< PreviousWe haven’t had too much of the crisp white stuff just yetbut when we do, wouldn’t it be great not to have to worryunduly about getting home safely?Conqueringthe white stuff BMW70-72_Layout 1 23/01/2015 13:16 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY71COUNTY MOTORINGSnow chaos costs the UK around £1.2 billion per day,so there’s a strong argument here for mud pluggersand SUVs. But there’s also some very useful saloon carsand estates on the market that now make little work ofthe foul weather we experience here in Lincolnshire. One of our all time favourites has to be BMW’s bestkept secret, the xDrive – a highly intelligent four wheeldrive system available on 3 series and 4 series models.It’s a system that, instead of delivering power to all fourwheels constantly, or offering a select button that putsthe power to either the front or rear axle, this car worksit out for you automatically. Detecting any loss of traction at any wheel –whetherthat be while cornering at high, speeds or caused byice, snow, mud or gravel –the xDrive automaticallytransfers the correct amount of power needed to theaxle with most grip. This not only makes the xDrivegreat for winter driving but also make understeer andoversteer, even in good weather, a thing of the past. Here’s how it works - in everyday driving, undernormal road conditions, the car receives 60% of thepower at the rear wheels and 40% to the front.However, as soon as the car’s ECU detects any loss ofgrip, it passes the information to a centre differentialwhich sends the power –up to 100% of it ifnecessary –to the other axle.The speed of response comes from an electronicallycontrolled multi plate clutch, rather than the slowreaction times that hydraulics would take to operateand as soon as the hazard has been passed, the systemreverts back to the standard 60/40 split, all in the blinkof an eye!Clearly then, the days when luxury cars wereconsigned to the garage come winter are a thing ofthe past. We can testify to that too, having seen a MercedesCLS fishtail something terrible last winter thanks in nosmall part to ultra wide rear tyres. A certain cure forthis would be to opt for a Mercedes with their withtheir 4-wheel Electronic Traction System. Known as4matic, this system also sends power to grippingwheels should others slip empowering each wheelindividually as conditions change. No bad thing whenroad conditions deteriorate and you find yourself inwhat is a very heavy car and wide sled-like tyres! Of course, if you opt for a manufacturer operating inthe very heart of snow-land, you’d think you’d belaughing all the way home wouldn’t you? Sadly, you’d72 ÁMini70-72_Layout 1 23/01/2015 13:16 Page 272 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORINGLINCSVWASERVICESECU RE-MAPPING NOW AVAILABLEMORE POWER MORE MPGBETTER DURABILITYAVAILABLE NOW FROM £199+VATUnit 3, Woodside Park, Station Road, Tetney, DN36 5HXTel: (01472)812130VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda SpecialistWill Toyne 20 years experience withVolkswagen and Audibe wrong – the last winter test we carried out in a Saab resultedin the window washers freezing solid, something one wouldassume a company operating in the epicentre of snow-zoneswould have overcome long ago. It was a bit difficult to reporton its handling capability as we were forced to hang out of thewindow, while travelling at 5mph!But perhaps the most surprising car in our line up isn’t thelargest or most expensive – it’s the not so humble MINI, whichunlike the old fashioned version has a much higher groundclearance and is surprisingly well planted when it comes to theslippery stuff. The Countryman is a good option as it’s built asmuch for off road as on, but the Cooper D model with its four-wheel drive set up is also a great option as all other modelscome in 2wd on the front axle only.However, if it’s an SUV you’re after you could do far worsethan the Volvo XC70 with its copious loadspace and goanywhere mentality –there had to be a reason HRH had one,hasn’t there? It has all wheel drive too and bridges the car/fullon mud plugger sector quite nicely. Sadly, it doesn’t have theintelligent 4wd system but for a car of such large proportions, ithandles well and offers quite good economy at 50+ mpg if youchoose the D5 diesel.VolvoMercedes70-72_Layout 1 23/01/2015 13:17 Page 3Smart Forfour After an eight-year hiatus the smart forfour has returned to Great Britain. LINCOLNSHIRETODAY73COUNTY MOTORINGThe original model arrived in theUK in 2004 and lasted a paltry twoyears before it was culled due toailing sales. Now it is a completely differentstory. Previously, the Forfour pooledmuch of its mechanics and techwith the Mitsubishi Colt, but thisfresh model has been developedwith the Renault Twingo.Like the aforementioned Frenchcity car, the engine in the forfour ishoused under the boot floor anddrives the rear wheels. The 185-litreboot is rather petite but forwhizzing around town it’s great -the 8.65m turning circle is only a fractionlarger than a London cab.Two three-cylinder petrol engines areavailable. The range-topper, which wedrove, is a 90bhp 900cc engine – thenthere’s a lower-priced 70bhp 1.0-litreversion also offered. smart is alsointroducing a budget 59bhp 1.0-litrepetrol very shortly. What’s more, on ourtest drive, smart told us that, in the nearfuture, we can expect performance-orientated Brabus and emissions-freeelectric versions of the forfour to join theline-up.Behind the wheel is where the forfourhas most notably improved. The rearmounted engine and rear-wheel drivechassis makes the smart extremelyflexible and squeezing into tight parkingspaces is a doddle. Power delivery arrives in one big surgeand there is little performance providedunder or above a very precise area of therev range. It is more polished at higherspeed than the Twingo though becausesound insulation has been added.Furthermore, the ride is far moreforgiving than the car from tenyears ago, and today’s forfourhandles differences in the roadsurface loads better than it didbefore. On our test drive, we were alsopleased to note that the smart hasditched the previous robotisedmanual and replaced it with a five-speed manual. The gearbox is lightand crisp but it is long-geared,impeding acceleration just a tad.There is also a six-speed dual-clutchtransmission option to be had if you wish.The new three-cylinder petrol enginesmake the forfour very cheap to run. Themost resourceful is the larger 1.0-litreengine, able to return 68.9mpg and93g/km of CO2. The range-topping900cc turbo engine is a touch worse onfuel, with figures of 67.3mpg and97g/km – but, in truth, you won’t noticemuch difference between them - andboth cost nothing to tax. Test car courtesy of smart of LincolnTel: 01522 696016Smart Forfour After an eight-year hiatus the smart forfour has returned to Great Britain. smart of Lincoln specialists Karl Wainwrightand Sam Booth with the new smart fortworoad test_Layout 1 23/01/2015 14:01 Page 174 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWHAT’SONGainsboroughFriday 27th FebruaryLOV Festival Trinity Takeover, Trinity ArtsCentreEnjoy an evening of entertainment led and createdby young people from Gainsborough. The event willopen with a play written, devised and performed byQueen Elizabeth Grammar School Sixth Formstudents. The play surrounds itself around Henry, theboy that everyone loves and wants to know, andexamines the aftermath of the multiple emotions feltby a friendship group, once connected and now at aloss since he has left them. It will be followed byperformances from local young musicians and artists.Show starts 7pm, tickets £2 or £3 on the door and formore information call 01427 676655.GrimsbyFriday 27th MarchSimple Minds, Grimsby AuditoriumFresh from their renaissance, Simple Minds areheading out on tour after the success of their firstalbum of new material in five years. With a touringcast that now sees Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill joinedby stalwart drummer Mel Gaynor, keyboardist AndyGillespie, Ged Grimes, backing vocalists Sarah Brownand Catherine AD, Simple Minds have a settled line-up that re-affirms their status as one of the great livebands. Tickets £40.50 from 0844 871 3016.Simple Minds, GrimsbyAuditoriumA Vision of Elvis, Theatre Royal,Lincoln74-77_Layout 1 23/01/2015 12:43 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY75LincolnSaturday 28th FebruaryA Vision of Elvis, Theatre RoyalA Vision Of Elvis starring Rob Kingsley isrecognised as Europe’s most authenticand successful tribute to Elvis Presley. Thisshow brings you all the classic hits, fromthe hip swivelling fifties Sun Studios tothe Movie Years and the 1968 ComebackSpecial with the finale being theelectrifying Jumpsuit Concert Years.Recognised as the “Official EuropeanChampion” by winning Europe’s largestElvis competition, Rob Kingsley has alsothe distinction of being the first ElvisTribute Artist to perform live at the newWembley Stadium. He even has authenticcostumes that were made by Elvis’spersonal costume designer. Show starts7.30pm, tickets £18.50 from 01522519999.Wednesday 11th MarchYvonne Lyon, Drill HallSinger songwriter Yvonne Lyon isamong the best and brightest talentcurrently emerging from the UK and her76 Ánew album These Small Rebellionsfeatures songs co-written with thebrilliant Boo Hewerdine. She appeared atthe Drill Hall last year supporting EddiReader and wowed the audience withthe quality and beauty of her voice andher songs. Show starts 8pm, tickets £10from 01522 873894.Friday 13th MarchLet’s Twist Again, Drill HallIf you love fifties and sixties music,you’ll love Let’s Twist Again, now it itsfourth successive year. Strictly ComeDancing lead singer Chris Madinperforms alongside his talented wife,West End sweetheart Suzi Madin.Leading a full company of criticallyacclaimed artistes and musicians, theshow combines fun and laughter withthe greatest hits of Elvis, Dusty, TheBeatles, The Beach Boys and manymore, to ensure a brilliant night out ishad by all. Visit the American Diner torelive the fabulous songs of a magicalrock‘n’roll era. Show starts 7.30pm,tickets £20 from 01522 873894.NewarkWednesday 4th MarchA Night of Dirty Dancing, PalaceTheatreNo film has captured the hearts of ageneration like Dirty Dancing. Relive thepassion, indulge in the romance andcelebrate the greatest movie soundtrackof all time. Recast and rewritten for 2015,it’s all down to Kellerman’s end of seasonshow. Revel in the moments you loved,the memories you made and music that’sresonated throughout the years. Showstarts 7.30pm, tickets £21.50 from 01636655755.ScunthorpeFriday 20th FebruaryJackson Live in Concert, BathsHallJackson Live in Concert sees the hugelytalented Ben recreate the Michael Jacksonexperience with his stunning rendition ofall his favourite songs. Ben’s portrayal ofJackson has to be the most accurate andWHAT’S ONJackson Live inConcert, Baths Hall,Scunthorpe74-77_Layout 1 23/01/2015 12:43 Page 276 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWHAT’S ONexciting tribute to the King of Pop to haveever toured UK theatres. Jackson Live inConcert features all-live vocals, superbmusicians and dancers, fabulous costumes,and of course all the signature dance movesassociated so fondly with the undisputedKing of Pop. Show starts 7.30pm, tickets£18.50 from 0844 854 2776.Friday 20th MarchAlan Davies, Baths HallFollowing the phenomenal success ofhis 55 date UK tour of Little Victories in2014, Alan Davies is heading back on theroad in 2015. Much lauded as residentdunderhead on QI or the charming butreticent crime solver Jonathan Creek,Alan’s virtuosic storytelling and whip-smart funny bones combine to make thisa show not to be missed. Show starts8pm, tickets £25 from 0844 854 2776.SkegnessSunday 15th MarchSecret Love - The Life & Music ofDoris Day, Embassy TheatreTo celebrate the ninetieth birthday ofHollywood icon Doris Day, acclaimed jazzsinger and West End actress ClaudiaMorris returns with this criticallyacclaimed show dedicated to her idol.Claudia has been inspired throughouther career by the voice, wisdom, courageand convictions of one of Hollywood’sbest loved actresses and singers. Expectplenty of laughs, a few tears and somesurprises in this celebration of Day’sextraordinary music, movies andmarriages from one of her mostdedicated fans. Show starts 7.30pm,tickets £18 from 0845 674 0505.SpaldingThursday 5th MarchWoody Pines, South HollandCentreWoody Pines forage through the secretworld of old 78s integrating sounds fromLeadbelly to Bob Dylan, from WoodieGuthrie to Preservation Hall. They beltout songs of fast cars, pretty women andhard luck with a distinctive vintagetwang. Hailing from across the USA, theband is Skip Frontz Jr on the uprightbass, Brad Tucker on the vintage electricguitar and Woody on National Guitar,harmonica and floor tom, singing in aWoody Pines, SouthHolland Centre, SpaldingFascinating Aida CharmOffensive, CornExchange, Stamford74-77_Layout 1 23/01/2015 12:43 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY77WHAT’S ONvoice sounding uncannily like a young WillieNelson. Show starts 8pm, tickets £12 from01775 764777.StamfordWednesday 11th FebruaryFascinating Aida Charm Offensive,Corn ExchangeFollowing a sold-out tour, three OlivierAward nominations and over ten millionYouTube hits for Cheap Flights, their infamousanthem to budget air travel, Dillie Keane,Adele Anderson and Liza Pulman continue tocelebrate over thirty years of Fascinating Aidawith their terrific new show Charm Offensive.Expect topical new songs hot off the press,plus some outrageous old favourites, asFascinating Aida continue to grow olddisgracefully. Show starts 7.30pm, tickets£19.50 from 01780 766455.Alan Davies,Baths Hall,ScunthorpePHOTO: TONY BRIGGSPHOTO: JOHNNY BOYLAN74-77_Layout 1 23/01/2015 12:43 Page 4Only Foolsand Boycie78 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYA CAPPUCCINO WITH…What can the audience inGainsborough expect from your show?They can expect plenty of laughter.After all, that’s what Boycie is best knownfor. I love meeting fans when I’m out onthe road and Only Fools and Horsesremains one of the most popular shows ofall time. People will get the lowdown onthe show – I’ll be taking them behindthe scenes and talking throughsome of the most famousepisodes.I’ll also reveal a few surprisesfrom my fifty years in showbusiness, like the time I turneddown The Beatles after they’dasked me to appear in one oftheir films. And do you know, Istill regret that to this day.Only Foolsand BoycieJohn Challis is coming to theTrinity Arts Centre inGainsborough this month toreminisce about one ofBritain’s favourite shows. Wecaught up with John to findout what’s in store...John Challisbrings Only Fools& Boycie to theTrinity ArtsCentre inGainsborough onSaturday 21stFebruary, and tobook tickets, call01427 676655.78-79_Layout 1 23/01/2015 11:44 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY79A CAPPUCCINO WITH…for. I was playing the county on oneoccasion when I met a bride and groomwho had just celebrated their wedding.The groom asked me to go up to thebride and surprise her with a ‘real life’Boycie impression, at their reception. Idid - and she fainted! Why do you think the character ofBoycie has endured for so long?Boycie is still popular because peoplehad sympathy for him. They realised hewas wheeling and dealing to try andmake something better. I think peopleidentified with that. Of course, he foundhimself in hilarious situations and theymade people laugh. John Sullivan wasone of the best writers of all time and hecreated extraordinary characters. ButJohn always used to tell us actors thatwe’d brought them to life.What are your plans for the future?I’m incredibly busy. I’ve been workingfor fifty years in show business and I’mbusier than ever. I’m doing 25 dates of myshow this spring and I’ll do another set ofshows in autumn, then I’m appearing inBenidorm, which people seem to reallylove. I’ve just finished a very successfulpantomime and I also published my latestnovel just before Christmas. I also did ashort film, which we’re hoping to take toCannes. I’ve got plenty of other irons inthe fire, but I’m looking forward tocoming back to Lincolnshire so that I canmeet fans and celebrate Only Fools andHorses with them.Do you find it hard to write newmaterial or does it come easy for you?I’ve got a lifetime’s worth of material tochoose from. I shared Marlon Brando’sdressing room when I was touring a playin America and I watched in horror asOliver Reed smashed up a hotel room.And that’s before we even get to OnlyFools and Horses. I’ve lived a remarkablelife and it’s a real thrill to be able to sharesome of my stories with fans. Have you visited Lincolnshirebefore? Have you had much time tolook around?I’ve visited Lincoln itself on manyoccasions before. I’ve also played intheatres around the county and it’s a partof the world that I have a real affection78-79_Layout 1 23/01/2015 11:44 Page 2Next >