Showing blog posts for John Slavin

Rising Star of the Year (Trade): 3rd Place - John Slavin

By Ian Griffiths
makeandmodel.co.uk
10 November 2010
Just a quick note to say congratulations to one of our best contributing writers, John Slavin. He recently made the shortlist for 2 categories in the headlineauto awards and we’ve just found out that he was third in third in the Rising Star of the Year (Trade). Well done John!

Many of you will know him through is eloquent ramblings here on the Make and Model Blog, or via his (former) alter-ego @Dear_Blank on Twitter and will agree he is very fitting of the accolade.

HeadlineAuto Rising Star of the Year (Trade) Award: 3rd Place

John Slavin


Having only been in the industry since the begining of the year, John has climbed the ranks extremely quickly, clearly - he was nominated in the rising star section for both the trade and consumer categories. Combining his love of writing and passion for cars has equipped him well for a bright future in motoring journalism and we're extremely happy he chooses to write for us regularly. Keep checking in for his future reviews.



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Peugeot RCZ

By John Slavin
Freelance Contributing Writer
25 October 2010

Things haven’t been rosy for Peugeot the past few years. They’ve made some cars that have been perfectly reasonable, but dull and uninspiring – which is perhaps worse than making a piece of utter rubbish that’s brimming with character. The RCZ could be the saviour Peugeot needs, though. But is it any good?

It’s certainly very, very good to look at. The original 308 RCZ concept was unveiled in 2007, and in it’s translation from concept to production, it’s lost none of what made it brilliant. The double-bubble roof and rear screen is still there, as is its wonderful bottom. Indeed, the RCZ is so good looking that everyone I spoke to thought it was worth at least £30k.

And yet it’s not. Prices start at around £20k, which makes the RCZ a very tempting prospect based solely on its appearance. But if it’s so inexpensive, there’s got to be something wrong with it, right? Wrong. The build quality is fabulous; the test car I drove had a full leather dash, as well as leather seats. Buttons were solid and felt ‘right’ to push, and the only area which felt unpleasant to touch was the bit behind the steering wheel, which you never touch anyway, and about 6cms of plastic around the handbrake. It really is lovely.


The build quality is fabulous


Granted, it’s basically identical to the regular 308 inside, but that’s hardly an insult, the 308’s interior is one of its finest features. So then, it must be rubbish to drive? Nope. It’s not at all. I wouldn’t call it a sports car by any means, but it’s predictable and fluid at any speed through the bends, and while it might not be mind bendingly quick to accelerate, it’s certainly fast enough to put a smile on your face.

So what is wrong with it? It’s a car which costs less than a TT but that looks and feels as good as one. It drives well, is fairly quick, and is definitely good fun. So where’s the ‘but?’ In short, there isn’t one. The steering wheel is a bit big, and the back seats are useless, but that’s nitpicking. You don’t expect it to even have back seats, so complaining that they’re small is a bit like complaining that a free meal has no gravy, and the large steering wheel can be rectified by speccing an optional small one.

I really, really struggled to find a fault with the RCZ. It’s that good. The 156bhp THP Petrol I tested struck a good balance between entertaining sports car and comfortable GT car, but if you’re feeling adventurous there’s a 200hp version with shorter, more aggressive gear ratios, and if you want good looks with decent economy, there’s a 163hp diesel.

So if you’ve been considering the RCZ but reckon it’s going to be rubbish, think again. It’s as good as it looks!



The double-bubble roof and rear screen is still there, as is its wonderful bottom



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Long Term Test: Continental Tyres - Fitted

By John Slavin
Freelance Contributing Writer
15 October 2010

Continental WinterContact TS800
Last winter was awful, with ungritted streets, ice, snow, and potholes growing all over the place, and that was just in towns. Where I live, way out in the dales, if you didn’t have a 4x4, you didn’t have a chance.

In fact, during the snowy period, there was a 12 mile stretch of very twisty road I had to use daily which went unsalted for over 2 weeks. It brings home the fact that driving in winter can be very, very dangerous, no matter what car you drive.

So what can the average road user do to stay safe? Well tyre manufacturers make rubber specifically for the colder months, and in temperatures under 7c they are said to provide better traction and braking than ‘normal’ tyres, as well as offering a tread pattern more suited to dispersing water, slush and snow. As a matter of fact, some EU countries have made winter tyres a legal requirement, such is the benefit they provide.

So today, courtesy of Continental UK, I had a set of 4 WinterContact TS800 tyres wrapped around the wheels of my humble Citroen Saxo VTR (185/55 R14). The staff at North Road Kwik-Fit, Darlington, were courteous enough to fit me in without an appointment to have the tyres fitted.

So far I have covered very little distance with the tyres, but traction is good out of junctions, despite a damp road surface. It’s not really cold enough to provide a clear indication of their winter performance just yet, but once the weather starts to worsen you can expect regular updates on how the tyres are performing, so stay tuned!



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Full Review: Mazda2

By John Slavin
Freelance Contributing Writer
08 October 2010

Mazda2: style isn’t out of reach for first time buyers
When you’re learning to drive, it’s difficult not to be a bit over aspirational about what your first car might be. I always fancied a hot hatch, maybe like the Saxo VTR I run about in now, but it was way out of reach for a new driver. Indeed, once I passed my test (first time, I might smugly add) I ended up with a Nissan Micra 1.0, followed shortly after by the most awful Clio 1.2, and then an Escort.

But style isn’t necessarily out of reach for first time buyers in the modern age, and the Mazda2 proves that. In fact, I wanted to see just what a modern first time buyer might get out of their machine, so I asked for something below the top spec for this test. Mazda obliged, sending me a Mazda2 TS2 1.3, which is in the middle of the range, with a few nice luxuries like air-con, which incidentally is so cold it made me shiver on a blazing sunny day.

New Mazda2s start at just under £10,000, which isn’t bad when you look at how pretty this little thing is, and used cars start at about £5,500. Sensible money for a first car, helped by the low insurance groups, high reliability and low service costs. But facts and figures are all well and good, what’s it actually like?

I wanted to see just what a modern first time buyer might get out of their machine, so I asked for something below the top spec for this test. Mazda obliged, sending me a Mazda2 TS2 1.3.


Very good, actually. The ride is compliant, but still offers an interesting drive through the bends, helped by Mazda’s weight saving regime, which makes the Mazda2 lighter and nimbler than many of it’s rivals. The gear change is exquisite, echoing the precise, positive feel of the brilliant MX-5, which is one of my all-time favourite cars. Steering is well weighted and accurate. The engine note is almost silent at low revs and is interesting and entertaining when you push hard, if not exactly sonorous.


The interior is well styled
The interior is well styled, with sporty, clear to read dials, a nicely sized steering wheel, and an attractive centre console. It’s well put together, too, though not of the highest quality - a moot point considering almost every rival is a little lacking in the materials department. Also of interest, if only to a girl, is the lack of a passenger vanity mirror, though it’s not a major fault. The glovebox features a neat design, which allows you to drop small items in without opening it up, handy when on the go.

Audio quality is good, and AUX connectivity is standard throughout the range, so you can listen to your iPod or other audio player in the car. Boot space is ample, but not exceptional. It’s ideal for a small shopping trip, though, and folding rear seats increase the capacity substantially.

In summary, the Mazda2 is a wonderfully packaged car that does everything well enough, and nothing wrong. Providing an entertaining drive, enjoyable performance, decent practicality and a good price means that the 2 is an ideal first car or city runabout. Going by Mazda’s track record, the Mazda2 should be fairly reliable, too, and the arrival of a face-lifted model means that second hand cars will drop in price. So it’ll make for an even better buy both new and used.


In summary, the Mazda2 is a wonderfully packaged car that does everything well enough



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Full Review: Kia Soul

By John Slavin
Freelance Contributing Writer
09 September 2010

First impressions say it all
I realise that a first impressions blog for this car is conspicuously absent, but that’s because first impressions say it all with the Soul. It’s staggeringly bold in its design, and when you see one in the metal, you’ll know there and then whether you love it or hate it.

I’m in the former camp; I adore it. Ever since I first clapped eyes on one back in 2009, I wanted to drive it, so when Kia told me that I could, I was tremendously excited. But as the days wound on and it came closer to the car arriving, I became rather nervous. There’s a phrase; ‘never meet your heroes,’ and I was concerned it might apply in the case of the Soul. Thankfully, though, it didn’t.
As it rolled up outside, with a dragon tattoo, black wheels, and red details, I remembered why I liked it so much, and when I climbed inside to see a bright red dash, transparent gear knob and strobing neon speaker surrounds, I liked it even more.


Strobing neon speaker surrounds


The Soul’s tall, angular, aggressively styled body makes interior space frankly rather excellent. Head and legroom are great both front and rear, and the boot is capacious, especially with it’s clever under-floor storage. The audio system is absolutely brilliant. Seven speakers and a subwoofer make for crisp music with tremendous bass. I couldn’t tell if people were looking at me because of the noise or the crazy styling, but I didn’t mind. Sometimes it’s nice to be noticed.


Dragon tattoo, black wheels, and red details - sometimes it’s nice to be noticed


On the road, the Soul is competent but unexciting. Steering and gear changes are extremely easy at the expense of being involving. The suspension was set up specifically for UK roads, and it shows. Lumps, bumps and potholes are absorbed with aplomb, but without creating a wallowing blancmange style mess through the bends. The Soul feels safe and pleasant on all sorts of roads.

The 1.6 diesel is fairly refined at lower revs, but slightly coarse higher up. Torque is ample low down though, so on the go, the Soul is generally refined and pleasant.

As I waved the car off at the end of the loan, I had to turn and have a second look as it left. I really, really liked it. So much so, that I’d consider buying one if I had the money.

The Soul is inexpensive, competent, distinctive, and with a 7-year warranty, probably very reliable. I can’t recommend it enough.


The Soul’s tall, angular, aggressively styled body makes interior space frankly rather excellent




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Full Review: Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart - Mixed Bag

By John Slavin
Freelance Contributing Writer
31 August 2010

Mitsubishi’s Baby Hot Hatch
After a week with Mitsubishi’s baby hot hatch, I’m slightly less confused than I was in my first impressions blog. It took a little while to get used to the Colt, it’s quite tall, with a high driving position that’s somewhat contrary to its taut, firm ride and turbocharged engine.

But inside, the tall body gives a feeling of spaciousness, and there’s loads of cubby holes and cup-holders, so practicality is good. The materials aren’t exactly luxurious, in fact, they’re the exact opposite, but they’re put together well enough. The price for such a spacious, practical cabin is a small boot, but it’s OK for a small shopping trip and the seats are easily folded.

These are all factors that come as a priority to the type of person who’d buy a regular Colt, but they’re a bit moot to the Ralliart buyer. Indeed, ‘Ralliart’ means a lot to Mitsubishi connoisseurs, some of the very best rally machines of all time wore the badge, and the heritage attached to it means that slapping it on a Colt without first making sure it’s worthy could be a risky move…

The Colt Ralliart, though, manages to get away with it. Just. It certainly has flaws; the high driving position doesn’t inspire confidence, the steering is too heavy, and while corners can be taken at astonishing speeds it somehow doesn’t feel as exciting or involving as you might expect.

But there’s a trump card that I can’t overlook, and that’s the engine. The 1.5-litre MIVEC is absolutely brilliant. The turbocharger crams intercooled air into the engine in the most addictive way, and it sound fabulous too. It’s not ridiculous or over the top, just meaningful. I often found myself rolling down the windows at lights just to listen to the engine burble away and the turbocharger whoosh, much to the confusion of passing pedestrians. Cram your foot down and 0-60mph takes a very small amount of time; 7.4 seconds, and that’s hardly surprising because peak power is 147bhp. Lots for a car this small.


Peak Power is 147bhp. Lots for a car this small.


As a matter of fact, I don’t think at this price, there’s much that comes close. The 3dr tested comes in at £12,849, which is similar to a Twingo Renaultsport, but the Renault is less powerful and has less space. There’s also the absolutely brilliant Fiat Panda 100HP to consider, which is comes in at just over £11,000, but has a mere 99bhp, and no forced induction.

So there you have it, Mitsubishi’s Colt Ralliart is flawed but capable. But if you can cope with the quirks, you’ll definitely enjoy the engine, which is by far and away my favourite in a car at this sort of price…


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First Impressions: Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart

By John Slavin
Freelance Contributing Writer
11 August 2010

Colt Ralliart
It’s strange. Normally, first impressions can be made quite quickly, which is why they’re called first impressions. But the Colt Ralliart is a bit weird. It looks good, with its Evo style ‘face’ and shapely bottom, but it is a little taller than you’d expect from a small, fast hatchback.

Inside, the confusion continues. The comfortable, supportive seats are very high up, which isn’t the most ‘sporty’ seating position. The interior is fairly bland, and while it’s extremely well put together, it’s not made of the very best materials. It’s extraordinarily spacious, though, fitting four adults in comfortably. Indeed, all of this high up-ness and spaciousness makes the car feel very much like a mini-MPV.

Mini-MPVs are never usually renowned for their splendid handling characteristics and outright power, though. So when you start the Colt Ralliart up and its exhaust note is a low, thrumming rumble, the confusion carries on further. And then you plant your foot into the carpet, and it becomes mind-bendingly baffling, because in a whooshing, turbocharged display of savagery, 147bhp and 155lbs-ft of torque is unleashed through front wheels. If you hold the wheel tightly enough to overcome the torque-steer, you’ll hit 60 in 7.4 seconds. In car that’s about the size of a bed-side table, that’s quite fast.


A whooshing, turbocharged display of savagery


So here we have a tall car with a tardis-like cabin that’s very, very quick to accelerate. Oddly enough, though, despite its tallness, it corners rather well. There’s tons of grip, and the suspension does a good job of keeping body-roll at bay. It’s quite a feat really, that this usually humble little machine manages to do what it can do. A very confusing feat, too...


Its exhaust note is a low, thrumming rumble



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Full Review: Peugeot 308CC

By John Slavin
Freelance Contributing Writer
28 July 2010
In the summer time, a car roof can be a hindrance... Occasionally. Most of the time, though, it’s of vital importance because it serves to keep you sheltered from the chronic, torrential downpours that blight the UK. When Peugeot sent a 308CC for me to test I was hoping for blazing sunshine, so I could celebrate the very purpose of cabriolets. Alas, it rained a lot; there were only two or three days when the roof could be open at all.

With the roof in place, the 308CC is very much ‘a car.’ The 140hp diesel engine in the model tested allows for a 0-60 time of just over 11 seconds, which is pretty slow. 140hp sounds a lot, but the mechanism for folding the roof and the extra reinforcement to keep the chassis stiff make the 308cc a very heavy car.


If the sun is out, the 308CC is a whole lot better than average


Cornering is neutral and stable, but unexciting, as is the feedback from the steering. The gearbox allows you to select the gear you’d like in a tactile, but simple way... indeed, it works very much like you’d expect a car to, had you learnt to drive by reading a book. It’s so simple to operate that it’s foolproof. It’s pleasant, though, rather than annoying; you can waft along without anything but your choice of radio station to concern you.

However, with the roof up, it looks odd. The proportions are a bit funny, the rear looks too long with such a flat, stubby rear screen, and the front looks a little too short. The Peugeot ‘face,’ love it or hate it, is present and correct. Inside, though, everything is absolutely beautiful. The dash is covered in a firm but squishy material that you find yourself poking at all the time. Chrome detailing sets the black leather off, too. Seats are well bolstered, endlessly adjustable and comfortable, all the controls are placed just right, and materials are generally of high quality.


Chrome detailing sets the black leather off


So with the roof up, the 308CC will get you where you need to be with ease and in comfort. If the sun is out, though, it’s a whole lot better than average. Folding the roof into the boot is as simple as pressing a button and when it’s nicely hidden, everything looks a bit prettier, especially from the rear.

When underway, that slow 0-60 time is unoffensive, because there’s enough torque to overtake anyone annoying you, and you probably won’t need to change down a gear either. The comfortable interior, lazy handling and absorbent suspension make this car an ideal machine for cruising down A-roads to the beach. If the wind is getting annoying, then put the windows up and everything calms down.

You can even take the children, too, because the rear seats are actually useable, though adults will find themselves a little squished if the people up front are tall. Also, don’t bet on having the roof down if you’ve got a lot of luggage, it takes most of the space.

In conclusion, the 308CC is a competent but unexciting cruiser. It’s ideal for big lazy road trips, with blue skies and sunglasses. So hope for sunshine, and it will all make sense...


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Full Review: Honda Insight

By John Slavin
Freelance Contributing Writer
22 July 2010

It’s all very clever, and works well
If you’ve read my two blogs on the Insight so far you’ll know that it’s quite clever; it coaches you towards being an economical, environmentally friendly driver with a Tamagochi style mini-game in which you grow a garden by driving ‘well.’ To help you drive well, there’s an econ button which reduces power output, makes the CVT gear change pattern smoother, and reduces the amount of energy consumption on things like the air-con. There’s also an unintrusive stop-start system, and a halo of coloured light around the speedo which glows green when you’re being gentle with the throttle.

It’s all very clever, and works well. Driving like the lead-foot I am gave fuel consumption of 53mpg, but when I followed all the coaching green lights and stuck to eco-mode, I managed 61mpg, which is just 0.4mpg short of what Honda quote for the top spec ES-T model tested. Honda’s IMA system is slightly different from that on other hybrids like the Toyota Prius, in that it can never be disconnected from the crank. This reduces production costs and has the upshot of making the car never run totally silently, handy for inattentive pedestrians! It can run in electric only mode, too, but the pistons will still move.

Honda Insight: it coaches you towards being an economical, environmentally friendly driver with a Tamagochi style mini-game in which you grow a garden by driving ‘well.’


The Insight ES-T emits 105g/km of CO2 per km, which is good but not fantastic. Many of you will ask why you would choose a petrol-electric hybrid over an eco-diesel, and it’s a good question. Diesel engines do tend to emit less CO2, which is good for your wallet when it comes to buying the tax disc, but petrol engines emit less NOx and particulates than diesels. Petrol is also cheaper at the pumps. It’s all something to consider when buying a new car, and the biggest consideration for a hybrid buyer is likely to be ‘which is better for the environment?’ not ‘which emits the least CO2?’


Practicality: the Insight is pretty good
In terms of practicality, the Insight is pretty good. The boot is a good size, and there is plenty of space in the cabin, with ample rear legroom, though the aerodynamic roofline means rear headroom isn’t brilliant. There’s plenty of tech, at least on the ES-T model, including sat-nav, voice recognition that actually works, electric windows, air conditioning, auto-wipers, auto-headlights and iPod connectivity. It’s just a shame that the plastics aren’t of the best quality. The doors also feel light, and they close with a clank rather than a reassuring thud. It makes sense in context, given the car needs to be lightweight, but it’s not particularly appealing, especially when contrasted against the space-age styling.

On the road, the Insight performs quite well. The chassis is tauter and stiffer than I expected, so road holding is good. Undulations in the road surface are dealt with well, but the car crashes over potholes. The CVT gearbox is slower to react than other transmission systems, which is fine in town driving and on the motorway, but slightly annoying on roads with elevation and lots of bends. Luckily there is an ‘S’ setting on the gearbox, which allows you full control over 7 pre-set gear ratios on the paddle shifters. This makes country lanes not only easier to drive on, but actually quite fun. There’s not much power, but this is a hybrid, not a supercar.

Overall I was impressed with the Insight, particularly in the way it coached a driver into the ways of greenness. There is, however, a hybrid I would prefer. But Honda needn’t worry, it’s their very own CR-Z...


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First Impressions: Peugeot 308CC

By John Slavin
Freelance Contributing Writer
22 July 2010
With red-orange reflecting off the clouds as the sun ducks behind the horizon, an open road and good music, it all suddenly makes sense... I’ve been driving a cabriolet.

Peugeot have been making hard-top convertibles for a while now, and they sell well, particularly the 207CC, much like its predecessor the 206CC. The jewel in Peugeot’s Coupe Cabriolet crown though, is the 308CC.


The quality of fit and finish is absolutely impeccable


Get in, sit down in the well trimmed, well proportioned seats, and everything feels upmarket. The quality of fit and finish is absolutely impeccable; everything is placed well, and looks high quality. The dash is trimmed in a soft, tactile material that begs to be stroked, and chrome surrounds the vents, doors and dials. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable place to be.

The model I have on test for the week is an HDi FAP diesel with 140hp. It’s quiet, refined, and has plenty of torque. It needs it; the 308CC weighs a lot thanks to its roof mechanism. Looks are always something of a sore point with folding hard tops, and the 308cc is no exception, from some angles it does look a little bit strange, particularly the front three quarters. It’s rear, though, is a thing of beauty. The light clusters look great, whether glowing or otherwise, and the black diffuser contrasts well against the white paint.

Road manners are good. Lumps, bumps and potholes are soaked up with aplomb, and the 140hp engine has enough power for overtakes. There’s not a huge amount of feel from the steering, and it’s not the most nimble of machines, but for lazy cruising it works well. Particularly with the roof down, the music loud, and the sky emblazoned red with setting sunlight.

Full review next week...


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