What defines an MG? The marque has had a long sporting tradition since building its first car some 90 years ago, though the badge has been stuck on Maestros, Metros and Montegos, among other less distinguished models, all quite some distance away from the original concept of a two-seater sports car. I recently had the chance to test the MG3 - the latest offering, a slick, spacious good-looking … [Read more...]
Contributors
Kias of Today sampled, July 2014
Kim Henson drives a selection of models from the current Kia line-up… I have been impressed by Kias since first having a five door Pride for a week-long road test… That was back in 1992, and at the time I rated the car as a cost-effective, competent hatchback, and which was a state-of-the-art machine in its time. In fact my findings were confirmed by a friend who bought a Pride in the early … [Read more...]
No reversing lamps?
Yes, we know that electronic control over many aspects of modern vehicles is definitely here to stay, but in my garage we can’t help wondering if manufacturers over-complicate things in this area, ‘just because they can’… It’s all very well incorporating high levels of technology into new vehicles, and indeed, for some customers this may be a selling point. However, when those same cars are … [Read more...]
Wot, no oil?
These days car engines are generally VERY expensive to rebuild or repair, and to me it always seems a shame – and a costly mistake – that so many drivers seem to care so little about what’s going on under the bonnet that they ignore early warning signs of trouble… Sure, it gives me work, but I always (still) get upset when a mechanical unit that, given a little basic care and attention, has the … [Read more...]
Bonnet releases – standardisation needed
I wonder how many hours people waste in a lifetime, searching for the bonnet release handles/catches on cars that are unfamiliar to them? Even though I am in the trade, with long experience, I still come across vehicles in which the designers have cleverly concealed the interior bonnet pull handles in the most ridiculously obscure positions. A similar difficulty applies also to the bonnet’s … [Read more...]
Mini – Collectors’ Gold
Early BMC Minis, including unrestored examples, commercial versions, Coopers and special editions are all of particular interest to enthusiasts in the 21st Century says Dave Moss. Despite a high profile career spanning over 40 years, it’s perhaps rather surprising that almost all of today's most valuable and collectable Minis were sold in the 1960s. Though the next three decades produced … [Read more...]
Stay Alert and Safe; Don’t Get Dehydrated
The benefits of taking regular breaks when driving are well-known; driving when tired is a recipe for disaster. However, you may not be aware that staying hydrated is also essential. According to Shell, a drop of just two per cent in your body’s water level can affect your concentration levels. It is worth bearing this in mind when travelling, especially if driving long distances, and when … [Read more...]
Audi A3 Cabriolet and New S3 Saloon
Kim Henson drives two significant new Audis… NEW A3 CABRIOLET By contrast with many manufacturers offering ‘tin top’ (steel roof) dropheads, Audi is deliberately – primarily for weight reduction purposes – sticking with a folding, fully automatic opening/closing fabric roof for the company’s new A3 Cabriolet. (The roof – comprising three separate layers plus a headlining – fully opens or closes … [Read more...]
‘For Britain And For The Hell Of It’
New Land Speed Record Breakers display opens at The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu – Kim Henson reports… Ever since the dawn of motoring, the quest to achieve the fastest speed on earth has driven people and machines to the very limits of what is possible. The costs and the risks have always been very high, but through generations the rewards for those involved – in personal satisfaction … [Read more...]
Mitsubishi ASX
Kim Henson samples the latest SUV from Mitsubishi… The latest, revised incarnation of Mitsubishi’s ASX is aimed squarely at the very popular ‘crossover’ market, which includes models such as the Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, Skoda Yeti, Suzuki SX4 S-Cross and Subaru XV. Mitsubishi expects to sell around 4,500 examples in the U.K. in 2014. The original ASX was developed … [Read more...]
The Efficient Driver’s Handbook
By: Dave Moss (a highly respected motoring writer, and a valued contributor to Wheels-Alive) Published by: RAC/Veloce, paperback Price: £9.99 ISBN: 978 1 845843 51 9 Available online: Veloce, Amazon and other online bookstores, or can be ordered via bookshops everywhere; also available as an e-book. www.veloce.co.uk/shop These days, car users are under pressure from all sides. Fuel costs … [Read more...]
Number Plates
By: Dave Moss (a highly respected motoring writer, and a valued contributor to Wheels-Alive) Published by: Shire Books, paperback Price: £4.99 ISBN: 978 0 747805 66 3 Available via: Shire books, Amazon and other online bookstores, or can be ordered via bookshops everywhere. www.shirebooks.co.uk Registration marks are one of the very few unbroken links between the earliest times of the … [Read more...]
Mazda3 SKYACTIV-G 2.0 litre 120 PS Sport Nav manual
Tom Scanlan gets behind the wheel... Mazda’s ‘SKYACTIV’ technology is once again to the fore in its all-new Mazda3 range. SKYACTIV, says Mazda, involves carefully-designed engine mechanicals with ‘world-beating’ compression ratios, sophisticated chassis technology and the use of light weight but super-strong construction. Two body styles are available: Hatchback and Fastback, and engine … [Read more...]
Haynes International Motor Museum – Bigger And Even Better!
Improved Haynes International Motor Museum opens Kim Henson was there… For me, it was certainly a case of déjà vu… On a beautiful summer’s day in July 1985, I was as Sparkford, in Somerset, on the site of an old sawmill, witnessing the opening of a brand new motor museum. At that time, the new Museum accommodated just 33 vehicles, donated by Founder and Chairman John H. Haynes OBE (who, of … [Read more...]
Classic Skodas
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...]
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...]
Fiat 500L Trekking
Tom Scanlan reports... Fiat’s 500L Trekking is one of three bigger types of 500, alongside the 500L and the longer 500L MPW (Multi Purpose Wagon). The idea behind the Trekking is to hint at its potential to be a car that is ideal for the countryside, without compromising its performance in the city. It could perhaps be described as purposeful, rather than pretty like the 500. It has, … [Read more...]
Audi A3 1.8 TFSI Saloon
by Tom Scanlan Audi’s A3 saloon was launched last Autumn in the UK, filling a gap in the company’s range. Thus, it’s their first compact saloon, rivalling BMW’s 120, Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz CLA, for example. This car is lower, longer and wider than its A3 Sportback counterpart. Of the four engine varieties available, the 1.8-litre TFSI petrol engine offers the most power; its 180PS … [Read more...]
Sunbeam Start-up – National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
Sir Malcolm Campbell’s land speed record breaking 350hp Sunbeam has been fired up in anger in the New Forest for the first time in over 50 years following a major eight-year mechanical rebuild. BY CHRIS ADAMSON The first car to exceed 150mph it was also the first vehicle to carry the famous Bluebird name and over its life set numerous speed records. Prior to this week’s start-up at the … [Read more...]
Kia pro_cee’d GT
Kia is best known for its low prices and industry-leading seven-year warranty – now it is hoping to inject a little excitement into the brand image with its first serious hot hatchback, the pro_cee’d GT. A quick glance at the three-door GT and it is clear Kia has serious intentions, if only from the way that the car looks – and it has taken five years of design work to get it looking like … [Read more...]
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