Steve Q

Here is Steve's car interior cleaning guide to help reduce the risk of you spreading Corona Virus. As cases of Corona Virus are on the increase it is as important as ever to make sure we keep our homes, workplaces and cars clean, especially if the vehicle is being used for work purposes or used by keyworkers to help support the most vulnerable in our society. As you'll see from the following pictures my car was particularly dusty as during the week I work on a farm which is a support and skills centre for adults with Learning Disabilities. Protective Equipment Before you begin you should put on PPE which includes: Disposable Gloves Disposable/Washable apron Goggles Disposable/washable Face Mask Cleaning products Antibacterial bleach free disinfectant such as spray or wipes a Bin bag Once you have all the right PPE and cleaning products you can commence cleaning. This step by step guide was my preferred method but in theory you can do it in any order you like. Before you touch the car, your first priority is to clean the key then you can move onto the car. 1. Start off cleaning the outside door handles, and don't forget the boot handle. 2. Secondly open each door and clean the interior door handles, electric window/mirror switches and storage bins/pockets. 3. The third stage is to clean the seatbelts and release clasp. This can be done in conjunction with the second stage if you wish 4. Moving into the cabin this next stage is the most risky! Cleaning the steering wheel and steering wheel controls including the indicator/wiper stalks. If the car is used by more than one person don't forget to clean the steering wheel rake/reach adjustment lever. 5. Next clean the dashboard controls which will include light controls, air vent controls, air vents, radio/infotainment controls, glovebox/glovebox handle, top of the dash and the bonnet release handle. 6. Continuing along the central tunnel, clean the cupholders, gearstick including the reverse gear lift ring (if applicable), handbrake, 12v socket and armrest. 7. Looking above you, clean the interior lights/switches, sunvisors and interior mirror both front and back. 8. Moving to the boot, clean the boot interior trim handle and parcel shelf. If your car has underfloor boot storage, don't forget to clean the lift handle for this. 9. The last job I did was to clean the seats including the base, back, bolsters, headrests and all seat adjusters. Following this guide you should have a thoroughly cleaned interior, but to finish off you can always wash the interior mats and hoover the carpets. If your car has leather seats/steering wheel then you might want to finish cleaning the leather with a leather cleaner/moisturiser. Thanks for reading.

Steve has a detailed look at vehicle service books and how they're not only for getting stamped. For the most part vehicle service books are often a forgotten item buried at the bottom of a glovebox on a day to day basis, and which only sees daylight at service time or car buying/selling time. Vehicle Data A genuine manufacturer service book is used with the vehicle from the point of manufacture. within the book on the inside front cover of adjacent pages you should find the vehicles key data which includes: Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Model designation Engine code Gearbox code Paint Code Delivery Date Delivery dealers stamp Servicing Now without stating the obvious, the service book is to log any services the vehicle has carried out a garage. Once the work has been carried out the garage should stamp the book to confirm the work was completed. There is usually an array of tick boxes which the garage should tick depending on what work has been carried out or what has been inspected. some of the key boxes are: Oil filter air filter cambelt/waterpump pollen filter A line to note when the next service is due Occasionally a comments box if your service book does not have these boxes you might find it will have a tick boxes for minor, major, interim or long life services. Under the service section in your service book you should find what each of these services include. for example a minor service is an oil and oil filter change, whereas a major service includes oil, oil filter, air filter and pollen filter change. In the servicing chapter you will also find your servicing interval for your specific vehicle. For example the intervals could be 12,000 miles/1 year or 20,000 miles/1 year. There will also be information on when key components such as cambelts should be changed. For example it could be 5 years/120,000 miles which ever is soonest. The service section will also include other servicing items not related to the engine which include brake fluid changes (usualy recommended every 2 years) or gearbox oil changes. it goes without saying it is imperative to adhere to the recommended servicing schedule set out by the manufacturer so in order t keep your warranty valid, keeping the vehicle reliable and lastly for a higher resale value. Warranty It goes without saying that you need to keep a car serviced to keep the manufactures warranty valid but it goes further than that. Besides the mechanical warranty, the service book also includes a service record for bodywork which is usually found at the back part of the booklet. so in order to keep your anti perforation/paint warranty valid the dealership should carry out checks on it and sign it off similar to a normal service record. this is proof that the car bodywork is in good condition or if issues are found they are rectified accordingly. this service varies from manufacturer, but some do the checks free of charge whereas other manufacturers charge for this bodywork inspection. It is worth doing as it will help you if you find there is a manufacturing defect within the bodywork fit/finish or paint. Buying/selling When you are buying or selling a vehicle the service book is one of the most important documents as it proves whether or not the car has been maintained. However, it only offers a glimpse and should be backed up with the matching invoices from the garage which corollate with the stamp in the service book. If the service book is incomplete this can put off potential buyers or cost you money as buyers feel they are taking a great risk with a car that's not been serviced as per manufacturer recommendations.

As the 10 millionth RAV4 is produced, Steve drives the new Toyota Rav4 to see if it merits the £30k plus entry level price tag. When I think of Toyota four wheel drives I imagine a battered, primitive, yet reliable Hilux often found working hard on farms, building sites or in developing counties as I experienced when I was in Malawi. In this small African country Toyotas were everywhere thanks to their basic engineering, however climbing into the new Rav4 is a totally different story... Exterior Compared to the previous model Rav4 and other Toyota models this new Rav4 certainly stands out from the crowd thanks to its angular bodywork and Tonka toy appearance which makes it look like it can go anywhere. The New Rav4 is built on Toyota's New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which means the New Rave4 is not only stiffer than the previous model it is benefits from a lower centre of gravity which adds to the overall safety of the vehicle. Ground clearance has increased by 15mm over the previous model which helps with the Rav4 looks. Interior Just like the tough exterior, the interior too feels well put together with good quality materials used throughout helping the car feel its living up to Toyota's rugged dependability. The controls have rubber finish giving them a nice feel, and are easily laid out despite the Rav4 StarTrek dash feel. This is no criticism, the dials are both futuristic in appearance yet clear to read helping you to focus on the road ahead. Space age themes don't stop there either, as the gear selector seems to be modeled on a Power Rangers helmet. As this new Rav4 is built on Toyota's new platform it has allowed the cabin to feel very light and airy thanks to a large glass area, thus meaning visibility is very good. Only the C pillars can be an obstruction when reversing but naturally the Rav4 has a reverse camera and parking sensors (excluding entry level Icon trim). As you'd expect this Rav4 is stuffed full of gadgets on this model such as satnav, Bluetooth, digital radio, heated/cooling seats, climate air conditioning, electric windows all round and power folding electric mirrors. The satnav, reverse camera and radio are viewed through a 8" touch screen infotainment system which is easy to use. The boxy design has helped with the leg/head room space with plenty of adjustment on the electric front seats. The reclining rear bench seat is nicely positioned as well as the cabin befitting of lots of neat storage arrangements and the largest boot in its class makes the Rav4 perfect for family transport. The only thing missing from the boot area is rear seat release handle which means you have to go round to the passenger area to lower the seats. On the road Engaging drive on the CVT gearbox the Rav4 pulls away in electric mode which is silent and effortless, when the 2.5 petrol engine kicks in it to is very quiet and is supported by low window and road noise, making driving a pleasure. The car is no slouch either and in four wheel drive can go from 0-60 in 8.1 seconds which is mighty impressive for a car of this size. Drivers also have the option to choose different driving modes dependent on conditions which is a nice touch, but almost not needed as in normal mode the car manages just fine. If Toyota's CO2 figures can be believed this Rav4 hybrid is kinder to the planet than the current 1.0 litre Ford Fiesta which astonishing for the size of the car. The steering on Rav4 is both light and positive making it easy to control and supported by brakes which have a good feel. Surprisingly for an SUV the suspension is quite firm making lumps and bumps more noticeable, but no intolerable. Safety At the time of this road test the Rav4 had not been put through a Euro Ncap crash test, but I have no doubt that it will achive 5 starts much like the rest of the Toyota range and previous Rav4. As an option there is a Safety sense package which includes lane departure warning, road sign recognition, adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking. Overview Despite the Rav4 starting at over £30k I will admit you do get a lot more metal for your money compared to the Nissan Qashqai and a superb powertrain. I do feel this new Rav4 is paving the way for the next generation SUVs as the sector moves away from diesel power. I felt the Rav4 felt very sturdy and would last well over time and the controls are nicely arranged. if you are considering a large SUV then this should certainly be one you consider.

Steve sets out to find out whether Suzuki has maintained its hot hatch status with the current Swift Sport. Exterior Walking up to this Swift Sport I notice two key things. The first, which is blatantly obvious is the bright blue paintwork, which is not only stunning it also means you wont loose this car in a shopping centre car park. If you wish to stand out further then a yellow paint hue is also available which I feel suits the swift Sport very well. The second, is this New Swift Sports nose. Gone is the curvy bonnet line found on the Mk2 and Mk3 Sport and instead we find a stubby front and large grill on this current model. The boxy lines also flow around the rest of the car and gives it a more aggressive appearance. This his also enhanced by the large vents in the front bumper, side skirts, rear boot spoiler and a twin exit exhaust and nicely rolled tailpipes. The rear door handles have also been fitted at the top corner near to the C pillar, to give the Sport a 3 door look. Two tone coloured 17" alloy wheels complete the look and helps the Swift Sport to stand out from its rivals. Interior Opening the door and sliding into the sporty bucket seat you can feel the improvements in quality on the interior and it feels very well put together. The dashboard is well thought out and with all controls in easy reach. The dials are clear and arranged neatly in a pod. In the centre of the dash you'll find a 7" infotainment screen containing a Satnav, DAB radio and a reverse camera. The interior goodies don't stop there either as the Sport also comes with air-conditioning, adaptive cruise control, 4 speakers plus , electric windows all round, power folding electric mirrors and Bluetooth all as standard. The flat bottomed steering wheel is a leather trimmed item with radio controls as well as rake and reach adjustment. Potential buyers will be pleased to know that despite this car being crammed full of toys, Suzuki hasn't comprised on space. There is plenty of leg and head room for both front and rear passengers but it would be a tight fit to have 3 people sat in the rear. The boot space is very good too, not as large as the Swift Sports main rival the Fiesta ST I might add but 264 litres isn't bad. \the Fiesta ST has 292 litres of space. Visibility is about average for this class with good visibility from the windscreen and side windows, however the C pillar is quite large meaning the rear window is small and means the Swift has a couple of blind spots. Thankfully, as mentioned earlier the Swift Sport has a reverse camera to help in awkward parking situations. Road and wind noise is also very limited which only increases the driving pleasure of the Sport. On the road With any hot hatch its handling and performance is key to its success and the Swift Sport doesn't disappoint. The lively 1.4 litre boosterjet engine produces 138bhp and 170lbs/ft of torque and is mated to a smooth changing 6 speed manual gearbox which equates to a brisk 0-62 time of 8.1 seconds. Furthermore the steering is precise and responsive with good feel for the road. This is further supported with firm, yet compliant suspension which allows the Swift Sport to feel planted when going through bends. The brakes are also progressive and can stop the Swift sport on a dime if required. Even whilst your having fun, your driving pleasure isn't spoilt by poor MPG figures ar the Swift Sport has 47mpg combine and road tax of £145 per year. To keep you safe the Swift Sport is fitted with lane keep assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system, hill hold assist, Electronic Stability Program, all round airbags all as standard. Overview Overall I feel the Swift Sport is very good allrounder, not only is it ideal for your commute into the city but when you're out on the A roads it allows you to have some fun. The Swift Sport as a model has now been with us for a long time, over 4 generations of Swift in fact and in that time the Swift Sport has gone from strength to strength and I would argue that the current model is the best yet for all round performance, space and practicality, but most importantly it has great fun factor whilst driving it on the open road, and lets face it Isn't that what a hot hatch is all about?

Steve looks at some of the key driving techniques when driving off road by getting down and dirty in a quarry. So what is offroading? Offroading is both a hobby and a sport, where drivers test both their driving skills and vehicles capabilities to the maximum in a variety of terrain, surfaces and weather conditions. Safety Offroading is a fun hobby but can also be a risky one and as such there are a few key aspects to consider in the way of safety: 1. buckle up - this might seem obvious but can sometimes be overlooked, especially when you're on private land. Just remember in the event of a roll over the seatbelt will prevent you from being flung around the cabin or out of the vehicle entirely. 2. Thumb position - When driving on rough surfaces it is paramount that you place your thumbs on top of the steering wheel as apposed to wrapped around the inner edge of the wheel as you would on smooth tarmacked roads. Thumb position is important as poor road surfaces that are rutted, wet or rocky can cause the wheels of the vehicle to be unpredictable by causing the wheels to be turned sharply. The sharp turning of the wheels is then felt through the steering wheel. It can result in the steering wheel to be wrenched out of your hands if the driver is not careful, and if the thumbs are wrapped round the wheel then they can get broken in the force of the wheel being wrenched. Choose Your approach Also known as choosing your line it is important for the driver to choose their approach to the route you are taking or obstacles you need to navigate before committing to it. You need to imagine taking the vehicle through the route before doing it, taking into consideration the vehicles height, overhang, obstacles which could damage the suspension, body, oil pan etc. doing this prep work will not only keep you and your passengers safe it will also help minimise the risk of damage to your vehicle. This is very important if you intend to drive home afterwards! In some cases if the conditions are particularly bad it is worth having a spotter who is looking out for any hidden obstacles/challenges which you may not see from the drivers seat. Braking When descending steep slopes you not only can control the vehicle with the vehicles brakes, you can also use engine braking by choosing low gears/or low range on vehicles fitted with manual transmissions. Engine braking works by controlling the vehicle wheels by using the revs of the engine. This allows the driver to have more control when on a descent but not forgetting the driver can apply the vehicle brakes if necessary. Be warned though, using brakes rather than engine braking can affect the vehicles traction and momentum thus affecting your ability to get through the challenging terrain. Another top tip whilst on rutted roads/rough roads and you see an obstacle like a rock/pot hole last minute the natural instinct is to apply the brakes sharply. This has the unfortunate drawback of shifting the vehicles weight to the front, thus compressing the front suspension and making the results of hitting the obstacle or pot hole worse than what it would have been. As such the best thing you can do is release the brakes just before hitting the obstacle or pot hole, to help increase the rate of suspension travel which results in better absorption of the bump. Wading Wading is the art of driving through a body of water but should only be carried out if there is no other way of passing as you will not be aware of hazards that lie beneath the water. Ideally you should check the depth of the water before attempting to drive through, and you should not pass fast flowing bodies of water as the vehicle can be destabilised or washed away. The best technique is to drive in at a steady pace so in order to create a small bow wave. If you are going to wade on a regular basis then its advisable to fit a wading kit, which is a plastic sheet in front of the radiator. This will help prevent debris from hitting the radiator. Also wait for any other vehicles to move out of the water before attempting to drive through, in case the other car gets stuck or disrupts your bow wave resulting in excess water hitting the vehicle. Once you have emerged from the body of water it is imperative you check your brakes as water may have affected your stopping capabilities! Driving In Mud This is naturally inevitable if you have decided to go offroading so embrace it. If you know the mud is going to be deep it is advisable to lower your tyres pressures to allow for better traction. Before hitting a patch of mud it is best practice to accelerate to build up momentum and drive as straight as possible. Also it is advisable to keep in as higher gear as possible and your speed up as the mud will create resistance and try and slow your progress. If you start to loose grip it is wise to let off the accelerator so as to not get bogged down, and turn the wheel left to right in sharp turns to help the tyres find grip. Once you have cleared the mud you should clean your tyre treads to improve traction on other road surfaces. Vehicle Recovery When trying to free a stuck vehicle in muddy terrain the best towing method is called a snatch and requires the use of a Snatch strap. Snatching involves attaching an elasticated nylon rope to a vehicle and commencing a tow before the rope is under tension. The towing vehicle needs to provide 2 metres of slack in the rope for the snatch to work. The driver of the stuck vehicle should signal to the tow vehicle in the way of flashing lights to commence the tow. The tow vehicle should pull off at a steady pace and the stuck vehicle should be in first gear and as soon as the pull is felt by the stuck vehicle they should let off the clutch to hopefully drive out of the situation. The Most Important Thing Have Fun!

Steve sets to find out whether the current C Class Coupe can live up to its sporting credentials The current C Class range was launched at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show and released onto UK roads in March of the same year. As per its predecessor the new C Class was available in saloon, estate, convertible and coupe form, the latter is the model I will focus on for this review and was designated by Mercedes as the C205. It cannot be denied that the looks of the C Class Coupe are elegantly proportioned thanks to a it’s smooth flowing roof line and curves in all the right places. This has allowed for a long sloping bonnet, which all in all gives the car real road presence and should please even the most picky image conscious buyer. The exterior design is also helped by the bodykit which is fitted as standard as well as LED rear lights and Xenon headlights. I particularly liked the design of the exterior door mirrors which feature built in indicators and have the power folding function. Just like the exterior the cabin is well appointed, with nice flowing lines along with an uncluttered dash gives the Coupe a smart appearance. The minimalist layout does not detract from the C Class Coupes features as most of the controls are managed through the infotainment system. As you’d expect from a car in this class a digital radio, Bluetooth, cruise control, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, lumbar support, multi-function steering wheel, automatic climate control and parking sensors are standard. There’s certainly plenty of space for front seat passengers but it might prove a struggle for rear passengers on longer journeys. But I must admit that the space as improved over the previous C Class Coupe. The C Class Coupe is available with four petrol engines which include an entry level 1.6 litre C180 with 156bhp, 1.5 litre C200 and 2.0 litre C300 all of which are four cylinders. Furthermore there’s a C43 V6 and the stonking C63 twin turbo V8 available in either 469bhp for the standard version of 503bhp for the S version. As a sign of the times only two four cylinder diesel engines are offered which are the C220 which is a 2.0 turbo which produces 191bhp, or the C300 2.1 litre turbo which produces a very respectable 242bhp and a claimed 57mpg. Two gearboxes are offered, either a 6 speed manual or the more popular and thus more desirable 9 speed automatic. In addition the C Class coupe is set up as rear wheel drive as standard and is more than adequate for what day to day driving will throw at it, but Mercedes 4matic four wheel drive system is available on most models but I feel is only really only necessary in very rural locations. As you’d expect Mercedes haven’t compromised the C Class Coupe when it comes to safety and as such it is fitted with Antilock Braking System, all round airbags, Electronic Stability Program, Parktronic with reversing camera, child seat recognition sensor, fatigue alert for long journeys, collision prevention assist and brake assist for emergency braking combined with hold function as standard. As I’m sure you’ll agree the amount of safety features is second to none. Driving the C Class Coupe The car I have on test is a 2018 C200 AMG Line Premium which is fitted with the 1.5 litre twin-scroll turbo petrol engine, which produces 181bhp combined with 280Nm of torque and mated to the 9 speed G-Tronic automatic gearbox. This particular car is fitted with the premium package which includes heated front seats, ambient lighting, a 12.3” display, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, command online and an uprated sound system. The Premium Plus package costs a whopping £4,995 (2019 figure) onto of the basic vehicle price of £37,025 which includes VAT, and has the multi spoke wheels which are also a £595 extra. Unlike other reviews on the C200 petrol engine within the motoring press, I found the 2.0 petrol punchy as well as having more than enough power/torque for good acceleration and momentum in all driving environments which is supported by a 0-62mph time of 7.7 seconds. This will be partly helped by the automatic gearbox which had both smooth and quick gear changes, combined with a good kick down. However I did find the engine less refined than some of the C Class Coupe’s revivals as well as being slightly noisy when revved hard. I will admit that this will be partly affected by the sound proofing and in normal conditions especially when cruising, the engine noise intrusion into the cabin is limited. I can’t see it being a big issue for buyers as overall the C200 is a very reasonable all round engine and can achieve MPG figures of 46.3. Out on the open road the ride is firm but the suspension still irons out the bumps well, thus enabling it to be both comfortable and composed. Furthermore the steering is nicely weighted, allowing it to be light but precise. This is thanks to Mercedes Direct steer system which is also speed sensitive. To round off the handling are perforated front brake discs which stop the CLK Coupe on a dime. Another nice touch is that the driver has the choice of selecting different driving modes which include; eco, comfort, sport, sport+ and individual which offers a driving mode for all driver preferences and road conditions. I also found the leather seats very supportive, with very good side bolsters as well as being electrically controlled and fitted with lumbar support. The Motorists Guide View When road testing any vehicle I try not to have any preconceptions about its build quality, how it will drive or even how it will make me feel. However as one would expect from a Mercedes the cabin has a quality feel and the handling is surefooted. Not only that, I feel the exterior design is a lot more refined to that of the previous C Class Coupe. My only real concern before I tested this car was the 1.5 litre engine, as I was concerned that it would underperform and ultimately mean the car could have under delivered. But I can safely say that my doubts were quashed instantly, as I found the C200 engine more than capable in all road conditions with plenty of power and torque. The only drawback I found with the engine was that it is a little unrefined, but I feel this is a small price to pay when you consider the all-round package the C Class Coupe has to offer. Dimensions Length: 4,696mm Width including mirrors: 2,016mm Height: 1,405mm

Steve takes a look at a little red International Harvester tractor which is helping improve the lives of individuals with learning disabilities Nestled within the idyllic East Midlands countryside sits a farm with a special purpose in the quaint village of Seagrave. Set up in 2011 the farm in question is called WHM Work Connections which provides person-centred support in the way of life skills and work skills for individuals with learning disabilities with activities such as car washing, animal Care, horticulture, catering skills as well as vehicle mechanics. These skills help the individuals gain Independence and confidence when managing areas for daily living that you or I might take for granted. These skills then help the individuals to pursue work opportunities. Enabling individuals to have choice and control over their own lives. So why are we discussing this on AutoEvoke I hear you ask. Well as you will have just read one key aspect of the business is providing vehicle mechanic skills to these individuals and we felt it was right to feature their recently completed project, an International Harvester B275 tractor. When the tractor arrived at the farm it required a serious mechanical overhaul which has meant a full rebuild of the engine and other key components including the tractors electrics. Thankfully the bodywork was in good condition and has not needed any welding or respraying, therefore allowing the International Harvester to perform mechanically well yet keeping its character through its patina. The restoration has taken just over a year to complete and just like most projects the individuals were working to a deadline and are very happy with the end result. The tractor had to be ready for an up and coming wedding in May where the tractor takes pride of place as the bride’s mode of transport! During the rebuild the tractor has gained some additional features which I’m sure will make it unique, the first of which is a traditional ahooga horn which certainly gets this tractor noticed. The second modification has increased the tractors usability by being fitted with wireless technology. This will sound like an unusual feature on a 1960s tractor but the answer is logical. Having the tractor being controlled remotely allows the individuals with learning disabilities to drive the tractor in a safe and controlled environment on the large pastures at the farm. The tractor can be stopped remotely at a touch of a button if the individual driving it were to get into difficulty. Let’s not forget that allowing the individuals to drive the tractor ties in nicely with the company’s ethos by allowing these individuals to increase independence and develop valuable life skills. To find out more about WHM Work Connections please click on the link below: https://www.workconnections.co.uk/ A history of the International Harvester McCormick B275 Launched in 1958 the B275 model was designed to be an uprated machine to the B250 which had preceded it. Built in the former Jowett car factory in Bradford which International had bought out some years previously, the B275 was fitted with a 35hp 2.3 litre four cylinder petrol engine or a 38hp 2.3 litre four cylinder indirect injected diesel engine. The B275 diesel engine gained five more horse power over the B250 along with a different gearbox which gave this tractor eight forward gears comprising of four in low range and four in high range plus two reverse gears. This gave the tractor a top speed of 14mph and 95lbs-ft of torque. As was common at the time the tractor was in 2WD configuration without power steering and had a 6 volt electrical system. Furthermore the B275 was one of the more advanced tractors of the era as it was fitted with a manual locking differential, live duel category hydraulics, live power take off, glow plug cold starting, engine mounted pump and discs brakes as found on the B250. The final British built B275 was built in 1968 but they were also built under licence by Mahindra in India. In total 52,432 B275 tractors were built over the ten year production run when it was finally replaced by the B276. The B275 was proven to be a very durable tractor thanks to good build quality, ease of maintenance as well as a very good parts supply chain. However it is not without its flaws, the two main ones being weak brakes and sloppy steering. The former can often be sorted with a brake rebuild whereas the later often requires the steering box to be replaced. Also, despite having glow plug cold starting the B275 is renowned for not being the best cold starting tractors and improper use of the glow plug system can cause additional wear to the engine.

For those of you living in and around leicester or Loughborough in the East Midlands, there is a fantastic car wash called Shiners based at WHM Work connections at 60 Green Lane Seagrave LE12 7LU. WHM Work Connections provides life skills as well as work skills for individuals with learning disabilities with activities such as car washing, vehicle mechanics, animal Care and catering skills on offer. Furthermore, these skills help the individuals gain Independence and confidence when managing areas for daily living that you or I might take for granted. As per the poster, I'm sure you' ll agree that £8 is a bargain for the level of detail involved. Needless to say it's not just any car wash! To put it into perspective, comparible operators are charging upto four times more for the same service locally. I would strongly recommend you give them a call to get your car booked in to treat it to a well deserved wash and wax. But it is advised to call in advance as they do get busy. Despite only being open one and a half days a week, phone calls will be answered Monday-Friday 9-4. To find out more about WHM Work Connections please click on the link below: https://www.workconnections.co.uk/ (Please note we cannot share images of the car washing in action due to the individuals confidentiality)

Steve tests the most recent Mercedes E Class coupe and to see whether it can live up to its predecessors reputations. The current Mercedes E Class was debuted at the North American auto Show in 2016 and came on sale shortly after. Designated by Mercedes as the W213 the current E class is available in saloon, estate and coupe body styles just like its predecessor. With regards to this fifth generation E Class Mercedes have unified the design to tie the E Class in with both the current S Class and smaller C Class. As such, this has meant the current E Class Coupe is curvier than its predecessor whilst giving it a sportier persona. However I feel in some ways the E Classes’ individuality has been lost with this new model. But I cannot deny that the E Class Coupes design is elegantly proportioned thanks to its smooth flowing roof line which allows the car to have real road presence and should please even the most picky image conscious buyer. The exterior design is also helped by LED rear lights, Xenon headlights and 19” alloy wheels which are fitted as standard. Mercedes have also paid close attention to detail for the interior to make it feel a premium product. This is helped by the materials used as well as the level of standard equipment on offer such as a digital radio, Bluetooth, cruise control, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, lumbar support, multi-function steering wheel, automatic climate control, parking sensors, heated seats, keyless go. On top of this, the E Class Coupe is available with a number of options available which include features such as panoramic sunroofs, Burmester sound systems and wireless charging to name but a few. The current E Class also benefits from being fitted with the safety technology to that of its big brother the S Class and includes autonomous driving features which allows the car to drive itself up to speeds of 130mph. This is on top of the basic safety features offered as standard on the E Class which include; Antilock Braking System, brake pad wear sensor, all round airbags, Electronic Stability Program, Parktronic with reversing camera, child seat recognition sensor, fatigue alert for long journeys, collision prevention assist, blind spot assist, and brake assist for emergency braking combined with hold function as standard. As I’m sure you’ll agree the amount of safety features is second to none. Pedestrians aren’t neglected either, as the E Class is fitted with an active bonnet which raises the bonnet if it senses a person coming into contact with it. The E Class Coupe range is available with two common rail diesel engines and four direct injection petrol engines which are all mated to a 9 speed G-Tronic automatic gearbox. The engine options are as follows: Diesel E220d – a 2.0 litre 4 cylinder turbo unit producing 194hp/400Nm torque, available in 2wd or with Mercedes 4Matic all-wheel drive system. E400d – a 3.0 litre 6 cylinder turbo engine producing 340hp/700Nm torque and only available with the 4Matic system. Petrol E300 – a 2.0 litre 4 cylinder turbo engine producing 245hp/370Nm torque E350 – a 2.0 litre 4 cylinder turbo unit producing 299hp/400Nm torque E450 - a 3.0 litre 6 cylinder twin turbo engine producing 367hp/500Nm torque and only available with the 4Matic all-wheel drive system. E53 – is the AMG derived 3.0 litre 6 cylinder twin turbo engine producing 435hp/520Nm torque and only available with the 4Matic system. Plus it should average 30mpg as an added bonus. Driving the E Class Coupe The car is have on test is a 2018 E220d AMG Line which is fitted with the four cylinder 2.0 turbo diesel engine which produces 194bhp and linked to the 9 speed G-Tronic automatic gearbox. To top it off this engine boasts MPG figures of 56.5mph combined. Sliding into the combined alcantara and leather driving seat I found it to be very supportive, with very good side bolsters as well as being electrically controlled and fitted with lumbar support. Furthermore, I found there is plenty of space for front seat passengers but it might prove a struggle for rear passengers on longer journeys. But I must admit that the space for rear passengers is certainly improved over the previous E Class Coupe especially where height is concerned. As one would expect from a Mercedes the cabin has a quality feel with leather covering not only the seats but also the door cards and dash top. In addition, the infotainment screen is much larger at 12.3 inches than the previous E Class which further improves its usability. Pressing the engine start button the diesel engine bursts into life to a quiet idle. Selecting drive on the column shifter the E Class pulls away effortlessly thanks to the automatic gearbox which has both smooth and quick gear changes, combined with a good kick down. I found the 220d engine had more than enough power and torque for good acceleration and momentum in all driving environments, but was slightly unrefined compared to some of its competitors. However, I must admit that this is a small negative in an otherwise good drivetrain which can get to 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds. I was further impressed by the handling of the E Class which ironed out the bumps well despite being quite hard, and surprisingly this still allows the handling to be composed yet comfortable. To further improve the comfort from the E Class, air suspension is available at extra cost. I have to admit that the suspension on the current E Class coupe helps reduce roll better than its predecessor which is partly due to the wider track. Furthermore the steering is nicely weighted, allowing it to be light but precise, which is in part to Mercedes Direct steer system which is also speed sensitive. One key foible I found whilst driving the E Class was the road noise, which could not be muted by the cabins sound deadening. However, I’ll admit this could be down to the Michelin run flat tyres fitted to this vehicle and maybe improved with a different brand of tyre. The handling package is finished off with large drilled brake discs front and rear which stop the E class effortlessly. The Motorists Guide View Overall I found the current Mercedes E class Coupe a nice car to drive combined with an impressive level of standard equipment compared to some of the rivals. Furthermore the build quality is on par with other Mercedes products, with nice materials and a quality fit and finish that consumers have come to expect from Mercedes. However, despite being larger/roomier than its predecessor I felt that the previous model was slightly better all round. None the less the current E Class is certainly a comfortable and relaxing place to be for both sitting in and driving, which most owners will happily drive for long distances. Therefore, we’re confident that you’d be pleased with purchasing an E Class Coupe if you’re in the market for one andits not one you should not discount when considering a premium coupe. Dimensions Length: 4,923 mm Width: 1,852 mm Height: 1,468 Curb weight: 1,605–2,048 kg

Steve takes a look at the first generation Mazda 3 to see if it makes a good used car purchase. Before we start I must apologise for the pictures on this article as they are not up to my usual standard. The first generation Mazda 3 was launched in 2003 as a brand new model for the marque and shared the front wheel drive underpinnings from the Mk1 Ford Focus. Designed by Hasip Girgin and known as the BK, the Mazda 3 looked crisp and modern from the outset thanks to sharp lines and was available in either five door hatchback or four door saloon. Buyers are also treated to various spec levels which should cater for most buyer’s budgets or preferences. The spec levels include: S is the entry level model and only available in hatchback form, but benefits from central locking, CD player, front electric windows, ABS, electric heated door mirrors, front and side airbags, 15” alloy wheels on petrol models and Emergency Brake Assist. TS spec added both luxuries such as manual air conditioning, lumbar support, 15” alloy wheels and added safety of curtain airbags. TS2 added further safety and driver conveniences over the TS spec by having a 6 CD player, multi-function leather steering wheel, climate air conditioning, 16” alloys, Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control and all round electric windows. Sport is the top spec and owners are treated to further features over the TS2 model such as rain sensing wipers, Bose sound system, xenon headlights and 17” alloy wheels. The Sport also gained an appearance pack which included a rear spoiler, side skirts and front fog lights. There were also various optional extras available for the Mazda 3 range which included heated leather seats, reversing sensors, Sat Nav and electric sunroof to name but a few. In addition various special additions were available during the Mazda 3’s production run and include: Katano spec was available with a 1.6 petrol engine and benefited from having satnav as standard as well as 15” alloys, chrome exhaust tip, black with red interior but was only offered with either grey or silver metallic paint. Sakata spec was launched in 2005 and was in affect an S spec model, but only available with the 1.6 petrol engine, Strato blue metallic paint plus15” alloy wheels and rear spoiler. Tamura spec was released in 2007 and was effectively a Sport model with added seatbelt reminder function and different alloy wheels to that of the Sport spec. Besides the good choice of specifications for buyers, they were further spoilt with a reasonable selection of naturally aspirated four cylinder petrol and diesel engines as listed below: Petrol 1.4 with 84ps 1.6 with 105ps and combined MPG of 39.2. 2.0 with 150ps (147bhp). Diesel 1.6 turbo common Rail Diesel with 109ps. 2.0 with 141bhp. For all the 1.4 and 1.6 engine variants a 5 speed manual gearbox was offered but for the 2.0 litre engines gained 6 speed manuals as standard. Not surprisingly there was also a 5 speed automatic. (Please note: these details are relevant for UK vehicles. Oher countries benefitted from different engines such as 2.3 petrols and other gearboxes such as 4 speed automatics) It’s not all style over substance with the Mazda 3, as it received a good level of safety features such as front, side and curtain airbags as well as an anti-lock braking system, Electronic Stability Program and even child proof seatbelt clasps. All of which gave the Mazda 3, a 4* Euro NCAP safety rating. Driving the Mazda 3 The model I have on test is a 2006 sport saloon which is fitted with the 2.0 four cylinder petrol engine which produces 147bhp/187Nm torque and is mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox. This particular car has covered 71,000 miles and benefits from having the optional extra leather seats. Climbing into the cabin I found it very easy to get a good driving position, thanks to rake and reach function on the steering wheel as well as lumbar support on the comfortable driver’s seat. I also found the dials easy to read and felt the dash was well laid out, with all switches in easy reach. There was also ample space for both front and rear passengers for height and width, and would carry four adults in comfort. The boot was a reasonable size too. To top it all off the interior certainly wasn’t convenience over style, as I found the interior very smart and easily as impressive to some of the current Mazda products. In my opinion it was better than the current Mazda 2 interior, a car I test drove some months ago. Out on the open road the 2.0 litre petrol is punchy and has more than enough oomph for either town driving or B road blasts. This is combined with suspension which provides both stability through the bends and good ride comfort. Moreover the steering is precise and nicely weighted, allowing the driver to accurately feel where the wheels are in relation to the road. This is important as some cars within the sector can be void of decent feel through the steering wheel. As with a lot of Ford and Mazda products of this era, potential buyers need to keep an eye out for rust and common rust areas include the boot, primarily around the central brake light on saloon models as well as on the rear arches of both hatchback and saloon body styles. It’s also worth taking note of any warning lights on the dash, as an ABS warning light combined with a traction control warning light can often be traced back to a faulty ABS sensor which appears to be a common fault. However as a worst case scenario the ABS warning light combined with the traction control light can potentially linked to ABS pump failure. As you’d expect this is not necessarily a cheap fix as the pump alone can be around £600 from Mazda but there is a very good second hand market where a similar reconditioned part can be bought for around £140. Besides these faults, build quality is very good and the Mazda 3 feels very well put together. I honestly preferred it over the Ford Focus of which the Mazda 3 is based; now I know that’s a bold statement! The Motorists Guide View The youngest Mazda 3 models are now 11 years old but the styling has definitely kept them looking fresh and modern. Not only that, thanks to a great level of equipment fitted to the various models, this has allowed the BK Mazda 3 to remain relevant in the very competitive medium sized car sector. Overall I found the Mazda 3 a nice car to look at, but more importantly a nice car to drive and definitely worth considering if you are in the market for a sub £2,000 medium sized family car. Dimensions Length: 4,529mm Width: 1750mm Height: 1500mm Curb weight: 1340kg

Steve tests Kia’s new baby SUV the Stonic, to find out if it can compete in a very competitive small SUV sector. Launched in 2017 in South Korea the Stonic is based on the fourth generation Kia Rio and is the smallest SUV in the Kia range. The name is allegedly derived from the words speedy and tonic, but whether the car lives up to this is up to you as the reader. The Stonic is available in four trim levels and the entry level starts at £16,500 for the entry level model and goes up to £21,000 if the highest spec car is chasen with an automatic gearbox. The four spec levels are: Stonic 2 – Despite being the entry level model it does come with a good selection of equipment such as apple car play/android auto, rear parking sensors, air conditioning, electric windows, 17” alloy wheels, DAD radio within a 7” display, roof rails and Bi-function Projection Headlights. Stonic 3 spec adds further goodies including reversing camera, sat nav, rain sensing wipers, perforated leather steering wheel, LED rear lights and seats in black cloth/grey faux leather accents. More importantly the Stonic 3 benefits from added safety features such as lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency brake assist and the advanced driver assistance pack. Stonic 4 adds heated seats, heated steering wheel, blind spot detection, keyless entry/ignition with start/stop button as well as the features from the Stonic 3 spec. Stonic Mixx adds a touch of colour with orange accents on the dash and seats plus two tone paint, reverse camera, Bi-function Projection Headlights, privacy glass and day time running lights. Besides the four trim levels, buyers also have the choice between two petrol engines and one diesel engine which are mated to either a 6 speed manual or automatic transmission. All three engines are fitted with start/stop technology. The engine choices are a 1.0 turbo charged direct injected petrol which produces 118bhp with 51.4–56.5 mpg 9, a 1.4 naturally aspirated multi point injected petrol engine producing 98bhp with 49.6 mpg or a 1.6 turbo diesel producing 108bhp with 67.3–70.6 combined 109 g/km of C02 emissions. Generally reliability should be good, as let’s not forget the Stonic will come with Kia’s 7 year warranty. (please note MPG figures are from the Manufactures specifications). Despite a good level of safety as standard the Stonic only managed to achieve a 3* safety rating with Euro NCAP, but with the additional safety features of the ADAP safety pack as fitted on Stonic 3 spec and above the Stonic was then awarded 5* by Euro NCAP. Driving the Kia Stonic The car I have on test is a 2018 first edition model which combines features of both the Stonic 3 and Stonic 4 specs with the 1.6CRD diesel engine which produces 108bhp and is joined to the 6 speed manual gearbox. The 1.6 diesel is only available with Stonic 3 spec as of 2019 but my test car then has all the luxuries available on 2019 Stonic 4 spec cars. Climbing into the cabin I found getting a comfortable seating position a doddle but felt the seat could have been more supportive for my back and would benefit of lumbar support. Other than this small niggle I found the Stonic had plenty of space for four passengers to fit comfortably for height and width as well as a decent level of luggage space, the latter accommodating 352 litres. I also found all the switches in easy reach and well posited on the dash or steering wheel. In addition, the instrument cluster and infotainment system were concise and simple to use. Pressing the engine start button the four cylinder diesel engine bursts into life. On the open road I found the engine had more than enough torque for pulling away at traffic lights or whilst driving around town. I also found the engine a pleasure on both motorways and country roads as very little engine noise seeps into the cabin. Thanks to my mixed driving I got an average of 46.2mpg and the lowest I achieved was 37mpg. I could only find one fault with the engine as it was a little unrefined, but feel this is a small price to pay for the torque and mpg most buyers will achieve. I also found the 6 speed manual smooth and well suited to the engine. Moreover, I have further praise for the Stonics suspension as it rode the bumps well and didn’t have as much body roll as I expected. In addition I found the steering both light and precise which gave confidence when pushing on into corners. However I did find that on the motorway the Stonic did get slightly twitchy but this could be partly due to the recently strong winds. I found visibility very good, partly helped by thin A pillars and despite thick C pillars reversing is easy with the reversing sensors and camera. I found the door mirrors provided a good view as well which is aided by blind spot assist on this car. The Motorists Guide View Just like the Kia Niro I drove a few months back I was very impressed with the Stonic, as I found it a nice car to drive as well as being well equipped. In my opinion the Stonic 3 or Stonic 4 make most sense for buyers if budgets allow, due to the extra safety equipment they offer. This is especially important as the Stonic is targeted in the small crossover category and aimed at families. If you were keen on having a diesel model, then I would advise you look at purchasing a used first edition model just like our test car. This will allow the buyer to benefit from diesel economy as well as Stonic 4 spec equipment. Whichever Stonic model you choose, I am sure you will not be disappointed with the build quality, equipment level or space it provides. Dimensions Length 4,140 mm Width 1,760 mm Height 1,520mm

2019 sees the 50th anniversary of one of Britain’s most iconic films to have been produced and starred Michael Cain and a red, white and blue mini. If you haven’t guessed by now that famous film is the Italian Job. The film was released on the 5th June and was an instant success here in the UK. There was a lot for petrol heads to enjoy, from chases through Turin, Police car crashes, and a dash in a Bedford Val 6 wheeled coach through the Alps. Steve looks at a small selection of cars from the film, predominately the four survivors. Various exotic or unusual cars were used for filming of the Italian Job including a Lamborghini Miura, three mini Coopers, Aston Martin DB4, two Jaguar E Types, a Harrington Legionaire bodied Bedford Val, Land Rover Series 2a and a Ford Thames dormobile to name but a few. Despite an iconic line-up of vehicles only four remain in existence which is not only a crying shame, but these four survivors are the focus of this article. Readers will be disappointed to know that not one of the Minis used for filming survived but that may not come as a surprise as they had crucial roles throughout the film. Another scrapped vehicle is the Bedford Val coach used to transport the Minis and the gold. After filming of the Italian Job, the coach went back to coach duties and remained in service until 1994 when it was scrapped. For some of the vehicles their whereabouts are not known, and this is certainly the case for the Land Rover series 2a but this is believed to have been scrapped in 1992 but this cannot be substantiated. It is also the same story for the Ford Thames dormobile. Lamborghini Miura The Miura only had a short but important part of the Italian Job but despite is brief appearance it helped set the scene for what was to come. It may come as a surprise for readers that the Miura survived, as the wreckage of a Miura was pushed into the river by the Caterpillar bulldozer. The wrecked Miura that was pushed into the river was actually a car that had been crashed by its owner some months previously and had been sent back to Lamborghini. Lamborghini were very kind in letting the wreckage to be used in the film as well as Paramount Pictures hiring a new identical orange Miura. Jaguar E Type convertible The red E type convertible is fitted with the 3.8 engine and was bought by the film crew to use in the film. In the Italian Job the car was badly damaged by a digger by the Mafia. The car had other claim to fame as it had been used previously as a racing car by Robin Sturgess in the early 1960s. The car is now owned by the Jaguar historian and author Phillip Porter. Jaguar E Type coupe It was probably luck that saved the blue Jaguar E Type from being scrapped after filming, as the digger did a very good job of damaging the roof. However, after filming the car sat in storage until 1989 mostly forgotten. Thankfully the cars history was realised and was restored by Tester Engineering. Aston Martin DB4 Another surprising survivor is the Aston Martin DB4 which apparently was pushed off the side of a cliff by the digger. However, the observant amongst you that have seen the film have probably realised that it wasn’t a DB4 that went off the cliff but rather a Lancia Flaminia. I hope you have enjoyed looking back at the car survivors that starred in this cult film and despite none of the Minis or other unusual vehicles surviving, it’s nice to think their legacies will live on within the film. And lets not forget that despite the Italian Job being half a century old, the love for the film doesn't appear to be waning. May its popularity continue for another 50 years.

Steve takes a look at the Volvo 940, one of the last rear wheel drive tanks to see whether it will become a future classic The Volvo 940 was launched in 1990 to replace the very successful 740 and looked more like a facelift of its predecessor. As such a lot of sheet metal was the same from the facelift 740 and the 940 but the 940 had different rear lights and boot. As such the 940 could be seen as a refined version of the infamous 740 series. The 940 shared most engine and gearbox options of its predecessor. As such the 940 was available with four different petrol engines and one diesel engine. All petrol engines were the well proven four cylinders which came in either turbo or N/A forms. As you'd expect the engines are not that economical by modern standards and mpg figures in the low/mid-twenties would be most likely. The diesel was the trusted 2.4 six-cylinder unit which originated from Volkswagen and was naturally more economical than the petrol engines. Engine specs are as follows: Petrol engines 2.0 N/A producing 111bhp with 158Nm torque. 2.0 turbo producing 155bhp with 234Nm torque. 2.3 N/A producing 130bhp with 185Nm torque. 2.3 turbo producing 190bhp with 280Nm torque. Diesel engine 2.4 turbo producing 122bhp with 235Nm torque. All engines could be mated to either a 5-speed manual, 4 speed manual with electronic overdrive or a 4 speed automatic. Furthermore, most of the suspension and braking systems were inherited from the outgoing 740. As such all 940 models came with power steering, anti-lock braking and self-leveling rear suspension on estates as standard (excluding S spec). The 940 also had the 740s trusted constant track rear suspension which incorporated a live rear axle and had a turning circle of 9.9 metres. Volvo has always prided itself on the safety of its vehicles and the 940 was no exception being fitted with a safety cage, collapsible steering column, front seatbelt pretensioners, seatbelt reminder warning, ABS and Volvos Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) as standard. An SRS driver’s airbag was available on all specifications as an optional extra and was one of the first Volvo models to be offered with this safety feature. Compared to the outgoing 740 model where spec levels were limited, buyers were given a variety of specifications to choose from with the new 940 which could suit all tastes and budgets which included: S was the entry-level model and was fitted with central locking, Lumbar support, bulb failure warning light, seatbelt reminder light, front fog lights, heated front seats, manual door mirrors, and windup windows. SE came with all the features of the S spec but benefitted from electric front windows, manual sunroof, electric aerial, electric heated door mirrors Wentworth was fitted with alloy wheels, electric rear windows, air conditioning as well as the features from the SE spec. GLE gained leather interior and electric sunroof as standard on top of Wentworth trim. Turbo spec was only available with cars fitted with either the 2.0 turbo or 2.3 turbo engines and was equipped similarly to Wentworth trim. Sport spec also gained a bodykit, boot spoiler and special alloy wheels. Various other options were offered regardless of specification which included electric memory front seats, climate control (available with air conditioning only), rear-facing seats in the boot of estate models, cruise control and an external temperature gauge. (Trim levels apply to UK models and information taken from a Volvo 940 brochure) Driving the 940 The car I have on test is a 1993 saloon in SE trim which is fitted with the 2.0 petrol engine and mated to the 5-speed manual gearbox. This particular car has covered a measly 246,000 miles and despite some blemishes, it feels rather solid for a 25-year-old car. Being in SE trim this Volvo has electric front windows, electric mirrors, sunroof, heated front seats and central locking all as standard. Turning the key the four-cylinder engine rumbles into life, and as you pull away the 2.0 engine feels strong despite the mileage and the 940 can keep up well with modern traffic. The 5-speed gearbox pulled through the gears well, without any crunching and you wouldn’t tell the gearbox has 246,000 miles behind it. I found the power steering to be light which was surprising when you consider the size of the 940 and it had some play. The brakes also stop this big barge well which is backed up by discs all round and ABS. It cannot be denied that the 940 is a built more for comfort rather than performance and this can be felt in the ride. The 940 takes speed humps with ease and irons out bumps far better than a lot of more modern cars in my opinion. On top of this, I found the 940 to have a very comfortable driving position which was I part due to the lumbar support. In addition, all the switches are in easy reach of the driver and all-round visibility is very good. You can tell Volvo thought long and hard about the ergonomics of this car as I found it a pleasure to drive and sit in. Rear passengers aren’t neglected either with good amounts of leg and headroom which is thanks to the all-so-Swedish 'boxy' design. The boot is a good size too with a volume of 16.6 cubic feet, whereas the estates have 35 cubic feet. Build quality is as you would expect from a Volvo as the interior feels solid and well put together with no wear on the seat bolsters or switchgear. The dials are reasonably clear but I found the trip and milometer hard to read, but this could just be due to my eyesight. The only issue with the instrument cluster was the fuel gauge being non-operational but it would appear that electrical issues with instrument clusters affect both the 940 and its predecessor and are commonplace. Another common issue is wear on the door cards from material cracking or coming away. Again the 940 I have on test as a damaged driver’s door pocket but I believe this is due to a previous owner’s clumsiness rather than an issue with the car. Moving to the outside of the 940, it is clear that the bodywork is holding up well and has very little rust other than on the rear arches where it meets the sills and on the roof where a previous owner carelessly attached something to cause damage. Obviously, the 940 has age related scratches and dents, but the paint still has a nice shine and hides its 25 years of existence well. The Motorists Guide View Overall I found the Volvo 940 a comfortable, sedate cruiser which did not feel like a 25-year-old car. I was most impressed with the handling characteristics as it ironed out bumps well and which was supported by a very comfortable seating position. Despite its age I felt it is a car you could use every day as it was more than capable to keep up with other traffic as well as having all the features you would need. I do admit if I were to use this modern classic daily, I would want one in Wentworth or GLE trim. Do I think the 940 will become a future classic? My answer is, most definitely as the 940 represents the pinnacle of Volvos four-cylinder turbocharged/ rear wheel drive designs. I do believe the 940 is at the bottom of the price curve, and it is clear that prices are starting to rise as enthusiasts are starting to appreciate the quality of these cars other than for being a workhorse. Ironically it’s the 940s reputation of being a workhorse that has both caused its demise with falling numbers on the roads but on the other hand has helped increase the value of surviving examples. Dimensions Length: 487cm saloon/484.5cm estates Width: 175cm saloon and estate Height: 141cm saloon/143.5cm estate Kurb weight: 1458kg salon/1536kg estate

The W212 E class – the successor to the venerable W211 model, but is it better? Steve drives a 2016 facelift model to find out The Mercedes W212 E Class was originally launched in 2009 to replace the well-built W211 version, which itself had helped recover Mercedes reputation at building reliable, long lasting cars after the quality control issues of the late 1990s/early 2000s. There was no doubt that both the car and Mercedes engineers had big shoes to fill but thankfully the gamble paid off as the new model was able to build on the good reputation of its forbearer. The W212 was not only bigger than the previous model it was also more refined. The W212 is available in saloon, estate, coupe and convertible body styles which differed from the previous two E class models as they were only available in saloon or estate. With adding the coupe and convertible to the model lists it meant Mercedes could go back to its routes and provided a link to the original world famous W124 E class which paved the way for Mercedes in building tough, large luxury cars. Another hark back to the past can be seen in the W212 styling as the angular pre-facelift front end not only looked more aggressive, it also brought itself back to the boxy, straight-edged W124. The W212 also gained flared (ponton) rear arches which too were a hint of the past as Mercedes designers took styling cues from 1950s/1960s vehicles. With all the historic touches in the W212 you’d be forgiven to think that the car itself is stuck in the past but nothing could be further from the truth. The W212 was the first model of E class to be fitted with lane departure warning (option), drowsiness detection and road sign recognition. Other safety features include blind spot detection as an option as well as neck pro head restraints which are connected to sensors to the vehicle and can predict a rear end shunt. The head restraints adjust to reduce the risk of a whiplash injury. Furthermore, there are plenty of engine choices available to cater for all needs, whether you’re using the W212 E Class for taxi duty or a performance saloon ideally suited to the autobahn. There are four petrol engines on offer for the E Class comprising of the 4 cylinder E200 (184hp) and E250 (211hp), or the stonking powerhouses of the 5.5 litre AMG or E63 AMG V8 engines which the latter produces 557 hp along with 720Nm of torque. There are also three diesel engines available which include the E220 (170hp) or E250 (204hp) which are both 4 cylinder engines. The biggest diesel engine is the E350 V6 which produces 252hp/620Nm torque and is by far the smoothest diesel engine in the range. The V6 comes equipped with BlueTEC for further efficiency and reduced Co2 emissions. This is achieved by a combination of Adblue technology, and high injection pressure with piezo injectors. Mercedes claim the V6 was the cleanest diesel engine when the W212 facelift was launched and reduces Nitrogen emissions by 90%. Unusually there is also a E300 diesel hybrid which has 204hp combined with 500Nm of torque which is thanks to the electric motor. Like most other hybrid systems the vehicle will run on electric up to 30mph then convert to running on the combustion engine. I feel this variant would be ideally suited for taxi service due to the fuel economy, cheap tax, and manufacture MPG figures of 62 combined. The only drawback for this model is the towing rate as it can only tow 300kg. This brings me neatly onto the topic of the facelifted E Class which debuted in 2012 and benefitted with new LED adaptive headlights, updated front bumper, grill and bonnet along with other subtle cosmetic tweaks and alleged cost Mercedes 1 billion euros in design and development. The facelift brought the E Class into line with other newer models within the Mercedes range and brought to an end the dual headlight setups. The interior also received mini tweaks but otherwise remained unchanged from the preface lift. I personally prefer the facelift W212 but my only criticism is the lacking of the raised 3 pointed star on the bonnet, but I believe this can be easily fitted for those like me who would still want the raised star by replacing the flat Mercedes emblem on the bonnet. Driving the Mercedes W212 E Class The car I have on test a 2016 Night Edition saloon which is one of the last cars built and fitted with the 350 V6 diesel engine and nine-speed 9G-Tronic gearbox. Being a Night Edition this particular special edition is fitted with a black painted roof, door mirrors, and bumper inserts as well as having AMG styling including the front bumpers and wheels. This particular car also has the panoramic sunroof option, black leather interior, parking sensors with reversing camera, Bluetooth, satnav, dual zone climate control, xenon headlights, LED rear lights and a DAB radio. Climbing into the cabin the E Class is equipped with a generous helping of leather on the electric memory seats and door cards and joined by chrome handles, inserts, vents, switches, and a gorgeous chrome edges analogue clock set within the dash. As you’d expect the cabin is of very good quality with soft touch plastics and all switches set with the centre console. The cabin is also fitted with ambient lighting and aluminium dash inserts, but the crown jewel is a well-positioned multimedia screen which controls the DAB radio, Bluetooth, satnav and reverse camera which has all been previously mentioned. I found the seats very comfortable and easily adjusted with the electric functions which are found on the doors. Rear legroom and headroom are very generous too even for those who are 6ft. This excludes the coupe version where even at 5ft 8” my head touched the headlining. Legroom also is a problem on the coupe for those with long legs. The estate version can also have the added practicality of a rear-facing bench seat, which increases the seating capacity to seven. Turning the key the V6 settles to a smooth quiet idle and to set off the column shifter stalk is pressed down. This differs from the W211 as the automatic gearbox was controlled via a lever between the seats or with the paddle shifter behind the steering wheel on sport models. On the open road, the 350 V6 engine and auto gearbox are very refined, the engine being smooth under acceleration and changed effortlessly by the gearbox. It’s also worth noting that the 9-speed box differs very little from the 7 speed which is also offered on certain W212 models. The benefit of the 9 speed include, ever so slightly smoother gear changes and the extra gears help with economy but the only niggle we found was that it would have a tendency to change more often. But I must stress that we are nit-picking really and it is a superb gearbox. I drove the E Class in a mixture of town, country and motorway driving and the V6 diesel achieved between 25-32mpg but I feel this could be increased on very long journeys. Other areas of the driving experience were great too, the steering was light yet responsive and was supported by a sublime suspension set up which ironed out most bumps in the road. Air suspension is an optional extra on the W212 for the rear but I found the coils and dampers are this car gave a ride that felt no real difference compared to the air suspension. If anything its better as it’s less to go wrong, as the air suspension on any car can become notoriously tricky to repair if it breaks. However, in terms of reliability, I feel that the W212 E Class a further improvement on the previous model both in refinement and build quality and to prove Mercedes trust in this model the body shell has a 30-year perforation guarantee which is one of the longest warranties on the market today. Hopefully, Mercedes have finally managed to banish the rust demons of the 1990s, that dogged the company and affected its reputation. But thankfully they have managed to rebound from the dark days and offer products which exceed that of the infamous W124 series. The Motorists Guide View Overall I found the W212 E Class one of the best cars I have tested for AutoEvoke and couldn’t fault it in any area. I found the build quality superb with no rattles or squeaks and the driving characteristics wonderfully balanced, compliant and comfortable. Would I own one? I’d say yes, without a shadow of a doubt and I feel that Mercedes are finally back on form with dependable and robust large luxury cars. Dimensions Length: 4879mm (saloon) Width: 2071mm (including wing mirrors) Height: 1474mm (saloon)

322 miles in one day. Steve travelled to Las Vegas to take a 2018 Ford Mustang convertible on a short road trip through too glorious states. Las Vegas – a city synonymous for gambling, partying and generally a play ground for the rich and famous. However, what if you want a change from the hustle and bustle of the city and see more of what the silver state has to offer? The answer is to hire a car and I have devised a perfect road trip which allows you enjoy some of the amazing scenery, ghost towns, mining towns and route 66 which all helped make the states of Nevada and Arizona both famous and rich. Below is a picture of the planned route. Tips for driving in Nevada & Arizona · You can turn right onto a road even if your traffic light sequence is on red if it is safe to do so. · We would recommend obeying the speed limits as he had been warned we would see lots of Police cars. We only saw four marked Police vehicles but there were probably plenty of unmarked cars we didn’t see! · Plan your route as phone signal can be limited in certain remote locations. · Fuel stations can be limited when you’re out in the desert and as such we would recommend not letting the fuel tank fall below the ¼ tank mark. · Always where your seatbelt whilst driving · Never pass a school bus with the stop sign out. · Never use your mobile phone whilst driving except through a hands free device. · Children 6 years or younger are required to have a child restraint system. · Do not drink and drive. Speed limits 15mph - School Zones 25mph - residential areas 45mph - Areas going into towns 65mph - Urban freeways, rural highways 70mph - Rural interstate freeways Our recommendations · Don’t stop at fort Mohave unless you require a break · Do visit the Hoover Dam · Consider visiting Chloride ghost town (off route 93) · Take plenty of pictures Have fun! Starting location Most of the car rental companies are situated near to the McCarran Airport, which are a short taxi ride from most of the hotels situated near to the strip and cost approximately $20 for a ride there or back. To get the best deals on hire cars my advice is to book as early as possible and pay in full at the time of booking. Besides getting a cheaper price this also allows you to splash out on a nicer vehicle is desired. For example a similar Ford Mustang to the one I have on test would cost you £111 from Alamo if booked months in advance, whereas on the day it would have cost you more than double the price. The rental charge is for a full 24 hours from the time of booking and we’d recommend collecting your car at around 7am. This sounds early, but believe me the trip is worth it. Rental car location address: McCarran Airport Rental Car Return, 7231 Gilespie St, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA Red Rock Canyon The first point of interest on our road trip is Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area and features a 12 mile drive around beautiful scenery. Leaving the rental car lot its approximately a 30 minute drive to Red Rock Canyon along Route 215 & 159. Arriving at red Rock there is a toll booth where you pay the $15 vehicle fee to drive around the site. You will not be disappointed in spending the $15 as the views are breath taking and the following pictures do not do the area justice. Red Rock address: Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center, 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161, USA Nelson ghost town After leaving red rock Canyon you have to back track yourself along route 215 and subsequently join the freeway, which becomes route 95 that takes you directly out of Las Vegas and into the wonderful Nevada desert. You need to keep an eye out though for the left turn for route 165 which takes you directly to Nelson. However there are two parts of Nelson, the first part that will come into view is the more modern buildings. Don’t stop here, instead carry on around the corner and you’ll be met by the rustic mining town. Once you’ve parked the car, head over to the visitor centre to check in and be given relevant safety information but to be fair your main danger is rattle snakes. The owners of the ghost town are lovely and they kindly ask if you’re going to take lots of pictures to pay a measly $10. The visitor centre does have cold drinks for sale in the freezer, but be warned you might get a surprise, as the carcases of the rattle snake caught in that year are kept in there! Nelson is lovingly preserved and you cannot be impressed by the town’s charm. From Red Rock Canyon, Nelson is an hour’s drive and approximately 60miles . Nelson address: Nelson, NV 89046, USA Colorado River As you leave Nelson turn right out of the carpark to head through the Eldorado Canyon and drive the 5 miles approx to the majestic Colorado River. You’ll find the road is a dead end but offers great views of the surrounding area. Oatman Arizona Leaving the Colorado River you head back along the 165 and re-join the 95 to head towards Arizona. On our trip we stopped at the town Fort Mohave which was 1 hour 35 minutes from Nelson but other than getting a bite to eat we didn’t find anything else of note at the town. Therefore we’d recommend driving straight through the town to another famous ghost town – Oatman. To get to Oatman you have to come off route 95 and take route 163 through the Mesquite creek to reach the town. On the way you’ll go through, yet more stunning scenery in the Mojave Desert. As you get nearer to Oatman you’ll discover that you have come onto the world famous Route 66 which not only passes through Oatman but will take you to our next destination as well. Oatman is another well preserved ghost town with plenty of shops, bar and hotel. There’s also a small mine you can enter as well as a jail and museum which were both closed on our visit. It’s worth noting that if you intend to visit the town on a weekend, they often do wild west style shoot outs on the main road. Another curiosity for the town are the semi wild Burros that roam the streets. These donkey like creatures were once domesticated in the twos boom years but as they escaped from their owners throughout the decades the breed became more wild. But it has to be said they love to be fed and fussed over! Kingman Arizona Leaving Oatman, you continue along the historic Route 66 for just under an hour to arrive at the town of Kingman. However before I discuss Kingman I want to talk about the fantastic drive to the town via the world’s most famous highway. The drive between Oatman and Kingman is breath-taking but can alos be dangerous if you chose to drive irresponsibly. The stretch of 66 we were on had shear drops, uneven surfaces at the edge of the highway and tight turns. It is truly an amazing experience but as already mentioned it would not suffer fools. On arriving at Kingman there is a fantastic traditional diner where food and drink is served with enthusiasm. The staff were friendly and genuinely interested in talking to us both about our trip but also about the UK. Next to the diner was a second-hand car lot which sold muscle cars and hotrods which stood out. I definitely wanted one or two! Unfortunately because we had arrived at Kingman at 9pm not a lot of places were open and couldn’t get a full flavour of what the town had to offer. After we were finished at the diner we picked up route 93 and headed back towards Las Vegas with a plan to visit the Hoover Dam before it closed at 9pm. unfortunately we arrived 15 minutes late and thus couldn’t visit the Dam. After this setback we decided to return the car to the rental company and which concluded our road trip. The Motorists Guide View: Thanks for reading our Nevada & Arizona road trip, we hope we have inspired you to complete a US road trip of your own and we can assure you that you won't be disappointed! Have you done a road trip that you think we should consider doing? Then don’t hesitate to contact us! Read the Ford Mustang review here

The Ford Mustang – an American icon but does the 2018 model make a viable purchase? Steve went to Las Vegas to find out. I start this car review in an unusual fashion, as I have a confession to make. When I landed at the Las Vegas McCarran airport I was expecting to be driving away in the 5.0 V8 version of the Mustang, however, due to a mix up I, in fact, ended up with a turbocharged four-cylinder 2.3 Ecoboost version with the automatic gearbox. However, I must stress that the Ecoboost engine isn’t lacking in performance as it produced 313bhp and 319 of torque. Unperturbed I felt this to be more fitting to our UK readers where the Ecoboost engine makes more financial sense, both in purchase cost and running cost. Walking up to the Mustang it cannot be denied that it has road presence, especially in the eye-popping race red which looked stunning and seemed fitting for this American legend. Since the turn of the millennium, various car manufacturers have tried to mimic their retro-inspired designs of yesteryear with varying success. The Volkswagen Beetle and the Chrysler PT Cruiser immediately spring to mind but even Ford followed suit with the previous Mustang version. However, with the current Mustang, I feel Ford got the look spot on. I liked the front end with its swooping vented bonnet which was nicely matched to the aggressive looking lights and large vents. The side profile was nice too with bulging arches and topped off with a classic Mustang-derived rear end with signature rear light clusters. My only criticism is if found was with the alloy wheels which didn’t fill the arches enough but do give the Mustang a nice ride. Opening the door you are welcomed to mustang horse puddle lights and illuminated Mustang sill plates which invite you to slide into the black leather bucket seat. I found the interior welcoming and well presented with the dials clear and nicely positioned in the instrument cluster. The seat was both comfortable and supportive which would become crucial on the long drive that lay ahead. I also found the seating and steering wheel controls easily adjusted as well as finding the other switches well positioned. However I felt the aircon switches could have been better presented, but this could be more due to my poor eyesight rather than a fault with the design! The interior felt well built with a mixture of plastics used and certainly felt no different to interiors of vehicles found in Europe. It cannot be denied that the Mustang is well equipped and even in this entry-level version you get keyless ignition, DAB radio, Bluetooth technology, and reverse camera as standard. After I located the engine start button I then found the second most important button (in my opinion) on the convertible, the roof switches. Ford has made this an effortless affair by having both a twist handle to unlock/lock the roof into place, and then a button to raise and lower the fabric roof which glides neatly behind the rear seats. Pressing the start button the engine bursts into life and settles to a nice burble but I do admit I missed the V8 soundtrack. Driving in traffic was a doddle, with a good amount of torque to help you pull away at traffic lights and visibility was good on the whole with the roof either up or down. The exception I found to be the door mirrors which I felt were designed more for form rather than function. Moving onto the freeway I found the Ecoboost engine very refined and gave a nice engine note when accelerating but settled down and quiet when cruising. I found the automatic gearbox adequate but some changes were jerky which hampered the experience slightly. As you’d expect there was a lot of wind noise when going over 70mph with the roof down but I didn’t find the wind to be an issue. I was very impressed with how the roof reduced wind noise when up, and found it wasn’t far off what you’d find with a solid roof. There were no squeaks or rattles to note either which certainly impressed me, especially as convertibles can suffer from scuttle shake caused by uneven road surfaces or under acceleration as the chassis flexes. One key concern for UK buyers will be fuel economy, but I found the Mustang on par with vehicles of a similar size and engine setup as I was averaging 22-24mpg but bare in mind this is American gallon, not European gallon. Turning off the Freeway and driving onto the historic Route 66 your thoughts of fuel economy quickly disappear as you’re presented with stunning scenery and various twists and turns. On the bends, the Mustang handles very well, with limited body roll and feels planted to the road, but you soon appreciate the width of the car which will make the car interesting on UK roads. The good handling is matched with sharp brakes which were certainly ideal when we were met with a burro in the middle of the road just outside the Arizona town of Oatman. Heading towards Kingman and with the night closing in the Mustangs automatic headlights kicked in and gave great illumination. Furthermore, the cold set in and as such the roof was put up and heater activated. I found the heater warmed the cabin very efficiently which is aided by having dual climate control. After stopping for a coffee break in Kingman we headed for our return journey back to Las Vegas which the Mustang completed effortlessly. The Motorists Guide view Overall I found the Mustang a joy to drive and despite covering 600 miles in it I didn’t feel tired or uncomfortable afterward. I found it to be well put together as well as being nicely appointed. However, no car is perfect and the Mustang isn’t without issues such as the occasionally jerky automatic gearbox and small wing mirrors to name a couple. If you are in the market for a convertible sports car then I would recommend you consider the Mustang due to its value for money in comparison to its competitors and you’ll certainly exclusivity on UK roads.

Steve gets behind the wheel of a 3rd generation E class to see whether it is a used car gem. The Mercedes W211 E class was launched in 2002 to replace the notoriously rust prone W210 model. There was a lot riding on this new E class and most importantly Mercedes reputation, due to build quality issues affecting various models of Mercedes both in the late 1990s and into the start of the 21st century. This new model E Class was only available in two body styles, either saloon or estate and three spec levels were offered on release which were; Classic, Elegance and Advantgarde. Even the entry level Classic spec was well equipped and benefited from climate air conditioning, cruise control, alloy wheels, heated washer jets and rain sensing wipers. The Elegence trim added interior touches such as wood trim, leather trimmed steering wheel/gear knob and the top spec Advantgade benefited from part leather trim, Xenon headlights, LED rear lights and specific five spoke alloy wheels. Various engine options were available including a good array of diesel engines which reflected the market at the time, as diesels were in favour with buyers and the government. The options were; 220CDI, 270CDI (prefaclift only), 280CDI and 320CDI in diesel form. On the other hand petrol buyers weren’t forgotten about as the E Class was available as a 200, 320 (V6) or a 500 (V8) which was fitted to the AMG and later replaced by the E63 at the end of production. The key to a long engine life for any Mercedes is regular maintenance and this should help reduce some issues. One key issue on CDI engines are injector seal failure and this can be sotted by a rough running engine and a fuel smell in the cabin. As you would expect it is not cheap to repair and you’ll be looking roughly up to £500. Also bearings for the super chargers pulley can fail especially on cars that have covered more than 100,000 miles. Due to the age of most W211 cars, most will have covered more than 100k so it’s worth checking the service history for this work being carried out. Unfortunately the early cars weren’t without faults, but compared to the previous rusty W210 the W211 suffered from electrical and mechanical gremlins. The most important electrical issue to watch out for on early cars, those built up to 2005 are faults with the Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) system. The SBC system was designed to be a form of anti-skid control and was able to make adjustments to brake pressure to help keep the car more stable under braking. However the system has been known to fail and even Mercedes replaced the SBC units when the cars were within warranty. Due to the amount of customer complaints/system issues Mercedes reverted to a hydraulic system for the facelift model. In addition, one key issue with early E class models is with the radiator which has been known to leak into the gearbox oil cooler. This ultimately jams the torque converter and can result in an expensive bill but only affects models built up to 2003 and fitted with a Valeo radiator. Mercedes facelifted the E class for the 2006 model year and thankfully this rectified a lot of the early faults and around 2000 improvements were made, including to the performance and handling. The facelift was graced with new headlights, grill and bumper which helped improve the styling. For the facelift a sport spec was also added which was fitted with 18” wheels, cornering lights, stiffer suspension, gear shift paddles and cost £1,470 as an optional extra on the estate and a whopping £3,570 on the saloon. As you would expect safety wasn’t neglected either and the facelifted E Class was fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system as well as adaptive braking system which flash the brake lights to warn cars behind of sudden braking. If the car behind still fails to stop the E Class is fitted with PRE SAFE occupant protection and neck pro head restraints which both prepare the occupants and vehicle for an imminent impact. Driving the W211 Mercedes E Class The car I have on test is a facelift 2006 280CDI estate model with the optional extra sport trim which has covered 133,000 miles. Sliding into the comfy leather seat it is clear to see that this model of E Class differs greatly from its boxy predecessors. The cabin is light and airy as well as having a dash that curves and gives the E Class a modern, yet sophisticated look and is very well laid out. The front seats are easily adjusted thanks to the electric adjustment and memory feature as well as being heated which is ideal for the up and coming winter. This is also supported with the reach and rake adjusted from the leather steering wheel. Turning the key and the V6 diesel engine fires and quickly settles to a smooth idle. Engaging drive and pulling away it is clear that the V6 diesel has brisk acceleration which is further helped from the 7 speed GTRONIC gearbox, both of which present no drama. The W211 E Class was highly praised for its handling characteristics, with great body control/neutral handling and this particular car is no exception. The ride is very compliant and absorbs bumps well, which is impressive as the sport model has the stiffer suspension but is supported with self-levelling Airmatic air suspension on the rear. Furthermore the steering is precise and gives the driver confidence to push the car into the corners. As you’d expect the braking system is more than adequate to stop this autobahn stormer, and can bring the car to a stop in half the distance of the Highway Codes distances which is impressive for a car of this size and weight. On examining the cabin it is clear that the interior is built well and very electrical item was working and the interior was showing no real signs of wear, other than on the driver seat bolster. There is a generous amount of leg and head room for rear passengers as well as having a carnivorous boot which can also be fitted with optional extra rear facing seats. The Motorists Guide View The W211 E Class was a very expensive car when new but now they can be obtained for as little as £1500 and are exceptional value for money. But be warned there will be a lot of cheap E class cars out there which are suffering from mechanical or electrical issues, and as such a comprehensive service history is a must. Cars that are in good, cared for condition will provide fantastic family transport as well as providing good levels of comfort, equipment and safety and it is a car I would strongly recommend. Dimensions Saloon Length: 4,818mm (15ft 10in) Width: 1,822mm (6ft 0in) Height: 1,452mm (4ft 9in) Luggage capacity: 540 litres (rear seats up) Estate Length: 4,850mm (16’ 0”) Width: 1,822mm (6’ 0”) Height: 1,495mm (4’ 11”) Luggage capacity: (rear seats up): 690 litres. Luggage capacity: (rear seats down): 1,950 litres. Kerb weight: 1,785kg – 1,885kg

In the last week both motoring fans and Hollywood have been mourning the loss of a true filming icon, Burt Reynolds who sadly passed away from a heart attack at the age of 82 in Florida. As a fitting tribute Steve looks through some of the cars that starred alongside him during some his most memorable films. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am – Smokey and the bandit One of Burt Reynolds defining films was Smokey and the Bandit which was released in 1977 and featured a 1976/1977 Tans Am which was used as a diversion to keep cops off the trail of the illegal cargo in the back of the truck. After the film sales for the Trans Am rocketed and Reynolds was also also gifted one of the Trans Am promo cars. 1979 Dodge Sportsman Ambulance – Cannonball Run The 1981 film Cannonball run involved a road race and was loosely based on the real 1979 Running the Cannonball race, but not only that the ambulance was used both the actual race and then starred in the film. This was No coincidence as the director for the Cannonball Run had raced the ambulance. 1971 International Scout – Deliverance In this 1974 film Reynolds drives a 1971 International Scout. This 800B model was one of the last of the Mk1 Couts before it was replaced by the Mk2 version. 1968 Chevrolet Camero – Cop and a half Cop and a half was a 1993 comedy which featured Reynolds as a cop who teams up with an 8 year old boy to solve a murder investigation. The film Reynolds drives a 1968 Chevrolet Camero which is fitted with a SS badge. However it is unknown if this car was a real SS as it did not have the SS bonnet. 1974 Citroen SM – Longest Yard This Citroen SM featured in the 1974 film the longest Yard but is only seen in the first few scenes. In the film Reynolds takes the car from his angry girlfriend when intoxicated. She reports the car stolen and a police chase ensues, which ends with the Citroen sinking in water after being pushed off a dock. 1975 Porsche 935 replica – Cannonball Run Compared to the Dodge ambulance mentioned previously this Porsche 935 replica only stars briefly in the film and is based on a 1969 Porsche 911. However those vital scenes gave us too important parts of the film, the first was captain Chaos but also the line “anti radar paint, turbo charged. JJ, nothing can stop us now! Nothing!” As can be suspected this did not go well and the car crashes after encountering a Police roadblock. 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am – Hooper This 1978 film is about an aging stuntman who wants to prove he’s still got the skills to do this risky line of work. Hooper was realised after Smokey and the Bandit which could partially explain why a Trans Am was used in Reynolds next film. The Pontiac in question was used in the second half of the film and is used for the films climatic ending where its jumps a 323ft gorge. 1978 GMC k10 stepside – Hooper Another noticeable cars used in the film Hooper is this GMC k10. In the first part of the film Reynolds drives this modified GMC pickup and it is featured in one of the films best scenes when he is pulled over by the police doing 55mph in reverse. 1971 Ford 500 – White Lightening White Lightening was released in 1973 and would be Burt Reynolds first car movie. In the film Reynolds, an ex-convict is employed by the Police to catch a corrupt sheriff who killed his brother and runs a moonshining ring. In the film Reynolds used a modified Ford 500 which was fitted with 429cu V8.

As tribute to the King of Pop - Michael Jackson, Steve has a look through some of his more unusual cars on his 60th birthday. 1990 rolls Royce limousine As one would expect limousines are part and parcel of a celebrity life style and Michael had more than one Rolls Royce limo. 1988 GMC Jimmy High Sierra Fire Truck One of the oddities within the collection was a fire truck, painted with Neverland Fire Dept sign writing. However it isn’t quite clear why Michael owned this. 1909 Detamble replica Another unusual purchase by Michael was this Detamble replica, especially when he could have afforded a genuine example. 1997 Neoplan Touring Bus Naturally no pop star is without a tour bus and Michael was no exception. This bus featured cream leather interior, as well as a bathroom made from gold, granite and obviously porcelain. 1988 Lincoln Town Car limousine And here’s another one of Michaels limos. The Lincoln Town car was popular with musicians and even Elvis had one. 1993 Ford Ecoline Day Van The day van was a very popular vehicle in America, and like a lot of Americans Michael owned one. His Ecoline was fitted with Televisions and games consoles. 2001 Harley Davidson Police Motorcycle It wasn’t just cars Michael had in his collection, as he also owned this Police spec Harley Davidson. But I have to admit that it’s a good match for the GMC Fire Truck. 1954 Cadillac Fleetwood Another American icon, and a must have in any car collection is a Cadillac. This car comes from a great time in American car design and this particular car was featured in the filming of Driving Miss Daisy. 1988 GMC Jimmy personality One of the least luxurious vehicles in Michael’s fleet, but non the less practical.

Steve looks through five Volkswagens that lasted longer in production than you might think! VW Beetle The last Volkswagen Beetle rolled off the assembly line in Wolfsburg-German in 1978 for the hard top and 1980 for the Karman cabriolet; however that wasn’t the end of the story. Production continued in South America where there was still high demand for cheap, simple transportation at assembly plants both in Mexico and Brazil. Despite the introduction of the Golf, Beetles were still being officially imported from Mexico by Volkswagen Germany well into the1980s. Personal imports continued in small numbers, until two professional car import companies started importing larger quantities of Mexican Beetles from 1996 right up to the end of production in 2003. The Mexican Beetles were based on the late 70s body and chassis, similar to that of the 1200 but fitted with a 1600cc fuel injected engine producing 90bhp and catalytic converter. The Mexican Beetles also benefited from an electric washer bottle as opposed the vacuum system as found on the 1970s versions, as well as front disc brakes as standard. Besides these alterations the Beetle remained relatively unchanged, keeping the same suspension setup and four speed manual gearbox as found on the older versions. UK importers were generous with options lists which included right hand drive conversions, folding sunroofs, CD players and even heated windscreens. Even with the novelty factor the Mexican Beetle remains a rare sight on UK roads. Ultima Edicion Beetle VW Transporter bay window Just like the Beetle, South America was in high demand of the bay window transporter due to its versatility where both van and minibus versions were produced in Volkswagens Brazilian plant. The name was changed to kombi but the same 1970s design soldiered on with an air-cooled engine, until 2006 when new emissions rules were brought into force in Brazil. To prolong the life of the Kombi Volkswagen Brazil fitted it with a 1200cc water cooled engine which could also be found in the Fox, this not only reduced emissions but it meant the old designed gained a front radiator grill. Professional importers started bringing the kombi into the UK at the start of the Millennium, where buyers could select from a variety of interior and colour options, but more importantly allowed them to have the retro looks but within a brand new vehicle. Unfortunately progress left the Kombi behind, thanks to safety legislation production ceased in 2013. Last Edition Kombi VW golf Mk1 The first generation Golf was launched in 1974 as a direct replacement to the much loved Volkswagen Beetle. For buyers the golf was a vast improvement over the beetle, as it was available as a five door hatchback or two door cabriolet as well as having more powerful water cooled engines. Just like the Beetle the Golf developed a loyal following, and the model built on Volkswagens reputation for providing reliable family transport. The sporty Golf GTI was launched in 1975 which marked the introduction of the “hot hatch” and became a benchmark for other manufactures to follow due to its practicality and fun driving characteristics. The Mk1 Golf ceased production in Europe in 1983 for the hard top, but the cabriolet remained in production for another decade and final bowed out in 1993. However that was not the end of the story, because as we’ve seen previously in this article certain countries still required cheap and economical transportation. The Golf Mk1 continued to be produced in Africa until 2009 but was renamed Citi Golf so as to differentiate itself from the later model Golfs. The Citi Golf was available with either a 1.4, or 1.6 fuel injected engine and was available in four trim levels; CitiRox, CitiSport, TenaCiti and CitiStorm. 2003 Citi Golf VW Jetta Mk2 The Mk2 Jetta was noticeably longer, wider and taller than the previous model and was available in three and five door saloon. The second generation Jetta was released in 1984 and immediately became a sales success in America, where it outsold the Golf and even achieved bestselling European car of the year in America in 1991. In the same year the Jetta was introduced into the Chinese market in complete knock down (CKD) form, but this later changed in 1995 when China started their own production using locally sourced components. The Jetta was the first Volkswagen to be released in China but due to Volkswagens strong reputation the Jetta has become a popular choice for taxi drivers in China even despite the Mk2 Jetta production ending in 2013. VW Golf Mk4 The fourth generation Golf was introduced to the UK in mid-1998 to replace the aging mk3 model and was available in 3 or 5 door hatchback, estate or cabriolet even though the latter was just a facelifted Mk3 Golf convertible which naturally confused buyers. The Mk4 Golf brought with it various improvements over the outgoing model as it was both longer and wider than the previous model as well as being taller which all improved the cabin space. In early 2004 the Golf Mk4 was replaced by the fifth generation in continental Europe, but it continued to be sold as the Golf City in Canada and in South America until 2010. The Golf City was facelifted in 2007 and was available with either a 2.0 115hp petrol engine or a TDI engine, and sold well due to being competitively priced at $15,300 Canadian dollars. In south America the Golf City was available in either a 1.6, 1.8 or 2.0 petrol engine and was available in two trim levels.

The start of the millennium is shockingly 18 years ago now, and since those wild parties and concerns over computer meltdowns, various special run of the mill cars were born. Steve runs through 12 cars in no particular order introduced in the Noughties (2000-2009) which he feels could become classics. Renault Avantime The word Avantime translated from French means “ahead time” and which was a perfect name for this Renault which was crossed between an MPV and coupe. It certainly was ahead of its time, and one I feel if released tomorrow in the growing MPV market it would sell well. It was fitted with either a 2.0 or 3.0 petrol engine and featured a panoramic roof and futuristic rear lights all wrapped up in a luxurious cabin. Alas, it was not to be and the Avantime had a poor sales record in the UK. However, this means that it is guaranteed to become a future classic due to its rarity and exclusivity. Ford Focus RS The Mk1 Focus RS was the first Ford hot hatch from Ford since the immortal Escort Cosworth and as such had big shoes to fill. However, thanks to Colin Mcrae at the wheel the Focus RS proved itself to be a very capable rally car and as such developed a loyal following. The Focus RS had a low volume production run where 4,500 were made for the European market, of which just under half ended up on UK roads. The Focus RS was powered by a 4 cylinder turbocharged engine producing approximately 212bhp and as such could easily give its competitors a run for their money. Just like other cars on this list I feel the Focus RS is a guaranteed future classic due to its rarity but more importantly due to its motorsport pedigree. Volkswagen Golf Mk5 GTI The Golf Mk5 GTI aimed to build on the Golfs dependability as a family car but aimed to inject some excitement back into the GTI name which some buyers of the previous models had been missing in both the Mk3 and Mk4 GTI. To do this Volkswagen gave the Mk5 GTI a hot 2.0 petrol engine, combined with a touch of retro flair with a tartan interior and Golf ball gearknob. Overall the changes made the Mk5 GTI very appealing to buyers and I sure will help in making it a future classic. BMW Mini R50/R52/R53 The BMW New Mini was released in 2001 just as the classic Mini production ended. This was a sad and exciting time for Mini fans, but also a bold move by BMW which cannot be denied has been a complete success. The Mini owes this to its design cues taken from the classic mini such as the grill and headlights, as well as the large round speedometer and classic style switchgear. The new Mini wasn’t all show and no go either, as its sporty yet classic looks were backed up by great handling thanks to a wheel at each corner and a great selection of engines. Citroen C6 The C6 was Citroen's flagship model aimed at competing with the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E class. However, the C6 wasn’t as conservative as its German rivals due to the body style such as the concave rear window, the roof angle, hydropneumatic suspension and unusual interior design. Unfortunately, the C6 wasn’t a big seller compared to its rivals and as such it makes it a rarity today. But I feel just like its predecessors of the BX and CX the C6 will become a future classic. Jaguar XK The second generation Jaguar XK appeared in 2006 and had a hard act to follow in light of the success of the first generation and just like its predecessor the XK was available in coupe and convertible form. Thankfully Jaguar managed to succeed in releasing another exquisite designed sports car, however, some of the general public felt the car had copied Aston Martin in some of the body lines. This isn’t as daft as it sounds, as the same designer had been used for the creation of the Aston Martin Vanquish and the XK. The stunning design was also mated to a supercharged V8 as well as having a lovely interior. Renault Clio 172/182 The Mk2 Clio range gained the first sporty model at the start of the 21st Century and kicked off with the 172. This later developed into a facelifted version which included Xenon headlights, rain sensing wipers, more airbags, 6 cd player and climate air-conditioning. The final phase of the 172 was the Cup version which was a lightweight version of the 172 and naturally wasn’t fitted with any of the extras of the facelift model except for subtle body modifications. In 2004 the 172 made way for the 182 which gained slight cosmetic tweaks and increased performance. Just like the 172, the 182 also had a lightweight Cup version but then gained the Trophy spec which was a limited production run of 550 cars and was fitted with upgraded Sach shocks. I feel this Renault pocket rocket is sure to be a classic, with the 172 Exclusive model (172 units made) and 182 Trophy commanding the most money if kept in original condition. Honda S2000 The S2000 was yet another car to be released at the turn of the century and released in the year of the Millennium. The S2000 became synonymous as a true drivers car thanks to a 1997cc four-cylinder VTEC engine which could reach a staggering 9000rpm as well as appearing in the second Fast and furious film, 2 Fast 2 Furious. It also benefitted from a 50:50 weight distribution and double wishbone suspension which meant that it had great handling to match the performance. The most sort after models ar the GT Edition (UK)/Ultimate Edition (Continental Europe) which symbolised the end of production in 2009 and were limited to 200 cars. 100 GT Edition/100 Ultimate Editions which were finished in white with red leather interior, grey wheels and came with the additional hard top. Mazda RX8 Launched in 2003 the RX8 was a clever design, not only did the coupe style body hide four doors the engine too was something special. All RX8 models were fitted with a 1.3 Wankel rotary engine which were available in power from 180bhp up to 231bhp. The RX8 benefitted from sports car-like handling and performance but had all the advantages of a normal family hatchback. However, reliability issues affected the model due to engine lobe wear and engines requiring a rebuild at no less than 80,000 miles. I feel the RX8 is a guaranteed future classic due to its rarity and unusual design. MG ZT The MG ZT and its sister the Rover 75 were the last big MG Rover cars to be built at Longbridge, but had been designed by BMW and were available in either saloon or estate. The MG ZT was powered by a 120bhp 1.8 K series engine, 160bhp/180bhp 2.5 V6 engine or a Ford Mustang 4.6 litre V8 and available with either a manual or automatic gearbox. The rarest versions were fitted with the options such as the X pack which increased power or pearlescent paint. But the V8 versions are coveted by enthusiasts as they are rear wheel drive as opposed to the other models which are front wheel drive and had a chassis setup developed by Prodrive. Vauxhall Monaro The Vauxhall Monaro will look very familiar to our Australian or American readers, as the Monaro was badged as a Holden Monaro in Australia and a Pontiac GTO in America respectively. Released in 2004 to the UK market the Monaro was relatively unchanged from its Holden sister, and fitted with the 5.7 small block gen 3 V8 for the first generation model or a 6.0 litre V8 as fitted to the second generation which also benefited from cosmetic changes. The Monaro was a rare car in the UK even when new which will only help with its future values and well worth considering if you want a proper V8 powered right-hand drive muscle car. Alfa Romeo Brera The final car on this list and by no means the least is the Alfa Romeo Brera which was launched in 2005 as a replacement for the aging GTV and based on the Alfa 159 platform. The Brera was available in four trim levels; Medium, Sky view, Turismo Internazionale and Brera S the latter was only available in the UK and featured improved handling which was helped by tuning company Prodrive. The Brera was available with a 2.2 four-cylinder petrol, 3.2 v6 petrol engine or a 2.4 diesel. Total production figures for the Brera exceeded 21,000 but despite this, the Brera was not a common sight on British roads even when new and as such will help make it a future classic.

On the 9th August 2015 I had the fortune of visiting the historic MG factory at Longbridge in Birmingham, and on arrival we waited for our guide in the MG Showroom which gave me a chance to have a look over the MG3 and MG6. Our guide then met us and took us across to the main buildings where we were shown into a room and learnt the history of the MG brand and SAIC future plans for the marque. After the presentation the real fun began and we were shown a faithful reconstruction of Morris office and then moved onto the Technical Centre. As no surprise we were not allowed to take any pictures, but we were show an MG3 turbo prototype as well as the CAD/CAM machines as well as the engine test facilities. The test facilities at Longbridge design and develop the engines and suspension for European MG3s and as such they differ from their Chinese siblings. We then moved onto the heart of the site where we saw the build process for the MG3 but I must confess the conveyor belts and production lines were silent on the day of our visit as production only occurred two days a week. We were also informed that the cars arrive from China to the UK as Complete Knock Down (CKD) kits and reassembled at Longbridge. The silence was eerie but I was just pleased to see the factories still being used for their orginal purpose instead of just idling. The final part of the tour was to be shown MG’s private collection of prototypes and historic vehicles which included some limited edition models and key successes such as the Mini, TF and Austin Healey. Overall the factory tour was a great day out and a real insight into the current operations of MG.

On August 12th 2015 I was lucky enough to visit the former DeLorean Factory in Dunmurry-Belfast and was surprised to find that the site is still being used in the manufacture of car components for no other that Peugeot and Citroen. I visited the site on a Sunday and as such it was much like a ghost town which how it must have felt shortly after DMC demise and closure in 1983. On looking around the various factory units it was amazing to still see some of the original DMC-12 production line equipment still hanging from the ceilings and which sit redundant and forever waiting. I look round and try to picture what the site would have looked like in the heyday of production and feel a sadness that the production was cut short. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to look at the historic Delorean test track due to a lack of time which was a real shame as it is under threat from being built on. Nor did I get to drive up to the famous Delorean House as it is a private residence which had subsequently sold the year before. I do hope that Belfast stops any proposals of housing on the Delorean test track, as it would be a great loss to Belfast due to the history the test track and the rest of the factory complex holds for the city.

In the sleepy Leicestershire village of Barkby there is an unusual sight, parked in the carpark of the Church View Nursey garden centre sits an old double decker bus. This in itself doesn’t sound unusual but what sets this bus apart from many other classic buses is the fact that this one has been converted into a wonderful cafe. The Mash Tun opened in July 2017 by Joe and Laura and who already have a loyal customer base. The bus cannot be missed by passers-by as it sits near the roadside and on arrival there is plenty of parking, which is ideal when the café and garden centre gets busy. Walking over to the bus I found the staff to be very friendly and welcoming, as they talk to you from a hatch in the side of the bus which was once a window. The hatch is where you’ll find the vast menu of both hot and cold food, as well as doubling up for placing your order and on this occasion I ordered a bacon and egg roll with a pot of tea. At this point you also pay for your order either with cash or card payment. Once your order has been placed, you head upstairs and take a pew on one of the up-cycled or handcrafted seating areas which cannot be denied is certainly unique. After a short wait the staff will bring your drinks up to you, followed shortly by your food order. Both of which I found were always delivered with a smile. Tucking into my bacon and egg roll I found both the bacon and egg to be fresh and superb, whilst finding the tea plentiful thanks to a large vintage style pot and presented with a cup, saucer and a biscuit on the side. The food served is either homemade, locally sourced or Fairtrade which further reinforces the quality of the food and drink on offer. The atmosphere of the café was warm with other customers seeming happy and enjoying their orders too. I would highly recommend the Mash Tun Café both for the great food and prompt service and it certainly would make a nice stop for anyone who is taking their classic car out for a run in the idyllic Leicestershire countryside. Details: Church View Nursery/Mash Tun Cafe Queniborough Road, Barkby, Leicester LE7 3QJ http://themashtuncafe.co.uk/ Opening Times: Monday: CLOSED Tuesday: 9:30am-5pm Wednesday: 9:30am-3pm Thursday: 9:30am-5pm Friday: 9:30am-5pm Saturday: 9:30am-5pm Sunday: 10am-4pm The Owners: Joe and Laura with their daughter Flo

Set off the main through fair in Syston Town centre sits a quintessentially British tea room called Occasions which oozes with charm thanks to its quirky vintage setting and lovely staff. Occasions was set up by Emma five years ago to bring something a little different to Syston by offering light lunches with sandwiches, toasties, cream teas which are combined with delicious homemade cakes in a friendly and unique setting. Walking through the door, a classic doorbell rings which is then followed by a warm welcome from Emma and her staff. You then take a seat either in the main café or in the parlour room which would not look out of place in Great Gatsby, and given time to peruse the menu before the staff come over to take your order. On this occasion (no pun intended!) I ordered the cream tea which came with a fruit scone, cream, jam and a pot of tea. After my order had been taken I only had to wait a short time before my order arrived, but I will be clear this wasn’t because I had ordered something simple as other patrons who ordered salads or sandwiches also received their food quickly and always with a smile. All food is freshly prepared and there is a great attention to detail for presentation for all orders that I could see, as well as being exquisite in taste. The food and tea was served on vintage china which only adds to the ambiance of the Tea Room. I cheekily topped off my cream tea with a piece of mouth-watering chocolate cake, which as previously mentioned is homemade and is certainly as great as it looked! I would strongly recommend this fantastic Tea Room to anyone, which is certainly ideal if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of a hectic life but also makes a lovely stop for those who fancy a vintage stop in their vintage car. Details: Occasions Tea Room 8A High St Syston Leicester LE7 1GP 0116 3191819 Opening Times: Monday: CLOSED (Except Bank Holidays & the Monday before Christmas) Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.