Sorry Renault, I can't quite capture the point of the Captur

A MATE of mine has taken leave of his senses. He’s about to blow five thousand of his carefully-earned pounds on a Triumph Stag.

Followers of automotive folklore will happily bore you rigid with stories about why this Seventies convertible has a home-brewed V8 with a habit of overheating, a body with a penchant for rot in places you wouldn’t imagine possible and a reputation for raiding your bank balance if you buy a bad ‘un. However, I understand said mate’s obsession with the Stag completely because it ticks all three boxes of what I look for in a car. It looks fantastic, makes a great noise and it's a pleasure to drive.

In an idealist, bedroom-wall-poster sort of way all cars would satisfy this holy trinity of petrolhead perfection. However, I’m a grown up so I’ve developed an alternative checklist for cars that aren’t Triumph Stags – normal cars on normal roads need to look passably nice, but more importantly drive in a sensibly pleasing way and have an interior that’s bearable on long journeys.

That’s why a weekend with one of Renault’s latest offerings left me with more questions than it answered, because it didn't really tick any of the boxes.

I was actually quietly excited when a Captur arrived on the driveway, particularly because my dad – for reasons I’m still not sure – insisted on calling it the much more menacing-sounding “Raptor”. It’s an important car for the French firm because it’s a crossover – a sort-of hatchback-meets-off-roader, once you translate the word from Marketing back into English. Given Renault’s links with Nissan, who conquered the crossover kingdom with the Qashqai and Juke, I was keen to see if some of the Japanese cars’ sparkle had rubbed off on their Gallic cousin.

Yet after 300 miles on just about every type of road imaginable, I couldn’t quite capture the essence of the Captur.

What Renault appears to have done is taken the Clio, a car which is great because it’s small, pretty and quite nice to drive, and made it bigger, uglier and not very nice to drive. There’s plenty of room for you and four passengers in the cabin, but the boot space, at 455 litres, just isn’t enough to carry all their clobber. The 90bhp 1.5 DCi engine in the version I tested was smooth and quick enough on paper, with the dash to 60mph being dealt with in 12.6 seconds, but in the real world it just didn’t feel lively enough.

All of that, however, pales into insignificance with the biggest question the Captur asks. Why would you spend the best part of £12,000 on a car which has – and I choose my words carefully – a truly nasty interior? It’s well equipped and festooned with airbags, which is great, but the last time I saw plastics that cheap was in a branch of Woolworth’s. The steering wheel, in particular, has a scratchy texture which makes sliding it through your palms an unpleasant experience.

Don’t get me wrong; Renault makes some great cars, including a hatchback that’s usefully bigger than the Clio. It’s called the Megane.  

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Have You Evaluated Your Office Needs Lately?

Evaluating your office needs on a yearly basis is supremely important. To maintain a productive and efficient work environment, several key areas must be regularly assessed. The 5 step process highlighted in today's post will hep you to properly asses your space and effectively identify your office needs.

Step 1: Evaluate Crowding

When evaluating your space, you'll first want to check for crowding. If you're limited on floor space and worksurface, you may be working in an overcrowded an unproductive area. While a simple clean up is sure to free up some usable area, it might be time to go modular! Selecting a new workstation built around your current needs will greatly improve your work rate and overall effectiveness. Modular workstations provide excellent space saving benefits and will allow you to create stylish desking configurations designed to grow around your future needs. Brands like Cherryman Industries, Mayline, and Global Total Office all offer best selling furniture collections to fit your needs.

Step 2: Evaluate Clutter

Office clutter will no doubt slow down your work rate. If you find yourself searching for items regularly, it's time for a simple cleaning session. Start by getting organized! Grab a couple boxes and remove the unnecessary items from your desk top and work area. A good rule of thumb is that if you aren't planning to use the item that day, it shouldn't be on your desk top. Once you've removed the general clutter from your area, create an office organizing system that works for you. Keeping stationary supplies like pens, sticky notes, calculators, and staplers in one general area is a great place to start. Simple desk top organizers are inexpensive and will help you maintain a more efficient office place. When everything has a place (and you know where it is) you'll have a much better chance to beat the clutter bug!

Step 3: Evaluate Discomfort

Once you've assessed your crowding an clutter, it's time to evaluate your current discomfort. While addressing discomfort in the workplace is of the utmost importance, it's far easier to note your problem areas in a clean and well organized space. Most office discomfort stems from the office chair. Poor sitting posture can result in back problems and blood flow issues. Before jumping online to shop for ergonomic chairs, try adjusting your current seating solution for better results. If work discomfort is severe, you might also consider meeting with a physician to determine additional ways and ideas to help your specific situation. Purchasing a new chair is definitely a great start if your current model isn't cutting it, but it's not your only defense! New and helpful ergonomic products like monitor arms, articulating keyboard trays, and adjustable foot rests will all help alleviate common workplace comfort issues.

Step 4: Evaluate Your Layout

Is your current office furniture layout based on aesthetic value or productivity? Your answer should be both! A stylish and effective furniture configuration will help you to maintain a happy work life while keeping you operating at peak levels of performance. If for example your desk is setup to face a wall, you probably aren't feeling much inspiration. Consider alternative ways to setup your space that will help your corporate appeal, visitor experience, and personal productivity. New, affordable, and custom modular furniture sets are available (if needed) to create a space you can be proud and work your best in. A well rounded furniture layout is sure to improve your comfort, style, and effectiveness.

Step 5: Evaluate Fatigue

Believe it or not, fatigue is a major factor to consider when evaluating your office needs. If you find yourself tired throughout the work day, it's time to make a change. As your office needs revolve around your personal health and wellness, a good nights sleep is the first place to start. If you don't already, try eating a healthy breakfast to help jump start your day. In addition to these common practices, you may be experiencing fatigue due to a lack of inspiration and overall comfort. While steps 3 and 4 of today's article will help these areas, you can save energy by limiting the times you have to get up for various things needed throughout the workday. Try creating a list of things you commonly get up for. Consider moving these essential items to a location within arms reach to prevent unnecessary (and often frustrating) trips around the office. As evaluating your office needs stems specifically around your personal needs, maintaining good structure and practicing the simple tips mentioned above will surely improve your day.

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10 Ways To Rock Your Office

The typical image of an office worker usually involves a bored business person on the phone, trapped in a tasteless cubicles, but that's not at all what work has to be. Many creative people have shared their ideas for making the office, a fun, productive place where everyone gets along. If your workplace could use a change of pace, here are some excellent ways to rock your office for sure!

1. Season's Greetings

Decorating in time with the seasons and holidays is a great way to keep the office feeling fresh as the year goes by. Changing decorations, scented candles, and floral decor provides a nice change of pace that keeps the workplace from getting stagnant or suffocating. It's also a great excuse to provide deals, sales, benefits, or seasonal packages to clients and employees, while also really getting everyone into the spirit of whatever season or holiday is coming up next!

* Here are some fun office decorations for every season:

Spring: 
Flowers, greenery, bright colors, open windows, linen or floral scented candles

Summer: 
Coral, seashells, sun cutouts, ocean photography, paper pinwheels, fruity drinks and smoothies

Fall: 
Autumn leaves, pumpkins, pinecones, cinnamon and spice scented candles, Halloween decorations

Winter:
Paper snowflakes, snowmen, hot coffee and cocoa, holiday decor, ornaments, peppermints

2. Healthy Snacks

Staying healthy at the office is a big problem for many Americans because it promotes such a sedentary lifestyle. However, eating right can do a lot to increase energy, focus, and even weight loss at work. Adding healthy snacks to your list of smart office accessories is sets an excellent example for coworkers and clients alike. Not only will you feel better, but with "brain food" snakes like walnuts and blueberries, you may also increase productivity and output in the workplace.

* Here are some healthy grab-n-go snack recommendations perfect for work:

Dark Chocolates
Blueberries
Veggies with Dip
String Cheese
Pistachios
Bananas
Dried Fruits
Whole Grain Cereal
Hummus
Granola Bars

3. An Awesome Lunch

With snack time taken care of, we can move on to everyone's favorite part of the workday: lunch! Brown bagging it has long been the preferred method for dieters and health fanatics that want to eat their way to a healthier lifestyle. Packing one's own lunch is a much better alternative to fast food, especially since you'll have a much better idea of what's going into your body. Simply pack a lunch and instead of dining on the office break room tables, head to a nearby park for a coworker picnic with some close work friends. This B.L.T.A wrap or sandwich makes a super healthy tagalong!

* B.L.T.A (Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado) Wrap Recipe:

Cooked bacon slices (warmed in microwave optional)
A few sliced Roma or baby tomatoes
Shredded or chopped lettuce
Sliced avocado
Whole wheat or flour tortillas (warmed in microwave optional)
Your favorite salad dressing or hummus

Slice up some Roma tomatoes, romaine lettuce, chopped leftover bacon from breakfast, and sliced avocado. Snag some of your favorite whole wheat or flour tortillas and lay them out (you may even decide to warm them up in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds). Spread some ranch salad dressing, yogurt, or hummus down the center of the tortillas, and lay down the B.L.T.A. ingredients. Roll it all up and take a bite of the goodness!

4. Bringing the Outdoors In

Many studies have shown that an outdoor walk on a work break helps to increase both focus and health in the average office worker. But if you can't get outside for lunch, don't worry, there are plenty of excellent ways to bring the outdoors into the office. The best way to start is by adding a little green! In studies done by universities like Rutgers, the University of Hawaii, and even NASA, many plants have been scientifically proven to improve indoor air quality by removing toxic VOCs. The removal of VOCs helps increase focus by clearing out the volatile organic compounds that, when breathed in, negatively affect the brain. By adding efficient office air purifiers like good indoor plants (for example, peace lilies, spider plants, or lemon balms), office workers can drastically improve the air quality of offices in the cities.

5. Craft Contest 

On a slow workday, nothing livens things up like a little craft contest. This can be done with friends or by yourself on a day when you happen to have a little extra time to boost creativity. Just dig around through your retractable desk pencil drawers for some creative tools. Block erasers, pens, pencils, paperclips, binder clips, rubber bands, and pushpins all make excellent equipment for building spaceships, rockets, or little office animal buddies to sit on the desk. Time yourself with some coworkers and judge based on final output for a team-building session everyone can enjoy!

6. Decorated Cubicles

Expressing creativity and personality with cubicles is one of the best parts of working in an office. Empty cubicle walls are boring and can contribute to diminished creativity or even a bad habit of napping on the job. Instead of suffering through a boring space day in and day out, take the initiative to create for yourself a workplace sanctuary. It's usually okay to bring photos of pets and loved ones, but don't be afraid to ask the boss for live things too. Plants and bowl fish like bettas are quiet companions that won't distract or make a ton of noise during phone calls. If that's not your cup of tea, see if it's okay to print out large photos of places you want to visit or art that you like and paste them to the walls. In the end, you'll all have creative, professional cubicles for business that clients will be happy to visit.

7. Office Games

Craft contests are loads of fun to do by oneself or with others when there's extra time, but it does require using materials reserved for work. Office games, on the other hand, provide excellent team building opportunities that can unite the whole workplace. On slow days, lunch breaks, or during office parties and events, taking time for a quick game of "trash-bin basketball" serves as a fun break, and an excellent cleaning opportunity. See who can get the most shots into vertical office file cabinets or cubicle trash bins by balling up old paperwork and tossing from an office chair. Any of the dry erase presentation boards for conference room use will make excellent scoreboards.

8. Go Ergo

It may not be as fun as decorating with flowers or fish, but outfitting your workspace to be more ergonomic is an excellent way to increase work output while also improving health and comfort. Adding devices like ergonomic monitor arms to reduce neck strain, or adjustable high tech office chairs to reduce back pain leave users feeling more at ease in the office. Over time, these gadgets can help force the body into more healthful positions and habits, so the whole workplace can benefit.

9. Privacy Boosters

Not everyone is a talker. For those of you out there who love your coworkers, but are still distracted by Talkative Tim, privacy boosters make excellent solutions. No one likes to be bothered when they're on a really productive streak. To combat contact, check with the boss to see if you can add a folding shoji screen to cover your cubicle entrance (they also double as efficient sound barriers). As an added precaution, noise-cancelling headphones act as the universal symbol for "don't bother me." And for those immune to symbols, a real sign never hurts...

10. Surprises

Surprises are the spice of life. Not always knowing what's around the next bend is a wonderful way rock the workplace, especially in offices that never seem to have a change of pace. See if you can get the boss to agree on an event coordinator to organize potlucks, game sessions, and holiday events after work hours. Movie nights, harmless pranks, funny outfit days, open mic nights, and scavenger hunts provide just the right amount of whimsy to make all the work in the workplace worth it!

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Outlander PHEV to Tackle Asia Cross Country Rally 2014

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announces that it will dispatch a team of technical support engineers for an Outlander PHEV entered in the T1.3 4x4 Electric class of the grueling 2,200km FIA-certified Asia Cross Country Rally 2014 (AXCR) from August 9 through 15, to be run from Thailand to Cambodia. The Two & Four Motor Sports rally team (Two & Four), headed by Kenji Ishida, will run an Outlander PHEV in the race for the second straight year. MMC engineers will provide Two & Four's team technical support for the plug-in hybrid four-wheel drive SUV for the duration of the rally. MMC will utilize valuable data and knowhow acquired by the technical support team in future vehicle development.

The 19th edition of the AXCR will get under way with the Ceremonial Start in the Thai beach resort of Pattaya on Saturday August 9. The next day, August 10, sees the start of the rally proper as Leg 1 takes entrants from Pattaya to Sakaeo. On August 12, Leg 3 of the rally takes the competitors into Cambodia and past the World Heritage site of Angkor Wat. The event finishes in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh on Friday August 15. The AXCR covers a total distance of 2,200 km and offers a grueling test of all-terrain performance and durability as it requires competitors to conquer mountains, forests, swamps and river crossings.

The Outlander PHEV rally car will use competition suspension and reinforced mountings to raise ground clearance and improve all-terrain performance over poor surfaces. The vehicle's S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system will be tuned for competition use to deliver better traction. Other modifications include the fitting of a roll cage and underbody skid plate, the use of lighter engine hood, rear gate and interior parts, and additional sealing and a snorkel for water crossings.

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Audi Plans Range of High-Performance Electric Cars

Audi has drawn up blueprints for a wider range of high-performance electric cars to help it take on German rivals and U.S. firm Tesla Motors, according to sources at the carmaker.

Tesla has managed to stay ahead of the pack with new technology, which has extended driving range and reduced costs. Its success and the excitement about BMW's new "i" electric series have caught the attention of Audi, which some analysts have said risks looking like a laggard in an industry where innovation is a major draw for customers.

Audi, a unit of Volkswagen, is about to launch its first purely electric car, a battery-powered version of its R8 supercar, which is due to hit European dealerships in 2015. It will offer a driving range of 450 km (280 miles), close to the 502 km of Tesla's top-selling Model S luxury saloon.

Meanwhile, Audi has scaled up its electric car plans, having devised blueprints for several high-performance electric saloons and sport-utility vehicles, two company sources told Reuters, asking not to be identified because the matter is confidential.

VW declined to comment. Audi did not return calls seeking comment. The manufacturer has shown various hybrid and purely electric concept cars since about 2009, but the latest blueprints stand a bigger chance of getting the nod for production after it lately overcame range limits.

"Germany's major carmakers all have their electric car plans ready in the drawer," Hanover-based NordLB analyst Frank Schwope said. "They want to be prepared when demand accelerates," he said. The sources at Audi did not specify how many models were being planned or the scale of any production plans.

They said, however, that one of the blueprints is for an electric version of a new Q8 SUV that would pit the brand against Tesla's forthcoming Model X. Audi has defined a range target of about 400 km for any future electric model it aims to develop, the sources said.

Audi's plans will be helped by steps underway to upgrade a production platform dubbed MLB that already underpins larger models across the VW group, such as the Audi A8 saloon and Porsche Cayenne SUV, and would cut costs for electric cars.

INNOVATIONS

Sales of electric cars are expected to surge to 2.7 million globally by 2018 from 180,000 last year as more models come to market, battery costs fall and the number of charging stations grows, according to business consultancy Frost & Sullivan. While mid-market battery cars such as the Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf have missed sales targets, there has been more buoyant demand for premium offerings. Germany's three leading luxury carmakers are all advancing on the electric market.

Rival BMW has launched its "i" series of electric models, including a 34,950 euro ($47,400) city car, while Mercedes, whose parent Daimler owns a 4.3 percent stake in Tesla, started production in April of its B-Class electric compact.

Tesla has devised innovations that have cut the cost and raised the safety of battery packs. Its models also recharge more quickly than those of rivals, thanks to its connectors, software and efficient power management.

But the California-based company is now facing its own challenges related to scaling up further after its success. It said last week it would share its patents with competitors in hopes of speeding up development of electric cars across the industry.

Tesla executives have also met counterparts from BMW to discuss ways to promote electric cars which analysts say must include steps to create a common infrastructure and share the cost of building recharging stations.

Audi's electric-car moves highlight a change of tack at VW. In 2012 Audi shelved the R8 e-tron at request of its parent as efforts to expand the model's driving range had stalled at only 215 km.

Audi, which has since swapped R&D chiefs, has overcome the range limits by increasing the efficiency of the electric drivetrain and curbing on-board power consumption, development chief Ulrich Hackenberg has said.

"Electric mobility is a key focus of our development strategy," he said in March. "We are ideally prepared for the future with our strategic roadmap and a well-filled development pipeline."

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Best Reception Desks for Office Welcome Areas

Reception areas are almost always the first impression a visitor will have of a business, so it's important that a reception desk looks stunning. Unfortunately for business owners though, one size does not fit all. Diverse workplaces will have different needs and floor plans that render some desk models useless, and others perfect! Here, we'll establish what desks are best for different welcome environments, so your office can wow guests from the start!

Small Reception Desks

You guessed it! Tiny reception desks are the ideal option for the small office welcome area, mainly because the compact size makes them a great fit. Although the general idea is that the "small" in small office welcome desks generally makes shoppers think that the desk will lack in features, this is certainly not the case. Office furniture manufacturers like OFM, Cherryman Industries furniture, and Mayline have become experts in making space-saving, efficient desks that combine curb-appeal with functionality so that even the smallest workspace can get the job done. Stunning wood laminate, veneer, chrome accents, and glass transaction counters turn heads, while expertly crafted storage features help the receptionist stay happy and organized!

Salon Reception Desks

Because spas and other beauty-oriented businesses need a little more pizazz to draw the customers in, business owners often rely on stunning welcome desks for salons to get the job done. Salon desks are often designed with a little bit more thought put into the their looks, especially since they're usually housed in places where beautification is key. The small size and user friendliness allows stylists to make quick transactions in a fast-paced environment. Because of the high class modern design, they're also becoming a regular alternative to reception desks in the average workplace as well.

Large Reception Desks

Something needs to fill the space in a large office, and for the guest area, nothing is better than a large reception desk to fill the void. Large reception desks are a big hit in the modern workplace. Not only do the spacious dimensions suggest business popularity and affluence, they also provide all the room needed for an all-day receptionist. Some models, like the AM-403N multi user reception desk by Cherryman can house more than one person for when the flow of guests is greater. They're always boasting ample storage features and style to turn a simple reception area into a fabulous first impression!

Modern Reception Desks

Boasting glass, chrome, and excellent contemporary features, few things are better for the fashion forward office than a gorgeous modern welcome desk. For businesses on the cusp of the industry, cool desks for office reception areas always let visitors know what the company is all about. They're the perfect choice for tech companies, software producers, and offices that blend a homey sort of charm with just the right amount of modern design to set an example of professionalism for guests.

Curved Reception Desks

For the office with an oddly shaped floor plan, sometimes stylish curved reception desks are the only thing that can work in the space. For long offices, wide offices, and spacious offices where guest seating can be all over the place, curved reception desks welcome visitors from all directions rather than a single one. Under the surface, these desks work to represent diversity and equality with a rounded design. For the eco-friendly office, a fun circular welcome desk can even represent the globe! An excellent pick for designers, the usefulness for a curved reception desk is only limited by the imagination.

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Harley-Davidson Reveals Project LiveWire EV Concept [VIDEO]

Innovation, meet heritage. Today, Harley-Davidson reveals Project LiveWire – the first Harley-Davidson® electric motorcycle.

In keeping with the company's customer-led product development approach, starting next week select consumers across the country will be able to ride and provide feedback on the bike, helping to shape the future of Harley-Davidson's first-ever electric motorcycle.

While not for sale, Project LiveWire is specifically designed for the purpose of getting insight into rider expectations of an electric Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

"America at its best has always been about reinvention," said Matt Levatich, President and Chief Operating Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. "And, like America, Harley-Davidson has reinvented itself many times in our history, with customers leading us every step of the way. Project LiveWire is another exciting, customer-led moment in our history."

Spurred by this heritage, the Project LiveWire Experience invites customers to test ride, provide feedback and learn more about the story of the motorcycle. Even those who don't yet ride will have the opportunity to feel the power of Project LiveWire through Jumpstart – a simulated riding experience.

A 2014 U.S. tour – kicking off with a journey down Route 66 – will visit more than 30 Harley-Davidson dealerships now through the end of the year. In 2015, the Project LiveWire Experience will continue in the U.S. and expand into Canada and Europe.

"This builds on many recent reinvention successes for Harley-Davidson," said Levatich. "In just the last few years, we've broadened our reach to serve an increasingly diverse society, as well as reinvented our approach to product development and manufacturing. This has resulted in cutting-edge products like the recently launched Project Rushmore touring bikes, Harley-Davidson Street 500 and 750 models and this reveal of Project LiveWire."

An Innovative Approach to Advance the Possibilities of Personal Freedom This exciting new ride blends the company's styling heritage with the latest technology to deliver a new expression of the signature Harley-Davidson look, sound and feel.

"Project LiveWire is more like the first electric guitar – not an electric car," said Mark-Hans Richer, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. "It's an expression of individuality and iconic style that just happens to be electric. Project LiveWire is a bold statement for us as a company and a brand."

The bike offers a visceral riding experience with tire-shredding acceleration and an unmistakable new sound.

"The sound is a distinct part of the thrill," said Richer. "Think fighter jet on an aircraft carrier. Project LiveWire's unique sound was designed to differentiate it from internal combustion and other electric motorcycles on the market."

Longer term plans for retail availability of Project LiveWire will be influenced by feedback from riders along the Project Livewire Experience tour.

"We offer a no excuses riding experience in everything we do and we are led by what our customers tell us matters most," said Richer. "Because electric vehicle technology is evolving rapidly, we are excited to learn more from riders through the Project LiveWire Experience to fully understand the definition of success in this market as the technology continues to evolve."

Helping Preserve and Renew the Freedom to Ride for Generations As riding in the great outdoors is one of the best elements of motorcycling, sustainability remains a core strategic focus at Harley-Davidson.

"Preserving the riding environment is important to all of us," said Levatich. "Project LiveWire is just one element in our efforts to preserve and renew the freedom to ride for generations to come. As a company that has seen success for 111 years, we think in generational terms about our great riding environments for the next 111 years."

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