The website of Adam Sloman, motoring journalist.
Archive for May, 2010
Automotive Heaven
May 28th
Well I’ve just come through the front door after a day in Automotive Heaven. I’ve just got back from the 2010 SMMT Test Day.
Millbrook from the air. Looks great, doesn't it.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) host an annual get together for motoring journos like yours truly where we get the chance to try out all kinds of motors we might not have had chance to try out otherwise. With a wide range of manufacutrers from Audi to Mazda, the Test Day really is heaven for any car lover.
It all happens at the Millbrook Proving Ground, which features a variety of courses, from a high-speed bowl, to an Alpine-style track, through to 4×4 routes and City-style courses.
I met up with Ian Robertson (my editor at Diesel Car) and fellow budding freelancers James Stiff and Jason Penny. After a bacon-roll, we all settled down in the Concept Centre for the pre-event briefing, and then a safety briefing, bringing us all upto speed, detailing the rules and routes available, and by 9:00 am we were out, and able to chose just want we wanted to try first.
That's 'my' R8, the red one. Lovely, innit...
Suddenly, I was like a kid in a sweet shop, with so much to chose from, it was difficult to know just where to start and, in all honesty, I didn’t quite feel confident enough to just wander up to a manufacturer and say ‘ere, give us a motor!’ Thanks to the wonder of Twitter, I had an ‘in’. I’d been tweeting with SEAT PR man Mike Orford had invited me to come and say hello, so I thought I’d start there.
The SEAT was the first of many cars I drove through the day, so hey, I thought I’d tell you about them all, and give my impressions to them, together with a few ‘Top Trumps’ style facts!
SEAT Ibiza Cupra Bocanegra 1.4 TSi
The first car I got out in, the Bocanegra was a tidy motor, with plenty of poke from the 1400 TSi engine, the Ibiza is a cracking hot hatch that looks just stunning. The TSi means the engine is both turbo-charged and super-charged, meaning it develops around 170bhp.
Out on the Alpine Course, I found the Ibiza boasted plenty of grip and I would love to spend more time with it than the brief fifteen minute blast I got.
Engine: 1.4
Power: 170 bhp
Price: £16,695
Subaru Impreza 2.0 D RC
Next up I headed to Subaru, keen to try the new Boxer diesel Subaru hatchback. After being given the wrong key for the car, I set off, and I must admit, I was disappointed. Performance was certainly more than adequate, and the handling was good, but the interior was such a let-down. While the Boxer diesel is an example of millennium motoring, the dash and it’s surroundings are straight out of the 1980s! I guess I’ll just need someone at Subaru to send me a Cosworth version!
Engine: 2.0
Power: 150 bhp
Price : £21,500
Nissan Cube
A car I’ve wanted to drive since its launch, I can’t help but love the Cube.
It was great fun to drive, OK, it was gutless out on the Alpine course, but that’s not what it’s meant for. The Cube made a really big impression on me, and I’d love to have one at home. It needs more power, (I think a diesel would be great, Nissan’s partner Renault make some good ‘uns) but it was hilarious to drive and put a proper smile on my face.
Engine: 1.6
Power: 108 bhp
Price: £14,000
Volkswagen Golf R
The fastest Golf money can buy, the Golf R is one impressive car. It’s 6 speed, 2.0 TSi pumps out over 260bhp. Thankfully the chassis can handle it. Again out on the Alpie Course, the Golf ate up the twists and turns with ease.
At over £30k, the Golf is expensive, but what a car!
Engine: 2.0
Power: 270 bhp
Price: £30,300
Nissan 370Z
Nissan’s Zed cars are legendary, and the 370Z is the latest to wear the famous badge.
I slotted myself into a Roadster and headed off. The car sounds incredible, the V6 offers wonderful soundtrack and the gear change? Sublime. Despite having driven a fair few open-top motors, I’ve never been all that fussed about them, the Roadster has changed all that.
I finally understand the point of topless motoring!
Engine: 3.7 V6
Power: 331 bhp
Price: £30,445
Honda CR-Z
There’s been quite a bit of buzz about Honda’s newest hybrid. I spent hours playing Gran Turismoas a kid, and one of my favourite car in the game was the 1980′s Honda CRX. The Z apes the X’s back end, while winning the green vote with it’s eco-friendly hybrid set-up.
I enjoyed the CR-Z, it handled neatly and had a slick, tight gear shift. My only disappointment was the rear visibility, which was awful. I’m sure there will be plenty of CR-Z’s with rear dents and quarter scrapes in a few years time!
Engine: 1.5
Power: 124 bhp
Price: £16,999
Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon
I was keen to get behind the wheel of an Alfa, any Alfa, as the Italian marque is one of my personal favourite. The 159 Sportwagon didn’t disappoint. Pokey and punchy, the 159 would make a great family wagon if we didn’t already have the French tour bus!
Engine; 2.0 diesel
Power: 150 bhp
Price: £23,395
Honda Civic Mugen Type R
Honda know how to build a quick car, and the Mugen Civic Type R is that. One word sums the car up, frantic. Everything in the Civic seems to happen so quickly, it’s Gran Turismo gaming in the real world. The dynamics of the car a just inch perfect, it responds to the driver instantly. Brilliant stuff.
A very pricey car, but a fantastic drive.
Engine:2.0
Power: 237 bhp
Price: £38,599
Toyota Prius T-Spirit 1.8 Auto
After the intense nature of the Civic, I decided I’d try something altogether different, in the shape of the Toyota Prius. I also got the chance to meet up with Scott Brownlee and put a face to the Tweets! The Prius is a very different beast to any other car I’ve driven, moving off in near silence was an eerie feeling, and one I think I’d take some time getting used to. Still, the technology underneath it is nothing short of fascinating.
Engine:1.8
Power: 98 bhp
Price: £22,610
MINI Clubman Cooper D
I’m still not sure about the Clubman’s styling, or the silly rear suicide door, but the Clubman D was a neat handler, and nippy to drive. A tad raucous at start-up, the Clubman soon settled down, and hey, just or once, I’m willing to admit I may have been wrong about the MINI. But I still think the earlier ones look better.
Engine: 1.6
Power: 110 bhp
Price: £16,235
Alfa MiTo Cloverleaf
I really wanted to like the MiTo, but sadly, I didn’t. It wasn’t engaging enough to drive, and ultimately left me disappointed. I didn’t find it as responsive as others like the MINI or DS3. I want more time with the MiTo, because I think the car deserves a second chance.
Engine: 1.4
Power: 170 bhp
Price: £17,885
Audi R8 Spyder V10
There were two cars that EVERYONE wanted to drive at Test Day, this and the Focus RS500. Well, I let everyone else que like made before lunch, happy to try out the other cars on offer. With lunch out of the way, (I didn’t stop to eat) I headed over to Audi and waited patiently. After about fifteen minutes the red R8 pulled up, ready and willing. As I made myself comfortable (i.e. pulling the seat up close to the wheel so my stubby legs could reach the pedals) the chap from Audi showed me the cars spec sheet. There at the bottom, £ 115,000. This was a genuine supercar, with a supercar price-tag. Within minutes I was out on the high speed bowl, the sound of the V10 was just incredible, slip the car into 4th and push your foot hard to the floor and it simply took off, the force was breath-taking, everything about this car was just awesome.
Engine: 5.0 V10
Power: 523 bhp
Price: £115,000
Peugeot RCZ THP 156
The prettiest Peugeot since the 406 Coupe, the RCZ is an excellent car despite it’s humble underpinnings. On the Alpine course it really inspired my confidence, its a wonderfully poised and balanced car, and a real turn-around for Peugeot, and shows they really can built cracking cars.
Engine: 1.6
Power: 156 bhp
Price: £20,450
Citroen DS3
Citroen’s MINI was very impressive. While not as much fun to drive as a MINI, it still offers a great hot-hatch blast. The interior is great, with a real feeling of quality. The DS3 is a nice, left-field option for those that don’t want to follow the heard into a MINI. And I want the steering wheel for my Picasso…
Engine: 1.6
Power: 150 bhp
Price: £15,900
Lexus IS-F V8
The big Lexus sadly did little for me, it sounded great but as an overall experience? Hmm, I’m not sure I am convinced. And as for that awful 1980′s VCR style clock plumbed into the dash? Oh dear. The car has a great interior (I love the angled armrest and switches in the doors) and the instruments themselves look superb, it’s just all a bit let down by that nasty clock! With more time in the car I’m sure I’d get more out of it. Maybe one day I’ll have near £60k to spend on a car!
Engine: 5.0
Power: 417 bhp
Price: £56,540
Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta is a genuine legend, and one of Britain’s most popular cars. The newest model moves the game on a stage, being a really impressive little hatch. Good fun, with some mild sporting pretensions, the Fiesta is a cracking little car, without feeling the need to become a retro-throwback.
Engine: 1.6
Power : 117 bhp
Price: £15, 645
Renaultsport Megane 250 Cup
Renault are the current kings of the hot-hatch with the cars like the Clio, Twingo and Megane. In bright yellow ‘Cup’ spec, the Megane demands attention, and thankfully, it lives upto its reputation. On the Alpine course it was a blast, I loved it, and it’s really not difficult to see why Renault have received so many plaudits from press and punter alike.
Engine: 2.0
Power: 250 bhp
Price: £23,160
Ford Focus RS500 (Production Number 001)
The Focus RS is one of the fastest Fords money can buy, and lets be honest, who doesn’t like a fast Ford? Well, when the blue-oval announced they’d be doing a special RS500 to bid farewell to the current model, the sold out. Instantly! Well thankfully Ford brought one along, production model number 001-the first RS500. It was incredibly, the turbo singing away, the grip and just sheer amount of power, all combine to make the RS50o one hell of a car.
Engine: 2.5
Power: 345 bhp
Price: £34,000
Fiat 500 Arbath Essesse
The Arbath is mental. It reminded me a lot fo the fun I used to have in my Mini Cooper, foot to the floor, chuck it into bends, and hang on til you come out the other side! Small and nimble, the 500 is just what I want in a small car.
Engine: 1.4
Power: 135 bhp
Price: £14,150
Volkswagen Polo GTi
The Polo GTi was one car I was keen to try as soon as I saw the vehicle list for the day. The car I drove was German, complete with left-hand drive. The DSG gear was great (although I prefer a manual) and it reminded very much of what the old mark one Golf GTi was all about.
Engine: 1.4
Power: 170 bhp
Price: Not yet on sale in the UK
Volkswagen Scirocco R
I swapped Polo for Scirocco and set off, with high-hopes. I wasn’t disappointed. A brilliant car to look at, and a brilliant car to drive. The Scirocco would defiitely earn a place in the Sloman gargae.
Engine: 2.0
Power: 260 bhp
Price: £28,505
Mazda MX-5 Sport Tech
The last car I drove on Test Day, the MX-5 can be summed up in one word. Fun. The little Mazda is the perfect small roadster, following on from Brits like the MGB and Triumph Spitfire in fine style. Despite my MG allegiances, I have to say I prefer the MX-5 to the TF. I could’ve stayed out in the MX-5 for the rest of the day, if the marshalls had let me!
Engine: 2.0
Power: 157 bhp
Price: £20,270
Fantastic Ford-the Focus RS500
So, that was that.
Test Day was over.
I’d driven 22 different cars, with a combined value of a staggering £578, 133.
My personal standout cars were (obviously) the R8 Spyder and RS500, but for stuff that I might actually be able to afford, I’d plump for the MX-5, the Nissan Cube, the Peugeot RCZ and the Citroen DS3. The Mazda because it was pure, unadultered fun, just like the British sports cars from yesteryear I’ve spent so much time writing about. The Cube because it’s just so different, OK, it felt underpowered, but as an overall package, it had so much character and that goes a long way in my book. The Pug RCZ was a car I was keen to try, after colleagues had enthused about it, and the reports are true, it’s a great car and Peugeot finally seem to be back on form. I’d take the RCZ over the over-exposed Audi TT any day of the week. The DS3 shows that a small car doesn’t need to ape the past to be succesful, it’s 1600 engine was so willing to hustle me up and over the Alpine course, and the interior is first rate, it’s a cracking place to be. The only let down is the white roof. Just don’t do it, the DS3 is a great car in it’s own right, it doesn’t need to mimic the MINI’s styling gimmicks. I also took a ride in the Jag XJR with my Diesel Car Editor Ian, and a passenger ride with Mazda tamed racing driver Mark Ticehurst in the Mazda 3 MPS. 165mph on the banked bowl was something else. The Mazda was as rapid as the Jaguar was luxurious.
It was great to say a few hellos to people I’d spoken to online and meet new people too, and try out such a wide range of cars. All in all just one day did feel like nearly long enough!
I was soon off an on my way home, after an amazing day. It was great to put faces to names Roll on Test Day 2011!
Images courtesy of Newspress.
My salute to…
May 25th
My first 214, circa 2001
The Rover 200.
Yup, the humble Rover 200.
Rover’s Escort rival of the early 1990′s was a cracking car, and leagues ahead of the opposition. I bought my first Wedge (the 200 came in three marks, box, wedge, or bubble) for the princely sum of £375, complete with faded and chipped lacquer on the bonnet.
Still, soon enough I’d sorted that, a trip to the scrappy saw me come home with a new bonnet and a full set of 200 GTi leather. I then added a grille from a facelifted car and a set of later rear lights. It all looked rather smart, even if it still handled like it was crossing the Atlantic. This Rover was built for comfort, not for speed. It was the first truly modern car I owned, and it was fantastic. It never missed a beat, and when it’s clutch went, I stumped up the cash (that I really couldn’t afford) to get it back on the road. Pity then, that someone decided to key the entire passenger side, doing every panel significant damage.
I never looked at the car the same after that, and a few months later I traded it in for a rotten 1986 Mini with a whole heap of problems. Eventually, when the Mini went, I went back to Rover, and bought another H-reg, this time it was a 1.1, but also in red. It was the first car Sarah and I got while we were together, in fact. A head-gasket eventually did for the car, but it went onto a new home, and if I remember rightly, it kept running for a long while after I’d sold it.
A Honda-powered 216 followed, and that was some car, it felt stupidly quick in comparison to the 1100, but for reasons I can’t recall, I sold it. The roughest 200 I ever owned followed it, a 3-door 214. I always wanted a 3-door, but this time I bought a pup.
Sarah and I travelled all the way to Leominster to buy it, after I won it (unseen) from an eBay auction. It lasted six months, it was a shoddy starter, leaked oil and water, and had had a very hard life before it came to me.
With no love left for the 3-door, I went back to Minis, with my K-plate Cooper, but I’ll always remember just what a brilliant car the Rover 200 was. Compare it to the equivalent Ford Escort, or Vauxhall Astra, and it’s clear just what a good car Rover were building, add in variants like the Tomcat Coupe, the Tourer and the 220GTi and the Rover speaks for itself.
Of the 200s I owned, I never owned a real, proper stonker. One day I’ll add that 220GTi to the Sloman garage. I mean look at it:
1992 Rover 200 GTi (pic from AROnline.co.uk)
Ooh, a make-over.
May 24th
Well with the site almost a year old, I thought it time I break out the paintbrushes and paint and give the place a bit of a spruce up. 
Well, OK, I looked at the wordpress themes and plucked up the confidence to smarten the whole lot up, and I must admit, I’m rather pleased. Hmm. Yes. Splendid!
Now all I need is a nice, smart, custom header.
Luckily I know a rather good chap for just that sort of work.
Let me know what you think of the new look, I’m always happy to hear from either of you that read my site!
Stig in training?
May 23rd
Well I’m shattered. Absolutely shattered.
'She's a great model and she goes like stink. And the car's not bad either! Come on, let's go burn some rubber!' I do my best Alan Partridge pose..
But I’m a happy bunny. I’ve just got back from Rockingham, after almost 14 hours (we left home just after half eight this morning) I’ve got my first proper track-time under my belt.
And I loved it.
I was behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Lumina (or Holden Commodore or Vauxhall VRX8 depending on which part of the planet you’re on) that raced in a one-make series at Bahrain in 2008 (hence it being badged Chevorlet, rather than Holden).
With a top speed of 160mph, the 5.7 litre engine develops around 400 bhp, throwing it from 0-60 in just 4.5 seconds, impressive stuff.
Once the drivers briefing was out of the way I was handed a rather natty blue hair-net (which was eerily remiscent of the day I interviewed for a job at a bacon-packing plant, but that’s for another time.) and then grabbed myself a lid. Being big bonced, I ended up with an XL, and soon realised open faced helmets do nothing for yours truly.
After a couple of brief familiarisation laps in an ’09 MINI Cooper, it was soon time to get into the Aussie machine. Strapped into the car I had to then over-come the fact I’ve only ever driven a left hooker once before, at MG, when I test drove the Chinese spec Six, and after years of using my left hand to change gear, I admit I was a tad apprehensive.
The most difficult thing I found was the idea of setting the car up to turn just once, out on the road we make loads of adjustments as we corner, but not on track. Wayne (the school’s instructor) was telling me to give the car more power and unwind the steering, but my head was struggling with the idea! Still, after a while I was starting to get to grips with the car, and the circuit, brake at the red cone, turn in at the yellow, power-out at the blue. Simple. Well, maybe not but after a little while I was soon getting some positive comments from Wayne. There’s so much to think about, my brief session in the car really was hard work, my brain was on over-drive to make sure I kept the car on the racing line (or at least try to!). I’ve always been a big motorsport fan, but today I gained a new level or respect for racing drivers, how on Earth they manage to do all that work, and worry about everyone else trying go that bit better than they are, I don’t know.
It was a brilliant day, from start to finish, and something that I definately want to try again. I’m sure with more time in the car I could really get to grips with the technique, one thing is certain, being on track is bloody addictive, and I think I am hooked!
Next stop the Bathurst 1000? Probably not, but it's nice to dream, eh?
My salute to:
May 20th
The Kettler Pedal Go-cart!
I’d been speaking to my editor at Diesel Car, who had offered me the chance to add my mugshot to the editorial team in the magazine.
The finest Pedal powered motor 1986 had to offer! It's funny how the mind works, how something cast into the depths of your memory can remain there, for years, until something random sparks you to remember.
‘Give me a pic and a few words about who you are and how you got here’ he said.
Simple enough I thought, and then, as I sat hunched over the keyboard, preparing my mini-autobiography, boom, from nowhere, I was suddenly reminded of my faithful old Kettler ‘Kettcar’ pedal Go-cart.
Back when I was 4 I was given a ‘cart very similar to the one pictured, I remember the bright red paint work like it was yesterday. Keen to try my new wheels I drove, quite calmly, up and down the garden path. Then, a few months later, fate took a hand and my brother introduced me to the concept of the hand-brake turn. ‘Pedal as fast as you can down-hill, turn hard and yank the hand-brake.’
Next thing you know I’m flying down the drive, sliding this go-cart round like I’m Paddy bloody Hopkirk. Awesome stuff. Of course the Kettler’s solid plastic wheels could only cope with so much punishment, and it wasn’t long before the original cart’s chain started slipping (cased in a plastic ‘transmission tunnel’, it made servicing awkward!) and I had soon worn the hard plastic ‘tyres’ through.
A few years later a yellow framed cart replaced the original and I carried on much as before, loving my cart and loving my handbrake turns, even if they were bloody dangerous (I recall more than one occasion where I came too close to traffic on the road at the bottom of our house!).
I think the Kettler had more of an impact on me than I realise, I’ve never had any interest in motorbikes, cars have always held my fascination, and I reckon that’s down to the go-cart. It probably goes a long way to explaining my adoration of the Mini, too.
There’s only one thing for it, I’m going to have to buy another one.
Not for me, you understand. Oh no.
But for Lily, obviously…
Sneak Peak
May 13th
Here’s a little sneak peak for my coming article in MG Enthusiast:
The New MG6
The June issue of MG Enthusiast is out on the 21st May (funnily enough, my birthday!) and has a full low-down on the new MG, with lots of great photos (if I do say so myself) as well as my reactions to arguably the most important MG in the company’s history. There’s also a Q&A with Guy Jones, Sales and Marketing Director at MG Motor.
Don’t forget to buy a copy, on sale 21/05/10
Another job done
May 10th
Well I’ve finally started whipping the MINI into some sort of shape.
I must admit to being shocked about the quality of the original, factory fit driving lamps. The car is a ’51 plate (late 2001) and both lamps were totally rotten and beyond any form of repair.
After an awful lot of WD40, elbow grease and finally a hacksaw, the bloody things were off, and promptly binned. New lamps fitted and wired, I then set about giving the car a good clean, inside and out, and I am pleased to report, it’s come up pretty well. It still needs a good polish, but it’s actually come up pretty well.
Next up I’ve got a rotten exhaust back-box to tackle, some rust on the bottom of the passenger door (makes it sound like an original Mini, doesn’t it!) and then I need to try and work out what I’m going to do about the dent on the drivers side. Me being me, I of course then had to photograph the car!
New spots make a BIG difference to the MINI
The car’s actually pretty tidy, but it could do with a little bit of TLC.
Getting this, and the MG BGT sorted should keep me busy!
A busy week for a busy boy…
May 3rd
Well it’s been a busy week for me.
Wednesday I travelled upto Longbridge, sorry MG Birimingham, the home MG Motor UK for a first look at the new MG6 for everyone’s favourite MG magazine, MG Enthusiast.
Yours truly with the new MG
Of course you’ll be able to read my thoughts and reactions to the car in a coming issue of MGE, go and buy a copy, you know it makes sense. While at Longbridge sorry, MG Birmingham (that name change is going to take some getting used to I think) I also spied this beast:
Colin Turkington ZS BTCC racer
It was great to see an old West Surrey Racing ZS up close, and how great would it be to see MG back in Touring Cars, and Colin Turkington racing them again. Well, we can only hope I suppose.
Talking of the BTCC, yesterday’s round at Brands Hatch was a washout. I should know. I was there. The wind and rain was non-stop and by the end of the second Touring Car race, I’d had enough. You know its time to pack it in when your shaking so much from the wet and cold that you can’t point a camera! Still, what racing I did see I enjoyed and it was great to visit Brands for the first time, it’d just be great if it was a little drier next time, please?
A very, very, very, very, very, very wet day at Brands Hatch
Well hopefully things will keep up at this pace, got a couple of really nice pieces to put to bed for Triumph World, and I’ve got plenty of ideas bubbling away too, in the mean time, keep watching the Tweets!
