Nissan Patrol becomes new class-leader

Abu Dhabi, UAE (Feb. 13, 2010) – Reliable, unbreakable, affordable. The Nissan Patrol is a name synonymous with ruggedness, a legendary off-roader capable of going anywhere, anytime. Meticulously honed for over five decades, the Patrol is Nissan’s flagship large SUV model and enjoys a rich heritage particularly in the Middle East that dates back to the 1950’s. This off-road trendsetter was one of the first dedicated four-wheel-drive vehicles in the climatically demanding Middle East region, and boasts the notable distinction of also being the first vehicle to successfully cross the grueling Simpson Desert in Australia back in 1962.

New Nissan Patrol ushers in new era

Under the banner of “The Hero Comes Home” the Nissan Patrol is back as an all-new seventh generation model, building on its impressive history, but at the same time, incorporating a new platform, a radical new design direction, significantly enhanced interior comfort and luxury, powerful new V8 engines, a 7-speed automatic transmission and a new 4WD system.

“We paid special attention to the needs of current Nissan Patrol owners, and their passengers, and so focused on creating first-class levels of comfort for the whole family. Heightened luxury, a roomier cabin and a quieter ride combine to achieve this goal, while maintaining Patrol’s superior off-road heritage” stresses Hiroyuki Fushiki, project head and Segment Chief Product Specialist.

More world-firsts

Nissan designers paid special attention to the second row seat passengers by not only significantly expanding legroom, but by also fitting a new multi-screen DVD entertainment system, a first form Nissan. It boasts two rear-facing TVs; one 7-inch monitor embedded into each front seat headrest.

Fitted with six airbags for top grade, the Nissan Patrol also comes with a totally revised climate control system boasting another world-first – the curtain vent. Curtain vent has several small but highly effective vents mounted in the ceiling above each side window to blow a strong current of cool air down forming a curtain of air that acts as a barrier to heat penetrating the cabin.

Yet another impressive Nissan Patrol feature is the cool box mounted in the centre console between the front seats. Incorporating a unique double hinge design, the lid of the cool box can be opened easily from either the front or second row of seats to access the six 600ml drink bottles inside.

National Hare & Hound Series – 2nd round Ridgecrest, CA

FMF/KTM rider David Pearson won his first AMA National Hare & Hound event, at the second round of the series, since his return to racing from a broken femur in 2008.
Pearson has a new outlook on the 2010 racing season, switching both his training program and bike. Pearson has already lost 20 lbs as a result of his new training schedule and switched to the KTM 450 XC-F after years of racing the KTM 530 XC-F. “I definitely felt like I haven’t been 100% since injuring my femur and with my new workout and riding routines I feel more confident. I also feel that the 450 is a more suitable bike for my racing style and I am really excited to race this bike for the 2010 Hare & Hound season,” remarked Pearson.

The day started out and ended well for the 26 year-old Nevada resident as he pulled the holeshot and led the first loop of the race. “The first loop was fast, whooped out and rocky, having a good start definitely worked to my advantage as I didn’t have to fight through the dust,” stated Pearson. His teammate, David Kamo, had a great start as well staying within 10 seconds of Pearson as they came into the first gas stop.

During the second, more technical loop, the top five riders got turned around due to poor course markers which allowed the racers to close in on one another. “We had to look to each other to try to figure out the course so by the end of the second loop we were all within seconds of one another,” said Kamo.

Entering the third and final loop, Pearson battled with Kamo and Destry Abbott for the lead position. Kamo held the lead for a moment before hitting neutral on a steep uphill and allowing Pearson and Abbott to get around. “I made the pass on Abbott for the lead with approximately ten miles to go. It was a very close race today and I am excited to land on the top of the podium,” stated Pearson. Abbott finished in 2nd place 14 seconds behind Pearson while Kamo was an additional 49 seconds behind Abbott in 3rd.

Mercedes-Benz E350 Elegance 7G-tronic (2010) Driving Impression

Last year we reviewed the E300 version of the three-pointed star’s new executive sedan range and found it a welcome return to traditional Mercedes virtues of solidity, conservatism and comfort. The new E-Class may not be a stylistic masterpiece, but in a market increasingly filled with wannabe sports sedans all trying to out-corner the 5 Series, its more sober approach is actually refreshing. In this test we focus on the more expensive Mercedes-Benz E350 derivative, a car that has to battle some pretty powerful rivals from the likes of Jaguar, Audi and, of course, old foe BMW. Can it reinforce the good first impressions left by the E300?

Classy Conservatism for Mercedes-Benz E350

There’s not much to differentiate the bigger-engined model from its smaller sibling – both cars ride on 17-inch alloy wheels – so immediately customers may be tempted to dive into the very vast optional extras list. Having now seen a few E-Classes on the road sporting bigger wheels etc, it has to be said that the shape gains a degree of menace when the wheels fill the arches more snugly. But, in standard form, the E-Class is a hefty looking vehicle that reminds of the type of sedans Mercedes used to build in the ‘80s, such as the immortal W124. There are little hints of flair here and there – most notably the curve over the rear wheelarches which is said to have been inspired by the classic Pontoon sedan. What is very obvious when first seeing the new Mercedes-Benz E350 is its bulk. It measures 4 868 mm in length, and the square-cut looks and, especially the wide rear lamps, accentuate its width. Thankfully the growth in dimensions has translated into an even more spacious cabin than before. Rear legroom is significantly improved, and the boot measures a commodious 540 litres. Pity that you have to pay extra for a folding rear seat!

In front, drivers of the previous-generation E-Class will immediately notice some rather big changes. The old car’s curvy, flowing facia has been replaced by a very square, conservative design that initially looks like a step backwards. Spend some time in the cabin, however, and you’ll come to appreciate its impeccable build and improved ergonomics. One senses that Mercedes had spent a lot of time and money making sure that the various high-tech controls and displays are neatly integrated into the design. The digital display within the speedo is a case in point, as is the hooded large screen on top of the facia. Driver comfort in the Mercedes-Benz E350 is exemplary, even though the seats initially feel overly firm. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable (including height and memory) and the steering offers generous rake/reach adjustment. Most drivers will quickly find an ideal position, even though typical Mercedes quirks such as the foot-operated park brake and single column stalk remain.

The standard features package covers all the necessities required of a luxury car.  The Mercedes-Benz E350 comes fitted with climate control, auto lights/wipers, radio/CD player with Bluetooth, cruise control, front and rear park assist and leather upholstery. There are also eight airbags, ESP (electronic stability system) and hill-start assist.

Underwhelming Engine

This Mercedes-Benz E350 is powered by a stalwart of the Mercedes line-up, a naturally aspirated 3,5-litre V6 that delivers 200 kW and 350 Nm of torque. As is the case with the E300, the engine is matched with Mercedes’ seven-speed 7G-tronic transmission, driving the rear wheels. Mercedes claims a 0-100 km/h time of 6,6 seconds for this model, which promises much in the way of performance. Unfortunately, the Mercedes-Benz E350 never quite lives up to performance expectations. In fact, the E300, which has 30 kW and 50 Nm less to work with, feels somehow more refined and just as athletic. We’re not saying that the E350 is slow or unrefined, just that, perhaps, the cheaper E300 does, relatively speaking, a more impressive job… Interestingly, the E300 and E350 have identical fuel consumption figures (9,1 L/100 km).

Finally, as ever, the 7G-tronic transmission is generally smooth during up-shifts, but can be clunky when shifting down. As we reported with the E300, the car’s weight and size create expectations of compromised dynamics, but in reality the E-Class is a capable handler. The Mercedes-Benz E350, like its smaller sibling, feels very stable and precise when driven hard, and yet the ride quality remains impressively supple over all surfaces. Due mostly to its superbly isolated cabin environment and the aloof steering feel, it never really allows the driver to form a close bond with it, but that’s not a major concern and one senses it is exactly what Mercedes had intended.

Mercedes-Benz E350 – Verdict

Overall, the E-Class continues to impress with its solidity, focus on comfort and refinement, ride quality and luxury. We can’t help but wonder, however, if the cheaper E300 is not a better buy than this E350. From behind the steering wheel they feel similarly fast, and the fuel economy is the same. Relatively speaking, the 3,5-litre engine in this model feels slightly behind the times. Perhaps, Mercedes, it’s time to bring out the turbos?

We like:

• Spacious cabin
• Cabin comfort
• Ride
• Solidity

We don’t like:

• Engine outclassed by rivals
• 7G-tronic doesn’t impress
• Stodgy design

Fast Facts

Engine: 3,5-litre, V6, petrol
Power: 200 kW @ 6 000 rpm
Torque: 350 Nm @ 2 400 rpm
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Wheels: 17-inch alloy
Top speed: 250 km/h 0-100 km/h: 6,6 seconds
Fuel economy: 9,1 litres/100 km

Source: www.um.co.za

Also consider:

• BMW 550i Steptronic: Right now, BMW is replacing the 5 Series with an all-new model, so there are good deals to be had on the outgoing and still very competent model, including this extremely fast and fun 550i. Go haggle…

• Audi A6 3,0T FSI quattro Tiptronic: The current A6 is nearing the end of its product life cycle, but remains a solid choice for more conservative folk. Its design may no longer be cutting edge, but the engine is bang up to date, and the standard specification far more generous.

• Lexus GS450h SE: This petrol/electric hybrid offers comparable power and is similarly priced to the Mercedes-Benz E350. The GS is often underrated, offering exceptional build quality, a spacious feature-rich cabin, and superb ride comfort. An interesting alternative.

Toyota Verso 2,0 D-4D TX (2010) Driving Impression

The first Toyota Verso was perhaps a surprisingly big success, even for local distributor, Toyota South Africa. After all, it had not really been known previously for its MPVs, whereas rivals Renault and Opel have historically been far more active in this category. Counting in the Verso’s favour, however, was not only the Toyota badge. It also offered interesting looks, a well-made and comfortable cabin, and a clever seven-seat system. Now the second-generation Toyota Verso is here and, at first glance, it appears to offer much of the same.

Neat and inoffensive looks for Toyota Verso

With its clear tail lamps the previous (Corolla) Verso was quite a looker in a segment dominated by bland products. The newcomer follows the theme and is immediately recognisable as a Toyota, by virtue of its Yaris-like front-end and, once again, quirky, clear-lens tail lamps. Of course, the surfacing of the Toyota Verso bodywork is more modern this time round, with a curve here and there, yet overall the look is familiar. Still, the newcomer does look ever so slightly sportier, mostly because it boasts wider track widths and a longer wheelbase.

In terms of overall length, though, the Toyota Verso is similar to its predecessor. Smart 16-inch alloy wheels are standard. It is inside where the move upmarket is most apparent. The facia materials are mostly of the soft-touch variety, and the old model’s quirky ice-blue plastic centre panel has made way for a more conservative (and stylish) satin silver unit. Everything has a quality look and feel, and it’s only the slightly old-fashioned orange backlighting of the instrumentation that somewhat spoils the effect.

Like many MPVs, the Toyota Verso uses a central instrumentation cluster, with the dials angled aggressively towards to the driver. One wonders, then, what the point of mounting them in the middle was in the first place! The previously mentioned silver-backed section sits high-up, and places the controls for the audio and ventilation systems within easy reach. The gearlever is similarly elevated for convenience. Overall, the driving position is excellent, even though it takes a while to get used to the empty facia in front of you. The steering wheel boasts plenty of range for its rake/reach adjustment, and the seat can be moved up and down, too.

Clever Seating System

Comfort levels are high throughout the spacious cabin of the Toyota Verso. Both the second- and third-row seats offer reclining backrests, and legroom is good in both rows, though obviously the third is not really suitable for tall adults. Those seated in the second row will also enjoy the airliner-style flip-up trays affixed the front seatbacks, roll-up sunblinds and storage boxes underneath their feet. With the third row occupied, boot space is negligible (as is the case with most seven-seat MPVs of this size). But Toyota’s Easy-Flat7 system allows for many configurations, including flat folding of the middle row while leaving the third row in place.

With five passengers occupying the front two rows, and the third row folded flat, boot space is very impressive. The standard specification is comprehensive, including dual-zone climate control, auto lights/wipers, radio/CD (with aux input), remote audio controls, Bluetooth and cruise control. It should also be very safe, as it features no fewer than seven airbags, rear Isofix child-seat mountings and Toyota’s VSC stability control system. Perhaps the only slight disappointment (for some) will be the standard cloth upholstery.

Economical and Refined

Power comes from Toyota’s 2,0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that develops 93 kW and an impressive 310 Nm of torque. Besides very slight low-speed turbo-lag and too much clatter at start-up, this is a very good powerplant. Once past the initial lag, the flow of power remains strong all the way to 2 400 rpm, and it also exhibits excellent refinement. The six-speed manual transmission is commendably slick, and when cruising in sixth on the open road, the fuel economy is truly exceptional. During normal driving, expect to achieve a fuel consumption figure of around 6,5 L/100 km. But as impressive as the gearbox is, for this kind of vehicle perhaps an automatic transmission would be a preferable choice, as it would also to a large degree address the low-speed lag issue. The ride quality of the Toyota Verso is similarly refined, offering exceptional compliancy, yet also remaining quite resistant to roll in the corners. For the target market its combination of suppleness and stability is probably spot-on. The Toyota Verso is a very relaxing vehicle to drive over long distances, at least partly because it also feels very composed and “safe” in all conditions.

Toyota Verso – Verdict

In short, Toyota has refined a winning recipe with this latest Verso. The packaging of the cabin is probably class-leading, the standard specification very carefully considered and the ride set-up pretty much spot-on. The engine delivers exceptional fuel economy and is beautifully refined (once it gets going), but we can’t help but feel that the six-speed manual ‘box is unnecessary in this vehicle, and that a simple automatic would please most likely customers more. Still, Toyota remains at the forefront of this now shrinking market segment. Renault’s new Grand Scenic is its strongest competitor, but the Toyota pretty much matches it in all respects, and offers the allure of that Toyota servicing network and peace of mind. It can’t fail.

We like:

• Fuel economy
• Equipment level
• Comfort
• Excellent ride refinement
• Quality

We don’t like:

• Slight low-speed lag
• Fitment of manual transmission

Fast Facts: 

Engine: 2,0-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel
Power: 93 kW @ 3 600 rpm
Torque: 310 N.m @ 1 800 rpm
Transmission: six-speed manual
Wheels: 16-inch alloy
Top speed: n/a km/h 0-100 km/h: n/a seconds (11,8 sec est.)
Fuel economy: n/a L/100 km (6 L/100 km est.)

Source: www.um.co.za

Also consider:

• Volkswagen Touran 1,9 TDI Trendline: Cheaper than the Toyota Verso but it is not as well-equipped and also down on power. If you want a comparable VW, you’ll have to spend extra and get the very impressive 2,0 TDI Highline. But the Toyota Verso is a match for it.

• Renault Grand Scenic 1,9dCi Dynamique: Also new on the market and without doubt the Verso’s deadliest rival. It offers an exceptionally clever cabin loaded with gadgets and is a superbly economical and comfortable tourer.

• Fiat Multipla 1,9 MultiJet Dynamic: Laugh all you want but this quirky Fiat is actually a good vehicle. Offering two rows of three seats, it is ultimately not quite as practical as the Toyota Verso, but there’s huge packing space.

New Audi A1 introduced

INGOLSTADT, Germany, Feb 10, 2010 – Audi is introducing a whole new dimension to the compact class this summer. It is dynamic and high quality, emotional and individual. It condenses all of the virtues of the brand down to less than four meters – a design full of character, uncompromising quality and pioneering efficiency technologies. The agile chassis and powerful engines make the new Audi A1 the sportiest car in the segment.

New Audi A1 aimed at younger market

The young customers of the Audi A1 live in major cities and therefore are looking for a vehicle that is designed for the urban environment. Thanks to its compact dimensions, it is very agile and nimble in city traffic and offers a high degree of everyday utility.

The new Audi A1 is a true Audi – it is both the premium option and the sportiest automobile in the small compacts class. It comes with powerful, highly efficient engines and an agile chassis, and delights with an emotional design and excellent fit and finish. The new Audi A1 has a broad portfolio of advanced technologies on board; its infotainment system, in particular, sets new standards in the class.

As the newcomer in the compact segment, the new Audi A1 appeals primarily to young, lifestyle-oriented customers, offering them a high degree of freedom for individual design. Audi’s latest A1 will hit the streets this summer with a base price of around 16,000 euros.

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Celebrates World Debut in Geneva

Stuttgart. Exactly 110 years after Ferdinand Porsche developed the world’s first car with hybrid drive, the Lohner Porsche Semper Vivus, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is once again taking up this visionary drive concept in production-based GT racing: During the Geneva Motor Show, a Porsche 911 GT3 R with innovative hybrid drive is making its debut, opening up a new chapter in the history of Porsche with more than 20,000 wins in 45 years scored by the extremely successful Porsche 911 in racing trim.

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid – Features

The innovative hybrid technology featured in Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid has been developed especially for racing, standing out significantly in its configuration and components from conventional hybrid systems. In this case, electrical front axle drive with two electric motors developing 60 kW each supplements the 480-bhp four-litre flat-six at the rear of the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid. A further significant point is that instead of the usual batteries in a hybrid road car, an electrical flywheel power generator fitted in the interior next to the driver delivers energy to the electric motors.

The flywheel generator itself is an electric motor with its rotor spinning at speeds of up to 40,000 rpm, storing energy mechanically as rotation energy. The flywheel generator is charged whenever the driver applies the brakes, with the two electric motors reversing their function on the front axle and acting themselves as generators. Then, whenever necessary, that is when accelerating out of a bend or when overtaking, the driver is able to call up extra energy from the charged flywheel generator, the flywheel being slowed down electromagnetically in the generator mode and thus supplying up to 120 kW to the two electric motors at the front from its kinetic energy. This additional power is available to the driver after each charge process for approximately 6 – 8 seconds.

Toyota South Africa campaign to fix accelerator mechanism

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) today announced the vehicles to be included in its recall service campaign to correct the accelerator mechanism in these cars.

Toyota South Africa list affected vehicles

The list of affected vehicles is the result of an exhaustive technical study which covered all Toyota vehicles on sale in South Africa. The affected passenger vehicle models are:

Toyota Corolla (February 2007 to January 2010) – 45 040 vehicles

Toyota Auris (June 2006 to January 2010) – 6 665 vehicles

Toyota Verso (October 2008 to January 2010) – 841 vehicles

This equates to a total of 52 546 Toyota vehicles that will form part of this campaign.

Recall service campaign – Corolla, Auris and Verso

The Corolla, Auris and Verso will be recalled as part of a service campaign to correct a potentially faulty accelerator pedal mechanism. This is done as a pro-active precaution and is based on the fact that the mechanism is similar in operation to those which have proven faulty in other regions.

In these regions the mechanisms, in severe circumstances, have deteriorated and become harder to depress, slow to return to idle or have, in just a handful of cases, become stuck in a partially depressed position.

In more detail the problem relates to the operation between the mechanism’s friction shoe that provides pedal feel and ensures pedal stability, and the adjoining surface.

The corrective action will take the form of a small precision-cut steel plate that will be placed in the assembly to alleviate the friction between the friction shoe and adjoining surface. This will prevent the problem from surfacing in vehicles equipped with this steel bar for the life of the vehicle.

Toyota will start contacting customers of the affected vehicles immediately. All Toyota dealers in South Africa and the countries that TSAM serve will be involved. These include Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland.

Reasons for the recall service action in South Africa

Toyota South Africa Motors chose to participate in this worldwide recall service action as a precautionary measure. The action will take place despite the fact that the problem has not surfaced to the same effect in the hot and dry climate of South Africa.

Toyota South Africa has, since the first announcement of its participation, received a small number of requests from concerned owners and will study each individual instance to understand whether the problem has indeed surfaced locally.

“We would like to apologise to all Toyota vehicle owners for the uncertainty and inconvenience that this process may have caused. We value the trust and confidence that Toyota owners have put in our brand over the past five decades and we will do everything in our power to honour that,” says Dr Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of TSAM.

Actions taken

Toyota South Africa Motors and its nationwide dealer network will immediately start contacting owners of the identified vehicles to inform them of the recall service action. Owners will be given the opportunity to contact their nearest Toyota dealer at their convenience and schedule a time for the insertion of the steel bar. Repairs will start from 23 February 2010.

The corrective action should take less than an hour, but could take longer if the dealer is experiencing very high levels of service calls. It is important to note that the full cost of the corrective process will be borne by Toyota and that no owner will be required to pay, regardless of the state of his or her service plan, warranty or the ownership status of the vehicle.

As further support to the campaign concerned customers can visit www.toyota.co.za or phone theCustomer Contact Centre on 0800-139-111 for up to date information on the recall service campaign.

BMW sales momentum on the rise

The BMW Group began the new year with a strong increase in sales of 16.6%. A total of 82,120 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce automobiles were delivered to customers worldwide in January (prev. yr. 70,419).

BMW sales shows strong growth for 2010

Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing said, “We started the new year well with healthy growth in sales, and are continuing the upward trend of the last few months. We have set ourselves ambitious goals for the full year 2010. Thanks to the large number of new, highly-attractive models, such as the new BMW 5 Series and the MINI Countryman, we are aiming for growth in the single-digit percentage range for 2010, and intend to sell more than 1.3 million vehicles.”

In the month under review, BMW sales climbed 15.9% to a total of 69,852 (prev. yr. 60,262). Strong gains were again reported by the major series, including the BMW 7 Series with 4,742 deliveries (+89.8% / prev. yr. 2,498), and the BMW X5 and X6 models with a combined total of 10,565 (+9.3% / prev. yr. 9,665) deliveries. The BMW Z4 was also among the growth drivers with 1,552 (+278.5% / prev. yr. 410) deliveries. All three model series remain clear global market leaders in their segments. BMW also made gains with what is traditionally its largest-volume model series: Volumes for the 3 Series rose by 7.1% overall to reach a total of 22,501 (prev. yr. 21,001) deliveries in January.

Mercedes-Benz sales off to a good start

Stuttgart – In January, Mercedes-Benz sales continued the positive trend of the past few months by posting significant increases worldwide. A total of 67,000 passenger cars were delivered to customers, 24 percent more than in the previous year (2009: 53,900 vehicles).

Strong Mercedes-Benz sales to continue in first quarter

Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars: “We started the new year successfully with a strong increase in sales. That was due to the large increases in many regions such as North America, Asia/Pacific, and the BRIC countries, as well as the continuing success of our new E- and S-Class. In the coming weeks we will be building on this excellent start. We expect to see significant growth in the first quarter.”

The new E-Class continued to do very well. The sedan doubled its worldwide deliveries to 13,900 units. The vehicle posted great gains in almost all markets, including the U.S., where sales more than doubled to 3,800 units, as well as in Germany (1,200 units/plus 66 percent) and China. In China, deliveries were four times higher than in the same month of last year, amounting to 2,300 units. The new-generation S-Class also recorded strong growth in January, with worldwide deliveries increasing by 50 percent to 4.300 units. A total of 1,300 S-Class vehicles were delivered to customers last month in China, representing a 46 percent increase over the same month of last year. Vehicle sales were also up sharply in the United States (plus 57 percent) and Germany (plus 75 percent) last month.

Globebusters to nail Trans Canada Expedition

Canada is famous for bears, mountains, forests, native peoples and broad prairies. A land of vast open skies, broad vistas, huge distances and the latest destination in the portfolio of BMW adventure specialists GlobeBusters. The Trans Canada Expedition is a landmark journey that crosses the world’s second largest country, taking in some of the most breathtaking scenery that the planet has to offer – and you can be part of it in 2011.

Globebusters see the beauty in Canada

When budding motorcycle explorers begin planning their journeys, it seems as though many share the same aspirations. Mongolia, Siberia, Africa and South America are all common destinations for those with a sense of adventure. Canada, however, is often overlooked – the misconception being that its vast landscape offers little but frozen wastelands and dense forest. But for those who have sampled what the country has to offer, these presumptions couldn’t be further from the truth.

Official BMW Motorrad partner GlobeBusters is one of the leading names in motorcycle adventure travel and has gained a reputation for producing some awe-inspiring adventures for hundreds of motorcyclists. The company organises adventures in the Americas, Africa and Asia, and having ridden many thousands of kilometres in Canada, founder and adventure travel legend Kevin Sanders explains the reason for introducing a Trans Canada trip to the portfolio.

“When you describe adventure travel in North America, people automatically think of the USA and iconic rides like Route 66,” he explains. “They often overlook Canada, which is a shame as it’s a fantastic country. We travel through Canada, north to south, on our Trans Americas ride, encompassing places like the Rockies and Alberta. The idea with the Trans Canada trip was to travel from west to east and really discover what this amazing place has to offer. It’s not just about fantastic scenery – the people are great too and there is so much on offer.”