UKcars

Hey guys!

Had a few nightmare weeks, with Christmas / family occasions etc… Anyway, I’m back & blogging! since I’ve last blogged, energy prices have fallen even further. I’m now filling up with Diesel for 95 pence per litre now! That’s the best price it has been at for nearly 2 years in the UK.

In more important & exciting news, I managed to get my hands on one of the new spec Vauxhall Astra 1.8 SRis today - I have been waiting quite a while to drive one, and was good to finally get the chance. Unfortunately I wasn’t so impressed when driving it. Although it felt very traditional “Vauxhall” to drive, the power came in clumps & there wasn’t as much torque or feedback as I’m used to getting with my diesel. It actually made for quite a bland ride & a few little mishaps with the clutch - due to the lack of feedback. It’s a shame as the diesel variants of this car are superb - if only the petrol could follow suit!

It also didn’t seem to be that economical. In top gear on the dual carriageway, the car was only averaging 40mpg - around 30mpg less than I’d have expected from my diesel…this would not make it an economical buy for longer distance drivers!

Apart from the engine, the car was superb. Tons of room inside, lots of toys & a SUPERB ride quality. The handing was so much better than the boring “Life” versions I’ve been lumbered with in the past. I will say that the chassis was probably the best part of the drive!

Anyway, hopefully next time I’m blogging here, I will have had a chance to get my hands on the new Vauxhall Insignia, out this month - Can’t wait!!!

-Tim.