Traction control, in the eyes of many, is an unnecessary evil. There to prevent the proletariat from pranging their Peugeots, it is a device of which our egos forego the use. “We don’t need that!” we chant, “That’s for the imbeciles, which we are not!”. As such, it’s purpose is more honoured in the breach than in the observance. And yet with an ever increasing number of cars, the power levels are such that we cannot escape it. Since the 1990s, Mercedes has recognised the inherent Read more [...]

Those fans of Top Gear and similar programmes will understand, admittedly at second hand, the appeal of what could be called a cheap car challenge. Indeed, I've had confirmation from friends who compete in banger rallies - the idea of buying a cheap car and expecting a lot from it can result in a lot of fun. A couple of friends of mine took a Rover 827 limousine to Rome last year - and grew so fond of it in the process that it still survives, despite bowing in the middle and being undrivable Read more [...]

It's odd that a man who secretly thinks we're still living in 1987 has become a style and fashion guru. And believe me, it was entirely unintended - whilst I own silver suits and red braces, I don't parade the fashionable streets showing off, I've never contributed to fashion boards, and I let so few people photograph me I'll never become a pin-up. My style icon status hasn't even been personal - for which I suppose the masses should be glad, though a return to the days of shoulder pads and Read more [...]

As I write, I'm on a train somewhere between Chesterfield and Derby. And I'm wondering if the environmentally friendly leftist public transport types might not have a point. SHOCK HORROR! A petrolhead praising public transport? Stop pinching yourself; it's true. But I'm not about to start a soliloquy about the bus, nor shall I wax lyrical on the virtues of the tram. The train is my one public transport weakness. Of some 13000 miles travelled in the last twelve months, I would estimate that Read more [...]

Having seen the television campaign for the new MG6, I'd like to talk about car ads. How they're meant to inspire us to go and exchange lots of shiny coins and well-thumbed notes for a lump of metal with a wheel at each corner. Those printed and televisual feasts that plant the concept into the subconscious. There have been good ones, and there have been bad. And I reckon MG's latest offering falls into the latter camp. One of the best I've seen is the billboard advert for the MG Maestro Turbo, Read more [...]