MY WEEK IN CARS
MONDAY
My long-awaited week in Genesis’s potent GV60 Sport Plus EV started today and is turning out to be every bit as absorbing as I had expected. I’m deeply impressed by its body design (it’s handily shorter than its Kia and Hyundai siblings, which helps) and most of its driving factors – controls, poke, dynamics and comfort – suit me fine.
Within 10 minutes of collecting the car, I had found a convenient lay-by where I spent 30 minutes adjusting variables (lights, voices, maps, bongs, switch responses and much more) to my preferences. How you view compulsory configuration depends on your temperament. Some see it as a chore, whereas I love it, almost like a hobby. So far I’ve made dozens of ‘first cut’ adjustments, but I will be refining them all week.
However, one GV60 fault stands out: the lumpy low-speed ride. It’s not terrible, but it’s nevertheless a phenomenon that stretches across brands and defies explanation. Logic tells me mass should promote ride comfort, but it palpably doesn’t. Why is this? Suspension experts of the world, enlighten us!
TUESDAY
The German and Italian industries’ 11th-hour insistence that European legislation for post-2035 cars should allow the use of carbon-neutral synthetic liquid fuels is gathering pace. More countries joined the movement this very week. Everyone insists that they don’t want to derail the mass move to EVs but neither do they want to kill a viable carbon-neutral alternative. Surely it’s time for British authorities – currently rushing to judgement more quickly than anyone – to take their own look at the situation.
I can’t decide whether to be encouraged or depressed by all this. On one hand, e-fuels provide a way for some specialist cars to keep their ICEs, plus the inspirational noises that accompany them. On the other, it seems extraordinary that such a crucial matter could have been ignored by experts who suddenly seem far too one-eyed to be making fair decisions. How many other facets of our lives are being so mismanaged?
WEDNESDAY
I’ve done my share of bleating about the failures of Aston Martin (disastrous losses, share price upheaval, staff turmoil, crummy adverts), but I’m as pleased as anyone to see it starting to succeed.
Fernando Alonso’s performance in Formula 1, a return to profitability, the continuing success of the DBX and the inspired hiring of ex-Ferrari technology boss Amedeo Felisa are starting to turn my head. Good luck to them!
THURSDAY
By the time the man came
