< Previous60 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYRats come with a whole host ofunpleasant connotations, and the watervole has, all too often, been tarred withthe same brush. The Wind in the Willowsoffers a whimsical look at Englandthrough its extraordinary wildlife, andRatty punting down the river is theembodiment. But author KennethGrahame was in fact referring to a watervole, a rodent colloquially known as a‘water rat’. The two animals have aboutas much in common as the proverbialchalk and cheese, or perhaps even TheWind in the Willows and WatershipDown, that savage indictment of MotherNature’s ruthlessness. In any case, water voles sport roundernoses, chubbier faces, fuzzier ears and ahairy tail to match, setting them well andtruly apart from the more devilishappearance of the rat. Despite being thelargest vole to inhabit the British Isles, thewater vole is perhaps the most secretive,water voles will dig up rhizomes and eatbark to survive as most of the greenplants available will be too tough to chowon. As the animal eats around 80% of itsbody weight every day, getting its fill inwinter is no small feat. Habitat loss and predation have helpedcontribute to the water vole becomingBritain’s fastest declining wild animal. TheWildlife Trust is helping to combat this byimproving riverbank habitats, controllingmink and with reintroduction schemes.With the flat land and open water bodieshere in Lincolnshire, reintroduction isespecially necessary. Back in 2011 TheLincolnshire Chalk Stream Project beganconservation work to help bolster thewater vole, and their efforts have beenpaying off. Although Lincolnshire’s watervole masses are faring better than muchof the country, we all need to bandtogether to protect the aquatic critterfrom the brink. Declining numbers, image problems and long winters are giving thewater vole a difficult time of it. Lincolnshirewildlifehidden amongst the banks of rivers,ponds and canals. The more intrepidamong them might venture into gardensand orchards, even spending the rest oftheir short lives this way. Given theyshuffle off this mortal coil after 5-6months, you can’t blame them forwanting to leave the sight of shoppingcarts in our water ways for the relativepeace of an orchard. A typical water vole will live inwaterside burrows, which they dig out inthe banks of slow-flowing lowland riversand canals, or wherever there is a fairlyconsistent water level. They’ll usually livetogether in small familial units, andthere’ll even be multiple floor levels aswell as nesting chambers and a foodstore for the winter in their burrows. Although water voles don’t hibernate,they still need to defend against theelements. This time of year, while othersspecies are preparing for the long sleep,PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MARK BRIDGER60-61_Layout 1 17/10/2016 14:32 Page 1PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/IAN SCHOFIELD60-61_Layout 1 17/10/2016 14:32 Page 262 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORINGA taste ofthing’s to comeFew events in the motor show calendar can match the glitz and glamourof Paris. So, in order to bring Lincolnshire Today readers an update on thevery latest models, we headed off to the 2016 Mondial de l’Automobile. 62-65_Layout 1 18/10/2016 08:50 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY63COUNTY MOTORINGThe new Land Rover Discovery was aheadline act, fresh from its dramaticunveiling alongside a world record-breakingLEGO model of London’s Tower Bridge. Thenew Discovery attracts so much interest ittakes us several attempts to get near. Aversatile full-size seven-seat interior andcutting edge design seem to have everyone’sinterest.The Jaguar success story continues withconfirmation that the XF Sportbrake will jointhe family in 2017 and the brand underlinedits commitment to investing in technologyfor the next generation by showcasing itsadvanced I-TYPE 1 on the stand.Next up is the world premiere of the newMercedes-AMG GT Roadster. The open-toptwo-seater is to be offered in two versionswhen officially launched in February 2017. In the AMG GT Roadster base model, the64 Á62-65_Layout 1 18/10/2016 08:50 Page 264 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORINGAMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo produces 350kW (476 hp), while the even moredynamic and visually distinct Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster offers 410 kW (557hp) and comes with highly exclusiveequipment .On the Hyundai stand, the companyunveil its latest high-performance RN30,a motorsport-inspired racing conceptdeveloped in close collaboration withHyundai Motorsport (HMSG), HyundaiMotor Europe Technical Center (HMETC)and Hyundai Motor’s PerformanceDevelopment & High PerformanceVehicle Division. Its purposeful aerodynamic design andspecialised high-performancetechnologies are said to deliver thrillinghigh-speed driving thanks to a 2.0-litreturbocharged engine upgraded with anenlarged turbo to increase thrust at fullthrottle, boasting 380 PS (279.5 kW) anda maximum torque of 46 kgf.m (451Nm).But it doesn’t stop there, the RN30,apparently, features specialised high-performance technologies designed toincrease excitement for drivers andenable them to tame the mostchallenging of race tracks. Rev-matchingencourages spirited driving by quicklyand accurately revising the engine’sspeed whenever the driver shifts gearwhile in sport mode. Adding to the senseof thrill for the driver, the ElectronicVariable Exhaust system provides a surgeof aural pleasure by emitting a strongexhaust sound consistent with the visceralsensations produced by the rapidacceleration.Other technologies are specificallyaimed at enhancing safety and control.The sophisticated electronic limited-slipdifferential system (eLSD) makes sureeach wheel receives sufficient torque,measuring the driving force of the tyres.This helps prevent skidding and ensuresfast, precise cornering when navigatinghigh-speed curves – allowing drivers tocontrol this powerful racing machineeasily, accurately and confidently.On the Ferrari stand the companyunveil the arrival of their new GTC4LussoT, the first four-seater to be powered by aV8 engine. Ushering in a whole newFerrari Grand Touring concept, the car isaimed at drivers seeking a car that is62-65_Layout 1 18/10/2016 08:50 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY65COUNTY MOTORINGFind An Experienced Motor Mechanic In Tetney, Near GrimsbynServicing nMOTs nRepairs nBrakes & Tyres nEngine diagnostics nCar Batteries nExhausts nECU Remapping nAir Conditioning Testing/repairs/Re GasVW, AUDI, SEAT & SKODA SPECIALISTTel: 01472 812130 www.lincsvwa.comUnit 3, Woodside Park, Station Road, Tetney, Grimsby. DN36 5HXsporty and versatile, as well as perfect fordriving on a daily basis.The new GTC4Lusso T is equippedwith an evolution of the 3.9-litre V8turbo which punches out a maximum of610 cv at 7,500 rpm, guaranteeingpowerful acceleration with maximumtorque of 760 Nm available between3,000 and 5,250 rpm. Despite suchimpressive performance, the GTC4LussoT’s fuel consumption figures guaranteeextended range, ideal for town driving orlong trips.And, on the subject of concepts, theGround Tourer-PHEV Concept fromMitsubishi (or GT-PHEV for short) turns afew heads, a high-end Japanese SUVcoupé that utilises a 2.5L petrol enginedesigned for PHEV usage and a plug-inhybrid electric system, using a triple-motor layout, (instead of the currenttwin-motor set-up. Elsewhere, Citroën unveils the NewCitroën C3 in a world premiere alongsidetwo new concept cars- CXPERIENCECONCEPT and the C3 WRC CONCEPTand Czech manufacturer, Skoda revealedits new 7 seater SUV - Kodiaq - to thepublic for the first time. There is so much to take in but it’sencouraging to see the interest shown inno less than eight of the UK’s major carbrands including: Aston Martin, BMWMINI, Honda, JaguarLand Rover,McLaren, Nissan, Toyota and Vauxhall. Vive Britannia!62-65_Layout 1 18/10/2016 08:51 Page 4Renault CLIOSeduction never endsNewStarting from £11,185*PENTAGON Outer Circle Road, Lincoln LN2 4LD Tel 01522 411248 www.pentagon-group.co.uk !"#$"%&' ( #)"! "& *#" "%" +/2 $"367 9 *: #!;;)9 "< *+/2 =9 = * 9 = > ** * "?@ ** 9=* > >;ABE>;(9 * * *F$$ "@ G** > 9 * 9 ** * * =H7 ;#"+ : "*" > 9 ** F# $"J* + 7= KMP 9+! F#>#$"Book a test-drive66-67_Layout 1 17/10/2016 14:39 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY67COUNTY MOTORINGThe latest version of the Clio is themost chic, upmarket version yet andthrows the gauntlet down to its rivals,and a recent test in the 1.2 Dynamique SNav reveals why. It’s certainly a striking car and the waythe 1.2 engine purrs, it’s hard to tell it’seven running. Driving in and out oftown proves a light effortless affair andthe nippy 118 bhp, turbocharged 1.2litre petrol engine matched to a six speedmanual box, make for a fun, agile drive. Out of town, our test car proves acomfortable ride with very little wind orroad noise finding its way into thecockpit and it makes nothing of thebumpiest of B roads, even the onesscattered with potholes. As agile andbalanced as it is pretty, the Clio excels.Comfort-wise we’re well catered forwith a 7 inch screen sat nav system(colour and touch screen of course) fittedto our Dynamique S Nav model and theoptional extra of reversing cameras fittedto our model prove a blessing. Anothernoteworthy feature is the hands freekeycard which comes as standard onDynamique models and above. Thisallows the car to be locked/unlocked‘keylessly’ and automatically locks if youstroll away from the car with it in yourpocket, which we think is a great securityfeature. A very capable stereo with blue toothand USB connectivity comes with allmodels, although the Dynamique S Navbenefits from an improved DAB stereotoo. Then there’s the usual raft ofcreature comforts such as: airconditioning (in all but the expressionmodels), heated door mirrors, LEDdaytime running lights, cruise control,powered windows and split folding rearseats affording a class leading 300 litresof cargo space. All in all its easy to see why the RenaultClio is such a great seller – it’s certainlygot a lot more personality than, say, aFord Fiesta. Add to this the low runningcosts and a choice of six different trims tochoose from and we think Renault havemade a very popular hatchback evenmore popular.Test car courtesy of Pentagon Motor Holdings,Outer Circle Road, LincolnSeductive Clioticks the boxesSeductive Clioticks the boxesRenault has certainlybeen keeping itselfbusy, revising therange. And, what agreat job they’ve doneof the Clio.66-67_Layout 1 17/10/2016 14:39 Page 2Official Fuel Economy Figures for the MINI Cooper Countryman: Urban 38.7 mpg (7.3 l/100km). Extra Urban 55.4 mpg (5.1 l/100km). Combined 47.9 mpg (5.9 l/100km). CO2 Emissions 137 g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.Soper of Lincoln is a credit broker.*Initial rental £1,249. Price shown is for a 48 month Personal Contract Hire agreement for a MINI Cooper Countryman with a contract mileage of 32,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 4.16p per mile. Applies to new vehicles ordered between 1 October and 31 December 2016 and registered by 31 March 2017 (subject to availability). Retail customers only. At the end of your agreement you must return the vehicle. Excess mileage, vehicle condition and other charges may be payable. Hire available subject to status to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. Hire provided by MINI Financial Services, Summit ONE, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0FB. Soper of Lincoln Ltd, trading as Soper of Lincoln, commonly introduce customers to a selected panel of lenders including MINI Financial Services. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to such lenders. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice.MINI FINANCIAL SERVICESGREATER OUTDOORS. THE MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN.MONTHLY RENTALS FROM £249 (PLUS INITIAL RENTAL*).The MINI Countryman, 100% MINI plus a little more; with space for your life and luggage, the option of MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive and the responsiveness of a go-kart. This MINI is not averse to the occasional splash of mud.To discover more please call 01522 688889 or visit www.sopermini.co.ukSoper of LincolnRoman Way, South HykehamLincoln LN6 9UH68-69_Layout 1 17/10/2016 14:41 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY69COUNTY MOTORINGLincolnshire Today take a Cooper Sversion out on the roads to see if it livesup to expectations. The largest vehicle in the mini range,the Countryman enjoys the same designcues as the rest of the range, but with itsrugged plastic wheel arches and slightlyelevated driving position, this five doormodel has a definite more ‘go anywhere-do anything’ look about it and willcertainly appeal to those who are perhapslooking for a crossover version of theMini.It’s almost 40cm longer, 10cm widerand 15cm higher than its thoroughbredstable-mates, so there’s ample spaceinside for four passengers and all theymight need to carry and will appeal todrivers young and old, especially thosewho want something a little morespacious than the rest of the range. Our test model was in fact the CooperS version, and I guess the big question onmy mind was how well it would deliverwith the stretched floor pan and newdimensions. But I needn’t haveconcerned myself, the same quick, precisesteering that we love about the traditionalCooper S is there in the countryman, andit’s just as surefooted too, gripping theroad as we dart along the County’s A andB roads. There’s very little road or wind noisedespite the higher roofline and theergonomics inside the cabin make for avery pleasant drive, with everything laidout logically. Creature comforts are goodtoo - all models come with airconditioning, a DAB digital radio tuner,six speed manual transmission, ThatchamCAT 1 alarm/immobiliser, Bluetooth withUSB connectictivity, CD player, centrallocking and a whole host of others. Oursalso came with lots of other goodies suchas: sports seats, sports leather steeringwheel, navigation system, and anupgraded hi-fi system to name but a few.It’s certainly fun to drive and itsdesirability make for strong resale values,which should make the countryman asafe bet for buyers; if you can ever bearto part with it a few years down the road. Test Car courtesy of: Soper of Lincoln Mini, Roman Way, LincolnexpectationsGreaterIf looks are anything to go by then Mini have done a great job of taking abrand leader and giving it an SUV inspired feel with the Countryman.68-69_Layout 1 17/10/2016 14:41 Page 2Next >