Kim Henson reports… DriveGuard ‘extended mobility’ tyres Bridgestone hopes that a diverse nationwide advertising campaign will gain traction amongst a huge audience as it launches its new DriveGuard ‘extended mobility’ tyre to the public, featuring cinema presence, television spend and full motion video boards in major shopping centres. Based on the theme that somewhere out there ‘there’s a … [Read more...]
Features by Kim Henson
In life, sometimes there are things that you just have to do. In my case many of them relate to my twin loves of 1) motoring, and 2) using writing to convey to others (and share with) my fascination for the subject.
I have been passionate about cars for as long as I can remember, and have always had a thirst for knowledge concerning how and why they work, and how to keep them operating as they should. In addition, I’ve always enjoyed driving, and trying to fairly assess and compare the various good and bad points of different makes and models.
Western Group of Motoring Writers helps Julia’s House children’s hospice…
The Western Group of Motoring Writers chose Julia's House, serving Dorset and Wiltshire, as one of the recipients of its charitable donations this year... Report by Kim Henson. As a result of its fund-raising efforts during 2015, the Western Group of Motoring Writers (of which I have been proud to be a member over the last 10 years) chose Julia’s House, a Poole-based organisation, as the … [Read more...]
Suzuki’s ‘Way of Life’ and what this innovative, successful company is doing today, plus First Impressions of some of the firm’s latest models…
Kim Henson finds out about Suzuki’s progress, and drives some of its current vehicles… (Note from Kim: You may also be interested in finding out what Wheels-Alive contributor David Miles has written about Suzuki in general and the new Swift 4x4 in particular. David is well known and respected for his insightful analysis of the motoring industry and the models produced by it; please click … [Read more...]
Fresh-faced, magnificent British Motor Museum opens its doors
"It's terrific", says Kim Henson... Located at Gaydon in Warwickshire, the re-named British Motor Museum has just re-opened following a £5.1 million refurbishment, which has taken five and a half years to come to fruition. The work – which was delivered on time and on budget – has included the construction of two new facilities. The Museum is now proud to showcase the world’s leading … [Read more...]
Wheels-Alive Takes a Look… At the RAC Regional HQ at Bradley Stoke
Kim Henson reports on the RAC's fascinating regional base near Bristol... I have frequently driven along the south-west sections of M4 and M5, passing and always admiring the fascinating, futuristic-looking RAC building at Bradley Stoke, just south of the M4/M5 junction near Bristol. I’ve also often wondered what goes on inside the centre. Recently I was invited to tour the … [Read more...]
Ford Sierra – a classic modern classic?
The car that created or broke the mould? Kim Henson takes a look at the Ford Sierra (especially RS Cosworth versions)... In October 1982 the much-loved, angular Cortina (Mark V by then) was finally ousted and in its place Ford introduced the boldly styled five door Sierra hatchback. Initial reaction to its unconventional, rounded bodywork was mixed. Many traditionalists were outraged at the … [Read more...]
The solid, dependable, amazing Land Rover Defender finally bows out…
End of the Production Road for the Land Rover Defender – a unique and much-loved British icon. Kim Henson reports… It hardly seems possible, but as of 10 o’clock this morning, and after 68 years of production of Land Rover ‘Series’ and ‘Defender’ models, no more will be built. Reasons for the discontinuation of the model include 21st Century emissions and safety regulations. However, perhaps … [Read more...]
Give Your Battery a Helping Hand – Kim’s Tips
Kim Henson advises on getting the best from your battery, at the same time helping it to 'survive and prosper'! Whether your car is a classic or a more recent model, its battery has to take a great deal of punishment in winter, with constant demands on its output, through a wealth of electrical systems that it has to supply (particularly on modern vehicles). Low temperatures sap at battery … [Read more...]
Getting Colder… Stand by for below freezing temperatures, possibly with ice and snow. Are you and your car ready? Here are Kim’s Top 10 Tips…
Winter motoring advice which may help you cope, from Kim Henson. So far this winter in the UK, the weather has been predominantly mild and exceedingly wet, to the extent that we have all been lulled into a false sense of security as far as cold conditions are concerned. However, all that is forecast to change over the coming few days, and it is very likely that below freezing temperatures will … [Read more...]
Driving on Flooded Roads – Kim’s Tips
Advice to help you stay safe and keep motoring, from Kim Henson. The recent very heavy and persistent rain has resulted in widespread flooding in many parts of the country. This can make driving very hazardous and certainly has the potential for wrecking your vehicle, if not risking life and limb. However, if you keep your head and don’t panic, you should be okay; just think carefully… The … [Read more...]
Book Review: No Speed Limit – Sixty Years of Road Testing Classic Cars
A ‘Must read’ title for all motoring enthusiasts, reviewed by Kim Henson Author: Stuart Bladon Published by: The History Press (www.thehistorypress.co.uk) 272 pages (paperback) UK Price: £14.99 ISBN: 978-0-7509-6491-3 I was very much looking forward to reading this book, not least because Stuart Bladon is one of the most accomplished, knowledgeable and … [Read more...]
Let There Be Light (and you can do it yourself!)
A bulb not illuminating? Don’t panic. Kim Henson advises on quick and easy ways to check the system yourself, restore operation and keep your car legal as well as safe… It’s a fact of life that although motor car bulbs usually last for a very long time (and some modern types have the potential to survive ‘indefinitely’ unless physically damaged), eventually they will fail. Inevitably this … [Read more...]
DeLorean DMC-12 – A (back to the) future classic…
Thirty years after the first 'Back to the Future' film arrived, Kim Henson looks back at the evocative car which starred in it (but in fact pre-dated it too)... Whether you are a fan of the model or not, the ‘dare to be different’ DeLorean DMC-12 made news from the moment it was conceived. Production started in February 1981 at a purpose-built factory at Dunmurry, Belfast, at the … [Read more...]
First ‘enhanced’ audio video eBook on Porsche 911
Glen Smale delivers an innovative eBook treat for Porsche 911 enthusiasts... Performance Car Publishing, an all-Welsh team in South West Wales, has published the first in a series of new enhanced eBooks. Believed to be a first in the field of automotive publishing, this eBook will cover the design and development of the iconic Porsche Carrera RS 2.7, originally unveiled in 1972. The … [Read more...]
Getting More Enjoyment and Information from ‘Wheels-Alive’
Kim Henson advises... If you have just discovered ‘Wheels-Alive’, you may be interested to know that there is a wealth of information within the site, in addition to the most recent features, which are listed on the ‘Home’ page. While of course this website does cover in-depth analysis and driving of new cars, that's only one aspect of it, since the site also incorporates so much more – … [Read more...]
Testing Times – Brief Impressions from the SMMT Test Day South 2015
BRIEF FIRST IMPRESSIONS – CARS DRIVEN AT THE SOCIETY OF MOTOR MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS’ 2015 TEST DAY SOUTH Kim Henson was there… The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) hosts an annual driving day specifically for motoring writers from the southern part of Britain. Without exception I find this a very useful occasion for driving a variety of vehicles from different … [Read more...]
Fiat 500X First Impressions
Kim Henson test-drives Fiat’s new ‘crossover’ model in deepest Wiltshire… Through automotive history Fiat has rightly been highly praised for its expertise and flair in producing highly effective ‘compact’ vehicles, and the huge popularity of the ‘new’ 500 (in fact introduced eight years ago now) is testament to this. To give some idea of the public’s love for this car, U.K. sales in 2008 were … [Read more...]
Suzuki Celerio First Impressions
Kim Henson takes to the wheel of Suzuki’s diminutive but internally spacious city car; he's impressed by the whole package, particularly the Celerio’s three cylinder Dualjet engine… but is he (at last) lost for words? SUZUKI’S SUCCESS STORY Before describing the Celerio, it is worth briefly mentioning the success story of its manufacturer. In recent times Suzuki has been doing … [Read more...]
Kias Galore – Model Round-up – First Impressions
Kim Henson drives a selection of Kias, and is enthusiastic about the cars, also the company’s dynamic approach as it looks ahead. Justifiably, Kia’s reputation has been growing, with increasing respect being gained among potential purchasers for the firm’s model line-up, the boldness of its adventurous designs, and the leading edge technology incorporated into its vehicles. Within just the … [Read more...]
Ford Model T – Classic Driving Impressions
‘T’ TIME! CLASSIC DRIVING IMPRESSIONS – FORD MODEL T Given the lucky opportunity to drive a 101 year old Ford Model T, Kim Henson grabbed the chance (and the wheel) with both hands… The Ford Model T. It’s one of the most memorable automobiles ever conceived, and in the history of motoring is certainly one of the most important. While this article is primarily about driving a Model T, before … [Read more...]
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