The previous post on that turbo-cento got me thinking about a new car which it’s very, very similar to. Well, similar in that it’s essentially a small city-car with a turbocharger attached. So like two peas in a pod then; yesterday’s Fiat and today’s Audi A1 Quattro: I have to admit I am a fan…
Category: Manufacturers
A Further Update on Italian Week
After the Alfa Romeo-fest which the previous post turned into, I felt the need to redress the balance in favour of other marques from the boot-shaped state. I had to include this car somewhere, as it transported me back to a time long forgotten; before the dominance of the internets, twitter and public opinion in the…
I Could Afford That / Classified Dreaming #2
If you’ve somehow managed to avoid all cardshops, department stores or Moonpig adverts recently, then you would’ve missed the fact it was Valentine’s day yesterday. Fortunately I did remember so I’m here to bring forth another installment of I Could Afford That/Classified Dreaming. To perpetuate a very tedious link (for which I apologise profusely) Italy…
Crap Cars I Like #2 – 1992 to 1998 Mk3 Golf GTi
If the first CCiL feature involved cruelly berating an essentially well liked and positively received car for its poor sales, then this one will certainly make amends. The Mk3 Golf GTi was always destined to be universally unloved and unwelcomed by the motoring press and the wider car buying public. Following in the footsteps of…
I Could Afford That/Classified Dreaming – #1
Today brings a double-barrel of EngageSportMode goodness at either end of the automotive economic spectrum. So whether you’re scrimping by on £30k worth of benefits from your seven children, or if you’re Fred Goodwin, there’s something for everyone. Anyway, without further a topical money slur, let us proceed. I Could Afford That! The clue for this is…
Crap Cars I Like #1 1997 to 2001 Honda Prelude
I’ll be honest, this is a slightly inauspicious start for the Crap Cars I Like feature. Labelling the 5th generation Honda Prelude as “crap” is possibly a little bit strong, and does disservice to a rather commendable car. But then again, just look at it: Buying a coupe should be an episode in taking the stylish…
An update on the Auris Hybrid
My mam sent me this photo of the Auris Hybrid tested earlier in the week. Looking at it, I just can’t get the thought “Fridge-freezer” from my head. Probably explains the humming….
Stealth and Safety
What car would a Ninja drive? Maybe a Nissan Skyline GT-R for some knockout power or perhaps a Honda NSX for shuriken sharp handling? Or, what about an electric car; smooth and serene, thus allowing them to sneak up on their intended target without being heard? If so, the car ESM has driven today may…
Car of the Year: ESM is ahead of the curve
Today the seven cars nominated for the 2012 Car of the Year award were unveiled.To summarise the choices are: – Chevrolet Volt (hybrid schmybrid), – Citroen DS5 (seriously?!), – Fiat Panda (hurrah!), – Ford Focus (yawn….snore), – Toyota Yaris (………………), – Volkswagen Up! (an ESM favourite), And, finally, what’s this at number seven? Could it…
The 2011 awards edition
Like any good motoring related journal, Engage Sport Mode endeavours to have some end of year awards type ceremony. Due to its infancy, ESM doesn’t have a glitzy hotel ceremony with burlesque dancers and champagne. Instead, it’s the equivalent of some pork-scratchings and half a plastic cup of warm cava. And only two awards. And…
The first rule of Engage Sport Mode
1.Do not allow yourself to be overtaken by someone driving a Toyota Prius It doesn’t matter what you drive. If you allow yourself to be overtaken by a Prius, you’re not trying hard enough. Prius owners are smug enough already. Do not further their smugness by letting them believe they have beaten you.
Yes, it’s a Panda
Telling people you drive a Fiat Panda seems to produce a number of reactions depending on how much the individual knows about cars. Those whose automotive knowledge only comes from Top Gear, don’t really care. If Clarkson hasn’t set fire to it or raced it against a nuclear-powered submarine then it’s not important.
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