Power? Crazy.

I’d like to talk about small cars. Worse, modern small cars. What fresh hell is this, you might be thinking? Regular readers will know I like my comfy barges, and I’ve a taste for the older stuff. But I’ve spent a time with a couple lately, and I think they might just be worthy of a place on the Skelton fleet. But not for the reason you might think. Fellow motoring scribe James May questions the logic of owning a small car as well as a large one. The small car in such an application doesn’t Read more [...]

Do all cats have claws?

The F-Type has shown that Jaguar are alive and kicking - and that the marque is in fine hands. But few of us will ever own one. The XF on the other hand is an attainable dream, and in four cylinder diesel form it can be considered sensible too. But is the XF 2.2d worthy of the Jaguar name? Sam Skelton sets the cat amongst the pigeons... XF 2.2d SE v E-Type Series 1 4.2 What defines a proper Jag? There are several who would advocate grace, space, and pace as the primary factors and they’d Read more [...]

Further thoughts on the concept of premium.

"A premium car is tricky," said motoring broadcaster Steve Berry when we asked exactly what might define a premium car. "I suppose it's very different from saying a car is a classic. For instance I would say that Giugaro's design and its innovative manufacture for the original Fiat Panda qualifies it as a classic but its certainly not a premium car." And he's right. Whilst design plays a part, some of the most innovative designs have steered well clear of the P-word. Take a look at the Mini for Read more [...]

Premium cars: An analysis

The future of the premium car is in doubt. Or at least, the definition of premium is going to change. We can talk about the dealership experience as long as we like. But let’s be honest, in years to come that won’t be relevant. The original article raises an intriguing point; alluding to younger professionals’ apathy towards car ownership. A core brand design philosophy is a wise move for companies seeking to maintain a distinctive appeal, but will become increasingly irrelevant in a Read more [...]

What defines a premium vehicle in 2013?

Sam Skelton tackles the burning question of what defines a premium car. Defining a premium vehicle used to be easy. Not only was it a product from a well-respected manufacturer of large and prestigious products, but the car itself would tend to be larger and more expensive than the norm. Small executive cars such as BMW’s 3 Series changed all that – they demonstrated that a premium brand can be extended downward with – provided the car met the brand’s core values – little detriment Read more [...]