2 Jun 2015 – Driven To Write

Why Did They Bother?

The Hyundai Genesis is coming to the UK market and Car magazine has phoned in a review in the June edition.

2015 Hyundai Genesis: Hyundaigenesis.com

“It has the handling properties of a marshmallow,” they write. I ask why Car troubled itself with taking up half of page 49 with the test-drive. I can’t fault Car for having its own agenda which these days is focused on performance cars. The Genesis, a 3.8 litre V6 rear-wheel drive saloon is miles away from Car’s core area of interest which is high-revving sports cars so it will fall at every hurdle. On the other hand, the Genesis is a welcome alternative and the question is does it Continue reading “Why Did They Bother?”

Coupé de Foudre

Thunderbolt or damp squib?

The 2004 CLS - image via tuning.carwallpapers — The 2004 CLS. Image : tuning.carwallpapers

It may seem a little difficult to believe, but the Mercedes-Benz CLS has been with us now for over a decade. Launched amidst a level of hype that had many observers reaching for the medicinal sherry bottle, Sindelfingen’s ‘Jag fighter’ proved a ringing success straight out of the box, but left many of us wondering whether that success would last or if the bendy-Benz would sputter and pop. Perhaps it’s time we found out.

Contrary to expectations, the W219 CLS proved more of a European than a US sales success, with overall sales nearly twice that of the New World. Nevertheless, the Euro crisis of 2009 hit ephemera like the CLS hard, deliveries falling off a cliff in 2010, but the current W218 series saw volumes recover almost to pre-crash levels. Aiding matters, the current series also comes with a 2.1 litre diesel-powered option, offering customers their fur coat with less of the requisite knicker quotient. It’s austerity Jim, but not as we know it.

Although starting at a lower base, US sales have followed a similar pattern, collapsing almost entirely during the height of the financial crisis, before staging a modest recovery. Mercedes doesn’t Continue reading “Coupé de Foudre”

This Is The Next Opel Astra

Opel revealed the next model of Astra replacing the version which has been on sale since 2009.

2016 Opel Astra. More athletic-looking than the last car, says Opel: Opel.de

According to Opel’s press release the new version is inspired by the 2013 Monza concept. They also say the car looks more athletic than the last version. On both counts I am uncertain. But what is less uncertain are some of the factual claims. The new car is between 120 kg and 200 kg lighter and has smaller exterior dimensions than before. However, the interior is more roomy. I expect in particular that the boot is bigger as that was one critique of the current car. Continue reading “This Is The Next Opel Astra”