E.S.P.
Time..2.30 am
Location…Country road, England
Conditions…mild, dry, clear sky
A while ago I was driving my car at 60 miles an hour down a long straight two way road. It was 2.30 in the morning and there was no other traffic. The roads were dry. There was a low wall on my side of the road with bushes behind it and no pavement but a pavement on the other side of the road. No other cars, no pedestrians, straight road, music on, cruise control on, what harm could I do? What could possibly go wrong.
Then, from behind the wall, a cat jumped into the road directly in front of the car.
It landed only feet away, almost in the line of my site down the bonnet. So many things went through my mind at that moment; it was a fluffy cat, very long fine hair – probably a bit of pedigree in there somewhere, and how it ducked its head as it landed, how it crouched, coiled, its intense expression and how its eyes were locked on the car – ah yes, Persian, and in my mind I screamed “Don’t run, please don’t run”
My own cat had been knocked over and killed two weeks earlier and the tragic irony came to me in that moment as well. That day I had cursed people that drive fast and the fact that cats, or any animals for that matter and roads just don’t go together. I thought how unfair it was that I would now be taking some other family’s pet away from them; that they would have to feel, and go through, what I had. That single instant going on and on.
And while that was going through my mind I swung the wheel over, hard.
I don’t know if you have ever crashed a car before, (I have) but there is an awful moment when you think, “Mayday Mayday Mayday we’re going in”. It’s at the moment when you realise crashing is inevitable. It is not a nice feeling. Your brain, in truly enigmatic style, allows you another endless instant to consider all sorts of things; car repair bills, cats, insurance premiums, brick walls, blue lights, police radio chatter, and usually lots of bad words, and then there is usually a very loud and expensive bang.
And sometimes the lights go out.
“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, We’re going in”
I’ve had this car for a while now. I’ve never taken much notice of the so called safety features but it is my first car with traction control, and a.b.s. and whatever else it has. I never really appreciated what in reality these mean though. I understood what they are meant to do (sometimes) but only in a fairly vague sort of way. They all seem to come from brainy Germans, and I always considered them sort of gimmicks. Things you’d never really be able to tell if they did anything or not – especially as I didn’t plan to crash ever. They just don’t do anything obvious, rather like a parachute; mostly it just sits there, and that’s a good analogy actually because same as a parachute they do just sit there, until that one time when you really, really need them.
So, cat jumps in front of car, I swerve very hard before I’ve even thought about it, and now the car is going sideways, veering toward the other side of the road, I’m wrestling with the steering trying to correct the spin, and it flicks and spins the other way, back towards the wall. This happens so fast I don’t think my mind was keeping up, but as it flicked back to the left I thought; “this is it, I am definitely going in”.
At the same time I also became aware of all the sounds the car was making, like the sound of road drills coming from all around me in Dolby surround sound. As the car spun first one way then the other, the noise was switching from corner to corner around me, front left, back right, back left, and way too fast for me to figure it out, until suddenly as the wall and trees were looming, the car just straightened out as if a great hand had steadied it and I was driving straight and level again. All be it on the other side of the road. It was over in a second.
I stopped, badly shaken, trying to figure out what had happened. I could have wept with relief. It had been the ABS - anti lock braking, and possibly something to do with the traction control, but whatever it was it had saved me from something probably very bad. I have never been so impressed. I knew the car had been out of control, and I knew I was going to crash, and to feel it all be pulled back into order was extraordinary. I was in awe. I still am. I feel like I owe that car something.
I looked back down the road, and thankfully couldn’t see any little shapes lying there. I gingerly reversed back and parked, got out and sat on the wall and lit, with shaking hands a cigarette. I looked over and the cat appeared on the wall a few feet away, looking at me suspiciously. Perfectly happy by the looks of him, the little bastard. I went over and gave him a stroke, and told him how lucky he was. He was part Persian – I’d been right about that, and quite friendly, and none the worse apart from perhaps being minus one life.
So, when you are buying your next car, and the salesman says it has A.B.S. and E.S.P. or A.F.U. or any other bizarre acronym for something that may just sit there and hopefully never need to do anything, make sure you say yes and ask him to tell you just what they do. It is systems like these that truly demonstrate the benefit and development of modern technology in cars. They really make a difference, though hopefully you will never need to use them. Very much like a parachute.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
The new Audi A3 Cabriolet
Go Topless
What to think when thinking of a convertible?
Have you ever had a convertible? Have you often wanted one? Have you thought “One Day perhaps, I too will have a convertible and when the sun is shining it shall be me in my shiny new convertible that you envy”?
Well, I have never had a convertible, but I admit, I have often envied convertible drivers when the sun shines, or perhaps even more so on those balmy evenings when everything is perfect and life is good and could perhaps only be improved by being that tiny bit closer to the stars, or perhaps, winning the lottery.
I know, it’s a bit poetic but I went to a poetry evening last week which was terrific, and it seems to have influenced me a little, and really, to be honest, a lot of it really is about moments like that isn’t it?
So, the new A3 Cabriolet. I was very lucky to be able to test drive the new A3 on just such a day and yes I like to think that many people that saw me that day were indeed envious.
“those first impressions”
The A3 Cabriolet looks good. It has had the facelift that all new A3s will benefit from which, with the convertible roof gives it an extremely refined look either with the top up or down. It doesn’t suffer from the problem of some smaller convertibles where the lines are lost because of the convertible roof. Not that the A3 Cabriolet is particularly small. With a decent wheelbase it is roomy in the front and still comfortable for two adults in the back, so practical too, and because the Z roof folds flat it doesn’t affect the boot space.
Inside, the A3 is typically Audi, stylish with a quality feel and all the comforts you would expect, combined with a very comfortable driving position. Instruments and controls are simple and clear and easy to operate. The model tested was fitted with the Sports pack which included, amongst other things, the fully automatic (and very quick at 10 seconds) roof - operated by a single switch without the need to lock or release the roof at the windscreen, and – my favourite thing – a single button to raise or lower all the windows together. I don’t know if all convertibles have those, but they should. My own car only has four individual buttons for the windows, and I feel I’m going to wear my fingers out.
There are four engine options, 1.8 and 2.0 petrol and 1.9 and 2.0 diesel. I asked my girlfriend what she looked for in a car and one was clear instruments and controls, which it has, and the other thing was “pushing you in the back when you accelerate”.
The 2.0 petrol has the same award winning engine as the golf GTI giving a very impressive 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds and only 8.3 seconds for the 1.8 Petrol. The diesels are a little slower whilst still performing well with their low end power but give incredible fuel economy with combined figures of 50+ mpg.
On the road, with superb suspension, brakes, and steering, the Cabriolet maintains the renowned agility and handling characteristics of the hardtop. The gearbox options are 5 or 6 speed manual or the 6 speed S Tronic – Audi’s seamless automatic gearbox with optional manual change via paddles on the steering wheel.
Overall, the thing with the A3 Cabriolet is that as a convertible, it seems much more of a car. It is more than just getting around, removed from the outside world as you so often are with a hard top. The fun is that you are closer to nature, more in touch, you can commune. And given that it is an Audi, you know you have the quality, inherent safety, and style that Audi represents, Oh, and especially if you choose the 2.0 petrol, you can be fairly confident that if you want, it can push you in the back very impressively when you accelerate.
What to think when thinking of a convertible?
Have you ever had a convertible? Have you often wanted one? Have you thought “One Day perhaps, I too will have a convertible and when the sun is shining it shall be me in my shiny new convertible that you envy”?
Well, I have never had a convertible, but I admit, I have often envied convertible drivers when the sun shines, or perhaps even more so on those balmy evenings when everything is perfect and life is good and could perhaps only be improved by being that tiny bit closer to the stars, or perhaps, winning the lottery.
I know, it’s a bit poetic but I went to a poetry evening last week which was terrific, and it seems to have influenced me a little, and really, to be honest, a lot of it really is about moments like that isn’t it?
So, the new A3 Cabriolet. I was very lucky to be able to test drive the new A3 on just such a day and yes I like to think that many people that saw me that day were indeed envious.
“those first impressions”
The A3 Cabriolet looks good. It has had the facelift that all new A3s will benefit from which, with the convertible roof gives it an extremely refined look either with the top up or down. It doesn’t suffer from the problem of some smaller convertibles where the lines are lost because of the convertible roof. Not that the A3 Cabriolet is particularly small. With a decent wheelbase it is roomy in the front and still comfortable for two adults in the back, so practical too, and because the Z roof folds flat it doesn’t affect the boot space.
Inside, the A3 is typically Audi, stylish with a quality feel and all the comforts you would expect, combined with a very comfortable driving position. Instruments and controls are simple and clear and easy to operate. The model tested was fitted with the Sports pack which included, amongst other things, the fully automatic (and very quick at 10 seconds) roof - operated by a single switch without the need to lock or release the roof at the windscreen, and – my favourite thing – a single button to raise or lower all the windows together. I don’t know if all convertibles have those, but they should. My own car only has four individual buttons for the windows, and I feel I’m going to wear my fingers out.
There are four engine options, 1.8 and 2.0 petrol and 1.9 and 2.0 diesel. I asked my girlfriend what she looked for in a car and one was clear instruments and controls, which it has, and the other thing was “pushing you in the back when you accelerate”.
The 2.0 petrol has the same award winning engine as the golf GTI giving a very impressive 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds and only 8.3 seconds for the 1.8 Petrol. The diesels are a little slower whilst still performing well with their low end power but give incredible fuel economy with combined figures of 50+ mpg.
On the road, with superb suspension, brakes, and steering, the Cabriolet maintains the renowned agility and handling characteristics of the hardtop. The gearbox options are 5 or 6 speed manual or the 6 speed S Tronic – Audi’s seamless automatic gearbox with optional manual change via paddles on the steering wheel.
Overall, the thing with the A3 Cabriolet is that as a convertible, it seems much more of a car. It is more than just getting around, removed from the outside world as you so often are with a hard top. The fun is that you are closer to nature, more in touch, you can commune. And given that it is an Audi, you know you have the quality, inherent safety, and style that Audi represents, Oh, and especially if you choose the 2.0 petrol, you can be fairly confident that if you want, it can push you in the back very impressively when you accelerate.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Fiat 500
This is easy – you can’t have missed the ad campaign for the new Fiat 500, there’s been stuff everywhere, plus an amazing interactive community website and a massive launch event at the London Eye. I’m wondering at the time of writing how they got it in there?!
Fiat have really done a great job this time.
It used to be that Fiats were, well Fiats. They had their place and I’ve always liked them as they always had character but build quality and styling did sometimes let them down. The quality has improved over the years but the last couple of years in particular have seen a dramatic change, and this is the clever bit, Fiat have decided to get the style back, and they’ve done it really well. They started with the new Punto which is probably the best looking car in its class today (reviewed in gallery last year), and now they have done a perfect job with the 500.
Thinking about it, they were sitting on a great opportunity waiting to happen. Small cars have been boring for a long time, only the new mini making any serious attempt in the style department and you could say that is based more on retro style generally than much of it’s own heritage. The new 500 really maintains the character of the original.
The 500 has character all over it, the shape, the lights, the colours, the interior. Every bit of it shows thoughtful consideration, from the exhaust pipe to the quality feel of the chrome door levers, and the result is amazing.
There are several engine options for the 500; 1.2 litre to 1.4, and 3 main levels of trim “Pop”, “Lounge” and “Sport”.
Pop is the entry level though still very well kitted out with power steering, remote central locking, electric windows and door mirrors, ABS, seven airbags, height adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel and CD Radio with MP3 connectivity.
Lounge is the comfy version, with a soft, more opulent interior, leather steering wheel with built in audio controls, air conditioning, something called “Blue and Me” - Microsoft Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition (which is great!) steering wheel audio controls and digital audio connectivity, 15 inch alloy wheels, and fancier trim.
And Sport, which includes air conditioning, leather steering wheel, sport trim, front foglights, tinted glass.
These are just the basic differences, there are thousands of optional extras too – best to look at the website: www.fiat500.com/eng where you can actually configure your car, from the wheels upwards.
The model tested was the 1.4 petrol Sport so it had all the nice details including sun roof, Sport instrument cluster, leather trim, voice activated stuff etc.
From the outside the 500 brought a smile to my face, and first impression getting in was of how impressive the interior is, and that goes for all models, from the Pop upwards. The dash is amazing, and the finish and materials are solid with a nice quality feel. The driving position is excellent with the gear lever positioned well and the height adjustable seat and steering wheel adding the final touches.
The instrument display is great, and all other controls are clear and well placed. One really important thing to me in a car is a good sound system, (and I mean it’s a deal breaker) and this wasn’t a disappointment, the sound is really good, and it is controllable from the steering wheel and includes voice commands – that’s really cool. Its funny how talking to your car, and it understanding makes you feel like you’re really in the 21st Century!
On the road the first thing you notice driving the 500 is the precise and certain feel to it. It isn’t the quietest car in the world on acceleration, but the feel is very solid and assuring. The steering is easy with the very effective and well balanced power assistance, and the gearbox clutch and breaks are all superb.
The best way of describing the performance is “well mannered”. It feels particularly ideal for Jersey because it is nice and sedate until you want to put your foot down. And that’s important when a speed gun toting policeman could jump out of a bush in front of you at any moment. (And they do, trust me).
As for space? Well, it’s a small car that manages to give a hugely comfortable driving position, plenty of front passenger room, and still have more room than you’d expect in the back.
I may sound like I’m going on but this is a really exciting little car, well produced, with character shining through.
Expect to see quite a few of these around this year but don’t worry, with the fact there are actually 500,000 different possible variations, I think finding two the same will be quite a challenge.
Fiat 500
Car of the Year 2008
Euro Ncap 5 Star safety rating
Euro 4 and Euro 5 emmission standards
Fiat have really done a great job this time.
It used to be that Fiats were, well Fiats. They had their place and I’ve always liked them as they always had character but build quality and styling did sometimes let them down. The quality has improved over the years but the last couple of years in particular have seen a dramatic change, and this is the clever bit, Fiat have decided to get the style back, and they’ve done it really well. They started with the new Punto which is probably the best looking car in its class today (reviewed in gallery last year), and now they have done a perfect job with the 500.
Thinking about it, they were sitting on a great opportunity waiting to happen. Small cars have been boring for a long time, only the new mini making any serious attempt in the style department and you could say that is based more on retro style generally than much of it’s own heritage. The new 500 really maintains the character of the original.
The 500 has character all over it, the shape, the lights, the colours, the interior. Every bit of it shows thoughtful consideration, from the exhaust pipe to the quality feel of the chrome door levers, and the result is amazing.
There are several engine options for the 500; 1.2 litre to 1.4, and 3 main levels of trim “Pop”, “Lounge” and “Sport”.
Pop is the entry level though still very well kitted out with power steering, remote central locking, electric windows and door mirrors, ABS, seven airbags, height adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel and CD Radio with MP3 connectivity.
Lounge is the comfy version, with a soft, more opulent interior, leather steering wheel with built in audio controls, air conditioning, something called “Blue and Me” - Microsoft Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition (which is great!) steering wheel audio controls and digital audio connectivity, 15 inch alloy wheels, and fancier trim.
And Sport, which includes air conditioning, leather steering wheel, sport trim, front foglights, tinted glass.
These are just the basic differences, there are thousands of optional extras too – best to look at the website: www.fiat500.com/eng where you can actually configure your car, from the wheels upwards.
The model tested was the 1.4 petrol Sport so it had all the nice details including sun roof, Sport instrument cluster, leather trim, voice activated stuff etc.
From the outside the 500 brought a smile to my face, and first impression getting in was of how impressive the interior is, and that goes for all models, from the Pop upwards. The dash is amazing, and the finish and materials are solid with a nice quality feel. The driving position is excellent with the gear lever positioned well and the height adjustable seat and steering wheel adding the final touches.
The instrument display is great, and all other controls are clear and well placed. One really important thing to me in a car is a good sound system, (and I mean it’s a deal breaker) and this wasn’t a disappointment, the sound is really good, and it is controllable from the steering wheel and includes voice commands – that’s really cool. Its funny how talking to your car, and it understanding makes you feel like you’re really in the 21st Century!
On the road the first thing you notice driving the 500 is the precise and certain feel to it. It isn’t the quietest car in the world on acceleration, but the feel is very solid and assuring. The steering is easy with the very effective and well balanced power assistance, and the gearbox clutch and breaks are all superb.
The best way of describing the performance is “well mannered”. It feels particularly ideal for Jersey because it is nice and sedate until you want to put your foot down. And that’s important when a speed gun toting policeman could jump out of a bush in front of you at any moment. (And they do, trust me).
As for space? Well, it’s a small car that manages to give a hugely comfortable driving position, plenty of front passenger room, and still have more room than you’d expect in the back.
I may sound like I’m going on but this is a really exciting little car, well produced, with character shining through.
Expect to see quite a few of these around this year but don’t worry, with the fact there are actually 500,000 different possible variations, I think finding two the same will be quite a challenge.
Fiat 500
Car of the Year 2008
Euro Ncap 5 Star safety rating
Euro 4 and Euro 5 emmission standards
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