The humble pick-up truck has evolved from its agricultural roots into an altogether different beast. There was a time when ownership of a pick-up usually went hand in hand with displaying a confederate flag and wearing a lot of denim. When I visited the states a few years ago it appeared as if every other car on the road was an enormous pick-up of some description, a few of which found their way to the UK. The rather incongruous Dodge Ram started to appear on British roads a few years ago (the ones it could actually fit on) but the sharp rise in fuel prices and following credit crisis soon killed them off.

Elsewhere the pick-up is the vehicle of choice in a lot of Middle Eastern and African countries usually transporting about thirty heavily armed blokes in the back. The Japanese manufacturers seem to have the market pretty sewn-up with Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi leading the way. Not all pick-ups have four wheel drive but like their SUV cousin’s, pick-ups have come in for a certain amount of criticism recently especially as manufacturers have discovered that if you stick a cab on the back you end up with a cheap SUV.

As a result there has been a back lash from environmentalists, as what were once used exclusively by farmers to reach their livestock and by builders to transport stuff around in have been transformed into a “lifestyle” vehicle by manufacturers desperate to expand sales. In some respects you can’t begrudge genuine buyers of pick-ups from getting a few creature comforts the same way as modern vans have changed but there is no doubt that a lot of the gargantuan models that are currently available are being purchased as mere status symbols.

You could argue that by giving the Mitsubishi L200 names like Warrior and Animal not forgetting Raging Bull they have pandered somewhat to the lifestyle market as these are certainly the biggest sellers. Having said that the L200 is still primarily a commercial vehicle and this should not be forgotten.

The pick-up first became attractive in the UK a few years ago amongst buyers who would have previously chosen an SUV. This was largely due to a loophole in the company car tax law but this was soon closed by the Chancellor, however those who are self-employed are still able to reclaim the cost of VAT.

Mitsubishi has made the distinction between work and play by categorising the L200 range as 4Work and 4Life. The former offers no frills tough workhorse qualities while the latter is packed with more leather and chrome nudge bars than you can shake a stick at.

The latest L200 has a softer more round edged design that the previous model which appeals to non-commercial buyers and the double-cab version is still fairly practical. It is larger than the old model and should seat five at a push. Underneath the sleek integrated bodywork you will still find coil and leaf springs with a live axle and ladder frame chassis so although very capable off-road you can’t expect sports car handling. The L200 has switchable all wheel drive plus a lockable centre differential if you get really stuck.

The cabin is well constructed although incorporates a lot of plastic but certainly doesn’t feel cheap.

On the road the L200 requires a little more effort to drive than the average modern SUV. The steering can be heavy at times but the turning circle is infinitely better than the old model which could often catch people out especially in supermarket car parks!

The L200 is powered by a 2.5 litre four cylinder turbo diesel with around 136bhp and 314nm of torque which gives a fairly respectable 0-60mph time and top speed although you won’t be setting any land speed records. Fuel consumption is quite impressive unless you drive flat out everywhere.

Although a rugged customer, with some careful handling the L200 can easily be tamed.

The Mitsubishi L200 has been a popular vehicle with business and leisure users alike for many years. Jon Barlow takes a look at the latest Mitsubishi L200

If I was a celebrity in the public eye, I’d make sure I gave the public what they wanted. With the media scrutinising every move a famous person makes, it’s vital you don’t step out of line or rub anyone up the wrong way; else your career will be crushed quicker than you can say “swearing on live TV”. Similarly with advertising and endorsements you don’t want to be turning up to your Volkswagen video shoot three hours late, or shaving your head the night before your hair product photo shoot.

The above all seems obvious to me as I’m sure it does to you which is why I’m incredulous at the acts of some who have the world at their feet and seem determined to throw it all away. Amy Winehouse is a towering example of what not to do with your god-given talent. Blessed with one of the most distinctive jazz voices, actually scrub that, one of the most distinctive voices of recent musical times; she consistently abuses it and herself with drugs, booze and cigarettes. Yes rock and roll is all about over-indulgence but I bet even Keith Richards whilst snorting his dad’s ashes thought “Amy’s a bit out of control”.

Not content with abusing herself, Winehouse insists on insulting her die-hard fans by going AWOL before gigs or showing up horrendously late and giving a shambolic-at-best performance. Yet despite all this her album sales continue to soar, any tour dates are sold out and critics’ awards continue to flow. With all this adulation, it’s easy to see why Amy Winehouse the singer is happy to play second fiddle to Amy Winehouse the drug addict – why change when the going is seemingly so good?

Now I don’t want to compare Volkswagen to Amy Winehouse but bear with me on this before you lynch me because I can see a similarity. Volkswagen have a long distinguished history of producing cars that are well styled, reliable, good to drive and are cutting edge for the time. Due to this impressive curriculum vitae, it’s easy to understand why so many are devoted Volkswagen customers who refuse to deviate from their beloved marque. Yet even with this large customer base, Volkswagen take their sweet time in delivering the type of car their customers are crying out for – they don’t pander to the whims of their fans.

Unlike our famous singer however (that’s the end of my Winehouse bashing I promise) Volkswagen have a perfectly good reason for why they don’t build a competitor for a new sector of the car market created by a rival car firm. This reason is quite simply because they want to release a good car, rather than a rush job. It happened with the Touran which was launched to compete with Renault’s Scenic – a full seven years after the French manufacturer and now Volkswagen have caught up with the Toyota RAV4 by launching their baby off-roader the Tiguan, 13 years after their Japanese rival.

Crucially though is the Tiguan worth the wait? In short let me summarise by saying their patient customers will be over the moon. You see by arriving 13 years late to the party, Volkswagen have sized up what the competition has to offer and bettered them in nearly every department. It’s chock-full of cutting edge gadgetry as you’d expect from VW, with everything from a self-parking system, to rear camera via a panoramic sunroof and finishing up with a 30-gigabite in-car entertainment system.

The car can also tow 2.5 tons – more than any other in its class and looks elegant in doing so. It is essentially a shrunken 4×4 so curves are not the order of the day, but bold lines, and a mix of classy German styling and workmanlike ground clearance and roof bars blend well. It is more than capable of doing the dirty jobs too, rather than just looking like it might want to one day. Other than its impressive towing credentials, the taller front end coupled with all manner of hill climb and descent options make the Tiguan a go anywhere vehicle.

If you, like the majority of 4×4 owners hate the sight of mud, the Tiguan is more than capable on the tarmac with little body roll and a clever four-wheel drive system that sends more power to the wheels that need it the most. With a range of engines on offer - the most notable an environmentally friendly 2 litre turbo diesel which will keep the tree huggers happy, the Tiguan is an economical option without losing much in the way of performance.

The interior is to the usual high standard you’d expect from Volkswagen and completes what is a very strong contender in the now cluttered small off-roader market. The wait then was definitely worth it, although quite whether 13 years of research has gone into the Tiguan is debatable. Next time Volkswagen, please turn up on time.

Mark Creese talks here about the VW Tiguan and wonders if its arrival was a little late. Visit your VW Dealer for further info on the Tiguan and other models

Since having single-hood dumped on me just over a year ago, I seem to spend far too much time chasing after women. It’s not really the whole dating thing that is the fun but the chase to get to the point where an attractive girl will say ‘yes’ to your proposal of a few drinks and a meal. The problem is that following this chase, the actual date seems mundane in comparison, I guess because the right girl hasn’t come along yet. My Volkswagen Cardiff salesman friend we encountered a few reviews back reckons “I don’t know what I want”. The problem is I do and it’s as deep as a puddle.

You see, try as I might I have to find the lady achingly beautiful before the personality gets a look in. I’m always happy to boast about my good points to you so in this instance I’m happy to admit my shortcomings and immense shallowness towards the opposite sex. Many people find the film Shallow Hal hilarious as should I as it stars Jack Black who tops my list of answers to the “who would you invite for a dinner party” question. Yet it’s too close to my real life for comfort.

In the film Hal, played by Black is an overweight loser who cannot envisage going out with an ugly woman. His friend is equally shallow, dumping his gorgeous girlfriend because her index toe is longer than her big one. Halfway through the film Hal becomes hypnotised and sees the inner beauty of women who society deem ugly – in this case Gwyneth Paltrow in a very large fat suit. Hal begins dating Paltrow’s character only to be snapped out of his trance by his incredulous friend to see her ugly exterior. Yet Hal is a changed character and after battling his former ways ends up getting married.

It’s a heart-warming film and I took stock of my situation and thought my ways should change too. If I’m being honest I’m struggling to make the Hollywood fairytale come true so I’m giving up on women and applying the inner beauty thinking to cars. Who doesn’t prefer the curvy, sleek car that’s rubbish to drive but turns heads to the box on wheels that never breaks down? Well I urge you all to change your ways following my visit to Volkswagen Cardiff and being shown the Golf R32.

To look at, the R32 is like the classic game ‘spot the difference’ as you’d be forgiven for thinking someone had delivered the standard version rather than the range-topper. On closer inspection there are a few subtle features that set the R32 apart from its Golf brothers, most notably: multi-spoke alloy wheels, twin exhausts and a shiny front grill that offers some ‘bling’.

Remember though this lesson focuses on inner beauty and this is where the R32 becomes the supermodel of the hot hatchback world. Under the bonnet hides a 3.2 V6 engine that develops a whopping 247bhp. The numbers keep coming and all are impressive: 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds, a computer limited top speed of 155mph and 236 lb ft of torque at 2,500rpm. Best not to ask about fuel economy figures though. Oh you insist, well Volkswagen say 26.2 mpg combined but you and I know you’ll have your right foot firmly planted all the time so expect to drop into the teens.

Believe me you really will keep your foot planted too. The engine offers a testosterone-fuelled rumble when ticking over but the twin exhausts deliver all the fun sounds. Raucous doesn’t even begin to describe the amazing noise this car makes. Things don’t stop with the engine though. As with the Golf GTi, the R32’s handling is responsive and crisp, flinging you around twisty lanes as if you were rallying from Volkswagen Cardiff to the Welsh valleys.

The practicality of the car remains unchanged from the standard Golf too so the weekly shopping trip, football practice or drive to work can all be effortlessly achieved. When it comes to build quality, the Germans are in a different league – particularly Volkswagen. The R32 feels like a hammer and chainsaw couldn’t interfere with the high quality interior finish and exterior panels (although I don’t advise you try this at home).

Volkswagen also offers a flappy-paddle gearbox which unlike many car firms’ attempts works very well. This option will cost you an additional £1,330 but is a worthy consideration. All told, the car starts at £22,995 and rises to just under £26,000 for the five door version with flash gearbox. When you consider the calibre of car the R32 will trounce, this seems little money. The R32 is practical, reliable, subtle, handles well and has the ability to make the world go backwards when accelerating.

Inner beauty has never looked so good.

Mark Creese talks here about his short comings with the ladies and wonders if the Golf R32 may hold the key to his inner well being. Visit your VW Dealer today

Taking a trip away from home with a camper or RV often means having to tow your car behind. It is preferable to bring your own vehicle for driving around when you arrive at your destination. Driving a big RV is not always efficient or convenient. However, when you plan to take your own vehicle along, there are safety aspects that must be considered and reinforced. Towing a car can be dangerous if not done properly. Safety related issues should be your first priority before you even leave your property. Of course a lot of auto towing is done in the event of an accident. That kind of situation requires special attentiveness.

Make sure the hitch is attached to the right place on the car. If it is not in the right spot you can severely damage the vehicle. It is not simply enough to tow a car by any part that you can get hooked up to. The last thing you need is to do damage to the vehicle that you are trying to move.

Keep the car in neutral for towing. The wheels must be able to move freely but you certainly do not want to leave the car in gear. Neutral is best for freedom of movement and it is much safe than having the car in a gear like drive or reverse.

If you need to tow your car due to a break down or some form of accident, get the car off of the road first. It’s extremely important to make sure you are as far on to the shoulder of the road as possible. Other drivers may not have time to stop if they were to come up on you suddenly. Try to do all that you can to avoid any further delays or issues by maintaining proper road safety.

Once you have the car all hooked up properly and you are ready to get moving, make sure that you do not drive too quickly. It is better to maintain a steady speed while not surpassing the posted speed limits. You should always have your hazard lights on as well to alert other drivers. Make sure your hazard lights are working.

If you are towing your car behind another vehicle or a camper for a long distance, you must have all signal lights hooked up and working. Make sure that all necessary wires are connected correctly and get out of the vehicle to make sure all lights are working before you drive off towing you car. A serious fine can be a result of not having these lights properly functional.

If you are not sure what you are doing when it comes to towing your car or you would prefer some assistance, never hesitate to call for professional help. A professional can show you how to hitch your car up and you will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing it’s been done right. Towing a vehicle is not all that difficult. Put safety first and you will have no problem.

Have a fun and safe time on the road, and visit us to find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Get money-saving tips, auto insurance quotes online and helpful car insurance advice at www.AutoInsuranceRatesDirect.com today.

So you want to buy a motorcycle? Believe it or not, you have a lot of decisions to make before you are ready to make a purchase. There are dozens of types of motorcycles on the market today, and you will need to make sure you get one that is the right fit for you.

Main Types of Road Bikes

Road bikes are the bikes you will use on paved roads. Most people who are in the market for a motorcycle will choose this type of bike. These bikes are very fuel-efficient and typically have top speeds between 100 and 125 mph. There are multiple types of road bikes you can choose from.

Cruisers include bikes made by Harley-Davidson and Excelsior-Henderson among other manufacturers. When you sit on this bike, your feet will be facing forward. Most cruisers require you to keep your hands up and your spine straight. Choppers are a common type of cruiser. These are designed for comfort on long rides, not necessarily great speed. Many cruisers are custom made for their owners.

A sport bike is a bike that is designed for speed and handles well. It can stop and accelerate quickly and is incredibly maneuverable. These are sometimes called “crotch rockets.” They have a lightweight frame and a high performance engine. The foot pegs are typically quite high, requiring the rider to hold his legs close to the body. The rider generally has to lean forward in order to reach the hand controls.

Those who travel long distances on a regular basis or use their bikes for a long commute may wish to look for a touring model. These bikes have large screens, hold more fuel, and have more comfortable seats than other models. They are less sporty than the first two types, but are far more practical.

Naked bikes are bikes that have few extras. These street bikes are not covered with shiny body panels and do not have screens. They are simply an engine and a seat with the necessary controls. Functionality and performance are the main goals of these bikes.

If you are unsure about the bike you want, head to a dealership and test-drive a few different types. You will find one that is comfortable for you. This is the type of bike you should look for once you are ready to buy.

Scooters

While you may not think of a scooter as a motorcycle, it is does fall in this category. Scooters or motor scooters typically have small wheels and engines. They do not have foot bars, but the rider’s feet sit in front of him on a platform that is part of a step-through frame. These are not designed for speed, but they are designed to be a convenient, portable means of transportation. These are becoming more and more sporty in design as they gain popularity, especially among city dwellers.

Off-Road Motorcycles

Off-road bikes, which are sometimes called dirt bikes, have small, lightweight engines. They have simple construction and have little to no bodywork, because they are not designed for show. The tires are designed for rugged trail riding, and are large and knobby to aid the bike in maintaining traction. These bikes are used for off-road sports, not as a means of transportation. They are usually not street-legal.

Dual-Sport Motorcycles

For those who want to enjoy off-roading with their bikes but also want their motorcycle to be a means of transportation, dual-sport bikes are probably the best option. These bikes can be legally driven on the street, but they are also built durably enough to handle riding off road. There are several types of dual-sport bikes available.

A hypermotard has a powerful engine and is equipped with road tires and rims. The rest of the bike resembles an off road bike. Supermotards are similar bikes. They are known for their good handling on concrete and fast acceleration.

Adventure-touring bikes are road bikes that can go off road on gravel and dirt paths. They are not intended for use in motorbike sports, but those who enjoy touring the outdoors and do not want to be confined to paved roads will find these a good fit.

Get Your License

Before you can ride your bike, you need to have a motorcycle license. Check with your local DMV to find out the rules and regulations in your state regarding motorcycle riders on the road. You may need to take a motorcycle riding safety course. Remember, very little stands between you and the pavement when you are on a motorcycle, so you need to make sure you know how to handle the bike safely. Be sure to practice riding in a variety of conditions, especially wet conditions, before you head out on the open road. If you are not fully prepared for varying road conditions, you could be putting your life and the lives of those around you at risk when you take your bike on the road.

Getting the Right Gear

One of the most important pieces of gear you will need is a helmet. Some states do not require a helmet, but it is a very necessary piece of safety equipment. You will want to get a leather coat and gloves to protect your skin when you ride. Eye gear is required in all states, even those that do not require helmet use. Make sure you purchase eyewear that is designed to be used by motorcycle riders.

Finding the Right Bike

Once you have determined the general style of motorcycle you want, the search begins to find the one that best fits your tastes and needs. There are many places you can go to find the perfect bike. The most obvious option is a motorcycle dealership. If you want a brand new bike, this is the only option. However, if you are shopping for a used bike, you may find that an individual owner will offer you a better price.

If you decide to buy from an individual, you need to spend some time searching motorcycle classifieds. You can find these online or in your local paper. If you want something very specific, shopping with Internet motorcycle classifieds is going to be the best option. You will have a larger base of motorcycle owners from which to choose when you shop online.

Jay Gaulard writes for a wide selection of websites on various topics. He is a veteran of the internet and has come to be respected in his many areas of expertise. This article was written on behalf of CycleLeeg, a popular motorcycles for sale website.

Well it’s all gone a bit loopy in Britain this week. Forget the fact that we’re officially in recession, ignore the rising fuel costs and cover your eyes at the amount of money the Government is borrowing to sort it all out because there’s only one topic on everyone’s lips – Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross’ phone prank. Now if you’re not familiar with who these people are or what they’ve done let me enlighten you – they’ve enraged every Ford driving family of four – i.e. the average person in the UK.

Brand and Ross are both comedians and presenters at the peak of their popularity, hosting their own TV and radio shows including slots on the BBC - the largest broadcaster in Britain. Both are known for courting controversy, Brand insulting America whilst hosting the MTV Awards, Ross often sailing dangerously close to the wind interviewing celebrities on his chat show ‘Friday night with Jonathan Ross’. Yet this edginess and unpredictability is why they are so popular and why their latest stunt really shouldn’t have caused much surprise.

During Brand’s weekend radio show, Ross was a guest and co-presented. The pair were due to interview actor Andrew Sachs, famous for playing the character of Manuel in the legendary British comedy Fawlty Towers. Unfortunately Sachs couldn’t honour the telephone interview he’d arranged with the pair, but undeterred they phoned him to be greeted with the inevitable answer phone message. Now the problems began…

Brand began by asking the interview questions to the answer machine with Ross answering, before he blurted out that Brand had slept with Sach’s granddaughter – in more colourful language than I’m permitted to use here. For the next ten minutes the pair phoned a further three times, each time apologising before compounding the situation with a song or further abuse. Having listened to the clip there is no doubt in my mind that the two got overexcited and despite humorous intentions, ended up humiliating a 78 year-old man unable to defend himself.

At the time of writing the pair have been suspended from their considerably high-paid jobs whilst an investigation into how this pre-recorded prank was firstly sanctioned and secondly why it was passed as being fit to broadcast. Personally I did find the clip funny, but only because I wasn’t on the receiving end. Without doubt this has raised the profile of both celebrities in Britain, whilst asking the question of decency. For me it’s also raised the issue of whether something completely off-the-wall will ever be accepted by the masses.

It’s the same dilemma at Ford. Much like Brand and Ross they were at the peak of their powers with their ‘new edge’ designed Ka, Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo to name but a few, taking the late 90s and early noughties by storm. However upon launching the latest Fiesta do they risk upping the anti and risking a backlash from lovers of the current model, or playing safe and re-cover the same ground? Without wishing to sound like a politician, the answer is both yes and no. With sales dipping dramatically in its American homeland, Ford has said this is the most significant car it has built since the Model T in 1908 which was the first production car in the world.

In doing so, Ford has retained all that was good about the current Fiesta and much like a guitar amplifier, turned everything up by one. The styling is very classy but retains the sense of fun and cuteness a small hatchback should produce. The waistline rises up as the roofline glides down, the front headlights are long and slender and the rear is compact and neat.

Inside Ford have taken inspiration from the mobile phone generation and given the dials and centre console a very modern look and feel. The materials used are of high quality – a must in a market that contains the Volkswagen Polo. To drive, the Fiesta is very responsive and loves to be thrown around corners, although with engines currently limited to a 1.2 litre or 1.6 litre Zetec S, it’s hard to judge how the middle of the range cars will stack up.

It’s a fair bet that the range will be a good one however, as I found so much to like about the Fiesta, although none of it was vastly different from the current model. The Fiesta entry price will be £8,695 in the UK and for that you get a slight improvement on an already great car.

The new Ford Fiesta is imminent, it won’t offend a soul and it’ll no doubt turn Ford’s fortunes around. It’s just very predicable.

Mark Creese has been reviewing the fall-out from the recent Radio 2 scandal.He concludes that the latest Ford Fiesta should not cause any offence amongst the car buying public. Visit Cheap Ford Dealer for more info.

To all intents and purposes Formula One should be the most exciting sport on Earth. Just one look at the key ingredients that concoct this sport has me salivating with excitement. Firstly you have a global giant of the car world such as Honda breaking away from the hatchback market and producing nearly 1,000bhp in a car that weighs less than the original Mini. Secondly this outlandish performance is put in the trust of 20 of the most skilled drivers on the planet, who are only ever 2-3 seconds away from a high speed shunt. Thirdly, the races take place in the most exotic locations around the world, including: Bahrain, Monaco, Brazil, Australia and Singapore. Why oh why then is it so dull?

As a child I’d drag myself out of bed at 3am just to watch a Friday practice, before repeating the feat for Saturday qualifying and Sunday race day. I knew all the drivers statistics, why rear down force shouldn’t be an issue around the Hockenheim circuit and the past winners of the championship for 50 years. Much like a lot of the population I’ve tired in recent years of no overtaking, the same winners and consistent rule changes that try and fail to re-ignite excitement. Michael Schumacher was the greatest driver in the history of the sport but his constant winning also destroyed my love for it.

Then there was the tobacco sponsorship ban of a few years ago. Such a furore was made over banning the cancer-givers that the sport’s focus was lost. So what that I fancied a cigarette after watching ‘Marlboro’ on Schumacher’s car cross the winning line again, the advertising really wasn’t the root of the problem Formula One was suffering.

Not content with banning cigarettes, overtaking had to be improved (or at least occur once in a race). So cars were slowed down and made more difficult to drive. The result? The best drivers were still in the fastest cars and could cope far better than the weaker drivers already in cars to suit their abilities. The emergence of Lewis Hamilton last year has certainly gone some way to undo the monotony of the now-retired Schumacher era. Not only is he the first black driver in Formula One, but he’s super-quick - if a bit erratic.

Problem is that even if we overlook the unsolved overtaking problem, the President of the F

Regardless of what you may be advertising, getting a celebrity or sports star of high standing should ensure the sales coming flooding through the door. Look at Suzuki when they re-launched the Swift. In the advert, the cheeky supermini was bouncing through a European city full of the joys of spring when it encountered up and coming footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, a recent big money signing for Manchester United. Imagine Suzuki’s joy when the next season Ronaldo developed into arguably the best footballer on the planet. Cheap Suzuki may be, but the Swift was endorsed by the best and was pretty good in its own right (more later) so off everyone went to get one.

Of course having a big name sports star doesn’t necessarily result in success, particularly if the sports stars in question dip in form or get injured. Gillette the men’s shaving company are in one such quagmire. Their latest razor is endorsed by not one, not two but three superstars from the sporting arena: footballer Thierry Henry, golfing legend Tiger Woods and Mr Tennis himself Roger Federer. What’s wrong with that I hear you cry? Well Henry has left Arsenal, joined Barcelona and with it flushed his career down the toilet, as he sits week in week out on the substitute’s bench. Ok well the other two should do the business shouldn’t they? Again no – Tiger Woods has had knee surgery and won’t play again for at least a year. Blimey, that’s a lot of pressure on Roger Federer then isn’t it? Correct, and this year has seen his lowest haul of tennis titles since becoming world number one over five years ago. Oh and he’s now world number two as a result.

One of Britain’s best loved television presenters Fern Britton is loved for being a larger lady and happy just the way she is. What better person for an advertising campaign for Ryvita crackers – the healthy snack for slimming women? Slight problem therefore when the celebrity the campaign is based on has a gastric band fitted to her stomach and cheats the slimming world. Mind you I think the media backlash is a harsh turn of events for Fern, when you consider Kate Moss. Having been the face of Rimmel make-up for countless years, she and then-boyfriend Pete Doherty aka Mr Junkie (disclaimer: Mr Doherty is currently drug free and recovering) are caught snorting cocaine together. Cue another media backlash and Kate being dropped from Rimmel faster than a tennis ball, only to be caught on the upward bounce the next week on a new multi-million pound contract. Some things just ain’t fair Fern.

The message here then should be to spend less time on who endorses your product and more time making it a cracker (no Ryvita pun intended). Ironic then that the Suzuki Swift is an excellent car, yet Ronaldo by default has probably boosted sales stratospherically.

Based shamelessly on the ‘new’ Mini, the Suzuki Swift offers a heady mixture of style, comfort, reliability, practicality and a tiny price tag. Firstly you have a choice of three petrol or one diesel engine, all of which offer very similar performance, allowing the buyer to juggle a quicker dash to 60mph with the inevitable increased fuel consumption of burning fuel quicker – the 1.6 litre Sport version completing the dash in just 8.9 seconds. The diesel being slowest and therefore most frugal does result in a mere £35 outlay for a year’s worth of road tax – a serious proposition in these fuel pricing times.

The Suzuki is also well equipped as standard with power steering, CD player, remote central locking and so many airbags you’ll think you’re driving a bouncy castle. Everyone knows adults still love bouncy castles as much as kids and the styling of the Swift offers the same attraction. As mentioned previously its plagiarised the Mini somewhat but is still a striking car that makes you feel like a kid all over again. The wheel arches are beefy, the head and rear lights wrap into the body curves and yet the car retains a chunky and purposeful stance.

On the road the Swift is just that really. It offers predicable handling allowing you to nip around corners safe in the knowledge you’ll be full of grip and have a grin on your face. At higher speeds the cabin offers quite a bit of road noise and buzz but remember this is a town car, not a long distance motorway cruiser.

Forget Ronaldo, the Suzuki Swift deserves to be the hottest property around.

Mark Creese has been getting to grips with the Suzuki Swift which can be found at Cheap Suzuki