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Images: Timothy Denton

Location: Harvest House, Felixstowe.

There’s an undeniable meaning to the word “MINI”. Capitalised or not, it suggests something compact yet considered. A car that knows exactly what it is and wears that confidence without any “MAXI” sized promises. For years, MINI has traded on this very identity, a blend of classic British funkiness and BMW engineering that is wrapped up in a familiar, upstanding shape.

On Sunday, 13th July, at 4.15 am, I quietly pushed the Honda CBR650R press bike out of the garage, trying not to wake the neighbours. 

2 1/2 hours later, I arrived at Goodwood FoS. The doors opened at 7 am, and I needed to be signed on and ready to ride a LiveWire at 8.30 am. 

I met David from the PR company Motocom, one of the nicest and most professional people in the business, and we wandered down to the drivers' club to get me signed on.

In a world of adventure bikes screaming about their off-road prowess from the highest, most inaccessible mountain peak, the V-Strom 800RE sneaks up on you.

It’s surprisingly capable, unexpectedly effective, and more entertaining than it has any right to be.

The V-Strom 800RE’s punchline is the 776cc parallel-twin engine. It’s an absolute gem, delivering more low-down torque than you expect. It’s smooth, surprisingly punchy, and makes overtaking an absolute delight.

Not all that long ago, the prerequisites of a 4x4 were a bit different to how they’re seen today. SUVs came with a massive lump up front, questionable road manners and an off-road ability that was borderline military. But as with most things automotive, the definition has evolved. What was once seen as a very muddy, very rugged and very agricultural pursuit is now something altogether more nuanced.

If you are the kind of person who likes to make a statement, look no further. The BMW R18 Roctane is a retro cruiser that blends classic BMW heritage with a distinctive old-school, bagger style. It's part of the R18 family, a range of distinctive motorcycles known for their imposing presence and the largest boxer engine BMW has ever produced. 

The engine is the defining characteristic of the R18 series. It boasts a massive 1,802 cc and is an air/oil-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine. 

Tucked deep into the folded countryside of North Hampshire is a truly unique destination. One that marries the rustic honesty of its agrarian roots with an unapologetically sharp eye for rural luxury.

Styled as the premier location for weddings, corporate events and countryside retreats, Silchester Farm is fast becoming the preferred setting for those seeking something a little more personal and a little more bespoke for their own event space.

There’s something oddly comforting about knowing a vehicle exists that puts function ahead of fluff. No pretence, no marketing gimmickry, just good, honest engineering. The new Toyota Land Cruiser doesn’t want to be your daily driver or your electric dream machine. It wants to be your workhorse and while putting it through its paces in and around the Cotswolds, I fell rather hard for it.

Ah, piloting the Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner through the Surrey Hills on the first sun-drenched days of summer is a thing of joy, a sensory feast of dappled sunlight and English countryside finery. A week spent unearthing hidden country pubs and sampling the burgeoning vineyards springing up like alcoholics at a Chelsea gallery opening—what could be more splendid?

The Power Beneath

Exploring the Wrangler 4-Door Sahara 2.0 GME 272HP: Review and Driving Impressions

Why Would You Drive Anything Else?

Let’s be honest—why would anyone choose anything other than a Jeep? I’ve been a fan for decades. In fact, I still have my Action Man Jeep from the 1970s, now proudly passed on to my kids. But this isn’t just nostalgia speaking—the Wrangler Sahara 2.0 GME delivers everything you’d expect from a Jeep and then some.

Arriving at the Royal Lancaster was like stepping into a world of effortless sophistication. The entrance, opposite Hyde Park, is nothing short of grandiose, and the lobby is a fantasy in marble. Sparkling glitter everywhere, gleaming from pillar to post, from the reception desk to the café. It’s a blaze of glorious welcome, the kind that makes you feel like royalty from the moment you step inside.