Sorted Magazine

Author: Val Fraser

  • Motoring: A hot hatch; the Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo

    If you’re after a hot hatch, you’ll know you’ve got to spend quite a lot of money.

    You have probably yet to consider buying a Skoda Fabia, but it could be the answer.

    The Monte Carlo version is the hottest of the Fabia range, with 17-inch alloys, half synthetic leather seats, a rear spoiler, a sports leather steering wheel, aluminium pedals, a carbon effect interior trim with red décor, LED headlights and black door mirrors.

    You also get an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with a DAB radio and a 10.25-inch digital instrument display.

    While it’s not a proper hot hatch, it looks like one.

    There are two engines to choose from: a 1.0-litre three-cylinder producing 110PS with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic, and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder producing 150PS with the automatic.

    It is the 150PS engine reviewed here.

    The power combined with the car’s smallness means it really gets going. And, while its pace isn’t on par with proper performance hatchbacks, it feels rapid enough.

    Lamentably, the transmission doesn’t do it many favours, as it can be hesitant and feels like it’s holding the car back rather than making life easier.

    You can use the gear lever to flick up and down gears, but paddles on the steering wheel would be preferable.

    Despite being a sports version, the chassis and suspension setup is the same as the rest of the range.

    That is not a bad thing, as the Fabia handles well in the bends, with plenty of grip. But any notion it’s a hot hatch ends here, as it’s a worthy blend of comfort and athletic prowess, whereas performance seekers will wish for more of the latter.

    The model rides well, loves a motorway cruise, and it’s great around town, where its small size means it can zip through gaps.

    The interior is exciting, with lots of red and carbon trim, and the seats are comfortable, with good visibility for the driver.

    The infotainment system is friendly and reasonably intuitive to use. But it’s not the most responsive I’ve tried, and it’s inferior to some of its main challengers.

    There is a lot of room in the front and back, given this is a small car. But three adults in the rear is likely to be doable only if the journey is short.

    A generous 380 litres of boot space are offered, expanding to 1,190 litres with the rear seats folded down in a 60:40 split.

    The test car managed an impressive late 40smpg, producing 134-137g/km CO2.

    Skoda has a reputation for reliability nowadays, and you get a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty in case anything goes wrong.

    Euro NCAP awarded the Fabia a five-star safety rating in 2021. It has a driver alert system, front assist, lane assist, rear parking sensors and pedestrian protection.

    Overall, the Skoda Fabia is one of the best cars in its class for sensible things, such as ride comfort and practicality. Some competitors, though, are even more fun to drive.

    Fast Facts – Skoda Fabia (Monte Carlo trim) as tested:

    • Max speed: 139 mph
    • 0-62 mph: 8.0 seconds
    • Combined mpg: 47.9 mpg
    • Engine layout: 1.5-litre four-cylinder with front-wheel drive
    • Max. power (PS): 150PS
    • CO2: 134-137 g/km
    • Price: £23,775

    Main photo credit: Skoda

  • Motoring: A serious presence; the DS 4 E-Tense 225

    DS, the spin-off luxury brand of Citroen, has a growing range of contenders, including the DS 4 hatchback.

    While bringing the Citroen name into the equation might generate funny looks, DS is creating its own path.

    The straight-lined, jagged edges of the car give it a serious presence, and it really looks the part.

    The range is a bit complicated, as there are three different ‘categories’ of cars – the standard DS 4, the Performance Line and the Cross, which adds some rugged off-road styling. Each of the three models then has its own trim levels.

    The standard model in Rivoli trim is reviewed here. It features attractive alloy wheels, a ten inch infotainment touchscreen, a head-up display, keyless entry/start, acoustic glass and matrix LED lights.

    Three powertrains are offered but the plug-in hybrid, the 225PS petrol-electric E-Tense, is of interest here.

    Zero to 62mph is dealt with in 7.7 seconds, with an instant burst of torque from the electric motor. And the powertrain is impressive, delivering decent performance when pootling around town or accelerating to overtake on motorways.

    It has an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which is good, although occasionally, gearchanges feel unnaturally timed.

    While the DS 4 looks athletic and is reasonably quick, it isn’t sporty to drive around bends, and there’s not much feedback through the steering wheel.

    Body lean in the corners is well controlled, and the DS grips the road well, but it doesn’t take much to find its boundaries.

    The French machine is comfortable, though, helped by a feature called Active Scan. The system uses cameras to scan the road ahead for bumps and potholes, adjusting the suspension to compensate.

    Inside, the cabin is extraordinary, oozing class, with the touchscreens pleasingly integrated and part of the design rather than bolted on.

    The infotainment system is clear, responsive, and friendly to use. And, although the cabin isn’t awash with buttons, physical dials for the climate control remain.

    The seats are pretty big, which aids comfort in the front, but the rear feels cramped if you’re tall. There is plenty of headroom, however.

    You get 390 litres of boot space, increasing to 1,190 litres if you fold the seats away in a 60/40 split, although you get more in the non-hybrids.

    The hybrid can give you up to 38 miles of all-electric range and returns 217.2mpg, producing just 30g/km of CO2.

    Overall, the DS 4 is impressive, and what it lacks compared with the German big boys in terms of drivability, it makes up for with personality-led looks and a gorgeous interior.

    It isn’t sporty, even if you opt for the Performance Line versions, nor is it cheap. But in the hybrid form, it’s economical and well-equipped, if a little short on practicality.

    Fast Facts – DS 4 (E-Tense 225 Rivoli trim) as tested:

    • Max speed: 145 mph
    • 0-62 mph: 7.7 secs
    • Fuel economy: 217.2 (38-mile all-electric range)
    • Engine layout: 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol + electric
    • Max. power (PS): 225
    • CO2: 30 g/km
    • Price: £43,050

  • Motoring: “Raises the bar with its blend of performance, style and advanced features”

    Honda e:Ny1

    The e:Ny1 marks Honda’s second fully electric vehicle (EV) in this part of the world.

    The cutting-edge model not only marries a fresh design approach with top-tier interior quality but also showcases advanced technology, making it a compelling and contemporary choice for families who value innovation.

    Developed to deliver new values, sensations, and experiences for existing and new EV owners, the e:Ny1 remains true to Honda’s human-centred development philosophy. Emphasising the brand’s fun-to-drive dynamics, a smooth and refined ride, and versatile functionality, Honda’s engineering team has successfully harnessed the advantages of a fully electric powertrain.

    New Honda e:Ny1 retail offer with 0% APR Representative and increased Honda Deposit Contribution

    Under the bonnet, the e:Ny1 utilises Honda’s newly developed front-motor-driven platform. With the latest battery management technology, the e:Ny1 boasts an impressive range of up to 256 miles and fast charging that takes approximately 45 minutes to reach 80 per cent capacity.

    The e: Ny1’s distinctive character is defined by its sleek, flowing design concept. The integrated headlights and bold face, with a clever rotating grille panel that provides access to the car’s charging port behind, make a unique statement.

    Honda Offers Electric Vehicle For Hybrid Price

    The attention to detail extends to the full-width LED light bar across the tailgate and a range of standout paint options, including the striking Aqua Topaz colour. Furthermore, this model presents a new EV identity, symbolised by the white ‘H’ badge at the front, signifying Honda’s dedication to electrification, and a new typeface for the brand name at the rear.

    Emphasising its commitment to driver and passenger comfort, the e:Ny1 features clever packaging of the electric drivetrain elements, including the placement of the battery under the floor. This design contributes to a spacious, luxurious interior adorned with high-quality cabin materials and comfortable seating. The digital instrument panel and sizeable central touchscreen headline comprehensive technology features, keeping you and your passengers connected and informed.

    New Honda e:Ny1 retail offer with 0% APR Representative and increased Honda Deposit Contribution

    With safety as a top priority, the e:Ny1 comes equipped with the Honda SENSING suite of technologies as standard. The kit includes advanced driver-assist systems, showcasing Honda’s dedication to all-round collision performance and reducing driver burden, providing peace of mind for everyone on board.

    Honda e:Ny1 Shortlisted for Best Compact SUV at Fleet News Awards

    The Honda e:Ny1 certainly raises the bar with its blend of performance, style, and advanced features. Furthermore, this innovative model captivates and excites you while setting refreshing standards in the realm of electric driving.

    Fast Facts – Honda e:Ny1 Advance – as tested:

    • Max speed: 99 mph
    • 0-62 mph: 7.7 secs
    • Electric range: 256 (WLTP)
    • Battery/Motor: 68.8 kWh/single motor
    • Max. power (PS): 204
    • CO2: 0 g/km
    • Price from: £47,845.

    All Photo Credits: Courtesy of Honda

  • Comment: Waiting for the waymarker

    The last time we ascended the hill to the Pepper Pot we followed in the footsteps of a trusted friend. He was an outdoorsy kind of guy with a keen sense of direction who’d walked this path many times before. As the guys forged ahead, we wives followed behind, aimlessly chatting and taking little notice of the route. It was a bright summer’s day and the well worn paths were clearly visible. However, on this occasion, the forest floor was a colourful carpet of fallen leaves, every path obscured. And without a knowledgeable guide to show us the way, hubs was relying on memory and instinct to discern which route to take.

    As we approached yet another mystery cross roads in the woods, a local dog walker clocked our confusion. Indicating a low level wooden post, nestled against the tree line, he offered this friendly advice: “Just follow the waymarkers. As one disappears behind you, and the next one is still out of sight, you will start to panic. Just keep walking in the same direction until the next waymarker appears.”

    And so, on the strength of his word, we kept travelling in the direction the previous waymarker had pointed towards. We ignored the beckoning finger of hopeful trails calling us off in other directions. The comforting signs and sounds of civilisation were left worryingly far behind. Tumble down ruins, consumed by nature, whispered ghostly tales of long ago. Reassuring recollections of the last reliable waymarker began to evaporate, along with our resolve to go where it led. As the woods became denser, the sense of panic which the kind stranger had so confidently predicted, ambushed us in a darkened dell.

    In life and hikes, panic can fuel wrong turns. It’s interesting to note that when the way ahead is unclear, there’s an understandable human longing to turn back. To go back to where I “know”. Or to give up altogether. Once, in the city of Birmingham, I was so utterly lost that I just sat on a wall and wept. Or I might disregard those who’ve walked the path before me, or rationalise that some movement is better than no movement so I just sort of freestyle it, running wildly, hoping to wing my way out of a thick fog without taking wise counsel.

    But together, we held our nerve, believed the words of the kind stranger and patiently trusted until the next waymarker appeared. We also trusted, to some extent, in our own sense of going up hill towards the summit, where the Pepper Pot was located. We knew for certain it was up there, because we remembered eating cheese and beetroot sandwiches while resting against its base. We remembered taking in the magnificent views stretching out across Morecambe Bay.

    The view across Morecambe Bay

    I sighed in gratitude as each waymarker breached my sight lines. Grateful for the kind stranger who had tipped us off. Grateful for those who’d gone before us and taken the trouble to mark the way. Each humble wooden post held a grouping of three, wordless signs. A faded, but plainly visible, ancient chalky white image of the distinctive Pepper Pot, about six inches tall, along with a faded, ancient chalky white arrow. Beneath both of these was a sharper, clearer arrow sitting within a small disc of man made material, some kind of plastic or acrylic.

    These simple signs were obviously installed some years apart, possibly decades. The old and the new had been created using very different skills, methods and materials. But united in a single purpose they remained, clinging to the wooden post in all weathers, fully aligned in the truth they declared. As each waymarker appeared, then disappeared behind us, we followed the direction they pointed to, growing in confidence and faith that, in its own time, the next one would be there to guide the way to our destination.

    The “Pepper Pot” at Silverdale, Lancashire

    Val’s latest book Notes from the North end of Nowhere (published by scm) is available here.

    Photo Credits: Getty images.

    Pepper Pot image courtesy of Bob Fraser.

  • Opinion: “Culture and politics are not disconnected”

    Digital Editor’s note: I’m pleased to welcome Tim Farron as our Sorted Magazine Guest Writer. Tim has been the Member of Parliament for Westmorland and Lonsdale since 2005 and served as the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party from 2015 to 2017. Tim is also the host of Premier’s ‘A Mucky Business’ podcast, which unpacks the murky world of politics and encourages believers around the UK to engage prayerfully.

    Tim writes: Central London has felt an increasingly feverish place to be over the last year, and this weekend was no different. Thousands gathered in the city for three different organised groups.

    The Unite the Kingdom demonstration marched in support of extreme right activist Tommy Robinson, with signs mourning the death in prison of a man who had been arrested in the Rotherham riots over the summer.

    Another group organised by Stand Up to Racism marched in counter-protest to this demonstration.

    And yet another group, the United Families and Friends campaign gathered in Trafalgar Square in memory of those who have died in police custody, and was attended by the family of Chris Kaba. This was after the Police Officer who shot Chris Kaba in 2022 was cleared of his murder last week. Three different groups of thousands of people, choosing to protest, all fuelled by raw emotion.

    The right to protest is important, and we should consider ourself blessed to live in a country where such demonstrations – whatever we think of them – are freely permitted.

    After the heat and noise of the weekend, Parliament looks this week to the budget on Wednesday. This budget is an especially long awaited event. Most new governments introduce their budget just a few days and weeks after they have been elected to power, but the new Labour government has chosen to take its time until now. Soon we will know what the government’s financial plan for the country will look like.

    The passion and protest of the weekend seems a world away from the dry and complex array of numbers we will be subjected to on budget day.

    Of course, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves does not have a lever to control peoples levels of satisfaction in their work, or community cohesion, or collective passion about aspects of culture. The levers available to her are taxation, public borrowing, spending on the NHS and other services and the like.

    But the day-to-day decisions of government and the scrutiny of their decisions are intimately linked to the culture outside the walls of Parliament.

    It is good for politicians to receive the sobering reminder occasionally that there is only so much that they can really control. Especially for a politician in government. There has been much talk in the lead up to the budget by the government of a £22bn black hole in the public finances. It is a statistic usefully employed to prepare the ground for a ‘painful’ budget of difficult decisions. It is a reminder that while it seems nearly all public services are desperate for more support – from the probate office to the prison service – that there is also precious little spare money to go around.

    This all paints a bleak picture of an uncertain few years ahead. Financial uncertainty and instability creates cultural uncertainty and instability. People become afraid for their personal circumstances and for those of their families – they may then blame others for their predicament, sometimes it will be politicians who have the finger pointed at them but often it can be other groups in society who cannot reasonably be held responsible, but nevertheless find themselves the focus of people’s anger and frustration. Social and ethnic groups so often fit this bill and become scapegoats. We need to watch out for this and defend those people when this happens.

    Sometimes, the best a government can do in such uncertain times is to demonstrate basic competence! A government that is responsible with what it has, is realistic about its limits, and seeks to do right by the poorest and most vulnerable in society with the resources it has is a gift of what theologians call ‘common grace’. A free gift from God that no one deserves but from which we all benefit.

    The decisions made on tax and spending may or may not generate the same heat and noise as a culture war protests, but they have a far greater impact on the culture in the long run. A reckless budget, like the now infamous budget announced by Kwasi Kwarteng in Liz Truss’ short lived time in Number Ten, can cause financial shockwaves, trigger inflation and worsen the cost of living crisis. With that came an inevitable rise in cultural instability and anger.

    There will be countless impossible to predict consequences from whatever decisions Rachel Reeves announces this Wednesday. The impact on small businesses, incomes, pensions savings, the price of a bus fare, or a pasty, or a pint of beer, or a litre of fuel… there are so many potential consequences that its best to wait and see and weigh things up in the days after the budget itself, no matter how tempting it may be to politicians to make assumptions now!

    So we should for Rachel Reeves to carry these responsibilities well and she would act justly especially towards those who have the least and with sober and wise judgement.

    Culture and politics are not disconnected. Politics shapes culture just as culture shapes politics. As my friend Andy Flannagan has pointed out, it took changing the law to enforce wearing seat belts in cars for the culture to catch up. As always, let’s remember Jesus’ parable that the wise man builds his house upon the rock of his teaching. Jesus guarantees that storms will rage and waves will rise, but that those houses built on the rock will not fall down. So lets pray for careful stewardship of the public finances and that this might also create some calm and stability in a culture that feels to be rising to a boil.

    Tim Farron (pictured above) is the author of A Mucky Business: Why Christians should get involved in politics.

    Photo Credits: Getty images

  • Opinion: “In a way, being late is theft”

    As the travel companies so often advise, please allow extra time for your journey.

    It sounds so very obvious, but over the years, I wish I’d left early, be it for travel, appointments, the airport or the dentist (OK, not the dentist). Rushing is what I tend to spend my life doing. And it’s mainly because of one simple, debilitating habit: I like to calculate how much time it will take me to get somewhere, and then leave with exactly that amount to complete the journey. This means that I am constantly clock watching while getting to meetings (my church office is 28 minutes and 30 seconds away if traffic is light).

    This habit means that I feel frantic as I dash to the airport (one hour 14 minutes), hoping and praying that I’ll be there on time, feeling massively stressed throughout the journey and arriving somewhat emotionally fractured. Ironically, in trying to achieve more, I achieve less, because my head is brimming with anxiety and I waste the journey time; instead of reflecting or planning, I’m too busy worrying that I’m going to miss that plane.

    Ironically, I am a very punctual person and I believe that being late is insulting, because a delay costs other people time. When I am late, not only am I delayed, but it tells those that I am meeting that I do not consider their time to be important. I know people who were probably late being born, and have been consistently late ever since. If they arrive punctually, then it’s a surprise. Now they have a reputation for not keeping their word.

    In a way, being late is theft. Horace Mann put it rather bluntly: “Unfaithfulness in the keeping of an appointment is an act of clear dishonesty. You may as well borrow a person’s money as their time.” Sometimes, being late brings total disaster.

    There’s an episode in the Bible where we can be certain that a delayed arrival created all kinds of problems. Samuel had agreed to meet nervous King Saul, and he was just a little late. I’m not talking 20 minutes, or even an hour. Saul had been told to wait a week for Samuel to arrive, but even then, Samuel missed the deadline, and Saul’s demoralised troops began to scatter. Saul panicked and offered sacrifices; a job reserved exclusively for the priesthood. We’re not told why Samuel was delayed, but his lateness certainly had dire consequences. So keep your word. Don’t say the cheque is in the post if it isn’t. Leave early. And be on time.

    Main photo credit: Ales Krivec via Unsplash

  • Motoring: “A top contender in the realm of mild-hybrid cars”

    Peugeot 208 GT Hybrid

    Peugeot has introduced the revised Peugeot 208 relatively recently. The main difference in the newest 208 is the headlight design, which has been moved outwards to create a broader appearance. The updated face also incorporates Peugeot’s fresh logo and body-coloured highlights within the 208’s grille – and at the derrière, there’s now a horizontal LED strip rear light signature.

    The update also includes mild-hybrid PureTech petrol options. The GT Hybrid 136 e-DSC6, on test here, is equipped with an 1199cc three-pot engine and 136 horses. Clout is channelled via a six-speed automatic transmission fitted with a modest electric motor that helps to lower fuel consumption. If you drive the Peugeot without your right foot buried in the carpet, you’ll get between 54.5mpg and 65.0mpg.

    That said, the powertrain can whip its way up to 62mph in 8.1 seconds, and the car’s maximum speed is 127mph. This means this little 208 can roar like a lion along motorways, but it’s just as content pootling around as the school-run shuttle. Indeed, integrating Peugeot’s e-DSC6 (Dual Shift Clutch) automatic transmission contributes to smooth and responsive driving performance, no matter the pace.

    The 208 is also easy to park, so you’ll make some other drivers jealous by slotting into the tight spots large SUV-driving folk can’t.

    Returning to the design, the latest Peugeot 208 GT embodies modernity and sophistication – there are no two ways about it. Its aerodynamic silhouette, distinctive LED lighting signatures, and bold exterior design elements exude a sense of premium craftsmanship.

    The interior reflects a pleasant amalgamation of style and practicality, too. The cabin features high-quality materials, an intuitive infotainment system, and a driver-centric cockpit that offers maximum comfort and convenience.

    Furthermore, the 208 GT Hybrid boasts a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance tech, including lane-keeping assist, speed limit recognition and recommendation, active safety braking, driver attention warning, and automatic hazard light activation upon heavy braking. These features elevate the vehicle’s safety standards and pave the way for a more relaxed and secure driving experience.

    With its impressive powertrain, advanced technology, decent fuel efficiency and striking design, this Peugeot sets a high standard in its segment. Indeed, the 208 GT Hybrid 136 e-DSC6 undoubtedly merits consideration as a top contender in the realm of mild-hybrid cars and even school–run mobiles.

    Fast Facts – Peugeot 208 GT Hybrid 136 e-DSC6 – as tested:

    • Max speed: 127 mph
    • 0-62 mph: 8.1 secs
    • Fuel economy: 54.5mpg – 65.0mpg
    • Engine layout: 1199cc three-cylinder turbo petrol + mild hybrid tech
    • Max. power (PS): 136
    • CO2: 105 g/km
    • Price: £28,460.

    All Photo Credits: Courtesy of Peugeot

  • Motoring: “The information system is among the best in the business”

    Audi Q3 Sportback

    The Q3 Sportback is quite trendy looking and is available in three trims.

    The primary focus here is the PHEV, which I drove in S Line trim.

    With 245PS on tap, it feels brisk, especially as the electric motor’s acceleration comes instantly in a burst. It does 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, which is adequate for most, topping out at 130mph.

    The PHEV has a firmer suspension to deal with the extra electrified heft, but you’ll struggle to notice – it still corners smoothly and doesn’t resist.

    Of course, the PHEV is economical, returning official figures of 148mpg in the S Line trim. However, getting near these figures requires keeping the battery topped up and ensuring the car runs on electric power only as often as possible.

    The PHEV is a no-brainer, then, if you’re looking for a company car. Its ultra-low emissions will generate the best savings in Benefit in Kind tax.

    Audi makes some of the best interiors, and the Q3 gets the same treatment. It looks smart and sophisticated and has a superbly premium feel, especially the two-tiered dashboard, which is bathed in silver and grey décor. It houses an embedded infotainment screen that is slightly angled towards the driver.

    The PHEV’s silver pedals and light door trims also make the interior look inviting. Everything – including well-dampened switches, dials, and buttons – feels solid, sturdy, and well put together.

    The infotainment system is among the best in the business, too, with intuitive menus and a clear, high-resolution display. There is no rotary dial, which means it’s not the easiest to use on the move, but the Q3 Sportback comes with voice control, which works reasonably reliably.

    There are no traditional dials behind the steering wheel; instead, they are replaced by the Audi Virtual Cockpit display, which offers a variety of customisable options so you can choose what information you want to see.

    Finding a comfortable driving position is easy in the Q3 Sportback, with plenty of adjustment in the seats and steering wheel. You sit reasonably high, with good forward visibility, while the windscreen pillars are kept slim, aiding your view at road junctions.

    Rearward visibility is more restricted, though, with thicker diagonal rear pillars, making the rear windscreen’s angle shallow, further limiting your view. Still, it’s mitigated somewhat by including rear parking sensors, although a rear-view camera is available as an optional extra.

    The front has enough headroom to accommodate drivers well over six feet tall, and the expansive cabin provides sufficient shoulder space. Things could be more rosy in the back, though. The sloping roofline makes the rear hostile to the tallest passengers, but there’s a decent amount of legroom. The rear seats recline, too, which may reduce the chance of banging your head off the ceiling.

    Another downside of the Q3 Sportback is that the boot effectively has a chunk chopped off it compared with the standard Q3. Interestingly, this doesn’t lessen the Q3 Sportback’s boot capacity. It is listed as 530 litres for both models – although the space is more usable in the standard Q3. However, choosing the Sportback PHEV reduces the cargo capacity to 380 litres.

    The back seats can be folded in a versatile and convenient 40:20:40 split, expanding the available boot capacity. You can also create more space with the rear seats in place as they slide back and forth, although the boot still isn’t tiny, even in its most compromised configuration. As a result, you’ll easily fit folded-up prams, golf clubs and supermarket sweeps.

    In conclusion, the Q3 Sportback is a tempting car with plenty of attributes in its favour. It has refined engines, a lovely interior, and reasonable handling. The ride is a little on the firm side; nevertheless, if you can live with that and the drawbacks of the limited rear headroom, this Audi makes a good case for itself.

    Fast Facts – Audi Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e S tronic – as tested:

    • Max speed: 130 mph
    • 0-62 mph: 7.3 secs
    • Fuel economy: 148.7 mpg
    • Engine layout: 1395cc four-cylinder turbo petrol + electric
    • Max. power (PS): 245
    • CO2: 44 g/km
    • Price: £47,165.

    All Photo Credits: Courtesy of Audi

  • Comment: How do we navigate the changing landscape of social media?

    Like many people, I was shocked and horrified when stabbings, riots and counter protests took place in some parts of the country. At that time I had a commitment in my home city of Manchester – or Manc-hattan as we like to call it these days. I had felt perfectly safe strolling through sunny streets, where friendly folks went about their business peacefully, all of us oblivious to the skirmishes that would erupt just hours later.

    In the meantime a well known digital tech giant began stirring the toxic pot. According to The Guardian, Twitter owner Elon Musk, shared a faked Telegraph article claiming that Kier Starmer was considering sending rioters to “emergency detainment camps” in the Falklands. The Telegraph described it as “a fabricated headline for an article that doesn’t exist.” Half an hour later Musk deleted his post but claimed that nearly two million readers had viewed it.

    Disclosure: As a journalist I loved some of the engagement, connections, real life friendships, sources and news stories I discovered on Twitter. Less so in recent times. As the nonsense escalated so did my concerns and disengagement. I dithered as more media peeps drifted away. But when the fake news story broke, for me, a line was crossed.

    I think it would be fair to say that the digital landscape is experiencing a time of unprecedented turbulence. A great Exodus has begun. Celebrities, businesses, politicians, lawyers, journalists, NHS bodies, some banks and key players have left Twitter altogether. Some organisations and individuals have simply reduced their engagement. Some have ceased engagement altogether but held onto their Twitter handle so others can’t nobble their name or brand.

    Here’s what I’m seeing online: Other social media platforms are slowly increasing in popularity. Each of them works differently and will suit different requirements. Threads is becoming popular with media and creative types. It’s much smaller than Twitter, currently slower paced and feels less manic, but maybe that’s a good thing. Instagram seems to be well used by photographers, film makers, visual thinkers and designers. Linkedin has shape-shifted somewhat in recent times, but remains a great place to post, network and job search. I’m not such a fan of Tik Tok but I know some people who absolutely love it!

    WhatsApp is particularly effective for sharing information or chatting within small groups. Most of my audio notifications are turned off, except for WhatsApp, because that’s where my real people hang out. And then there’s good old familiar Facebook with all its quirks! Public groups hold the annoying potential to be both helpful and unhelpful. But with diligent admins, private groups can function well as a means of connecting. These remain a popular choice. Individuals simply aiming to connect and communicate a snippet of news with their friends won’t go far wrong either.

    When it comes to navigating social media, with it’s addictive pull and global reach, it’s important to be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. To remind ourselves that we are the head and not the tail. Social media is a man made construct. A powerful communication tool which is there to serve us. We do not serve it. If you take a break or ditch social media altogether I’m pretty sure nothing bad will actually happen. It’s good to explore different social media platforms. None of them are perfect, because they are full of imperfect people, but it may be worth a careful exploration until you find the places that works for you.

    Main Photo Credit: Getty images

  • Motoring: New Aston Martin Vanquish

    “All will be vanquished” said Aston Martin’s marketing department as it teased its new car.

    How right its statement may turn out to be.

    The new Vanquish is finally here – and it’s described as the “most potent flagship” in Aston Martin’s 111-year history.

    In an era where plug-in hybrids and electric cars are starting to dominate, the famous marque from Warwickshire is hailing the rebirth of its legendary V12. It boasts 5.2 litres, a twin-turbo and a staggering 835PS – yes, you read that last figure right.

    As if that wasn’t enough, a 0-62mph time of 3.3 seconds, 1000Nm of torque and a top speed of 214mph – the highest ever on an Aston Martin production car – tells you all you need to know. Even the Pirelli-supplied tyres are made from a compound custom-made for the new Vanquish.

    The Vanquish’s cylinder block and conrods have been strengthened, and the camshafts reprofiled. It also has higher flowrate fuel injectors, and reduced inertia turbochargers help increase throttle response. In addition, a new Boost Reserve function raises turbo boost pressure above what’s normally required for any throttle position, aiding performance across the rev range. This means that burying your foot to the floor will deliver full power quicker than before.

    The car is rear-wheel drive and sits on 21-inch alloy wheels. It features an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox and an 80-mm-extended wheelbase. While this adds weight, Aston Martin has countered this with a carbon fibre body to keep the mass to a minimum, although the structure remains bonded aluminium as before.

    An electronic rear limited slip differential maximises grip from the rear wheels, providing greater agility and better control of oversteer. It also increases the car’s rotation in corners, making for faster cornering speeds.

    What’s more, the Vanquish has brand-new dampers, which, according to Aston Martin, will ensure the ride remains firm but comfortable. It has a double-wishbone front suspension setup and multi-link at the rear. Carbon ceramic brakes are included as standard, too.

    The expansion of the front grille – a feature of a handful of recent Aston Martins – continues on the Vanquish. The rest of the car’s silhouette is unmistakeably familiar, including bulging shoulders above the rear wheel arches.

    A curved black carbon fibre strip wraps around the back, and the taillights have thin blades on either side. The number plate sits low, flanked by two pairs of large, slightly squared-off tailpipes.

    The interior is gorgeous. It houses hand-trimmed leather and looks fantastic. It has plenty of piano black surfaces and a menacingly authoritative centre console.

    The infotainment screen is slanted diagonally, bridging the gap between the centre console and the dashboard, while thin air vents sit above the touchscreen. A second screen – the digital instrument display – replaces the more traditional analogue dials behind the steering wheel. Meanwhile, a full-length panoramic glass roof ensures plenty of light so you can fully admire the cabin’s beauty.

    A Bowers and Wilkins premium audio system will add more impressive noises to the car, assuming you’re okay with the V12 symphony being accompanied by actual music.

    A plethora of safety systems will keep you safe, but you’ll need deep pockets if you want a Vanquish. Aston Martin only makes 1,000 of them each year, and the 2025 model costs upwards of £335,000.

    The Vanquish looks like it’ll live up to its name then, certainly as far as your wallet is concerned.

    Fast Facts – New 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish:

    • Max speed: 214 mph
    • 0-62 mph: 3.3 secs
    • Fuel economy: 20.7 mpg
    • Engine layout: V12 5.2-litre twin-turbo
    • Max. power (PS): 835
    • CO2: 274 g/km
    • Price from: £335,000 On the Road.

    All Photo Credits: Courtesy of Aston Martin Vanquish