Tim Saunders is the former Business and Motoring Editor of the Bournemouth Echo in the UK. testdrives.biz
Speed comes at a cost.
That’s my first thought when I drive the Seat Leon Cupra. It’s a fast five-door hatchback and the price paid is modest economy of around 38mpg.
In these days of high insurance premiums and costly fuel is this a price worth paying for what is arguably a very stylish, well-made car?
The Regency and Victorian splendour of Cheltenham is only a couple of hours away from where we live, making it an extremely attractive place to visit.
Composer Gustav Holst was born in the spa town in 1874 and his father, Adolph von Holst was organist at All Saints' Church, Pittville.
Like your favourite coat, a Mitsubishi always has a particular smell and feel, I find. And that’s very reassuring because you know what you’re getting. Always good build quality and a robust practical vehicle that’s satisfying to drive.
I don’t usually pay much attention to the weather but during my test of the Skoda Karoq I cannot help but notice it. I decide to take it on a trek to Hertfordshire and before long spitting rain turns into a torrential and persistent downpour that sees many motorists stranded.
Verulamium was a Roman town in the city of St Albans in Hertfordshire.
We discover this during a two-night stay at The Straw House in # Street in the historic cathedral quarter.
Spending time with family is the way I enjoy marking a significant birthday. And for this milestone occasion we make our way to Exbury Gardens deep in the New Forest.
It has been persistently raining for the past week and it really is risky deciding to spend an entire day out with such questionable weather. The sky continues to be grey and threatening but we are blessed with absolutely no rain whatsoever during our trip.
“It’s too big, I can’t drive it,” says my wife when she tries to drive the Subaru Outback. True, it is a large vehicle. But if given the chance it exceeds expectations. Because here we have an estate that boasts a massive boot, large enough (once the retractable cover is removed) for all the stuff that the Saunders family regularly travels with: two pushchairs, travel cot, luggage and lots of food. And there’s still room to change my young son’s nappy. But the great thing is that when behind the wheel the driver forgets that it’s an estate car.
Birds have four types of feathers. I never realised this until I visited Marwell Zoo in Hampshire. Wing feathers help the bird fly, tail feathers help to balance and steer, body feathers give protection as well as streamlining while down feathers keep the bird warm.
When I take delivery of the Peugeot 3008 SUV (sports utility vehicle) I have a schedule planned. It is going to Chichester, only 30 minutes from home, down the M27 and after that a more gruelling trip to Cornwall, some 240 miles away. This should give me a good idea of what this vehicle is about. Throw into the mix a trio of trouble: Harriett (6), Heidi (4) and Henry (1).
On a trip to Sidmouth it becomes apparent that there is a huge amount of bed and breakfast accommodation available.
We experience two quite different offerings at Travelodge, Sampford Peverell Service Area, Sampford Peverell, M5 (Junction 27), near Tiverton and at The Barn and Pinn Cottage, near Sidmouth.
I do like this Volvo and feel quite at home behind the wheel.
