The website of Adam Sloman, motoring journalist.
Archive for April, 2010
Diary of a Bus Driver #1
Apr 9th
Here’s the first part in my (occasional) series detailing our ownership of our Citroen C3 Picasso. It may seem dull, but hey, if you’re thinking of buying one, you might find it useful! Apologies for the lack of decent pictures-I will get my camera out soon!
Well, it’s been a little over a week since the Sloman Family Fun Bus (as Mrs S insists on calling it) came home and overall I’m pretty impressed.
The car has done it’s job perfectly and become a firm favourite with Mrs S, since loading our daughter and all her kit is a doddle. The rear doors swing open nice and wide and even with the front seat slid forward, there’s still plenty of room for front passengers. Our Jack Russell is also adapting to the new car, having lost his place on the back seat for his very own travel crate, tucked away safely in the boot.
Speaking of front passengers, well these days, that’s me. Mrs S is so keen to drive the bus that more often than not my involvement in the journey is limited to adjusting the airvents, or changing radio stations.
MG ZS to C3 Picasso, driver to passenger. Yup, I’ve had an automotive vasectomy.
Still, when I have got behind the wheel I’ve been pleased. The Bus rides the bumps well, and on the run to Thruxton last Sunday for the opening round of the BTCC, the car coped well with four blokes and various bags etc. It needed a little encouragement to climb a few hills, but nothing drastic. So far, fuel economy is coming in around the 46 or 47 mpg mark, a drastic improvement over the petrol MG the C3 replaces, but I still think there’s room for us to get more for our money.
Disappointments have been limited, and I am nitpicking truth be told. The boot is a tad small, but extra space can be gained by slipping the back seats forward, or dropping the boots floor to it’s lower level. The glove box is a very odd shape and limited in what will fit inside (due to the placement of the cars electronics and the fact we drive on the correct side of the road!). Given the glovebox’s shortcomings I would have expected a wider array of cubby holes compared to the SEAT Altea I recently had on test, stowage in the Citroen is limited. I’ve ordered an Armster Armrest that should give us a bit more space and give me somewhere to put my elbow on longer journeys (assuming I get to drive!).
My only other niggle has been the paint on the rear bumper, it’s incredibly easy to scratch and our car has suffered already. I’ve now invested in a bumper protector and a fold-out mat to cover the bumper as well.
So all in all, a great first week with the little Bus!
A busy few weeks
Apr 5th
Yup, it’s been a while since I’ve blogged and things have been rather busy for yours truly.
Firstly, our ZS is gone and it’s been replaced by our very own Family Bus, a Citroen C3 Picasso. While I am sad to see my MG go, things change and it’s been great to have owned what was, in my opinion, the best front wheel drive car MG built.
The Bus!
Our new car is totally different, but it fits our new family like a glove. It’s a funky little bus and is widely considered one of the best cars in it’s segment. I can’t wait to load it up full of stuff and head off on an adventure.
In another act of shameless self-promotion I had some rather natty business cards mate up
I also made my first appearance on the BBC, on Tony Livesey’s 5 Live radio show, discussing Dr. Who and my dislike of the show, I must admit to being a tad nervious and probably said the word ‘naff’ a few times too many, but on the whole it was great fun and I hope to do it again. Big thanks to all those who text in to agree with me that Doctor Who is, erm, naff! (For the record I did watch Matt Smith’s debut on Saturday. Good actor, average story, poor VFX if you’re asking!)
Easter Sunday meant the return of the BTCC, and another trip to Thruxton. A great days racing and 400+ photos, and thankfully no rain. ITV4′s coverage also managed to feature yours truly as well, so I managed to get on BBC and ITV in one week!
Work is ticking along nicely with a few jobs to finish for Triumph World but the need and desire to do more is as strong as ever!
