Click here to view the embedded video.

I have tested two models of the old Superb and an Octavia and could never fault any aspect of build quality from panel allignment to seat stitching; verified by the fact that there are less warranty claims from cars built in Bratislava than any other Skoda-making factory. Enquiries are being conducted as to why but I suspect that this will prove inconclusive as it’s difficult to quantify pride in the product which I suspect is the main reason.

Refreshing; the lack of ‘Sports Tourer’ label to the newly-launched Superb ‘Estate’ as this is a true definition that is biggest in-class with the seats up. It also slots size-wise between the Vauxhall Insignia and Ford Mondeo so I forsee that you’ll get a tall fridge-freezer in the back of the Superb unlike the Vauxhall’s narrow opening. It’s also worthy to note that legroom in the back is more than ample which is a Superb trait. Our Skoda lecturer made it clear that they are targeting the fleet sector which would make clear financial sense with constrained budgets and the onus on getting as much from a penny as possible. I was very eager to sample the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) so made a beeline with my co-driver who exercised the controls first; watching over his shoulder at the rev counter, a loss limited to only 5000revs created a fluid, barely audible process without any snatch or jerk. There is an additional £1280 if you decide to opt for this system on the 1.8 TSI petrol or another £1305 for a 2.0 TDI with DSG compared to manual gearboxes. I’d be very interested in opting for a DSG with the town driving I do although would research warranty details to see how much of that box is covered, bearing in mind that the technology is relatively recent.

Engines range from a petrol 1.4 TSI, anonymously known as a TSI 125bhp (towards the front of the brochure) through to  a 1.8 doubling to the “halo product” of 3.6 V6 all wheel-drive, with DSG available on all but the 1.4. The 1.8 TSI with 160bhp felt zesty and zealous as did the 2.0TDI 170bhp with the only exception being the addition of more mid-engined torque,  the energetic nature of these two units exemplified by that DSG box. Another 140bhp version of the 2.0TDI is offered with a 105bhp 1.9 TDI.

A ‘tether and partition’system as an option of £370 on S models makes sure that your belongings don’t spill and slide around the cargo floor and an electrically operated boot at £500 can also adjust the height of the boot opening for low ceilings. It doesn’t cease here as another technological feat that I had to experience was the Park Assist system that uses eight sensors to measure and guide the car into a space with a limit of 0.4m on either side. A Mexican wave was all I needed to clarify that there were no hands on the wheel, and at a very reasonable price of £720 on the S and Greenline model, or £425 for SE and Elegance.

My criticisms of the Superb are trivial, the rev counter font should be more distinguishable from the neighbouring speedometer and I think it’s about time that Skoda changed some model names; Superb and Octavia are references to the past and that is not the now.

Words/Images and film are copyright of Sotiris Vassiliou

March 2010

My previous trips to Cockermouth had to be cancelled because of floods so I thought it wise to consult weather maps which showed snow flurries affecting the north-east; so with a room at Travelodge already booked, all that I had to contest with was driving. Waking up early on a Saturday morning revealed a clear, turquoise sky with sunrays reflecting off the shrouded surface. My route was planned to avoid the monotony of motorways, to acknowledge and applaud the A49 that dissects Warrington and continues due south to reach my favourite market town of Ludlow in Shropshire. Roads were quiet and clear, surprisingly free of hazards excepting roundabouts that had to treated with greater care. My only interference occurred whilst overtaking a truck which caused the front nearside tyre to momentarily lose traction with slush, remedied by sudden throttle reduction.

Shropshire is one of England’s largest and least populated counties with most towns having their own distinct character: Church Stretton with a background of hills such as The Long Mynd and The Wrekin.  Bishop’s Castle has one of the oldest breweries with intriguing second-hand bookshops and junk stores. B-roads will lead you to Acton Scott working farm, featured in BBC’s ‘Victorian Farm’ and Acton Burnell, south of Shrewsbury includes Robert Burnell’s ‘castle’, essentially a fortified manor house. He became the Bishop of Bath and Wells and the first parliamentary meeting reputedly took place within the walls of ‘Parliament barn’ which still stand defiantly in the adjoining grounds of Concord College, where I spent sweltering summers teaching English. Reaching Ludlow’s Woofferton travelodge, south of its market town showed an almost vacant car park, yet Little Chef confidently displayed a 10% reduction if you had a room booked opposite.

I admire the simplicity of Travelodge, with television, towels, a bar of soap, hot drinks sachets, kettle and a Gideon’s bible, should you feel the need. Inexpensive too, seeing as I had booked it months before at £19. Trudging across to an eerily silent Little Chef for some mash and sausages, I was ‘greeted’ by members of staff dressed in overcoats in readiness to depart so I politely asked if there was any food left. I was duly rewarded with my chosen meal, only disturbed by a cold, fixed stare from one assistant that translated in my mind to; and who should walk in but you, fifteen minutes before closing time!

Stomach duly filled and with warm room awaiting, I retired into a deep sleep. Evidence that there is life, snow and media aside!

Words and images are copyright of Sotiris Vassiliou

February 2010

Two days elapsed and the day came to navigate the Audi along snow-compacted roads. The starter whirred and spark plugs ignited first time, and with a selection of second gear and an application of throttle to compensate, we were in momentum. Watching a minority of cars fighting for traction by drivers applying too much throttle made me pause to think of all the electronic aids that we have at our disposal: EBD, DSC, ABS et al, yet simple block gear-changing evaded the mindset of some drivers. The practice of setting-off in second gear and progressing to fourth or from first to third is one which I first exercised whilst training for my advanced driving test. Of course, changing cogs is an inefficient process as the rev counter dips so power is lost that also depends on the duration of change. Manufacturers such as VW have the Direct Shift Gearbox that uses two clutches to pre-select the next anticipated gear resulting in a quicker process. Skoda’s four wheel drive Yeti would have been a suitable vehicle for the conditions yet is going to be tested in Scotland in April. The engine chosen is a 1.2 TSI, indicative of its turbo status but no DSG box is available on the Yeti press fleet. Technology engulfs us although two days of dereliction of duty reminded me at least, that we ought to be driving using skills that are more respectful of the conditions.

Words and image are copyright of Sotiris Vassiliou

January 2010

I discovered that three online insurance companies out of twelve calculated a higher premium for a thirty-six year old man than an identically aged woman despite inputting the same information apart from name and gender. Diamond insurance specialises in women drivers and states that, “the majority of women’s motor insurance claims are the result of minor bumps and scrapes rather than the more serious accidents that men have. On average, women drive shorter distances, have lower mileage and tend to drive more cautiously than their male counterparts so female insurance claims cost Diamond less.” Notice the word ‘cautiously’. Does this infer that women are safer and better drivers than men? Time to compare this with statistics from The Department of Transport (recorded between 1999-2001) which states that 71% of adults in the U.K. hold a full car driving licence with 82% for men and 60% for women. There are 30% more crashes per mile caused by young men between 17 and 19 than women according to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (2000). Casualties are higher for men in all ages with greater numbers of males involved above 60 years of age. It must be noted that accidents per mile for men will be greater through probability as there are more licence holders that drive higher mileages than women with an average trip length of 7.7 and 5.6 miles respectively. There has also been a substantial increase in the proportion of female car licence holders in the U.K. in every age group (except the over 70s) so with this in mind, it would be assumed that more women drivers will cause more accidents.

If Mr. Gray were to write a book entitled ‘Male drivers are from Mars, Women drivers are from Venus,’ then he’d probably focus on our behavioural responses and he’d be right to. Men lived as hunter-gatherers 1000 times longer than anything else and parallel sex differences are found in virtually all other species of animal from the sabre-toothed tiger to the five-spined stickleback (with the hamster being an exception!) Apart from evolutionary psychology, genes are important as they affect the neural circuits to the brain. Oestrogen influences the frontal lobes that are the areas of the brain stimulated by the tasks of attention and rule learning (multi-tasking). On the other hand, the lack of testosterone (linked to a shorter wedding finger) affects spatial ability for map reading and parking. The sexes are clearly designed to do different tasks and this is reflected in accidents (according to U.K. National Accident Data) caused by male drivers involved in crashes on bends, in the dark and when overtaking. Excessive speed is a likely contributing factor to the cause of these accidents that can be linked to aggression and risk-taking that’s more apparent in men with (2002) U.K. Statistics showing that male drivers caused 83% of driving offences. Women drivers have more accidents on roundabouts and slip roads that is characteristic, in part, to lack of judgement. Traditional accident records didn’t take into account mileage so accidents per mile gives a more accurate comparison considering the different distances driven by the sexes that showed (between 1996 –1998) that female drivers drove a quarter of total mileage and accounted for one third of all injury accidents. Per mile, women are involved in a greater number of accidents but men are involved in more serious crashes and fatalities. Who is the better and safer driver then? Young female drivers are safer than teenage males but women drivers in general are more careless because of their higher frequency of accidents. Taking into account skills, both sexes have different abilities that complement different areas of driving with males more suited to city driving because of their spatial ability or territorial awareness, our 21st century skulls house stone age minds but doesn’t hide the fact that we are in more serious collisions, travel faster on average than women and are more dangerous. The future will give us a clearer picture as the number of female drivers increases with mileage, that may offer us a closer comparison.

Words and film are copyright of Sotiris Vassiliou

April 2007

With ever-increasing efficiency targets, Vauxhall exploits the capabilities of three diesels by offering  two 1.7 units and a two litre, with a 1.3 CDTi due. The petrol line-up consists of five engines; three horsepower ranges of 1.4 that includes one turbo and two 1600 units that renders the 1.8 obsolete. The new Astra not only looks svelte but demonstrates its athletism on tarmac; a firm, surefooted stance with excellent feedback from the speed-sensitive steering and response on the 1.6 SRi Turbo. That was my favourite, compared to the turboless and asthmatic 1.6 SRi and the revvy but raucous 1.7 CDTi. The 1.6 SRi Turbo, married with an optional FlexRide chassis control system, offering three levels of damper adjustment would suit the serious driver. Ellesmere Port’s achievement ticks style, ergonomic, versatility and performance boxes but didn’t leave an impression on me, as there seemed no redeemable feature as it’s such a good all-rounder. Having said that, Vauxhall needs a big seller to interrupt European VW Golf sales and Ford Focus’ unbroken sales success in the UK. Whilst not having the external production quality on par to a VW Golf, the Astra has the capability of challenging the Focus which holds the record of biggest UK sales since launch, in 1998.

The Insignia VXR, also available as Tourer surveyed discretely, like its badging. ‘Brembo’ front brake calipers and 20 inch dark alloys may appear superficial, but highlight a true sporting prowess. VXR brands until now, have been biased with torque-steer, yet this Insignia VXR boasts permanent four-wheel traction to distribute 325PS of power, and an assured driving experience. My main criticism, of both Insignia and Astra is gearchange that is (can anybody identify a synonym?) notchy which does affect acceleration times as the distances between gears could be shorter. These two siblings should provide enough buoyancy to raise the credibility of Vauxhall – and profit which it deserves. A solitary Saab 9-3 X,  identified as an all-wheel drive example was there which I tested in April.  Good luck Saab, so onwards and upwards Vauxhall and with care, General Motors!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Words, images and film are copyright of Sotiris Vassiliou

December 2009

The Audi displayed its woe around a year ago followed by three long beeps in case I was colour-blind. Light in question showed an oilcan so we have an oil pressure problem. Now, I look after the Audi so there was plenty of oil in the sump but two sensors screwed into the oil filter housing were surely the problem, or were they? So, off I went to Euro Car Parts to buy a replacement low pressure sensor as oil had stained the base of it, a sure sign of a leaky seal. Screwed sensor in and silence, with no red hue.

Eventually those warning sounds came back, at times under acceleration or to keep me company on the motorway. Now, one year on and around eight thousand miles later, I am accustomed to that irritation although have to forewarn passengers that there is nothing to worry about, often with little effect. Peugeot’s 207 arrived to relinquish the Audi of its duties and was despatched to a friend who happens to be a mechanic. He informed me that the oil pump was weak as it wasn’t circulating oil to the top of the engine, or the head to use its proper name; something I hadn’t noticed to which he questioned, “Don’t you hear how quiet it is now?” to which I didn’t answer. Not an easy job to replace as the subframe had to be dropped to access it; £250 squids later, to include a dulled bonnet and passenger wing respray and I’m thinking, job done. The engine seems to perform as was although those beeps remain. The second high pressure sensor was bought and inserted and guess what, that warm, red square with the oilcan on it has come back to haunt me! The plot thickens…

Words and image are copyright of Sotiris Vassiliou

December 2009

“You’ll be amazed at a Mazda” remains burnt in my memory cells, understandably so because it contains a simple and apt anagram. Time has elapsed and Mazda’s mantra, for a while now, has been “Zoom, zoom, zoom”, a slogan I must admit I wince at. Are Mazda’s cars “Zoom, zoom, zoom?” I question as I amble my way towards the Mazda 6 launch. I notice that the new 6 has a high waist line, like Simon Cowell, in that the side windows and glass areas are relatively small compared to the rest of the body, tapering towards the rear. There’s also very little outward difference between the more expensive saloon and hatchback with a larger quarter-light, which ought to iron out some residual used price difference between them. Flared front wings inherited from the RX-8 demonstrate an athletic nature although they aren’t visible from the driver’s seat and I think that it’s time for that badge to be redesigned because it’s not that different to other Far-eastern Asian brands; it should be. Mazda have identified a niche and are attempting to adhere to it.

Our test route comprised cambered, inclined A- roads and was ideal to show the torque levels of the two engines. I was especially enamoured with the 2.5 petrol which was attentive to subtle throttle differences and married well to the supple suspension set-up. The diesel sounded and felt strained under acceleration on inclines and I suspect that an uprated unit will be offered to compensate. The gearbox coped (a sixth cog isn’t provided for the 1.8 petrol) but doesn’t have the satisfying feel of that which should be in a car with sporting prowess. So, a driving experience that does tally with the slogan and a reduction in kilos that will aid taxation bands (the diesel emits 150g/km which is in Band C) although you could clearly hear stones ricochet off the body and tyre roar on the motorways which didn’t dispel the criticisms of noise intrusion that the previous-generation 6 had. A woeful lack of storage space in the back (there’s only a pocket behind the passenger seat) to store magazines and newspapers won’t make it a tidy place but then we’re only concerned with “Zoom, zoom, zoom” so in that respect it’s a hit.

Words are copyright of Sotiris Vassiliou

Images are copyright of Mazda Motor Corporation

April 2008 ]]> http://www.motoview.co.uk/index.php/six-appeal/feed/ 0 http://www.motoview.co.uk/index.php/saab-for-sale/ http://www.motoview.co.uk/index.php/saab-for-sale/#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:25:54 +0000 sotivass http://www.motoview.co.uk/?p=1053

You can’t assume anything in today’s economy, just as I shouldn’t have taken for granted the words from Vauxhall’s Press Officer who told me on 24th November that fellow Swedish manufacturer, Koenigsegg were about to sign the final contract for Saab’s sale. That deal has collapsed and now, Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Company (BAIC) has bought the “production technology and design rights” to produce the archaic Saab 9-3 and previous 9-5 in China, mirroring what the Nanjing Automotive Corporation did with the Rover 75 (see e-mail below).

Now, I’m not going to harp on about the dilution of another European manufacturer to the Far East but what does and has bothered me is the attitude of large car manufacturers. GM’s eventual buy-out of Saab began with a 51% stake in 1990 yet it soon became apparent that there was no significant development. The once quirky Swede collaborated in unfortunate partnerships with Lancia, Alfa Romeo and Fiat, sharing the same body and chassis as the Croma and 9000 which Top Gear managed to conjoin in one form! Saab lost its driver status, sharing 9-3 underpinnings with Vauxhall’s Vectra and Cadillac’s crude CTS. The only niche Saab could identify is with biofuel, admirable but not enough to boost sales with fewer than 100,000 cars sold worldwide last year. Citing another example was Ford’s control of Jaguar, only showing a profit during Tata’s ownership due to the youthful XF. Jaguar are now unshackled by the corporate chains of command and have freedom of expression with designs that have rid the conservatism that suffocated them for so long.

General Motors has shored up their finances and will not sell Vauxhall and said farewell to GM stalwart Fritz Henderson, who had only been Chief Executive for eight months. Judging by new product of Vauxhall’s Insignia and Astra, that largely break the mould, exciting times are ahead assuming that Saab’s saved before year end.

Words and photos are copyright of Sotiris Vassiliou

15th December 2009

Hi there,

In answer to your questions, yes BAIC has bought production technology and design rights for certain Saab 9-3 and old 9-5.  

We cannot and have not commented on which parties are involved in the discussions.

GM and Saab continue talking to prospective buyers and  discussions will intensify over the coming weeks.  In the meantime Saab continues to focus on normal, daily responsibilities

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Kind regards

Wendy

Wendy Towler

PR Manager, Saab GB Ltd

E-mail reproduced from Sotiris’ account, received on 15th December 2009 and is copyright of Wendy Towler, PR Manager, Saab UK Ltd

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.