There are now approaching 34 million licensed vehicles on the roads of the United Kingdom. Fifty years ago, this figure stood at 10 million and grew during the boom period of the 1970s to stand at over 20 million by 1983. It is fair to say that this phenomenal growth rate cannot be sustained by our overcrowded road network, not to mention dwindling supplies of motor fuel. Despite ever increasing demand and very high prices, the most popular choice of vehicle is still the conventional family hatchback or saloon. The only difference today is that approximately 50% of all new vehicles sold are powered by diesel engines. Such an option was unheard of in the 1960s with only a trickle of diesel-powered cars being available in the 1970s. As these engines have become far more refined coupled with the ability to offer exceptional miles per gallon, so has their popularity. In addition, diesel engines have lower emissions as measured by a European Directive and therefore attract lower annual road fund licence fees.

According to a statistical report, in 2010 the average engine size of all licensed cars was 1750cc. With the advent of smaller engines with turbochargers, this figure is likely to fall. In the UK that year, Ford manufactured 15% of all licensed cars with GM Vauxhall making 12%. According to the report, almost 50% of all licensed cars in the UK are manufactured by Ford, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Peugeot and Renault.

On the basis that the most popular choice of vehicle is still a traditional car, this article is looking at three latest offerings from the Volkswagen Group, namely the Audi A3, Škoda Octavia and VW Jetta. I make no apology for selecting models from this major manufacturer as they constantly outshine models from competitors especially in terms of reliability. To some, their designs may appear rather staid, but this is a long term bonus as they hold their value better than current avant garde designs on offer from some manufacturers, notably Ford and Peugeot to name but two.

Given that the models all come from the same group stable, final choice can be quite daunting as in many respects the vehicles offer a choice of the same engines and transmission, even sharing the same or modified platform. So what do the individual models have to offer?

Audi A3 Front

Audi A3 Rear

Audi A3 Interior

First is the Audi A3, the design of this third generation car still looking similar to the original model. This is a general trend of VW Group cars whereby their conservative styling evolves rather than changing dramatically. Not only does this maintain easy recognition of a brand name, it also helps older models retain their value. This latest model provides a stylish exterior with an excellent interior made of high-quality materials. There is plenty of kit for the enthusiast but even base models come equipped with stop-start technology for fuel saving, alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity and air conditioning.

Comfort in the revised A3 has been improved by tweaking the suspension settings although the firmer sport settings are available in the top end models. The stiff suspension and lack of equipment were hallmarks of the previous model so great attention has been paid to rectifying these deficiencies. Whilst the car is the same length as its predecessor, the wheelbase has been stretched to provide more interior space as well as offering a slightly higher boot capacity. This now stands at 365 litres with the rear seats in place and 1100 litres with them folded. This new model received a full five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. This is the only car in this review to come with a choice of three or five door bodywork.

Škoda Octavia Front

Škoda Octavia Rear

Škoda Octavia Interior

Next is the all-new Škoda Octavia. Once again this model is something of an evolution of the previous model but unlike the Audi A3, the car is considerably larger than the one it replaces. Whilst giving the impression of a booted car, the Octavia is, in fact, a hatchback. The design is best described as understated, offering smart classic looks at the expense of design wizardry. Coupled with the conservative exterior is a cleanly-designed, functional interior but build quality equals that of the VW Golf which is hard to beat. Standard kit includes air con, stop-start, alloy wheels, Bluetooth and DAB radio with touchscreen. Other details offered by the Octavia include luggage restraints, a reversible boot floor and a useful ice scraper concealed inside the fuel filler cap! Like the A3 this vehicle received a full five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.

To drive, the Octavia is comfortable with little body roll but lacks the excitement of the VW Golf. However, for a car of its size, the engines are very frugal yet still manage to power the vehicle capably. The accommodation offered by the Octavia has always been a major selling point and this new model provides 590 litres of boot space with the rear seats in place! Additionally, rear legroom beats the competition hands down and is close to that offered by the VW Passat, Vauxhall Insignia or Ford Mondeo, all cars in the category above.

VW Jetta Front

VW Jetta Rear

VW Jetta Interior

Finally a look at the Volkswagen Jetta, often described as a booted Golf but actually a separate car in its own right. From the front it shares the familiar VW face which leads into a car some 90mm longer than its predecessor. In profile the car resembles its bigger stablemate the VW Passat, itself a traditional saloon car with a boot. Driver comfort is high and passengers enjoy more rear legroom than in the Golf owing to the longer wheelbase. The dashboard mimics the logical layout from the Golf together with similar build quality. Luggage is well catered for by the 510 litre boot space  and passengers are well protected by a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

The Jetta offers the same well-weighted controls that drivers expect from Volkswagen products and provides good value for money especially as discounts can be obtained by shopping around. Most models come with alloy wheels, air con and cruise control.

So which one to buy? Ultimately that depends on what one is seeking from a motor vehicle. Undeniably the Audi A3 has the sportiest pedigree of the three cars reviewed as well as the prestige associated with the brand but those come at a price. The Škoda Octavia offers the roomiest car of the three and is built to the same exacting standards. It also matches the others in terms of standard equipment and for those who have hitherto subbed the marque, the company now sports a smart new logo which is as every bit upmarket as the car itself. The VW Jetta lacks the image of its sister car the Golf but offers a traditional saloon format at a competitive price. However residual values are unlikely to match those of the Golf.

In a recent press review, both the Audi A3 and Škoda Octavia were awarded 40 points out of 45 whilst the VW Jetta only achieved a score of 37. Prices of the A3 three-door currently range from just under £17905 to over £28160. The Octavia entry level model is £15990 going up to £23240 for the top of the range whilst £19075 is the starting point for the Jetta increasing to £23410.

The analysis compares me to other males of a similar age. It estimates an individual’s level on each of five broad personality domains, namely Extroversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism and Openness to Experience. Each domain has six sub domains to provide a more detailed description of personality.

Personality traits describe, relative to other people, the frequency or intensity of a person’s feelings, thoughts, or behaviours. Such traits are therefore relative and whilst two two individuals might be described as extrovert, one will be seen as more extroverted than the other. The computer program that generates the report classifies individuals as low, average, or high in each trait according to whether the score is approximately in the lowest 30%, middle 40%, or highest 30% of scores obtained by people of the same sex and similar age. It should be noted that low, average and high scores revealed in such tests are neither good nor bad as scores and descriptions can only approximate an individual’s actual personality. High and low score descriptions are usually accurate, but average scores close to the low or high boundaries might wrongly classify one as merely average.

Under the first personality domain of Extroversion, my score was a decidedly average 50 meaning I’m neither a subdued loner nor a jovial chatterbox. I enjoy the company of others but also time alone. The individual sub domains showed scores as follows:

Friendliness 74 Gregariousness 20 Assertiveness 69 Activity Level 73 Excitement-Seeking 37 Cheerfulness 27

So what exactly do these headings cover?

Friendliness:  Friendly people genuinely like other people and openly demonstrate positive feelings toward others. They make friends quickly and it is easy for them to form close, intimate relationships. Low scorers on Friendliness are not necessarily cold and hostile, but they do not reach out to others and are perceived as distant and reserved. My level of friendliness is high.
Gregariousness:  Gregarious people find the company of others pleasantly stimulating and rewarding, enjoying the excitement of crowds. Low scorers tend to feel overwhelmed by, and therefore actively avoid, large crowds. They do not necessarily dislike being with people sometimes, but their need for privacy and time to themselves is much greater than for individuals who score high on this scale. My level of gregariousness is low.
Assertiveness:  High scorers in Assertiveness like to speak out and direct the activities of others such as leaders in groups. Low scorers tend not to talk much and let others take control. My level of assertiveness is high.
Activity Level:  Active individuals lead fast-paced, busy lives. They move about quickly, energetically, and vigorously, and they are involved in many activities. People who score low on this scale follow a slower and more leisurely, relaxed pace. My activity level is high.
Excitement-Seeking:  High scorers on this scale demand high levels of stimulation. They love the bright lights and are likely to take risks and seek thrills. Low scorers are overwhelmed by noise and commotion and are averse to thrill seeking. My level of excitement seeking is average.
Cheerfulness:  This heading measures positive mood and feelings, not negative emotions (which form part of the Neuroticism domain). Persons who score highly here typically experience a range of positive feelings, including happiness, enthusiasm, optimism, and joy. Low scorers are not as prone to such energetic, high spirits. My level of positive emotions is low.

Next is Agreeableness which reflects individual differences in concern with cooperation and social harmony. Agreeable individuals value getting along with others. They are therefore considerate, friendly, generous, helpful, and willing to compromise their interests with those of others. Such people also have an optimistic view of human nature encompassing basic honesty, decency and trustworthiness. Disagreeable individuals place self-interest above getting along with others. They are generally unconcerned with others’ well-being, and their scepticism about others’ motives may cause them to be suspicious, unfriendly and uncooperative.

My score in this category was 91 indicating a strong interest in others’ needs and well being. I am apparently pleasant, sympathetic and cooperative. Individual sub domain scores were:

Trust 28 Morality 81 Altruism 95 Cooperation 68 Modesty 99 Sympathy 72

Trust:  A person with high trust assumes that people are generally fair, honest and have good intentions. Persons low in trust see others as selfish, devious and potentially dangerous. My level of trust is low.
Morality:  High scorers on this scale see no need for pretence or manipulation when dealing with others and are therefore candid, frank and sincere. Low scorers believe that a certain amount of deception in social relationships is necessary. A low score here does not necessarily indicate immorality but that such people are simply more guarded and less willing to openly reveal the whole truth. My level of morality is high.
Altruism:  Altruistic people find helping others genuinely rewarding and are generally willing to assist those in need. Altruistic people find that doing things for others is a form of self-fulfilment rather than self-sacrifice. Low scorers do not particularly like helping others and see such action as an imposition rather than an opportunity for self-fulfilment. My level of altruism is high.
Cooperation:  Individuals who score high on this scale dislike confrontation and are willing to compromise or to deny their own needs in order to get along with others. Those who score low on this scale are more likely to intimidate others. My level of compliance is high.
Modesty:  High scorers on this scale do not like to claim that they are better than other people. In some cases this attitude may derive from low self-confidence or self-esteem. Nonetheless, some people with high self-esteem find immodesty unseemly. My level of modesty is high.
Sympathy:  High scorers in this sub domain are tender-hearted and compassionate. They feel the pain of others vicariously and are easily moved to pity. Low scorers are not affected strongly by human suffering, being more concerned with truth and impartial justice than mercy. My level of tender-mindedness is high.

The third domain is Conscientiousness which concerns the way in which we control, regulate and direct our impulses. Impulses are not inherently bad; occasionally time constraints require a snap decision, and acting on our first impulse can be an effective response. Also, in times of play rather than work, acting spontaneously and impulsively can be fun. However some impulses are antisocial which not only harm other members of society, but also can result in retribution toward the perpetrator of such impulsive acts. Another problem with impulsive acts is that they often produce immediate rewards but undesirable, long-term consequences.

High conscientiousness has many benefits as conscientious individuals avoid trouble and achieve high levels of success through purposeful planning and persistence. They are perceived as being intelligent and reliable although the negative aspect is that such individuals may be compulsive perfectionists and workaholics and regarded as boring. Unconscientious people may be unreliable and lack ambition, but they will experience many short-lived pleasures and not seen as stuffy or boring.

My score here was a commendable 88 meaning I set clear goals and pursue them with determination. People regard me as reliable and hard working. Individual sub domain scores were:

Self Efficacy 60 Orderliness 89 Dutifulness 84 Achievement Striving 41 Self Discipline 74
Cautiousness 91

Self-Efficacy:  Self-Efficacy is confidence in one’s ability to accomplish things. High scorers believe they have the intelligence/common sense, drive and self-control necessary for achieving success. Low scorers do not feel effective, and may think they’re not in control of their lives. My level of self-efficacy is average.
Orderliness:  Persons with high scores on orderliness are well-organised and like to live according to routines and schedules. They keep lists and make plans. Low scorers tend to be disorganised and scattered. My level of orderliness is high.
Dutifulness:  This sub domain reflects the strength of a person’s sense of duty and obligation. A high score indicates a strong sense of moral obligation. Low scorers find contracts, rules and regulations overly confining and are perceived as unreliable and possibly irresponsible. My level of dutifulness is high.
Achievement-Striving:  Individuals who score high on this scale strive hard to achieve excellence and lofty goals. Some have a strong sense of direction in life, but extremely high scorers may be too single-minded and obsessed with work. Low scorers are content to get by with a minimal amount of work but might be seen by others as lazy. My level of achievement striving is average.
Self-Discipline:  Self-discipline, or will-power, measures the ability to persist at difficult or unpleasant tasks until they are completed. High self-discipline indicates ability to overcome reluctance to begin tasks and stay on track despite distractions. Those with low self-discipline procrastinate and often fail to complete tasks, even those they desire to complete. My level of self-discipline is high.
Cautiousness:  This illustrates the disposition to think through possibilities before acting. High scorers on this scale take their time when making decisions. Low scorers often react impetuously by saying or doing the first thing that comes to mind without deliberating alternatives and consequences of those alternatives. My level of cautiousness is high.

Neuroticism referring to the tendency to experience negative feelings is the fourth domain. A high score high here may represent one specific negative feeling such as anxiety, anger or depression, but many are likely to experience several of these emotions. People high in neuroticism are emotionally reactive responding to events that would not affect most people, and their reactions tend to be more intense than normal, even in simple situations. Frequent negative emotional reactions lead to bad moods and an inability to think clearly, make decisions or cope effectively with stress. Individuals who score low in neuroticism are less easily upset and are less emotionally reactive. They tend to be calm, emotionally stable, and free from persistent negative feelings.

A low score of 24 was achieved in this category indicating that I am exceptionally calm, composed and unflappable. I tend not to react with intense emotions, even in situations that most people would describe as stressful. Individual sub domain scores were:

Anxiety 51 Anger 38 Depression 20 Self-Consciousness 39 Immoderation 20 Vulnerability 17

Anxiety:  People who are high in anxiety often feel like something dangerous is about to happen, either specifically or in general. This creates a feeling of being tense, jittery and nervous. Persons low in Anxiety are generally calm and fearless. My level of anxiety is average.
Anger:  Persons who score high in Anger feel enraged when things do not go their way. However they do not necessarily express this anger as that is measured in Agreeableness. They are sensitive about being treated fairly and feel resentful and bitter when they feel they are being cheated. Low scorers do not get angry often or easily. My level of anger is average.
Depression:  This measures the tendency to feel sad, dejected and discouraged. High scorers lack energy and have difficult initiating activities. Low scorers tend to be free from these depressive feelings. My level of depression is low.
Self-Consciousness:  Self-conscious individuals are sensitive about what others think of them. A concern about rejection and ridicule can lead to shyness and feeling uncomfortable around others. They are easily embarrassed, often feel ashamed and fear almost public ridicule. Low scorers, in contrast, do not suffer from the mistaken impression that everyone is watching and judging them and are confident in social situations. My level or self-consciousness is average.
Immoderation:  Immoderate people feel strong cravings and urges that they find hard to reisit. They tend to be oriented toward short-term pleasures and rewards rather than long- erm consequences. Low scorers do not experience such irresistible cravings and are therefore not tempted to overindulge. My level of immoderation is low.
Vulnerability:  A high score here demonstrates the ease of panic, confusion and helplessness when under pressure or stress. Low scorers feel more poised, confident and clear-thinking when stressed. My level of vulnerability is low.

The final domain in this test is Openness to Experience which basically distinguishes imaginative, creative people from down-to-earth, conventional people. Open people are intellectually curious, appreciative of art, sensitive to beauty and generally more aware of their feelings. They tend to think and act in individualistic and nonconforming ways. However, it is not a fundamental measure of intellect per se. People may have a penchant for mathematical, logical, or geometric thinking, plus music composition or performance, and the visual or performing arts.

People with low scores on openness to experience tend to have narrow, common interests. They prefer the plain, straightforward and obvious over the complex, ambiguous and subtle. They may regard the arts and sciences with suspicion, regarding these endeavours as being of little or no practical use. These so-called closed people prefer familiarity over novelty being conservative and resistant to change.

My score in this category was an average 44 meaning I enjoy tradition but am willing to try new things. My thinking is neither simple nor complex and to others I appear well educated but not an intellectual.

Imagination 0 Artistic Interests 47 Emotionality 95 Adventurousness 86 Intellect 19 Liberalism 49

Imagination:  High scorers on this scale use fantasy as a way of creating a richer, more interesting world. Low scorers are on this scale are more oriented to facts than fantasy. My level of imagination is low.
Artistic Interests:  A high score reflects a love of beauty both in art and in nature with individuals easily involved and absorbed in artistic and natural events. They are not necessarily artistically trained or talented, although many will be. Low scorers lack aesthetic sensitivity and interest in the arts. My level of artistic interests is average.
Emotionality:  Persons high on Emotionality have good access to and awareness of their own feelings. Low scorers are less aware of their feelings and tend not to express their emotions openly. My level of emotionality is high.
Adventurousness:  High scorers on adventurousness are eager to try new activities, travel abroad and experience new cultures as familiarity and routine are boring. Low scorers tend to feel uncomfortable with change and prefer familiar routines. My level of adventurousness is high.
Intellect:  Intellect and artistic interests are the two most important aspects of openness to experience. High scorers love to play with ideas, being open-minded to new and unusual ideas. They enjoy debating intellectual issues, riddles, puzzles and brainteasers. Low scorers on Intellect prefer dealing with either people or things rather than ideas as intellectual exercises are seen as a waste of time. Intellect does not mean one’s level of intelligence! My level of intellect is low.
Liberalism:  Psychological liberalism refers to a readiness to challenge authority, convention and traditional values. In its most extreme form, psychological liberalism can even represent outright hostility towards rules, sympathy for law-breakers, and love of ambiguity, chaos, and disorder. Psychological conservatives prefer the security and stability brought by conformity to tradition. Psychological liberalism and conservatism are not identical to political affiliation, but certainly incline individuals toward certain political parties. My level of liberalism is average.

In summary this 2013 Psychoanalysis Test reveals that others see me as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical and always interesting. Someone who’s constantly the centre of attention but sufficiently well balanced not to let it go to my head. They see me as kind, considerate and understanding; someone who’ll always cheer them up and help them out.

So how do these results compare with 2003? The simple answer is very favourably. My score for Extroversion was 56 and that for Agreeableness 88. Conscientiousness was an impressive 96 whilst Neuroticism revealed a score of 38. Finally Openness to Experience scored 41. My average score across all five domains in 2013 totalled 59 whilst in 2003 this was 64, both falling well within the average category. The main change is within the Neuroticism domain which illustrates a greater degree of calmness than in 2003. At the time the summary said my score was average indicating emotional reactivity as typical of the general population. Stressful and frustrating things were somewhat upsetting to me although I was generally able to get over the feelings and cope with given situations. This is an accurate reflection of me at that time as I was experiencing the trauma of redundancy and some mild depression. Having long since moved on from that, my life has become far more passive but with it an inner peace of mind.

Heritage Motor Centre

The museum’s early beginnings stem back to the days of the British Leyland Motor Corporation which was responsible for the production of Austin, Morris, Triumph and Rover cars. BLMC amassed a collection of preserved cars and needed a dedicated purpose-built residence to exhibit the collection as its former sites were both too small and unsuitable. The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust was formed with its mission to keep the memory of the British motor industry alive, telling the story of the motor car from early 20th Century to the present day. Opened in 1993, the current museum is housed in an Art Deco style building that complements the ever-changing exhibits. Currently the museum has a collection of some 260 vehicles of which about 160 are on display at any one time.

Whether or not one has any real interest in cars, this collection will provide an interesting insight into the world of the motor industry. One of the main features is the Time Road that houses cars from different decades and these sit on road surfaces typical of the time in question. This may sound somewhat cynical but some of the earlier road surfaces almost appear better than the state of our highways today! In addition to the vehicles themselves, visitors can learn more from an archive reading room as well as activities in the 65 acres of landscaped grounds.

Seeing as this collection was first set up under the auspices of the former British Leyland Group, many of the vehicles on show stem from their marques. This obviously means that many manufacturers are not represented although the Trust’s remit is gradually widening to encompass other brands. For some alternative cars, a visit to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in Hampshire is suggested.

Knowing the very poor build quality of some cars in the 60s, 70s and 80s, it is highly unlikely that many have survived to tell their own story. Such models include the likes of Rootes Group products, many Fords and most Vauxhalls.

London Bus

The Millionth Austin

Austin Metropolitan

1959 First Morris Mini-Minor

1931 Austin Seven Swallow

1954 MG TF

Classic Morgan

Classic Jaguar

Customised Mini

The Mini shown above is anything but what it seems! Customisation has been taken to extremes and the car is 30cm longer than a traditional Mini of its time. The extra length was to accommodate a new driveline and longitudinally mounted Ford crossflow engine. Most of the transmission is Ford taking parts from a Sierra and Cortinas. Unlike the original Mini, the car is rear wheel drive, with front suspension coming from a Vauxhall Viva HC and the rear from a Triumph Dolomite. Brakes are a mixture of Viva HC, Cortina and Escort. The front and rear wheels are different sizes and the interior plus dashboard were also customised from a variety of different sources. In all, the car is finished to a very high standard!

If you’re ever in the area and want to idle a few hours in nostalgia then this museum is definitely worth a visit!

Here’s an excerpt:

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 1,900 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 3 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.

A recent comment made by one of my followers on Twitter has prompted this article. The tweet said that Twitter has changed in the last twelve months and unfortunately I have to agree. In summary, the comment said that many people no longer chat meaning that the individual concerned now spends less time on the social media site. To me this is very disappointing as my interpretation of Twitter is a means of social interaction with people of all ages from different backgrounds and places.

Of course, that interpretation is way too simplistic but the one that is by far the most important to me. Reference to the Internet will reveal countless definitions of what social media means to different people. For example Wikipedia defines it as “media for social interaction, using highly accessible and scalable communication techniques. Social media is the use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogue”.

Increasingly, social media sites are being used for in-your-face marketing activities. To many, social media is today’s most transparent, engaging and interactive form of public relations as allegedly it combines real time content with the beauty of authentic peer-to-peer communication. Another thought on its meaning is that “social media is not about what each of us does or says, but about what we do and say together to communicate in all directions at any time”. One comment stated that “social media is communication channels or tools used to store, aggregate, share, discuss or deliver information within online communities” adding that “the focus is on interaction and relationships, not the almighty dollar”. Sadly the latter appears to have been lost on many users of Twitter with the plethora of marketing and self promotional tweets!

Twitter logo

Looking at Twitter timelines today reveals a distinct lack of interactive dialogue at the expense of competition tweets, inane information about what people are watching on television, product promotions and an ever-increasing abundance of pornography or links to such sites. I really would like to know what any of the aforementioned have to do with social interaction. It’s hardly surprising that some users are moving away and using other sites which is unfortunate as Twitter is unique in its short message approach.

To me the beauty of Twitter is its immediacy when people you follow are online at the same time. It’s an opportunity to exchange pleasantries, enter into more in-depth conversation or simply enjoy light-hearted banter with friends and followers. There is nothing more uplifting than people popping up and saying hello and exchanging a few short messages but such exchanges are becoming a rarity. Part of the problem is seeing tweets from genuine people amidst the volume of marketing messages, quadrupled horoscope messages, self centred promotions and running commentaries on trash reality television programmes. Too many good people appear to be abandoning Twitter because of this ever-increasing trend.

Thankfully there is one saving factor, namely the direct message (DM) facility. I find myself conducting more and more conversations via this method simply to avoid the irritating timeline. Whilst this is an excellent means of chat, it does exclude others being in the conversation as by definition it is a one-to-one tweet. In reality it is always nice if others can join in a conversation hence the interactive part of what social media means to me. As previously stated some have deserted Twitter but thankfully there are some who stick with it and chat on an almost daily basis.

One such person was a young man named Greig who invariably popped up to greet me and ask about my health either on the public timeline or via DM. Whilst to some such a message may appear rather trite, to me it is both creditworthy and uplifting. It’s the small things in life that actually mean the most, and subsequently become the most missed. Sadly I referred to Greig in the past tense. No longer am I privileged to share the trials and tribulations of everyday life, and exchange a few jokes and banter with this lovely tweeter as tragically, he passed away on 14 November 2012. He had become far more than a casual acquaintance, as having shared so much through the medium of Twitter, he was classed as a friend. As such he is both a real loss to Twitter and to the many people he’s left behind who showed him the respect he justly deserved. Unfortunately too many people use Twitter to criticise others, pass judgement without knowing anything, and even resort to bullying, a subject that was covered in a previous blog.

Twitter is a worse place without the likes of Greig. Fortunately there are still others on my timeline who share his values and embrace Twitter for what it should be rather than for what it is becoming. Only by initiating conversation and interacting can the core values of Twitter be maintained. I now find myself muting so much irritating content from my timeline that I’m likely to miss the occasional interesting tweet that could stimulate new conversation. Perhaps it’s time for Twitter to reassess its purpose and instigate tighter controls to suppress pornography and self promotional tweeters. There are many alternative avenues for this stuff.

Hopefully my presence on Twitter will continue into the foreseeable future but my survival depends entirely upon people chatting. The untimely death of Greig has left a huge void as he embraced Twitter in the right way. Yes much of our chatting ended up via DM but for the reasons outlined above.

RIP Greig. It was indeed a real privilege to know you!

It would appear that 2013 is going to be a bumper year for new model launches from several leading manufacturers as they strive to retain market share and offer ever-increasing fuel and emission efficient engines. As I have a preference for vehicles from the VW Group, once again this article focuses on upcoming new models from that stable.

Key to these new products is the VW Group new MQB platform. This supports the three models featured and in the near future will be used for updated VW Tiguan and Touran models. A slightly stretched version will accommodate the all-new Škoda Octavia when it is launched in 2013 as this car will be targeted at the market currently served by Ford’s Mondeo and GM’s Insignia.

Audi A3 Front

Audi A3 Interior

Audi A3 Rear

First model to be launched on the MQB platform was a revised Audi A3. This model is perceived as being head and shoulders above its stablemates but in reality it is mostly an over-priced derivative and offers little enhancement in performance. For some buyers of course it is all about prestige rather than value for money, but savvy customers will not be hoodwinked by such blatant badge engineering. Whilst the A3 will hold its value well, this must be considered in conjunction with the initial cost. As a simple example, an A3 costing £20000 and retaining 50% of its value after three years will be worth £10000. An identically engineered SEAT costing £16000 and depreciating by 55% in the same period will be worth £7200. The total loss on the Audi is £10000 but only £8800 on the SEAT.

There is little doubt that the A3 is a refined vehicle and is built from first class materials. It boasts both aluminium and high-strength steel to minimise weight and has a delightful interior ambience. It offers three suspension settings but whilst the sportier ones give sharper handling, the ride quality suffers. Accommodation is more than adequate upfront but rear legroom suffers and the VW Golf offers more space. Currently the new A3 is only available in three door form which always hinders rear access. The boot is very practical with an adjustable floor to provide a level loading area when the rear seats are folded.

VW Golf Front

VW Golf Rear

VW Golf Interior

Hitting the streets within a matter of weeks will be the seventh generation of the VW Golf. The current version has only been in production for four years and this boasted many improvements over the Mark V version. So just what could be done to improve this very successful car further? Firstly, it’s lighter, more efficient and offers greater practicality than the exisiting model. New high-strength steel and other weight-saving measures used in its construction will enhance overall fuel efficiency. In addition, with new improved engines and aerodynamics, CO2 emissions have been reduced by about 14%.

Highlights of the new Golf include a progressive steering system to aid both low-speed and higher speed manoeuvrability. Most models will benefit from four driving modes which adjust the air conditioning and engine management systems accordingly. An electric parking brake is standard across the range. Also standard is Bluetooth connectivity and a DAB radio with touch-screen versatility. It also boasts an emergency braking function which utilises sensors to detect an imminent collision and at speeds below 19mph automatically applies the brakes. Such technology is an extra cost option on the A3. Overall accommodation for passengers has been improved in both the front and rear whilst boot space has also increased by 8%. As in the A3 a two-position boot floor is standard.

Overall the new Golf offers more refinement, economy, technology and sophistication over the outgoing model. Remarkably, prices are not expected to increase and should start from around £16200. This is certainly not cheap but considerably lower than the £19200 starting price of the equivalent Audi.

SEAT Leon Rear

SEAT Leon Interior

SEAT Leon Front

The final new car launch is the SEAT Leon. The current car is certainly getting long in the tooth and way overdue for replacement. The 2013 version has a much more aggressive stance that will stand out from the crowd. Of the three different marques the Leon will offer the sportiest stance. In line with its stablemates, the new Leon will be considerably lighter than the current model and up to 22% more fuel efficient. It will share many of the engines offered in the Golf and far more choice than the Audi A3. Ultimately buyers will have a choice of five petrol and four diesel variants.

Deserved criticism of the Leon in the past has been the inferior cabin compared with many of its rivals. The new Leon hopes to address these concerns with a more premium feel and improvements in both the quality of materials and attention to detail. A highlight of the Leon will be the availability of full-LED headlamps which is a first in this vehicle category.

Whilst the outgoing model has only been available as a five door, both three-door and estate derivatives are expected in due course. The anticipated starting price for this model will be circa £15000 and much in line with the current car. This represents a saving of over £4000 on the entry level A3 and whilst individual specifications do vary, these cannot justify such a price difference. All these cars share the same major components so ultimately any decision as to which one to buy comes down to aesthetics, snobbery or the size of one’s wallet!

Finally a preview photograph of the revised Škoda Octavia seen here in estate form which, as mentioned earlier, will be moving upmarket.

2013 Škoda Octavia

2013 Škoda Octavia

After years of waiting, Škoda is finally introducing a compact-sized car to its range. Called the Rapid, this will slot inbetween the current Fabia and the soon to be updated Octavia models. Currently Škoda isn’t directly represented in this market segment which is popularised by the likes of the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot 308, Citroen C4, Kia c’eed, Toyota Auris and Honda Civic. Other manufacturers also offer models in this segment so it is an important step for the Czech marque.

Currently their Octavia model competes in this segment but actually offers more car for the money. However, it’s replacement is likely to be larger and a more direct competitor to the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia, so Škoda are placing great importance on a model that will already have considerable opposition. In line with all their models, the new Rapid will actually be a hatchback but it’s clever styling gives the impression that it’s a saloon.

Škoda Rapid Front

Seat Toledo Front

In brief, the new Rapid is a car that will appeal predominantly to family car buyers. Recent pre-release road tests say that it’s practical, clever, efficient and easy to drive. Whilst it may lack certain current styling trends, it will offer no nonsense motoring at an affordable price and some motoring journalists claim there really will be nothing better on the road. Škoda has decided to be somewhat conservative in the design of this new model but attractive bodyline creases and attention to detail give the car a modern look. In many respects, classic designs stand the test of time far better than so-called experimental ones. The Ford Fiesta for example loses its value like a plummeting stone whilst its competitor the Volkswagen Polo retains value. Similarly the likes of BMW and Audi have a tendency to maintain their conservatism in design and certainly don’t lose market share as a result!

Škoda Rapid Rear

Seat Toledo Rear

Whilst this new car won’t be available until around late autumn 2012 what can potential buyers expect? The Rapid has well balanced handling and a sure-footed feel on the road, turning into corners well with minimal body roll. The Rapid has clearly been set up to be predictable and easy to drive rather than offering boy racer thrills. The steering is responsive and nicely weighted, the gearbox is accurate and light, and overall performance will be at an acceptable level. Whilst there may not be a sense of real driving appeal, the Rapid is designed for cost-conscious motorists who seek reliability and economy as their main priorities. It will be offered with four petrol and two diesel engines each offering a range of power options. It is envisaged that many drivers may ultimately be attracted back to petrol engined vehicles not only because of the considerable price advantage over diesel-powered motors but also as a result of impending Euro 6 emission laws. These laws will take into account particulate emissions from diesel engines. As is the case with most modern cars today, the Rapid will come equipped with the latest safety features including six airbags, ABS and stability control. The interior layout is traditional Škoda with all controls laid out logically rather than in a gimmicky fashion. Whilst this may appear bland on cheaper models, the option of contrasting colours is available on higher specification models and this creates an ambience akin to more expensive vehicles! One area where the Škoda Rapid excels is its 550-litre luggage space which even dwarfs the Volkswagen Jetta.

Škoda Rapid Interior

Seat Toledo Interior

So what of the aforementioned Seat Toledo? Mechanically this will be an identical vehicle and only distinguished by front and rear end styling differences. The dashboard is identical but there will be minor changes to door panels. Both cars will be made in the Czech Republic. Ultimately final choice comes down to styling … if I could choose, I would opt for the front of the Rapid and the rear of the Toledo! Prices of both cars are likely to start around £13000 at launch … highly competitive for cars that offer accommodation for five adults and their luggage!

For any doubters, remember that this car comes from the VW Group stable which incidentally owns Bentley! It is a well assembled vehicle built from tried and tested parts, and once again in 2012 Škoda scored very highly in the annual JD Power customer satisfaction survey.

Within the next few months, Volkswagen, Seat and Škoda will each launch their variants of a new city car on to the British market. With all of them sharing the same platform, engines and gearbox, it could be argued that the potential buyer has little to choose between them. However, there are subtle differences between all three models in styling finishes, so ultimately it will be the aesthetics of each vehicle that probably finalises the choice.

In the ever-growing subcompact market, Volkswagen delivers the Up!, Seat call their derivative the Mii and Škoda, rather predictably, offers the more practical name of Citigo.

Volkswagen Up!

Volkswagen Up!

The model variant has been nearly five years in the making, having first made its debut as a VW concept vehicle at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. In line with the usual VW expectations, the entry-level model has promised to set new standards for quality and refinement in city cars. At the time of launch, all cars will offer the choice of two 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engines, one generating 60PS and the other 75PS. If one expects any level of performance, then the higher aspirated version is the engine to choose. Whilst three-cylinder engines are not as smooth as a four-cylinder, the offering from VW is generally a sound unit, although likely to be a little noisy at high revs.

All models promise a supple ride, which will undoubtedly please motorists in the UK as our roads become infested with potholes. The cars are easy to drive, with light and positive steering, and their compact dimensions provide agility and fun for the driver. All vehicles carry standard safety kit with four airbags and ABS. with additional safety features available on the higher spec models.

The overall design of the body affords good interior space with adequate headroom and almost class-leading boot space with the rear seats in place. Once these are folded forward, there is more luggage space than in some of the supermini segment. In addition, the interior features deep door bins, a large centre console storage area and a lidded glovebox for all those odds and ends.

Škoda Citigo

Škoda Citigo

Each model derivative from the respective marques will have their unique attributes although these are mostly cosmetic. Many will be attracted to the Up! because of its quirky front end treatment and styled rear side windows. Both the Mii and Citigo share the same side profile although front and rear end treatment is different. The Up! has a shiny black finish to the tailgate beneath the rear window which may not be to everyone’s taste.

In summary, all models raise the standard in the subcompact market as they offer big-car refinement, grown-up driving dynamics, high quality and clever packaging, all coupled with low running costs. Whilst prices have yet to be fixed for the Škoda and Seat, the VW starts at £7995 for the Take Up! However it is likely that prices from the other manufacturers will undercut the Volkswagen, thereby offering even better value. Observant readers will notice that the Škoda is also shown in 5 door disguise. It is understood that both VW and Seat will also be offering 5 door derivatives. My choice of the three would be the Škoda Citigo for its classic looks and clean cut lines although the Seat Mii looks quite attractive too. For me the VW Up! is too cluttered and gimmicky in appearance.

Models already established in the subcompact market include the trio of Citroën C1, Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo, all of which have recently been face-lifted. Other similar vehicles include the Ford Ka, Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10.

Seat Mii

Seat Mii

With all the recent media hype, few people will be unaware that Apple has just unveiled the latest version of its iPad tablet. In an act of astounding originality, the company has decided to call this latest offering the new iPad rather than applying a suffix as has been the case up to now. Many anticipated improvements or additions have not been forthcoming meaning that this ‘new’ iPad is rather disappointing. Whilst it’s main feature is a new retina display, or improved screen resolution to the uninitiated, there is little else to shout about, unless of course, you work for Apple!

So what does this new resolution mean to the user? The new iPad apparently boasts four times the resolution of the iPad 2 which will undoubtedly enhance the viewing of HD videos, but this is unlikely to have a dramatic effect upon many web pages which, for the most part, are only viewed for a very short time. For the poorer sighted user, text will appear easier to read. In order to accommodate this high resolution, the new iPad boasts a new processor and a graphics chip which will enhance game playing for those interested in such activity.

Needless to say, it wouldn’t be Apple without the odd gimmick. Included in the package is Voice Dictation accessed via a microphone at the bottom of the keyboard. When touched, this enables the user to dictate text but how reliable it is remains to be seen. So often, utensils like this fail to recognise different accents so any time saved in speaking text could quickly be annulled in the time taken to correct errors. Users of the latest iPhone 4S will be able to relate to Siri and the problems encountered there in recognising variations in the human voice.

Certain model variations will be equipped for the next generation 4G network although currently this is primarily aimed at the US market. By the time 4G is up and running in the UK, this new iPad is likely to have been updated at least once, so one might well question the need for this facility especially as it has to be paid for. The new iPad also comes with an upgraded 5-megapixel camera which Apple says has the ability to shoot full 1080p HD video and can therefore effectively become your camera of choice. Now I don’t know about you but the thought of carrying around a relatively heavy tablet and using it to take everyday snapshot photos really doesn’t bear thinking about. Most people will either use a dedicated compact camera or their mobile phone for taking photos, although most compact cameras still beat hands down any mobile phone lens.

This new iPad is almost the same size as the model it will eventually replace although it weighs slightly more. It claims a similar battery life of up to 10 hours under normal usage and still runs the current iOS 5 software. The product will be available from 16 March 2012 with pricing starting at £399 for the 16GB Wi-Fi model.

In the words of Apple, this iPad is resolutionary rather than revolutionary, the latter being something which we have come to expect from the company.  As was the case with the iPhone 4S it appears little more than a marketing ploy on behalf of Apple to encourage susceptible and naive people to part with their money. The product does very little in addition to the current iPad 2 and it is virtually guaranteed that a further replacement encompassing more industry-setting standards will be launched within the next twelve months. Given that this offering is the new iPad, one can only speculate as to the name of it’s successor… the new new iPad maybe?

Unless you really need this product, don’t waste your money upgrading from earlier versions as the next incarnation is likely to render all current models redundant!

Should someone now lose their job in their 40s or 50s, the chances of finding new employment in the UK presents a major challenge to even the most qualified of people. The media is now full of stories from older workers telling how they lost their employment through no fault of their own never to return.

Whilst official unempoyment figures may show that some 2.67 million people were seeking work as at mid February 2012, this figure fails to take into account those who may be in low paid part time employment and the many that fail to officially register with the Department of Work and Pensions. Other statistical analysis suggested that there were some 2.8 million people over the age of 45 without paid work in the UK as far back as September 2006.

On 1 October 2006 new laws were introduced to combat age discrimination in the workplace applying to staff under the age of 65. No longer will firms be able to deny an interview, refuse a job offer, deny training or sack someone under 65 on the grounds of age. Sadly this has had very little impact upon the attitude of employers towards the older applicant, yet it is something that is very difficult to prove. So why are so many people in their 50s and 60s without lucrative paid work?

One theory is that people feel discouraged to apply for jobs because of their age, whilst others attribute the inability to work because of health reasons. The older candidate is stereotyped as being inflexible, unable to adapt to new technology, and lacking creativity. They therefore fall outside the demographics of modern business methods. Whilst employers cannot specifically mention age in a recruitment advertisement, subtle phrases such as the ideal candidate will be expected to grow with the young company effectively exclude the older person from applying. In other words, discrimination is being shown but circumnavigates the law.

Another subtle form of discrimination against the older applicant are academic requirements. So many vacancies today specify a university degree, no matter how poor or irrelevant to the job in question that might be. This is fine for the younger applicant as at least 40% of school leavers move into higher education but some 30 years ago this figure was as low as 6%. This means that many older applicants do not meet the basic criteria and are therefore eliminated from the selection process. Potential employers overlook three important qualities here, namely that the older applicant will have considerable business experience, he or she is likely to be professional in their approach to work, and will undoubtedly be more reliable.

How times have changed! Back in the 1970s, nine out of 10 men over the age of 50 were employed. There was an attitude of respect towards the older worker, and in many industries, loyalty was rewarded. The next two decades saw a decline in traditional labour markets as industries closed due to a lack of competitiveness and in a period of rejuvenation, the emphasis on younger staff was born. Those who were in managerial or professional jobs have had most to lose if they were made redundant after their mid 40s.

With so many older people seeking new employment prospects, it is somewhat ironic that the government is forcibly extending the age before official retirement. Whilst this article is predominantly centred on the older generation of unemployed people, it must not be forgotten that there are currently over one million people seeking work in the 16-24 age bracket. Surely it would make economic sense to get some of these people into employment and training instead of prolonging the working life of those approaching retirement age.

Governments fail to acknowledge some of the major implications of long term unemployment. Firstly, people lose their self esteem and motivation as they see little to strive for in the future. In the case of a minority of younger people, this has led to recent riots, as individuals strive to make themselves heard in one way or another. For the older person, the onset of ill health is more prevalent as the mind ceases to function in a disciplined manner. Both scenarios subsequently put a considerable drain on the country’s resources, funds that could be used to support training for young people and, where necessary, paid to companies as an incentive to employ older applicants with the skills, knowledge and experience that are waiting to be exploited.

Anyone reading this who knows me will be well aware that I have first hand experience of age discrimination. Having been made redundant from a middle management position some years ago, I found it impossible to secure another position despite having had several interviews. Even recently, despite attending an interview for a position falling well below my skills and capabilities, the job was offered to a 30 year old! Whilst I am currently self employed and therefore not a statistic in the unemployment figures, I struggle to survive like so many people in a similar situation due to a considerable reduction in my workload over the last two years.