We just got back from 10 days in England, enjoyed renting a VW Passat station wagon with 1.6 liter turbo diesel and 6-speed manual transmission with "BlueMotion". I couldn't find the parking brake handle when we picked it up - it turns out that it has the equivalent of the old Studebaker "NoRol" system in an electronically enhanced version. In Auto mode, it will hold the car on a hill until you release the clutch pedal. The Auto mode could be turned off with the push of a button. To set the brake for parking, lift on a small lever on the console; push it to release the parking brake. The car never rolled away during the night, so I guess it works.
The car also had a new version of Startix, but even slicker. This one also includes "Stopix"! When you stop at a light, shift to neutral, and let the clutch pedal up, the engine stops to save fuel. Step on the clutch, shift into 1st and the engine always started right up. A little unnerving at first, especially in heavy trafiic, but it never failed. And, when I did stall the car, the engine immediately restarted automatically. Just like the old Startix.
While a 1.6 liter turbo diesel isn't quick (about 11.5 sec 0-60 mph), we had no problems cruising quietly at 70-80 mph on the motorways without diesel clatter noises. I didn't baby it and still got over 38 mpg with 4 people and luggage on board. Good thing, because the diesel fuel cost $8.39 a gallon! VW claims 50 mpg (US gallon) for the rating, even turned in 75 mpg in an "Economy Run" test. I think I have seen future of automobiles while reliving the past.
Driving the small roads in Devon in southwest England can be a challenge. As you can see, my granddaughter and nephew could almost touch the hedgerows on the sides. There are many miles of single-lane roads where you can drive 40 mph - but there might be someone coming the other way around a corner or over a hill, so caution is advised. Driving on the "wrong" side of the road doesn't help reactions, either.
We drove through the Safari Park at Longleat House one day. In the monkey area, small monkeys climbed all over the cars as we drove through slowly. Before entering this area, signs warn that the monkeys WILL harm your car if you have loose trim, antennas, etc. The monkeys did climb all over the cars, grabbing and twisting at everything. One monkey grabbed a ball from the top of one antenna and chewed it to pieces. Our car had monkey footprints all over the hood, roof, and rear bumper afterwards. In other sections of the park, we drove through herds of lions, tigers, camels, antelope, wolves, and rhinos. Signs say DO NOT get out of your car and to keep the windows up in most areas. The different sections are separated by high fences and dual motorized gates. One keeper was herding a couple of rhinos with a farm tractor having armor plating on the front. Nothing charged our car while we were there.
When not driving, I did manage to have a few pints at some fine pubs. The Brits know how to make beer and ale!
The car also had a new version of Startix, but even slicker. This one also includes "Stopix"! When you stop at a light, shift to neutral, and let the clutch pedal up, the engine stops to save fuel. Step on the clutch, shift into 1st and the engine always started right up. A little unnerving at first, especially in heavy trafiic, but it never failed. And, when I did stall the car, the engine immediately restarted automatically. Just like the old Startix.
While a 1.6 liter turbo diesel isn't quick (about 11.5 sec 0-60 mph), we had no problems cruising quietly at 70-80 mph on the motorways without diesel clatter noises. I didn't baby it and still got over 38 mpg with 4 people and luggage on board. Good thing, because the diesel fuel cost $8.39 a gallon! VW claims 50 mpg (US gallon) for the rating, even turned in 75 mpg in an "Economy Run" test. I think I have seen future of automobiles while reliving the past.
Driving the small roads in Devon in southwest England can be a challenge. As you can see, my granddaughter and nephew could almost touch the hedgerows on the sides. There are many miles of single-lane roads where you can drive 40 mph - but there might be someone coming the other way around a corner or over a hill, so caution is advised. Driving on the "wrong" side of the road doesn't help reactions, either.
We drove through the Safari Park at Longleat House one day. In the monkey area, small monkeys climbed all over the cars as we drove through slowly. Before entering this area, signs warn that the monkeys WILL harm your car if you have loose trim, antennas, etc. The monkeys did climb all over the cars, grabbing and twisting at everything. One monkey grabbed a ball from the top of one antenna and chewed it to pieces. Our car had monkey footprints all over the hood, roof, and rear bumper afterwards. In other sections of the park, we drove through herds of lions, tigers, camels, antelope, wolves, and rhinos. Signs say DO NOT get out of your car and to keep the windows up in most areas. The different sections are separated by high fences and dual motorized gates. One keeper was herding a couple of rhinos with a farm tractor having armor plating on the front. Nothing charged our car while we were there.
When not driving, I did manage to have a few pints at some fine pubs. The Brits know how to make beer and ale!
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