tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9442479204827373502024-03-07T14:34:09.575+11:00Have Car, Will DriveA regular motoring enthusiast's experiences and perspective on all things with four wheelshcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-13632141231383092452012-07-02T21:17:00.000+10:002013-03-17T21:19:08.883+11:00Car Lust: Audi A1 Sportback<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3det2jBpVI-gw1HFfNgEeXg7-lVbeaAD58HfI1xSwNyR5VsTR-An-PSAM8yCTOoWowkbZ-BI19LninjpUe-KipFAUlvNbolYhbqj_v84SHufc1TacYPqG0IOobBbP8zCvt2eHl9sq1oqA/s1600/A1120021_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3det2jBpVI-gw1HFfNgEeXg7-lVbeaAD58HfI1xSwNyR5VsTR-An-PSAM8yCTOoWowkbZ-BI19LninjpUe-KipFAUlvNbolYhbqj_v84SHufc1TacYPqG0IOobBbP8zCvt2eHl9sq1oqA/s640/A1120021_medium.jpg" width="640"></a><br>
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It has been quite a while since I last posted anything here. To be precise (I do like to be), it has been exactly 284 days since my last post. Since then many things have kept me from posting, and with every week that passes it has only become harder to give any attention to HaveCar WillDrive. But this week I have come down with such a terrible bout of car lust that I couldn't help but share it here. Yes, I am lusting badly for an Audi A1 Sportback. You may be asking yourself "what could be so exciting about a tarted-up overpriced Volkswagen Polo?" At first glance you may have a point, but let me explain.<br>
<a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2012/07/car-lust-audi-a1-sportback.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-29370302877143476982011-09-22T13:49:00.000+10:002011-09-22T13:50:56.577+10:00Car Lust: Used Jaguar XJ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNIqJMQBziIkAhmFStqF404R79BqWv8o7mcz369deDQnGrEZEd3Y7J7kqA3ObILhyMC7wGHXEWEQGLWd51l3aGUuWWusbLX-s4J1yoP-sz9WOSUXWzgambZ8DoxCwkKXhFiqk_6fvVqxU/s1600/Jaguar_XJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNIqJMQBziIkAhmFStqF404R79BqWv8o7mcz369deDQnGrEZEd3Y7J7kqA3ObILhyMC7wGHXEWEQGLWd51l3aGUuWWusbLX-s4J1yoP-sz9WOSUXWzgambZ8DoxCwkKXhFiqk_6fvVqxU/s640/Jaguar_XJ.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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I've long had a soft spot for the Jaguar XJ. In particular, I'm quite drawn to the elegance of the X300/X308 models, sold here from the mid 1990s through to the early 2000s. In fact, not long before I purchased my Focus I was seriously tempted by a 1997 XJ6 that was for sale by a local Jaguar specialist for a shade under $16,000. At the time however, a fear of ongoing maintenance costs and a reluctant preferance for optimum practicality won out over my desire for a piece of not-so-distant British luxury automotive history.<br>
<a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/09/car-lust-used-jaguar-xj.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-51351362314279075152011-09-08T13:01:00.000+10:002011-09-08T13:01:33.635+10:00Review: 2003 Mazda 6 Luxury<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XkwSiy3UhzFEcX57TE7g_24UQ6iZztUtpsKK2-4gH_AcvDYNEKfn3iPwFlp-6JKVRlo91cnIViJ37CmM0I7AEeZBNv7QtoZWBYG9e9gMmQBhwlSN28lsVcqE0eKRkn6rOByJGkH3Ps97/s1600/Camping+Nov+%252706+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XkwSiy3UhzFEcX57TE7g_24UQ6iZztUtpsKK2-4gH_AcvDYNEKfn3iPwFlp-6JKVRlo91cnIViJ37CmM0I7AEeZBNv7QtoZWBYG9e9gMmQBhwlSN28lsVcqE0eKRkn6rOByJGkH3Ps97/s640/Camping+Nov+%252706+040.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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If you are looking for an unbiased review on a used family car, I suggest that you leave this page immediately. For this is a review of a car that is quite close to my heart, my dad's 2003 Mazda 6 Luxury sedan. This is the first car I ever drove, and the a car I regularly borrowed when I had just passed my license test. Even once I've had my own car, I have borrowed the Mazda on multiple occasions, either for holidays not suitable for my then current transportation or just because I wanted a spin in my first automotive love. I've been thinking about writing this review for quite some time, but I was waiting for the timing to be right. Having recently spent a whole week driving this car according to my usual routine, reminding me all of the car's joys and shortfalls alike it feels like that right time is now.<br>
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<a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/09/review-2003-mazda-6-luxury.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-27903572615699020522011-09-01T12:32:00.004+10:002011-09-01T15:05:12.104+10:00Car Lust: Renault Megane R.S. 250 Monaco GP LE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGf6W8R9l1Yp81wtshpxyu7SLIBmXsMz7dBRnbCzFFOURXFh7XFYc_nskY4zmrIKkU2HbMjh6aIcnbO2B7CPshN4yyArLfw4q_2zRHTjN7MpAMKfHY44MZzBDnIMNR94z4YXyWDtPpM0r8/s1600/Renault_27053_1_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGf6W8R9l1Yp81wtshpxyu7SLIBmXsMz7dBRnbCzFFOURXFh7XFYc_nskY4zmrIKkU2HbMjh6aIcnbO2B7CPshN4yyArLfw4q_2zRHTjN7MpAMKfHY44MZzBDnIMNR94z4YXyWDtPpM0r8/s640/Renault_27053_1_6.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640"></a></div><br>
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As it happens, I have quite a soft spot for hot hatches. This might suprise you, as my usual purist aproach to performance would require the engine's power to be driven through the rear wheels, and this is a class of vehicles dominated by front-drivers (as well as some all-wheel-drive cars too). However, having spent a considerable amount of time enjoying driving front-wheel-drive cars, including on some quite challenging roads, the idea of simply focussing such a vehicle for better performance is quite appealing. Of the front-drive hot hatches available in Australia today the RenaultSport Magane was aleady a top pick, so this week's announcement that we will soon receive 50 examples of the Renault Megane R.S. 250 Monaco Grand Prix Limited Edition was more than welcome.<br>
<a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/09/car-lust-renault-megane-rs-250-monaco.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-10683097530622079662011-08-25T11:50:00.001+10:002011-08-25T11:52:09.290+10:00A Show Without Utes? That's Un-Australian!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaXPmUssdR-ssNSpYibbbFALM1bM_Wik6ia-epU1Yyud4rV6JzlcAYbi4vgWi9JsqDhrFRETd6F_4h0eqtsz0kwhOuZBFwX46IbOD_ZdBgLpyuafwXGOOx5bs7nQAQlgOcdznW7J_LW0q/s1600/DSC_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaXPmUssdR-ssNSpYibbbFALM1bM_Wik6ia-epU1Yyud4rV6JzlcAYbi4vgWi9JsqDhrFRETd6F_4h0eqtsz0kwhOuZBFwX46IbOD_ZdBgLpyuafwXGOOx5bs7nQAQlgOcdznW7J_LW0q/s640/DSC_0170.JPG" width="640"></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mazda BT-50, with extra beef!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">At last year's Australian International Motorshow in Sydney, amongst an underwhelmingly small collection of new product launches and concepts were the international launches of two new models: Ford's Ranger, and its twin the Mazda BT-50. Accompanying them at the show was a Toyota Hilux driven to the North Pole by TopGear, a Rally-Raid Isuzu D-Max and Volkswagen's new Amarok in full Dakar Rally support vehicle liverly. That's right, the most interesting vehicles at last year's AIMS were utes.</div><a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/08/show-without-utes-thats-un-australian.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-4340396512105611672011-07-28T16:57:00.001+10:002011-07-28T16:58:02.345+10:00Reflections Of A Car Addict On Holiday<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OH48lrNbaNmA9S5j4BIWG8wPTkLe0Xh0Eqfv3-EM3RtRBMeT7WsAhw5uzVRDec-4xD0UlZLRW0vaYDvD6ijFxEhpT1pT1VzrsWoMfmLUBG95f5WMi7JtLw-AoP4p96BNqrcal3nHghuU/s1600/DSC_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OH48lrNbaNmA9S5j4BIWG8wPTkLe0Xh0Eqfv3-EM3RtRBMeT7WsAhw5uzVRDec-4xD0UlZLRW0vaYDvD6ijFxEhpT1pT1VzrsWoMfmLUBG95f5WMi7JtLw-AoP4p96BNqrcal3nHghuU/s640/DSC_0145.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BMW Vision Concept at AIMS 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">After more than a month of running around madly, resting intensly, and doing various things that can only be done during uni holidays, it is well and truly time for me to put some time back into Have Car, Will Drive. In that time I've visited the Melbourne Motor Show, driven upwards of 1500km including two trips to Phillip Island, and dipped my feet in the mirky waters of car mechanics peforming my first radiator flush and attempting to understand the intricate workings of a Hyundai's hydraulic clutch system. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/07/reflections-of-car-addict-on-holiday.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-72227777099012589212011-06-22T13:07:00.002+10:002011-06-22T13:09:22.174+10:00New! Mini Tongue-Twister With Less For More!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEMjOJ6b7jeNhBxq0rIqFKO51HSlsUtveQx181VFoFuenUvO29UeM7JKyYWB0wG5Vv7klLmbMQsL8ligw7Jk2Yp-FJC1HX868b4UXzClBg_37nk8hgaI-0v20yLV82ZWcRYbqplZa0XIX/s1600/P90076647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEMjOJ6b7jeNhBxq0rIqFKO51HSlsUtveQx181VFoFuenUvO29UeM7JKyYWB0wG5Vv7klLmbMQsL8ligw7Jk2Yp-FJC1HX868b4UXzClBg_37nk8hgaI-0v20yLV82ZWcRYbqplZa0XIX/s640/P90076647.jpg" width="640"></a><br>
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Can you say Mini Cooper Coupe ten times fast? You'd better get practising if you want a slice of Mini's newest additional to its ever-expanding line-up. Or if you want one with a longer name, you could go for the Mini John Cooper Works Coupe pictured here. Expected in Australia later this year, the Coupe chops two rear seats and a bit of rear roof from the standard Mini to turn it into a three-box sports coupe. I can't quite decide whether I like the design of the roof or not, but it certainly fits the brand's quirky young image. Expect to see the Coupe in Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works guises, as well as possibly the diesel version on Australian shores, with engines just slightly updated versions of those found in other Mini variants.<br>
<a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/06/new-mini-tongue-twister-with-less-for.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-5047126820438001682011-06-19T09:55:00.000+10:002011-06-19T10:03:37.802+10:00Car Lust: Used Volvo V70 (?!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedn4nsRl5bmbdDonxpa83sW0TzWSizdHyRS2U4LkUMqsK3nICouKcj9hJMj1QrAQpfDAXY_nkcbcZ1pX4EX6IVDpSDTzEyTkcbEkfxHthpW5EFAMdUsiVZdd0Qk_zXYG0ELngFmmsI9_k/s1600/V70_MY04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedn4nsRl5bmbdDonxpa83sW0TzWSizdHyRS2U4LkUMqsK3nICouKcj9hJMj1QrAQpfDAXY_nkcbcZ1pX4EX6IVDpSDTzEyTkcbEkfxHthpW5EFAMdUsiVZdd0Qk_zXYG0ELngFmmsI9_k/s640/V70_MY04.jpg" width="640"></a><br>
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Exam study can at times cause bursts of insanity. In my case, this seems to be manifesting itself as a strange compulsive desire to acquire a Volvo. And not just any Volvo, and not even the sporty, driver-focussed kind of Volvo that you might almost expect me to lust after. No, instead I am pining for a V70 wagon, preferably built early in the new millenium.<br>
<a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/06/car-lust-used-volvo-v70.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-82314675069442621552011-06-09T19:29:00.002+10:002011-06-09T19:41:00.248+10:00When Is A Diesel Not A Diesel? When It's A Fiat...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3WENcMTwqpOj9GbXEStjiIajsSbpqAzveUzo7ifC4qRdmkVrda5BciGHxS0b7cnvq5y92qxTCwrUJIeR3NzPIyzNTenu9cVnJwr86jiE95qk1KYi6eC1MQ9R9sqp8muhCMkF5YUNDBOt/s1600/2011-fiat-500-diesel-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3WENcMTwqpOj9GbXEStjiIajsSbpqAzveUzo7ifC4qRdmkVrda5BciGHxS0b7cnvq5y92qxTCwrUJIeR3NzPIyzNTenu9cVnJwr86jiE95qk1KYi6eC1MQ9R9sqp8muhCMkF5YUNDBOt/s640/2011-fiat-500-diesel-1.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br>
Like most small cars, the Fiat 500 is sold with an optional diesel engine in Europe. To date Australia has only had the choice of petrol-engined Fiat 500s, so when I heard that Fiat had announced the Fiat 500 Diesel for sale in Australia I was excited at the prospect of a new version of the funky Italian hatchback offering spectacular fuel efficiency while burning those long-chained hydrocarbons once reserved for trucks and tractors. Unfortunately, my hopes were soon dashed like a diesel-powered boat caught on a rocky coastline. Instead of being a diesel powered version of the miniature Italian, the Fiat 500 Diesel is a special edition of the regular petrol-powered 500 with trimmings designed by an Italian fashion house. 'Which Italian fashion house?' I hear you ask. That's right, you guessed it: Diesel.<br>
<a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/06/when-is-diesel-not-diesel-when-its-fiat.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-86950159165253308232011-06-05T22:12:00.002+10:002011-06-06T10:49:12.847+10:00Car Lust: Audi R8 GT Spyder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1R2s_XXhacNP0qFKKLj05ASR63i6ZMH2s3-6dF9yKn7nDLm635XlEUPd9gLSnOlBTbPzxqyiUiyTvpdQgnHoF-xfI1NpUESd_xUNAoUEEL0mQtCigOThc7rkUPg9iqp88veToDHWUxLH/s1600/AU008367-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1R2s_XXhacNP0qFKKLj05ASR63i6ZMH2s3-6dF9yKn7nDLm635XlEUPd9gLSnOlBTbPzxqyiUiyTvpdQgnHoF-xfI1NpUESd_xUNAoUEEL0mQtCigOThc7rkUPg9iqp88veToDHWUxLH/s640/AU008367-1.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br>
I'm not usually a fan of convertibles. Beyond their good looks they are the epitome of style over function. However, I think in the case of the Audi R8 GT Spyder I may have to make an exception. I have always admired the R8 coupe's styling, and I was recently reminded of its beauty when I saw one in the flesh driving in the Melbourne CBD a couple of weeks ago, and then re-reminded when a silver R8 made a brief appearance on a movie I was watching on TV last night (which shall remain nameless on the grounds that it may incriminate, or worse, embarrass me).<br>
<a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/06/car-lust-audi-r8-gt-spyder.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-8972751530397875432011-06-01T18:58:00.001+10:002011-06-03T08:21:28.597+10:00Motor Show Or Motor No-Show?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZ_xMIoUYPVPJzXMTg58e0VkwHEQsxWb2maqsbjFbJFgXbx302OJ-bmIPsB9pEQqbPzDfGbIcVhOujBLqv_pL-5PBJNYZLAHhGlhbsq0fa1RZCHctSC3de66gMwSwhZiApB-xMNAV2n-7/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZ_xMIoUYPVPJzXMTg58e0VkwHEQsxWb2maqsbjFbJFgXbx302OJ-bmIPsB9pEQqbPzDfGbIcVhOujBLqv_pL-5PBJNYZLAHhGlhbsq0fa1RZCHctSC3de66gMwSwhZiApB-xMNAV2n-7/s640/DSC_0110.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porsche 911 GT1-98 at AIMS 2010 in Sydney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I love a good motor show. Since a young age, the journey to the Melbourne Motor Show has been an annual ritual. Until last year that is. For the first time in my lifetime, there was no motor show in Melbourne for 2010. Thanks to a new agreement between the organisers of the respective shows in Melbourne and Sydney, a show would occur in each city in alternating years. This came after industry pressure for a single show shared between the two cities, and struggles experienced by organisers of shows in lesser Australian cities. But was this enough to save the motor show from the jaws of the internet generation? Or are high-cost events that seem to cater to an increasingly niche audience headed for extinction?<br>
<a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/06/motor-show-or-motor-no-show.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-25997401670970429362011-05-31T17:04:00.003+10:002011-06-03T08:32:20.189+10:00Car Lust x2: Autocar Compares 1-Series M & Cayman R<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH8lUjVoM06cEw6gLsjrrvA4cOINFqYIDjs1xm4s4PSlotjd8NSsdrpgarC8S2AxUoZ5Nmh3Z6nthdGWyIQWpaLDvn1S9PVPbE26a2cfYrBefkmbx-XOGNm8pyyXfXpM4Fk8CamXGwwrd/s1600/1MvsCaymanR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH8lUjVoM06cEw6gLsjrrvA4cOINFqYIDjs1xm4s4PSlotjd8NSsdrpgarC8S2AxUoZ5Nmh3Z6nthdGWyIQWpaLDvn1S9PVPbE26a2cfYrBefkmbx-XOGNm8pyyXfXpM4Fk8CamXGwwrd/s400/1MvsCaymanR.jpg" width="400"></a></div>I have previously mentioned my affection for both BMW's 1-Series, and Porsche's Cayman. The 1-Series M and Cayman R are the most focused examples of each respective vehicle, and the UK's <i>Autocar </i>has just posted a brief video comparison of the two machines. Given that my hypothetical ideal garage contains both a 1-Series coupe (admittedly a 135i) and a Cayman (S or R would do just fine), I couldn't resist re-posting this video here. I won't give too much away, but it comes as no surprise that as these cars are far from identical, each has its certain strengths and weaknesses. Click <a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/05/car-lust-x2-autocar-compares-1-series-m.html#more">through the jump</a> to watch the 4-minute video.<br>
<a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/05/car-lust-x2-autocar-compares-1-series-m.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-40619423238604102622011-05-22T21:56:00.001+10:002011-05-22T21:58:23.284+10:00Ask HCWD: Mini Moke = Ideal First Car?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmporWmiv2_8HsMuzY1u-guWQT7iUlQ69TeQ6NiK7wG0oFLhgyI74-RZuZrG2JZF7IBo8nbz8ANZ7bfGGpM88bZDotLNgR1Ny4pWAyBxBqFdLZt6Zw62T785sQiUNQb0_H8Rq1nKoK-jZ/s1600/Mini-Moke_1984.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmporWmiv2_8HsMuzY1u-guWQT7iUlQ69TeQ6NiK7wG0oFLhgyI74-RZuZrG2JZF7IBo8nbz8ANZ7bfGGpM88bZDotLNgR1Ny4pWAyBxBqFdLZt6Zw62T785sQiUNQb0_H8Rq1nKoK-jZ/s640/Mini-Moke_1984.jpg"></a><br>
<br>
<i>Dear HCWD,<br>
<br>
I am a young uni student starting out in life and I am looking to buy my first car. I have always been attracted to the Mini Moke, and was thinking that this would make the perfect minimalist city runabout while being cheap to run, with the added benifit of standing out from the swarms of bland-boxes that hog our roads. Would this be a good car for me?<br>
<br>
Regards, Idealistic Youngster</i><br>
<br>
<br>
Dear Idealistic Youngster,<br>
<br>
I appreciate the attraction you have to these vehicles. They are certainly unique, and are a refreshing contrast to the overweight and over-equipped cars of today. I understand that a car purchase need not be entirely rational and I would be the first to confess to allowing a little emotion into the car buying process. Having said that, allowing my emotions to get involved in the car buying process has not necessarily served me very well (see my <a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/05/posthumus-review-1994-saab-9000cs.html">Saab 9000CS review</a>), and I supsect that in this case you may not be fully apreciating this vehicle's shortcomings. <br>
<a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/05/ask-hcwd-mini-moke-ideal-first-car.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-30955283615039440722011-05-21T15:21:00.001+10:002011-05-21T15:29:55.050+10:00Great Ocean Road & Otways Trip: Part One<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmjk3K-JP_YovvYgRBqloMdGpxgNlEsGDqE1-QkvjFm9ZGAwFFGT14zEEOFl1c1F5bOcLNnjO820uYCwqQotZ61y7PRG65t4sP55LHnHD1e8u4fvgSQ7ljTeaFllUBrdldb4tcoa79abM/s1600/DSC_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmjk3K-JP_YovvYgRBqloMdGpxgNlEsGDqE1-QkvjFm9ZGAwFFGT14zEEOFl1c1F5bOcLNnjO820uYCwqQotZ61y7PRG65t4sP55LHnHD1e8u4fvgSQ7ljTeaFllUBrdldb4tcoa79abM/s640/DSC_0109.JPG" width="640"></a>The Great Ocean Road, running along Victoria's Surf Coast, is arguably the state's most famous stretch of road. Combining stunning ocean scenery with a seemingly endless series of twists and turns, with many stretches of the road cut into the side of spectacular cliff-faces, the road is certainly like no other in Australia. And yet, in my seven years of driving since passing my learner's permit test I had not yet driven the Great Ocean Road. And so earlier this year, when memories of 2010 were still fresh in my mind, I set off with my Focus to drive the GOR for the first time.<br>
<a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/05/great-ocean-road-otways-trip-part-one.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-77009563232743238602011-05-12T11:27:00.006+10:002011-06-09T19:46:57.593+10:00Things I Like About My Ford Focus: A Decent Manual Gearbox<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08WtKMZVFMihiY90gTSczdVVUdF1Cdbqn7mjVMT-RYO175b3Pnxie9vHdoU-XmSwIMsjO5LWi6Nm35_5RrcA-z3Gjz3ToSF7KmK1mO9Rw5muTj1zkYK9BwR0HJ2hND1M8qngGh1CjSiGH/s1600/DSC_0035-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08WtKMZVFMihiY90gTSczdVVUdF1Cdbqn7mjVMT-RYO175b3Pnxie9vHdoU-XmSwIMsjO5LWi6Nm35_5RrcA-z3Gjz3ToSF7KmK1mO9Rw5muTj1zkYK9BwR0HJ2hND1M8qngGh1CjSiGH/s640/DSC_0035-2.JPG" width="640"></a></div>If given the choice I would choose a good manual transmission over an automatic any day. I like to drive, and I like to be involved in the driving experience, and there is nothing quite like the connection between driver and drivetrain that can be had only with a proper manual gearbox. The five-speed in my Focus is a seriously decent cog-box, particularly given that it resides in what is primarily a budget hatchback. The shift action is slick and precise, and the throw is short. Its ratios seem perfectly matched to the 2.0 litre engine. An added bonus of a manual is superior fuel economy over a traditional automatic, although even the rise of more efficient twin-clutch autos fails to sway my preference.<br>
<a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/05/things-i-like-about-my-ford-focus.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-51977651428526880872011-05-09T16:04:00.001+10:002011-05-31T17:07:53.499+10:00Car Lust: Porsche Cayman S Black Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-wS1dRdHCnP_Uj7jjlwsnpkXLiI7Qm4_sM6uhzEu-8YhC4pB2Lw6eYZT_Yv23qdkqHHUL2XpUu6DvpZe-oI4Xf7PdGji2xc2YMvfwlux5N0gANb-RWAi0WrzaEClCK44r9sfzqlBQDc_/s1600/wallpaper_cayman_0_1024x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-wS1dRdHCnP_Uj7jjlwsnpkXLiI7Qm4_sM6uhzEu-8YhC4pB2Lw6eYZT_Yv23qdkqHHUL2XpUu6DvpZe-oI4Xf7PdGji2xc2YMvfwlux5N0gANb-RWAi0WrzaEClCK44r9sfzqlBQDc_/s640/wallpaper_cayman_0_1024x768.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br>
</div><div>In my ideal garage, sitting alongside my <a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/03/why-i-idolise-rear-wheel-drive.html">daily-driven BMW 135i</a> would be a Porsche Cayman S. Offering the purity of a mid-engined rear drive two seater sports car, the Cayman S has an appeal that to me that its front-enginged competitors simply cannot offer. Although to me part of attraction of the Cayman S is a degree of less-is-more philosophy, the recent announcement of the release of the Cayman S Black Edition sporting more power and more features than the standard S still caught my attention.</div><div></div><a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/05/car-lust-porsche-cayman-s-black-edition.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-55759183249758501772011-05-06T19:13:00.004+10:002011-06-06T12:24:49.609+10:00Posthumus Review: 1994 Saab 9000CS<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOfP6QtrADP-4EMObffZ6idPs8pEis9w4B4VuUXDKbYWHzwtYtWh44aCHLx2_Iw199qCwA5MqRfNp9Y6KkdBsCZsYEQcxF08AWJl3qDK6rR8tcxlhEXUNWNsKdToPO32Kw1gpgCkYh9EZ/s1600/DSC_0009-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOfP6QtrADP-4EMObffZ6idPs8pEis9w4B4VuUXDKbYWHzwtYtWh44aCHLx2_Iw199qCwA5MqRfNp9Y6KkdBsCZsYEQcxF08AWJl3qDK6rR8tcxlhEXUNWNsKdToPO32Kw1gpgCkYh9EZ/s640/DSC_0009-1.JPG" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>(This one may not actually be dead, but it is certainly dead to me, and so it qualifies for a Posthumus Review)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br>
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Despite nearly two months having passed since the unfortunate demise of my <a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/03/posthumus-review-1990-peugeot-405-mi16.html">Peugeot 405 Mi16</a>, I was definitely on the rebound when I bought my next set of wheels. From the sporty French emotion of the Peugeot I went to the clinically Swedish practicality (with a hint of European style, of course) of the Saab 9000CS. Instead of a five-speed manual mated to a rev-happy four mounted on go-kart-tight suspension, I now had a (relatively) heavy wallowing barge driven by an asthmatic 2.3L four and a clunky four-speed auto. But the old Saab was not without its perks. Its rear hatch provided easy access for transporting bikes and other assorted luggage with the seats folded flat. The heated front seats were a delight on cold winter mornings, and to my (possibly strange) tastes the fake woodgrain dash was a nice touch of class. The heated side mirrors and headlamp wipers were more of a gimmick than they were useful, at least in the Australian climate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div></div><a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/05/posthumus-review-1994-saab-9000cs.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-62349590434026895222011-05-03T11:54:00.004+10:002011-05-03T15:08:51.631+10:00Toyota FT-86: The Affordable Driver's Car?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSW88Y7cC9ia8wZfcrVOET22_Yw0NTEoc-CqhYjI90b0M8ui6-ZKwxKvmEvAh13LXYybiQ7bn_FZb6isLkI97bzyNB3lGtb1qIpAfXCvNdMnba2poht2l52B1U5U2qJBF0xZ1ltX_gy_Q/s1600/FT-86_II_Concept_02_GMS_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSW88Y7cC9ia8wZfcrVOET22_Yw0NTEoc-CqhYjI90b0M8ui6-ZKwxKvmEvAh13LXYybiQ7bn_FZb6isLkI97bzyNB3lGtb1qIpAfXCvNdMnba2poht2l52B1U5U2qJBF0xZ1ltX_gy_Q/s640/FT-86_II_Concept_02_GMS_2011.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toyota FT-86 II Concept</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I have written previously about <a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/03/why-i-idolise-rear-wheel-drive.html">Why I Idolise Rear-Wheel-Drive</a>, and it seems that Toyota (and strangely enough its development partner Subaru) agrees that a true driver's car should be driven by the rear wheels. Shown in its latest concept form at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the FT-86 might just be the perfect affordable sports car. The latest concept is reportedly quite close to the production model, and is a refreshing return to reality from the boy racer version that I was lucky enough to view in the flesh at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney last October. I have followed the FT-86 since its first concept form, but it was only when Toyota's European division released production specifications this week that the reality of this car hit me: here is a real-sports car for the masses, a refreshing addition to a global new car fleet dominated by bland-mobiles and econoboxes. The production version of the FT-86 will sport a 2.0 litre naturally aspirated boxer engine of Subaru origin, that will utilise Toyota's D4-S technology, which combines both direct injection and port inject. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be offerred, each with six cogs, although in my book no matter how 'sporty' Toyota claims the auto box will be, only the six-speed manual is really worth a mention. Power outputs have not been confirmed, although a healthy increase on the 110kw of Subaru's current iteration of its 2.0 boxer is likely. I would like to see at least 150kw coupled to a relatively lean weight, but we will have to wait a little longer for those details to surface.<br>
<a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/05/toyota-ft-86-affordable-drivers-car.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-32894908530544508762011-04-21T14:21:00.005+10:002011-05-07T15:03:17.031+10:00Photo Archive: Renault R5 Turbo<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hoK-UGD9cEm8PIJ2oWyqIrGqzcwkCaLvESwlVLDdpiaZ21pTTwCp8DJLUBReT3HmRhfySP8eeVu9VL3IRe0mXM5dapfD704cVzNz8nGKpOr9lIdONvPoQpWkMBoYCDV4bFPjg2rgAG_r/s1600/French+Cars+%252704+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hoK-UGD9cEm8PIJ2oWyqIrGqzcwkCaLvESwlVLDdpiaZ21pTTwCp8DJLUBReT3HmRhfySP8eeVu9VL3IRe0mXM5dapfD704cVzNz8nGKpOr9lIdONvPoQpWkMBoYCDV4bFPjg2rgAG_r/s640/French+Cars+%252704+015.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br>
</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xES8Dl4Zh0U/Taf9x9bNyyI/AAAAAAAAAAU/orkweqc4H3Y/s1600/French%2BCars%2B%252704%2B014.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><i>Over the years I have accumulated a number of photos of interesting cars. Some of particular interest, like this one, I will share here for your viewing pleasure.<br>
</i><br>
<div>Photographed at a gathering of French cars in 2004, this Renault R5 Turbo is a fine example of a nearly forgotten breed: the mid-engined rear drive (or sometimes all-wheel-drive) hatchback. The Renault R5 Turbo was one of the first of the breed, built in road-going guise to homologate its rally-racing twin for Group 4 rallying. Of a total 3576 R5 Turbos built between 1980 and 1984, only the first 400 were built to comply with homologation regulations. The remaining cars were built with some cheaper and heavier components, but remained almost as fast. I can't tell whether this model is one of the early few, but it is certainly statistically unlikely. While I don't have any numbers, I would also doubt that many, if any, of those first 400 cars were built in right-hand-drive.<br>
<br>
</div><a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/04/photo-archive-renault-r5-turbo.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01506354686927400409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-51735538857079283052011-04-12T15:16:00.003+10:002011-05-07T15:03:50.810+10:00SUV: One Acronym Too Many?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmr5mI2MlRgGKc1vwGuOP5oa3x-PR05orywZaAIm7-7dglecql9WO9qlTgwLQU8re0cMmGaP_W0CK81Cv2h92_DgA6n-JOX1o__NUhoAUL1ZvBrIzNGzLZqAjmN7J1KDeV88V8GVVhsLfn/s1600/DSC_0003-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmr5mI2MlRgGKc1vwGuOP5oa3x-PR05orywZaAIm7-7dglecql9WO9qlTgwLQU8re0cMmGaP_W0CK81Cv2h92_DgA6n-JOX1o__NUhoAUL1ZvBrIzNGzLZqAjmN7J1KDeV88V8GVVhsLfn/s640/DSC_0003-2.JPG" width="640"></a></div><br>
<div style="text-align: justify;">When the term SUV (that's a Sports Utility Vehicle for any of you who have been living under a rock for the past ten years) first attempted to migrate to Australia from its US origins I was resistant. What did the term add that existing descriptions of vehicle types did't have? What does it even mean?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/04/suv-one-acronym-too-many.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-54331298839052627702011-04-09T11:00:00.002+10:002011-06-09T19:46:57.593+10:00Things I Like About My Ford Focus: Space Versatility<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0obD1aONSd1bzB6PlLIusiLzwOHF8vVEnj2CUmskmMKbNr9j0m6W1neS4DnewkszSquVIPbTWepWkIAWZAwxG6RBhy9Jeqyj3h1PwkR9fZc5QR2oEF1vBxIs0h75myaF-mJBm6hMs95A/s1600/DSC_0006-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0obD1aONSd1bzB6PlLIusiLzwOHF8vVEnj2CUmskmMKbNr9j0m6W1neS4DnewkszSquVIPbTWepWkIAWZAwxG6RBhy9Jeqyj3h1PwkR9fZc5QR2oEF1vBxIs0h75myaF-mJBm6hMs95A/s640/DSC_0006-1.JPG" width="640"></a></div><br>
<div style="text-align: justify;">Every car is a compromise. Generally, size is traded off against fuel economy and weight, and practicality against driver enjoyment. When I bought my Ford Focus, one of the main priorities was fuel economy. However, I also periodically find myself wanting to transport a reasonable amount of cargo, and so the obvious solution was a hatchback, giving me good load access and the ability to fold the seats down for a large cargo space. Last weekend I headed to Phillip Island for the weekend, and took with me a collection of musical equipment plus a few personal items. As you can see in the photo above, with two of its rear seat folded the Focus swallowed up everything I could possibly need, while leaving room for two (admittedly non-existant) passengers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div><a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/04/things-i-like-about-my-ford-focus-space.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-36853491221329699302011-03-29T21:25:00.001+11:002011-05-07T15:05:13.050+10:00Why I Idolise Rear-Wheel-Drive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC9ZkYgp-P6evsUNnNCNfm1bOHWnepyrdTtvWAXZbmJqgLZ_18_hcJZBILyNNkCOuG1803crfqVG41nkzWMQTYMAm_1OAhByU_muIglvSxm02lgWDGXf3aE8JMJRGcHm0gaXJ9dn4VTdp/s1600/bmw-120i-coupe-01-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC9ZkYgp-P6evsUNnNCNfm1bOHWnepyrdTtvWAXZbmJqgLZ_18_hcJZBILyNNkCOuG1803crfqVG41nkzWMQTYMAm_1OAhByU_muIglvSxm02lgWDGXf3aE8JMJRGcHm0gaXJ9dn4VTdp/s640/bmw-120i-coupe-01-large.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If I could buy any car as daily personal transport for my current routine, it would be a BMW 135i coupe. Yes, I know the 1-Series M is nearly here, but I fear it will be just a little too pure to be an ideal daily drive. I have never driven a 135i, yet its combination of that beautiful inline turbo six driving the rear wheels with a six-speed manual transmission in between is just about as close to perfection in my mind as any car could get. And all this while maintaining useable boot space and practicality, as well as a degree of anonymity. My assumption in choosing an ideal daily driver is that I could own more than one car, as the 1-Series coupe is not practical on all fronts. It is I believe however, a beautiful compromise.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/03/why-i-idolise-rear-wheel-drive.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-26221491479240537052011-03-13T16:29:00.001+11:002011-06-06T12:24:49.609+10:00Posthumus Review: 1990 Peugeot 405 Mi16<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nipsdd8BMZ6EAVtb1xMLLIF3xPdw1uNxT4rV0AwCSyarpBE05xyKhRdZZ3u39bK24joBTGE_JfMcmeGYrP0QTZpt6s90G4FleO7_THUJyxJOY2rLbx1EHVm-RygAA-_Wt6se2tCKgLVq/s1600/Peugeot+405+Mi16+010.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nipsdd8BMZ6EAVtb1xMLLIF3xPdw1uNxT4rV0AwCSyarpBE05xyKhRdZZ3u39bK24joBTGE_JfMcmeGYrP0QTZpt6s90G4FleO7_THUJyxJOY2rLbx1EHVm-RygAA-_Wt6se2tCKgLVq/s640/Peugeot+405+Mi16+010.jpg" width="640"></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Everyone's first car has a special place in their heart, and for those of us with a passion for cars this effect is amplified. This was mine: a 1990 Peugeot 405 Mi16. I was with great restraint that had I held off buying my first car for nearly six months after I'd passed my license test, although finances (or more accurately, lack thereof) also played a substantial part. Having just scraped together just enough money for a car that might be worth owning, I trawled online car advertisements for weeks looking for the right vehicle. My list of criteria was short (ABS, somewhat economical to run, a touch of class) although armed with limited resources, this substantially limited my choices, especially given that I refused to own a family sedan of the Australian-built variety. Before buying the Peugeot I had test-driven five cars, all Saabs. Two GM 900s and three 9000s. The better of the two 900s I had bid for on ebay, but it sold above my budget, while the best of the 9000s made me desperately wish I had an extra thousand dollars at my disposal. All the rest were pretty much rubbish. So, when I this 405 Mi16 came on the market I was hoping to find better value within its French sheet-metal. I had a soft spot for Peugeots, and I had been reliably informed that the Mi16 was the only first-gen 405 worth owning.<br>
</div><a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/03/posthumus-review-1990-peugeot-405-mi16.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-23509263291120138552011-02-14T16:18:00.000+11:002011-05-21T15:22:57.686+10:00New Zealand Adventure: Part Four<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6V5DvdYHbO02g9O7uq1eec_RxhUJMMPRX7nx-RC4OqdztA_mGU31jYpC9tjx-8-D7MqKkwJmRa6ND0R81PHerPkOXaQ2MCCChPB1N_irUVxH7IBqj6xBKeoQ8xNZ1TRT1axtxChRAOwJR/s1600/DSC_0542.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6V5DvdYHbO02g9O7uq1eec_RxhUJMMPRX7nx-RC4OqdztA_mGU31jYpC9tjx-8-D7MqKkwJmRa6ND0R81PHerPkOXaQ2MCCChPB1N_irUVxH7IBqj6xBKeoQ8xNZ1TRT1axtxChRAOwJR/s640/DSC_0542.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical example of New Zealand's one-way bridges, found near the Taumarunui end of the Forgotten World Highway</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well thanks to a combination solo travel exhaustion and post solo travel distraction, it has been a little while since my last post. I am back in Melbourne now, but there remain stories to be told about my adventures on the other side of the Tasman. My last post left me in Whakapapa Village in Tongariro National Park. There I spent the best part of a day walking in the park while avoiding gale-force winds at higher altitude. Leaving Whakapapa early the next morning, I set out on what would be my longest driving day of my trip. My destination was Wellington, but after reading an article in Wheels magazine last year I was very keen to drive highway 43, otherwise known as the Forgotten World Highway, which required a slight detour on the way to Wellington.<br>
</div><a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/02/new-zealand-adventure-part-four.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944247920482737350.post-9532958115022865992011-02-01T19:17:00.000+11:002011-05-21T15:22:57.686+10:00New Zealand Adventure: Part Three<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHA-WnpElLqpV-lneE0v6T_KgSuDletzrCnmuPFO-bes5jHI2qMdcWIzbxMFySrSFSzyVsMelBXFwPfHCgeVJRaGI_wS_fi9Dz1Tctw-yjWZ-G4HypvR3goEZe3kegAoCrzbzZ078AFXg/s1600/DSC_0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHA-WnpElLqpV-lneE0v6T_KgSuDletzrCnmuPFO-bes5jHI2qMdcWIzbxMFySrSFSzyVsMelBXFwPfHCgeVJRaGI_wS_fi9Dz1Tctw-yjWZ-G4HypvR3goEZe3kegAoCrzbzZ078AFXg/s640/DSC_0383.JPG" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over Lake Rotorua</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have a confession to make. I am starting to grow fond of my campervan. Despite my strong belief that nothing built by Toyota (4wds excepted) should ever elicit an emotional attachment, Hogan is doing his best to find a place in my heart. To be fair, Hogan is more than just a Toyota. Thanks to a comfortable, if simple, camper fit-out he has become my transient home of the last seven days. And despite his (predictable) shortcomings, he has also carried me reliably around New Zealand, serving as my ticket to travel wherever I please, doing so at my own convenience.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Leaving Matakohe on Saturday morning to head through Auckland to Thames, I was blissfully unaware of the difficulties I would encounter on my journey. Thanks to Friday night's heavy rain, many roads were closed due to either flooding of landslides, and many more were blocked in one direction. At Wellsford I discovered that SH1 was under about a metre of water at Dome Valley and I would have to take a longer route along SH16, which is also a slower and more twisty road to take. However, SH16 was not immune to the effects of extreme weather, and I soon found myself in a long queue of traffic. Flood waters had forced traffic down to only one direction, and with all traffic in and out of Auckland forced to take this route this provided the recipe for a long delay.<br>
</div><a href="http://www.havecarwilldrive.com/2011/02/new-zealand-adventure-part-three.html#more">Read more »</a>hcwdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497452903572363795noreply@blogger.com0