Hello,

My name is Joe. How do you do? I'm fine thanks.

There are two things you need to know about me; my love for all things car and trainer related verges on the obsessive and I am terrifying to small children.

Let me give you a little insight into the reason behind the creation of this blog. Earlier today I went to Coventry Uni for their open day, I hope to attend in September to complete an MA in Automotive Journalism. It was a really interesting experience stepping into a different university building for the first time in many months, and being surrounded by fresh faced 18 year olds I suddenly felt very old. But that soon changed when I chatted with the faculty staff who were knowledgeable and friendly. After a great chat with one of the tutors it transpired that he had written one of my favourite articles in Car Magazine last year. I was suddenly acutely aware that if I didn't buck my ideas up I wouldn't get the opportunity to be able to attend and work with him. So I've taken it upon myself to start writing more. Over the coming months (and years) I hope that you will learn a little about me, my interests, hobbies, opinions and general nonsensical drivel that I spout from time to time.

Anyway, on with todays musings.........

Have you seen the new VW Polo ad?! Hilarious! A singing dog, makes absolutely no sense to me but I love it and if we didn't already have a Polo in the household I'd definitely think about buying one. Never underestimate the power of advertising. Pretty soon I'll have forgotten all about that ad and be hankering after some other expensive item that I don't really need. Speaking of the Polo my lady friend has a year old Polo and I have to say it's not a bad little car. It does everything distinctly averagely but very little badly. It has a good turn of speed for a 1.4, it's fairly roomy, comfortable, and reasonably quiet. However, there are several gripes that I have with it. The steering is seriously devoid of feel, the brakes are snatchy, the engine drones along without a hint of a tune and overall it just feels like a soulless product. By far and away the biggest issue I have with it is some of the cost cutting that has been involved in making the car. No boot light seems like a massive oversight and leaves me fumbling about in the boot virtually every time I drive the car. Maybe I'm just too used to the unpredictability and flair of my Italian stallion, perhaps not.

Sticking with a VW theme some angry young man in a Golf tried to force me off the road today. Now I happen to think that an indicated 80mph cruise on a motorway is perfectly acceptable and if I'm in the outside lane level with a lorry I don't like to be flashed in an "I'm more important than you so get out of my way" gesture. More to the point I don't then like to be forced over because said cretin wants to make an aggressive gesture of his superiority to me. Nonetheless what shocked me most of all is that he had his son in the back. I don't think I have many words that can adequately describe the sheer stupidity of this but I can console myself in the fact I have a modicum of patience and tolerance for my fellow road users.

Rant over. Anyway, it's time for my tea. Hope you enjoyed this blog and will continue to enjoy many more to come.

Joe