Follow this link to read Tim’s review of the Peugeot 5008 MPV posted on confused.com, 13th May 2013

Ladies, gentlemen, start your engines…as the 15th anniversary ‘Gumball 3000’ Rally from Copenhagen to Monaco is about to begin!

Each year the famous 3000 mile (5000km) road trip attracts an international array of ‘stars and cars’ to participate in a real once in a lifetime adventure – and this year’s 15th Anniversary [...]]]>  

Ladies, gentlemen, start your engines…as the 15th anniversary ‘Gumball 3000’ Rally from Copenhagen to Monaco is about to begin!

Each year the famous 3000 mile (5000km) road trip attracts an international array of ‘stars and cars’ to participate in a real once in a lifetime adventure – and this year’s 15th Anniversary event is certain to be nothing short of spectacular!

The exclusive 100 car entry grid is packed full of celebrities and the most incredible array of customised, concept, electric, luxurious, sports and hyper cars that you will ever see together. Baywatch icon David ‘The Hoff’ Hasselhoff, will line up on the entry grid in the beautiful city of Copenhagen alongside hip hop superstar Eve, Cypress Hill’s DJ Muggs, rapper Bun B, ‘Pimp My Ride’ host Xzibit, skateboard legend Tony Hawk, MTV’s Finnish pranksters ‘The Dudesons’, Olympic skiers Jon Olsson and Jens Byggmark, MMA fighter Rubert Burneika, along with Sheikhs, Princes, reality TV stars, and Fortune 500 CEOs. Driving everything from Bugattis, to Koenigseggs, Aston Martins, Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Morgans, Bentleys, Rolls Royces, McLarens, Twisted Land Rovers, Mercedes Benz, and more – if you like cars, you’ll love Gumball 3000!

Gumball takes over Time Square 2012

New for the 2013 road trip is the Gumball Foundation, a non-profit charitable trust that strives to provide opportunities, optimism and ambition for future generations. This year Gumballers will be competing to raise the most money to get pole position on the starting grid. Furthermore, Gumball 3000 in association with Christie’s will be hosting an auction for unique ‘money can’t buy’ lots at each overnight stop. All proceeds raised from the auctions will go to the Gumball Foundation.

Wherever you are, stop what you’re doing, get out of the house – and come along to see your favourite ‘stars and cars’ roll into a town near you! Live coverage will be streamed daily on Gumball3000.com through YouTube Live Hangouts.

Follow this link to read Tim’s review posted on arnoldclark.com, May 8th 2013

Click here to read Tim’s review of the Exige S as posted on confused.com, May 8th 2013

MINI OWNERS from all over the UK and beyond are packing their bags and planning their routes as the countdown to the Italian Job mini car rally starts.

The Jobbers, as rally-goers are called, leave on their adventure on Sunday 5 May – a trip which takes them through France, Switzerland and Italy in a [...]]]>  

Convoy of Minis

MINI OWNERS from all over the UK and beyond are packing their bags and planning their routes as the countdown to the Italian Job mini car rally starts.

The Jobbers, as rally-goers are called, leave on their adventure on Sunday 5 May – a trip which takes them through France, Switzerland and Italy in a quest to raise money for ‘Variety’, the Children’s Charity, attempting to put another Sunshine Coach on the road through sponsorship, advertising on the cars and individual fundraising efforts. The rally starts on Thursday 9 May.

This is the 24^th annual event and the Italian Job has raised over £2m for children’s charities since it started. This year’s rally is even better than before as there is an extra-special opportunity to attend the International Mini Meeting (IMM) in Florence directly afterwards (16-20 May www.imm2013.eu/), the cost of which is included in the entrance fee for the rally.

Jobbers give way to their passion for 1960s British classic cars, the original movie starring Michael Caine or just wanting to enjoy a fun, action-packed adventure through stunning ‘off the beaten track’ scenery. Classic or modern minis are all welcome on the rally, as are any of the cars featured in the original movie (for example Fiat 500, Alfa Giulia, Jaguar E-Type, Aston Martin DB4 or even a black London cab).

There will be some 55 teams on the rally and the excitement of being escorted through cities like Turin or Rome by police outriders and exclusive opportunities to drive around the Lingotto Rooftop (the site of the former Fiat factory test track featured in the film), the Ferrari circuit and the famous race track at Monza, has to be experienced to be believed.

The aim each year is to raise £100,000 for children’s charities and Jobbers also donate money raised at events held during the event for local charities in Italy.

Founder and organiser, Steyning-based Freddie St George said: “I simply can’t wait to start! Although it can be tiring and demanding, the Italian Job is truly a fantastic event. Jobbers not only raise money through their splendid efforts but make life-long friendships too. In fact, I even met my wife on the Italian Job! A big thank you to all our sponsors and supporters, partners and of course, the teams themselves.”

Sir Michael Caine is patron of the Italian Job.

Tim Barnes-Clay

Freelance Motoring Journalist

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tim@carwriteups.co.uk

07702 926696 / 07949 106155

www.carwriteups.co.uk

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Follow this link to read Tim’s review of the Volvo V70 as posted on confused.com April 29th 2013

The IGA [...]]]> Motorists feeling the pinch when it comes to owning a vehicle will be delighted to hear that visiting an independent garage could cost them on average £40 an hour less than if they visited a franchise dealer. This is according to recent information released by the Independent Garage Association (IGA).

The IGA polled over 2000 of its members on their labour rates and has concluded that independent garages ‘continue to offer motorists the very best value for money.’ Enabling all UK motorists to find a ‘trusted’ local independent garage was one of the key reasons why the IGA launched it’s UK-wide Trust My Garage scheme.

Figures from the poll show that the average labour cost is slightly over £40 for independent garages, the lowest being £32 in Northern Ireland and the highest being £48 in the south and south east. In contrast, the most recent Warranty Direct annual Labour Rates survey demonstrates that average labour rates for franchise garages stand at a national average of £95.94 with some franchised dealers charging a staggering £55.94 an hour more than independents. 

Technician

From over 2000 garage respondents, only two independent garages in the UK were charging a fee close to £90 per hour with the vast majority charging less than £50 per hour. Location also plays a part in the figures and when reviewing labour rates by county, the five lowest prices were recorded as £34 in Cambridgeshire, £35 in Herefordshire, £36 in Staffordshire and Leicestershire and £37 in Cumbria. The five highest labour rates by county were recorded in London, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire and Kent but all these garages still recorded average labour figures below £60.

Stuart James, Director of the RMI’s Independent Garage Association commented: “With the costs associated with owning a vehicle continually rising, it is fantastic to see that independent garages are continuing to offer motorists outstanding value for money.

“We set up Trust My Garage with the motorist in mind, to ensure that consumers were continually receiving the very best levels of technical and customer service from their local independent garage at a very effective price. The results from this survey prove that independent garages offer the most cost effective deal to motorists and we will continue to work with consumers through Trust My Garage to ensure that it remains this way.”

By Tim Barnes-Clay,

Freelance Motoring Journalist

Tweet him @carwriteups

Every XV is equipped with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Boxer engine – ensuring an engaging and dependable drive in all conditions. Despite [...]]]>

Subaru XV 2.0D SE Lux Premium

THE DOWN-TO-EARTH Subaru XV unites city style with urban and off-road ability. It also has another ace up its sleeve – it’s the safest model in its class for child occupant protection.

Every XV is equipped with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Boxer engine – ensuring an engaging and dependable drive in all conditions. Despite a ground clearance of 220mm, the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) offers a low centre of gravity, which aids its “on-road” grip, and helps it to achieve 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds.

The 2.0 diesel XV, on test here, is likely to be the best-selling model, offering class-leading fuel economy of 50.4mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting 146g/km of CO2.

Subaru XV 2.0D SE Lux Premium

The car comes fully loaded with a standard kit list sure to make many premium compact SUV makers feel embarrassed. You can expect to find traction control, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (SVDC), front, side, curtain and knee airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime LED running lights and automatic air conditioning. The flagship SE Lux Premium model also comes with cruise control, a rear-view camera, Bluetooth functionality and USB/iPod connectivity. And if that’s not enough, a sunroof, Keyless Smart Entry, push-button start, leather seats and satellite navigation are thrown in too.

If SUVs do it for you, this could be one to consider. A couple of things let the Scooby down though: some cheap interior plastics and a heavy clutch, but it’s a realistic choice if you’re keen to keep your family safe. Pricing for the XV range starts at £21,295 for the 1.6i S model and rises to £29,995 for the range-topping 2.0D SE Lux Premium.

PROS ‘N’ CONS

•  4×4 traction √
• Safety √
• Lots of kit √
• Economical √
• Interior plastics X
• Heavy clutch X

 FAST FACTS

• Max speed: 120 mph
• 0-62 mph: 9.3 secs
• Combined mpg: 50.4
• Engine: 1998 cc 16 valve 4 cylinder turbo diesel
• Max. power (bhp): 145 at 3600 rpm
• Max. torque (lb/ft): 258 at 1600-2400 rpm
• Max. towing weight (braked) 1600 kg
• CO2: 146 g/km
• Price: £29,995 on the road

Follow the link below to read a published review:

Dispatch Magazine Motoring Review, May 2013