Comments by "" (@appelpower1) on "Lexus GS F vs Vauxhall VXR8: mighty V8 saloon track battle" video.
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Nik Brudar I've looked at the possibility of buying an Alfa Romeo as my first car, but sadly no good options were available. The GTV is too unreliable and the 147 and 156 aren't special enough (they are, after all, a hatchback and a saloon). The 75, one of the last 'true' Alfas, is surprisingly expensive these days. I've seen a restoration project Giulia from 1975 for 2 grand, but I'm a completely inept mechanic so I wouldn't be able to do that. Alas, it's not like an MX-5 is a punishment.
No, I think the car you're referring to is the 'Shanghuan S-CEO HBJ6474Y' (had to look that up), which indeed starred on Top Gear. This is Qoros: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qoros There's pictures on this Wikipedia page.
It does, as illogical as it may sound. Sometimes, unreliability makes a car more...exciting, somehow. More... human.
True... sadly.
Well, an MX-5 is hardly thirsty too, but as a poor student, I can't really afford to rev it all the time. I'd be shocked at your engine sound? Why so?
Yup, ricers are a horrible part of car culture. At least tuners do something productive alongside adding too many tacky accessories.
Sounds like a great car! It comes to life past 4000 rpm? But where's the redline, then?
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Nik Brudar Which would you like to test drive, the 159 or the Giulia? Or both?
If you sent me out with 10 grand to get a family car, I'd come home with a 159. And I can be picky: 200 bhp engine, a young one, leather seats, satnav, preferably a sunshine roof. Mind you, if I only had 8 grand I'd buy a flat-six Subaru Legacy estate with 245 bhp.
The 301? That's a 208 saloon, right? Peugeot makes brilliant cars these days. I once had a ride in the 308 diesel of the father of a friend of mine. The car had a 1,6 HDi 120 bhp engine. However, if you'd told me it had twice that, I'd have believed you. My god, it was fast, I could feel the torque even on the rear seats. It was like riding on gusts of wind, lovely. And the interior is great as well, not nearly as much of a disaster ergonomically as motoring journalists tell you. Plus, it stirred my love for sunshine roofs.
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Nik Brudar True, but the regular radio unit is a black block of plastic (with beautiful round buttons, mind you). Personally, I'd have the satnav, though that's a matter of taste.
Maybe they would sell quite well, although saloons aren't very popular here: we prefer hatchbacks.
True, though for everyday driving, I can imagine a diesel being quite pleasant. The Mazda6 is very light, though, for its size. Still heavier than the 308, but only by about 150 kg.
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Nik Brudar True, the 159 in alu trim looks terrific. The other one I linked you to, with the black leather, did have the alu finish, but the wrong leather colour.
Estates are even more popular than hatchbacks (Peugeots 308 and Renaults Clio are mostly sold as estates here) here, but saloons are very rare. That's unfortunate, because I really like the look of some saloons, such as the new Superb or the Mercedes E-Class.
Excessive vibration should not be a problem: the VW Polo SlowMotion sold in massive numbers here, with its rattly 3-cylinder diesel. Dreadful little car, but it's very cheap in taxes and running costs.
Really? Personally, I doubt that: a Volvo V70 D3 (150 bhp, 300 kg heavier) doesn't feel much slower than that Mazda6.
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Nik Brudar True, actually. Maybe they won't pair very well together. I'd say, judge for yourself:
http://www.autotrader.nl/auto/alfa-romeo-159/2006/groningen/72cl6/alfa-romeo-159-sportwagon-32-v6-jts-q4-navigatie-l/?zoekopdracht=alfa-romeo-159%7Copties-bevat-leren-bekleding%7Csorteer-op-bouwjaar-en-month
This one is a bit too heavy and uses too much fuel (although the power output is amazing), but it's got the combination I was looking for.
I like the way the Superb Combi looks and I'd say it's the better choice, but I still prefer the gorgeous Superb saloon (technically, it's a hatchback, but it looks like a saloon) looks-wise. The E-Class estate looks to lumpy and big in my opinion, whereas the saloon has a classic and elegant shape.
I do. Any Polo besides the GTI (which still fails miserably to stand out or compete in its segment), but the BlueMotion takes the overbaked cake.
Yeah, I can understand that. Comfy cars should be smooth, not rattly. I guess you can't have both on such a cheap car? Although the mother of a friend of mine owns a 20-year-old Opel Corsa 1.2 16V. You'd be surprised at how refined, torquey and comfortable that car is.
Well, corners and such are a massive difference, but I doubt you can feel a big difference when accelerating, at least in a diesel. Mind you, the MX-5 that I aim to buy focuses heavily on weight, but with so little torque and such good handling, that is to be expected. Same with your Colt, really. How much does yours weigh?
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Nik Brudar Well, it's not a bad car, but 1,7 tonnes is a lot for a car of that size. I wonder if it affects the handling. While it has AWD, the weight distribution is still terrible with a heavy engine like that. Still, I'd rather have AWD than FWD, which all modern Alfas up to the 4C have (with the obvious exception of the 8C).
The rear window lifts up alongside the bootlid. That makes it a door, apparently. I don't really see why, but for some reason it does, and 5-doors are hatchbacks or estates.
Fair enough. I do have some first-hand experience: I once had a ride in a Polo BlueMotion. Horrible.
True. I'm also amazed at how good of a car my mum's Toyota Corolla 1.6 (2002) is. It's extremely reliable and well-built, it's well-equipped, spacious, reasonably fast, surprisingly sporty and even somewhat pretty. It's easily the best car she's ever had. Not that a Renault 5 and a Nissan Sunny (1989) are very stiff competition, but still.
Weight is never good, but I can't imagine it being that much different?
Well, the MX-5 is hardly uncomfortable and not slow at all, but it's not really at home on the motorway. It has 116 bhp, which is a lot for such a light car, but it's short on torque and not awfully well-isolated. Makes me wonder, though, what engine does your Colt have?
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Nik Brudar Alfas have been FWD for a while now, though they are still among the best handling cars in their class. The Giulia marks a rebirth of Alfa: it'll be RWD again. Plus, the style of the thing should indeed be enough, I guess?
I call the Superb and Octavia hatchback 'saloon' as well. Honestly, this hatch/saloon combination has the best of both worlds: the elegant looks of a saloon with most of the practicality of a hatchback. I rather like it.
That's true. It's at least better than the tinfoil rubbish made by the Chinese five years ago.
Don't get me wrong, I rather like the Renault 5, but I doubt it can hold a candle to the Corolla my mum has now. It doesn't even feel boring.
Fair enough. What I've said so far is based solely on passenger seat experiences, not actual driving experience.
It will probably feel slow, but then again there's something very satisfying about revving a torqueless, naturally apsirated engine all the way up. 95 bhp is quite good. What's the 0-60 time, 10,5 seconds?
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Nik Brudar Oftentimes, my preferred secondhand pick in a certain price range is an Alfa. Unless you're looking for a 15k hatchback: I'd have a Lancia Delta over an Alfa Giulietta. Mind you, the Alfa is still my no. 2 pick. They say you're not a proper petrolhead if you've never had an Alfa, but I'm pretty sure I'll live up to that in a few years' time.
Ssangyong is Korean. They're the polar opposite of the fast-growing Kia and Hyundai. Apparently, there is a Chinese brand that's actually quite good: Qoros. It's a shame they are only being sold in China and... Slovakia (why Slovakia? I have no idea).
Well, with 20 years separating the Renault and the Toyota, it's quite hard to judge indeed. I'd say the 5 is more fun, but also less reliable.
Indeed. My dad tends to be a rather calm and tranquil driver. I'm not so sure about that friend's dad, however.
True, cold engines must never be revved. It ruins your fuel consumption too, though I'd say the fun is worth it. Plus, it sounds good. The MX-5 came with a sportier exhaust as standard: the sound is quite good, and not nearly as fake as the double cannons mounted by ricers.
10,5? Exactly? Nice! I can imagine it feeling very nippy. What's the suspension like?
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Nik Brudar I'm pretty sure you're right. Alfas are too much of a hassle to keep up anyway, at least for an a-technical teenager like me.
The Roewe and that other thing? Oh right, the Trumpchi. They were decent at best. Personally, I find Qoroses to look a bit like VWs, just prettier. But then again, so do Dacias in my opinion...
That, but mostly the fact that every journey is an adventure, with real risk involved. Plus, an unreliable car feels as faulty and moody as an actual human being. Maybe that's why Alfas have 'soul' and 'personality'? :)
I'm planning on taking my theory driving exams in a few months. Then, it'll be hard work (and sacrificing both my birthday and my final exam presents) so I can afford actual driving lessons. I should be able to begin in less than half a year, I suspect. Then, two or three months later, I think I'd be able to make it. However, I won't be 18 (and thus legal to drive without guidance) until June 2017, which is 16 months away...
Some sporty cars have tiny engines with really pleasant sounds to them. Most are hot hatches, but the Colt is a sort of 'junior hot hatch': it has all the traits of a hot hatch, but it's not as powerful, fast or expensive as one. Others include classics and indeed the MX-5.
Real tuners are great, especially the ones who leave the cars in original shape. I like cars in their original state, which is one of the things that makes buying a car on a small budget difficult for me.
6700 is quite good: most everyday cars rev to 6000 at best. Yup, there's nothing as satisfying as a cleanly taken corner. I've driven go-karts on some occasions, and it feels extremely good to precisely get a corner right, with the subtle movement of the steering wheel and everything. That's why cars need accurate and communicative steering.
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Nik Brudar Indeed. The MX-5 is better to learn how to drive in.
Me neither. However, I wouldn't mind something from near the Mediterranean Sea :)
Heh, that's the great thing about light and simple cars: you can drive like a maniac and it will feel fast, but you won't be breaking any speed limits. Sometimes, a lack of refinement is simply fun.
True, I've been doing lots and lots of research, watching reviews and especially watching POV videos. I can't wait, which is frustrating to some degree, actually.
CZT! That's what the fast version of the Colt was called! I knew it started with 'CZ'. Either way, it indeed has 150 bhp. Honestly, I wouldn't mind having one, but prices start at 5 grand here, I can't afford that. Either way, it'll be a much faster and torque-ier than the already fun standard car. After all, it is turbocharged.
True, subtle touches can improve a car. For instance, this Peugeot 406 Coupé (a car that doesn't take modifications well) has subtle aftermarket alloys and red brake callipers, and it does wonders for its presence without being tacky: http://www.autotrader.nl/auto/peugeot-406/2001/haarlem/6v7m3/peugeot-406-coupe-20i-climate-leer/?zoekopdracht=peugeot-406%7Ccarrosserie--coupe%7Ctransmissie--handgeschakeld%7Copties-bevat-leren-bekleding%7Csorteer-op-prijsvolgorde-en-prijs
Maybe you are biased, but an assertive four-pot with a relatively subtle sports exhaust sounds great. Incidentally, an MX-5 has that :)
True, it's where I learned not to brake in the corners, or you'll lock up and fly straight forward. Instead, you can keep pushing it, since lifting off makes a car(t) unstable.
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Nik Brudar That's why I'm aiming for a pre-1993 1.6 MX-5. It has 116 bhp, which is less than 120 :) After 1993 the 1.6 had 90 bhp for some reason, and while the MX-5 was never about speed, I find that a little too measly for a sports car.
Nope, me neither. I'd like a Mediterranean car, or one from near the North Sea (British. Or Dutch, if you include Spyker)
That's why a Suzuki Alto is surprisingly good fun. Mind you, it's only fun to drive and not much fun to own, and since part of the excitement for me comes from the ownership part, I'd never have an Alto, but I can see why people like it.
I've been like this since I was 7, when I got several old Top Gear Magazines from a friend of my brother's. The Bugatti Veyron in the 2005 Awards issue probably stirred my love of cars. Coincidentally, he was a massive Mitsubishi fan, and had cut out all the Mitsu pictures, presumably to make them into a poster. The Colt CZT was one of them, which is how I know the car. And yes, the CZ3 looks so much better than the five-door. Do you have the model with the Evo X nose or the older one?
(see how I smoothly merged two paragraphs into one? :)
Oh, I like that. Looks assertive without resembling a shouting 10-year-old (which is what small cars become if they're over-modified). The alloys look really good too.
So do I ;)
I have, although my experience comes entirely from written and spoken reports and on-camera demonstrations (Top Gear :D). Also, every vehicle I've ever driven (go-kart, BMW 130i, Aston V8 Vantage, bicycle. I think I've told you about the BMW and Aston, right? Or do I need to explain how that's possible?) was rear-wheel-drive. Does a car's behaviour when locking up depend on which wheels are driven?
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Nik Brudar Colts (or, again, MX-5s) aren't really very good at driving faster than the motorway speed limits, so we shouldn't really try. Either way, the one thing I would really like to be able to claim is that my first car were able to do 0-60 in less than 10 seconds. The 90 bhp model does it in 10,6, the 116 bhp model does it in 8,8. In other words, I really would like the 116 bhp model.
I quite like the ST1. I would never buy one, but I like it existing. I like most British brands (Jag <3), and McLaren is no exception. Between it and Ferrari: if I were given the opportunity to take one of them for a drive, I'd take the Ferrari. However, I'd buy the McLaren.
It excels at making you that funny, eccentric bloke at a track day. No joke, I once read about someone who used an Alto as his track day car...
Well, I haven't been seriously considering my options until I was 15, but I've wanted a car since I was 7. To be frank, I like the nose of the newer generation, but not on the Colt. It doesn't fit well. On the Colt, I prefer the older nose. On the Lancer, however, I love the way it looks.
True. It's easy on the eyes, very simple with just enough appendages to prevent it from being bland. Modern-day cars tend to be a bit over-designed. Especially modern Mercs suffer from this.
I've never really been a fan of Porsches, though I really like the Boxster, Cayman and 918 Spyder. Personally, I'd want the Cayman GTS: it's a more original choice and according to motoring journalists, it drives even better than the 911. My dream drive is a bit more ambitious: the Veyron, due to the aforementioned magazine. But I wouldn't mind a more 'humble' pick :)
Heh, it was one of the best days of my life, even though I was officially not allowed to go faster than 60 kph (and I didn't go faster than 90, or 110 on the long straight). Mind you, I wasn't allowed to rev hard enough to really feel the RWD traits, because most kids don't know what to do. I do, I've had power oversteer with a go-cart before and I didn't crash :D
I suppose it varies because of the weight distribution that comes with RWD, FWD or AWD?
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Nik Brudar Wobbliness when passing lorries is something the MX-5 won't suffer from, given its low stature. Mind you, that would make it even more terrifying. 197 is very fast for a sub-100-bhp car. The 116 bhp Mazda does 195, after all. I can imagine overtaking something in it would either take a while or simply a few downshifts. Is your Colt torquey?
Well, they have the F-Type (which I adore), but it'll never be as legendary as the E-Type (which I also adore). Personally, I'd drive the Ferrari for being more spectacular, but I can imagine the comfortable and well-thought-out (no silly steering wheel indicator buttons) McLaren would be easier to live with...
True, the lack of worries make racing an Alto so much fun. Although I would personally blame the driver in a crash: the car can only do 150 kph and it's a featherweight.
True, and the new one has a rather ugly back end, with unappealing tail lights.
I really like the C-, E- and S-Class (despite the 'Audi-syndrome', as you mentioned), but not for their looks. If I had to choose one of them based on aesthetics, I'd have the E. The C has a really odd short arse, while the S is a bit... pompous. The E strikes the balance perfectly in my opinion.
Well, this is where my inner rebel kicks in: I tend to dislike popular things. Porsches are dominant in their class and they're the obvious pick, which is why I'd have something else. Out of those, I'd probably drive the Mégane, although I'd prefer a slightly more ambitious Type-R or Focus RS. And yes, maybe the Veyron will stop me being so lazy :)
The Aston is now my 60 grand second-hand supercar of choice. I've fallen in love with it since I drove it. By the way, I was given the choice of driving a Gallardo, an F430, a 911 Carrera or the Vantage. This is also where my rebel side kicked in; I picked the least popular choice. Plus, I really like Britain.
Well, I feel like I do have some of the required instincts for handling a car, but the overall picture (entering a corner at the correct speed...) is still too raw. However, go-carts are indeed very forgiving. I've found that it doesn't really matter at what speed you go through a corner: most of the time it can be done flat-out.
I am naturally inclined to not start accelerating until the last 25% of a corner, so I guess I'm fit for a RWD car then... how convenient! (I feel like I'm over-referencing the MX-5 in these comments)
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Nik Brudar I'm pretty sure it will still be a bit wobbly at high speeds, but its not as vulnerable to wind influences because it's low.
I like the SVR, but the spoiler on the back kind of ruins the lovely design of the F-Type Coupé. Personally, I'd have the regular R. As for Ferrari: I forgot for a second that they made those. Though compared to the mid-engined Fezza's, the McLarens are more comfortable with a better thought-out interior.
True, especially crashing an E30 would stir an outrage of anger.
True, and the E has a more appealing front end, although the difference is minimal. However, I still prefer the classic, elegant design of the previous E.
They do look too ricey, I agree. For a more anonymous choice, I'd drive the Mégane RS.
Well, that and it's actually my favourite, tied with the Gallardo. But from there, it was a matter of which is the least predictable choice.
I can imagine myself being an extremely careful driver in the first few months, because I wouldn't want to damage either of my parents' cars or (once I have one) 'my' MX-5. You've had it for exactly a year now? Nice! I can imagine it being an extremely reliable car...
True, actually. I learnt that from the Reasonably Priced Car segments on Top Gear. Mind you, I can only do spectacular (but rather slow) laps. I'm a bit of a Pastor Maldonado while go-carting, though I'm not as prone to crashing.
I can imagine it being satisfying, but since I'm currently a cyclist, so I can barely do that. Incidentally, my bike is RWD too, but that's not why I can't.
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Nik Brudar True, but it doesn't seem very Jag-ish. Or maybe I'm very conservative on the subject of cars.
It looks quite good, but the layout is a mess. There's too many buttons on the steering wheel, you have to choose between a speedometer and satnav and the indicators aren't stalks behind the steering wheel, but buttons on the wheel, which moves about. The McLaren's interior just does what it needs to do, no silliness. I do agree that leather looks better than alcantara, though I'm pretty sure you can have a leather McLaren interior.
You did mention that. I think I've already mentioned how I prefer the E36 and E92, but that's a matter of taste. Should I be proud or ashamed of knowing those letter-number codes?
True, and I prefer te 5-Series' nose (I really like the F10's design), but the E has a good-looking nose nonetheless. Also, the bonnet is quite long. I like long bonnets, which is also why I love the AMG GT, F-Type and (here we go again) MX-5.
Indeed. Arguably, the Gofl R competes for that title (the RS3 doesn't, sadly), but I'd prefer the Mégane myself. However, I'd rather to drive the Golf on a daily basis.
Lambos are great cars driven by horrible people. BMWs used to have that problem as well (they still do a bit, but the cocks really have moved to Audi). An argument for choosing the Gallardo would be sheer speed, but overall I prefer the classy V8 Vantage (long bonnets <3).
True. And this morning, I was glad I don't have a car yet: I was on my bike when a car backed into me at 15 kph. I almost fell to the floor, but was able to block my fall with my legs. Don't worry about it, I'm fine (it was a Suzuki Alto, they don't weigh anything), but I'm glad I wasn't in a car, because, well, damage.
Indeed. Mind you, I personally think a bonkers lap is more fun, but it's hardly efficient.
Well, the wait will be bearable, I guess? And in the meantime, I can pretend my bike is a car. I can even differ between imitating a revvy engine or a torquey one.
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Nik Brudar Indeed, they're the pinnacle of British class and elegance. It's the one thing excusing their objective inferiority to German or Japanese cars (although the difference is less prevalent nowadays).
You've never seen a full-leather McLaren interior before? http://autocontentexp.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/McLaren-650S69.jpg Now you have ;)
Well, I have a tendency to remember numbers unnecessarily well, so I guess that's why. Personally, I like the simple, lightweight design of the E36, not to mention the driver-focused dashboard. Mind you, it's going through its 'ricer yobbo' phase now, which is why I wouldn't buy one. To me, the E46 just looks a bit... fat. Well, not fat, but bulbous. I think I touched on this before, however. I have changed my mind a bit: I really like the way the rear end slopes into the boot.
Yes, that's the most appealing feature of an E-Type. I love the S90; I still don't really like the back end, but you get used to it. I'd wait for the V90 if I could buy one, however.
Mercs still have a bit of arrogance over them, but they do generate more sympathy than the other two. Though I suspect that's mainly because everyone thinks they're for old people (and they are, to some degree). The Gallardo is indeed the most simple and pretty. I'd like to own an LP-550-2 Balboni one day: it's RWD and an indication of good taste (by taking it over the regular one).
Well, I guess you at least have insurance? But of course, they can be a complete arse and drive away. These people were very nice and genuinely sorry, though. But next time, they ought to be more careful.
At some point near the end of a run, I tend to get all focused and post a few decent lap times, though most of the time I drive like a maniac.
When riding upwind, it feels extremely fast. Sadly, I only have three gears. I wish I had five or seven, now I have to pretend a single bike gear is two car gears.
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Nik Brudar 'I concur' is as classy and British as, well, Jaguar :)
I wouldn't say it's dull by regular standards, but I agree that it's a bit dull on the inside by supercar standards. Though frankly, I wouldn't want to spend too much time focusing on the interior while driving a supercar. Of course, the relative lack of drama is an argument to take the Ferrari instead.
I can see where you're coming from with that. It's the same problem most 1980's cars have: it's too angular and dated. Plus, like I said, it's undergoing its ricer period now. I suppose it'll get better over time, however. Personally, I'd say the E92 is the most aggressive one, but then again that one's my favourite of the bunch.
Because I can't recall the last time I saw a facelifted Colt (they're surprisingly rare here), you might very well be right about the picture thing.
That's very true. BMWs are more for hot-shot businessmen who gained large salaries at a young age. It's more nouveau riche. As always, Audi is positioned in the middle between the other German premiums. Personally, I don't really like Audis. They're elegant and solid, but also very boring and cursed with VW technology.
The Balboni is the only Lambo I'd have over any of its competitors, even if it's quite rare and thus relatively expensive. By the way, I'm really glad they made a RWD Huracán, because it fits the car so much better. Plus, the new front splitter looks much sharper, much more dramatic.
The people who ran me down were very nice people (but rubbish drivers): they immediately got out, asked me if I was okay and pulled my bike's front rack straight. I even had to convince them of the fact that I didn't have time to come inside and have a drink, because I had to get to school in time. Great people (although they couldn't drive away in the first place, unless they were to run me over rather than down).
True, I tried a bike without a gearbox ('box' seems like the wrong word...) once, and I hated it. Mind you, seven gears, like my mother's bike, is too much. Also, a small correction to my earlier comment: I meant riding downwind, not upwind. Upwind is when the wind tries to blow you backwards. Downwind is the opposite.
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Nik Brudar I can see what you mean. Usually, I'd have the most passionate choice in a choice of cars, but because supercars are already dramatic and spectacular by themselves, I'd go for the more rational choice there. But indeed, that's just a matter of taste.
True, the E36 is very pretty from the back. An E46 M3 GTS is very agressive, with all the flaps and diffusers and what have you. It's a fan favourite, right? Though wasn't it very rare?
True, actually, recently I have noticed a very large amount of Alfa 159's, much more than you'd think. And to be honest, the Colt is not the sort of car that you remember seeing (although I'm pretty sure this conversation will have made me more aware of them).
Heh, I do use the phrase 'mind you' a lot.
True. For me, the best combination would be BMW driving technology, Audi looks (with more individuality in them) and interior and Merc gizmos and interior proportions. Mind you (tee hee), I'd have neither of the German Three, because I compulsively want to drive something different, but that's just me, I suppose?
Indeed. Lambos, by heritage, are bonkers, so you need the most bonkers one. Why haven't they made a RWD Aventador? I'd love that.
Italians are incompetent drivers, but somehow it's charming if they do it. And maybe I'm biased, but the French driving ineptitude is extremely annoying. They too don't care, plus they can't park, but for some reason I just can't get over it when they do it.
It does. 'They' mainly refers to the 30-year-old (blonde, and that matters according to the stereotype) woman behind the wheel. I'm still not sure whether that other person was in the car or waving goodbye as she departed.
Awful, not to mention primitive. But seven gears have you constantly going through them, not knowing which gear you're in. Granted, she has a bike that requires you to change a lot, because of the rubbish 'driving' position.
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Nik Brudar It is. Though I despise the average Dutch car buyer. Today, I passed by a rather large parking lot, and I suddenly realised that none of the cars there are in any way exciting or interesting. I know people tend to be boring like that, but I always feel we Dutchies take the cake...
I do know that its recently announced successor, the M4 GTS, will have a limited production run of 700, prompting me to think the M3 will have that as well.
True. And I doubt I'd notice a Ford Mondeo as much as I do now if my father didn't have one.
I concur (see? I'm adopting your vocabulary as well).
I wouldn't mind BMW looks. As for a Merc interior: I'd only like the S-Class and E-Class interiors, as I don't like the stuck-on tablet of the C- and A-Class. The M6 Gran Coupé is quite possibly my favourite car in its class, although I also really like the Mercedes CLS63 S AMG Shooting Brake (what a mouth full).
True. So is the P1, however, and that didn't stop McLaren from making it. I really hope Lamborghini will make one. At least the Murciélago didn't need RWD to be truly bonkers.
Indeed. I do, however, think that the French are more arrogant than the Italians, though maybe I'm biased.
Well, she was a perfect example of that.
They are. Have you ever noticed that older muscle cars have fast acceleration times and a low top speed? For instance, a Mustang GT from around 2000 does 0-60 in roughly 6,5 seconds, but it can barely do more than 200 kph. That's what my mum's bike feels like: fast on the acceleration, but you can't go very fast. That's not a problem in a car, but it is on a bike, as bikes (bicycles, that is) don't have speed limits.
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Nik Brudar Most cars here have hardly any equipment at all. So tiny alloys, white/grey/silver/black non-metallic paint, no leather seats, no sunroof, nothing. Just satnav and phone connectivity, because they need it for their job.
I don't like it either. It's too ricey, plus it's incredibly expensive for what it is. I mean yes, it beat the Giulia QV around the 'Ring, but with two fewer doors, nearly twice the price and a less understated look, that speed comes at a cost.
Nope, as surprisingly rare as Mondeos may be here. Interestingly, I think I'd be able to appreciate the Mondeo 2.5T more if my dad didn't have one: now it's just a given, something that doesn't wow me anymore.
Oh, 'I consent' is lovely. It's the sort of word that I know the meaning of (roughly, that is), but that I somehow never end up using.
It's a bit pompous, but spectacular nonetheless. I like lights. The Panamera is a car that has always failed to appeal to me. I'm sure it's a good car, but I don't like the way it looks, plus it's not all that spacious, not very comfortable, full of gizmos or in any way highly impressive, and it's very expensive. It's also fast, however.
I like the look of both CLS's equally, but the saloon is outclassed by the BMW 6 GC. The Shooting Brake at least has a niche in its practicality. The names are a relief, it used to be so complicated!
Heh, that's where I got it from as well. I started out as a 918 Spyder fan, but after a rather unimpressive start, I'm moving slightly towards the LaFerrari camp. Mind you, I'd still have a Huayra over either. That's where my alternative nature jumps in.
I think most Europeans would agree on that. Well, except for the French, of course.
Heh :D
72? That's terrifying! I do remember doing 40-50 kph downwind once, enabling me to keep up with all the cars. That was fun, if slightly frightening.
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Nik Brudar Indeed, at least your Colt has the wheels and flaps to make it stand out, without becoming utterly tasteless in the process.
Now you've made me jealous of everyone who owns a Giulia Spint. At some point in the future, I will want to buy a classic car, and it's becoming more and more clear that it'll be an Alfa Romeo. That, or perhaps a Citroen SM.
True, especially if something has been a given since my childhood. I find nothing special about our house even though several extensions have made it rather spacious. Similarly, I find getting media for free is nothing special, because I've been able to do that since I was young.
It does. Obviously, I often refrain from using vocabulary like this, but I know I can do it here. However, holding back is sometimes a bit difficult. In a few weeks, I will be volunteering for 'language village' at my school: basically, the first graders have to perform various tasks around a set up 'village', and do everything in English. I've done it before once, but at least then the conversations were entirely set up. It looks like I'll be the doctor's office this time, and they have to do loose conversation. All British slang is now out of the question.
I guess that's why they're full of autonomous driving tech ;) My judgement on the Panamera, on a technical level, is entirely based on other people's reviews. More superficial statements, such as looks, are based on my personal preferences.
I can understand that. I'd have the saloon over the shooting brake if I don't have children in this hypothetical future, but then I'd have a full coupé so that makes it rather outclassed in my book.
True, plus I needed to get used to the looks of the LaFerrari (I love it now, though, typically Italian), plus I had to get over the interior. I can be a bit of an interior nut sometimes. As for the Paganis, I think I'd have a Zonda over a Huayra, but then again I doubt the Zonda will be in the same price class as the Huauwuauwaa (I still haven't figured out the pronunciation). I'm sure they'll rise in value extremely quickly.
That's often the case, unfortunately. It does hinder effective functionality of the EU.
'rapturous' I didn't know that one. Beautiful!
50 is quite fast. What we don't have in hills is made up for with wind. Like hills ('slopes' is apparently racist), that can be a good thing or a bad thing.
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Nik Brudar Heh, I like the sound of that :) But yeah, a car like that is just really fun, provided you give it enough individuality (without descending into 'yobbo-hood').
Looks great, I subbed! Great camera work, Top Gear style, a British (Scottish, that is) presenter and good quality videos (despite the Fifty Shades of Grey intro to the Merc C63 S AMG review.
True, though I've found that living without those things for a while makes you appreciate them more. That's why I love going camping (on a campsite, mind you).
Thank you, very flattering :) However, I wouldn't call my English 'perfect': I often make small mistakes, since I tend to skip the grammar and spelling bits of learning English (doing them largely by feel) and go straight for the fancy bits. I did turn on British spell-check, however, so that helps a bit. You'd be surprised how much you can learn from spell-check. As for the event: it's a great idea, but I remember having to participate in it as one of the students and it was terrifying. Maybe they should do it a bit later on, when everyone is older.
Also, I had to look 'convivial' up. I love how you bring uncommon words into the conversation sometimes :D
The FF replacement? The GTC4Lusso (or whatever its name was)? Yes, I love it! Exterior, interior, it's great. New cars tend to have complicated designs, but this one doesn't. It's Italians showing their design prowess, I love it.
That's very true. However, I'd buy the five-door most of the time in case of a hatchback because, well, my parents have had 4/5-door cars for as long as I can remember. But some hatchbacks (Mégane, Astra GTC, Citroen C4, Pro-underscore-cee-apostrophe-D) look much better with fewer doors.
They'll be one of those unique classics, like the Ferrari 250 GTO or the Bugatti Royale. Those are worth a fortune. The 760RS is a post-production one-off of the Zonda (Pagani still can't wave it goodbye: understandable), and it does quite embody the character of the Zonda. Not very complicated, but completely bonkers.
They do. They demanded the EU seated in Strasbourg. When Brussels was chosen, they managed to force the EU to stay in Strasbourg for a week every month. Moving all that costs millions a year, just because they're, well, arrogant. It's really frustrating.
No problem :)
As a Dutchman, no landscape appeals to me more than a mountainous one. Indeed, you only appreciate something if you don't have it.
Oh, and don't worry, I don't mind reading it in two sections.
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Nik Brudar Well, you can always go too far :) Besides, my walls are already filled with old posters.
Harris is great. Oh, and don't forget Car Throttle, I love that channel.
Very much. Also, not using your phone is great, it allows you to appreciate your surroundings and enables you to enjoy things more intensely. I'm honestly glad my phone is, well, utterly useless.
Well, I can be a perfectionist too, driven by my OCD-light (as I like to call it), but I'm mostly the sort of person who thinks it's more important for the entire picture to be brilliant, than for all the details to be good. I guess that's why I like British, Italian and French cars ;) 'Sporadically' I actually knew, because it's a fairly well-known word in Dutch.
Plus, it has a long bonnet. Like I said, I'm a sucker for long bonnets. As for the interior: it's great, even if they still haven't fixed the indicator button fiasco.
Indeed, and frankly, he's right. It's just a desperate attempt to make a boring (although otherwise quite good) hatchback seem young and lively. It's just marketing bollocks. Besides, writing out the punctuation is really funny, at least in my opinion.
I really, really like the E-Type, but they're extremely expensive. Same with the Merc. Obviously, rare old 911's and the 250 GTO are simply out of this world, as is the Zonda 760RS. On a more affordable level, I really like the Jensen Interceptor, if only because it has quite possibly the best name ever put on a car. Either that or 'Triumph Spitfire'.
I can see why, say, a Veyron is road-legal, but some cars (ahem Koenigsegg) just need special licenses to prevent over-paid footballers from ruining them.
Indeed. At least Italians aren't ashamed of their corrupt reputation, but the French apparently won't admit their arrogance.
Most definitely. Damn, I want to go see some mountains now.
I'm pretty sure I've done that as well sometimes, so don't worry.
P.S. I've made it through a reply without saying 'mind you'. Mind you, I just did it, but that was merely a quote. Oh, wait...
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Nik Brudar One of them is a Saab poster. No wonder: I really like Saab.
They are. I'm guessing you're a BMW fan? Also, I think you're referring to the video where Alex owns an E36, right?
And a little piece of advice if you didn't know it yet: if you don't like seeing two angry Germans smashing up their M6 (I most definitely didn't), don't watch the 'Near misses that will make you flinch video', particularly the end.
Wait, so you're saying you're typing this all on your phone or tablet? Typing a 10-word text message takes me a minute because I mistype everything, plus I compulsively have to get the spelling right. I can't imagine how people type so quickly on phones...
And then I see you mentioned misspelling. What a coincidence :) There's nothing wrong with 'now and then', but other words are simply... better. Or at least nicer.
It does. I can imagine it being a very, very long car, though.
It was funny in an 'ambitious but rubbish' sort of way :) And they won't pass you if you have a Proceed GT. I'd quite like one of those, to be honest. Second Kia I'd genuinely want, after the new Sorento.
Indeed! Apparently, it's actually quite rubbish objectively, but it's very nice so who cares? Plus, it's a classic car, those don't need to be reliable.
Those seem like the exact sort of demands I'd ask. Well, maybe cut down on the driving experience claim (so 10 years) and make the skills weigh in more. Plus, an exemption for racing car drivers (18-year-old Verstappen :D)
That is a painfully spot-on statement by Jennifer.
I've driven through Switzerland before, and it was gorgeous. If the prices weren't so ridiculous and the government so hostile to cars, I'd quite like to live there.
Thank you :)
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Nik Brudar I sometimes do too, but then I see one and I really want one. If I were for one reason or the other unable to get an MX-5, I'd have either a Peugeot 406 Coupé or an old Saab, that's how much I like them.
True, but Audi drivers are apparently the cocks now. Or at least, in Britain. The Dutch are for some reason VW Group loyalists: our police mainly drives a Touran diesel. Pathetic. Oh, and by 'smashing', I mean with hammers and stuff.
Wait, so you can't really type on a regular keyboard? Either way, it takes me about 5 minutes at a decent, ten-fingered pace. Then again, I'm capable of coming up with English sentences at nearly the same speed as Dutch sentences (as opposed to knowing all the grammar rules and such, which is what school wants). Anyway, does English take you longer because of Slovenian auto-correct or simply because it's not your native language?
Intermittently? I've never heard it before, but I like it. For more common use, I tend to say 'occasionally'.
5 metres? That's a lot. Mind you, I've spent half my car-aware childhood in the back of a 4,9 metre Mondeo, so I'm quite used to long cars, but even still that's a lot for something with the body type of a hatchback (technically, it's a shooting brake).
Asians still know how to make reliable cars. Germans have largely forgotten. Unfortunately, Dutch car buyers (and I can imagine the rest of Europe) haven't realised that. Either way, I wouldn't mind a ProCeed GT. Still, I, being me, would have a brand new MX-5.
Well, if I were to daily it, I'd care. But driving a classic car every day is silly, unless you count a 26-year-old MX-5 as a classic car.
I doubt footballers will pass the car control tests, so it filters out them without eliminating younger, skilled petrolheads. And indeed, we just need a seat pillow and extended pedals, and off they go :D
Not really tourists (few countries are hostile to tourists, even North Korea has tours for foreigners), but immigrants? Definitely. And their car policy is one of massive taxes.
Yay!
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Nik Brudar Probably, since Saab is rather stubborn and goes its own way.
Really? I find Mercs to be luxurious boats for old people. Audis are somewhere between BMWs and Mercs as far as I'm concerned. Oh, and at least those cars are fast-ish. Especially an Octavia vRS :D
Fair enough. I'm arguably quite fluent, but even I struggle at times. There are holes in my English, particularly in school-related vocabulary. Oh, and don't worry: your replies are always interesting to read :)
It is, but any such accusations (that includes 'nerd', for instance), merely stems from jealousy. I know that makes me sound quite arrogant, but what I mean is that you shouldn't let that stop you, unless your audience (that seems a rather unfit word here) can't comprehend what you're saying.
It is. And that enormous length shows on the back seats, which are the second-most spacious in its class, behind only the Skoda Superb (obviously). Also, even the saloon has a large boot, plus there's plenty of space for that lovely 2.5T five-cylinder engine under the bonnet <3
The 124 is great, although I had to get used to the front end initially. The rear resembles a Maserati GranCabrio (one of my dream cars), though, that always helps. Especially the tail lights are similar. However, I think I'd still have an MX-5 because, like I said, I'm me.
You'd be surprised at how expensive NA (first gen) MX-5s are. They're still quite affordable, but for the price of a decent NB (second gen), you can only get a ruined NA, at least here. They are slowly rising in price again. Then again, because most of the technology underneath is from old Mazda hatchbacks, the only thing you have to watch out for when dailying one is rust, particularly underneath the doors.
I can imagine that. Mind you, (he did it again!) the same applies to Polish immigrants here, but then again they are often truly bad drivers. That has nothing to do with their nationality, so much as the fact that oftentimes, they were at the bottom of the social ladder even in Poland.
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Nik Brudar Thank you :) Well, it's true, I would be quite a Saab-man. Well, except I'll never be an architect (I can't draw and know nothing about when a building will collapse) or a dentist (every potential patient will thank me for that).
You're right. On some cars, such as the A-Class, it works, but some cars, such as the C-Class, look a bit pompous with modern Merc styling. Audis are rather boring design-wise, but at least consistent.
True, but then again you can't see how long it took someone to write a comment on the internet. In real life, I suppose it'd be noticeable. As for 'school-related words', I mean classes, subject names, tests, projects, that sort of thing.
Indeed. Sometimes, criticism can be a compliment. That's why I will never feel bad if someone says my car is too large, too expensive or a penis extension. In The Netherlands, that means the person making the statement regrets not having the courage to buy a car they actually want, rather than need.
Well, I tend to value the way a car makes me feel. Sounds unusual for someone without a driving license, but even from the passenger seat, a car can be experienced. That includes the soothing serenity of a Volvo V70, the car that is soon to replace the Mondeo.
The front does quite come down to taste. Personally, I prefer the MX-5's front, and the anti-downsize engines. That's another reason why I'd have the Mazda, but I wouldn't mind a 124 either.
Yeah, it's a common issue. On my way to school, there's always a white NA MX-5 (likely a cheap one) and it too rusts quite badly. It's one of the things to look out for, the other being aftermarket, 'racy' items. Not just massive spoilers, but also aftermarket steering wheels and light-shade tail lights. That often indicates bad treatment of the car.
Indeed. Unless it's immigrants in France driving much better ;)
No, but seriously, that would be a really peculiar form of racism, and an even more objectionable one at that.
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Nik Brudar To be honest, I stole that from Top Gear. But, oh well.
Indeed, I love the return of Alfa. Don't believe all the talk about it going roughly: apparently, there are Italian Alfa dealerships with Giulia QVs in its showrooms. You can already order on and the first cars will be ready in March/April.
That's probably true, but even I can struggle occasionally. And I'm glad I'm not the only one whose vocabulary is limited in that area.
Indeed! You should never criticise someone for their choice of car. That's not to say I never do - I tend to argue with X6 owners and anyone with a typical Dutch company car - but one should refrain from doing so.
Indeed. Depreciation, gizmos, excessive safety on top of what is necessary, fuel economy, Wi-Fi connectivity: all that is irrelevant compared to the smile that you get from a nice car, even if (or especially if) it has none of those traits, unlike the competition. In the first place, a car should be able to do what it is bought for, but after that, it should be able to make you smile. That's what matters the most.
Oh, I too have become somewhat of a Volvo aficionado. They're big and boxy, and hardly spectacular, but they're also extremely luxurious, practical, comfortable and yet fast, with those lovely five-cylinder engines. Also, a 'Volvo-man' is quite possible the best type of person in the world: friendly, reasonable, kind, harmless yet assertive when necessary, and never boring. Saab-men are the same, but they have a sense of elitism over them (I know I'm insulting myself now, but I don't mind).
Yeah. Maybe I should become a motoring journalist. Would you say I have the writing skills for that?
Indeed, only hot hatches and old BMWs are a more common victim of this. I really, really dislike cars ruined by ricers, so I'll steer clear of ruined MX-5s. Sadly, that does limit my options.
Racism against the French is completely acceptable. They're the butt of all jokes. That they can't accept that (unlike the Belgians) is their problem. The racism I was referring to was against Polish drivers :)
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Nik Brudar That's true, sometimes lying is quite necessary. Oh well, most people know those stereotypes anyway.
Well, they've put in a lot of effort, so they've taken care of things properly. Or at least, I hope so. After all, they're still Italian. But, I do like some Italian chaos, so I don't really mind. The consumers will not agree with that, unfortunately. Oh, and I couldn't find a release date for the M2, sadly.
True, I can confirm that regarding Dutch. The fact that my school-related vocabulary is limited reflects how little English I was taught through school, I suppose.
Or a Multipla, indeed. I would only shout at them if they did so for hipster reasons. I'm telling you, in five years, all the hipsters will be driving Multiplas.
Indeed, although I once spent a while on the third row of a Grand Scenic and was horribly disappointed with the leg room. Either way, everyone must have had a fun car once in their life, in my opinion.
True. My dad ordered a D3, which only has 150 bhp. Doesn't seem much, and it goes from 0-60 in 10 seconds, but it feels like it goes like stink. Dentists in themselves are a bit elitist (it's the job with the highest initial payment), though, so they'll probably be driving Saabs anyway. I don't really know that much about them, although I do know a few of their quirks: turbo engines (all of them), lots of safety (their keys are inserted high up in the dash so your knee doesn't hit it in a crash) and... square vent holes.
I hope I will. At least I think I'll be able to express the feeling a car gives you. I learnt that from Top Gear.
Yes, unfortunately. Though I'm prepared to save money and wait, so I can buy a truly good one.
You mean it's mild by Swiss standards? Yeah, but the Swiss are a bit... xenophobic sometimes.
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Nik Brudar True, though frankly I'd rather see more Alfas than more VWs on the road. Or maybe I'm just too Dutch. Either way, never having experienced a breakdown may be part of the reason why I can appreciate a bit of chaos.
Wait, it's already out for reviews?
Same here. 'Classes', I believe, means the same as 'single lessons'. 'Grades', meanwhile, sounds too American to me, plus it also means 'marks'. Very complicated.
Well, the rarity of hipsters is one of the few advantages to living in the middle of nowhere.
True, but the third row being extremely cramped kind of defeats the purpose of a seven-seater family car, in my opinion. The best solution is to not have more than three children, of course. I don't see why anyone would have more than that.
Lower? Faster? I think my advice is rather obvious: MX-5. Though if you need more seats, I can actually quite recommend a Mazda 323F. The 2-litre V6 model is quite nippy. Sadly, finding one that isn't ruined by some tasteless ricer is painfully difficult.
I think it'll be the same for me. I mean, I'm a pensioner already sometimes, but not in car preferences, I can confirm that. Plus, a Volvo V70 doesn't need to be fast, although that makes it all the more hilarious when it is (V70R, T6, T5 or even D5: those are the models I'd have).
Come to think of it, I did. I learnt most of my British accent from TG as well. I'll just express my gratitude to... whatever the new Amazon show will be called.
Instant expenses? You mean how some cars are cheap because of maintenance that needs to be done? That could happen, though MX-5s, being very light on maintenance, aren't very likely to have that. Still, I ought to watch out. But, an original car will get you quite far in this (haha, the rhyme). And at least it's not a 3 grand Jag, which requires twice its price in maintenance the moment you purchase it.
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Nik Brudar This is how I feel about most VW's, or just most cars in The Netherlands. That includes Opels and plug-in hybrids. Very, very annoying, why does nobody buy a good car?
You've never been let down by your car, that's good (it's Japanese, of course you haven't ;). Nor have I, however. But then again, I don't have a car. Mind you, I've been let down by my bicycle before, it was frustrating. But there is little difference between bikes in both soul and reliability, so it's a tough call nonetheless.
Nice! I'd always have an M2 over an M4, mainly because the M2 is unrivalled as is, unlike the Alfa- and AMG-plagued M4. Plus, it's cheaper.
I do know 'primary school' and 'secondary school', because I hate the word 'high school'. But that's about it. Haha, Slovenian, like most Slavic (?) languages, is an incomprehensible but beautiful collection of... symbols, to us Dutchies. Still, I find it interesting to figure out what things mean, as I found out on my holiday to the Czech Republic.
Wait, that actually does make sense. By the time a the fourth and fifth children outgrow those seats, the first and second will likely have moved out already. Seems logical. Still, young children (less than 7 years old) trigger aggression, more than anything, with me. Well, that is an exaggeration, but I don't like them. That's why I can't see why one would have children at all (besides the survival of humanity), let alone more than two.
The 3 MPS (European name :D) is indeed a great car, though I can imagine it being rather expensive and new still. The 323F is extremely cheap, though good ones are also extremely rare. It's supposed to look like this: http://mazda323f.ucoz.hu/Mazda_323_F_1_519.jpg
But it always ends up looking like this:
http://automobilio.info/auto/Mazda-323-F-V-BA.jpg
I can imagine it being rather restless. That can be annoying sometimes. This is where a cheap BMW would excel, but, well, maintenance costs ruin it. Not to mention false allegations of being an aspiring criminal.
Five-cylinders are great. Granted, I was raised with one, so I'm biased, but still.
Wait, there's previews? Oh, you mean New New Top Gear? Yeah, that's going to fail. The presenters of Old New Top Gear are going to do their own show, luckily. Ironically, that's what the presenters of Old Old Top Gear did when they started Fifth Gear, though 'Reverse Gear' (or whatever) will be significantly better.
True, though owning a car, for me, is part of the fun. That's why I will only buy cars I truly like. If I don't, I'll walk out the door someday, see it and realise I bought the wrong car.
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Nik Brudar Just throw it out the window. No, though, please don't ;)
Sadly, there are very, very few cars like that here in The Netherlands. You'd be lucky to find a 2+ litre car that's less than, say, five years old. I'm sure your Colt will hold up easily. It's a small Japanese hatchback, known for being virtually indestructible through normal (ab)use.
My favourite would be an M6 Gran Coupé. Although, what I'd really want is an Alpina. I love Alpina.
I suppose that's about enough, though. I never really need school-related vocabulary in English anyway. Slovenian does look quite complicated, but apparently Dutch is far from easy as well. That's the benefit of being a native speaker. Or so it would be, if the language had any relevance across the border.
Well, I've always liked how it combines sporty looks with hatchback practicality. Though it's very taste-sensitive. The riced-up version is appalling, I agree. The MPS looks quite good: it improves on the somewhat tame design of the original with a relatively small spoiler, giving it a balanced design. It's great.
Heh, that comes with low weight. Though stability in the corners is quite natural. I've never driven or ridden a car that has that, unfortunately. However, I did once experience the effect of a sport button. Mind you, that was on an Opel Zafira (not even an OPC), but even then the effect was surprisingly drastic.
It is. Fifth Gear suffers from 'Fifth Gear Syndrome' (who would have thought ;). It's fairly decent on its own, but it tries so desperately to be Top Gear, that it fails miserably, unable to compete with the sheer excellence of the real Top Gear. The same effect applies to Top Gear USA (and Aussie TG) and it will apply to New New Top Gear. Interestingly, it now also applies to Old Old Top Gear.
True. It's like owning a pet. Horse enthusiasts can relate in a way, I suppose.
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Nik Brudar A year and a half? That is one old tablet. Though don't replace it. My current phone was already somewhat broken when I got it... three years ago.
Wait, you have Swiss family? Either way, at least they know how to (and can afford to) drive nice cars. We can afford to as well, but for some reason we collectively decided not to. By 'collectively', I mean 'everyone but me'. And it's good to hear you treat your Colt nicely :)
You mean the front bumper thingy? Oh, that is awful. Luckily, it's optional. I'd have as few badges as you can possibly get, and blast past everyone expecting it to be a 318d, or something like that. And yes, I have seen what they did to what is the second 7-Series I'd have over the competition (the first being the Mk1, or whatever it's actually called). It's great.
Slovenian does sound tongue-breaking to me, but at least it doesn't sound like throwing up, unlike Dutch...
Indeed. If anything, it's a bit of a compromise, though the rear seats are apparently very spacious. The MPS (call it MazdaSpeed if you prefer that, don't mind my stubborn anti-American-spelling attitude) is a very underrated hot hatch, much like the Toyota Corolla TS.
Indeed, I like the idea of a manettino (everything sounds elegant in Italian), contrary to what the purists say. That Zafira? As far as I can recall - it was six years ago - the suspension stiffened, the dials turned red, the sound was amplified and the G-forces from cornering were much stronger (though that may have been an effect of a changed driving style, in hindsight).
Indeed. Even with increasingly staged stunts in the last few episodes, it never felt too ridiculous or too much. And what it lost in narrative silliness (as opposed to the current 'silliness for the sake of being silly'), it gained in beautiful music, cinematography and narration, most clearly demonstrated in the reviews of the V12 Vantage and Alfa Disco Volante.
I don't own any yet, but I will in the future. 116, if everything goes as planned. Come to think of it, that's cheaper than 116 actual horses...
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Nik Brudar Of course, but nowadays that would be considered old. Personally, I don't actually agree with that. One and a half years isn't old at all. I tend to use things until they're broken beyond repair and/or true usability. Well, unless it's a car.
Oh, so you mean random Swiss people? Oh well, still nice. I'm afraid they won't do that. I'm one of the few people whose parents don't pay at least half of the driving lessons. I do have a solution: I'm going to ask my lessons for both my birthday and final exam presents, given that they're both (roughly) in June. That should cover the costs. Then, I'll have to save for my own car, but after that I've still got a year for that, until I'm 18.
The badges? Meh, I don't mind them. It's the front bumper that does it, and the long names stuck to the back (so 'B10 Biturbo' or something). The first 7-Series was great, the second was an abomination, the third was decent but outclassed and the new one is great. It's the first one since the Mk1 that I'd have over an S-Class.
Germans actually have a very soft and gentle way of speaking. If you hear a German speak English, it sounds... kind. Pleasant. Smooth. But it's the fault of the German language that they sound... Nazi-like, when speaking their mother tongue. Hungarian, though? I've never really heard it.
Wait, is it actually called MazdaSpeed in Slovenia? I wouldn't be surprised, as that is the dominant name. I use MPS, however, being a stubborn closet Brit. Either way, 260 was something special ten years ago, though I can imagine it understeers as much as the other FWD 260 bhp hatch of the time: the Opel Astra OPC (or should I say VXR?).
The TS? It's a 192 bhp Corolla that looks exactly like a regular one. Since the regular Corolla is a great car, but boring (I have first-hand experience), that solves everything.
Seems accurate. Still, it's amazing what they can do with a Zafira. Despite that, I'd have an S-Max instead. Or just no people-carrier at all.
Indeed, it's a perfect example of what a car review should be like. Very, very inspirational. Based on that, I could imagine a review of one of my dream cars, the Maserati GranCabrio.
Oh, I will. I'm an extremely lazy man (boy? Whatever), yet I actually enjoyed washing my dad's car with him. I can see myself doing that every week on my own car, partly because I like having a car and partly because dirty MX-5's look trashy.
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