< Previous80 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYMany crossovers come with only front-wheel drive. For many, this might besufficient, but four-wheel drive is anoption if you’re looking for off-roadability rather than just rugged off roadlooks.In fact, the automotive industry willCrossoverhonoursawardsThis month, we take a look at that rare breed, the crossover – vehicles that combine rugged off-roadlooks and ability while retaining the practicality of conventional motoring. probably gag at the suggestion thatbuyers of these cars tend to be won overby their efficiency rather than ability. It istrue, though, that many crossovers seemto be based on small to medium familycar designs, albeit slightly expandedproportions to offer more interiorpracticality and raised suspension. Thisnot only aids visibilty when driving, butalso comes in handy for occupants whenit comes to getting in and out.But there are some decent crossoversout there too…We asked Lincolnshire Today’s80-83 people:Layout 1 18/8/14 09:57 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY81COUNTY MOTORINGmotoring savvy team to put a selection ofbaby crossovers through their paces and tellus which they liked best and why. Sam Trott: I quite liked the Mazda CX-5 –plenty of interior space and a good level ofspecification for not too much money. Also,emissions and fuel economy are good andwhile I’m not normally a lover of dieselengines, the 148bhp 2.2 diesel fitted to ourdemo model dispells the myth that youhave to work them hard to get them toperform.Angie Cooper: I quite like the Mazda butI found the ride quality a bit firm and therewas just too much road and wind noiseentering the cabin for my liking. Perhaps thefirm ride is the pay off for such positivehandling but it didn’t do it for me…Joss Quantrill: It’s really practical, thoughand its 500 plus litre boot size expands to82 Mazda CX-5NissanQashqaiAudi Q380-83 people:Layout 1 18/8/14 09:58 Page 282 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORINGover three times that. It has much betterrear legroom than some, plus Mazdacomes up well on all the reliabilitysurveys. But the Nissan Qashqai is prettygood too, especially where road andwind noise are concerned. Graham Scoreby: Didn’t Nissan beginthe whole crossover class thing with theirQashqai? Marie Rudd: Yes I think so, then - justas rival brands joined in - Nissan uppedthe game with a second generationmodel. To be honest I like the 1.5 litrediesel engine and believe it or not I evengot on with the 1.2 litre petrol model butI was surprised how their 1.6-litre dieselperformed - noisier than the smallerdiesel I thought.Joss Quantrill: Yes the 1.5 is muchbetter, less vibration too, from theengine. What I like most is the choice ofmanual or Xtronic automatic gearboxes,plus the spec level inside that’s got to beclass leading – the only thing I don’t likeis the thick pillars at front and rear asthey create a bit of a blind spot.Mike Shields: That’s what I like aboutthe Audi Q3, to be honest - all-roundvisibility is better than most in its classand I found it easier to get a good drivingposition and steering wheel position. Steve Williams: Yes, it’s a cinch to drivearound town and slot into tight parkingspots, but I was a little disappointed withthe interior space (and the loading space)as they don’t seem much better to methan a conventional car.Rachel Green: The interior quality isgreat though given that its an entry levelQ model – the infotainment options onthe 6.5-inch screen, is very user friendlytoo. It makes scrolling between menus anabsolute doddle.Graham Scoreby: It scores pretty wellon safety too, six airbags, curtain bagsthat extend into the rear of the cabin;electronic stability control. I know wekind of come to expect this these daysfrom the likes of Audi but it does makeyou feel safe when you do as many milesas I do. On the downside, it’s a bit priceyif you want to add any options…Steve Williams: I bet it’s not as priceyon options as the Mercedes GLA wetested, leather seats, parking sensors andsat-nav all come as options, don’t they?And pretty expensive ones at that! Cometo that I think they should add an optionto get more rear leg room - this car feltmore like a 2+2.Becky Robertshaw: Yes, I know whatyou mean. Maybe they should alter thedoors on the back a bit so you can get ineasier – the boot’s a bit bigger than theAudi’s though, although with the rearseats down the Q3 trumps it – that’s likea tardis in reverse! Sam Trott: It’s pretty refined though,isn’t it? Rain sensing wipers and the likes– the interior is top notch and althoughthe extras are pricey there’s some cleverones like the ‘Driver Assistance Package’ –which gets you a blind-spot monitor, laneassist and cruise control with distancecontrol that’ll keep you from creepingtoo close to the vehicle in front.Joss Quantrill: Yes, just a shame it’s notmuch more practical than a standard ABMW X1I think out of all the German Marques I like the BMW X1 best –its refined, handles well and has great fuel consumption as well aslow C02 emissions80-83 people:Layout 1 18/8/14 09:58 Page 3Class though.Becky Robertshaw: I think out of all the German Marques Ilike the BMW X1 best – its refined, handles well and has greatfuel consumption as well as low C02 emissions Graham Scoreby: The engine choice is good too - four 2.0-litre diesel engines and a 2.0 petrol, with the range topping25d offering 215 bhp. Personally I’d go for one of the xDrivemodels with full four-wheel drive as that’s a proper crossover.Marie Rudd: I was quite surprised that even the base-levelmodels offers so much spec-wise, like the electric poweredwindows (all round) climate control with separate controls fordriver and passenger, Bluetooth, parking sensors. No gimmicks– it’s all the stuff you actually need…Mike Shields: Yes, the BMW certainly gets the thumbs upfrom me. BMW’s diesel engines are renowned for low CO2 anddecent economy, and the X1 sDrive 20d Efficient Dynamicsmodel is the choice for those looking to lower their carbonfootprint whereas the 2.0 SE does over 50mpg - even withoutthe dynamics option.Angie Cooper: And at 420 litres, boot space that’s prettygood for a crossover.As the debate raged on, the night rolled in and after copiousamounts of coffee and donuts our motoring savvy team’s topaward went to BMW for their X1. In second place, the MazdaCX5 closely followed by the Nissan Qashqai. Next up, the AudiQ3 and, last but by no means least, the Mercedes GLA. Mercedes GLALINCOLNSHIRETODAY83The PanelLincolnshire Today'steam who took to theroads to test the latestcars to hit the forecourts– with the new 64 platesarriving this monthAngie CooperMike ShieldsSam TrottJoss QuantrillGraham ScoresbyMarie RuddRachel GreenSteve WilliamsBecky RobertshawCOUNTY MOTORING80-83 people:Layout 1 18/8/14 09:58 Page 484 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYA CAPPUCCINO WITH…ots of us have beenwatching the skies inLincolnshire this summer as thecounty’s proud aviation heritage has seenit host numerous air shows. If you’reinspired to take to the air then you maytake the inspiration from Tom Bennett,the Lincoln pilot who is currentlytravelling the world and wowing crowdsas part of the Red Bull Air Race’s newChallenger Cup series.The Red Bull Air Race sees some of themost skilful pilots around take part inspectacular aerobatic sequences. Inrecent years Tom has progressed fromstandard competition aerobatics in thePitts Special to unlimited aerobatics in aCap 232, and began competing at anational level in 2012 under the wing ofRed Bull Air Race pilot Nicolas Ivanoff.Tom has come a long way in a short timeand hopes to develop his talent further.Indeed, as we spoke to Tom, just beforethe UK leg of the Air Race at Ascot, hewas third in the table for the ChallengerCup after enjoying podium finishes inPoland and Croatia.So how did Tom get involved in thesport? Were Lincolnshire’s spectacularskies were an influence? He says, “I’vealways been interested in aviation. I wasborn in Shrewsbury and moved toLincoln when I was eleven and I realisedthat Lincolnshire was completely flat buthas huge great skies. I used to live underTom’sflying high!Lincoln aerobatic ace, Tom Bennett, is amazing audiences around the world in theRed Bull Air RaceL84-85:Layout 1 15/8/14 12:44 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY85A CAPPUCCINO WITH…the approach to Coningsby so I wouldalways see jets flying over, and eventuallyI decided to follow my passion.“As for getting into the Air Race, I wasinvolved in aerobatics and Red Bull got intouch and invited me to take part in thechallenge series they were launching. Tobe honest it wasn’t something that hadcrossed my mind before – I’d seen it onthe telly but I’d never seriouslyconsidered it – but it was too good anopportunity to pass up!“There are some fantastic opportunities– at Ascot we take off from the actualrace track, for example, so you get to dothings you wouldn’t do anywhere else.”One of the most amazing things aboutthe Air Race is how those taking partexecute those amazing aerobatic feats atsuch high speed – it’s a spellbinding mixof power and absolute precision. Tomsays, “It’s about finding a balancebetween the skill and the aggression, andthat’s still something I working on andperfecting. Each race is a really biglearning experience. Some of theexperienced pilots have software andpeople behind the scenes have softwareand behind-the-scenes teams that canhelp them, whereas us Challenger pilotshave to turn up and work it out.“Taking part is just as much mental asphysical. You have to be quite relaxedbut you also need to be really pumped atthe same time. If you can manage to betotally focused you will have a muchbetter flight. Of course, Red Bull have allkinds of safety systems in place so you’resafe no matter what happens.”Although Tom was performing in frontof a home crowd at Ascot, what kind ofatmosphere does he get to appreciate?“On the ground you absolutely get asense of the atmosphere, especially atAscot where you’re taking off from withinthe audience. When you’re in the air yousimply don’t think about all thethousands of people who are watchingyou, but before and after the flight itgives you a lot of pride to be flying inyour own country. It really spurs you onand it certainly helps me to fly better.”One obvious difference between theAir Race and other sports is that thespectators often have a better idea ofhow the participants are faring thanthey do. Tom says, “You get a bit of anidea of how it’s going when you’reflying but you don’t really know how it’sgone until you get to see everyone else’sflight. Then afterwards you can takethings apart and analyse it, find outwhere you could go a bit faster and soon. That’s why every flight is a learningcurve, you learn what to do and whatnot to do.”We wish Tom the very best for the restof the season and we’ll be keeping tabson his progress in Lincolnshire Today!84-85:Layout 1 15/8/14 12:44 Page 286 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWHAT’SONGainsboroughThursday 4th SeptemberMedea, Trinity Arts CentreBroadcast live from the National Theatre, HelenMcCrory takes the title role in Euripides’ powerfultragedy, in a new version by Ben Power, directed byCarrie Cracknell. Medea is a wife and a mother. Forthe sake of her husband, Jason, she’s left her homeand borne two sons in exile. But when he abandonshis family for a new life, Medea faces banishment andseparation from her children. Cornered, she begs forone day’s grace. She exacts an appalling revenge anddestroys everything she holds dear. Show starts 7pm,tickets £12 from 01427 676655.GrimsbySaturday 27th and Sunday 28thSeptemberPeppa Pig’s Big Splash, Grimsby AuditoriumFresh from the success of Peppa Pig’s Party andPeppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt comes Peppa’s brand newshow Peppa Pig’s Big Splash. Come and join Peppaand her friends for another all-singing, all-dancingadventure full of songs, games and muddy puddles!There’s a Champion Puddle Jumping competitionjudged by Mr Potato where everyone gets wet andPeppa needs to find her Golden Boots, so grab your86-91:Layout 1 15/8/14 12:51 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY87WHAT’S ONwellies and brollies and get splashing!Show at 4pm on Saturday and 10am,1pm and 4pm on Sunday, tickets from£16.40 from 0844 871 3016.LincolnSaturday 27th SeptemberCafé Manouche, Drill HallFollowing on from the Drill Hall’sVintage Fair, let Café Manouche take youback in time with their Tales from theSwing Age show, performing music fromthe twenties to the fifties. This young,energetic gypsy jazz and swing ensemblewill get your toes tapping and heartsdancing. With special guests, dancingand more, this will be a great night andif you really want to join in the vintagefun, why not come dressed to impressfrom your favourite era? Show starts8pm, tickets £12 from 01522 873894.Thursday 16th OctoberLincoln Sportsman’s Club,Bentley HotelA new season of dinners from theLincoln Sportsmans Club kicks off withformer professional footballer Neil“Razor” Ruddock as the special guest.Last year the club made donations of£4450 to thirteen up and cominglocal sportsmen and women and, after35 years, the club are inviting ladiesto attend the dinners to help raisemore cash. Ben Kay MBE, Eric Bristow,Ronni Irani and John Beresford arelined up to speak later in the season.Tickets are £36 for members and £43for non-members, including a fivecourse dinner, and for moreinformation visitwww.lincolnsportsmans.com ortelephone 01522 508355.Thursday 9th OctoberViva la Drag, Theatre RoyalFresh from its latest critically-acclaimed West End run, directed byKylie Minogue’s creative directorWilliam Baker and with songs especiallycomposed by Boy George, Viva la88 Medea, Trinity ArtsCentre, GainsboroughViva la Drag, Theatre Royal, Lincoln86-91:Layout 1 15/8/14 12:51 Page 2by founder member Ray Laidlawand Billy Mitchell, front man forthe final eight years of thegroup, who perform acousticversions of Lindisfarne’s classicsongs and tell the inside story ofthe group’s rise to fame. Showstarts 7.30pm, tickets £19.50from 01636 655755.ScunthorpeFriday 26thSeptemberJaleo Flamenco, Baths HallIn a scintillating fusion ofheartwrenching vocals, explosivefootwork and virtuoso guitar playing,Jaleo return to Britain after three yearswith their latest new stage show ACompás, brimming over with theintoxicating rhythms, palpable energyand joie de vivre which hasbecome synonymous with thecompany. A Compás (it means ‘InRhythm’) charts an evocativemusical journey whichencapsulates the very essence offlamenco. Show starts 7.30pm,tickets from 0844 854 2776.88 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWHAT’S ONDrag! is coming to Lincoln. Starring SamButtery of The Voice, the show featuresamazing harmonies by talented singersperforming today’s chart toppers alongwith classic hits. Glee-style mash-ups ofhit songs like Single Ladies, Baby Love,Car Wash, Rolling in the Deep and I’mEvery Woman has seen the productionbecome an instant hit for girls’ nightsout. Show starts 7.45pm, tickets £23from 01522 519999.NewarkThursday 25th SeptemberBilly Mitchell & Ray Laidlaw’sThe Lindisfarne Story, PalaceTheatreLindisfarne were Tyneside’s best-lovedband for over thirty years and TheLindisfarne Story is a celebration of thegroup’s music and achievements. Theshow is devised, written and performedCafé Manouche, DrillHall, LincolnOne Night of TomJones, EmbassyTheatre, Skegness90 SkegnessFriday 26th SeptemberJohn Illsley’s Dire Straits andBeyond, Embassy TheatreIn 1977, John Illsley, along with Markand David Knopfler and Pick Withers,founded Dire Straits. This autumn Johnand his brand perform a show includingall Dire Straits’ classic hits includingSultans of Swing, Walk Of Life and MoneyFor Nothing, and also preview John’s newalbum Streets of Heaven which featuresMark Knopfler on a number of the tracks.Show starts 7.30pm, tickets £24.50 from0845 674 0505.SkegnessFriday 3rd OctoberOne Night of Tom Jones, Embassy TheatreMaking its debut in 2014, Glen Leon stars in a brand new productionfeaturing classics from five decades including Delilah, With These Hands, It’sNot Unusual and many more. Glen Leon with the thirteen piece ConnectionOrchestra direct from London’s West End, featuring female backing vocals fromthe award-winning Black Voices. Show starts 7.30pm, tickets £19.50 from 0845674 0505.We have pairs of tickets to this fabulous show to give away! To enter, pleasesend your name, address and telephone number to Tom Jones Competition,Lincolnshire Today, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE or competitions@blmgroup.co.uk by Friday 19th September.86-91:Layout 1 15/8/14 12:51 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY8986-91:Layout 1 15/8/14 12:51 Page 4Next >