tommallett

Monday

The MX5 is one of those cars that has defined a generation (or two) of small roadsters. A nicely balanced chassis linked to a practical body shape and zero hassle motoring has made it a favorite among enthusiasts and those just wanting a bit of cheap fun alike. On this basis it would seem to be a little remiss if at some point I didn’t use one for a while and see what all the fuss is about. You actually need to use one for a few days as it isn’t a car that will blow your socks off with raw power. This is not to say that it is not delicate in the way it handles but it is the ease of use that blows you away. It is a lot of fun when you want to press on and has a nice driving position, decent refinement and a reasonable boot. As long as you don’t need more than two seats it really is the practical every day roadster come rain or shine.

Tuesday

Sometimes you don’t want to like a car, it may be that you see it as an irrelevance or that it approaches a problem in a way that isn’t palatable. The Lexus CT200 is both of these things to me, I fail to be convinced by the fuel saving solution that it offers and I couldn’t see why it justifies an inflated price tag over a Toyota Prius. That I ended up quite liking it is therefore a bit of a miracle. Every magazine road test that I have thus far read have criticized the ride quality but there is a suggestion that the press cars were not the finished article. Actually it has far more precision in its handling than a Prius and doesn’t ride badly, it isn’t as limo like as an LS but it isn’t meant to be. The other question is the way it looks, which is not attractive to say the least, not only that but visibility is limited and in its highest specification it is going up against some very talented opposition in the BMW 320ed.

Wednesday

7 years ago BMW took on the Mercedes SL and unveiled the new 6 series. It split opinion with its modern styling led by the influential designer Chris Bangle. Despite this it proved to be a sales success, when BMW released it with their excellent 3 litre diesel engine linked to an attractive contract hire deal this made a lot of sense when competitors stuck to large capacity petrol engines. The contract hire will come, as will the diesel engine but at the moment the car can only be judged on what it currently is and that fails to excite. The car I drove came with the 3L straight 6 petrol and while it is very smooth and plenty quick enough it doesn’t stir anything in ones soul. The styling is bland at best and it doesn’t feel sporty like a BMW should. While it does very little badly wrong it doesn’t do anything to make you want it and at that level it should do just that.

Thursday

It was not long ago that Bentley was reinvigorated by VW and every footballer and his wife wanted the new small Bentley parked on the drive of their Cheshire mansion.At the end of the first generation sales slid and only more powerful editions such as the Supersports kept customers coming through the doors. The new GT offers more power and refinement and a new media interface that is very welcome. It is much better and anyone who wants to use one for work will be delighted. Ours came with 21” wheels, so ride quality was always going to be an issue and I couldn’t find a suspension setting that I liked, especially when I compared it to the way a Speed steers – which is very well for the record. On a soft setting it wallows and is slightly harsh on harder settings without providing any significant feedback. In some ways it moves the game forward for Bentley but it fails to revolutionize the brand in the way that the original did and this may see sales suffer. I look forward to driving one again, but initial impressions suggest that the average customer won’t see the £70,000 worth of value he will be asked for to get into the new model.

Friday

An early rise today to get to Snetterton in order to test and a set up the car. Fortunately Ginetta are pretty flexible with their private session so it is possible to do the last two runs. Unfortunately, the car has developed an overheating issue with the new engine so we don’t actually finish either session. On a positive note the new Snetterton 300 circuit is very good. The new in field has a couple of nice testing third gear corners and a couple of overtaking opportunities into hairpins so it should liven up the racing. It’s great for spectators as well with a large banked area for viewing. One thing that is pertinent is the ability of Jonathon Palmer to develop a circuit over a short winter period with no disruption to motor racing. Those in charge at Donnington Park should take note.