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Skoda Fabia Estate

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Not the Germans, then. Neither was it a resident fuming about his pint-sized rations - and Godzilla was nowhere to be seen. It was, in fact, the British military. That makes it the perfect place for an explosive Southern Safari.

Our transport this month is the Skoda Fabia Estate. This is a ‘supermini’ estate so it’s rarer than an honourable politician. As such it is roughly the size of a Ford Fiesta – but its cargo capacity is far larger than the mid-size Ford Focus Hatchback. This Skoda is priced like a cheap run-around too, so it could be carrying your shopping from only £11,035. This workhorse also costs less to run than a solar-powered calculator. The most fuel efficient version averages 83.1 mpg, and can be taxed for free thanks to its rock-bottom emissions.

Right, let us set-off for our destination and pray that the military is busy elsewhere. Leave Verwood on the B3081 to Ringwood, then take the A31 to the M27. Continue on the motorway and – having dodged any tanks – exit junction nine to the A27. Follow the B3334, then ‘take cover’ in Lee-on-the-Solent.

It is now time to consider the painful truth. This seaside town once had a magnificent 750ft pier. This was constructed between 1885 and 1888, and served a ferry that bobbed around between Lee-on-the-Solent and Swansea. Then came WW2. The British vandalised the pier to prevent the Germans landing there, wandering along our sea front, popping into our pubs, and drinking our beer. This contributed to the pier’s ultimate demolition in 1958.

The British also planted large bombs under HMS Daedalus; a Royal Navy Air Station. But why? Had the Germans found a way past the broken pier, they would have taken control of the airstrip. It would then have been filled with Messerschmitt fighters, over-flash uniforms, and high quality sausages. Under these circumstances, the six-metre long pipe mines would have crippled the facility. These remained after the war, and twenty were made safe as recently as 2006. This process took weeks and thousands of residents were evacuated.

That sums-up the town but what about our car? The Skoda Fabia Estate is a tremendous workhorse. It is easy to drive, comfortable, and attractive. More than anything, though, the low-spec versions in particular are fantastic value. I wonder how much a new pier costs?

By Stephen Turvil © 2012

Read more from Stephen at www.journalist-copywriter.com/index.html

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BMW 7-Series

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The common factor is the Isle of Portland, which is four miles long by one-and-a-half wide. It sits five miles south of Weymouth - somewhere in the sea - and is the perfect place for an intriguing Southern Safari.

But there is a problem. We are stuck with the top-of-the-range BMW 7-Series. Normally this luxury saloon makes me happier than Bugs Bunny with a fresh carrot, but it feels too big for the pint-sized island. After all, the car is over five metres long and nearly two metres wide. The 6.0-litre V12 engine is an issue too as there is not enough room to unleash its 544bhp. If there was, this £102,000 beauty could rocket to 62mph in a mighty 4.6 seconds.

Anyway, let us set-off to our diminutive destination and hope for big empty roads. Leave Verwood on the B3072 to West Moors, then squeeze the 7 Series through the A31 towards Bere Regis. Continue on the A35 to Dorchester, then take the A354 to the Isle of Portland.

The island is famous for its limestone that has often found its way to London. In fact, Sir Christopher Wren required six-million tons of the stuff to rebuild our capital city after the 1666 fire. The stone notably features at St Paul’s Cathedral. After WW1, a quarry was opened to source material for 500,000 military gravestones. This was only a few years after HMS Hood was scuttled in Portland Harbour to protect the area from U-boats and torpedoes. Her replacement, which inherited the name, was sunk in WW2 by the Bismark.

Many residents dislike the island’s rabbits. In fact, it is considered bad luck to mention the ‘r word’. Sorry! As such, they are referred to as ‘long eared furry things’ or ‘bunnies’. It is thought this was started by the quarry workers who claimed the rabbits increased the risk of landslides. These furry-faced trouble makers were also seen emerging from their burrows immediately before rockfalls. This won them few friends. When bunnies were spotted the quarry workers often went home, presumably for long-eared-furry-things stew.

That sums-up the destination so let us consider our lengthy car. The BMW 7-Series is the finest saloon produced by the legendary manufacturer. It is supremely refined, fantastic to drive, and comes with numerous astonishing gadgets. These include its side-view camera and night vision system. Sounds like the perfect way to monitor those pesky rabbits.

By Stephen Turvil © 2012

Read more from Stephen at www.journalist-copywriter.com/index.html

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Peugeot RCZ Coupé

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

I feel like a puppy transfixed on a new bone. Who would have thought that Wilton is such a fascinating place? This historic town’s credentials include its magnificent stately home, links to the film industry, and an association with rather nice carpet. Sounds like the perfect place for a safari, especially as the floor in my bedroom is thinner than a receding hairline.

The Peugeot RCZ Coupé is our plaything for this expedition, mostly because its floor-well is filled with beautiful carpet. This two-door fashion statement has super-stylish looks, sensible running costs, plenty of toys, and enough power to shift a hefty pile of Wilton. As such, high-spec versions send 200bhp through six-speed manual transmission - and rocket to 62mph in only 7.6 seconds. Not bad for a sporting coupé that averages 40.9mpg.

Now the transport is sorted let us set-off to our ‘cosy under the feet’ destination. Leave Verwood on the B3081 to Ringwood, then pilot the Peugeot RCZ Coupé along the A338 to Salisbury. Continue on the A3094, past a Golf Club, then take the A36 and A30 to Wilton.

The town’s history is longer than a record breaking carpet thread. Settlements date to the eighth century and Wilton was once the administrative capital of Wiltshire. Its role diminished in the eleventh century as nearby Salisbury expanded and improved its transport links. Wilton House is a prominent landmark, and has been the Earl of Pembrokes’ country seat for four-hundred years. This striking structure has featured in various productions including: Blackadder, The Madness of King George, and Pride and Prejudice.

Links to the carpet industry date to 1741, when the Ninth Earl of Pembroke invited French weavers to pass their skills on to the locals. It prospered until 1815 after which competition from Europe reduced its prosperity. The Royal Wilton Carpet Factory was founded at the turn of the century to save the existing factory from financial ruin. Even now, the words ‘Wilton’ and ‘carpet’ go together like: strawberries and cream.

That sums-up the destination so let us consider our sporty car. The Peugeot RCZ Coupé is one of the most distinctive machines on the market. Its space-age styling ensures that. Throw-in fun-focussed handling, a reasonable ride, and sky-high image and it becomes clear why this road-legal rocket is popular. And the price? Best look under your mattress for £21,245 to £25,395. Quite a chunk of cash, enough perhaps to re-carpet Wilton House.

By Stephen Turvil © 2011

Read more from Stephen at www.journalist-copywriter.com/index.html

Renault Grand Scenic

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Oh dear. In the past, Wareham attracted warring parties like two-for-one offers entice bargain hunters. As such, its lengthy history is littered with face-to-face fights, big piles of explosives, and a whole load of aggravation. This place has seen more bloodshed than a teenager’s dormitory. Sounds like the perfect place for a battle-scarred Southern Safari.

As our destination is an old friend of conflict, we need a vehicle that can easily handle tedious fights. It must therefore be a ‘family’ MPV, so please welcome the Renault Grand Scenic. This is a fantastic environment for your children to bicker. It has seven comfy seats, plenty of cargo space, and earned Euro NCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating. Prices start at £17,915, and the most fuel efficient version averages an impressive 62mpg.

Now the transport is sorted let us set-off to our ‘up for a fight’ destination. Leave Verwood on the B3081 to Ringwood, then continue on the A31 towards Ferndown. Pause to check your military arsenal. Continue on the A347 and A348, then glide the Renault Grand Scenic onto the A3049. Finally, follow the A35 and A351 to the scene of a million battles.

Two of Wareham’s earliest remaining features are its prominent wall and earth ramparts. These were constructed by Alfred the Great in the ninth century to protect the area from the Danes. These feisty fellows attacked on several occasions. Years later, the town changed hands at various points during the English Civil War. There was a particularly unpleasant episode in 1644 when two-thousand Cromwellian soldiers besieged the town.

During the First World War, this long-suffering settlement became a garrison. As such 7,000 troops wandered the streets pondering its bloody history. This military facility relocated to Bovington in 1922. During World War 2, a German bomber released its payload above the town and destroyed five houses near St Martin’s Church. Fortunately, since then, the only loud explosions have been the occasional mis-firing family saloon.

That sums-up the destination so let us consider our multi-purpose vehicle. The Renault Grand Scenic is easy to drive, practical, and looks reasonably stylish. It is a sensible family buy, although some rivals feel better screwed together.

Furthermore the top-end version has plenty of toys, including: Bluetooth, air-con, cruise control, and an electronic stability programme to minimise slides. Sounds like a decent military vehicle. Who needs a tank?

By Stephen Turvil © 2011

Read more from Stephen at www.journalist-copywriter.com/index.html

Honda Accord Tourer

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Sturminster Newton may sound like a firm of solicitors, but it is actually a fascinating little town. As such it was home to one of England’s most famous writers, has a couple of intriguing old structures, and various breathtaking views. Excellent stuff. It is even listed in the Doomsday book as ‘Newentone’. What a perfect place for a fun-focussed Southern Safari.

As our destination is very old, we need a vehicle robust enough to outlast time. Ladies and gentleman, please welcome the rock-solid Honda Accord Tourer. The fastest version of this practical load-lugger has a 2.4-litre petrol engine. This 198bhp unit propels this family workhorse to 62mph in 7.8 seconds. Pretty quick. This power is sent to the front wheels via six-speed manual transmission. There is an automatic option too, but it is far slower.

Now the transport is sorted let us set-off to our ancient destination. Leave Verwood on the B3081 towards the B3078. Then turn right, on an apparently unnamed and top secret road, to the A354. Are you writing this down? Cruise around Blandford Forum on the A350, then join the silky smooth A357. Finally, continue on the B3092 to Sturminster Newton.

The town sits on an old fording point for the River Stour. This was replaced by a six-arch stone bridge in the sixteenth century, which was widened from twelve to eighteen feet in approximately 1820. Hidden on a steep hill, above the now enlarged bridge, are the remains of Sturminster Newton Castle. This fourteenth century structure is thought to be more manor house than defensive building, and sits on the site of a probable iron-age fort.

This historic town was home to the famous novelist and poet Thomas Hardy. He wrote various classics such as Far From the Madding Crowd, which was his fourth novel and first major literary success. Another famous writer, William Barnes, also lived in Sturminster Newton. He wrote over eight-hundred poems, some in the now barely remembered Dorset Dialect. Perhaps I should adopt this local language for our next safari? Okay, perhaps not.

That sums-up our destination, so let us consider this Japanese family estate car. The Honda Accord is an exceptional machine. It is extremely reliable, appealingly practical, and has beautifully composed handling. High-spec versions also have plenty of toys, including: parking sensors, leather seats, and cruise control. Quality costs though, so new prices range from £22,700 to £29,910. Wonder how much it costs to learn Dorset Dialect?

By Stephen Turvil © 2011

Read more from Stephen at www.journalist-copywriter.com/index.html

Saab 9-5

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Best be quick. This Southern Safari is heading to a vanishing destination. Old Harry Rocks, to be precise, which might be claimed by the ocean at any moment. Fortunately, this magnificent coastal attraction can be seen from Studland - which is our ‘spare haven’ should Old Harry plummet into obscurity. This striking seaside town has wondrous wildlife, breathtaking views, and played an intriguing role in World War 2.

As Old Harry is on borrowed time we need to reach him quickly. Bring out the speedy Saab 9-5 Aero 2.8T XWD. This top-of-the-range saloon has 295bhp, four-wheel-drive, hits 60mph in 6.6 seconds, and reaches a mighty 155mph. Its price reflects the performance, so speed lovers need to find a wallet-wrecking £38,625. Perhaps Harry will contribute.

Now the transport is sorted let us head to our disappearing destination. Leave Verwood on the B3072 to Ferndown, then swing onto the A348. Continue on the A3049 and A35, before driving south-east on the A351. Finally, follow the B3351 to Studland and meet Harry.

Old Harry Rocks are sea stacks, i.e. vertical columns isolated from the mainland by erosion. They sit to the east of the Jurassic Coast that stretches for ninety-five miles. The stacks predominantly consist of chalk that separated from larger formations. In fact, many moons ago, Harry was connected to the Needles by the Isle of Wight. He also had a ‘wife’, but the sea reduced her to a stump in 1896. After grieving he married a younger rock.

Studland is a popular place for bird watching. The Great Northern Loon likes to visit, and it is one of the best areas in the UK to study the Dartford Warbler. Furthermore, the four-hundred tonne Agglestone Rock sits at Godlingston Heath. Legend says the Devil threw it from the Isle of Wight trying to hit Corfe Castle. Bad shot. During WW2 the coast was fortified as it was a probable invasion point. Troops also used the area for D-Day training.

That sums-up Studland so let us considerer our expensive car. The Saab 9-5 stands out from the crowd by blending in. As such this sleek saloon has subtle styling – but this conceals beautifully composed handling, a smooth ride, sky-high specification, and reassuring reliability. This machine is for motorists ‘in the know’ who have no interest in showing-off. Best not park too close to Old Harry though, he might fall over and crush it.

By Stephen Turvil © 2011

Read more from Stephen at www.journalist-copywriter.com/index.html

Ford Fiesta

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

I must be taller than a space rocket and wider than a six-lane motorway. Why else would I barely fit into Sparsholt village? Hold on though, perhaps the pint-sized dimensions of this attractive area create the illusion of bulk. After all, the roads are tiny, shoppers need magnifying glasses to find the store, and the post office is one of the smallest in the UK.

Anyway, when visiting tiny places like Sparsholt motorists need tiny cars. Bring on the Ford Fiesta. This excellent supermini is a favourite with urban drivers. The mk1 was launched in 1976 and my granddad chose it as his final car - and my brother’s first. GD later sold it to my sibling for £1. The current Fiesta came along in 2008 and is one of the best cars in its class. Great value versions have economical diesel engines, plenty of toys, and five-doors.

Now the transportation is sorted let’s head to our spatially challenged destination.

Leave Verwood on the B3081 to Ringwood, then swing onto the A31 east-bound. Continue on the M27 and M3, then glide the capable Fiesta to the A3090. Finish your forty-five minute drive by enjoying the scenery on the B3040, B3041, B3049, and finally Woodman Lane.

Sparsholt has a population of roughly one-thousand people. Only a small percentage of these can fit into the local shop at one time, as its size is literally comparable to a domestic sitting room. Still sells plenty of nice things though and is very friendly. Originally a well-house, it contained water collected from a wind-powered well. It now also houses the village post office which feels smaller than a DL envelope.

On the outskirts of the village is Sparsholt College, a leading educational facility. It specialises in subjects such as animal management, horticulture, agriculture, and wildlife conservation. Curiously, it offers no course on looking after old buildings – so someone else must be responsible for St Stephen’s Church. This was completed in Sparsholt in the twelfth century and modified as late as the nineteenth.

Right, that sums-up Sparsholt, let’s considerer the car. The Ford Fiesta is the complete village package. This compact maestro is comfortable, reliable, easy to drive, and costs from only £9,995. It also has a surprisingly spacious cabin and a decent 295-litre boot. Perhaps I should take a leaf from Sparsholt’s book and convert it to a post office.

By Stephen Turvil © 2011

Read more from Stephen at www.journalist-copywriter.com/index.html

Jaguar XF

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Goodbye London, au revoir Paris, and farewell New York. Romsey is clearly the centre of the civilised universe. Yes, over hundreds of years this historic town has manufactured a tremendous variety of important products, including one that played a pivotal role in the UK’s most infamous peacetime maritime disaster. It has also been home to several VIPs, including a member of the Royal Family and a British Prime Minister. No, not Mr David C.

Now, when visiting a prestigious town it is nice to have a prestigious vehicle. Bring on the Jaguar XF. This magnificent beast is the replacement to the relatively unloved S Type, so it sits one sector below the top-of-the-range XJ. Various models are available, including an economical diesel that averages 42mpg. Alternatively, the XFR version has a 5.0-litre 510bhp V8 engine and rockets to 62mph in 4.9 seconds. Only light is faster.

Now the transportation is sorted let’s head to our entrepreneurial destination. Leave Verwood on the B3081 to Ringwood, then swing onto the A31 east-bound. Continue to the M27, then glide the ferociously fast XF onto the free-flowing A36. Then, after pausing to be dazzled by the Jag’s space-age dashboard, continue on the A3090 to Romsey.

This fascinating town’s history dates to a time when mankind was living in huts and howling at the moon. Highlights include the construction of the abbey, which was completed in 1140 on the site of a Saxon church. By the mid-sixteenth century many of the residents earned their living through the woollen and tanning industries; but these were replaced by breweries, paper, and sack making factories in the eighteenth century. The town later produced collapsible lifeboats, including those fitted to the ill-fated RMS Titanic.

Famous ex-residents include Lord Mountbatten of Burma, who was the twenty-fourth – and final – Viceroy of India. He was buried in Romsey Abbey in 1979. Henry John Temple also lived in Romsey, but spent a lot of time in London serving as Prime Minister during Queen Victoria’s reign. However, William Petty was there even earlier. This economist and philosopher resided in this attractive town in the seventeenth century. Lucky old Bill.

Right, that sums-up Romsey, let’s consider the car. Prior to the arrival of this revolutionary saloon, Jaguar was frequently accused of producing old fashioned machines for old fashioned people. The XF has changed this perception, revitalised the marque, and helped it appeal to a fresh market. It is a tremendously complete package with great handling, striking looks, and as much prestige as a high-class Romsey resident.

By Stephen Turvil © 2011

Read more from Stephen at www.journalist-copywriter.com/index.html

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Please be careful. This Southern Safari is only for those who never accidentally break things. This is because our destination this month is White Mill Bridge - an ancient structure that sports a plaque threatening to deport anyone who damages the long-standing facility. Now, whereas Australia has numerous virtues I would rather stay in old Blighty, so for this trip we need a car that is unlikely to cause any life changing harm.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class springs to mind, mostly because it has parking sensors to alert the driver to the presence of any ancient structures. This mid-range offering from the legendary motoring giant is available as either a sleek saloon, or a vast estate that has the storage capacity of a large warehouse. Engines come in various flavours, but my favourite is the 2.1-litre 201bhp diesel. This beautifully balances performance with economy.

Now the transport is sorted let’s head to our delicate destination. Leave Verwood on the B3081 to Wimborne St Giles, then swing onto the B3078 to Wimborne Minster. Continue on the B3082, then glide the E-Class south towards Sturminster Marshall. The bridge, unless it has vanished since my visit, is on Mill Lane half a mile outside the village.

White Mill Bridge crosses the River Stour and was probably constructed in the sixteenth century. However, a previous bridge occupied the site from 1175, making this one of the oldest bridge sites in Dorset. It may even be the oldest. The current structure is 210ft long and 12ft across, and has eight attractive arches. Amazingly, this handsome crossing point also sits on timber pilings that have been carbon dated to the twelfth century.

Clearly, this historic site needs protecting and that brings us to the plaque. It reads, ‘Any person wilfully injuring any part of this county bridge will be guilty of felony and upon conviction liable to be transported for life by the court’. Even worse, the authorities may confiscate your gleaming Mercedes-Benz. Oh, the humiliation.

Right, that sums-up White Mill Bridge, let’s consider the car. The E-Class is one of the most prestigious, accomplished, and versatile executive vehicles on the market. It has tremendous handling, a silky smooth ride, and enough gadgets to make the Starship Enterprise look like a 1980s’ Sony Walkman. Prices start at £29,000, which is considerably more expensive than a one way ticket to Australia.

By Stephen Turvil © 2011

Read more from Stephen at www.journalist-copywriter.com/index.html

Alfa Romeo MiTo

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Here‘s a puzzle for you. What does Bognor Regis have to do with an Apollo space mission and King George V? This is the enigma that was keeping me awake at 3am, when I should have been sleeping like a heavily sedated log. To rest properly tonight I must resolve this issue, so let‘s start by choosing a suitable vehicle for space-based mystery munching.

A worthy companion for insomnia sufferers is the Alfa Romeo MiTo. This pint-sized plaything is best perceived as the Italian Mini. It is therefore fun to drive, quirky, and has more charm than James Bond‘s best chat-up line. Engines come in various flavours, but the most thrilling is the 1.4-litre 170bhp variant. This propels the front-wheel drive MiTo to 62mph in 7.5 seconds, and averages a highly respectable 47.1mpg.

Now the transportation is sorted let‘s head to our riddle ridden destination. Leave Verwood on the B3081 to Ringwood, then swing onto the A31 east-bound. Continue on the M27 and A27, then glide the fashionable MiTo onto the A259 towards a seaside parking bay.

At the beginning of the twentieth century Bognor Regis was known simply as Bognor. The ‘Regis‘, which means ‘of the King‘, was added after George V convalesced in the town in 1929. However, His Majesty was critical of this coastal resort and is rumoured to have expressed his views in rather colourful language. Perhaps he was influenced by Bognor‘s previous association with smuggling.

Moving forward to 1975, Bognor Regis very nearly witnessed a world first. The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project was orbiting above the planet. This was the first joint US/Soviet space flight. The craft had lifted off in two sections, one from each country, then docked in space hours later. The two commanders then exchanged an historic handshake that should have taken place over Bognor Regis, but due to a delay occurred over France.

Right, that sums-up Bognor Regis, let‘s considerer the car. The MiTo has fun-focussed handling, performed well in independent safety tests, and has a generous specification. However, this three-door beauty also has an awkward boot and may struggle to be as reliable long term as some of its rivals. Never mind that though, as prices start at only £12,285 it is far cheaper than a space flight over Blighty.

By Stephen Turvil © 2011

Read more from Stephen at www.journalist-copywriter.com/index.html

BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Andover is a fantastic place to visit but was a terrible place to work in the mid-nineteenth century. In fact, the appalling conditions at the workhouse led to a national scandal that was covered by ‘The Times’ newspaper. That sounds pretty intriguing to me, so let’s choose a suitable vehicle for investigating ancient scandals.

An excellent vehicle for cruising to Andover is the BMW 3 Series saloon. This compact executive status symbol has tremendous handling, bullet-proof reliability, and a wide range of flexible engines. One of the best models, for those who want to balance performance and economy, is the 318d SE manual. This 143bhp diesel averages a staggering 62.8mpg and hits 62mph in a highly respectable 9.1 seconds. Very nice too.

Now the transportation is sorted let’s head to our scandalous destination. Leave Verwood on the B3081 to Ringwood, then swing onto the A31 east-bound. Continue on the M27 and M3, then follow the A34 and A303 to Andover. Please watch out for long-living horses though, as this historic town was once one of the main stagecoach routes to London.

The Andover workhouse scandal arose when inhumane conditions were exposed by journalists and politicians in 1845. The workers were allegedly kept starving, while their food supplies mysteriously vanished. It was suggested that ‘inmates’ were then forced to eat the marrow from animal bones that were supposed to be crushed for fertiliser.

The workers’ interests were championed by John Walter, editor of ‘The Times’, who was a strong critic of these brutal regimes. A subsequent enquiry was damming and there were changes in personnel, although three years later the new master was dismissed for inappropriate behaviour. However, the tide was changing and the workhouse later became St. John’s Hospital, and has now been converted to housing.

Right, that sums-up Andover, so let’s consider the vehicle. The BMW 3 Series is more desirable than a winning lottery ticket and everything a motorist could reasonably expect for the price. Okay, it is associated with ‘flashy’ types, but let’s ignore its image and simply enjoy this highly accomplished machine. New prices start at £22,155, which is equivalent to 50,000 nineteenth century stagecoach trips to London.

By Stephen Turvil © 2011

Read more from Stephen at www.journalist-copywriter.com/index.html

Ford Mondeo

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Ahoy there shipmates, and welcome to a nautically themed Southern Safari. This month we’re exploring the Port of Southampton, which has a fascinating history and links to some of the world’s most famous ships – including the ill-fated RMS Titanic. So, let’s grab a few life jackets and choose a suitable car for port hopping.

An excellent vehicle for ship lovers is the Ford Mondeo. This large family car comes in hatchback and estate guises, with the latter carrying a staggering 1,733-litres of luggage. That’s slightly more than a semi-detached house. The Mondeo is also available with a wide range of engines, including a smooth 2.0-litre 163bhp diesel. This model reaches 60mph in 9.5 seconds and averages a highly respectable 50mpg. Well done Ford.

Now that the transportation is sorted let’s head to our watery destination. Leave Verwood on the B3081 to Ringwood, then swing onto the A31 east bound. Continue to the M27, then follow the M271. At the end of the motorway cruise along the A35, A3024, and A3057 to the coast. There you go, clearer directions than any sat-nav.

The Port of Southampton is a large facility that carries the majority of the UK’s cruise passengers. It regularly accommodates famous vessels such as the Queen Mary 2, the Queen Victoria, and the Independence of the Seas. The Independence, along with her sister ships, was the largest cruise vessel ever constructed when she entered service in 2008. She measures 339 metres long and weighs a scale busting 154,407 tons.

Another famous port visitor was the RMS Titanic. She left Southampton for her maiden voyage on April 10, 1912, and immediately ran into difficulties. As Titanic left the berth, her large wake caused the SS New York to break from her moorings. The American vessel was then sucked to within four feet of the Titanic, before tugs managed to separate the two ships. Clearly, an inauspicious start.

Right, that sums-up the Port of Southampton, let’s consider the vehicle. The Ford Mondeo is one of the most versatile machines on the market. This is due to its excellent handling, high specification, practicality, reliability, and modest running costs. New prices start at £17,295, which incidentally could secure you a luxury berth on an ocean liner.

By Stephen Turvil © 2011

Read more from Stephen at www.journalist-copywriter.com/index.html