Monday February 3
The blow of handing back the keys to the Skoda Octavia RS that I've spent the last week with was softened slightly by being given the keys to BMW's new 4 Series Coupé, in the form of a 428i. Added to that, the M Sport specification means that, visually at least, it should sufficiently compensate. It is surprising at just how much attention the 4 Series garners when out on the road, even to the point of a fellow BMW driver feeling the need to tell me how much he liked the look of it when we were both stuck in traffic. Monday seems to be never-ending as I'm in the studio tonight to record the latest episode of The Engine Room Show with Dave Moore and Steven Cooper.
Tuesday February 4
Normally I do all my test car collecting on a Monday but schedules being as busy as they are at the moment meant that I was today before I got to pick up the Skoda Yeti that I'm also testing this week. Looking shaper than ever with its new front-end, the Yeti has lost some of its quirkiness I feel, but with this being the 4x4 version, I'll be concerning myself more with just how capable it can be off-road.
Wednesday February 5
Plenty of catching up to do today as well as planning what looks to be a very hectic next two weeks. I do manage to fit in a great lunch with a colleague from one of Germany's car brands and discuss some exciting plans, as well as some future product gossip. Interesting times ahead it would seem. I also spot a car that I find myself wanting to own more and more - an Audi A2.
Thursday February 6
Despite the need for much work to be done, I sneak off early in the morning on the premise of taking some photos of the 4 Series and end up going for a longer than expected drive over some of my favourite roads. It proved worthwhile as I discover the true driving qualities of the car, especially when in Sport mode.
Friday February 7
In a rare occurrence, all four of us at CompleteCar.ie happen to be in the same place at the same time - all planned of course as we decided to catch up in person for one of our planning meetings. And remember that Skoda Yeti 4x4 I've been testing? Well, today I get to properly put it through its paces down at Xtreme.ie's off-road course at Carton House. Needless to say it didn't stay white for too long.