Monday Oct 14
Despite it being the sort of car that shouldn't even be on my radar, I was a little bit sad to be handing back the Citroen C4 Picasso that I'd spent the previous seven days with. I was massively impressed with the car's interior design, which is something that I think many other manufacturers should go and take a look at to see how cool can be done. On the upside, I'm collecting a Volvo V40 T4 Polestar, which has potential to be rather interesting.
Tuesday Oct 15
Attending the Irish launch of the updated Opel Insignia today, which begins at the very lovely Palmerstown House. After a pleasantly brief press conference, I set off with CompleteCar.ie colleague Neil Briscoe on the planned route, which takes us to lunch at the spectacularly set Cliff House on the Waterford coast. As a result of a relatively swift drive down, we took some of the Opel staff by surprise as we walked through the front doors a tad earlier than was expected. Due to both of us having too much on, we didn't take up the opportunity to stay over, instead deciding to take another Insignia back to Dublin once lunch was over. The dull motorway drive was made thoroughly entertaining by my co-driver's wicked sense of humour.
Wednesday Oct 16
After spending much of yesterday motoring around Ireland, today will mostly involve being at the desk writing up a mix of news stories and reviews whilst consuming many coffees. One story of particular interest is that of Nissan's new ZEOD RC race car, which is based on the DeltaWing. It truly is a remarkable looking vehicle made even more special as it will compete at next year's Le Mans event - a project that I plan to follow with great interest.
Thursday Oct 17
After three days being virtually unused (Ed: the car, not Dave), I set aside some time this morning to go out and stretch the legs of this Polestar Volvo. There's always been something I like about Volvos, maybe it's a Scandinavian thing, but this new V40 certainly looks the part in the rather loud Rebel Blue. As the full review has yet to go live I'll refrain from saying any more about it for now. Get home to have a quick chat on the phone with a friend who has just landed Stateside, picked up his Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse loaner and is off to race one of Lamborghini's Super Trofeo race cars - and to think I get a hard time from my friends about what I do for a living!
Friday Oct 18
Lots of news coming out today, and with Paul being called away on more pressing business, I get the Nespressos flowing and get writing. One of the great things about working in a good team like CompleteCar.ie is that everyone mucks in, so if something comes up, one of us has it covered. Impressive lap times at the Nürburgring from Alfa's 4C has got me thinking that a) I need to get back to the Ring sooner than later, and b) I really need to get my bum into a 4C!