CLASSIC SKODAS Kim Henson takes a look at some Skodas from decades past… ILLUSTRIOUS HERITAGE Before talking about some specific models, first a little history… Today’s individualistic Skodas successfully incorporate engineering elements common to cars across the Volkswagen Group, blended with innovative styling and the use of many components/systems unique to Skoda models. Most buyers … [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.
Skoda Rapid Spaceback (also Octavia Elegance, brief drive)
Kim Henson welcomes Skoda’s attractive newcomer… In recent years the Skoda company has been enjoying considerable success in the U.K. Its distinctive models have plenty of appeal for British buyers seeking competent dynamic performance, practicality and true value for their money. As a result, Skoda sales are increasing at a rate much faster than those of the U.K. market when viewed as a … [Read more...]
A Welsh Tour in a Suzuki Swift 1.3 DDiS
Kim Henson describes an enjoyable break in north/mid Wales. WALES, HERE WE COME You may already have seen and read the Wheels-Alive Road Test elsewhere on our website, covering the Suzuki Swift 1.3 DDiS, which we rated as an excellent, fun to drive and creditably economical state-of-the-art supermini (for more information on the vehicle itself, please have a look at our Road Test, by clicking … [Read more...]
Suzuki Swift 1.3 DDiS
GENUINELY INEXPENSIVE TO RUN? These days, cars offering true economy of operation are much in demand, so how does Suzuki’s diesel-powered Swift ‘supermini’ shape up? Kim Henson evaluates the model over 1,100 miles. The first Suzuki that I had the pleasure of driving was a three cylinder Alto, way back in the summer of 1981. This compact five door hatchback impressed with its clever design, … [Read more...]
Beaulieu International Autojumble 2013
A great atmosphere, amidst classic parts and cars galore, by Kim Henson Held on 7th and 8th September, this year’s Beaulieu International Autojumble, sponsored by ‘Practical Classics’ magazine, attracted a sell-out in terms of fascinating stalls, and some 37,553 visitors flocked to see the classic components and vehicles on offer. The weather was ‘sunshine and showers’, but the rain, when … [Read more...]
Mazda5
Kim Henson reports... Surveying the variety of people carriers, or ‘multi-purpose vehicles’ (MPVs) offered by today’s mainstream motor manufacturers, you could be forgiven for thinking that in some cases styling has not been a major consideration in their development. While these vehicles may be effective for the job that they have to do, they are hardly eye-catching, and often lack the ‘wow’ … [Read more...]
Flexible Hoses – Check them
Flexible hoses are essential to the operation of hydraulic clutch and brake systems on cars both old and new. However, as they age, problems can arise. Even if you are not technically minded, it’s a good idea – and very easy – to visually inspect the hoses at least once a year, for signs of splitting, crazing, bulging and other obvious external damage. Bending the hose through a tight angle, by … [Read more...]
Ford Fiesta ST
Kim Henson takes to the wheel of a ‘future classic’ Ford. Yes, I know that it isn’t usual to write the ‘conclusions’ at the start of an article, but on this occasion I’m going to stick my neck out and say, unequivocally, that the new Ford Fiesta ST is set to become an iconic ‘classic’ Ford, even in its own time, and with the car just having been launched! So what’s so compelling about this … [Read more...]
Electric vehicle land speed record
At a time when attention to Land Speed Records is rightly being concentrated on the Bloodhound SSC project, attempting to lift the World Record to over 1,000 mph, it is interesting that, for the first time in nearly 40 years, a fresh and successful attempt has been made at the ‘World Electric Land Speed Record’ for lightweight electrically-powered vehicles. Under rules laid down by the FIA … [Read more...]
Skoda Octavia vRS
Skoda has announced the world debut, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on 19th July 2013, of the new, third generation Octavia vRS. The new model is offered in saloon and estate form, and with a choice of two new engines, a 220 PS, 2.0 litre petrol motor, or a 184 PS, 2.0 litre diesel unit. These provide enhanced performance but at the same time give savings in exhaust emissions and fuel … [Read more...]
Long distance Volgas drive to Silverstone
Making a round trip of over 6,000 kilometres (4,000 or so miles) from Moscow to the Silverstone Classic event (which runs from 26th to 28th July) are two intrepid members of the Russian GAZ-21 Car Club, in a pair of classic Volgas. Vladimir Smagin and Dmitry Kilpio will be travelling via Minsk, Warsaw, Poznan, Hannover, Antwerpe, Brugge and London, on their way to Silverstone. Over 8,200 classics … [Read more...]
45 years of the Citroën Méhari
Throughout the company’s history, Citroën has been known for producing innovative and fascinating vehicles. Well, here’s one that not everyone may be aware of… The firm is currently celebrating 45 years since the introduction (on 16th May 1968) of its now rarely encountered Méhari. This diminutive but versatile and useful vehicle was built for utility and pleasure, and was unpretentious when … [Read more...]
Beaulieu Spring Autojumble ‘Fun In The Sun’
The 20th annual Beaulieu Spring Autojumble, sponsored by ‘Practical Classics’ magazine and held over the weekend of 18th and 19th May, attracted myriads of fascinating stalls (a record number of 1,069) and thousands of enthusiastic people (a best-ever figure of 16,507, including stallholders). The weather was good for this year’s event, helping visitors to navigate easily their way through the … [Read more...]
30 years of the Nissan Micra
Can you believe it? Surely it can’t already be 30 years since the Nissan Micra was launched in the U.K? Well, it is. Throughout four generations, the model has been known and liked for its dependability and low running costs. To help celebrate three decades of the model, Nissan has introduced a range of special ‘30’ themed offers for owners… So, for all Micra drivers with more than three … [Read more...]
Satisfied Skoda Owners
For the second year running, Skoda’s Czech-built five door ‘cross-over’ Yeti has been named as the ‘Most Satisfying Car to Own’, in the Auto Express Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. Owners’ feedback provided an overall satisfaction rating of 92.65 per cent. The Yeti wasn’t alone in terms of Skoda accolades, for a total of three of the company’s models were placed in the top six for … [Read more...]
Bristol Classic Car Show
What a Show at Shepton Mallet! Enthusiasts attending the Footman James 34th Bristol Classic Car Show, held these days at the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, were treated to a wonderful display of approximately 200 classic cars and 65 owners’ clubs, plus a wide array of autojumble stands for those seeking components for their project vehicles. In addition, for those seeking ‘new’ … [Read more...]
Goodwood 2013 preview
If you have ever visited Goodwood for any of its highly popular classic motor sport related events, you’ll want to go again, and if you have never yet taken the plunge, it’s wise to book early! Kim Henson reports from this year’s press preview event… The Goodwood motor racing circuit was made famous in the 1950s/60s by the exciting races which took place there, with the top drivers of that … [Read more...]
Electric Volkswagen e-up!
Volkswagen has announced its first fully electric production vehicle, the four seater ‘e-up!’. The e-up! Will be powered by an 82PS motor, which will enable the car to reach 62 mph from rest within 14 seconds, and it is said that it will have a range between charges of 150 km (about 100 miles). Its battery can be recharged to up to 80 per cent of its storage capacity with half an hour. The … [Read more...]
Honda Jazz – Don’t you just love it?
In a recent survey (of 40,000 drivers with 47,000 cars), carried out by consumer organisation ‘Which?’, the first generation Honda Jazz has been rated as Britain’s most satisfying supermini to own. The externally diminutive but internally spacious and versatile Jazz notched up a score of 91 per cent overall, being rated as a ‘reliable, practical and cheap to run’ car, and saying that it was a … [Read more...]
Hyundai Fuel Cell Vehicle Production Line
Hyundai has become the world’s first car manufacturer to begin assembly line production of zero-emissions, hydrogen powered cars (for fleet use). The historic ix35 models emerging from the line each incorporate a fuel cell powered by hydrogen. The hydrogen is converted by a fuel stack into electricity, which powers an electric motor to propel the vehicle. Emissions? Just water! This … [Read more...]