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August 2010

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Look, there goes the white rabbit. He is smartly dressed and clearly late as he is constantly staring at his watch. Seeing this furry creature means one of two things. Either the hours spent writing motoring articles have affected my mind, or this Southern Safari - and our Lyndhurst destination - have connections to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Either way, let’s ‘hop’ into the car and enjoy a fantasy themed road trip.

The best choice for exploring Lyndhurst is the Nissan Qashqai. This ‘crossover’ vehicle is a ruggedly styled concoction of traditional hatchback and four-wheel drive. It is available in two body styles, the standard five-seater and the Qashqai+2 which has a third row of seats. There are various engines to choose from, but one of the best is the 2.0-litre 147bhp diesel. This hits 60mph in a respectable 9.8 seconds and averages 47mpg.

Now we have a shiny new Qashqai to play with let’s head for our destination. Leave Verwood on the B3081 to Ringwood, then swing onto the A31 towards the M27. Continue by cruising south on the A337, then drive 3.5 miles to Lyndhurst. Alternatively, take your chances and jump into Alice’s rabbit hole.

Lyndhurst is the largest town in the New Forest and a popular tourist attraction with numerous shops, pubs, cafés, and hotels. One prominent landmark is St Michael and All Angels Church which is constructed from various colour bricks and decorated with murals and stained glass. Within its grounds lie the remains of Alice Hargreaves, who was the inspiration for the lead character in Lewis Carroll’s famous stories. She survived until the age of 82, having presumably enjoyed countless Mad Hatter tea parties.

Right, that sums-up Lyndhurst but what about the vehicle? The Nissan Qashqai is a very capable machine but, despite being available with four-wheel drive, it is most at home on the tarmac. Here the handling is very composed with excellent body control, precise steering, slick transmissions, and confidence inspiring brakes. New prices start at only £15,695 which is low enough to make potential owners grin like the Cheshire Cat.

By Stephen Turvil © 2010

To read more from Stephen visit his blog at www.journalist-copywriter.com/index.html

July 2010

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This is because Gold Hill near the high street was the cobbled location of the famous ‘boy on bike’ Hovis advert of the seventies. Perhaps my over-active sense of smell is detecting remnants of freshly prepared sandwiches. So, let’s jump in the car and see what Shaftesbury has to offer.

A great vehicle for bread lovers jaunting through Dorset is the Jaguar XK. This aluminium bodied beauty is available with a choice of two 5.0-litre V8 engines. The standard version produces a creditable 385bhp whereas the top-of-the-range XKR develops a mighty 510bhp. This latter supercharged model roars to 60mph in 4.6 seconds and reaches a licence losing 155mph.

Now we have a tasty vehicle, let’s head to our fascinating destination. Simply leave Verwood on the B3081 to Wimborne St. Giles, then briefly swing onto the B3078 before rejoining the B3081. Follow the smell of bread for sixteen miles, then park and enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Shaftesbury’s views are particularly spectacular as it stands on a hill, 219 metres above sea level. On a clear day, it is possible to see Glastonbury Tor which is thirty-five miles away by road. Some of the town’s older buildings are constructed from limestone that was salvaged from Shaftesbury Abbey after its demolition in 1539. How, despite the ancient architecture the town is most famous for starring in Ridley Scott’s Hovis advert. Scott later went on, after enjoying his wheat based lunch, to direct blockbusters such as Alien and Blade Runner. So, that sums up Shaftesbury but what about the car?

The current XK is proof that Jaguar can make a thoroughly modern vehicle, and it is one of the most desirable machines on the market. The handling is supremely confident and the perfect blend of grand tourer meets sports car. This complements the stunning styling, cosseting ride, and the sumptuous leather interior. New prices are as high as £81,000 which is equivalent to 52,000 loaves of bread.

By Stephen Turvil © 2010

To read more from Stephen visit his blog <HERE>

June 2010

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Bournemouth Airport is best known for transporting excited holiday makers to sunnier climes, but it also has a fascinating history that began in World War 2. So, let’s enjoy a southern safari that combines motoring, air travel, and a generous dose of local history.

The best hot-hatch for holiday makers on-route to the airport is the Volkswagen Golf R. Power comes courtesy of a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces 270PS. This means 62mph approaches in only 5.5 seconds and it relentlessly accelerates to 155mph. This free-revving unit can be teamed with either six-speed manual or DSG automatic transmission. This latter option allows the driver to change gear via steering wheel mounted paddles, or leave the Golf in full automatic for smooth easy driving.

Now we have a suitable vehicle, let’s catch that last minute flight. Simply leave Verwood on the B3081 to Ringwood, then join the A31 before swinging onto the A338. Continue by taking the B3073 to our historic destination.

Bournemouth Airport started life as RAF Hurn. It was used for paratroop training and a glider base in World War 2, and housed 570 Squadron who supplied agents and supplies to the French Resistance. In the sixties the airport was bought by Dorset County Council and the Bournemouth Corporation and redeveloped for commercial travel. The facility proved increasingly popular and in 2009 handled over 800,000 passengers. Three years earlier, millionaire adventurer, Steve Fossett caused a scare by bursting his aeroplane’s tyres during an emergency landing. The legendary dare devil had just completed the longest non-stop flight in history. So, that sums up the airport but what about the vehicle?

The Volkswagen Golf R is one of the most complete hot-hatches on the market as it is an exceptional blend of sporty thrills and everyday practicality. The handling is confident and predictable, the steering precise, and it has enough interior space to take the kids and their mountain of toys on holiday. New prices start at £30,000 which is a lot for the class, but this capable hot-hatch still costs considerably less than a new plane.

May 2010

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Poole Quay is the perfect place for stressed-out car designers to relax. These automotive professionals can regularly be seen tearing their hair out, sobbing uncontrollably, and aimlessly pondering the meaning of existence. This is because consumers expect far too much. Many motorists demand that vehicles are fantastically fast but also cost less to run than a small sewing machine. Impossible! Or is it?

Let’s consider the BMW 1 Series 123d M Sport. This Ford Focus sized vehicle has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. This produces 204bhp which propels the baby BMW to 62mph in 6.9 seconds. This eye-watering performance is remarkable when you consider it returns a combined average of 54.3mpg, and up to 62.4mpg on the extra-urban cycle. This penny-pinching fuel consumption means carbon emissions are low, so this particular BMW is kinder to the environment than a Greenpeace manifesto.

This economical masterpiece deserves a proper run so let’s join the vehicle designers at Poole Quay. The route is very simple. Leave Verwood on the B3072 to Three Legged Cross, and drive seven miles before taking the A348 to Wallisdown. Continue on the A3049 and A350 then swing onto the quay.

Poole Quay’s architecture is a concoction of historic buildings, redeveloped warehouses, and modern apartments. Notable structures include the listed former customs house which is now a restaurant, and the fifteenth century warehouse which is home to the local history centre. The Quay is also the former location of Poole’s maritime industry, but this moved to Hamworthy when the Quay became popular with tourists. So, that sums-up the Quay but what about the vehicle?

This BMW is proof that consumers can have it all – so perhaps now those long suffering car designers can rest more easily. The 123d M Sport is robustly constructed, great to drive, and the frugal engine provides more power than most drivers need. This Germanic run-around is clearly an excellent vehicle and it could grace your driveway for a relativity modest £25,995.

April 2010

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Welcome to a criminally focused Southern Safari. The objective this month is to locate a buzzing reprobate that became notorious in the sixties. This infamous insect roams the countryside biting its unsuspecting victims. It is of course - the Blandford Fly. So, let’s choose a suitable vehicle to sneak up on this troublesome tearaway.

The Ford Ka is a discrete choice for undercover operations. This stylish run-around is available with a choice of two engines both of which are smooth and refined. The 1.2-litre petrol unit produces 68bhp and the 1.3-litre diesel generates 73bhp. These modest outputs mean acceleration is, let’s be kind, ‘leisurely’ - but the compensation is very low running costs. The petrol engine achieves a combined average of 54mpg and the diesel returns a penny pinching 67mpg.

Now the transportation is sorted let’s set off to Blandford. Leave Verwood on the B3081 towards Sixpenny Handley, then join the A354 west-bound and continue ten miles to Blandford Forum.

Blandford’s history dates to at least Anglo-Saxon times when it was recorded as ‘Blaneford’ in the Doomsday book. However, most of its significant architecture is Georgian. This is due to the major eighteenth century reconstruction project that was necessary after fire devastated the town centre. During the twentieth century this market town became associated with the bloodsucking Blandford Fly. This insects’ effect was so severe that approximately six-hundred people were treated for bites in 1972. During the 1980s biological insecticide was sprayed into weed-beds destroying 80 – 90% of the fly larvae. We can therefore relax and summarise the Ford Ka.

This pint-sized vehicle was developed alongside the Fiat 500 so the handling characteristics are similar to its fashionable Italian cousin. However, Ford sprinkled magic dust over the Ka so it has a smoother ride, superior body control, and sharper steering. It is also surprisingly comfortable and has reasonable interior space considering its fly-sized proportions. The Ka is therefore proof that affordable vehicles can be capable, practical, and hugely enjoyable. Now, call me paranoid - but can you hear that buzzing?

March 2010

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Welcome to a mysterious Southern Safari. The objective this month is to resolve a nine-hundred year old mystery. This fascinating enigma involves an historical town, an ancient building, and a large piece of wood. So, let’s find a suitable vehicle and test our detection skills at Christchurch Priory.

The Land Rover Discovery is a worthy vehicle for any wannabe sleuth. The current generation was introduced in 2004 and significantly revised in 2009. There are three engines available the most popular being the 2.7-litre diesel. Motorists needing more riddle-wrecking power may prefer the 3.0-litre diesel or mighty 4.4-litre V8 petrol.

Now the transportation is sorted, leave Verwood on the B3081 to Ringwood. Join the A31 west-bound, then swing onto the A338. After five miles take the B3073 to Christchurch, then follow High Street and Church Street to our historical destination.

Construction of Christchurch Priory began in 1094. However, it took several hundred years to assume its present form as the workers took too many tea breaks. During the twelfth century, a mysterious carpenter worked on the project. One evening he apparently discovered a large wooden beam was too short. The other workers went home frustrated, but the following morning discovered the beam was now the correct length and in position. The mysterious carpenter vanished and the legend of the miraculous beam was born. It was later suggested the elusive carpenter was Jesus himself.

Perhaps solving this ancient mystery is a little ambitious - so let’s summarise the Land Rover Discovery instead. This prestigious four-wheel-drive is a legendary machine. Its on-road handling is composed and confident and its off-road capabilities are staggering. This is partly due to the ‘terrain response’ system which allows motorists to change the set-up. Factors such as ride height can be adapted to cope with challenging conditions such as mud, gravel, deep ruts, etc. How this staggering technology works is another enigma. Perhaps the Discovery is more mysterious than the miraculous beam.

February 2010

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

I was convinced my eyes were deceiving me. I felt confused, shaken, and desperate to hold onto my slight grip on reality. The catalyst for this unsettling experience was the sight of a vast chalk horse leaping through the countryside. This was not a delusion caused by petrol fumes - it was actually the famous Westbury White Horse.

To tame this wild stallion we need the Volvo XC90. This rugged off-road vehicle was introduced in 2002 to rival the fashionable BMW X5. There were initially two engines available - the 2.9-litre six-cylinder and the underwhelming 2.4-litre diesel. These were later joined by three other units including the mighty 4.4-litre V8. This range topping variant produces 310bhp, hits 60mph in 7.1 seconds, and is capable of an eye-watering 130mph.

Now the transportation is sorted, leave Verwood on the B3081 to Shaftesbury. Join the A30, then follow the A350 towards Westbury. Continue by cruising two miles on the B3098 towards Barton and arrive at our fascinating destination.

The Westbury White Horse is an eighteenth century hill figure. It was created by removing top-soil to reveal the underlying chalk. This horse is the oldest of several in the area and the second to occupy the site. The original figure faced in the opposite direction and was considerably smaller than we see today. It was restored, or technically obliterated, in 1772 when the current figure took its place.

So, that sums up the horse – what about the transport? The XC90 is a likeable vehicle that is perfect for towing a horse box. Despite the four-wheel-drive it is most at home on tarmac and is essentially a road car with off-road ability - rather than a serious mud plunger. The handling is therefore perfectly acceptable for a vehicle of this nature, but it is inclined to lean through the corners. The compensation is a supremely comfortable ride that is always smooth. Right, that is enough about cars. It is time to drag horsey back to the stable.

January 2010

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Shock, horror - the United Kingdom is surrounded by water. There is also sand, millions of pebbles, and a baffling array of fishing boats. Okay, so you probably know about these things - but what about the 803 islands hugging the coastline?

To properly explore one of these fascinating islands, let’s say Hayling, we need the pint-sized Volkswagen Fox. This popular city car is available with a choice of two engines - the gutless 1.2-litre and the more versatile 1.4-litre. The smaller engine produces 54bhp and crawls to 60mph in a never-ending 16.9 seconds, whereas the larger 73bhp unit is considerably faster and more flexible.

Now the transportation is sorted leave Verwood on the B3081 to Ringwood. Join the A31, then follow the M27 and A27 towards Chichester. Four miles after reaching the A27, take the A3023 across the bridge to our island destination.

Hayling Island is shaped like an inverted ‘T’ with an area of 11.6 square miles. One of its most significant features is an iron-age shrine, which was later developed into a Roman temple. This site was excavated in the nineteenth century, and again in the seventies, and is now preserved under cultivated farmland. During the twentieth century Hayling hosted ‘Operation Fabius’ in preparation for the D-Day landings. This mock invasion familiarised allied forces with the equipment and techniques later deployed in France.

So, that sums up the island’s history - what about the Volkswagen Fox? This reliable vehicle is clearly a budget choice but still benefits from the robust construction associated with the marque. The Fox handles nicely around town, but this urban dweller is less assured on more demanding roads. The Fox is therefore great for tootling to the supermarket, but if you fancy visiting the other 802 islands, do yourself a favour and buy a Mondeo.

© Stephen Turvil 2010