The Reliant Scimitar GTE isn't my perfect car, but it's close

EARLIER this week I thought about launching a Champion competition for our artier readers. Because, if not one of the world’s car companies could come up with my ideal motor, maybe they could.

No, really. There have been hundreds of different cars over the years and while some of them have got tantalisingly close, not one of them satisfies all the strict criteria the ultimate Life On Cars machine would have. 

The particular blend of poise, style and practicality I’m looking for brings me past the hot hatch, the coupe and the roadster to the three-door estate, a curious breed of car not made in any meaningful numbers since Ford and Vauxhall dropped theirs two decades ago. Shooting brakes, as they’re known, blend a sporty set up, a low profile, four genuinely useable seats and a room for a set of drawers in the same package – if you’re familiar with the Reliant Scimitar GTE (pictured above), you’ll know what I mean.

But the Reliant’s got classic car build quality and the ultimate Life On Cars classic – call it the Simister GT, perhaps, shouldn’t. It should be as cheap and easy to run as a Ford Focus, and as well screwed together. It should be roomy and comfy enough to take four mates and their bags to the wilds of Wales, and light and delicately-balanced enough to be a laugh when you get there. Crucially, it should be light, because then its tiny engine could give you plenty of full-throttle kicks when you’re up for a laugh, and upwards of 35mpg when you don’t.

It should also, because an MGB and an MX-5 have indoctrinated me in the virtues of al fresco driving, be equipped with some sort of opening roof system, perhaps a clever Targa system like the sort Porsche uses, or a canvas Webasto job like the one fitted to my MGB GT. It should also, even though it’s an estate, look good enough to eat. If Alfa Romeo can make a five-door estate look like the automotive equivalent of Heidi Klum, then a three-door should be even more of a visual treat.

Essentially, motoring’s equivalent of Jamie Oliver will have to take the basic concept of the Reliant Scimitar, throw in the best bits of a Mazda MX-5, Ford Focus, Porsche 911 Targa, and the Alfa 156 Sportwagon, and leave to simmer. Oh, and throw on the style of the original Range Rover, the feel and handling of the old Mini and the unruffled refinement of a Jag XJ6 for added flavour.

The closest anyone’s ever come to this mouthwatering bit of kit, I reckon, is the Lynx Eventer, an estate version of the Jaguar XJ-S (pictured below) which managed the almost impossible achievement of being better looking than the coupe it was based on. I would, if the Champion Euromillions syndicate ever comes good, love to have one in my dream garage, but I still reckon it’d be too big, too thirsty and too unreliable to make the perfect Life On Cars machine.

Maybe it’s just too tall an order...

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Mayline Luminary Furniture Review

Mayline produces high quality office furniture. This is a pretty common fact! However, one line that is often over looked is the Luminary collection. Mayline Luminary furniture provides the perfect solution to both home and business furniture needs. This line of premier casegoods furniture includes a variety of executive desks, conference tables, and reception desks with a traditional and simplistic style sure to impress even the harshest of critics. In today's post we will review several Luminary series items that we absolutely love!

We chose to start off with the Luminary LTD72 veneer table desk as it's one of the most versatile and commonly used pieces of Luminary furniture available. This stylish wood executive desk is perfect for home use but definitely works well in upscale business atmospheres as well. The LTD72 Luminary desk is the perfect size at 72"W x 36"D x 29"H. It boasts an affordable price of only $515.99 and is typically in stock for quick shipment. Just to clarify... we absolutely love this desk!

Next up, the RS7278D Luminary Reception Desk. Even at first glance it's hard to miss the unique paneled front and stunning finish of this professional reception furniture solution. The RS7278D reception station is available in both cherry and maple veneers and is also available with an optional glass transaction top for added appeal. We had the chance to install the RS7278D station recently with the glass top and must say... it's definitely worth the extra money as it really pulls the whole station together. The standard RS7278D station sells for $1919.99 and is a real value.

Third on the list, the EUB3 Luminary executive desk. This high end U shaped executive desk is a no frills approach to traditional business furniture, and to be honest... that's why we love it! This simple yet elegant desking configuration offers ample storage and usable desk space. The EUB3 station includes everything you need to outfit and create a fully functional executive workspace on a budget.

Last but not least the CT3672 Luminary Conference Table. If you're in the market for a professional 6' conference table with traditional style, the CT3672 is the choice for you. This attractive line of affordable boardroom tables is available with plenty of matching furniture to enhance your space. With a price of $661.99 it's hard not to love the CT3672!

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New Renaultsport Clio promises hot hatch thrills

THROTTLE-happy hedonists will be delighted to learn that a new Renaultsport Clio has just been announced.

Closely based on the all new Clio range announced by Renault earlier this year, the new hot hatch swaps the old car's 2.0 litre engine for a 1.6 turbo unit, and while power remains roughly the same at 200bhp it's torquier and kinder to the environment than its predecessor.

Renaultsport MD Patrice Ratti had this to say about the new arrival: "New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo proclaims loud and clear the values of Renault Sport: beautiful and fast, it has everything that’s needed to make it the benchmark car in the high-performance sports hatchback class – just like its predecessors.

"The introduction of a very high performance turbocharged engine, with plenty of torque at low revs and coupled to the EDC dual clutch transmission (Efficient Double Clutch) developed by Renault Sport engineers, results in a car that raises the performance driving experience to a new level. The expertise of Renault Sport Technologies is reinforced by long-term programmes in the most demanding types of motorsport, including racing and rallying.

"It is this experience which makes us so passionate about handling feedback, and you can feel this the moment you drive any of the Renault performance derivatives we have developed. We’re also proud to be producing the Renaultsport in Dieppe, home of Alpine, and delighted to be using the EDC gearbox in a Renaultsport version for the first time."

Perhaps more importantly, keen drivers will be offered two different chassis settings with the new model - a Sport chassis, which is aimed at providing driving kicks with a dash of everyday comfort, and the harder Cup chassis, which has been designed with trackday fans in mind. There's also a fun button for go-faster drivers to press, called the R. S. Drive, which sharpens up the throttle and gearbox responses when it's pressed.

If that's not enough, there's also an accoustic gadget called R-Sound Effect, which replicates engine noises through the speakers, meaning you can literally make the new Renaultsport Clio sound better than it actually is!

Expect to find the new Renaultsport Clio lining up at a trackday near you from early next year.

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Ergonomics and You - The Benefits of Ergonomic Furniture in the Workplace

The purchase of office furniture is an important business investment for any company. Knowing the benefits of the furniture you're purchasing is absolutely essential. For these reasons, we will discuss the benefits of new ergonomic furniture in the workplace and how to improve your day to day efficiency through the utilization of current ergo products.

In a nut shell, ergonomics is the applied science of equipment design with the intention of maximizing productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort. Ergonomic products range from height adjustable tables, workstations, and modern office chairs to much less expensive items like ergonomic monitor arms, articulating keyboard trays, and footrests. Regardless of what products you choose to utilize in your workplace, it's important to know the benefits of each and how to operate them properly. Simply buying every ergo product on the market won't make you an efficient employee. However, taking the time to understand the benefits of each product and how to make them work for you will!

To first understand the benefits of ergonomic furniture you must first understand your body and the areas needing the most support. Commonly, these areas include the eyes, back, wrists, and feet. As these areas are commonly the most fatigued during the work day, it's no wonder why so many fantastic ergonomic products have been created to provide relief to these areas. One great tip to consider is to meet with you physician for a check up. Most doctors are ergonomic gurus who will gladly share with you products they are currently utilizing while explaining the benefits they have personally received from said items.

Taking your research one step further, it's important to consider the layout of your workspace. Working with designer might enhance the look of your office but devalue the efficiency you are able to achieve with your space. It's vital to outfit your space in the best way possible to maximize your working potential. An excellent point to consider is how many times you currently have to get up during the day for simple tasks like printing and filing. If it's more than 5 or 6 times per day you are currently working in non-ergo workspace. This being the case, you might consider looking into re designing your office, even if it's with your current furniture.

If you determine that an office makeover is necessary, several quality ergonomic furniture resources are available at your disposal. Manufacturers like ESI Ergonomic Solutions, Symmetry, Systematix, Ergonomic Concepts, and Mayline provide excellent solutions to name a few. Additionally, you will want to know which of these manufacturers product lines are most commonly used in ergonomic work spaces. These lines and collections include VariTask tables by Mayline, ergonomic workstations by ESI, Symmetry monitor arms, and Systematix keyboard trays. As for affordable ergonomic seating manufacturers there are just too many to list. Our favorite however, is Global Total Office!

So, you've designed your office with ergonomics in mind. What benefits should you expect? If properly outfitted out you should have all the essentials at your finger tips. Your CPU, printer, articulating keyboard tray, and computer monitor will all be ergo-fied. Your desk is more than likely height adjustable and features a boomerang type shape. You are enjoying a properly lit office, adequate office storage products, and a fully functional office chair designed with you back type in mind.

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Goodwood Revival breaks attendance records with 2012 show

MORE than 140,000 motorsport fans have helped make an automotive extravaganza with a retro twist into a record-breaking event.

The organisers of the Goodwood Revival, a celebration of motorsport of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s at the West Sussex circuit, said that this year's attendance figures made it their most successful show to date, with 146,000 petrolheads and retro fashion fans alike attending between September 14 and September 16.

I wasn't one of them but Life On Cars reader Judy Dix was, and has very kindly agreed to share a few pictures from the event:

If this trip down motoring's Memory Lane is your sort of thing, then you'll be probably be interested in a one hour documentary on the event being shown later this week. The programme will be shown on ITV4 this Thursday (September 27) at 8pm, then the following night at 7pm, and then on ITV1 at 12.05am on Wednesday, October 3.

All pictures courtesy of Judy Dix

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Honda GoldWing riders take to the streets of Southport

ALTHOUGH I'm still grinning from ear to ear about my adventures in North Wales, my trip meant missing a great event in Southport last weekend when a parade of brightly-lit motorbikes took to the resort's streets to help raise hundreds of pounds for charity.

Members of GoldWings North West brought their brightly-decorated Honda GoldWing motorbikes into the resort for the Light Parade event last Saturday, which not only gave residents a chance to see the strobe lighting and the unusual colours of the machines but also helped to raise money for Queenscourt Hospice.

Club member Peter Rodgers told Life On Cars: “The event was a huge success, and it was great to see the public turn out in their droves to see all the GoldWings taking part in the parade and in the static displays.

"The weather was absolutely perfect for us, Queenscourt Hospice were delighted with the response the event had, and we were really pleased to see that everywhere we stopped we were swamped by members of the public keen to see more of these unusual bikes. It really was a brilliant occasion."

Members of the public were treated not only to a static display, in which riders showed off the bikes on Chapel Street last Saturday (September 22) but also to a night-time display when the bikes were decorated with strobe lighting and the riders donned fancy dress costumes for the event.

Although collections from the event are still being counted, the club said that it has raised over £500 to help Queenscourt Hospice. GoldWings North West is now discussing whether a similar event can be held in the resort next year.

For more information about GoldWings North West and their Light Parade events, visit the club's website at www.goldwingsnorthwest.co.uk.

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Petrolhead heaven in North Wales

TWO rather tidy Rover SD1s, several confused-looking sheep, a charming countryside cottage ironically called The Ugly House and a disused viaduct stuck halfway up a mountain.

These are just some of the sights I’ve clocked on a bit of a petrolhead tour of North Wales, which saw a Mazda MX-5 (driven by Yours Truly), a Ford Racing Puma and a diesel Saab 9-3 (it’s the economy, stupid) pitted against some of the windiest roads I could find in the AA road atlas I’d bought three days earlier.

More importantly, what I saw a lot of on these trips is mile after mile of deserted tarmac, criss-crossing remote bits of moorland in the middle of nowhere in particular. If you’re really, really keen on driving then the words Croeso i Gymru should bring a smile to your face!

Admittedly, the staff at the bar in Betws-y-Coed we always stay at on these trips are probably getting familiar with our faces by now, but I’m always happy to chuck a few quid at the Welsh economy given what we always get in return. In this case, it was heading up the back road towards Ffestiniog, turning a corner and being greeted with a glorious panorama of the countryside stretching out for miles below us, a faint blue sky above us and the Irish Sea somewhere in between.  Staggeringly beautiful scenes like these are what motoring through Wales is all about.

Then of course, there’s the driving itself, which as long as you stay beneath the speed limits and keep an eye out for the real troublemakers of rural driving – sheep and hairpin bends – is truly good fun. At one point on the Evo Triangle (if you haven’t heard of it, Google it) we got overtaken by a souped-up Subaru Impreza, a MINI Cooper GP and a Porsche Boxster S and I don’t think any of us were particularly bothered, because even at sensible speeds we were loving every minute.

These roads were enjoyable even in a diesel Saab (especially if you’ve got the smug factor of overtaking just about everything and getting 50.3 to the gallon while you’re at it) so you can imagine how much of a ball it would have been in a Ford Racing Puma and an MX-5 with its roof down.

I know I’ve said it before but it’s worth saying again - if you like your driving there really are some stunning roads that aren’t a million miles away. Get out there and give them a go – you won’t regret it!

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The 3 Ergonomic Office Accessories Your Business Has To Have

We all know how important the use of ergonomic products are in the workplace. What you might not know is what products give you the biggest bang for your buck. For that reason we've decided to share with you the 3 hottest ergonomic office accessories on the market. If you are looking to improve the functionality of your business, these products are truly must haves!

First and foremost, we present the ergonomic monitor arm! Ergonomic and articulating monitor arms provide additional workspace and versatility at home or in the office. Typically arms will attach to a worksurface via a clamp mount or grommet mount. The top manufacturers of ergonomic monitor arms include ESI Ergonomic Products, Systematix, and Symmetry. Our personal favorite, ESI monitor arms, are an affordable solution to ergonomic office needs. Most modern businesses are utilizing ergo arms in 2, 3, and 4 screen variations. However, 8 screen models are also available for the tech savvy corporations.

Next up, ergonomic keyboard trays. Often overlooked, keyboard trays have become an afterthought of most furniture and design projects. This is very unfortunate as an articulating keyboard tray might be the most valuable and effective ergonomic accessory in the workplace. A well designed keyboard tray will take pressure off the wrists, improve posture, and increase you WPM. If you are still using your keyboard on top of your workspace, consider an articulating platform from a respected ergonomic products manufacturer and regain that usable workspace!

Last but not least, ergonomic CPU holders. This versatile piece of office equipment provides a number of useful features. CPU holders provide mobility to your power source. They allow you to keep the most valuable part of your computer system off the ground for easy access and protection from water, debris, and all those potato chip crumbs that have accumulated from years of office messiness. The average price of a quality CPU holder is around $70, a real value considering they can save your computer from years of abuse!

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Are electric car grants a good use of taxpayers' money?

MILLIONS of pounds worth of Government grants for eco-friendly electric cars are being used by just a handful of affluent motorists to help them buy second cars.

That's the warning today from the House of Commons Transport Committee, who said that despite Westminster offering £11m worth of grants for those who buy plug-in vehicles, only “a handful” of motorists had taken the plunge, with many of those being richer buyers who are using them as second cars for shopping trips.

Liverpool Riverside MP Louise Ellman, who chairs the committee, said: “The Government must do more to show that its plug-in vehicle strategy is a good use of public money. Carbon emissions from transport must be reduced if the UK is to meet its climate change targets, but public money must be targeted on effective policies.

"So far, Department for Transport expenditure on plug-in cars – some £11 million – has benefited just a handful of motorists. We were warned of the risk that the Government is subsidising second cars for affluent households; currently plug-in cars are mostly being purchased as second cars for town driving. It is also unclear whether the provision of public charging infrastructure encourages demand for plug-in cars. Indeed, the Government does not even have a register of all the chargepoints installed at public expense."

An increasing number of manufacturers have launched both purely electric vehicles, such as Nissan's LEAF and Citroen's C-Zero, and plug-in hybrids, like Vauxhall's Ampera and Chevrolet's Volt.

The committee added that more investigation is required into the Government grants, to ensure they are a good use of public funds.

Have you bought an electric car? Get in touch by sending an email to david.simister@hotmail.co.uk or leave a comment below.

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Fire up the... Volkswagen up!

THINK of this not as a car, but as a sort of automotive Batman Begins. An attempt to get back to basics and inject a bit of freshness into a long-running franchise.

The franchise in question, of course, is Volkswagen's city car offerings, which way back in 1999 proved a bit of a hit with the trendy little Lupo. Yes, I know it was really a rebadged SEAT Arosa - which went on sale nearly three years earlier - but the Lupo's loopy headlights, the build quality, the fun-loving image and the cachet of the VW badge meant it sell.

It was a great package which its eventual sequel, the Fox, never really mastered. Bigger, duller and built to a budget, it never really caught the imagination in the same way the Lupo did, so VW's gone back to doing what it does best. Injecting everything you know and love about the Golf into a much, much smaller package.
Some of you might have already spotted a bit of a canine theme running through VW's small car names and I was hoping they would've called their new arrival something like Wolf or Coyote to carry it on but they've gone with up! instead, which is a stupid name. Don't bother writing in to say you've spotted a typo in that last sentence - it really is called the up!, which VW insists we all stick by. Not a chance. As they say in Essex, the only way is Up.

Luckily, it's a stupid name stuck on the back of what really is a good little car which captures the mood in much the same way the Lupo did. You might not get as much money for your metal as the Fox but VW has gone for quality over quantity and it shows - the interior, in particular, feels pretty much indestructible and is a delightfully quiet, solid sort of place to be. You can even fit four adults inside comfortably, and while the boot isn't going to take all their luggage for a long trip away it'll easily cope with anything a supermarket shop can throw at it.

Fiat's Panda, which I've already roadtested, is the city car you'd find me in because it gives you a bigger smile more of the time, but if you're an A3 or Golf driver who wants a small, sensible car but won't compromise on quality then you've really got to get one of these (or the pretty much identical SEAT Mii or Skoda Citigo, which are both the Up in all but name).

It works for exactly the same reason the Lupo did. It's a Golf, only much, much smaller.

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Cool Drafting Chairs That Won't Break Your Budget

With so many modern drafting chairs on the market it's hard to know where to find the best deals. Which products are worth while? What chair is the best value? We receive questions like this all the time and really want to help. For that reason, we've decided to share a post with our favorite drafting chairs available.

Our first chair up is the Global Minotaur Stool. The 9663-52 stool is one of the most high end drafting solutions on our list. This heavy duty stool features an articulating, hinged back along with Pneumatic seat height adjustment and seat depth adjustment. A Contoured, Black polyurethane seat and back enhance the heavy duty look and construction. The height adjustable chrome footring and durable casters are also key features of not on this $502.99 drafting chair.

Next on our favorites list is the Moon Drafting Chair 336-P-AA3-DK with stylish mesh back design. This OFM, Inc. brand drafting stool is designed for everyday use and features an excellent array of ergonomic attributes. From the versatile height adjustment capabilities to the triple curve seat design. Moon contemporary drafting chairs are an excellent value at $250.99.

Jumping in at number three on our favorites list is the 19333 RFM Drafting Chair. The contemporary mesh back design and wide variety of upholstery options make the 19333 chair a real winner. Being priced at $365.99 and including free shipping is just another added bonus!

Last but not least we had to including this contemporary blue drafting chair by Flash Furniture. Priced at only $59.99, and no that's not a typo, this retro modern drafting solution is one of the absolute best values on the market. Flash Furniture provides a host of color options for these chairs. However, we decided to highlight the blue... hey! It's our favorites list after all. Enjoy!

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McLaren unveils new successor to F1 supercar

 

IF YOU liked the McLaren MP4-12C then you'll love the stunning new supercar its creators have come up with.

The McLaren P1 - which luckily has a slightly less confusing name than its smaller sister - is being billed as the spiritual successor to the company's F1 supercar of the 1990s, which held the honour of being the world's fastest production car for more than a decade thanks to its 627bhp BMW Motorsport V12 and its slippery, Peter Stevens-shaped body.

Ron Dennis, exectutive chairman of McLaren Automotive, said: "The McLaren P1 will be the result of 50 years of racing and road car heritage.

"Twenty years ago we raised the supercar performance bar with the McLaren F1 and our goal with the McLaren P1 is to redefine it once again."


There's no official word on the car's performance - the old F1 could shoot to sixty in 3.2 seconds, before heading onto a top speed of 241mph - but expect it to be significantly quicker than the smaller MP4-12C, which can already hit 207mph thanks to its 592bhp twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

At the moment the P1 is being presented as a "design study" but the company has already said it expects a production version to be unveiled within the next 12 months.

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Affordable Furniture Collections by Cherryman Industries

Cherryman Industries has been an Office Furniture Deals Blog favorite for some time now. We firmly stand behind their quality products and represent them with great pride. In today's post we will share the top Cherryman furniture collections and the benefits of each. Enjoy!

Collection 1: Cherryman Verde Furniture

Cherryman Verde furniture is the modern solution to your discount executive furniture needs. This line of contemporary casegoods offers exquisite lines and quality craftsmanship. Verde furniture solutions include conference tables, reception desks, and executive desk configurations.

Collection 2: Cherryman Amber Furniture

The Amber casegoods collection by Cherryman Industries is perfect for both home and business use. This line of quality furniture is available in 3 popular finishes and includes a variety of tables, wood office desks, and matching side chairs. Amber is typically utilized in executive office environments that utilize a traditional look.

Collection 3: Cherryman Emerald Furniture

Cherryman Industries Emerald collection furniture defines class in the workplace. This collection of wood veneer office furniture includes executive table desks, corner workstations, boardroom tables and much more. Emerald furniture is available in cognac cherry and mahogany finishes.

Collection 4: Cherryman Jade Furniture

The Jade furniture collection is one of Cherryman's most high end lines. Jade furniture includes a variety of conference tables, desks, and high end business furniture. Both the cherry and mahogany finishes used in this collection really impress. We find the conference tables are an incredibly popular solution to boardroom furniture needs.

Collection 5: Cherryman Ruby Furniture

Cherryman Ruby furniture is a definite favorite. This line is definitely a best seller and includes an excellent selection of tables, desks, and credenzas that are an excellent value.  The one of a kind cherry finish is truly stunning and works well in most any office environment.

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