Now handing back a Lexus Lc 500 was hard to do. Here at MenStyleFashion we only review expensive and luxury cars. So we decided to opt for a small car that is perfect for the narrow streets of any UK city. So what is all the fuss with the 2023 Toyota Aygo X, pronounced (Cross), is now “Undercover”? Why is it a new fashion must-have here with Toyota?

What is this inspired Special Edition version designed in collaboration with Jun Takahashi? Who is this acclaimed Japanese streetwear and high-end fashion clothing designer? Why has Toyota commonly known for 4WD  dominance decided to work and call the Aygo an  “Undercover” logo as a  Limited Edition? The on-the-road price of £20,110, is I think, a little expensive.  Let me take you on a journey of why?

Let’s face it when I think of Toyota, I don’t associate it with fashion.

Introduction

We are all about trend-setting regarding lifestyle and fashion when it comes to reviewing cars. So let’s take a look at what my first impression was. First of all, I am tiny so I liked the design aspect of that.

This is a strikingly beefed-up-looking version of the Toyota Aygo, still keeping its City/Urban Suburban credentials.  Larger in size in both length and height.  Approximately 9 inches in length with only a 3.5-inch increase in the wheelbase.  The height has been fractionally increased by just over 2 inches.  For some reason though, at times, it looks bigger than it physically is, and the inside space makes it feel even bigger when driving it.

Styling And Build

When I first saw the “Cross”, I thought what a cool, funky, fun little 5-door run around, and to be honest, I felt younger being in it, and driving it.  It definitely was fun to drive and did look cool in the “Undercover” Grey Bi-tone body colouring, 18” Glossy Black Alloy Wheels with Coral Red “V” inserts, Coral Red Decals at the base of the grill, door sills and rear bumper.

I think the privacy glass to the rear quarter windows and hatch finishes off the look nicely.  The decals, “CHAOS” and “BALANCE”, were also a nice little addition, but are rarely seen from the road, as they are positioned up on the wave panel designed roof.  Strategically placed door creases that began halfway up the driver and passenger doors, angling diagonally up towards the rear door handles, added attitude, which I think will appeal to the younger demographic this car is aimed at.

Toyota has a reputation that price can be commanded for reliability. This car will be bought by loyal people to the Toyota brand.

Interior Design And Comfort

The driver and passenger positions have been designed to provide an open and roomy feel in a relatively small car.  Slightly more elevated driving and front passenger positions give a sturdy yet relaxed feel and provide excellent visibility throughout the cockpit and the road ahead.  For the rear passengers, however, there is still a distinct lack of legroom space.

All controls are within easy reach on the dashboard and on the steering wheel.  The seats are covered in a Bordeaux-coloured hexagonal quilted fabric.  The seats and headrests are all in one, and all are edged in perforated charcoal-coloured leather, adding both comfort, texture and contrast.  The front seats are embossed with the “Undercover” “JUN TAKAHASHI” logo.  Both Passenger and driver seats are heated and are quick to reach a comfortable temperature, these are operated from buttons just below the heating and ventilation controls, in the centre of the dashboard, just below the infotainment system.

Two large circular vents protrude naturally from either side of the dashboard but do not look out of place.  The interior is minimalistically basic, in hard plastic with metal body colour coded edging.  I couldn’t help but notice, when closing the doors, there was a slight tinny sound, mainly due to the greater inner exposed metal on the doors compared with its predecessor.

In keeping with the Coral Red theme, the steering wheel had a “V” shaped red trim insert, matching the wheels. The steering wheel contained a plethora of controls; car information, Toyota Safety System, cruise controls, telephone, digital speedometer, mpg data, trip data, all of which are displayed on the instrument panel, and were easy to operate.

The centre column had a button-operated wireless charging pad with a viewing light.  Slightly further back were two deep cup holders and the manual gear stick which again the surround was edged in Coral Red.

The heating and ventilation controls were easy to access, but difficult to read when driving unless the lights were on.

Driver and passenger door handles had keyless opening and locking mechanisms with activation buttons on the door handles.  Also, a nice touch was the two-button opening and locking mechanism under the boot handle.  The boot was a respectable size with a 231-litre capacity, which could be increased by folding the rear seats forward.  The boot lip however was slightly high especially when having to lift items into and out of it.  I was a little confused, however, with the boot’s flimsy package shelf which was made out of fabric.  It wasn’t strong enough to hold anything of weight, and occasionally, as it was so light and flimsy, it would stay upright when closing the hatch/boot obscuring the view through the rear-view mirror and back window when driving, this was slightly annoying.

Audio and Multimedia Systems

The 9-inch HD multimedia touchscreen complete with Toyotas Smart Connect software, is ideally sized and takes centre stage on the dashboard making it easy to view and operate, it is compatible with both Apple Car Play and Android Auto.  The playback from the sound system was excellent for a car in this class.  This was also edged in red coral trim adding a little more splash of colour to the interior.  The navigation system’s directional voice commands sounded a little strange, a little chipmunk-like, a flattish sound.  I’m not sure whether this could be changed, I wasn’t able to find the control to change the voice style.

The navigational controls were easy to operate and the directions were clear and accurate.

The Smart Road events app provided on-map information regarding delays, accidents etc, it also allowed you to interact and report live events during your journey.

Safety and Handling

The Aygo X “Cross” is packed with safety features, six airbags, a reversing camera, supplemented with front and rear parking sensors for tight city parking, together with Toyota’s Safety Sense system, which includes:

Engine Start Stop system.

Pre-Collision System.

Dynamic Radar Control.

Lane Departure Alert.

Road Sign Assist.

I found the handling to be direct, responsive and fun, to the extent I decided to take it up and over the Pen Y Pass Road, at the base of Snowdon, and the surrounding areas.  Although a city car, its elevated stance gives it a slightly 4×4 look.  I don’t believe it looked out of place in the mountains, what are your thoughts from the photographs?

It performed well in all environments, I did however feel that the engine was labouring slightly, having to shift up and down through the lower gears more often than not, this wasn’t only in rural hilly settings but also city inclines.  At times, driving in the city, I felt I had to raise the revs before pulling out from junctions.  The car’s look, feel and prowess, made me wonder whether it would be suited with more torque in the lower gears, this would however mean a larger engine compromising the fuel efficiency of 57.6mpg, combined WLTP.  In the course of a week, and through various road types and environments and driving styles, I managed a credible average of 46.4mpg.  It outperformed my expectations on dual carriageways coping comfortably and effortlessly at motorway speeds, there was however some background wind road noise.

Summary

This 1.0 Litre, 3-cylinder, 5-door City Car, is a fun, trendy, fashionable urban crossover, that will appeal to the younger generation.  When driving it, it feels larger than its appearance, giving the driver confidence.  Its funky appearance and body styling, together with its insurance group and fuel consumption, in my opinion, are its main selling points.  The on-the-road price of £20,110, is I think, a little expensive.  It’s the same price as the cars in the class above.  However, the Aygo X “Undercover” is still a relatively practical car, it will definitely appeal to the younger city driver that wants to stand out, and the abundance of safety tech definitely won’t harm sales figures.  I believe it still symbolises Freedom and Mobility more so with the new “Crossover” look.  The biggest letdown for the new Aygo X (Cross), “Undercover”, in my opinion, is the engine size and the labouring in the lower gears.

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It’s being called the first Super Tourer and it seems that 110 years of history have just reached its culmination. There has never been such a comprehensive Aston Martin on the road before, and the Route Napoleon, which climbs majestically over the French Riviera, is unbearably waiting for contact with the specially developed Michelin Pilot 5s tire. We are interested in whether the ESP sensors, which work in six axes, are the best that currently exists. But for the public, the question is whether it still is possible to cross the continent quickly and comfortably with this car.

Designed to offer the driver the perfect degree of dynamic support without restraint, DB12 introduces an industry-leading Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system. The system works by taking information from a multitude of sensors around the vehicle, the most advanced of which is the new six-axis inertia measurement unit. This complex accelerometer data builds a real-time picture of what the car is doing. Then, using cutting-edge algorithms, it predicts the level of grip available, as well as reacting to momentary instabilities. Designed to work discreetly in the background, this sophisticated system allows the driver to get the best from the car and the conditions with fewer perceived ESP interventions while maintaining a high degree of safety.

The same predictive, model-based technology underpins all the car’s chassis control systems (ABS, Traction Control and Lateral dynamics) in an unprecedented, integrated way for an unmatched level of driver confidence and enjoyment. In addition to multi-mode ESP, DB12 also features five pre-defined drive modes; GT, Sport and Sport+ progressively adjust the dynamic behaviour, with each step allowing the driver more freedom to explore the limits of grip and traction.

The world premiere in Monte Carlo and early morning serves a typical green Racing Green in front of me. Impressively wide and full of curves, as if forged in an Italian carrozzeria. Behind the lightweight 21-inch alloy rims sits 400 mm of ceramic braking power. The hidden door handles move outwards and the doors open slightly upwards as if want to fly.

Powerful Specs

Ensuring it has the stopping power to match its prodigious pace, DB12 is fitted as standard with cast-iron 400mm front discs and 360mm rear discs with grooved and drilled faces for improved thermal capacity. The brake booster has also been re-tuned to improve pedal feedback, giving the driver greater confidence thanks to a firm pedal with an immediate sense of stopping power combined with progressive response. Underlining its Super Tourer credentials, DB12 can be ordered with a Carbon Ceramic Brake (CCB) option. Offering increased braking performance and reduced brake fade at temperatures of up to 800°C, fitting CCB saves 27kg in unsprung mass compared to the standard braking system, which in turn benefits ride quality and steering response.

The eight-speed gearbox from ZF is suspended on the rear axle, therefore the transaxle arrangement. And in the front is a twin-turbine eight-cylinder engine with 680 HP. This balancing act prowess and shines on the road where active suspension, five driving programs and an exceptional stability system interact with each other as if they were siblings. Stability management though, merely calms the noise of the driving over-dynamics and you hardly feel any intervention. Just propels you through another corner uninhibited. Scientific.

Unapologetic and unambiguous, DB12 makes an emphatic statement. One that exudes the confidence of a car endowed with a 0-60mph time of 3.5 seconds, a 202mph top speed and best-in-class potency from its 4.0 Twin-Turbo V8 engine. This exceptional hand-built engine, tuned by Aston Martin engineers to deliver class-leading 680PS/671bhp at 6000rpm and 800Nm/590lb ft between 2750-6000rpm. These higher outputs have been achieved through modified cam profiles, optimised compression ratios, larger diameter turbochargers, and increased cooling. To manage increased thermal demands the cooling system has been completely redesigned, with an additional two auxiliary coolers added to the existing central main radiator.

To ensure that desired engine intake air temperatures are achieved in all conditions, an additional low-temperature radiator has been fitted to the charge cooler water circuit. In addition, the auxiliary outboard engine oil cooler now has over double the face area of its predecessor in order to manage the demands on the lubrication circuit. Cooling has been optimised further by improving thermal airflow, a 56% increase in open apertures allowing more cold air to flow into the radiators, while centrally-mounted bonnet vents placed above the twin turbos allow hot air to escape.

Interior

The interior is all about prestige and esthetically packaged technology. For one, the LCD screen doesn’t jut up high covering the windshield. Controls are partially manual with metallic feel of knobs having a marvelous weight so the haptic is incredibly precise and high class. Quality of assembly in this pre-production version of the vehicle, we had eight DB12 available, is at the level one would expect in a car with an asking price of 240,000 euros. Comfortable, spacious, even prominent visibility from the cabin. We could easily cross any continent with it. What about the audience? Let them try.

Controls & Infotainment

Understanding the need for balance between touchscreen commands and the positive tactility of physical switches, DB12 retains buttons for the key mechanical operations of gear selection, drive selection, heating and ventilation offering the perfect blend of digital and analogue controls. There are also override switches for chassis, ESP and exhaust, Lane Assist and Park Distance Control, ensuring the most used controls are always conveniently to hand. The all-new navigation system for DB12 features online connectivity for a smarter, quicker and more informative experience.

Online connection enables the driver to simply look up their favourite restaurant, read the reviews and chose it as a destination. Or, if more convenient, choose a destination in the Aston Martin App and simply send it to their DB12 in readiness for travel.

Aston Martin and Monaco go together perfectly, I leave you with some lifestyle imagery.

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I took possession of the 2023 LEXUS LC-C 500 SPORT+, and had to put it through its paces on the winding mountainous roads of Snowdonia National Park, and the shoreline of North Wales.  When the car arrived my first thought was, “WOW”, what a stunning-looking car, beautiful and elegantly designed streamlined body styling.  The colour, I think you will agree, was amazing, Sonic Red with a Black convertible roof and polished 21-inch forged alloy wheels.  It sat outside my house purring like a big game cat.  It has the look and prowess of a Super Car.  Literally a beast of a machine, yet maintaining LEXUS’ renowned super luxurious quality.

This luxury grand tourer was launched in the UK in 2020.  In the first Quarter of 2022, there were only 181 on the road in the UK.  As far as I’m aware, from a little research, at the time of writing this article, this number has not increased greatly.  We should seriously ask the question, why?  Is it due to the transition to electric or, is it because people’s preference is now SUVs, and that two-door grand touring coupes and convertibles are out of vogue?

Performance Styling and Build

The LC-C 500 speaks volumes, and that’s even before you get in and press the ignition button.  When you do press that button, I know it sounds like a cliché, but people in the immediate vicinity physically stop, turn and stare, this is due to the sound of the 7,300rpm, naturally aspirated 5-litre, 471-horsepower, V8 engine, with a 10 speed Direct Shift automatic transmission.  I’m sure I read somewhere that it took 3 years for Lexus to develop the right balance and pitch of the exhaust notes.  No superchargers or turbochargers here, maintaining engine reliability and longevity.

I have already compared the LC-C 500 to a game cat, this cat is the quickest animal on land, the Cheetah.  The view from the front, the spindle grille, reminds me of the cheetah’s facial markings called “malar stripes”, and the headlights of the animal’s eyes.  The build like a Cheetah is sleek and elegant.  Although not as quick as the Cheetah it does however come in as a close second, achieving 0-62mph in 5 seconds.

When I look closely at the front and rear of the car, I also see variations of the Lexus “L” logo, subtly duplicated in various sizes and configurations, inverted and or mirrored depending on placement.  I believe these can be seen in the rear light mounts, the front running lights the spindle grille and the front spoiler.

Over the course of the week, and as can be seen from the photos, I drove on various types of roads in various conditions, from dual carriageways to mountainous winding narrow roads, and roads within the City.  Occasionally in the sun with the roof down, unfortunately though, only for a couple of days, as the rest of the time it rained extensively, this, however, did not dampen the LC-C 500 experience, excuse the pun.

I’m usually apprehensive when driving Rear Wheel Drive vehicles, but the LC-C 500’s low driving position, smooth and responsive steering, excellent cornering and adaptive variable suspension, quickly relieved this.  There are four driving modes that can be selected from a toggle positioned on the left-hand side of the instrument panel.  Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport+.  Each time the driving mode is changed the digital instrument’s rev-counter changes, adding to the driver’s dynamic experience.  There is also a control button on the steering wheel that allows the driver to move the rev-counter over to the right, revealing various functions, and allowing the driver to control these functions within the instrument panel.

On the other side of the Instrument panel is another toggle for the stability control, and Snow mode.  I did not have any reason to adjust.

The drive was exceptional in all modes. The most exhilarating was obviously the Sports+ mode.  An amazing sound, and it was chomping at the bit to go, so much so that occasionally you reach the speed limit without realising.  Essential therefore to keep your eyes on the HUD speedometer.

The exhilarating and intoxicating tones of the naturally aspirated V8 engine changed depending on the driving mode selected, RPMs, and whether the conveniently sized manual shift paddles were used, especially to downshift quickly.  It is said that the LC-C 500’s sound can be traced back to the Lexus LFA.

Interior Design And Comfort

The interior is positively luxurious, the texture of the materials and the curvature in the door panelling flows from the passenger’s side, up and over the uncluttered dashboard, which allows perfect vision of the road, seamlessly through to the driver’s door, with the only protrusions being the armrests containing the window and mirror controls, and the elegantly shaped internal door handle, forged out of polished aluminium which appear to float in situ. The control knobs and buttons are again highly polished aluminium, all of which treat and tickle your sense of touch.

The aniline leather-trimmed sports seats feel as if they were custom-made to fit my frame.  The stitching patterns on the seats really do add further class to areas that are in most other cars drab and boring in appearance.  The rear of the headrests are prominently embossed with the Lexus logo.  There are also integrated neck heaters in the driver and passenger headrests for those cold days with the roof down.

The digital instrument panel, where less is more, was easy to read and was supplemented on the driver’s windscreen, with the Heads-Up Display, HUD, which I found to be very accurate in displaying the ever-changing road speed signs.  There was even a graphic within the tachometer to indicate the progress of the opening and closing of the convertible roof, which can be operated when driving up to 30mph.

The cabin is also complete with Nanoe technology, purifying the air and deodorising the seats when the roof is up.

I particularly found the driving position to be very comfortable.

Audio and Multimedia System

The 8-inch TFT colour multimedia and information display is well-designed and subtly incorporated within the dashboard, so as not to obstruct the view of the road.  It is compatible with both Apple Car Play and Android Auto.  It was straightforward to connect my phone using Bluetooth, telephone calls were clear and the speaker system had a fantastic sound, especially when playing music tracks.  This pack included the optional Mark Levinson Premiere Sound System, the rear speaker of which was cleverly placed between the two back seats.

The Infotainment system was operated using a touchpad which is now outdated.  Operating this while driving is not a good idea, it is very sensitive and awkward, needs your attention and is time-consuming to get to and set the numerous functions.  I must admit though, for some of the in-car functions there were alternative options but they are limited to turning the heating on, up or down, turning on the AC or changing radio channels.  However, there are also various integrated switches on the three-spoke, leather-bound heated steering wheel, that can also be used.  As I got used to the touchpad, its operation wasn’t so laborious.  There were however some settings I could not, and would not change, whilst driving.

The LC-C 500 is also fitted with a CD player, which in my opinion, is redundant having obviously been superseded by downloadable playlists, even for someone of my age.  There is also nowhere accessible to store the CDs!

Things I liked

Without a doubt the body design and styling with the wide rear wheel arches and the luxurious interior.

The Heads-Up Display.

Safety features on the cruise control.  The radar system overrides the driver’s cruise control instruction, automatically slowing the car down to keep a safe distance from the car in front. Lane Keeping Assist was also available.

When turning the ignition off, the steering wheel retracts and the driver’s seat moves to a non-driving position automatically.  Both the driver’s seat and steering wheel automatically adjusts to the driver’s pre-set position when the Ignition button is pressed, and also, without pressing the ignition button, when you insert the driver’s seatbelt into the seatbelt clip.

Being able to set the wing mirrors to tilt for reverse parking.  This was achieved by selecting reverse gear and adjusting the mirrors for the required view.  Next time you select reverse the mirrors will automatically adjust to the required position.  Ideal for ensuring you don’t kerb the 21-inch forged alloy wheels when reversing.

For a 5 litre V8 I was surprised at the fuel economy, I did however mainly drive in Eco Mode, only occasionally switching to Sports+ Mode.  Fuel consumption is recorded as being 24.1mpg combined, WLTP.

Screenwash that deploys through the wiper blades rather than from the bonnet up onto the windscreen.

Things I Didn’t Like

In-car connectivity.  The USB ports in the centre console didn’t appear to charge my phone when connected.  I had to use a 12v plug in adaptor and charging cable.

There is no room at all for rear passengers.  I’m vertically challenged, and at 5’8’’ the back of my seat when driving, and more so when not, was still pushed up against the rear seat.  I don’t believe this is a 2+2.  The rear 2 seats are basically a parcel shelf.  However, in its defence, you don’t buy the LC-C 500 to carry passengers in the back.

Boot opening using the key fob.  This was frustrating, I had to get really close to the boot and wave the key fob around for the boot lid to open.  After several attempts and further inspection, I found the hidden boot opening button on the left-hand corner of the rear right light cluster, which was ideal.  There’s no automatic boot closing mechanism, you have to pull down the boot from inside the boot lid to close it, and in most cases, you also had to push the boot down to secure it.

Safety and Technological Aspects

Lexus Safety System +

Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Adaptive Variable suspension

Vehicle Stability Control.

Onlooker Comments

I know it sounds like a cliché, however, due to its rarity, 181 on the UK roads, it does attract a huge amount of attention.  Comments received were:

“What a fantastic-looking car”

“What is it, it looks like a concept car”

Whilst parked up one passerby quizzed me for 15 minutes, and as you can imagine, I was more than happy to oblige and give him a tour.

Summary

From a lifestyle perspective, the LC-C 500 is really a two-seater, with a parcel shelf replacing the two rear seats.  The boot looks small but is more than adequate with a 149-litre capacity.  I managed to fit a small 16-pack of 500ml bottled water, a gym bag, two small grocery shopping bags, and a 20Kg bag of kiln dried logs, in one go.  The boot is definitely big enough for a couple of overnight bags, or, small weekend suitcases.

The LC-C 500 certainly has the look of a Supercar.  This is a classy and elegantly designed grand touring convertible, built for speed.  It’s exhilarating to drive in whichever mode.  I know that if I was in the market to upgrade my current vehicle, this would absolutely have my closest consideration.  I have already said it, but it needs reiterating, this is a rare car, in the sense that there are not many on the UK roads, this is a sad fact and with the governments mandate of banning the sale of new combustion engine vehicles, and attempting to convert the public to EVs by 2030, will this make it even more so over the next few years.  I hope not, as beyond a doubt, it would be a great shame.  If you are concerned about your emissions and carbon footprint but don’t want to fully convert to EVs, Lexus does a Hybrid version, the LC-C 500h with a 3.5 Litre V6 engine.  If you are in the market for a convertible grand tourer and want to stand out from other brands, I would recommend you pop into your local Lexus showroom.  The biggest thing I really didn’t like about the LC-C 500, was seeing it drive away at the end of the week!!

The LC-C 500 was honoured as the Best Open Top in the 2021 UK Car of the Year Awards.  Prior to this, it also achieved the international Best Luxury Car accolade announced by the Women’s World Car of the Year Awards.

Finally, if it’s luxury, elegance, performance, and reliability you are looking for, this grand tourer should be near the top of your list.

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Team MenStyleFashion has reviewed Lexus cars for some time now. What we do love about the brand when driving around the United Kingdom is that it’s a car brand that most spectators are not familiar with.

As a performance car, fully combustion-engined enthusiast, I hadn’t really considered Lexus as an alternative or even a Hybrid vehicle. I therefore fall into the Lexus’ category of, until recently not knowing Lexus, only having a vague idea of the brand, I didn’t think it was for me, for a number of reasons, until attending the launch that is. However, in the current environmental climate and the world’s strategy for converting to EVs by 2030, this got me thinking. My personal preference is that I wouldn’t really want to own an EV as I don’t believe the logistical support aspect for recharging, is, or will be in place in the UK by 2030. The alternative, however, is, or would be the best of both worlds and help in transitioning to the 2030 goal.

A hybrid for me would possibly be the way forward and as previously iterated, as an outward-bound enthusiast, and not requiring a large SUV for the activities I partake in, the LBX may well be ideal for my needs.

Where better to launch a lifestyle SUV than, the Superstudio Maxi in the Moncucco district of Milan? On the 1st of June 2023,  LEXUS’  showcased the World Premiere of their new LBX SUV Crossover.

This Lifstyle Crossover is without compromise luxury not constrined by size.

Being ex-military and having served 23 years in logistics, stationed in numerous countries around the world this trip was right up my alley. I love to dress up and I am very much into luxury cars.  When I drive any car for me it’s all about the public image I portray, this is Milan after all.

You can’t visit the capital of fashion and design for the big Lexus LBX SUV reveal without taking along a few well-designed business casuals for the event, jackets, trousers, and shirts, and with the temperature in Milan being 26 degrees Celsius, it was a good choice.

With my Ermenegildo Zegna, Italian premium quality wool, silk, and linen garments I strolled into the showroom. As a fifty-something gentleman, it was enlightening to see other like-minded individuals using the occasion to show off and bring out their best wardrobes, and what a place to do it “MILANO”.

First Impressions

The first impression from a lifestyle point of view is that the Lexus LBX SUV is compact, agile, and stylish looking, with a hint of attitude.  I won’t be able to substantiate the agility of the LBX until I have driven one, it is, however, compact, it looks agile and with the definitive front grill, low bonnet line, and sharp lines, it definitely reeks of attitude.

I personally own a performance convertible myself but, this compact SUV would also be an ideal choice as a second car to deal with the mountainous, winding roads of Snowdonia National Park or the numerous beach fronts and towns dotted around the North Wales coastline.  It’s just as well the Lexus LBX is also available with the optional Lexus E-four all-wheel drive system with an extra additional motor on the rear axle to deal with minor off-roading conditions, something for the outdoor enthusiast, which I am.

It would be interesting to see how versatile it would be from a European winter perspective, in light snow conditions, and whether accessories will become available to carry skis on the roof for a quick ski weekend in France, Austria, or Andorra.  Alternatively, it would be an ideal town or city run around, when you don’t want to take the convertible or muscle car, just jump into the LBX to nip into town for emergency groceries or a bottle of something that you had forgotten to purchase for that evening’s dinner party.  We wouldn’t want to let our guests down now, would we?

Design and Aesthetics

The LBX is the first Lexus based on the GA-B platform which is a reviewed version of that used in the Yaris Cross. The designers stipulated the best possible driving position is essential, this is why it has been lowered in the LBX.

The headlights blend into the grill, giving it a new Lexus face identity. Rear combination lights blend in seamlessly with the back doors.

When seated in the front visibility is very good, and the field of view allows the driver to concentrate on the road.  The higher centre console together with the doors and dashboard give you a wraparound feeling.

The LBX has been designed with the Lexus Driving Signature, the 3 C’s, COMFORT, CONFIDENCE, and CONTROL.

Both the front and rear suspension have been designed under the principles of high rigidity and lightweight with the purpose of providing agility with stable cornering and a comfortable smooth ride.  The VBPC (Vehicle Braking Posture Control) automatically adjusts front and rear brake force to suppress pitching and rolling when cornering.

Lifestyle is all about personal taste and the LBX European will be available in four different atmospheres in addition to the base grade. Four different exterior and interior design executions to choose from based on individual preferences. European Atmospheres include:

• For the fashion-conscious and those into sophisticated design, there’s the LBX ELEGANT – Leather free interior with a monotone exterior colour and high gloss 18” wheels.
• If your preference is for more luxurious materials and you gravitate towards more classic styles, the LBX RELAX may be made for you.
• Like me although with my age, I don’t fit into Lexus’ owner demographic, I believe my choice would be a more sporty, urban style matching my driving for fun character there’s the LBX EMOTION with 18” machined wheels, bi-tone exterior, black interior with red stitching.
• Combining both a sporty and dynamic look you may prefer an even more luxurious touch, if so then the LBX COOL may be your choice.
• Taking it a step further Lexus will also offer to the European market the LBX BESPOKE BUILD – An LBX made for “YOU”. You have overall control in selecting your preferred combination of colours, materials, stitching, and even seatbelts.  This personalized approach is normally only available with larger model Lexus’ indicating this car deserves the L in LBX.

Performance and Powertrain

The LBX has a brand-new Lexus self-charging Hybrid powertrain featuring 1.5 litre, 3-cylinder engine and a bipolar nickel-metal high power battery, delivering the 136hp and an acceleration capability of 0 to 100 in 9.2 seconds, which in my book makes it a bit of a pocket rocket.  CO2 emissions have been quoted as 120 grams/km.

The Planetary ECVT gear system provides seamless and almost infinite gear ratios offering more fuel savings through its efficiency.

The manoeuvrability is also said to be pretty good with a 10.4-metre turning circle. The boot space is ideal for getaway breaks/holidays, being able to accommodate 2 large suitcases.  There’s also enough room in the 332-litre boot space for the trips to the beach with all the inflatable toys SUPs and the like. It would also easily cater for outdoor activity luggage like hill walking backpacks.  Being self-charging the electric and combustion work in synergy. It’s been stated that the battery will outlive the lifespan of the vehicle

Safety and Technological Aspects

The shell is strengthened with structural adhesives, strategically placed braces, and reinforcements without compromising the vehicle’s weight.  All Lexus optional safety equipment available with other models is also available with the LBX.

The designers have also borrowed a couple of nice features from some of their flagship models, namely the wet arm wiper system which delivers washer fluid from the wiper rather than spraying up from the bonnet onto the windscreen, temporarily obscuring your vision.  There’s also the e-latch door handle mechanism allowing you to open the door from inside the SUV by pushing the latch into the door, in the direction the door opens rather than the conventional latch that you pull towards you. From the outside, there is an electronic button on the inside of the door handle that activates under pressure, rather than pulling the whole door handle from the door panel to gain access.  These were just a couple of attention-to-detail and quirky additions I was not really expecting.

The 9.8 touch screen compatible with both Play and Android is conveniently placed for ease of operation. There is also a heads-up display available.

Conclusion

The demographic for the LBX is Females aged between 30 and 40 and Males aged between 35 and 45. However, upon first impressions, I believe it will appeal to a wider audience. Pricing points and performance statistics are yet to be revealed. With the Lexus LBX, small doesn’t mean less or a lower spec, 100% Lexus with no compromise. The main market is Europe, I believe it’s 16 countries. For the UK, specs may differ slightly with regard to the LBX’s interior atmosphere choices and we won’t actually see the LBX SUV Crossover until Q1 2024.

I wait in anticipation to drive it through my home town, Wales.

An Online car configurator will go live on all Lexus’ European websites today 5th of June 2023, when the car is officially revealed. Contracts are expected towards October 2023 and European deliveries are planned from March 2024.

The Lexus LBX marketplace competitor is said to be the Audi Q2, with this model being discontinued, the LBX may well take over this segment.

What Car Reliability Survey named Lexus the most dependable car brand in the UK, with this and the brand’s pedigree, I look forward in earnest to test-driving the LBX.

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Us Italians are arrogant when it comes to the Ferrari brand. We salute the car whenever we see it in Italy. For me, the Ferrari is the La Dolce Vita of success. It is the sweet life of showing off and commanding attention. When I saw the Ferrari Roma, all I wanted to do was dance with her. Us ladies like to bring emotions physically outwards when we see a supercar.

Ferrari Roma is all about living, dressing, and driving the lifestyle. The Roma is definitely more focused on being a daily driver as evidenced by the two small seats tucked away at the rear. My large handbags fitted nicely in the back. I loved the shark-looking grill and so did many men.

I was in hysterics when I read the brochure marketing for the Ferrari Roma. Ferrari, I quote stated that Ferrari Roma was created for people wanting to be under the radar. On many occasions I woke up early and was told by hotel guests, they knew it was me starting the Ferrari. I hadn’t even taken off yet with the 612 bhp.

What is special about the Ferrari Roma?

As Italians, our DNA is never under the radar when it comes to the triple F words, Fashion, food, and Ferrari

My review is to inspire women of today to buck the cliche that it is only a boy’s dream to drive a supercar. Whilst the cost of the Ferrari Roma is much higher than an average car, this is not the most expensive Ferrari. This is the second cheapest new Ferrari available!

For some Ferrari style fashion tips, I did a dedicated feature.

380 men Versus One Woman In A Ferrari Roma

The first day I picked up the Ferrari Roma, I drove from Slough to affluent Bromely. To attend Chandran Foundation UK,  a fundraising charity for children in poverty within London. I was confronted by 380 construction men. This was so empowering on so many levels because who on earth as a woman turns up in a Ferrari Roma, to a men’s event full of construction workers?  If only the looks of admiration and envy could have been filmed.

And of course, just like a wild lioness, I revved that 640bhp,  in front of them all. It had to be done.

The photographer got confused and started calling me Roma. My bespoke green dress was made for me in Rome, I am Italian and have a Ferrari called Roma. I let everyone believe I was called Roma. You see with a Ferarri you can role-play your day-to-day life however you please. Gentlemen when ladies dream of driving a Ferrari it’s certainly not on a Formula 1 track. We like to role-play instead and include the car at events.

The Ferrari brand commands the wild actress in me to be whoever I want to be even on my own red carpet. Ferrari Roma is a lifestyle car and for me, my wardrobe reflected that. If you are wondering why my green satin dress seems to be always in wind mode. The Ferrari Roma is that powerful even whilst parking. The key was subtle and light to use. I would recommend a good key chain holder so you don’t lose it.

Roma GPS

I have never driven a car where the GPS was so clear on where to go. I never made one wrong turn with the Ferrari Roma. This was important as the grand tour began from Slough to Bromely, back to affluent Chiswick up to Oxfordshire, Cotswolds, and Shakespeare County. I need her to guide me at every turn. Regarding parking, the Ferrari Roma was effortless on every turn.

The Ferrari Roma was easy to park on the streets of Chiswick. Though I did wonder why my wheels kept spinning in reverse on the muddy autumn leaves. So did the male attention who thought I was pretty impressive in doing so. Ladies just go with the flow when it comes to male attention. I did get an offer to be taken to lunch. That is the power of the Ferrari brand.

Ferrari Roma Is A City Car

The Ferrari Roma is a city car as I drove it through the back roads from Bromley up to Chiswick at night. I put her to every manoeuvre test possible through the streets of London. Driving a Ferrari Roma through dense traffic is like parting the red sea. Everyone just allowed me through, as I knew they all wanted just to glare in envy at this white pearl stallion.

Ferrari says the Roma can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and tops out at just over 199 mph. I have no idea sadly, I need to take it on the track.

I am never amazed when I hear people’s comments.

It’s a woman driving it.

Sadly this is still too common for 2022. When I was in Tuscany last month I met up with a Ferrari club of 2,200 members. Only two were women, and when speaking to ladies over fifty they all had a common thread. We would love to drive one but were always convinced we couldn’t. But a new generation Z is forming and I know this dated mindset will slowly waver. After all, Rome was not built overnight. The gaming generation with extra cash is so into showing off supercars cars like Ferrari.

Night Drive

I drove it at night quite a bit. The interior looked spectacular at night and is a beautiful reminder of what I was driving. I can only imagine what I looked like to the public driving it through Battersea bridge.

I was driving at 4 am back to Slough on the M40, it started to pour down with rain.  There was a strong wind and heavy rain. I felt the wipers could have been stronger, they felt clunky and hard to see through the rain. I was not familiar with the wipers during the night and it took a while to find the small nob. This made me feel very unsafe, it is on this occasion due to the car interior being all black. I would opt for brighter colours such as a red interior. It is a press car and if it was my own as I said before the wild horse needs time to get familiar with.

Steering Wheel Gadgets

For those that are not aware, when you are driving a Ferrari all the bells and whistles happen at the wheel. This is so your hands are always sturdy on the steering wheel, these cars are powerful tamed horses. It takes a while to get used to changing everything on the steering wheel, even the indication.

Now regarding the hidden engine start/stop button, that took me a few explanations. But once it use to it, I loved it. I get why they opted for the touchpad, targeting the gaming generation I assume. But to adjust the door mirrors and also the infotainment options was too sensitive and time-consuming. It is actually very sensitive when I was going around the roundabout or turning a corner. I kept hitting the tough pad which messed with all my GPS and screen options.

Regarding the audio and climate again very frustrating just give me a manual volume control for the audio and similar for the climate set-up. Both of these nestle within the domain of the 8.4in the central display, which meant my manicure ended up in a mess. On many occasions, my stick-on nails were ruined.

I would prefer to interact with a proper, machined piece of metal or physical button, this is the beauty of owning a Ferrari. I loved the metal reverse and manual buttons that was a brilliant reminder of what I was driving.

How Did It Drive?

I don’t stand alone when taking off in the Ferrari Roma. Foot on the brake and pull towards me using the right paddle is how it works, and off we go. That for me is a fantastic call to action that I was in the Ferrari Roma. As I drove Ferrari Roma, it was like a duck to water and she certainly was much more solid on the road as opposed to the Ferrari  GTC. It rained a lot around Oxfordshire so I started to use the paddles. With a Ferrari, you must test her 612bhp with gusto.

As technology would have it the turbo would always override my aggressive driving. That is what petrol head Jimi told me. The wheels would always spin so it took a while for me to treat Ferrari Roma with delicate acceleration. It may have had something to do with the engine that is mated to an 8-speed lightning-fast dual-clutch automatic transmission.  That sends all the power to the rear axle and is one of the newest systems Ferrari has to offer.

The dual-clutch means that the gearbox will always anticipate your next move and have the next gear ready for you. Gearchanges are as a result instantaneous. I have to say I found it frustrating and annoying. Paddling in manual mode took time to get used to. But a light touch to the accelerator before launch was a game changer. Just like a white stallion, you have to get familiar with the riding experience.

Boot Space Design Flaws

The boot space was better than I anticipated, enough to take a large enough man’s bag for a weekend getaway. Keep in mind the back seats are extra space too. Perfect for a wedding suit or a bespoke green dress made in Rome. But there are two design flaws when I tried to close the boot, there was nothing to pull the boot down, so in my case when it rained the Ferrari Roma was filthy and it meant my hands got dirty. As I had to close the boot with my hands on top of the boot.

What shocked me as a woman of expensive fashion taste?  Every time it rained or the morning dew was on the boot. Lots of water was trickling into the boot all over my very expensive wardrobe. This is why women engineers must take part in designing supercars. We are cut from a different cloth. Also regarding a coffee break, where was my coffee mug holder? My oversize mobile phone was hard to tuck away due to the design. Ferrari Roma is a stunning everyday lifestyle car, these issues need to be addressed.

Conclusion

A week before I drove the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster and which is a great car before you step up for anyone wanting to get behind a wheel of a supercar, like this Ferrari. Is there a difference, of course, there is. The obvious question is there is a premium for the Italian car and is it worth it? I would buy one in a heartbeat, she is gorgeous in every way. I never stopped smiling.

Ferrari has always charged more for its models and its strategy has always succeeded. As a result, Ferrari is the most profitable car company in the world today. The profit they make for each car eclipses that of any other brand. But what it really comes down to is exclusivity. I drove this Ferrari in the richest parts of Britain, I never saw a Ferrari once. It was one of a kind, just like me.

Ferrari makes around 8,400 cars per year. Porsche makes nearly 250,000 cars. And I saw lots of Porsches where I went. That’s what drives the price difference. Ferrari Roma is a fashion and lifestyle car. Everyone that spoke to me, which was a lot of men said it was the most beautiful-looking Ferrari of them all. As a lady’s supercar, it belongs in a woman’s world.

Step out of the way fellas, here we are, living our sweet life dreams. We got the cash to buy our own, Ferrari.

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Why do I deem the Lexus NX450h SUV as a female diver, my show-off city car? Find out more in my review as I take the Lexus NX for a week-long test.

This SUV crossover is a plug-in hybrid with an electric system. Due to the thermally – efficient 2.5 litre inline-four engine. With a high-capacity lithium-ion battery with front and rear electric motors. It meant I could choose between hybrid city driving to long distance fuel adventures. It would be for me the competitor to the Audi Q5.

I drove from the historical city Bath in Somerset down to Oxfordshire and through central London. I have put the Lexus NX450h Phev F Sport Prem Pack Sun, yes it is a mouthful, to the utmost limits. I talk about the Formula 1 racing drive in torrential rain and the backroads experiences to Gatwick Airport later.

With its 0–60 time of only 6.0 seconds and impressive 304 total system horsepower. This is the fastest and most powerful NX ever.

Stylish SUV That Suits My Lifestyle

When I parked the Sonic Grey Lexus NX450h in Bath, I instantly had a female audience literally come up to me. And asked what I was driving. I know it was the sharp origami bodywork that drew her attention. Lexus is renowned for its striking designs, and the NX450h definitely doesn’t buck that trend. It would be fair to say, Lexus was the car company that pioneered the oversize front grille. She also was intrigued why on earth do you need a grille that size? Maybe to outcompete the BMW grille. I laughed because it is the DNA of any Lexus now.

The beauty about this grey elegant beast is that it’s not so common on the roads of Britain. I drove it all over the South of the United Kingdom and didn’t see one. I, as a show-off driver, loved it.

Hybrid & Just Stop Oil Protestors

If electric cars are the future and combustion engines are the past, it’s safe to say the ‘here and now technology is hybridisation. This is what we wrote last time when driving the Lexus UX250h F Sport Hybrid. With Brittan in the grip of the “Just Stop Oil Protestors” and the high cost of fuel, this feels like the right technology. This is why hybridisation is here to stay for a while, until battery technology becomes cheaper and more readily available. I am all for it. I drove the NX450h through Bath, Somerset, and gorgeous Cotswold villages like Bibury.

Bibury Cotswold

In the full battery electric mode, the Lexus NX450h has an EPA-estimated driving range of 37 miles. The reassurance of self-charging hybrid technology when the battery was depleted was pure money-saving bliss. A simple push of a button allowed me to switch from fuel to hybrid, saving me money whilst being quiet driving through villages. It is the best of both worlds.

The stress of charging stations in Britain is still a big challenge therefore driving a hybrid is the perfect bridge technology between fuel and going full electric.

Parking Lexus NX450h

No matter where I drove the Lexus NX450h in Sonic Grey, I could easily manoeuvre it through the villages of Gloucestershire and the streets of Chiswick London. It has self parking technology which is great in tight spaces.

Bath Somerset

Why visit Bath Somerset in a Lexus NX450h Sonic grey? This car when the hybrid is on can easily go through the streets of Bath in almost silent mode. This makes it perfect for exploring and easy to go in and out of traffic without adding noise or too much pollution in the urban delicate historic environment.

I stayed at Indigo Hotel Bath, which is a famous historical hotel that is all about design, so I was travelling with lots of fashion. The NX450h boot space of 520 l handled my fashion load easily as can be seen in the photo below.

I liked the big chunky metal protectors with black plastic bars across it, it allowed for me to easy slide my heavy luggage in without scratching the car. With a push of the button, everything was locked and closed.

What To Wear In A NX450h

Staying at the Indigo Hotel in Bath. I opted for everything wool, canvas, and leather. Grey goes well with rustic and earthy colours.

My canvas and leather knee-high boots worked well with both the Sonic Grey and the interior of the Lexus which was all dark.

With such an array of patterns and colours, the NX450h Sonic Grey balanced this overall interior design trend here in Bath. Nothing is more endearing than wearing London Socks with patterns to match the Sonic Grey. The Sonic Grey looked amazing with my very own oversized leather red bag made in Italy.

This SUV is a perfect car to do business meetings across the country, whilst dropping the kids off at school.

GPS & Range Anxiety No More

The last Lexus I drove, which was the LC500 coupe was a complicated car when it came to using the GPS, especially with the touchpad, it made me GPS anxious. When it came to GPS anxiety, Lexus was the car brand that led the way, but not anymore. Before the car was dropped off I had google maps ready to go. As I told myself I am not going to even entertain the thought of tackling the infotainment in this Lexus.

I nearly cried when I saw the new, effortless infotainment system. Congratulations I got everywhere and anywhere thanks to the Lexus NX450h with its massive 14-inch screen and easy-to-operate infotainment systems. This is the upgraded screen size, the standard size is a 9.8-inch screen.

I loved that the temperature controls are dials and not some menu item.

Just Stop Oil Protesters Versus Lexus NX450h Phev F Sport

I was hoping I would not encounter one of the most disruptive oil protesters of all time. As luck would have it on the day I had to fly out at Gatwick airport. I decided to drive at 4 am to avoid Just Stop Oil Protestors. My journey began at Stratford Upon Avon. This is where I fell in love with the NX 450h Lexus SUV. I went into sports mode and off I went into a storm of every obstacle possible. The rain and driving at night were dangerous but I felt safe in this crossover SUV. Very important for any female driving with kids.

Due to the M25 being closed the GPS was taking me on a wild goose chase. It kept wanting me to go back on the M25 and not the back roads to Gatwick. On my mobile phone, google maps was also trying to take me back onto a closed M25. I will be honest I was so stressed I got in support! Have you ever used Share Your Location on WhatsApp?

Across European waters, my husband having an Italian coffee relaxed in Tuscany, talked me through every step of the way. Just like in Formula 1, conversations not worth repeating took place. With my husband’s two screens guiding me. Just like in the movie, Ready Player One, Off we went. My husband was laughing at the obstacles I encountered. Blowing a gale and the pouring rain I tested every bit of braking technology that the Lexus NX450h had. Through narrow villages avoiding falling branches, unexpected mums crossing roads with prams, to cyclists dominating the roads. Once I never wavered regarding compromising the safety of myself and others.

At one stage my husband asked why I was driving backwards. Unexpected road works ahead, meant time was not on my side. I was in racing car mode. And loving every bit of how this Lexus NX450h was performing, thrilling, to be honest. I was so excited when I could see the finishing line of Gatwick Airport with literally less than an hour for me to park and check in.

I had to park the car at the North Terminal on the fifth floor as this was the only parking space left. If going around in circles is not your thing include taking each corner both forwards and backwards to make the turn. This car park ticked all the frustrating elements of bigger SUVs. I just made it.

Big thank you to Lexus UK for being accommodating on many levels of what I deem one of the more challenging car reviews I have had.

Conclusion

I would buy the Lexus NX450h Sport in a heartbeat. No matter the challenges I encountered it got me to my destination on time and without effort. It’s truly a car that handles the stress of day-to-day lifestyle living as a working mum. It looks great and stands out from a lot of cookie-cutter SUVs. The Lexus hybrid system is well developed over the years and this is a technology that Toyota the mother company has perfected. The Lexus NX450h looks the part with its design and feels exclusive. Now that the infotainment systems are up to standard, there is nothing negative to say about this car.

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After two years I am back in my favourite playground, the Cotswolds UK and I am in the affluent village of Chipping Camden. I am excited to meet the Bentley Continental GTC Speed, with the C indicating it is a convertible and the Speed meaning it is the fastest version around. This baby is billed as the fastest convertible capable of a top speed of 208 mph (336 km/h), yes this grand tourer has a massive V12 engine. Having already reviewed the V8 Bentley Continental GT coupe a couple of years ago, I was keen to find out the difference between coupe driving and convertible driving and the difference between both engines.

It is the most powerful convertible that Bentley has ever created. I had to take on the challenge head-on. What a shame that the UK has speed limits on highways. When I keep seeing the embroidery word, Speed in the car. The emotion this Bentley Continental GTC creates in me is movement.

This is how we ladies first connect to a luxury car, pure emotion, and how the Bentley Continental GTC Speed makes us feel.

I was going to live it up the next few days in this grand tourer with more lifestyle hotels booked and my bespoke clothing range on full display with the roof down. Yes, it is show time, I know you men get attracted to cars for different reasons, but for us women, it is all about the image that comes with it. If buying a car is a joint decision, make sure your other half tunes into this article. Here is my review.

Initial thoughts

Having the car dropped off at the Cotswold Hotel & Spa, there was no parking so I jumped in the car, put the hood down, and waved to a local to help me find a parking space. She was more than accommodating to assist and I was then reminded of the power of the Bentley brand. Now I just handed back the keys to the compact Aston Martin Vantage Roadstar convertible and the switch over to the enormity of Bentley Continental GTC Speed was overwhelming. As I went to drive off, I was yet again reminded of the mere weight of a Bentley, a kerb weight of 2436kg.

Just for a second or two, I was wondering why it was not zooming off like the Aston Martin. When you take off in a Bentley you initially feel the enormity of both weight, prestige and branding.

As I parked the car I just sat in it and soaked up the pure beauty of the interior design. I was reminded of the stunning work of cross-stitching that takes place when constructing any Bentley. It was like a runway on wheels. This short reel shows you how the stitching is created in a Bentley.

I just loved sitting in the back of the car, as the day was glorious. I was impressed by how I felt sitting in a cocoon. It reminded me of an old Riva boat touring the canals of Venice. Every day when I needed a rest I sat in the back and just loved how it made me feel safe, warm, and snug. I got short legs so for me the leg space was more than ample.

Driving Experience

I am back in the UK to drive the Bentley Continental GTC Speed for a week and here are my findings. The Cotswold is mainly full of narrow roads and I am always being confronted by Range Rovers or other SUVs. So it becomes a real challenge when I have to flash my lights highlighting I am coming. This works every single time as the Bentley is a dominant car, 1954mm in width, and especially with the hood down I find I win every single time. Who is going to argue with a lady driving a Bentley Continental GTC Speed?

Comfort

I drove for hours in The Bentley Continental GTC Speed and never once felt exhausted, had back aches, or felt stiff. The heated seats and massage options sorted all that out. The lumbar wave was my favourite option. It is truly a car that is like a massage chair on wheels, I never once felt shattered. I am a lot stiffer these days due to going through menopause and for those age-defining buyers, this car kills those aches and pains. The massage chair is strong and firm and so are the heating options.

It is after all called a grand tourer or gran tourer a luxury car that is made for long-distance driving without compromising the speed. This is important to me when I am driving long distances.

Oxfordshire

Is It Worth The Cash?

I just turned fifty and part of my year celebration is all about self-pampering. Inspiring women to get behind the most luxurious cars that money can buy. What a fabulous gift to oneself to buy a Bentley Continental GT Speed. Or gifting your partner this gorgeous car. Driving around the leafy surroundings such as the Cotswolds and Buckingham or as I refer to as pleasure grounds, can only be done in a Bentley Continental GTC Speed Convertible. The electric power-assisted steering meant I could easily park the car. For me, the car means success and being at the wheel where safety is at the utmost value that money can buy is why Bentley is worth every bit of the price tag of £230,900.

What I am saying is if I am going to die in a car, it might as well be in a Bentley.

Bibury Parking

Did you know that Bibury in the Cotswold is the most Instagram-able village in the UK?

As I parked the car I notice the reflection of the autumn leaves on the Morrocan blue Bentley Continental GTC Speed. As you can see Moroccan blue get’s dirty very easily. Appreciate that this is a press car and I am not going to clean it every single day.

There are many other colour options when choosing a Bentley, the process is truly an amazing experience. I would opt for a burnt orange Bentley, we ladies like to make sure the colour of the car we choose reflects our emotions and personality. And Morrocan blue is a very popular colour car in the UK and way too masculine.

Bath Famous for Its Roman Baths

With the soft top-down and touring Bath, the revision mirrors worked wonders regarding views. I like larger revision mirrors as it reminds me of classic cars of the past. Also, wheel kerbing is taboo for any luxury car. The 22-inch is pricy to fix.  So the larger revision mirrors make my parking stress a lot less.

Braking Power

There are always going to be obstacles in my way when driving through the countryside of Britain. I had to make sure that all those 640bhp stayed intact. I found the brakes ever so effective and when I did brake hard, all passengers felt the secure grip of their seatbelts. I love the metal embroidery when I step into the car to remind me I am in a top Bentley Speed. The sound of the Bentley is gorgeous and it’s only when you open those V12 valves I understand the word Speed.

Speed Naim Sound

I feel the need, the need for Speed. Hard to do in the Cotswolds, Buckingham let alone Oxfordshire! However, I did spread her wings in Somerset, using night vision more on that later. But this Bentley is all about lifestyle cruising and exploring the best of Britain. All I need to worry about thanks to the suite of advanced technology was the Head-Up Display, traffic sign recognition, lane assist, and speed alert systems.

Exclusive to Bentley for many years now is the sound system brand called Naim. I adore the infotainment tools, but it took me about twenty minutes to work out how to get the best out of the Naim sound system. But once it was all set up, I transformed back to the 1980s Italia Disco but on wheels instead. I had at my fingertips, a 650W 10-speaker standard system and a Naim option with eight DSP sound modes and active bass. There are many other sound options one can choose from, depending on how much you want to spend.

The world of Bentley takes you down memory lane, you just have to select your music beforehand.

Cruiser Elegance

Bentley Continental GTC Speed Convertible was empowering for me as the autumn leaves fell into the car as I drove. Connecting nature and the driving experience was a wellness of reconnection of the finest craftsmanship money can buy. After a day of driving through Britain’s countryside, I had to take out so many autumn leaves from the car.

What Is The World Of Bentley

This car was a time to drive and heal the many losses I have undergone in the last two years. A time of reflection on what the World of Bentley and me mean together. As I took a closer look at the Bentley and that steel and aluminum monocoque. Reflecting on the future and the speed of life that can pass me by in no time at all. I am always impressed by how Bentley Motor’s Crewe design team can create a prestige car weighing a kerb weight of 2436kg. I am only reminded of this when I put the car in reverse and wonder why it’s not moving like other cars.

Waterbed Suspension

I can only describe the pure opulence of comfort when driving as a waterbed suspension. Every bump and pothole I came across let alone a speed hump was cushioned by the finest of three-chamber air suspension. It reminded me of a water bed. It was just divine on every lumbar level. Therefore when I stepped out of the car I felt refreshed. Doing business in a Bentley Continental GTC Speed is as effortless as driving in high heel boots.

Headlights

I loathe driving at night but in a Bentley Continental GTC Speed Convertible, The song by Cyndi Lauper sums it up well.

I drove all night to get to you.

The full LED matrix headlamps, DRLs, and tail lamps light up the whole sky. I tested the High Bean Assist which is standard and it truly did work. I don’t think I blinded too many trucks out there on the A4 to Bath.

That B for me stands for beaming brightly at night.

Conclusion

Life is there for the taking and for those looking for an opulent long drive then the Bentley Continental GTC Speed Convertible ticks all the lifestyle boxes. Bentley is about glorious heritage touches. It may have 650 BHP, but no car can go anywhere unless a woman is in the driver’s seat. The speed of life will overtake you if you allow it. Follow your dreams and let get’s this party started.

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There is only one car brand in the world that can command James Bond nostalgia and that is Aston Martin. I only get reminded of this when I step into the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster in central London to start noticing the onlookers. Whilst being introduced to this blue stallion, I noticed a woman peeking out of her victorian window waving at me. I had not even started the twin-turbo V-8 roaring engine making more than 500 horsepower. As the first impression goes I was hooked. I could not get tired no matter what time of the day it was, there was a “Bond” between me and the Vantage Roadster.

This iconic convertible offers a striking silhouette in what I deem, a couture-inspired suite of beautifully designed pressed sheet metal. This desirable convertible from a distance is a lifestyle car of pure elegance. No matter where I parked it on the streets of London, Shakespeare County, Stratford Upon Avon, or the famous countryside called the Cotswold, the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster Convertible was a show-stopper.

Central London

Stratford Upon Avon

Melodic Exhaust Notes

With the soft top down like a car heading for the runway on this occasion, central London. I wanted to see and hear this blue beauty come alive. London is full of luxury cars and this was the time to test that couture runway. How many heads could I turn at the famous Harrods in Knightsbridge? This is the live catwalk of all catwalks when it comes to showing off your wheels.

Chipping Campden in the Cotswold is a narrow busy village to drive through. The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster was the perfect size to zig-zag through this village.

I quickly adapted to the handling and explosive acceleration with such confidence I noticed many cars were parting the red sea for me. Partly I assume that at 9 am on a cold dark British morning who has the hood down? The advantage of the Vantage is that more precisely, the compact Z-fold mechanism lowers the top in 6.7 seconds and raises it in 6.8 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph (50 km/h). That meant when the raindrops began to fall, I never got wet as this is super fast compared to other soft tops.

With a Hermes silk scarf and oversized eyewear, I knew I was the first white female 007 in the making.

Iconic Heritage

Aston Martin has managed to combine a driver’s delight experience with a stylish-looking car. For me, it makes it a very desirable car with an iconic heritage. As a female driving it the comments kept flooding in.

With the soft top-down feeling of lots of wind in my hair driving through Stratford Upon Avon, I could constantly hear two common threads. What a stylish car and I love how a woman is driving it. I saw a few Aston Martins whilst zooming about, but I never in three weeks saw one woman bar me driving a supercar.  To all the single ladies looking for male attention, this is the car that will certainly command that attention.

I was staying at the Hotel Indigo in Stratford Upon Avon. To receive a message a day later that a businessman who owns a few supercars wanted to take me out for a drink.

Beneath the Vantage’s clamshell hood lies a thrilling, loud twin-turbo 4.0-litre V-8. That for any bloke will always draw attention. This Aston Martin V-8 sounds beautiful and it is loud. Which is very much my personality. Ladies combine this niche female driver, luring her own trumpet power of confidence. That is why it makes this car experience hilariously good fun.

Aston Martin Style

What do women choose to wear in a male dominant world of sportscars? This car is all about looking at my personality. I am wearing a Benheart leather jacket and red trainers all made in Italy. All the leather is handcrafted and made in Tuscany, Florence. I am Italian and deem myself the leather speed queen of car couture.

Bespoke embroidery denim is what I decided to create for my Supercar drives. By using an upcycling Prada Indigo denim I decided to create my own GO brand. Inspiring women to get behind an Aston Martin and just GO. The Aston Martin always has embroidered headrests and the two of us combined were a match made in heaven.

For me, driving fast cars is all about passion, and driving fashion. To include the car as a backdrop of my daily way of life. Understanding my lane is all about standing out and being bespoke in who I am.

My embroidery message is very clear. Being unique is all about your personal driving style and what you wear

With a full leather interior, heated and ventilated seats, and a carbon-fibre steering wheel. It is why one must, make sure you get your red lipstick on.

MenStyleFashion We Show You How

As the founder of MenStyleFashion, a male behind-the-wheel style is ever so important. One can never go wrong with white jeans, an orange shirt, and chequered blazer. Chris shows us that the bright orange teamed with blue is a must-have when sporting an Aston Martin.

When sporting around Shakespeare Country, some leather tan loafers are fabulous for driving and stopping in for a Martini when off duty.

Are We Feeling The Blue?

This color is very popular amongst many sports cars I noticed whilst driving within the UK. Here at MenStyleFashion, we like to inspire you to embrace the blue blazer and leather shoes.

Den Williams, who has served his Queen and country within the military service. Has shown us that deep within, lies the real James Bond. Den met Queen Elizabeth during his military service. I asked him what that was like. But as a former secret agent, no further comment was made.

Den chose to wear a Massimo Dutti scarf for those cold walks on the streets of Broadway, often referred to as the Jewel of the Cotswolds. His scarf was well received when driving in the Aston Martin with the rooftop down. Den is not afraid to embrace a touch of pink, on his way to the car.

Men look very handsome wearing grey chinos with a blue blazer. How dashing does Den the Welshman look with his naturally gray hair? He is the younger version of Sean Connery himself.

Boot Space

This smaller trunk was deceptively bigger than it looked. One has to be reminded that on average this Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is a support car, meaning perfect for weekend getaways.

It was easy to open and close and for us ladies that is important when holding a large red leather handbag.

Sport Comfort

I drove this car for hours and unlike many supercars, this was very comfortable. The sports seats with power adjustments with leather and faux suede made my driving in the Cotswolds effortless.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 8.0-inch display sprouts from the top of its dashboard and is primarily controlled via a rotary knob and buttons on the centre console. This was easy to use once getting used to it. The GPS was on point and easy to follow. The Aston Martin audio system sounded good but I rarely used it as I always wanted to hear the engine’s sound. Plus these nails are made for paddling, not music.

Conclusion

This Aston Martin was solid on the road and even in the rain, it gave me the confidence to handle Cotswold corners like never before. Ladies it is the ideal car for touring around gorgeous parts of Britain with the soft top down no matter the storms of life.

The advantage of driving the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is it’s an excellent entry vehicle for the next step up to driving a supercar. At a price of just under £130,000, it offers a thrilling lifestyle adventure.

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If Audi ever produced a ‘greatest hits compilation, it would be no easy feat deciding the top positions. They’ve produced so many superb vehicles over the ages, that choosing one over another would take a great deal of consideration. However, you can be certain that a fast estate car would feature near the very top, if not at the top of the list. Few manufacturers can piece together the combination of break-neck speed, creature comforts and boot space like Audi can.

The question is, does the fast estate recipe still work? Well, we thought we’d find out; the RS4 has been a staple of the Audi fast-estate menu for a number of years, so we asked Audi if they’d lend us their latest release. Audi agreed, and promptly sent us a ‘Vorsprung Edition’ model for evaluation.

Headline figures

Before jumping behind the wheel, let’s just take a moment to reflect on the rather staggering figures. 450PS (443hp), 4.1 seconds to 60mph, 174mph top speed (limited) and all from a turbocharged V6 engine measuring in at just under 3 litres. That’s a lot of performance no matter what, let alone when you consider that it’s packaged inside a family estate with 5 seats and a full 500 litres of boot space. That’s 500 litres with the rear seats up too – drop those and it opens up to a mammoth 1510 litres… Yup, it’s got room for the kids, luggage and the dog!

In traditional Audi fashion, the power is distributed to all 4 corners of the vehicle via their renowned Quattro system, offering superb traction and acceleration in all conditions. To cap it off, the Quattro system is mated to the engine via an 8-speed transmission, offering plenty of ratios from which to choose.

Vorsprung Edition

The Vorsrung edition (as reviewed) comes in at the top of the RS4 tree, with a plethora of optional extras aimed at making this the absolute cream of fast estates. Eye catching exterior extras include a black styling pack, black badges, panoramic glass roof and 20” ‘Evo’ style wheels. The end result is a rather menacing, stealthy looking estate, which contrasts beautifully with the metallic Sonoma Green paint as option on our test vehicle.

Adding a cool £18k to the base price of the RS4, you’ll be relieved to hear that the changes on offer with the Vorsprung edition extend far beyond the exterior.  Inside the cabin we have massaging seats, a heads up display, heated front and rear seats, piano black inlays and a B&O 3D sound system (plus a shed load more!). Put simply, there’s too much to list or explore in this review, but the end result is a cabin space that is simply exquisite.

The Vorsprung edition also offers a number of enhancements that are hidden away from the human eye, including dynamic steering, a sports exhaust system and dynamic ride control. All of these certainly add to the ‘RS-ness’ of the vehicle, unlocking additional performance or drama for those that consider the base RS4 a little ‘normal’. The dynamic ride control could be a useful weapon in taming the ride on bumpy UK roads, especially so given the Vorsprung edition is booted in low profile tyres thanks to those mammoth 20” rims.

The Family Experience

Fire up the RS4 and you’re immediately welcomed by the V6 bark as it begins its cold start routine. It’s a glorious sound, with this engine seemingly being one of the few not to have had its aural note clipped back by modern-day emissions equipment. Once the cold start is over, the engine can be kept to a suitably family-friendly tone, and it’s from this point onwards that you could be forgiven for mistaking this as being a ‘standard’ A4.

With the RS4 set to ‘comfort’, the ride softens right off, the engine becomes very progressive and the gearbox incredibly smooth. Cruising along the motorway or through towns is a thoroughly relaxing experience, with the combination of massaging and heated seats an additional bit of icing on the cake. Engine noise never gets boomy or irritating, although none of the vehicle’s settings can reduce the number of heads that turn. Put simply, the RS4 pulls lots of admiring glances, and rightly so!

Taking the RS4 for a 600 mile round trip with 4 adults gave plenty of time to find any irritations in the cabin, but I’m pleased to report there were few (if any) to find. Leg space in the back is good, even with a long-legged driver pushing the front seat to the rearward limit of its travel. The fit and finish of the Nappa leather are also typically excellent, with the infotainment system in the centre also providing all the technological creature comforts demanded of a car in 2021.

Unlike a lot of modern cars, which have almost the entirety of the central controls loaded into a touch display, the RS4 is still running a slightly older (in Audi interior terms) split configuration. This means that you get a large central touch display up top for controlling vehicle settings and your audio, complemented by a selection of buttons below for climate settings, drive select and hazard lights etc. In a car as potent and fast as the RS4, this configuration works very well, as it minimises the amount of time you need to take your eyes off the road to find control. The buttons are all reassuringly tactile and clicky too, making them a real pleasure to use. It sort of begs the question – should the recent trend of stripping out buttons be reversed?

For my money, the RS4’s interior offers a superb blend of technology and finger-friendly buttons. This makes it far less intimidating to ‘learn’ the interior and get up to speed. Aside from the controls, the general fit and finish of the interior are exemplary, with the sports seats offering oodles of adjustment and the steering wheel fitting the hand beautifully.

RS Engaged

Of course, whilst the family-friendly features are all well and good, anyone buying an RS4 also has their eyes squarely on the performance they can offer. Swap the drive select out of comfort mode, and the change is palpable and wide-reaching. The suspension tightens up, the steering feel increases, the engine revs more freely and the gear changes are sharper. The friendly family wagon is now a fire breathing dragon (figuratively speaking, although the Sonoma green paintwork with black inlays would be a fantastic colour scheme for a dragon!).

On top of the increased driver feel, the RS Sports exhaust also fully opens up, producing a fantastic soundtrack from the V6 engine. Subtle pops and crackles also squeeze their way into down changes, adding a bit more theatre to hard driving.

New for this RS4 edition is an ‘RS Mode’ button on the steering wheel, allowing for quick and easy activation of the two ‘RS’ driving modes. Both are customisable to the users desire, which makes them an incredibly valuable and efficient way of changing the characteristics of the car. Allowing these modes to be tweaked is very handy on bumpy UK roads, as it permits the most dynamic driving experience to be employed throughout the car whilst still holding the suspension in the comfort mode (recommended… when will the UK government sort things out?!).

RS mode also unlocks features such a shift lights (projected onto the windscreen via the HUD or simply as part of the tacho cluster), a g-meter and additional information on the cars vital statistics. It’s also worth noting that the RS4 does a good job of looking after itself too, with a ‘cold drivetrain’ warning light which lets you know if it’s too early to be pressing on.

With everything fully activated, the RS4 is mind-bendingly quick and has stacks of confidence-inspiring traction. The point-and-shoot driving capability of this car is very much a trait carried over from previous generations, but it seems somehow more prevalent than ever. It took a matter of minutes to feel comfortable behind the wheel of the RS4, with the combination of the ergonomic interior and plenty of roads feel a real winner.

Conclusion

I’m somewhat conscious of the fact that this review is almost over and I’m yet to pick up on any real negative points. The truth of the matter is, the RS4 absolutely blew me away during my time with it. If you had to fault it for anything, you’d have to point to the fuel consumption, but even that isn’t bad considering the performance on offer (I averaged 27mpg over ~800 miles).

Not only did the RS4 blow me away in terms of fast-estate performance, but it also impressed me in terms of overall car performance. Driving friends around with luggage in toe with such ease was blissful – as was having the ability to put a great big smile on their faces with a tap of the accelerator pedal. This is such a well-rounded package and probably the best overall vehicle I’ve ever had the pleasure of test driving. It doesn’t come cheap mind you, with the specification as tested coming in at £84,370 OTR. Having said that, the quality and refinement won’t disappoint and I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a car that offers more smiles-per-gallon in such a family-friendly package.

Thank you Audi UK for arranging our loan review.

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Few car brands carry a worldwide reputation as strong as Aston Martin, nor a legacy as long (108 years and counting!). For decades their vehicles were known as THE James Bond cars, with magnificent styling and a glorious engine note. Known primarily for producing sports cars.

Aston has decided to take on board the current vehicle trends and branch out into the world of SUVs. Typically tall, heavy cars, they’re not the kind of profile you’d usually associate with Aston Martin, so the question is. Have they managed to produce an SUV whilst still remaining loyal to the brand?

For those sitting on the SUV fence. This is No Time To Die but try the Aston Martin SUV DBX.

My name is Koflach, Thomas Koflach. Let’s get some shaken and stirring in this SUV.

First Things First

So before we dive into dissecting the car itself, it’s important to have a look at the paper stats. Upfront we have a tuned variant of the Mercedes 4.0 litre Bi-turbo V8; access to the legendary AMG lineup of engines is granted thanks to a technical partnership between the two brands, and that’s no bad thing.

Pumping out 542bhp, the V8 engine can propel the DBX to 60mph in just 4.5 seconds, then onwards all the way to 181mph. Not many SUV’s can tout figures like that!

Then there’s the suspension; which reads more like a gadget description from Q-branch than something off a road vehicle. eARC’s (electronic anti-roll bars), triple volume air suspension and adaptive dampers are all employed to provide the DBX with all the tricks it requires to offer dynamic handling capabilities, without sacrificing driver comfort or off-road capabilities. The air suspension gives some useful adjustability to ride height, with the ability to lower the car by 45mm or raise it by 50mm, depending on the scenario at hand.

The gearbox continues the impressive stats; with a slightly mind-boggling selection of 9 forward gears to choose from. Nine!

This should allow it to not only exploit the engines formidable power but also deliver improved economy figures by consistently operating the engine in the efficiency ‘sweet spot’.

On paper then, it’s fair to say Aston has gone all-out in the mechanical department, in an impressive effort to maintain the Aston Martin feel and minimise the typical SUV effects. Time to get under the skin of the DBX and explore the model on the test.

The Looks

It must be all too easy for PR teams to play it safe with vehicle colour, but I’m so glad Aston Martin didn’t go down that route on this occasion. The DBX as tested was dressed to impress with a glorious ‘Golden Saffron’ paint, which drew attention like no car I’ve ever had the pleasure of driving. The up-close sparkle afforded by the metallic element to the paint was one of the best I’ve seen, glistening fantastically in the sunlight.

It’s no surprise the DBX attracted admiring glances though because even without the stunning paintwork, she’s a bit of a looker.

Having explored photos of the vehicle prior to delivery, the DBX somehow manages to impress more in person than in print.

The glorious curves and sculpted shape make this car a feast for the eyes and one that only grows on you more and more over time. There are so many details that take time for your mind to ingest, but the finished article is a fantastic looking car which is unmistakably Aston Martin.

The rear lights are my personal highlight, creating a duck-bill shape over the rear boot which not only looks fantastic but also like they could have been formed by the very air flowing over the body as it travels along.

Cabin and Technology

With glorious looks outside, it’s fair to say cabin expectations were high. Thankfully, the DBX didn’t disappoint. Fit and finish were top-notch, with a mixture of carbon fibre, aluminium and leather inter-woven seamlessly around the cabin, offering a variety of textures and an all-around premium feel.

The centre of the cabin is home to a large 10.2-inch display, with the engine start/stop button and gearbox drive select (P/D/R/N) buttons above. The start-stop and gear selection buttons are all manufactured from an acrylic-type material, which feels solid and satisfying to press.

Their placement is perhaps a little odd, particularly if you’re doing a forward-back type manoeuvre, as reaching over to the top of the centre console is a little clunky.

Even more odd is the omission of any touch input for the central screen, as visually everything about it seems to scream ‘touch’. Touch aside, the Apple Carplay integration is seamless and general UI performance seemed very good.

Considering the SUV proportions, it’s probably no surprise that the cabin feels very airy and open, despite the large transmission tunnel through the middle. The air vents are neatly packaged and well-positioned to provide excellent heating/cooling. These are further complimented by the seats, which offer both heating and ventilation for the occupants, even those in the back. The well equipped rear seats (further USB ports and climate buttons are offered) surely create appeal to DBX owners looking to be chauffeured in style.

Climate Options

Beyond climate options, there are buttons aplenty along with the centre console. It took a good few hours of driving and exploring to fully grasp their functions, with the sheer plethora of buttons a little daunting at first. Beyond the odd omission of the touch screen, this would be my only gripe, in that it does feel a little cluttered in places. Despite the wide range of buttons on offer, for the James Bond fanatics, it’s also worth pointing out that a flip-button for ejector-seat operation is sadly omitted from this model.

Boot Size

The boot is large (630 litres), with the opening for the hatch extending the full width, making loading and unloading a breeze. To further aid this, some nifty control buttons have been placed just inside the boots rearward edge, which allow the user to raise/lower the suspension and even fold the rear seats down with just a button press. The suspension move is a real party trick and highlights just how much suspension travel Aston have packed into this vehicle.

Up/down movements are met with the quiet hiss as the pneumatics move compressed air around the vehicle, whilst the boot lip moves to the desired height. Neat.

Something I hope to see in the James Bond Movie this month, No Time To Die.

Plenty of space for James Bond, gadgets, tuxedos and wine and dine his ladies.

On The Road

Owners of Aston Martin’s are obviously sold by the good looks of the vehicles, but the major pull is the driving experience, so how does the DBX fair in this regard? With all that mass and the high body, I’m pleased to say it’s a genuine surprise just how good the DBX is on the road.

A selection of driving modes (as well as the option to customise your own) allows you to dial the characteristics of the car all the way from supple ‘GT’ to hardcore ‘Sports+’. In GT, you’d be hard pushed to find a more relaxing and capable long-range cruiser. The ride is simply sublime, whilst the thick glazing and well-placed sound deadening ensure road noise is well managed. With plenty of poke on tap, the engine also provides a smooth swell of torque which effortlessly moves the DBX through traffic. The 9-speed gearbox and valved exhaust ensure that engine noise and the vibration is always kept in check, even returning modest economy figures on longer runs (for a vehicle of this size/performance, ~25mpg was seen during testing).

Where it gets really impressive though, is when you dial things up to the max and push the DBX into Sports+ mode. Engine response is sharpened, the exhaust valves opened and the whole vehicle feels like it goes into a squat position ready to devour anything that you can throw at it. The AMG motor comes into its own here, with the 542bhp put to good use and creating a frankly ludicrous level of acceleration for such a large vehicle. The gearbox is responsive and quick without being overly harsh, allowing for the fast-paced squirts of power required to overtake traffic.

Point the DBX towards some bends and suddenly all that engineering magic and acronym-filled suspension begin to make complete sense. Body roll is managed to an unbelievable degree, keeping the body flat and stable even at speed. Despite all the engineering and computational magic going on, the DBX doesn’t feel removed either, with plenty of steering feel and a real sense of connection to the road. The only letdown is the slightly mushy feeling brakes, which fail to inspire the sort of confidence you’d ideally like in a vehicle weighing over 2,200kg! Despite this though, it’s hard to take away from the fact that Aston has managed to engineer some real fun and enjoyment into the SUV driving experience, for which I must commend them.

Conclusion

I always find my feelings towards a vehicle tend to come to the fore when handing back the keys, so considering how painful it was handing back the keys to the DBX, it’s safe to say it made a good impression! In terms of attracting admiring glances, very few could top a DBX in Golden Saffron paint, making it a great conversation piece when arriving at a venue. Ostentatious? Perhaps a little, but then if you’re going to drive around in an Aston Martin SUV it kind of goes with the territory…

The chassis exceeds expectations and the drivetrain is equally superb. The V8 engine up front offers up plenty of punch whilst producing a raw growl under heavy acceleration which is very in-tune with the rest of the vehicle. The styling is equally on point and only grew on me more through my time with the DBX. The only real niggles?

Luxury Costs

With James Bond at the forefront of the brand which no other car in the world can claim. Aston Martin has the luxury to command an SUV Bond price.

The infotainment lacking a touch screen, and fuel consumption. In a world where fuel prices seem to go up almost daily, it’s certainly not the cheapest SUV to run. But with a starting price of £158,000 (and totalling £210,000 as tested), fuel prices aren’t likely to be an issue for the expected clientele. For those lucky enough to own one, I can’t help but feel envious (as should you).

Thank you to Aston Martin UK for supplying a loan vehicle for the test.

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When the Jaguar I-PACE hit the market in June 2018 it was hailed as the first electric SUV from a premium European automaker. The I-PACE was from the ground up designed to be an electric car. For the first time, there was an electric SUV alternative to the Tesla Model X. The Jaguar I-Pace did well and won the 2019 European Car of the Year and 2019 World Car of the Year awards.

MenStyleFashion had the chance to review the I-PACE in 2019 in the UK and also had an IPACE experience day in Andorra back in 2020. Back in 2019, we loved the design and driving capabilities of the I-PACE but felt it was let down by the slow and not so fluid interface of its infotainment system. Jaguar listened and launched a mid-2020 update and included a brand new infotainment system called Pivi Pro. It also included a 11-KW onboard charger, for faster 3-phase at-home charging.

Experiencing the I-PACE at 2000m altitude in Andorra

In 2021 electric cars have come of age and the competition in the premium electric SUV market is heating up with the Audi E-tron, and Q4 e-tron, Mercedes EQC and the BMW iX3. Let’s see if the I-PACE still holds up as we take it for a spin in Holland for a week.

Holland below sea level

Holland Charging Network

So before I go onto how the updated I-PACE is I want to talk about the charging infrastructure in Holland. Having previously reviewed electric cars only in the UK I was keen to find out what the charging infrastructure would be like in Holland. In the UK I reviewed all the Tesla models that came with the benefit of the  Tesla Super Charging network. When I reviewed the Audi E-tron back in 2019 I had to rely solely on third-party charging infrastructure which left me frustrated with poor implementation and range anxiety. I felt in 2019 the UK was not ready for the EV revolution.

A quick look at the numbers shows that Holland has over 66,000 charging stations on a population of 17 million, whereas the UK has 44,000 charging stations on a population of 66 million. This gives Holland 3,900 EV chargers per million and the UK 666 EV Chargers per million. Holland has 6 times more EV charging points per million than the UK  and you feel it.

I stayed in Rotterdam in the affluent area of Kralingen where I was house-sitting for a friend for 1 month. The residential street the house was on had 8 public charging points and there were another 2 available just around the corner. I could always find a free charging point. The best thing of all was I had to zap a key and it would work. I had one key and I could use the whole charging network in the Netherlands, it just worked seamlessly. I daily did 250 to 300 kilometres of touring and always had the car fully charged in the morning with 400 kilometres of range, with zero range anxiety.

Public charging station in a residential street in Krallingen, Rotterdam

My family getting ready for a trip within Holland

With the street charging so good there was no real need for me to check out other EV charging points. However, I wanted to get a better feel of the charging experience in Holland and stopped at a Fastned station which can be found at Shell petrol stations and is characterised by the single yellow arches. Most Fastned stations have chargers capable of 150kw or higher. The I-PACE is limited to 100KWso  you can expect a 127 km range top-up in about 15 minutes. Again the experience was seamless with a zap of the charging key all that was needed. Although Fastned app users do get cheaper KWh rates. I just love public EV charging stations as you get to chat with other EV users, this time a Polestar 2 driver.

Very easy to just plug in, zap the key, charge and stretch.

Compare this to my 2019 UK charging experience where I had no universal key and had to download charging apps for each different company offering charging services. I had to figures it all out and on some occasions, the charging app did not work. I hope the UK will learn and get the right investment in charging infrastructure and make it more seamless, it makes a world of difference.

Thanks to Holland and its infrastructure of electrification I had a no range anxiety at all. For me, it has to be the best in Europe. The only anxiety I had, was returning this lovely car to Jaguar after a week. I finally had a stress free electric car experience, slept well and survived mentally.

The soft closing rear boot never let me down.

The I-PACE in the fortified town of Huesden, this was a 250km round trip for the day.

Pivi Pro – The 2020 Infotainment Update

With the charging experience and range anxiety completely sorted, I am now sold on EVs. With the slow infotainment system, a letdown in earlier I-PACE models I was keen to see how the 2020 update would go. The new Pivi Pro infotainment system works on three screens, the 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster and the two touch screens on the centre console. Pivo Pro is inspired by smartphones and the lag has completely gone thanks to a powerful processor. The system is ready before I have the chance to sit down in the I-PACE. A backup battery keeps to GPS system powered on so it does not have to refind the satellites and can be used straight away. This is a huge improvement on the infotainment front.

However, I still found some little nags that could be changed with a software update. The GPS system is displayed on the centre console as well as the heads-up display and in the virtual instrument cluster. The latter two are only displayed when you are 150 meters away from having to make a turn. This is OK when you are on low speed, but on highways or fast secondary roads, I found the time too short of making the instruction. This meant I had to keep my eyes on the centre console more than I wanted to. It would be great if these instructions were time-based instead of distance-based so I don’t have to cross four lanes in a hurry to make an exit on the highway.

The 2nd thing I found frustrating was the 5-inch touch screen with the haptic dials to control the temperature and airflow. Whenever I pulled on the haptic dial my finger would touch the touch screen below with me accidentally turning off the airflow. It took a while for me to realise this and I am not sure if this can be solved with a software update.

Besides these two minor issues, the upgrade of the infotainment system is great and makes it superfluid. I would like to highlight how easy the system now integrates with the public charging network, where it takes into account charging cost, availability and charging time. So whenever you have to leave your home charger you get the best and most seamless experience.

I-PACE Style

When it comes to choosing an electric car brand it always comes down to brand loyalty. Any electric cars are like buying a pair of shoes and it all comes down to lifestyle, comfort and one’s public persona and image.

Showing of the I-PACE in front of my woollen sock sandal-wearing friend and early Tesla adopter.

The I-PACE’s styling is beautiful as far as an SUV goes. The 22-inch wheels which are Jaguar’s signature rims and look super sporty. I always love their wheels.

This SUV is certainly about the image, a stylish lifestyle car that no matter where I parked it, I felt proud to be driving. I noticed it is still a head-turner after 4 years and the Dutch would look at it every time I parked it.

The dark navy blue looked elegant. TheI-PACE is smaller than the Jaguar F-Pace in length, but it does not feel like this on the inside thanks to the long wheelbase. Maximising space is handy here in Holland, where landmass and space are precious. It is a very compact country where I was always competing against bikes.

All in all, in the looks department the I-PACE is still better looking than its bland rivals such as the Audi E-TRON, BMW iX3 and Mercedes GQC. Which to me still look like a petrol SUVs with a battery stuck under. Whereas the I-PACE feels more groundbreaking in design.

Windmills

The electrification of car transportation is happening at a fast pace, and to be truly clean you want that power that you charge with the be clean as well. This is a process as well and it will take time. On an educational trip for my children, we drove the whole length of the Rotterdam Harbour all the way to where the Maasvlakte meets the North Sea. On the GPS this was 55 kilometres in length and a large part of this harbour is used to store oil and refine oil as soon as it comes from the oil tankers. The other parts are massive container terminals and other terminals processing bulk goods. This was a stark reminder of our polluting consumption as a society.

Do you want the I-PACE to be charged with electricity from coal, like this power plant on the Maasvlakte?

Closer to the North Sea I finally was greeted by a lot more windmills. We made a deliberate effort to stop at the largest windmill in the world the GE Haliade-X 12MW prototype. This is a 248-metre high windmill with 107 metre long blades. It can supply electricity to 16,000 households and some of their I-PACEs.

Driving the Maasvlakte and Holland there is so much contradiction. The Dutch have reclaimed lots of land and build dikes to fight the seas and rivers that surround them. As a mother of two, I ponder so much of what kind of world and life I am leaving for my children?

I felt I am playing my part in inspiring us all when you too can buy an electric car for your next big purchase. It is good for our leafy cities and countries around Europe and UK.

The I-PAce in the village of Veere, Zeeland. This part of Holland got devastated by the massive floods of 1953.

Holland is all about walking and riding within the cities so driving through them in an electric car adds to this message of quietness.

My Other Likes And Dislike

The I-PACE is lovely to drive and you can read more about that sensational driving in our first Jaguar I-PACE review. Now that I got to experience the I-PACE again here are some of my likes and dislikes that stood out during my week time touring around Holland with my family.

+ Auto braking when reversing

Electric cars are quiet and some people might not notice when you are reversing out of a parking lot. To my surprise, the I-Pace automatically braked when a young child walked within range of the rear of the car.

– Door Closing

I never had a car where the doors were not closed properly before driving off. You really need to slam these babies into place. I lost count of the number of times I had to stop to make sure the rear or passenger doors were properly closed.

– Clunky Frunk

With electric cars came the front trunk also named as frunk due to the space available without a combustion engine. The Jaguar has a real small one and is useful for putting your charger cable. However, opening and closing the frunk was not easy, especially for women like me that like to have long nails and keep them.

Conclusion

My time in Holland was eye-opening with regards to EV charging infrastructure and how advanced and seamless it was working. In this country range anxiety does no exist especially when you have a 400Km range I-PACE and a network that has plenty of available fast chargers. The future is bright and I am sure other countries will take the Dutch lead. The I-PAce update was great in that it addressed the main weakness of the previous version of the infotainment system. The I-PACE still looks fresh and innovative, especially when compared to the bland versions of Audi, BMW and Mercedes. However, manufacturers are not sitting still with regards to electrification and more innovative and cheaper options are hitting the market which will eat into the I-PACE sales. Think of traditional non-Jaguar competitors like Hyundai’s funky Ioniq 5, VW’s ID4 and Skoda’s Eniaq. If you want to stand out with a premium brand the Jaguar I-PACE still ticks most of the boxes though.

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In a world where the rise of the electric vehicle seems to be at the forefront of government vehicle policies, I’m sure many wonder (like myself) how the infrastructure will cope. Then, when you also consider the range anxiety, charge point accessibility and various other unknowns… are we really ready for electric vehicles now?

This is where Plug-in hybrids come in, offering a modest electrical range (enough for a trip to the shops and back, or a reasonable commute) backed up with a traditional combustion engine for longer jaunts. Win/Win? Well, with the technology we have available today, it certainly looks appealing, none more so than when it’s been developed and built by Audi. With a premium build and packed with technology, is the Audi A3 TFSI-e the ultimate compact car of today?

E-Tron Technology

If you ignore the ‘e’ badge on the boot, the spec sheet for this Audi A3 TFSI-e could read off like any other. There’s a 4-cylinder, 1.4 petrol engine producing 150PS, which drives the front wheels via a 6-speed automated dual-clutch transmission. There’s a fuel filler at the back, with the car running on standard pump petrol from a 40-litre internal tank.

The eagle-eyed will then notice the additional ‘filler hatch’ at the front, underneath which there is an electrical charge port. This allows the supplementary 13kWh battery to be topped up between journeys, with which around 30 miles of EV-only mileage can be achieved. The electrical side runs at 400v, and thanks to the modest size of the battery can be topped up via a standard UK plug in a matter of hours.

This electrical energy can then be deployed in a number of different ways; to provide total driving power for short journeys (zero combustion usage), to run in hybrid with the combustion engine to minimise fuel usage on longer trips, or to provide ultimate performance by running in unison with the combustion engine. The underlying benefit here is flexibility; the electric side is quick and easy to charge, suitable for short journeys and thanks to the combustion fall-back won’t cripple you with range anxiety for longer trips.

Carrying around the additional weight of essentially two engine types isn’t to the detriment of outright performance either; put your foot down and the petrol and electric unite to deliver a potent 203 PS (201Hp), more than enough for overtaking slow traffic or a bit of fun on country roads.

Interior design

So aside from the electrical ‘fill port’, the ‘e’ exterior is as-per a standard Audi A3. The same could be said for the inside, with the only notable differences being the addition of an ‘EV’ button for selecting the drivetrain mode (battery charge, hybrid, EV only) and an additional ‘fuel gauge’ for the battery charge level. This neatly sits opposite the petrol gauge on the driver’s cluster creating a seamless and easy to read snapshot of available energy levels.

Moving away from these specific tweaks, this is my first experience of the latest Audi interior refresh. The centre section carries the now common-place central touch screen, on which the interface feels snappier and more responsive than ever. Rather than the all-touch layout of the premium Audi A6/A8 line, the Audi A3 splits climate/vehicle controls out to a lower panel of physical switches. Whilst it may look less space-age, the layout works well and is easy to use whilst on the move.

The steering wheel is the same fantastic design as most recent Audi’s, whilst the gear selector has been tweaked and is now a nice, simple chrome rocker in the centre section. A new design of air vent flanks the steering wheel with a beautifully engineered open/close mechanism, which latches shut with a satisfying click. Whilst it’s important not to get too hung up on the details, this new air vent design is incredibly slick and Audi deserve kudos for its implementation.

The premium feel extends through the rest of the interior, whether it be the S-line seats (optional extra), door trim or dash surround. Whilst the Audi A3 may be a more budget-friendly Audi, there’s clearly been no skimping on quality.

Exterior design and practicality

Size-wise, the Audi A3 TFSI-e offers a good balance between overall vehicle size, room for passengers and luggage. The rear seats have just enough legroom for adults, whilst some clever sculpting of the roof means that headroom is ample even for those on the taller side. Reading lights and air vents ensure those in the back get an Audi-esque ride despite the more compact sizing of the Audi A3.

Boot size is also as you’d expect for a vehicle of this size class, although it’s worth noting that a fair chunk of this is lost to the bag of charging cables. Obviously, you don’t absolutely have to carry these around, but it’s worth bearing in mind as they’re not small! They did at least come well packaged in a zip-up bag, which has built-in tethers to hold it to the boot floor – handy for stopping too much sliding around.

The test car came dressed in a beautiful Daytona Grey, a pearl effect paint that compliments the tinted rear windows from the S-Line trim level fantastically. Locking and unlocking the car is met with the usual Audi pizzazz from the lights, with a dynamic animation running on both front and rear clusters. The car on test also came fitted with the excellent Matrix LED headlights (a £675 upgrade I would recommend to all) which makes night driving a breeze.

18” rims on all four corners sit extremely well within the arches (a recommend upgrade over the 17’s). The rest of the car is typically Audi, which is to say it’s an extremely sleek design with formidable build quality, resulting in nothing bad to note or report.

On the road

Firstly, electric driving is simply superb. I’ve driven a fair few EV’s, but this is the first hybrid I’ve driven with a true EV mode, which instantly makes you aware of the engine on/off driving difference. Road/tyre noise becomes dominant, but even then it’s far quieter than your ears expect any car to be and the performance the Audi offers in pure-EV mode is very usable for around town and keeping up with traffic. Whilst the headline range may seem restrictive, the reality is that once you break it down the majority of journeys people undertake are well within the 30 miles, and it’s particularly satisfying when you get from A to B with zero need for the combustion engine.

When required though, the 1.4 4-cylinder seamlessly springs into life. No doubt a considerable amount of work went into the calibration and setup of running both electric and petrol in a single drivetrain, but the end result feels well refined and incredibly smooth. Slow speed work, creeping forward at junctions and between traffic lights is all handled by the EV side, which results in silky pull-aways before the petrol side is introduced.

Pushing your foot to the floor engages both powertrains (there’s a very slight lag as the Petrol engine scrambles to catch up with the instantaneous motor), but the resulting surge of acceleration is quite superb. The performance belies the headline figures, as the reality is that the electric motor is providing plenty of low down punch, making the drivetrain feel far more responsive. Whether it be overtaking slow-moving traffic or joining the motorway, this Audi A3 has you very well covered.

Assuming a charge point is available to manually top up the battery, using the automatic mode for battery power injection and recharge is definitely the best and smoothest way forward. Utilising the in-car satnav resulted in efficient use of the battery across the journey, arriving with the battery fully utilised after a long drive with accuracy typical of German engineering. Fuel economy seemed to reflect the electrical benefits, with long drives (~120 miles) returning a commendable ~55mpg despite enthusiastic driving. Shorter journeys flagged up figures well over 100mpg, as the A3’s drivetrain strangled petrol usage in favour of electrical efficiency.

With the hybrid system taking care of efficient propulsion, attention turns to the rest of the Audi A3 TFSI-e, which is also superb. The ride and suspension were well suited to the far from perfect UK roads, whilst the steering offers a good amount of feel in Dynamic mode (although lifeless in comfort). The hybrid drivetrain doesn’t reward high revs and precise gear changes as a normal petrol drivetrain would, as the hybridisation instead offers more of a torque ‘wall’ which can be extracted with ease. That’s not to say the 6-speed DSG gearbox isn’t fast though, because it is, as well as being smooth and enjoyable to use via the paddles behind the steering wheel.

Conclusion

Driving this car around felt a bit like reviewing two cars in one. On the one hand, this is the latest shape Audi A3, which brings a number of subtle interior and exterior upgrades over the previous generation, all of which I found to be a step up. In fact, for the size of the car, it’s very hard to find fault anywhere with the Audi A3 itself.

And then we have our second item; the drivetrain. Again though, it’s very, very hard to find fault here. In fact, using this as a plug-in hybrid actually raised some big questions for me and also completely sold me on the technology. The implementation by Audi was so seamless, it just seems obvious that this is a route all manufacturers should be taking until the infrastructure is ready for fully electric vehicles. Charge times are acceptable, range anxiety none existent and yet you still clean up the CO2 emissions for the majority of journeys. It may not be the technology of the long term future, but it feels entirely compatible with the infrastructure we have available today and that’s surely the point.

The engineering and technology inside this car blend together superbly. Not only have they sold me on the plug-in hybrid concept, it made me want the Audi A3 TFSI-e as my practical daily more so than any other car I’ve reviewed. I guess that’s where the only real issue comes in – all that technology doesn’t come cheap! As reviewed, the Audi A3 TFSI-e would cost a fairly hefty £36,825. I’d best get saving…

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When it comes to defining a family car, many would think of traits such as boot space, legroom, storage, or comfort. Few though would have speed, power, and engine noise near the top of their list, but that doesn’t mean these aspects should be forgotten. Why should having a practical family car means you have to disregard the traditionally more exciting avenues of car ownership? Well, Audi has a long-standing solution to this problem in the form of the RS6, and they kindly gave us the keys to their latest 2020 edition…

Introduction

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go over a few headline facts and figures. Firstly; Power, with this generation of RS6 receiving a tweaked and revised edition of the V8 twin-turbo seen before, now pumping out a whopping 592hp. That power is funnelled to all 4 wheels by an 8-speed gearbox, the result of which is the eye-watering 3.6 seconds 0-60 time and a top speed of 190mph. Yup, that’s 190mph from a ‘family’ car…

Then there’s boot space, which comes in at a very luggage-friendly 565 litres, so they’ve got the family and pets covered too. Similarly, the options list caters for all, with a wealth of tech on offer from 4-zone climate control, heated rear seats, Bang and Olufsen audio, and even a portable espresso maker. Suffice to say, on paper the RS6 covers pretty much all the bases, and considering how the previous generation RS6 blew me away 2 years ago, this should be a slam-dunk review… Or will it be?

You see, the world has moved on from 2 years ago. Environmental factors have become ever more prevalent, and the SUV market has continued to grow. Does the fast-estate recipe still work, or has Audi been left behind? Headline figures only tell so much, so let’s dig in.

More Than Just a Face Lift

The latest generation of RS6 (generation code ‘C8’) is fairly easy to tell apart from the previous, largely thanks to the overhaul of the external appearance. Aggression has been cranked up a notch or two, with more noticeable arch flair, angrier lines, and sharp creases sweeping across panels. The arches need enlarging too, as the model on test came fitted with quite frankly ludicrously big 22” wheels, and yet they somehow didn’t look outlandish (standard size is a ‘meagre’ 21”…).

The Vorsprung trim option also includes various trim swaps to black, covering areas such as the badges, roof inserts, window surrounds, and side sills to name a few. These certainly add to the stealthy look and compliment the stunning Navarra blue paint.

All of this means that, as far as estate cars go, few carry as much presence as the RS6.

As the heading suggests though, it’s not just the external features that the Audi engineers have been busy refining. Oh no, because by far the most dramatic overhaul can be found inside the cabin, where a heavy sprinkling of the future has been applied throughout. It’s clear to see a lot of techs have originated from Audi’s premium A8 line, but whereas other vehicles in the fleet receive watered-down versions, the RS6 seems to have received a full-fat offering. The result of this is a whopping 3 displays with which you can view vehicle data, along with a superb heads-up display projected onto the windscreen, giving you a variety of information from local speed limits to engine boost pressure.

The fit and finish of the entire cabin is quite phenomenal and raises the already high bar which Audi set.

The tactility, fit, function, and lighting of the RS6’s cabin impressed every time I was in it, a truly fantastic feat of engineering and design.

On the Road

So whilst the styling and interior have been radically overhauled, the drivetrain follows a similar recipe to the previous model, albeit with a few tweaks here and there. As mentioned earlier, the engine power output has been increased, but it still delivers power to the road through the same 8-speed gearbox and Quattro all-wheel-drive system. However, there has clearly been a number of tweaks as well as the addition of rear-wheel steering.

The rear-wheel steering is an interesting one; a feature that felt a little numbing on a standard A6 but which really brings the RS6 alive. The car feels more nimble, connected and the steering feels overall feels a step ahead of the previous generation. Whether the system received a bit of RS-specific tweaking or not I do not know, but the result is that this 2+ tonne family wagon handles and drives far better than it has any right to.

The drive select system for changing the vehicle’s characteristics also seems more powerful than ever, making this RS6 a car of two very distinct personalities. With the suspension, steering and drivetrain softened right off, the inner A6 takes centre stage; it rides bumps well, purrs along near-silently, and can return a respectable ~30mpg on a long run. The economy figures are phenomenal for such a powerful vehicle, no doubt partly thanks to the new mild-hybrid system, 4-cylinder operating mode, and evolution of the engine-off coasting modes. There’s a definite sense of technology beavering away in the background to constantly savour every drop of fuel, and it’s fair to say they work rather well!

Switching to dynamic though, and everything instantly sharpens up, the deep roar of the V8 engine becomes far more vocal and the insane levels of performance become effortlessly accessible. Acceleration is gut-wrenching to an almost hilarious level, the chassis firm (highlighting how poor UK roads are) and the enormous brakes provide a heap of stopping power. Stopping power is sorely needed too, as the RS6 gathers pace at a scarcely believable rate of knots. It’s hard to put into words how much this car warps your perception of speed, with vast quantities of it so effortlessly available it becomes a real job to ensure road-speed legality is upheld.

The result of all of this is that the RS6 covers ground at a pace no family estate has the right to. On top of that, you’re sat in a supremely comfortable cabin and the driving experience is utterly enjoyable.

How one car can manage all of this I just don’t know, but the RS6 just does. Bravo Audi.

Conclusion

So the Audi RS6, how does it stack up in the year 2020?

Well, thanks to a number of key refinements, largely on the technological side, it stacks up better than ever. The infotainment system and interior quality are next levels, whilst the inclusion of the mild-hybrid and cylinder shut down ensure fuel economy is kept in check.

So the recipes still the same, but Audi have tweaked it to include all the ingredients required of a car in 2020. I loved the previous generation car and yet they’ve still managed to find a way to improve almost every aspect of it. This is truly staggering and makes it hard to find any real fault with the RS6. The only quibble I found? The price.

All that performance does not come cheap, with the RS6 as tested coming in at an eye-watering £112,840 on the road.

Thank you to Audi UK for arranging our Covid-friendly RS6 loan.

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I had the privilege of driving the new Honda e-car yesterday and going into the launch I was a bit anxious having never driven an electric car before. I had this assumption it would be really technical and ‘weird’ to drive that I’d freeze and get caught up in trying to figure out how the car would ‘drive’. Due to Covid the team at Honda had prepared in advance a smart, safe and innovative way to showcase their presentation of the car. The first few observations I made of the Honda e were the subtle curves and inviting headlights on the car, but most intriguing was, where are the wing mirrors?!

    Great tech to impress, but not overwhelm!

I was lead to my car, which was in what I would describe as Peridot green (my birthstone!) the car had the appropriate safety measures in place.

The Drive-In Tech Move-e

Once seated in the car the feature presentation was started which was looped into the car, so I could listen and watch the presentation from the comfort of the car. Impressive! Seating is firm and comfortable. I particularly loved the mocha dash, seat belt, and stitching against the grey upholstery.

I was quickly comforted to see, much like an automatic car there were 2 peddles I need to manage. The rest was via a control panel between passenger and driver seats. Easy-peasy; D / R/ P.  My route was already prepared and I just had to lightly press Navigation on the screen, which was very perceptive and only need a light touch.

The car was smooth with a faint motor sound which helped you feel the car. I was expecting silence. This is not common amongst other Electic car brands. So a nice niche and safety touch for Honda.

Steering was light and comfortable. On my approach to the M25 a gentleman pulled up next to me at the lights and asked me to wind down the window: ‘You’ve got no wing mirrors’! He exclaimed! ‘How are you driving, you’ve got no wing mirrors!’

I said, ‘It’s OK, there is a camera feed on the outside that is shown on my dash on either side. This is the new Honda e.’, He looked (we are still at the lights…) and he excitedly said ‘Oh wow, that’s brilliant!! That’s really cool!’ I now had a lot more attention than I had expected!

I was surprised how quickly the car picked up speed. For some reason, I thought electric cars would be slow!

Safety Features

The safety features were also impressive; and especially if one isn’t used to the wing mirror being relayed inside the car. When indicating left or right to change lanes the car will show an Amber display if you are turning too early. And it will beep slightly too to warn you if it is safe to go or not.

I also noticed the steering also adjusts if you are veering too much left or right. An amber light combined with a very slight adjustment of the wheel by the car happened. I didn’t even notice I wasn’t driving straight! #Safe!

Going through Windsor and Eaton I wanted to test the parking and how I would manage reverse parking in an electric car. Well, once again, the assistance and display in the car were actually really helpful and easy.

I thought I’d be distracted by it but you have to learn to use the video image inside the car and I found it pretty intuitive.

Great tech to impress, but not overwhelm!

Digital Mirrors

Not that I have driven one but this certainly seemed a replica of the Audi E- tron regarding digital mirrors. Like a duck to the water, I loved this tech. Great to see the road on a digital front. As I was waiting at the traffic lights a London taxi was waving frantically at me. I wound down my window. He was blown away about the revision mirror design.

As a car experience goes I was getting used to this rare attention.

First Impressions

I stepped out to take some shots of the car and the amazing parking I had just done and once again, a gentleman stopped and asked about the car. He said he’d spotted a couple of us driving around. He is a car dealer and was really excited to see the new Honda e.

He asked if he could take a look and was super happy with the interior and also loved the mocha and grey. He was also intrigued by the rear and wing mirror.

I was very aware of being noticed by many drivers and pedestrians. Some even crossed the road to get a look! For me, people’s reactions always highlight if the car has a wow factor or not.

Range anxiety on this occasion was irrelevant but I test that out when I do my lifestyle weekly review on it. But there is plenty of electric charging stations around central London so would not be an issue.

I was starting to bond with my Peridot Honda e!! Especially if it was getting me this much attention!

Urban Commuter Style

As electric cars are all about environmental awareness my clothes message was representing sustainable fashion.

The Urban Commuter is all about comfort with a funky element to it. On this occasion, without even seeing the car I felt to wear a maxi skirt made in Tanzania and a French Connection cotton shirt with Converse pumps.

My jewellery was all by Nakibirango London, my own brand. So plenty of boot space for the day to day challenges as a city commuter.

Electric Cars Matter

The competition is fierce now regarding electric cars. As always it comes down to brand loyalty. But this a brilliant affordable price at £26,000. As far as the urban commuter message it is the perfect little nippy car for central London.

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It was that iconic race off in Mission Impossible 2 where the first Audi TT for me became super cool. Ironically it was a woman, Thandie Netwton, racing it. Therefore from that moment onwards, the AudiTT for me belonged to women who want to look stylish, drive fast and have fun.

It is a car that anyone can portray an image of being stylish on all levels. I felt so funky in this car. Trending everything red and British tweed was the perfect combination colour with my AudiTT.

This was me at the London Ritz hotel just about to drive off in this fabulous pulse orange Audi TT. This lovely lady who happened to be wearing an orange jacket randomly came up to me and commented on my style as well as the Audi TT. She was drawn to the colour as well as the whole lifestyle I was portraying.

This Audi TT has been around for a while so I was inspired by her. What is the lifestyle and image of anyone driving an Audi TT for 2020? Thanks to storm Ciara, how did the AudiTT perform in unrelenting rainstorms for hours? How safe did I feel behind the wheel of 242hp in the rain?

I am giving her my business card, not the keys!

Pulse Orange

As a wow factor and standing out in central London goes, this pulse orange ticked all the boxes. As I drove out to the M40 I certainly noticed people staring at me. It is a great colour when its a gloomy kind of day. Which happened to last for days whilst driving it. So as a feel good factor goes, it put me in a good colour mood.

Parking In Iconic Cities

My trip consisted of central London, Oxford, Lemington Spa, Stratford Upon Avon, the very narrow roads of the Cotswolds and Brighton. So if parking was going to be put to the test, I certainly gave this car a run for its money.

I could not believe how brilliant this car looked when anyone was behind the wheel. Terry now retired for me looked mean in his Audi TT machine. Brighton can be tricky regarding traffic and challenging when it comes to parking spaces. It was not an issue regarding the Audi TT. Being fast, nippy, small and easy to park in small spaces is why it is the perfect city car.

Parking garages were easy to access and I could not resist taking these shots. It seems pulse orange is all the rage when it comes to garage colours. I have never parked so stylish as I did in the Audi TT.

Regarding the car being parked in central London let alone the Cotswolds, again not an issue at all, because it is small.

Mallory Court Country House Elan Spa

Now if Spa retreats are your thing I would highly recommend Mallory Court Country House Elan Spa. The Audi TT lifestyle is all about work and play. After a hard day’s work or taking the ladies on a weekend away, this car offers that. The back seats are small but it is a lifestyle car and one that could accommodate small trips without too much discomfort.

Mallory Court Country House Elan Spa

Boot Space

I just adore how much space it has to offer. I have seen people often put their ski gear in the back with not too much effort. As I became in a creative mood, I ended up buying a painting. I could fit that plus my suitcase and lots of other little bags. Perfect for an impulsive lady like myself in where you end up buying a lot without thinking about the boot space.

Interior Design

As I expected the interior was stylish and I loved the contrast of the orange and grey velvet seats. The MMI interface is clear and the GPS as usual is precise.

Regarding the 242hp, enough said brilliant on all levels.

I really got messy with this car throwing all my added extras on the floor. The reason being I felt so empowered as a woman in this car to be careless and free. I am confident as my work car this is how it would end up looking on the floor at least, shoes, jewelry, lipstick, and a charger.

My mouthed dropped as I entered my suite at Cotswolds Hotel in Chipping Campden. Yes it was a Pulse Orange week.

Storm Ciara

On one particular day, I drove the from the Cotswolds to Brighton and the rain was unrelenting. It got worse as I drove and the clarity on the roads was dangerous. A combination of idiots on the road and me predicting when to brake or accelerate, I put this AudiTT to the performance test. I went into defensive and anticipation mode and this is when I knew this was my car. It was one of the most challenging drives for me in a long time.

I felt save, I could keep my distance knowing I had power behind me if I had to accelerate. It was solid on the road and very agile. 

At one point the rain was heavy a car crossed lanes out of know where. Yes, the brakes are very responsive and so is the horn. With pulse orange, it was the perfect colour to stand out and be noticed in storms like this.

Conclusion

Audi will bring an update later this year for the TT. What could they possibly change that I don’t already love? Yellow comes to mind.

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