Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip

If you like cars and into modern history. It’s definitely worth a watch.

YOU’LL probably know Paul Hollywood best for being on The Great British Bake-Off alongside Mary Berry. While we all know his love and passion for food. Little did I know that he has a keen interest in cars – and something that has been a lifelong passion of his.

In the three-part series, Hollywood travels to Italy, Germany and France. He looks at how cars have been an influence on people, and society of their respective countries where they were made. Also in making their mark in history, reflection of their culture, and playing their part in shaping up their national identity.

If you have seen James May’s Car of the People, then you will probably enjoy watching Paul Hollywood’s Big Continental Road Trip. It's informative yet entertaining.

If you want to watch the show. It is available to watch on BBC iPlayer*.

*Available at the time of writing, and only available to UK viewers.

The future’s bright for Lotus

A glimmer of hope in East Anglia.

MALAYSIAN car firm Proton Holdings, have been struggling for some time now. But their future has been secured after a takeover by the Geely Group this week. Which in turn, should be great news for Lotus Cars – who are owned by Proton.

Proton have been struggling due to a major decline in sales. Consequently, this has meant Lotus has been starved from investment into research, development, and with limited resources into making new and exciting sports and performance cars. Meaning funds were drying up for the Norfolk-based company.

With the hands-off treatment of Volvo – along with millions invested into the Swedish marque, and let them do what they do best. In return, they have enjoyed a successful renaissance under Geely. If there is anything to go by given how things have panned out for Volvo. There should be plenty of cause of optimism for Lotus.

Living with a Bimmer

Took the plunge and bought a cheap BMW. What could possibly go wrong?

Time to wind down

A breath of fresh air for the Definitely Motoring fleet car...

Ford Focus – Two years on...

How has the Definitely Motoring fleet car served Luke McCormack?

BMW on the bucket list

Hankering after one of Bavaria's finest...

Ford Focus - 12 months on...

IT has been a year this month when I purchased my 2004 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec. So how well or how badly has it served me?

To be honest, the Focus has served me well on the whole. The Focus has done around 12,000 miles under my ownership. It passed the 100,000-mile mark about a month ago. It hasn't missed a beat.

I’ve made sure the car has had the maintenance it’s needed. It’s had a new timing belt fitted in due to the car reaching a certain age. The car will also be getting serviced this week.

I’ve enjoyed ownership of my Focus. It’s a fun to drive and sensible hatchback in equal measure. It’s served me well so far and continues to do so.

The Twelve Cars of Christmas

Our take on the The Twelve Days of Christmas - but with a twist. Enjoy!

Vauxhall makes five million at Ellesmere Port

Vauxhall celebrates a milestone, as the five-millionth car rolled off the production line at the Ellesmere Port plant.

Nissan Qashqai reaches two million mark

NISSAN have announced that the two millionth Qashqai has rolled off the production line in Sunderland this week.

The Qashqai has been the goose that laid the golden egg for Nissan. Launched seven years ago back in 2007 and now into its second generation.

The Japanese manufacturer so far, has made over 2.5 million Qashqais. At the current rate, one fully completed Qashqai rolls off the production line every minute.

This makes Nissan's crossover the fastest selling British built car of all time. Surpassing the new MINI, of which they’ve made the 2.5 million cars rolling off the production line in the space of 10 years from the Cowley plant in Oxford.

It’s an understatement in saying that the Qashqai has been a huge triumph for Nissan. It also kick started the new niche of SUV-cum-hatchback crossover cars. The popularity of them, which many manufacturers soon cottoned onto it, and have made their own imitations of the Qashqai.

With high demand for the Qashqai, which in turn has created more jobs at the Sunderland plant. Helping people keep their jobs as well as create more in the North East. Furthermore, helping the country’s economy. It's also a triumph for Britain’s car industry, and Nissan Manufacturing United Kingdom (NMUK) is an assett to the nation.

The Ford Focus is a great all rounder

I HAVE had my Ford Focus for around six months by now. What I can make of it is that it’s a car that does everything you pretty much expect from one.

It’s spacious, practical and comfortable. The grounds of cost are reasonable when it comes to owning one. Fuel, parts and insurance are all good. Besides the boring and mundane everyday stuff, the Focus offers a bit more.

It’s fun to drive with the sharp and precise steering providing lots of feedback. The gearbox is lovely with short throws and crisp changes. The 1.6 litre Zetec engine is a lively unit with a good blend of performance and economy.

While I have been on holiday, my Mum has given the car a run - she was pleasantly surprised on what a nice car it is to drive. Since then, she is more than happy to use my Focus when she needs to go out somewhere on some occassions.

The only time I've really had to spend money on the car was on the suspension and brakes. It was required so the car could pass its MOT when it had it - which is also for my own safety. The car has also had a new timing belt fitted due to it reaching a certain age. It'll also be due a service soon.

Overall, it's so far so good. The Ford Focus is serving me well.

Au revoir to the Peugeot 206

THIS week, it was farewell to my Peugeot 206 XSi. 

After the way it disintegrated right in front of my own eyes, it soon become a car that was beyond economic repair. To put everything right would have ended up costing more than the car's worth. More so that problems followed after another. It was putting a strain on my wallet, I had to get rid of the 206.

Despite the problems that developed after around 18 months of owning it. The 206 XSi was a sweet looking motor, that was quick and a hoot to drive.

The car's been sold (for spares or repair) to someone who wanted a project car. With time and money to put it back on the road - which is where the car belongs. It was collected on a trailer, and has hopefully gone to a good home.

I'm relieved that the Peugeot's gone, otherwise it would have just been sat in the back yard. Quietly rotting away and falling apart - more so since I got that Ford Focus nearly two months ago. No car deserves that.

Now it's gone, I'm going to miss that car though. I've had some fun with it.

Say hello to the Ford Focus

Change in the Definitely Motoring fleet. Back to driving a Ford again.

Fancy a change

Going on the hunt for the next Definitely Motoring fleet car...

I'd happily own another 206

THERE are some people out there who have liked a certain car they've owned so much, that they'd happily go and get another one. 

It runs in my family. My Mum had two Citroen AXs; my Grandmother had three Citroen AXs and my Grandad had two MK2 Volkswagen Polos. Maybe I'm going in that same direction. As I would happily get another Peugeot 206.

It's just been nearly a year since getting my 206 after trading it in for my old Ford Ka. It's been a joy to own. It's a great looking small car that's quick, comfortable and also a good steer down the country lanes. Even though it's a 1.6 litre engine under the bonnet, it's not too bad on fuel (especially if you go easy with your right foot).

If I ever come to changing car. I've not really thought of anything other than a Peugeot 206. Next time round would probably be a HDi model if I'm sensible. At the other end of the scale, it would be a GTi. It would likely to be the latter.

Peugeot 206 - Six months on...

This year has gone quick and the Peugeot 206 has been the Definitely Motoring fleet car for six months already. How has life been with the Pug?

Let there be light

A little update on the Definitely Motoring fleet car as some work's been done on the Pug...

Deux Zero Six

Now the Ford Ka has gone and here's the new arrival in the Definitely Motoring fleet.

Going, going...GONE!!

Change undergoing in the Definitely Motoring fleet as the Ford Ka parts company.

MOT for KaKa

That quickly crept up as the Ford Ka is already due its MOT.