Andrew Hamilton answers queries on cruise control, Laguna mileage, wheelchairs, The Picasso and the Phoenix Park races.
Cruise control
Somebody asked us the other day why more cars aren't fitted with cruise control. Wouldn't it avoid a lot of unnecessary speeding that also can be expensive for a lot of us motorists? It seemed a perfectly reasonable question. Cruise control at present tends to be fitted to the more prestigious upmarket brands, driven by people with fatter wallets who can afford the speeding fines anyway.
The fact is that cruise control is never seen in a positive light by most of us. Straining the analogy, it's a bit like the automatic gearbox. Many of us driving "ordinary" cars feel it's a deterrent to proper driving, that we aren't really in control. That argument wears a bit thin now with the latest Tiptronic style of gearbox which essentially provides both automatic and manual modes.
Robert Davidson from Dublin writes, telling us that he bought a used car fitted with cruise control: "I actually find it intimidating and I don't like using it on busy roads like the Stillorgan dual carriageway. While my speed is fixed, other drivers constantly vary their speeds, making it impossible to remain under cruise control for very long."
We think there's a time and a place for cruise control but the Stillorgan dual carriageway isn't in that category. Essentially, cruise control was developed for the long empty highways of North America and in continental Europe. Most of our national primary routes don't offer that freedom, and there would often be the need for disengagement to overtake. We think that on roads where speeds are constantly changing, it makes no sense and could even be dangerous.
Some drivers use cruise control to ensure they keep below a certain speed, particularly on motorways, when traffic is light. That's okay if you feel in full control and comfortable with it, but we see no great advantage over alertness and careful or judicious use of the right foot. Cruise control tends to diminish driver involvement, which is never a good idea.
Laguna mileage
Damien Smith from Co Cavan says he is driving a 1995 Renault Laguna automatic with 40,000 miles on the clock. (He doesn't specify engine size). "It is a nice car and runs well. I have a lot of driving to do in the Dublin area and it is returning 22-24 mpg. My dealer tells me this is about right but I was expecting more."
We think it's about right. Town driving involves a lot of short accelerative bursts and that's what uses up the petrol. If Damien is a high mileage driver, he might usefully look at a diesel as his next car. The Laguna range has splendid fuel-efficient common-rail diesels.
Wheelchairs
James from Dublin writes, saying that his wife has recently become wheelchair-bound: "We need a car that will easily accommodate a folding chair, without entirely sacrificing style, performance or economy." We assume he is talking about a new car.
The Honda Jazz should be first on the list because its clever rear seats have squabs that fold upwards, leaving enough space in the centre of the car to accommodate a folding wheelchair. It's fuel-efficient, returning 41mpg on the EU urban cycle. It looks great, too.
The Picasso
David Johnson of Dublin but now living and working in Wales tells us that he is on his second Renault Scenic and has been pleased with both. "I am considering changing to a Citroën Picasso. Are there any recurring problems? I average slightly more than 40 mpg in the Scenic."
We aren't aware of any Picasso problems unless, of course, readers can tell us. The Picasso is smarter-looking because it's newer. It was the Scenic that started the whole family MPV revolution. If the Picasso is the choice, try the 2.0 litre HDI diesel which should give 50 mpg plus.
Phoenix Park races
William Murphy from Ranelagh, Dublin is upset by the news that this year's Phoenix Park races have been cancelled due to lack of sponsorship while next year's event is on hold. Flatteringly, he writes: "If it's possible for you to highlight the fate of this great event through the paper, I feel sponsorship could be forthcoming.
"The park races are significant for being road races held on closed public roads in a major city. That fact alone should be enough to encourage the retention of the event as there are few road-racing circuits left in Europe. Add the rich history of motor racing that has taken place there and there's an overwhelming argument to support its continuation."
He has sent us material from Full Throttle, by Sir Henry "Tim" Birkin which was first published in 1932. It refers to the huge involvement of the Dublin public in the park races in those times. "The races attracted competition from the teams of Bentley, Mercedes-Benz and Alfa Romeo, driven by the Schumachers and Coulthards of their time," says William Murphy.
We hope his plea will be answered. It's a venerable event which provided free entertainment.