason that it is under a car port and had gathered a covering or dust and pollen in the few days it had been parked up.
We spent a lovely evening with Jackie and Marji which we thoroughly enjoyed. Hope we can get back there again sometime.
Thursday, 6 February 2014
Availableman.com
After the classic motorbikes we stopped off at Availablecar.com where Phil found this nice little Suzuki Jimny. Not sure about the car but they got Phil priced up right.
Suzuki Jimney with a male for sale
Clean and well maintained, only one previous owner - that's Phil not the Jimny
Suzuki Jimney with a male for sale
Clean and well maintained, only one previous owner - that's Phil not the Jimny
Wednesday, 1 May 2013
Volvo S40 update
Having clocked up 90,000 miles last month it was due a service. All previous servicing had been done by the dealer in Taunton where the car was purchased by the original owner, with stamps in the book to validate but which I also managed to get a computer printout as confirmation from said dealer. Anyway, locally there has been a change and Derby has a new Volvo dealer - which means they also have bugger all experience with servicing these older models so I took it to a young man I know, Jay at CarTec in Draycott, just down the road. After a thorough going over it came back running better than before but with a note that there was an error code stored on the on-board controller indicating an intermittent problem with the coil on #1 cylinder. The following weekend I replaced the coil (costing £32) myself, a 2 minute job.
Now that should be the end of this report, but as always, there's a little sting in tail. Every now and then, noticeable only when in stop / start traffic the revs drop to noting and then come racing back before settling down to the normal idle speed. No idea what is causing that but as it otherwise drives perfectly I see no need to rush into additional expense as I've just fitted a new pair of tyres on the front and we are off on holiday soon leaving the car parked up for two weeks.
The final piece of good news relating to my Volvo motoring is the cost of running it. The 2 tyres were £180 including full 4 wheel alignment check and adjustment, the service was just under £190 including all filters (the cabin filter had obviously never been replaced) plugs and oil change plus the previously mentioned diagnostic plug-in and read. Fuel consumption is running at 30 - 31 mpg overall with 37 mpg on a run but as I am using Annie the Tranny (my motorbike) to commute and run around on the car is getting by on £25 a week fuel - about 1/3rd the level of expenditure I'd become accustomed to with the Passat. Mostly the savings have come from not using my car for work and using hire cars provided through my employer. Washing it last weekend I noticed a ding where somebody has obviously opened their car door onto the side of the Volvo, and some paint missing (about the size of a thumb print) on the rear o/s corner where it would appear somebody has rubbed their bumper across the corner of mine - annoying, but it is a 2005 car with over 90,000 miles on it and it doesn't stand me at a lot of money so why worry?
Now that should be the end of this report, but as always, there's a little sting in tail. Every now and then, noticeable only when in stop / start traffic the revs drop to noting and then come racing back before settling down to the normal idle speed. No idea what is causing that but as it otherwise drives perfectly I see no need to rush into additional expense as I've just fitted a new pair of tyres on the front and we are off on holiday soon leaving the car parked up for two weeks.
The final piece of good news relating to my Volvo motoring is the cost of running it. The 2 tyres were £180 including full 4 wheel alignment check and adjustment, the service was just under £190 including all filters (the cabin filter had obviously never been replaced) plugs and oil change plus the previously mentioned diagnostic plug-in and read. Fuel consumption is running at 30 - 31 mpg overall with 37 mpg on a run but as I am using Annie the Tranny (my motorbike) to commute and run around on the car is getting by on £25 a week fuel - about 1/3rd the level of expenditure I'd become accustomed to with the Passat. Mostly the savings have come from not using my car for work and using hire cars provided through my employer. Washing it last weekend I noticed a ding where somebody has obviously opened their car door onto the side of the Volvo, and some paint missing (about the size of a thumb print) on the rear o/s corner where it would appear somebody has rubbed their bumper across the corner of mine - annoying, but it is a 2005 car with over 90,000 miles on it and it doesn't stand me at a lot of money so why worry?
Smiles per mile
I suppose it is human nature - fear of the unknown. I mean, why do so many people that have never ridden a motorbike hold such strong views against them, on them being dangerous, a wishing them to be banned? After all, most people at some time in their life, usually as children and as part of growing up rode a bicycle at some time. Riding a motorcycle is just part of a natural progression, taking things to the next level. Yet so few of us in the 'developed world' do it. In the developing world you will see whole families riding on a basic 'step-thru' of some kind, from 50cc - 110cc these things are the backbone of commerce and basic trading in developing countries. But here in the UK (and across Europe) the politicians are doing everything they can to legislate Powered Two Wheelers (PTWs) off the road. They don't see PTWs as part of the solution, oh no, they see them as part of the problem.
The reason for that is because THEY don't understand the versatility of the motorcycle. It is a way of avoiding traffic jams and congestion. A way of economically transporting one or two people and small packages. It can simply take you from A to B as a commuting tool or it can take you around the country, around the world - on holiday or on an adventure. Yes you are open to the elements so you can get hot, cold, wet, dusty - sometimes all in the same day, but your senses experience so much more. Pass a garden with flowerbeds and you will smell the scent of those flowers. Pass a field full of animals and you will smell those animals. Pass an engineering works and you will smell the machines working within. But in being there, without the barrier that is the all protecting cage of a car, you will also get involved with the people you see as you pass briefly through their lives. A smile, a cheery wave. And when you stop complete strangers will engage you in conversation.
So where's the problem? It is IN the cars. It isn't the cars themselves, no, the problem is the humanoid bit that mostly sits behind the wheel. The person that got into the car was most likely a reasonable, rational, thinking person - a mother, a father, son, daughter. But when they got into that car, fastened the seat belt and turned the key they became something else and it is that 'something else' that is so dangerous to the motorcyclist and motorcycling. It doesn't matter what they got into that vehicle to do, whether it be the school run, the commute, a delivery, a taxi (free or paying) service, to make a delivery or to go on vacation. Whatever the reason they will have a mental timescale in their heads for that journey and no matter what that is their adrenalin and anxiety levels will have gone up accordingly. More so when they realise that they haven't allowed enough time for the journey, even though they have they will still be convinced that they have not. Few of them will be relaxed behind the wheel of their vehicle, many because they actually do not enjoy driving. They want to be or have to be somewhere else, doing something much more interesting. They have their distractions. First it was radio, then taped music and CDs. Now it is MP3/4 music and video, DVD players and mobile phones with text/SMS/MMS/video phone calls - all so much more interesting than having to drive a car.
And they are probably right because stuck in jams on under-maintained roads in gridlocked towns and cities is not fun, and blasting up and down motorways is just 'getting the job done'. They are trying to stimulate their senses, wanting to experience 'more' - whatever 'more' is. Yet they still won't get out on a motorbike and ride. I get more smiles per mile when out riding, be it commuting or just riding around than they will ever get stuck away so ever so safe and secure in their motorised tin cans and I beat those traffic jams that so frustrate drivers. Using my car my commute takes 40 - 50 minutes to cover 12 miles, but on the bike it is 22 - 25 minutes to do exactly the same trip - same speed limits, traffic calming and traffic volumes. By making safe overtakes and filtering I may sit for one change of the lights instead of three or four or more, use the centre road to maintain the speed limit instead of nose to tail queuing between roundabouts and traffic lights. OK, I wear protective clothing which I wouldn't in a car, but then when I arrive I can park in a spot that no car can get into, often intended for use by cyclists who are over provisioned in most towns and cities (outside of Amsterdam).
So do yourself a favour. If you want more smiles per mile then get out and get on a motorbike, any size, any format, whatever shakes your stick. Then ride!
The reason for that is because THEY don't understand the versatility of the motorcycle. It is a way of avoiding traffic jams and congestion. A way of economically transporting one or two people and small packages. It can simply take you from A to B as a commuting tool or it can take you around the country, around the world - on holiday or on an adventure. Yes you are open to the elements so you can get hot, cold, wet, dusty - sometimes all in the same day, but your senses experience so much more. Pass a garden with flowerbeds and you will smell the scent of those flowers. Pass a field full of animals and you will smell those animals. Pass an engineering works and you will smell the machines working within. But in being there, without the barrier that is the all protecting cage of a car, you will also get involved with the people you see as you pass briefly through their lives. A smile, a cheery wave. And when you stop complete strangers will engage you in conversation.
So where's the problem? It is IN the cars. It isn't the cars themselves, no, the problem is the humanoid bit that mostly sits behind the wheel. The person that got into the car was most likely a reasonable, rational, thinking person - a mother, a father, son, daughter. But when they got into that car, fastened the seat belt and turned the key they became something else and it is that 'something else' that is so dangerous to the motorcyclist and motorcycling. It doesn't matter what they got into that vehicle to do, whether it be the school run, the commute, a delivery, a taxi (free or paying) service, to make a delivery or to go on vacation. Whatever the reason they will have a mental timescale in their heads for that journey and no matter what that is their adrenalin and anxiety levels will have gone up accordingly. More so when they realise that they haven't allowed enough time for the journey, even though they have they will still be convinced that they have not. Few of them will be relaxed behind the wheel of their vehicle, many because they actually do not enjoy driving. They want to be or have to be somewhere else, doing something much more interesting. They have their distractions. First it was radio, then taped music and CDs. Now it is MP3/4 music and video, DVD players and mobile phones with text/SMS/MMS/video phone calls - all so much more interesting than having to drive a car.
And they are probably right because stuck in jams on under-maintained roads in gridlocked towns and cities is not fun, and blasting up and down motorways is just 'getting the job done'. They are trying to stimulate their senses, wanting to experience 'more' - whatever 'more' is. Yet they still won't get out on a motorbike and ride. I get more smiles per mile when out riding, be it commuting or just riding around than they will ever get stuck away so ever so safe and secure in their motorised tin cans and I beat those traffic jams that so frustrate drivers. Using my car my commute takes 40 - 50 minutes to cover 12 miles, but on the bike it is 22 - 25 minutes to do exactly the same trip - same speed limits, traffic calming and traffic volumes. By making safe overtakes and filtering I may sit for one change of the lights instead of three or four or more, use the centre road to maintain the speed limit instead of nose to tail queuing between roundabouts and traffic lights. OK, I wear protective clothing which I wouldn't in a car, but then when I arrive I can park in a spot that no car can get into, often intended for use by cyclists who are over provisioned in most towns and cities (outside of Amsterdam).
So do yourself a favour. If you want more smiles per mile then get out and get on a motorbike, any size, any format, whatever shakes your stick. Then ride!
Friday, 19 April 2013
Driving test cheats
Currently the government is running a radio campaign that states 30 motorcyclists a day are "killed or seriously injured" at junctions because the driver "did not see" the rider on his machine. My personal view is not that they didn't "see" the rider (though many obviously didn't) but that there is a disconnect between what they see with their eyes and the way they react to what they perceive to be the situation. However, there may be another (contributory) reason for all those SMIDSY (Sorry Mate I Didn't See You) incidents,
"Hundreds of learner drivers a year get someone else to take their test for them while not one motorcyclist attempts the scam, government figures show.
Suspected impersonators sat 455 practical tests and 1,469 theory tests in 2011/2012 - an average of 5 a day but ALL of the cheats were drivers.
A Driving Standards Agency spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that the number of practical and theory motorcycle tests that involved a suspected impersonator in 2011/12 was nil. We haven't done any analysis into why there have been no fraudulent motorcycle tests and would not be able to comment on the reasons why"
A spokewoman for the Motorcycle Industry Association is reported as saying "Motorcyclists are just decent sorts."
Source: The Road (MAG magazine May/June 2013)
So the DSA state that they haven't done any analysis into why there have been no fraudulent motorcycle tests but the unanswered question has to be, has the DSA done any analysis into why there have been so many fraudulent driving tests? And if they have, what were the results?
I suggest that you don't hold your breath on that one.
"Hundreds of learner drivers a year get someone else to take their test for them while not one motorcyclist attempts the scam, government figures show.
Suspected impersonators sat 455 practical tests and 1,469 theory tests in 2011/2012 - an average of 5 a day but ALL of the cheats were drivers.
A Driving Standards Agency spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that the number of practical and theory motorcycle tests that involved a suspected impersonator in 2011/12 was nil. We haven't done any analysis into why there have been no fraudulent motorcycle tests and would not be able to comment on the reasons why"
A spokewoman for the Motorcycle Industry Association is reported as saying "Motorcyclists are just decent sorts."
Source: The Road (MAG magazine May/June 2013)
So the DSA state that they haven't done any analysis into why there have been no fraudulent motorcycle tests but the unanswered question has to be, has the DSA done any analysis into why there have been so many fraudulent driving tests? And if they have, what were the results?
I suggest that you don't hold your breath on that one.
Monday, 15 April 2013
Hire cars - driving impressions
The firm that I work for has been enforcing the “short term hire car policy” that it brought in a few years back, meaning that any round trip journey of 100 miles or more has to be done in a hire car and not a private car. This may be with all the best intentions but is a real pain in the arse, however, it has given me the opportunity to drive several different vehicles and for some opinions of them. So far I have had (in chronological order):
1. Vauxhall Zafira 1.8 petrol Club (manual)
2. VW Touran 1.9 TDi (manual)
3. Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi (manual)
4. Toyota Avensis 2.0 TD (automatic)
5. Peugeot 508 1.6 TDi SW (automatic)
6. Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 TDi (automatic)
7. Audi A3 1.9 TDi (manual)
8. Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 TDi Design (manual)
9. Hyundi I30 1.6 (manual)
10. Vauxhall Astra 1.7 TDi Style (manual)
I have driven all of the above at least 300 miles on a mixture of dual carriageway, motorway and rural/country roads. So my impressions of these vehicle are:
1. Vauxhall Zafira 1.8 petrol Club (manual, 5k miles on delivery)
Went well enough, handled OK but rolls a bit in the bends. Big step between 1st and 2nd gear which means that for decent progress you have to rev the nuts off it in 1st but after that it is OK. Seat comfort leaves much to be desired, and numb bum sets in by 100 miles (not good on a day when I drove from Derby to Chichester and back). Thirsty though, especially the way I drive on main roads and motorways (37mpg).
2. VW Touran 1.9 TDi (manual, only 1490 miles on delivery)
Used for the same trip as the Zafira. Needed to be pushed hard and really revved in order to make progress but once up to motorway speeds it hung on well enough. Front end over-steered more than Zafira, body roll about the same but seats nice and comfortable. Economy was OK but not exceptional (worse than my 2.0 TDi Passat which only managed 42mpg).
3. Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi (manual, 453 miles on delivery)
Now this I really liked. The diesel engine was a willing performer, handling was sweet and seats comfortable. Ergonomically it shares 1st place with the Hyundi. Good economy (48mpg) and a pleasure to drive (Derby to Salisbury and back in a day). Ford have got in virtually spot on with this Focus.
4. Toyota Avensis 2.0 TD (automatic, 29.5k miles on delivery)
Horrible in just about every way. Ergonomics all wrong, nothing fell to hand or worked as you’d expect, even the indicator stalk was on the “wrong side of the steering wheel. Seats almost as bad as the Zafira Club, engine a lack lustre (and only 42mpg) as the Touran and auto gearbox performed as if designed for an octogenarian. Also had a push button park brake that was hidden and awkward to use. Told the hire company not to bring me another as I’d just refuse delivery. Yes, it was that bad!
5. Peugeot 508 1.6 TDi SW (automatic, 17.8k miles on delivery)
This SW (station wagon / estate) is massive, yet it has a puny 1.6 TDi pumping out 112bhp – it needs more, much more. Very good ergonomics, and I eventually found the switch to disengage the eco stop/start which was faulty (should cut the engine at zero mph but actually cut it at 2mph which made parking almost impossible). The worst thing about it though was the gearbox, which had 3 modes. Auto – had enormous pauses between each gear at change-up time, flappy paddle which still had pauses but they were smaller, and trip-tronic on the gear stick which gave sweet changes but defeats the object of having an automatic in the first place. Nice car spoilt by a lousy gearbox and eco stop/start. Economy worked out at 43mpg.
6. Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 TDi (automatic, 1543 miles on delivery)
Excellent engine and decent automatic gearbox. Like the 508 this saloon was massive but performance was really in line with the established quality marques and economy was good too (47 mpg). Comfort and ergonomics not bad, but the seats were strange, from the moment you sat in them they felt uncomfortable but at the end of the journey we could easily walk and were not in any pain. Strange, but nice car, but I didn’t like the push button park brake or the feel of the stalk controls which had a “dual feel” way of working.
7. Audi A3 1.9 TDi (manual, 11k miles)
Having owned a 2.0 TDi Passat I was expecting big things of this little car. Boy, was I disappointed! It went “OK”, and it drove “OK” and the seats were “OK” and economy was “OK” (44mpg) but the ergonomics were appalling – sat normally the gearstick was a good 4 – 5 inches forward of where it should be, and the mirror/window controls on the door were 7 – 8 inches back from where they should ideally be. This is one car that is trading on its badge and not on its own attributes or merits. This one had a problem were something was flapping / tap-tapping at motorway speeds making an incessant noise that resulted in us both having horrible headaches at the end of the day – reported to hire company for fixing.
8. Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 TDi Design (manual, 1149 miles on delivery)
This was so much better that the Club version. It went well and with good economy (47mpg). It handled well although it still rolled a bit and under-steered when pushed hard. Seats were comfortable and ergonomics just about right. Hand (park) brake is quirky but easy to use (unlike the Avensis and Insignia push button jobs). I liked this one so much more.
9. Hyundi I30 1.6 (manual, 3.7k miles on delivery)
This has been the biggest surprise to date. In almost every aspect it is up there with the Ford Focus I’d had a few weeks earlier. Engine was slightly down on power when compared to the Focus but it pulled well and the gearbox was sweet although I fluffed 2 changes which is unusual for me. Handling was confidence inspiring and as a result I threw it around a bit including a couple of 4 wheel drifts on dry tarmac (country) roads. Ergonomics are superb with everything where you expect it to be and working as you’d expect it. Seats were easy to adjust to get instantly comfortable and economy (44mpg) not at all bad considering the pounding I dished out (Derby to Salisbury and back in a day 2 up). This one challenges the Focus for my top spot so far, let down only by wind noise when driven at motorway speeds.
10. Vauxhall Astra 1.7 TDi Style (manual, 6.5k miles on delivery)
Nice. Stronger engine than the Focus and I30 but economy only as good as the I30 (44mpg). Gearbox just as slick and easy to use (2nd of the 3 with the I30 the one in 3rd place, but the margins are minute). I liked most things about this car with the exception of the noise, mostly road noise which was deafening at times. Driving position and comfort were good but both Focus and I30 were better in this respect. Strangely, it was the only one I managed to stall (3 times when cold, and I’m talking -3 degrees C) which I didn’t do with any of the others (in same or warmer conditions).
So out of this selection which would I choose? Well I’d sooner have either of the 1.6 turbo diesels in preference to the 1.7 Astra. Top spot has to go to the Focus out of these 10, with I30 just pipping the Astra for 2nd. Peugeot should be shot for allowing that particular 508 out of the factory but as I have a friend with one that is in a higher specification and which has none of the issues “mine” had I will give it the benefit of the doubt (until I’ve tried another one). Worst two were the A3 with the Avensis firmly stuck in the last place, so my final top ten placings are:
1 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi
2 Hyundi I30 1.6 CRDi
3 Vauxhall Astra 1.7 TDi
4 Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 TDi
5 VW Touran 1.9TDi
6 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 TDi
7 Peugeot 508 1.6 TDi SW
8 Vauxhall Zafira 1.8 petrol Club
9 Audi A3 1.9TDi
10 Toyota Avensis 2.0 TD
1. Vauxhall Zafira 1.8 petrol Club (manual)
2. VW Touran 1.9 TDi (manual)
3. Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi (manual)
4. Toyota Avensis 2.0 TD (automatic)
5. Peugeot 508 1.6 TDi SW (automatic)
6. Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 TDi (automatic)
7. Audi A3 1.9 TDi (manual)
8. Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 TDi Design (manual)
9. Hyundi I30 1.6 (manual)
10. Vauxhall Astra 1.7 TDi Style (manual)
I have driven all of the above at least 300 miles on a mixture of dual carriageway, motorway and rural/country roads. So my impressions of these vehicle are:
1. Vauxhall Zafira 1.8 petrol Club (manual, 5k miles on delivery)
Went well enough, handled OK but rolls a bit in the bends. Big step between 1st and 2nd gear which means that for decent progress you have to rev the nuts off it in 1st but after that it is OK. Seat comfort leaves much to be desired, and numb bum sets in by 100 miles (not good on a day when I drove from Derby to Chichester and back). Thirsty though, especially the way I drive on main roads and motorways (37mpg).
2. VW Touran 1.9 TDi (manual, only 1490 miles on delivery)
Used for the same trip as the Zafira. Needed to be pushed hard and really revved in order to make progress but once up to motorway speeds it hung on well enough. Front end over-steered more than Zafira, body roll about the same but seats nice and comfortable. Economy was OK but not exceptional (worse than my 2.0 TDi Passat which only managed 42mpg).
3. Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi (manual, 453 miles on delivery)
Now this I really liked. The diesel engine was a willing performer, handling was sweet and seats comfortable. Ergonomically it shares 1st place with the Hyundi. Good economy (48mpg) and a pleasure to drive (Derby to Salisbury and back in a day). Ford have got in virtually spot on with this Focus.
4. Toyota Avensis 2.0 TD (automatic, 29.5k miles on delivery)
Horrible in just about every way. Ergonomics all wrong, nothing fell to hand or worked as you’d expect, even the indicator stalk was on the “wrong side of the steering wheel. Seats almost as bad as the Zafira Club, engine a lack lustre (and only 42mpg) as the Touran and auto gearbox performed as if designed for an octogenarian. Also had a push button park brake that was hidden and awkward to use. Told the hire company not to bring me another as I’d just refuse delivery. Yes, it was that bad!
5. Peugeot 508 1.6 TDi SW (automatic, 17.8k miles on delivery)
This SW (station wagon / estate) is massive, yet it has a puny 1.6 TDi pumping out 112bhp – it needs more, much more. Very good ergonomics, and I eventually found the switch to disengage the eco stop/start which was faulty (should cut the engine at zero mph but actually cut it at 2mph which made parking almost impossible). The worst thing about it though was the gearbox, which had 3 modes. Auto – had enormous pauses between each gear at change-up time, flappy paddle which still had pauses but they were smaller, and trip-tronic on the gear stick which gave sweet changes but defeats the object of having an automatic in the first place. Nice car spoilt by a lousy gearbox and eco stop/start. Economy worked out at 43mpg.
6. Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 TDi (automatic, 1543 miles on delivery)
Excellent engine and decent automatic gearbox. Like the 508 this saloon was massive but performance was really in line with the established quality marques and economy was good too (47 mpg). Comfort and ergonomics not bad, but the seats were strange, from the moment you sat in them they felt uncomfortable but at the end of the journey we could easily walk and were not in any pain. Strange, but nice car, but I didn’t like the push button park brake or the feel of the stalk controls which had a “dual feel” way of working.
7. Audi A3 1.9 TDi (manual, 11k miles)
Having owned a 2.0 TDi Passat I was expecting big things of this little car. Boy, was I disappointed! It went “OK”, and it drove “OK” and the seats were “OK” and economy was “OK” (44mpg) but the ergonomics were appalling – sat normally the gearstick was a good 4 – 5 inches forward of where it should be, and the mirror/window controls on the door were 7 – 8 inches back from where they should ideally be. This is one car that is trading on its badge and not on its own attributes or merits. This one had a problem were something was flapping / tap-tapping at motorway speeds making an incessant noise that resulted in us both having horrible headaches at the end of the day – reported to hire company for fixing.
8. Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 TDi Design (manual, 1149 miles on delivery)
This was so much better that the Club version. It went well and with good economy (47mpg). It handled well although it still rolled a bit and under-steered when pushed hard. Seats were comfortable and ergonomics just about right. Hand (park) brake is quirky but easy to use (unlike the Avensis and Insignia push button jobs). I liked this one so much more.
9. Hyundi I30 1.6 (manual, 3.7k miles on delivery)
This has been the biggest surprise to date. In almost every aspect it is up there with the Ford Focus I’d had a few weeks earlier. Engine was slightly down on power when compared to the Focus but it pulled well and the gearbox was sweet although I fluffed 2 changes which is unusual for me. Handling was confidence inspiring and as a result I threw it around a bit including a couple of 4 wheel drifts on dry tarmac (country) roads. Ergonomics are superb with everything where you expect it to be and working as you’d expect it. Seats were easy to adjust to get instantly comfortable and economy (44mpg) not at all bad considering the pounding I dished out (Derby to Salisbury and back in a day 2 up). This one challenges the Focus for my top spot so far, let down only by wind noise when driven at motorway speeds.
10. Vauxhall Astra 1.7 TDi Style (manual, 6.5k miles on delivery)
Nice. Stronger engine than the Focus and I30 but economy only as good as the I30 (44mpg). Gearbox just as slick and easy to use (2nd of the 3 with the I30 the one in 3rd place, but the margins are minute). I liked most things about this car with the exception of the noise, mostly road noise which was deafening at times. Driving position and comfort were good but both Focus and I30 were better in this respect. Strangely, it was the only one I managed to stall (3 times when cold, and I’m talking -3 degrees C) which I didn’t do with any of the others (in same or warmer conditions).
So out of this selection which would I choose? Well I’d sooner have either of the 1.6 turbo diesels in preference to the 1.7 Astra. Top spot has to go to the Focus out of these 10, with I30 just pipping the Astra for 2nd. Peugeot should be shot for allowing that particular 508 out of the factory but as I have a friend with one that is in a higher specification and which has none of the issues “mine” had I will give it the benefit of the doubt (until I’ve tried another one). Worst two were the A3 with the Avensis firmly stuck in the last place, so my final top ten placings are:
1 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi
2 Hyundi I30 1.6 CRDi
3 Vauxhall Astra 1.7 TDi
4 Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 TDi
5 VW Touran 1.9TDi
6 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 TDi
7 Peugeot 508 1.6 TDi SW
8 Vauxhall Zafira 1.8 petrol Club
9 Audi A3 1.9TDi
10 Toyota Avensis 2.0 TD
Wednesday, 9 January 2013
Volvo S40
As I said in Stuff posted back on 13th December, I am now a Volvoist, a Volvo owner and it's time for some comment on the subject. First, I never thought I'd ever be a Volvo owner / driver - that's for the elderly and / or safety obsessed, not me, I'm not one of them, am I?
So I am surprised that this little car which was bought simply because it is came over as an honest little car is actually a pleasure to live with. Like most cars it has bings and boings to remind the forgetful that seat belts have to be worn, that doors have to be shut, and all the stuff that stupid people forget / ignore. But these are much more friendly than their German equivalents. These start off nice and quiet, the volume building as you go, not shouty-shouty like those in the Mercedes and VW I have owned. The rear parking sensor is usable and even picks up kerbs, in fact everything is pretty well sorted and refined for such a small family car. The central console has a menu that controls the computer controlled functions of the car which I find really easy to use. The windscreen has a quick clear function which works well and the driving position is so comfortable. The sound system is really good too, easy to set up, program and adjust to suit for personal preferences.
So it is easier to list the things I don't like. The nearside mirror has a very poor field of view so it is just as well it is electrically adjustable (and that is easy to use). The rear screen could do with a wiper to speed up clearing it. The boot could be a bit bigger (actually, quite a lot bigger, it is small) and there is very little storage space in the cabin. The Pirelli tyres are quite noisy so I will soon be replacing them.
After the 2 bigger and much more powerful diesels this 1.8 petrol has taken a little getting used to (and I think I'd like a diesel version even better). The fuel tank is half the size, and consumption is roughly 10 mpg less than the bigger cars which means I am filling it up on a more regular basis - but at least each fill costs so much less at roughly half of the 2 diesels. We have done a couple of long trips in it and they were both trouble and pain free, so rather unexpectedly I am enjoying being a Volvoist. Suzie is happy to drive it (she would not drive the Passat which she hated with a vengeance) and Andy has given it his seal of approval (first time he's done that since I sold the Honda Accord) saying it is better than both the German cars I've owned. They were good examples of their marques but I agree with him, it is, I am surprised!
So I am surprised that this little car which was bought simply because it is came over as an honest little car is actually a pleasure to live with. Like most cars it has bings and boings to remind the forgetful that seat belts have to be worn, that doors have to be shut, and all the stuff that stupid people forget / ignore. But these are much more friendly than their German equivalents. These start off nice and quiet, the volume building as you go, not shouty-shouty like those in the Mercedes and VW I have owned. The rear parking sensor is usable and even picks up kerbs, in fact everything is pretty well sorted and refined for such a small family car. The central console has a menu that controls the computer controlled functions of the car which I find really easy to use. The windscreen has a quick clear function which works well and the driving position is so comfortable. The sound system is really good too, easy to set up, program and adjust to suit for personal preferences.
So it is easier to list the things I don't like. The nearside mirror has a very poor field of view so it is just as well it is electrically adjustable (and that is easy to use). The rear screen could do with a wiper to speed up clearing it. The boot could be a bit bigger (actually, quite a lot bigger, it is small) and there is very little storage space in the cabin. The Pirelli tyres are quite noisy so I will soon be replacing them.
After the 2 bigger and much more powerful diesels this 1.8 petrol has taken a little getting used to (and I think I'd like a diesel version even better). The fuel tank is half the size, and consumption is roughly 10 mpg less than the bigger cars which means I am filling it up on a more regular basis - but at least each fill costs so much less at roughly half of the 2 diesels. We have done a couple of long trips in it and they were both trouble and pain free, so rather unexpectedly I am enjoying being a Volvoist. Suzie is happy to drive it (she would not drive the Passat which she hated with a vengeance) and Andy has given it his seal of approval (first time he's done that since I sold the Honda Accord) saying it is better than both the German cars I've owned. They were good examples of their marques but I agree with him, it is, I am surprised!
Friday, 17 February 2012
Satnavs blamed
I read an article in yesterday’s Metro that claims these motoring aids are now being blamed for £203million in damage to vehicles as drivers blindly follow their instructions. Examples quoted are driving into a wall in Edinburgh, being sent over a non-existent bridge across the river Severn and across a golf course in Kingsdown (Kent). “Such is the concern that the Department of Transport is holding its first ever satnav summit next month”
Now there’s a waste of rate/tax payers money. The solution is simple – pass legislation that puts a legal obligation on the satnav manufacturers and their map suppliers to ensure that the software is current and up to date. They are making an absolute packet in selling these gadgets and map updates which are usually 2 years out of date. Make the obligation one to ensure that every detail is up to date and no more than 3 months old and that if any damage to property results from an a driver blindly following incorrect directions the insurance company or involved parties can claim back out of pocket expenses for any resulting loss. Then allow insurance companies to reject claims where the driver/satnav user has not kept the software in their gadget up to date.
Of course the satnav manufacturers will be up in arms, but, not only will they make their products better and fit for purpose, the consumer will get a better product and there will be fewer accidents where the incompetent numpties behind the wheel can blame the gadget in the dashboard / on the windscreen.
Now there’s a waste of rate/tax payers money. The solution is simple – pass legislation that puts a legal obligation on the satnav manufacturers and their map suppliers to ensure that the software is current and up to date. They are making an absolute packet in selling these gadgets and map updates which are usually 2 years out of date. Make the obligation one to ensure that every detail is up to date and no more than 3 months old and that if any damage to property results from an a driver blindly following incorrect directions the insurance company or involved parties can claim back out of pocket expenses for any resulting loss. Then allow insurance companies to reject claims where the driver/satnav user has not kept the software in their gadget up to date.
Of course the satnav manufacturers will be up in arms, but, not only will they make their products better and fit for purpose, the consumer will get a better product and there will be fewer accidents where the incompetent numpties behind the wheel can blame the gadget in the dashboard / on the windscreen.
Monday, 6 February 2012
Commuting
Returning to this topic, Wikipedia defines it as follows:-
“Commuting is regular travel between one's place of residence and place of work or full time study. It sometimes refers to any regular or often repeated traveling between locations when not work related.”
Now to me that means using the most effective method of travel both in terms of money and time. High cost commuting impacts the individuals wallet and reduces the money available for living expenses and recreation even if it is subsidised (unless fully expensed). Too long spent commuting reduces the commuter’s personal time for those general day to day tasks and recreation time that is part of life.
Because of the time aspect I have rarely relied on trains in the UK for my commuting, and on those occasions that I have the experience has not been pleasant / enjoyable. Crowded trains mean that the amount of work that can be done during the journey is limited, sometimes impossible. Linking to other forms of public transport is stressful with unreliable services either being missed or running late. Which means I prefer to use the UK road network.
Moving onto the roads means 3 options, bicycle, motorbike and car. I find the speed of other traffic intimidating and makes using a bicycle too dangerous for me to consider further. My preference is to use the motorbike but there are occasions when the weather conspires to make this much less attractive (frost, fog, heavy rain / sleet / snow). The result is that I split my commuting between motorbike and car. I am fortunate that I can do this, not everyone has the options I have. But why, oh why, do those that commute by car appear to be in a race? Maximising economy to keep costs down cannot be achieved by fast aggressive driving, but it is a feature of the daily commute, and if you do the same route day in, day out, it is the same people driving fast and aggressively. Is it just in their nature to always drive like that or do they not understand the costs quotient?
The UK government has spend millions of pounds on “safety campaigns” in an attempt to reduce accident figures and casualty rates. None of those campaigns have focused on why people are driving in the manner they do. Yes, I know that many will ignore any message and think it doesn’t apply to them (witness the number of people driving and using hand held devices). But the government claims that every “safety campaign” has some affect on behaviour, so isn’t it time they addressed the commuting driver and their bad driving habits?
“Commuting is regular travel between one's place of residence and place of work or full time study. It sometimes refers to any regular or often repeated traveling between locations when not work related.”
Now to me that means using the most effective method of travel both in terms of money and time. High cost commuting impacts the individuals wallet and reduces the money available for living expenses and recreation even if it is subsidised (unless fully expensed). Too long spent commuting reduces the commuter’s personal time for those general day to day tasks and recreation time that is part of life.
Because of the time aspect I have rarely relied on trains in the UK for my commuting, and on those occasions that I have the experience has not been pleasant / enjoyable. Crowded trains mean that the amount of work that can be done during the journey is limited, sometimes impossible. Linking to other forms of public transport is stressful with unreliable services either being missed or running late. Which means I prefer to use the UK road network.
Moving onto the roads means 3 options, bicycle, motorbike and car. I find the speed of other traffic intimidating and makes using a bicycle too dangerous for me to consider further. My preference is to use the motorbike but there are occasions when the weather conspires to make this much less attractive (frost, fog, heavy rain / sleet / snow). The result is that I split my commuting between motorbike and car. I am fortunate that I can do this, not everyone has the options I have. But why, oh why, do those that commute by car appear to be in a race? Maximising economy to keep costs down cannot be achieved by fast aggressive driving, but it is a feature of the daily commute, and if you do the same route day in, day out, it is the same people driving fast and aggressively. Is it just in their nature to always drive like that or do they not understand the costs quotient?
The UK government has spend millions of pounds on “safety campaigns” in an attempt to reduce accident figures and casualty rates. None of those campaigns have focused on why people are driving in the manner they do. Yes, I know that many will ignore any message and think it doesn’t apply to them (witness the number of people driving and using hand held devices). But the government claims that every “safety campaign” has some affect on behaviour, so isn’t it time they addressed the commuting driver and their bad driving habits?
Friday, 25 November 2011
On 3 wheels
While I'm on the subject of MCL and the surprises of the show I have to say that the biggest surprise (on a positive note) was seeing the Aprilia Fuoco and Piagio MP3 range of, what I can only describe as, 3 wheeled super scooters. However I can't help but think that Piagio group have missed a trick by not putting a Gilera GP800 engine and running gear into one of these 3 wheeled chassis. THAT would be worth riding.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)