Why a Long Range in Cars Matters: A Time Management Perspective
Lights are twinkling, Jona Lewie is on the radio, and my notebook is filled with column ideas that I haven’t had the chance to write about this year.
As the year comes to a close, there are a few topics I’d like to address before we welcome 2024. One of them being the significance of a car with a long range. After sharing my experience with the Alpina D3 S Touring and its impressive 628-mile diesel tank capacity, I was asked, “But wouldn’t you have to stop at some point during that distance anyway?” While it’s true that stopping is inevitable, having the choice to stop when you want to rather than when you have to adds a sense of freedom and makes long road trips more enjoyable.
A healthy range in a car is not only beneficial for high-mile drivers like myself but also for those who commute weekly. It’s all about time management. Speaking of which, time is one of the reasons why people choose to drive through Rufford ford, a Nottinghamshire road with a river crossing. Despite the comical mishaps captured in viral videos, driving through the ford saves time compared to taking a longer route.
Unfortunately, due to incidents caused by reckless individuals, the ford has been barriered off. It’s a shame that the actions of a few can ruin things for everyone else.
Another topic I wanted to address is the misconception that cars are only for the elite. Earlier this year, a politician made this claim, but I can’t seem to find the exact quote. Nonetheless, it frustrates me when out-of-touch individuals make such statements without understanding the realities of life outside of London. Many low-paid workers rely on cars to commute to work. Without access to a car, their employment opportunities would be severely limited.
Now, let’s move on to lane closures and the frustration they cause. Despite signs advising drivers to use both lanes when queuing, there are still conflicts between those who merge early and those who merge at the last minute. Clearer signage is needed to indicate when it’s appropriate to merge, reducing the potential for arguments and delays.
On a more technical note, I’ve always been a fan of straight-six engines. This layout offers not only a perfect primary balance but also a perfect secondary balance, resulting in smooth operation. While this may be a fact that fades away with time, it’s important to appreciate the engineering behind this design.
Looking ahead to 2024, I’ve received a suggestion from a reader to delve deeper into the technology of electric cars. I will certainly take that into consideration and explore this topic further in the coming year.
Finally, I want to express my gratitude to all our readers, viewers, and listeners at Autocar. Your support means the world to us. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and New Year. See you in 2024!