Category Archives: Opinion

Opinion | Small Rev Counters are the Best Rev Counters

In the world of cars there is a mysterious yet very genuine culture of wink-wink nudge-nudge references to features or devices that cars do not so much as require, but by their inclusion, somehow elevates the act of driving into something completely different through the act of uneven homage. From heads up displays, and theContinue reading “Opinion | Small Rev Counters are the Best Rev Counters”

Opinion | The Turbocharged V6 – From the Dark Side to Homogeneity

The V6 is the perennial ‘middle engine’ of the car world. They’re more characterful than ubiquitous four-cylinder engines, but lack the prestige of the larger ‘vee’ engines. Interesting but at the same time not inspiring. The V6 goes around doing its business with a sort of earnest effectiveness, wholeheartedly giving its all, no matter whatContinue reading “Opinion | The Turbocharged V6 – From the Dark Side to Homogeneity”

Thought of the Day 04/12/21

The Caterham 21 was made by Caterham Cars to celebrate 21 years of their venerable 7 sportscar. The plan was simple: put a traditional British sportscar body, similar to those made in the 1950s and 60s, atop the mechanical underpinnings of the Seven. At a time when the Seven was showing its age, the 21Continue reading “Thought of the Day 04/12/21”

BMW – Set in Stone – Part 1

In this series on Kerbside we’ll be exploring BMW and their unwillingness to fully explore the ‘photocopier’ design paradigm that BMW themselves invented. It all started with the BMW X6. It was an arresting and curious sort of pseudo-coupe mixed with the ride height and running gear of the BMW X5. And history tells usContinue reading “BMW – Set in Stone – Part 1”

Thought of the Day 31/10/21

A recurring question has been rebounding off the inside of Kerbsider’s head recently: what car do you never ever see being driven slowly? Initial thoughts were directed towards some of VAG’s hyper hatches – Golf Rs, Audis S3 and RS3. These seemed to fit the bill. Fast, easy to drive fast, turbocharged and blessed withContinue reading “Thought of the Day 31/10/21”

Maybe Modern Cars Don’t Look So Bad | The Front Wheel Arch of the Jaguar I-Pace

The Jaguar I-Pace is quite a complicated car to look at. Its long wheelbase is the natural by-product of the traditional (relatively speaking) ‘skateboard’ EV powertrain layout, which makes its short overhangs an exercise is rigorous necessity. The rear end is particularly meagre, almost to the point where it seems the rest of what wasContinue reading “Maybe Modern Cars Don’t Look So Bad | The Front Wheel Arch of the Jaguar I-Pace”

Opinion | Will The Porsche Panamera Live to See a Third Generation?

The Porsche Panamera has always lived a difficult life. It’s neither the car that saved Porsche: the Cayenne, or a car that has mass-market appear, like the Macan. It’s also a decidedly old-school product, by being a big saloon in the age of the SUV and crossover. It’s only been rendered ‘old-school’ in the lastContinue reading “Opinion | Will The Porsche Panamera Live to See a Third Generation?”

Maybe Modern Cars Don’t Look So Bad | The Mazda MX-30

The Mazda MX-30 is a good looking car. It’s good looking, not merely in relation to other small crossovers, but good looking full stop. It transcends segment stodginess and the cannibalistic homogeny that is small crossover design. The MX-30 exudes a confidence from its design, and a following through of brave design concepts. Its cleanContinue reading “Maybe Modern Cars Don’t Look So Bad | The Mazda MX-30”