Is the freedom of the open road losing its appeal? Is it time to put the fun back into driving? A survey of over 2,200 motorists suggests British drivers are falling out of love with driving, after it revealed that a third of respondents said it was no longer an enjoyable pastime.
The biggest gripe was the high cost of fuel. The research, carried out by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), an independent road safety charity, also revealed that – surprise, surprise – traffic is the next major irritation about driving in 2013. Only 39 per cent of those quizzed felt that driving, or riding a motorbike, could still be considered something they’d do for fun as their hobby.
For those that can relate to the problem, the ContiBlog team has come up with five simple suggestions that may help rekindle that love affair with driving and put the fun back into driving.
Buy a fun car
Put the fun back into driving with a small car. A small car can be big fun. None more so than a hot hatch – an approach that uses a powerful engine in a small and light hatchback-size car. They are nimble and responsive, quick but never scary, affordable yet practical and refined and safe enough for everyday use. The best of the lot is the Ford Fiesta ST. It costs from £16,995, which is good value for money, and will put a grin on any driver’s face – especially when driven over any of the following roads…
Head for the hills
Our small and pleasant island is filled with thrilling roads that pass through some of the most breathtaking scenery the nation has to offer which are bound to put the fun back into driving. Whether it’s the rolling South Downs at Beachy Head, the moody Black Mountain Pass of the Brecon Beacons or the A9 that surfs the ocean spray of Scotland’s north eastern coastline from Inverness to Wick, there’s an unforgettable driving experience near you. For the price of a couple of tanks of fuel and a night’s accommodation, you can discover what it’s like to fall in love with driving again.
Drive a secret city circuit
You don’t have to head for the hills to enjoy a drive. In fact, a night time tour of your nearest big city is all it take to rediscover an interest in driving. Whether it’s London or Manchester, Edinburgh or Leeds, the beauty of driving during the small hours of the morning is that the rest of the world is tucked up in bed, leaving you to enjoy an uninterrupted cruise of city sights without a traffic warden in sight. Plot your perfect ‘secret circuit’ route that takes in the greatest landmarks and architecture a city has to offer and you’ll put the fun back into driving.
Source: Continental
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