Motoring Discussion > Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip Miscellaneous
Thread Author: PeterS Replies: 93
View Threaded 

New Sun 23 Aug 20 00:20 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - PeterS
Right, that’s it...before things get worse again I’ve made a last minute (Wednesday) decision to drive to Italy and continue the summer. Means transiting France, but the Italians don’t mind and I’ll quarantine on my return if necessary.

I’ll be going in the Merc, which was delivered last September but, partly as I was working overseas for a chunk of time and partly lockdown earlier in the year, has only done 7,700 miles. Annoyingly it needs annual servicing regardless, so at least I’ll get better value for the money I spend when I’m back! To date the longest journey I’ve been on in it has been to Norfolk, which is around 200 miles each way. Surprisingly (to me anyway) it averaged 40.4 mpg on that trip. Yes, it’s a 2 litre cylinder petrol engine mated to a nine speed auto ‘box so should be economical. Against it is the fact it’s heavy, and it has 300bhp. But, there’s a lot of lightly trafficked ‘A’ roads on that journey which help reduce fuel consumption. The long term average shows a more realistic 30.1 mpg. I reckon that the long stretches of autoroute will be kind to the fuel consumption, but the mountains will give it a beating. I expect to average 32/33, and will be pleasantly surprised if it’s higher.

Google maps says that door to door it’s 1,104 miles there. Breaking it into the component parts above means:
Day 1: W Sussex to Folkestone 109 miles and and Calais to Dijon 359 miles. Total 668 miles
Day 2: Dijon to east of Bourg St Maurice 259 miles
Day 5: Bourg to Cortona 419 miles
A total of 1,146 miles.

So reasonably direct, but I can’t see a way of sending a journey with multiple waypoints to the car. I have sent each destination separately, which will have to do.

Return booked for September 7th...but is flexible..so I’ll worry about the return route nearer the time... Anyway, I haven’t booked any accommodation after the 5th, when I leave the villa

Car packed, not cleaned though..it was clean until yesterday’s rain and some post harvest mud but it’s not been car cleaning weather. GB stickers attached (the car came without EU country identifiers on the number plates). Warning triangle and first aid kit in the car, along with a couple of high viz vests. I’ve also got a spare bulb kit to remain compliant..but it’s useless as all the lights on the car are LED.

The lights can be switched to LHD. I’m interested to see how all the other gizmos adjust to being on the wrong side of the road. Especially the adaptive cruise which reads speed signs and adjusts the speed accordingly. I hope it understands they’ll be in Km/h...don’t think driving at 130 mph would entirely sensible!

Other than that, I’ve got a full tank of fuel and a french motorway tag. Insurance certificate, green card (no longer green) just in case and the registration document packed. Driving licence and credit cards always in my wallet. I’ve reset the long term trip computer. Screen-wash full and tyre pressures correct. Runflats, no spare... Crossing is at 12:50 tomorrow afternoon, so will leave here around 10 and see what happens. Slightly apprehensive...it’s the first holiday alone since Andy died. I’ve been away to the rugby last year with a friend and taken numerous business trips, but that’s not the same. Once I’m on the road I’m sure it’ll be fine!

Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 03:10 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - Runfer D'Hills
You'll enjoy that part of Italy. I used to know that area quite well. Lived and worked in Florence a long time ago. Long enough ago that my car was a Cortina and my hair was black! There used to be a lot of specialist shoe factories all over that region at one time but most of them have gone now.

Still travel to Milan and the Marche a fair bit but not so much into Tuscany now.



Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 09:08 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - PeterS
We had a great holiday in Florence, more than a few years ago now. Lovely place, and some good food and drink as well :)
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 04:08 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - No FM2R
Sounds utterly brilliant.

Aside from obvious thoughts about Andy, do you generally enjoy stuff on your own? I do. I get quite a different type of enjoyment and reward from it than I do when with people.

I also find it a good time to be with your thoughts, which is also valuable. We spend too much of our modern lives putting on brave faces and being sensible. Sometimes burying yourself in your own thoughts and emotions without intrusion can be a good thing.

The trip sounds superb, I am so jealous. Have a great time and do keep us informed of the progress.

Good luck.

Mark.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 07:22 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - Mr Moo
The French autoroute electronic tags are great. Saves all that leaning over the passenger seat at the toll booth, faffing with Euros.

We drove to the south of France in July in my Golf GTD Estate and in spite of ‘pressing on’ the cars computer showed mid/high 50s mpg at the end of each day. Similar pace in the UK would have delivered sub 50 mpg and the climate control was working overtime in 35 degree heat. I think it’s because you can generally hold a very consistent pace on cruise control, with traffic levels low enough to avoid regular slowing down and accelerating back up to your chosen cruising speed.

Enjoy the trip!
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 08:21 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - sherlock47
If the quarantine arrangements have not changed by the time you return, a route via Switzerland/Germany could work in your favour if it is 14 days after you had been in France. But you must be able to document leaving Germany and not stopping (even service stations) in France en route to Calais. eg Hotel and petrol receipts. Not sure that they will be checked anyway.

Not sure if you can count back days ( and hence subtract from 14) if you spend a shorter time outside France??

Tele-peage can be purchased at some major autoroute start points but not sure about Sundays. Well worth it when driving alone.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 08:42 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - Duncan
>> But you must be able to document leaving Germany and not stopping (even
>> service stations) in France en route to Calais.

How do you prove a negative?
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 09:14 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - PeterS
>> Sounds utterly brilliant.
>> Mark.

The timing of the COVID lockdown was, strangely, good for me...having April/May and much of June with little to do but walk, cycle, paddle board and think came at just the right time. I think it’s certainly helped me a lot with the grieving process...no ability or expectation do anything while the weather was amazing was very refreshing. Though if you’d asked me before if it’d be happy in my own company for extended periods of time I’d have said an unequivocal yes...after 3 months I wasn’t so sure.... it’ll be a different kind of holiday for sure, but these things are what you make them. Sad moments I’m sure, and lots of memories of previous trips too I expect....but also the opportunity to do thing we wouldn’t have done, such as walk long distances and explore, because of his illness. So we will see. Leaving in around half an hour :)
Last edited by: VxFan on Mon 24 Aug 20 at 02:31
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 08:34 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - Mike H
Just a couple of points.

You mentioned your adaptive cruise control. There should be a setting somewhere for your car to read in kmh instead of mph, and this will probably also apply to the CC.

If you plan to go into some french cities, you may need a Crit'Air emissions sticker - see this link www.certificat-air.gouv.fr/en/ It is only available online, so best avoid such cities!

Have a good trip!
Last edited by: Mike H on Sun 23 Aug 20 at 08:35
Reply to this message | Report message
      1  
New Sun 23 Aug 20 09:16 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - PeterS
>> Have a good trip!

Thanks... that’s a good point...I’d forgotten about that. Oh well. As long as Dijon is not on the list I’ll be fine :)
Last edited by: VxFan on Mon 24 Aug 20 at 02:31
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 09:35 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - legacylad
Have a safe, wonderful trip.

I too am happy with my own company, doing what you want when you want, within reason. If I go off on a solo trip, normally backpacking, I always find lots of interesting folks to chat and walk with, should I so choose, as per my Pembrokeshire Coast Path trip 2 years ago.
“ A poor life this if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare” W H Davies

Equally, my villa rental trips are sometimes too sociable sharing with friends, and I need to escape to the mountains on my own for a day!
Last edited by: legacylad on Sun 23 Aug 20 at 09:36
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 09:53 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - Duncan
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

He was Welsh, though.
Reply to this message | Report message
      2  
New Sun 23 Aug 20 11:59 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - PeterS
>> Have a safe, wonderful trip.
>>

Thanks! Stage one complete, and the eurotunnel terminal is deserted. I’d say less than 20 cars in the car park. Got here in time for the 12:06, just, and was allowed on it for no charge. So according to the car 113 miles covered in 2 hours 13 minutes at 42.2 mpg. That’s around 10% of the total journey. Might reconsider my 32/33 mpg forecast...
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 14:01 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - neiltoo
You have already chosen your route down, to see your particular interests, but here is an alternative if you want to reverse it.

Alsace is wonderful in September/October as they pick the vines.

We took this route into Italy last time:

Tunnel to Calais, (as above, Dover to Dunkirk may be cheaper, and less driving in France) then E40 into Belgium towards Bruges, then Brussels.

Free motorways in Belgium, but the worst drivers in Europe!

Taking care around Brussels (We got lost after taking the wrong exit) follow the E411/E25 to Luxemburg. Fill up here - Lux was the cheapest fuel in Europe then.

E21 to Metz and Nancy, (Free Mway) then N59 to Colmar - very pleasant, but slower route through the Vosges mountains. We stopped over three nights in Colmar.

After Colmar, take the E25 towards Mulhouse, but to avoid Basle, turn off at the Mulhouse junction on A36 across the Rhine to Germany. Turn South on E35.

Take the turn off just before Basel to Lorrach (route 98) and continue into Switzerland that way. It's a good road all the way - mainly dual carriageway - and it only took 10 minutes to 'do the checks' to enter Switzerland and 15 to leave. You end up on the Swiss motorway about 1km East of the turn to Lucerne.

Go towards Basle, but quickly take the E25 to Lucerne.

At Lucerne follow E35 for Lugano which takes you over the St Gotthard Pass – or the tunnel if its foggy – Pass is a superb route.

Carry on to Lugano, Bellinzona and Como.

Route is toll free until Italy, but you need a Swiss Motorway vignette, which you can get online from:

switzerlandtravelcentre.com/en/gbr/tours/motorway-vignette

Or you can get one at the border.

We have spent many holidays in Italy - mainly Tuscany, and this year had decided to take all of October. But we are both now in our seventies, and I am type two diabetic, so we are too shy to try it.

Maybe next year.

I'll just have to enjoy your trip vicariously.

All the very best.

8o)

Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 18:51 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - PeterS
Thanks for that...will bear in mid for the return trip :)

An easy run to Dijon...mainly sunny, a few showers, very little traffic and temperature in the mid twenties. Diving long distances solo is a little tedious though...and it’s a route we’ve travelled many times, so it was slightly unsettling.

On a practical note though, setting the units in the car to Km/h meant the adaptive cruise worked within french speed limits. So thanks for that suggestion. Very clever...it wasn’t confused by the frequent signs aimed at caravans with lower limits, and it also adjusted down to 110 when it did rain. It did however also set the OBC to litres/100 Kim’s, and all the sat nav directions to kms as well. The lane assist/active steering/cruise make perfect sense on clear French motorways...a very relaxing drive indeed. However, having now covered 470 miles today the average mpg is now 37.7, average speed 67 mph and I’ve ‘gained’ 21 miles from my economical driving style (how I managed that when I left the car to it I don’t know...) The car also managed to beat its own estimated arrival time by a whole hour. Perhaps the algorithm still assumes U.K. road speeds?

Time for a stroll, some supper and wine. I ‘only’ have 250 miles to cover tomorrow I’m popping in to Beaune tomorrow morning for a quick tasting as well...
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 19:50 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - neiltoo
Weren't there any French quarantine requirements?
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 19:52 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - PeterS
>> Weren't there any French quarantine requirements?
>>

Nothing at all. The hotel is reasonably busy, but quiter than you’d expect in the summer. Mostly Dutch and Belgians.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 19:55 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - Runfer D'Hills
>>Mostly Dutch and Belgians.

Big car park then? To accommodate all those caravans...
;-)
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 20:04 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - PeterS
>> >>Mostly Dutch and Belgians.
>>
>> Big car park then? To accommodate all those caravans...
>> ;-)
>>

Touché. From where I’m sitting on the terrace I can see 8 cars. One is mine, and one is french registered. 2 are Belgian - a new VW Beetle and a Fiat 500 (but the big people carrier one). 3 are Dutch registered, and the other is hiding behind a tree so I can’t see the number plate. It’s an Audi Q something though. So probably french :)

It’s interesting that Apple will auto-capitalise Belgian and Dutch. But not french.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 20:11 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - Runfer D'Hills
Anyway, I have to drive to Nottingham and back in a not very powerful Mercedes estate tomorrow. Sexy eh?

Or not. :-(
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 20:26 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - legacylad
Yeah
And I’m taking my 92yo mum out for lunch with a few of her friends.
I need alcohol already.
Wish I was going to Nottingham
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 21:04 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - PeterS
>> Anyway, I have to drive to Nottingham and back in a not very powerful Mercedes
>> estate tomorrow. Sexy eh?
>>
>> Or not. :-(
>>

Isn’t Nottingham a load of cobblers? Sorry, I mean full of cobblers? No, that’s doesn’t sound right either... And maybe less power, but a quick google shows that it has the same amount of torque. That’s french google mind you ;)
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 21:06 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - Runfer D'Hills
Probably best have another glass of that wine Peter!

;-)
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 21:48 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - tyrednemotional
.. Northampton is cobblers. Nottingham is lace. Makes you wonder just what the visit is for. ;-)

(Going to be disappointed if you think Nottingham is still bikes)
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 23 Aug 20 22:28 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - Zero
>> .. Northampton is cobblers. Nottingham is lace. Makes you wonder just what the visit is
>> for. ;-)

Blimey his story is full of holes, but you put the boot in and stitched him up good and proper.

Now what city makes coats?
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Mon 24 Aug 20 09:13 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - smokie
Maybe he was thinking of Boots, their HQ is in Nottingham :-)
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Mon 24 Aug 20 15:25 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - Runfer D'Hills
>>...Makes you wonder just what the visit is for. ;-)

Yeah, thing is, I could tell you, but then I'd have to, well, you know how it is...

And even if I didn't, well, then you'd be complicit. Probably best all round if you don't know.

;-)
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Mon 24 Aug 20 07:13 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - sherlock47
The car also managed to beat its own estimated arrival time by a whole hour.


Did it get confused by french time? So perhaps too clever?


I have always found mapping apps very accurate for journey time, particularly in France with light traffic.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Mon 24 Aug 20 08:57 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - PeterS
Yes, I’ve never experienced that level of difference, though beating the estimated arrival time is always a challenge... But I don’t think it’s the time change because it advised me the arrival time had been adjusted due tothe time difference as I left the eurotunnel. But I did convert the units to km/h about 15 minutes after that. It consistently reduced the arrival time by around 15 minutes every hour. I don’t remember my last Mercedes being that inaccurate in France, but I always left that displaying mph. One of those things...I’ll see how it does today :)

Another observation / annoyance is that there’s a small reflection in the lower part of the windscreen, which is caused by the sun reflecting off the raised styling features in the bonnet...one each side. Exacerbated by the dark colour of my car perhaps?
Last edited by: VxFan on Mon 24 Aug 20 at 12:56
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Mon 24 Aug 20 09:56 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - Zero
wow these first world problems eh?
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Tue 25 Aug 20 08:25 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - PeterS
>> wow these first world problems eh?
>>

Sorry!

Say nav was similarly optimistic, or pessimistic, on day 2 as well. Only 270 miles from Dijon to the alps, mainly roof down so at at 72 mph on the autoroute rather than 81. I left the car in miles for the whole thing, but still beat the arrival time by a good 30 minutes.

Roads very quiet; Beaune well worth a visit, though there’s a risk it’d turn out expensive... The boot on an E class, while appearing spacious enough, is now completely full. That’s with just 4 cases of 6 bottles, an aeroplane sized wheely bag, a rucksack, a hold-all, a satchel, a suit carrier, a carrier bag of flip-flops, walking shoes, trainers and the plastic crate than MB seem to provide with all cars. They’re be more space if I don’t want the roof down of course, as it folds into part of the boot. Seats 4. Luggage space for 1 ;)

Yesterday’s easy 268 miles were completed at an average of 51 mph, and 38.2mpg. Cumulative average still 37.7 mpg after 749 miles. The car will stay put until tomorrow, when the route includes the St Bernard pass. Car very sure footed on the way up here; hills/hairpins were best handled in ‘sport +’ mode for better throttle response and holding gears...though the Goodyear tyres it came fitted with create some unnecessary tyre squeal at really quite low speeds on tight bends. And that’s not because they were losing traction! They run at pretty high pressures too (runflats) so seems odd. Still, no one about to hear it so no matter!
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Tue 25 Aug 20 12:05 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - Runfer D'Hills
Well, there is a way of freeing up some space in the boot for your return trip. Although it might take some fairly dedicated drinking...
;-)
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Tue 25 Aug 20 13:00 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - PeterS
>> Well, there is a way of freeing up some space in the boot for your
>> return trip. Although it might take some fairly dedicated drinking...
>> ;-)
>>


I think the luggage will start to migrate to the back seat ;)
If I get carried away the rear seats do fold...
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Tue 25 Aug 20 13:53 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - Runfer D'Hills
Aye, but just be careful about luggage on the back seat if you're in stop start traffic with the roof down. Might attract the light fingered variety of Italian. Passenger footwell might be a better place for anything you can't get in the boot.

Christ, I'm starting to sound like someone's dad :-(

Have a great trip !
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Tue 25 Aug 20 14:34 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - No FM2R
>> wow these first world problems eh?

What does that mean? Is there a type of problem that is somehow less valid? Or is it ok if it happens elsewhere? What happens if the problem is suffered by a poor or homeless person living in the first world? Does that add credibility?

It always seems a most silly phrase to me.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Tue 25 Aug 20 15:51 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - Zero
>> >> wow these first world problems eh?
>>
>> What does that mean? Is there a type of problem that is somehow less valid?

Its a kinder and more acceptable way of saying "Stop being a whinging git about pathetic trivial little issues and look at the bigger much rosier picture"

Had it been you of course, I could of had no qualms about not trying to be kinder.

And yes of course there are some types of problems that are less valid.
Last edited by: Zero on Tue 25 Aug 20 at 15:54
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Tue 25 Aug 20 16:06 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - No FM2R
You see, that's why I was confused. Who in their right mind would expect you to put effort into being kinder?

[and yes, I am ignoring that bit]
Last edited by: No FM2R on Tue 25 Aug 20 at 16:06
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Tue 25 Aug 20 16:12 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - PeterS
I only mentioned it as it’s the sort of thing you might not pick up a test drive, but that which could irritate. Not the sort of thing that’s often covered in magazine tests either. Something to look out for :)

Anyway, the car hasn’t moved today. I’ve been for a couple of nice long walks. One to Le Monal which is a tiny little village but a very scenic walk, and another to Le Miroir which is a very pretty village with the added attraction of a good restaurant. It’s a bit hilly round here though ;)

Seen a few more UK registered cars today, but it’s possible some live here. Chap I was chatting to in the bar works in the oil industry but bases himself down here most of the year. Better than Aberdeen apparently...
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Tue 25 Aug 20 16:14 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - No FM2R
Sounds lovely. I trust that you're taking advantage of not driving to heavily indulge in the locally available plonk?
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Tue 25 Aug 20 16:25 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - PeterS
The local plonk is, well, plonk as far as I’ve established. But, I’ll keep searching ;)
Some good saucisson and cheese though!
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Tue 25 Aug 20 16:28 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - No FM2R
>> I’ll keep searching ;)

It's all you can do. Don't weaken.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Tue 25 Aug 20 17:21 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - Runfer D'Hills
He'll be ok, he's got back up stock in the boot. ;-)
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Tue 25 Aug 20 20:11 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - Dave_
I've just found this thread Peter, and will follow your travels with interest. We drove down to Occitanie and back at the end of July in the new-to-us Octavia vRS DSG estate. My average was hovering around 50mpg at a Waze-indicated 130-132kmh, although I did back off a little on some of the longer hills as the oil temperature crept above 120C (it was mid-high 30s outside though!)

We had originally intended to visit Barcelona and Figueres for two days each, followed by a weekend in Paris before coming home. The change in FCO travel advice which came through while we were at our overnight stop at Orleans put paid to that idea, so a quick reshuffle on Airbnb resulted in us ending up in a tiny gîte in the forests south of Millau.

We too had a tag for the tolls, and altered the headlights for LHD - not that we did any night driving. I think the LHD/RHD selection may only affect the sensors for auto high beam and steering lights on the Skoda; it doesn't seem to do anything to the beam pattern.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Wed 26 Aug 20 06:26 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - PeterS
Sounds like you had a great trip, even if it wasn’t quite as you’d planned!

I bought the tag for the tolls as I couldn’t be bothered with hassle of tolls without a passenger to operate them. There aren’t usually queues on the roads I use, in my experience, but it still saves a few seconds. On the lights, I think a lot of cars now have a flat dipped beam pattern, so no need to change as you say. Certainly that was the case when I came to France in the MINI last year, as that didn’t require any changes or beam deflectors to be compliant. I haven’t driven in the dark either, though have been through a few tunnels. Changing the setting must do something, and it’s more advanced than the last Merc I had which, when changing to ‘driving on the right’ told me that the ILS (intelligent lighting system?) has been deactivated. This one carried on as normal.

I also forgot to mention that even though I left the car in ‘miles’ on the drive from Beaune the car still read speed limit signs as normal, and adapted the cruise to the speed it read, in Km/h. Presumably it uses the GPS to figure out the units?

The St Bernard pass and Italy beckons... A coffee and pain au chocolate first I think!
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Wed 26 Aug 20 08:11 
 Mercedes Benz - CV19 road trip - James Loveless
I'm quite envious of your trip, but uncertain if I would have the courage to do it on my own, especially if I were in your situation.

I haven't been to France for a few years now, but since one of my sons recently moved to a village near Nantes that is likely to change. At one point I was driving to Provence or Occitanie most years. Drove to San Gimignano once, too, in a Fiat with a dodgy starter motor that sometimes wouldn't engage and needed tapping with a small rock every so often. Took the coastal road for the last bit of the journey crossing from France to Italy. Returned via Milan.

Beaune I remember well - a lovely town and area.

Enjoy the rest of it!
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 10:08 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - sherlock47
I am surprised that no-one has mentioned the fiasco of speed limits and signs. (Apologies if I have missed it :)

In 2018 the govenment impose a national limit of 80k on all secondary roads without central
reservations and barriers. They did not change the signs in many places, so despite a 90 sign mobile speed cameras were issuing fines for what the british would see as very minor excesses over 80k.

Despite significant life saving reductions in accidents, the french , as is the culture, rebelled. Burnt, destroyed or rendered unusable many speed cameras, so it was left to plod to catch people. Some individual departments then voted down the government action (ie voted to up the speed), which left a total state of confusion. So unless you are absolutely sure of the local situation it is probably better to assume 80 despite the presence of a 90 sign!

Whilst the attached links give some additional detail they are not uptodate. Trying to find local definitive information is a nightmare. Even local french are unsure.

Feb 2020
www.french-property.com/news/travel_france/relaxation_80kph_speed_limit/


Summer 2019
www.connexionfrance.com/French-news/Map-of-France-shows-roads-changing-speed-back-to-90kph


www.motoringresearch.com/car-news/french-speed-cameras-stricter/


Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 11:05 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - R.P.
I am surprised that no-one has mentioned the fiasco of speed limits and signs.


We've had our own national fiascos to contend with
Last edited by: R.P. on Thu 27 Aug 20 at 11:06
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 11:16 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Runfer D'Hills
With the danger of sounding unreconstructed, actually I'm really not, I'm happy enough to waft along these days, but I was only reminiscing the other day with an ex colleague about how we saw it as a challenge back in the day, to get across France on our way to and from the Florence office as quickly as our 2.0 Cortinas and later, 3.0 Capris could go!

Some of those journeys, particularly the overnight ones, didn't take very long at all...

;-)
Reply to this message | Report message
      4  
New Thu 27 Aug 20 12:03 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Zero
I made an extremely quick passage from Strasbourg to Calais, one I thought might have been too quick when I saw a posse of blue lights behind me, but they passed.

Saw them later at the next Peage surrounding a Brit in an Aston Martin who clearly had made the passage even faster.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 15:26 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - commerdriver
Many years ago, my then manager picked up a ticket in a Senator 3 litre, travelling from Calais to La Hulpe in Belgium on stretch just east of Calais that was notorious at the time for Gendarmes with a speeding quota to fill, let brits were the usual targets.

Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 15:44 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - tyrednemotional
...took my Granada to La Hulpe with 2 colleagues in '92. Not flying released enough cash to pay for two extra places at the DB2 conference.

I wasn't in much danger of getting a speeding ticket (very used to seeing les flics when near Calais), but the amount of Belgian beer that came back might well have resulted in a weight ticket if I'd been stopped.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 16:41 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Zero
>> ...took my Granada to La Hulpe with 2 colleagues in '92. Not flying released enough
>> cash to pay for two extra places at the DB2 conference.

Ah La Hulpe, a name from the past, we'll all be reminiscing about Montpellier next.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 15:59 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Alanovich
That old unsubstantiated rubbish again. Give over. Everyone is a target for the Gendarmes. It's the sort of casual xenophobia which became so endemic in this country that people started believing it, developed an unjustified sense of grievance against an enemy which doesn't exist, and has led to us being dropped in the deepest do-do.

Been away from this board for a long, long time, occasionally have a wee look to see if the xenophobic and sometimes racist commentary which became endemic a few years ago still persists, and sadly it does.

Sorry for using endemic twice.

I'll leave you to it again now.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 16:32 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - sooty123
Was that a flash?

I think it was.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 16:38 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Zero
Wow, Just like old times. The vitch comes on, takes offence at everything and everyone, abuses everyone and then flounces off.

First time he's packed it all into one post tho. Impressive.
Reply to this message | Report message
      4  
New Thu 27 Aug 20 16:54 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Runfer D'Hills
Not sure if I've ever flounced from an Internet forum. Maybe I should try it. Go on, someone really upset me. ;-)))
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 17:26 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Zero

>> Go on, someone really upset me. ;-)))

They are going to replace your merc with this:

www.carmagazine.co.uk/renault/grand-espace/
Last edited by: Zero on Thu 27 Aug 20 at 17:27
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 17:30 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Runfer D'Hills
Ah well, y'see,"they" don't own the Merc any more.

Good try though. ;-)
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 17:51 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Bromptonaut
>> They are going to replace your merc with this:
>>
>> www.carmagazine.co.uk/renault/grand-espace/

Espace still seems to be sold in France. Saw several while over there last month. Looked rather good and big enough to be a decent tow car.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Fri 28 Aug 20 15:07 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - PeterS
The new Espace is a good looking vehicle, if you need that sort of thing. Nice to be driven in I expect, but as an ownership proposition...? Having said that, we’ve had three Meganes (Mk 2, with the big behind) and they were fine. End very very safe as I found out when a Volvo drove into me at 70mph...
Last edited by: VxFan on Sat 29 Aug 20 at 05:04
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Fri 28 Aug 20 17:31 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Runfer D'Hills
Could we, maybe, just move on from the "E" word thing? No biggie and all, but it's just that I'm trying to avoid having to go back to the pills...thanks ever so, nothing to see here...twitch, gulp...
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Fri 28 Aug 20 17:33 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Zero
>> Could we, maybe, just move on from the "E" word thing? No biggie and all,
>> but it's just that I'm trying to avoid having to go back to the pills...thanks
>> ever so, nothing to see here...twitch, gulp...

Looks quite attractive in profile

www.autoevolution.com/cars/renault-espace-2019.html#agal_6
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 17:06 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Duncan
I think Zeros was one of the better flounces.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 17:11 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Runfer D'Hills
I really want to post a link to Derek and Clive live, but I reckon I'd get collar and belted out...;-)
Last edited by: Runfer D'Hills on Thu 27 Aug 20 at 17:11
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 17:12 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Bromptonaut
>> That old unsubstantiated rubbish again. Give over. Everyone is a target for the Gendarmes.

I'd go as far as to say they avoid stopping Brits. I've certainly been directed back into the traffic flow on more than one occasion when they seemed to be doing spot checks.

The A16/A25 from west of Boulogne to Dunkerque and be beyond tends to be a fairly well populated with Brits and not just those late for the ferry.

At time when tax or currency made beer/cigs cheaper in Belgium hi-tailing over the border and back while on a day return by ferry was a popular sport. The Belgians are not the world's best drivers so they'd probably be over represented too.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 17:47 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - sherlock47
>>>That old unsubstantiated rubbish again. Give over. Everyone is a target for the Gendarmes. It's >>>the sort of casual xenophobia w.......
<<<

There was nothing xenophobic in my post - just a statement of facts. The brits are not over targeted round here - but speed cameras dont have to cope with irate unco-operative drivers. The machine just issues tickets.

If that caused a flounce - go back to the rock you have been hiding under.
Reply to this message | Report message
      1  
New Thu 27 Aug 20 17:53 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Bromptonaut
>> There was nothing xenophobic in my post

I think it was @commerdriver who stirred up the hornets' nest.....
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 18:38 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - commerdriver
>> I think it was @commerdriver who stirred....
My speciality :-)

I do not believe anyone who has worked in IT contracting for the last 20 odd years can be xenophobic or racist, there are too many colleagues of all backgrounds, European and far further afield that any attitudes like that got lost decades ago.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 19:09 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Zero
>> >> I think it was @commerdriver who stirred....
>> My speciality :-)
>>
>> I do not believe anyone who has worked in IT contracting for the last 20
>> odd years can be xenophobic or racist, there are too many colleagues of all backgrounds,
>> European and far further afield that any attitudes like that got lost decades ago.

Except when they say "your job is not at risk of course, but we would like these three fine chaps from Chennai to shadow you for a month, oh and can you set up and document an RSF link for them please"
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 17:59 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - sherlock47
Actually I will make a correction. There are two brits round here who feel they are targeted by the gendarmerie - and both deserve it. I say no more.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 20:36 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - No FM2R
>>There are two brits round here who feel they are targeted by the gendarmerie

There's a particular gobby example of that breed of Brit around here, also.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 20:50 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Runfer D'Hills
>> There's a particular gobby example of that breed of Brit around here, also.

No, really? Gosh, that's kind of hard to believe...well I never etc...
;-)))
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 23:14 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - No FM2R
>>that's kind of hard to believe

I really wish it was. There is definitely a type of Brit that believes Foreign law is beneath them. Surprisingly it's the same people who are often vocal about how b***** foreigners break the law in the UK.

They're an embarrassment and far more common than one would hope.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 20:35 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - No FM2R
>>I'd go as far as to say they avoid stopping Brits.

No, I don't think so. Perhaps if they're doing one of their regular, targetted 'contrôle technique' checks, or similar, there is little point in checking a foreign car.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 19:11 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Manatee
I have been pulled over by the French police for speeding. They let me off. So no complaint there.

I think they would have done me had I been French. As the copper waved my licence at me, he said "If zis was a Fraunch leesaunce, Ah would kip zis" and then tossed it back into the car. Perhaps the paperwork would have been too involved.

That was a long time ago.

It's ages I think since they did the 90 to 80 thing. They had just done it before we passed through in September 2018 if I remember correctly.
Last edited by: Manatee on Thu 27 Aug 20 at 19:13
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 20:29 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - No FM2R
>>I'll leave you to it again now.

We're not an airport, you don't have to announce your departure.

Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 20:32 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - No FM2R
>>les brits were the usual targets.

I don't know if the Brits were the usual targets, but they were certainly ridiculous enough to be the regular recipients. Many seemed to think French speed limits didn't apply to them.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 27 Aug 20 22:34 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - commerdriver
Ver true, Mark,
But then these are, and were, probably largely the same group who swear that "speed" cameras are there to trap them
Reply to this message | Report message
      1  
New Thu 27 Aug 20 23:39 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Bobby
I have had several great Family holidays in France. All down the South and involved Chunnel crossings and driving down with an overnight stay.

I remember the first, driving an original Renault Scenic Turbo diesel. We drove down the west side and came back the east side. Sorry, can’t remember autoroute numbers but i do remember sitting at a steady 100 mph for large parts of the journey. We made such quick progress on the return leg that we were annoyed that we had paid and booked an overnight as we could easily have got to the tunnel.

That car was great for returning with booze. Wine in the floor compartments. Wine in the compartment under the rear seats. As kids didn’t need the legroom I could fill the flat back floor with more boxes of wine. And either side of the boot there were two squares compartments, shaped I think to take 1.5l bottles of water. Well you could also get 1.5l bottles of wine!!

Sadly the last time we drove down, in my Altea that time, one of the families we were in convoy with were side swiped on the autoroute in their Scenic, resulting in them and their car somersaulting across 3 lanes and ending up upside down in the gulley and trees next to the hard shoulder. They all survived thankfully. But that was also a warning to not fill all those compartments in a Scenic with bottles and cans as they become missiles when the car starts rolling!

One of my post Covid aims is to go camping in France thru the tunnel. I just love the feeling of driving on, grabbing a quick picnic lunch and driving off and you are in France.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Fri 28 Aug 20 15:04 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - PeterS
>> >>les brits were the usual targets.
>>
>> I don't know if the Brits were the usual targets, but they were certainly ridiculous
>> enough to be the regular recipients. Many seemed to think French speed limits didn't apply
>> to them.
>>

That certainly what I recall - Brits and Dutch drivers used to routinely hammer it down through France so no surprise they received tickets. Though I was stopped once, at a peage, and had my passport ‘seized’ while I went to a cash machine to pay get cash for the ‘fine’ when cars local cars going the same speed or faster were not...but that’s the risk I took.

Speeds are much lower than they used to be on french motorways though, a trend that I first noticed about 5 years ago. At that point 160km/h didn’t make you the fastest car on the road; nowadays, sticking to the limit, there are few cars that pass. Not so in Italy mind you...
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Fri 28 Aug 20 15:00 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - PeterS
>> I am surprised that no-one has mentioned the fiasco of speed limits and signs. (Apologies
>> if I have missed it :)
>>

Just picked up on this...sorry! The car seemed to know that 90 meant 80, as even though it read the sign as 90 they were displayed as 80...

The trip from the Alps to Tuscany was the longest days driving... 418 miles in the end. Fantastic drive up over the St Bernard pass...clear blue skies, roof down. Was only 12 degrees at the top though...and the drive back down into Italy was equally stunning. But the car, at 1,800 kgs, while comfortable isn’t really the right vehicle for a series of switchbacks and hairpins - it coped brilliantly, but it is really half a tonne too heavy! Partly because of that, and partly because of some push-on (Italian style) driving on the autostrada fuel economy for that keg was ‘just’ 31.7mpg. Total distance here was 1,182 miles at an average of 58 mph and 34.9mpg. Surprisingly high IMO. Tolls through France were €84, and in Italy €60! So not an insignificant total. Very easy though...the tag worked seamlessly in France, and in Italy there was on,y a toll booth son entering and leaving the autostrada - no intermediate ones unlike France. So manageable with just a driver even in a RHD car. It helped that I had the roof down and so could just stand up and reach over... Much hotter here, but no discernible effect on oil or coolant temperature. Tyres reached 50 degrees though, if that’s relevant...they’re 20” runflats.

Spent the last couple of days by pool...all the car has done is make some short trips in that morning for bread and pastries. The colour looks amazing in the Tuscan sun - far richer than it ever does at home. The owner of the villa is quite smitten with it (though drives a VW T-Roc, when visiting at least...) Cooler next week, so hopefully a bit more sightseeing. Mean time, more wine and beer to sample.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Fri 28 Aug 20 15:04 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - No FM2R
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5i1cJIwE7M
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Fri 28 Aug 20 15:43 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Duncan
>> www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5i1cJIwE7M

Now you've made me watch Biggus Dickus!
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sat 29 Aug 20 08:55 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - legacylad
Any cheese makers in the area....?

Still not jealous. Not even a teeny weeny bit. Here in the Dales today temps may peak at 14C and there is finally some blue sky. Hooray.

Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sat 29 Aug 20 14:30 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - PeterS
I saw some pretty good delis in Cortona - once I arrive in Montepulciano tomorrow I’ll explore further - will need plenty to go with the red wine from the region! Am in Tuoro sul Trasimeno tonight...a small hill town overlooking lake Trasimeno. The Airbnb house I’ve booked for the night is right next to the towns viewing area of the lake, and has its own terrace. I have a lovely view. But the beer is not yet cool enough! It’s a 25 metre walk to the (small) market square off which most of the restaurants are, so that’s supper sorted as well. Will soon have been away for a week...doesn’t time fly...
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sun 30 Aug 20 19:46 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - PeterS
So last night there was an alright thunder/lightening/rain storm. What was a clean but dusty car was looking a little more bedraggled...but the villa I’m in for the next week is 1km along an an unmade Road (or track...) and so I think it’ll look a lot worse by next weekend! Stunning views from the terrace, but about 5kms outside Montepulciano and 2kms to the nearest trattoria. I’ll survive...
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Mon 31 Aug 20 11:44 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - neiltoo
Montepulciano is one of our favourite places in Tuscany.
We like the local Vino Nobile de Montepulciano, which we found on our first visit to Italy in about 1988.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Sat 5 Sep 20 07:58 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - PeterS
The Montepulciano area is lovely, and I’ll do a proper write-up when I’m back. Some lovely wine though...

I’ve now decided on a COVID compliant route back...Tomorrow Verona, look around, spend the night and fill up with fuel. Monday over the dolomites and straight through Austria (on the red list, but no requirements from Austria if transiting). Monday night in Munich...been many times, but never visited BMW Weld, so that’s the plan. Tuesday afternoon drive to Cologne and stay the night. It’s a 4 odd hour drive from there to Calais, doable without refuelling and if need be can stop at an aire to stretch my legs :) What could go wrong ;)
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Tue 8 Sep 20 08:29 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Biggles
Sorry we couldn't offer better weather for you today. With BMW Welt just being a short distance from the Olympic Tower, if the skies had been clear you would have had a fantastic view from the top.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Tue 8 Sep 20 11:54 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Biggles
Brightening up nicely now - perhaps the views will be good after all.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 10 Sep 20 17:11 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - Runfer D'Hills
You back Peter? I've been over in Belfast this week with the car, which of course involved ferries, but it was really quite painless.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 10 Sep 20 17:26 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - No FM2R
Indeed, I was looking forward to a road trip report but am beginning to wonder if you're stuck in quarantine somewhere.
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 10 Sep 20 17:43 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - PeterS
>> Indeed, I was looking forward to a road trip report but am beginning to wonder
>> if you're stuck in quarantine somewhere.
>>

It took me a while to type :)

Quarantine successfully avoided, despite travelling through Austria, Netherlands, Belgium and France which are all on the red list I think.

Just remembered...eurotunnel on the way back also very quiet...down to one train an hour from the scheduled 4 I think. Requirement for all travellers entering the UK to fill in an online Public Health Passenger Locator Form, which immigration asked if I’d done but didn’t ask to see. I assume as they could see from my passport number on their system that I had?
Reply to this message | Report message
       
New Thu 10 Sep 20 17:38 
 Mercedes Benz - France 80 is the new 90 or NOT? - PeterS
>> Brightening up nicely now - perhaps the views will be good after all.
>>

Thank you - yes, it did brighten up though I didn’t go up the tower!

Back home now. 18 days, 6 countries, 2,730 miles, average fuel consumption 36.2mpg and average speed 58 mph. Spent the night in Verona, Munich and Cologne on the way back...route chosen to avoid quarantine, but was about 150 miles further than the outbound route and a less pleasant drive overall. The trip through the dolomites was scenic enough, but all autostrada and mainly two lanes. The only traffic jam off the whole trip was at the final toll leaving Italy. Probably added 30 minutes to the journey, though the trip through Austria was pleasant enough. Then the northern part from Cologne to Calais is particularly uninspiring, the Netherlands, Belgium and then France...all flat of course and mainly grey and industrial.

I could probably have done the return trip quicker...Verona wasn’t that far so only a short driving day. But then I was in no rush, and Verona was well worth a visit. Munich was chosen not because I hadn’t been (been a lot for work and also for long weekends) but because it seemed a manageable chunk from Verona and let me go to the BMW museum and BMW Weld, which I hadn’t been to. Both were okay, though not as interesting or informative as MB World in Stuttgart which is on another level of scale; far more impressive. But I’m glad I went...and it was only €10. Cologne seemed the best compromise of being a city in a non quarantine country en-route and as close to Calais as I could get while still having things to see. Turned out to be bang on 4 hours to the eurotunnel from the hotel, so achievable without refuelling or stopping! Kent was positively balmy on arrival back in the UK - 26 degrees compared to a fresh feeling 20 in Calais. Clear run home bar the annoying 50mph limit on the M20 and M23 - smart motorway related no doubt.

As you’d expect from such a new car, no problems at all. Very dusty now... I was pleasantly surprised by the fuel economy though. I expected it to be a good mile muncher, and it was. The ride was fine on even quite bad Italian roads, but they were of the rutted/rippled/patchwork tarmac rather than our whacking great potholes. The 20” wheels don’t like potholes much, but the car glided over all but the worst that the Italians could throw at it. Very composed handling over the Alps and on faster rural Italian roads, but it’s a heavy car

On lightly trafficked autoroute/strata/bahns all of the driver aids start to make sense, and for a very relaxing drive. Adaptive cruise, active steering and lane assist work brilliantly well together. When approaching a car ahead the car shows you how fast it’s going (or rather, graphically on the speedo how much slower than you it’s going) well before you’re right behind it so you can change lane at the appropriate time...a quick flick of the indicator and the car changes lanes automatically when it’s safe to do so. Once I understood what it did, when and how it was easy to settle into a very relaxing groove. Though if you don’t hold touch the steering wheel for 45 seconds or so it gets grumpy and bongs at you, which is probably fair enough! You do need to actually hold the steering wheel to keep the car happy...a light touch while resting your arm on the arm rest is not enough... Doesn’t make as much sense on very busy roads though, because it’s not ‘assertive’ enough, for obviously reasons... Also, the lane departure warning, which irritates me occasionally in the UK, is a real pain on Italian roads where white lines on autostrada are somewhat optional as far as I could see, I turned it off sometimes :)

On a practical level, with some juggling, everything fitted in the boot with the roof down. That ended up being 8 cases of wine and a couple of french ‘bag for life, type carriers of things I took back for my brother, along with a wheelie bag, rucksack, satchel and mini cool box. And the silly MB crate ;) I ‘found’ some more space...I’d put the wine in first but the shape of the boxes and the boot meant there was some wasted space...folding the rear seats let’ me put the carrier bags behind the seats and then put them back up. So happy with the boot space. Driving position very comfortable, though I preferred a different one for autoroute driving to other roads. Fortunately it’s got memory seats so I used two of the positions :) That includes adjusting seats, lumbar, steering wheel position(!) Gimmicky but useful on this occasion.

The built in sat nav got me ever here I needed faultlessly first time. That includes two really quite remote villas in Tuscany, as well as navigating Italian and French towns. I sent the destinations to the car using the app, and also activated the audio instructions (which I generally turn off in the UK). Music was via Spotify, and again no problems. Plenty of storage up front for bottles of water and mints, plus phone, wallet, passport and, of course, face masks. Face mask compliance in France, Italy and Germany was high in shops and service stations. The Germans and Italians were more rigorous than the French in COVID precautions in restaurants / cafes / bars. None of the countries seemed to take social distancing that seriously, though they did all have signs up. Though I think the norm is only 1.5m in most places anyway.

All in all a good trip...poignant and sad at times, but also some good memories so I’m glad I did it. Probably not the sort of trip I’d do alone again, but on this occasion it felt like the right thing to do, and I think it was. Obviously a bit flat coming home, but the fine weather appears to be continuing, so it could be worse...
Reply to this message | Report message
      3  
Latest Forum Posts