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…
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…
ESM is on a train
Right now ESM is on a train heading to Glasgow. In Scotland. Which is a lot like going to a foreign country; the money is different and the language is almost impossible to understand. As a rule I tend to avoid public transport. I dislike having to stop and wait for everyone else to get…
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…
The return of Top Gear?
So, Top Gear returned to our screens tonight for the start of the eighteenth (indeed, 18th!) series. I have to admit I didn’t even realise it was on. Having watched Clarkson, Hammond and May dissolve into cliches of themselves over the past nine years, Top Gear has recently been something to tolerate not enjoy. It…
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…
Forza 4 Ruined My Life
Following on from an earlier post, I did eventually track down an Xbox 360 with Forza Motorsport 4. As a result I’ve been fully engrossed in the most amazing virtual racing experience. Ever. And have completely forgotten how to post on here. However, I bring news of an impending test drive in a thoroughly modern…
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…
EngageSportMode 