Monday June 30
As if I hadn't already had my fill of classic cars at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, my first day back in Dublin for a while would see the arrival of Mk1 Volkswagen Golf on the driveway. Getting to be amongst the first to drive a multitude of new cars on a regular basis is indeed both a privilege and a pleasure, but I'm particularly looking forward to driving this Golf. Volkswagen Ireland sourced it recently enough and it would seem that the previous owners have been most kind to it too. I just need to remember that brakes from that era weren't quite what we have today...
Tuesday July 1
Today's destination is Amsterdam where I get to drive the all-new Citroen C1 and the boldly-styled C4 Cactus. The C1 is once again the result of a joint venture between PSA and Toyota although this time around the models differ aesthetically more than ever before. You can read my thoughts on the C1 here.
Wednesday July 2
Following yesterday's drive of the C1, today it was the turn of the C4 Cactus. This is going to be one very divisive car. I can't think of a crossover that has gone with such a radical design in more recent times, and Citroen should be commended for staying so close to the original concept. As for the drive, it might not be as radically different as the exterior is, but it's a fine car and one that has massive potential.
Thursday July 3
After a night back at home following the Citroen launch, it's back to the airport this morning and off to Berlin for the world premiere of the Volkswagen Passat. Volkswagen sells more than a million every year so understandably the event is a rather large affair with many senior members from the German firm present. It took place in Volkswagen's design centre in Potsdam and while all the secret stuff had been hidden away, we did get to see some of the incredible automotive art that hangs on the walls to help keep inspiration flowing.
Friday July 4
Slight déjà vu as I head back to Dublin for the second time this week and Kermit, as it has been christened by my colleagues, awaits. I've also had a new Volkswagen up! delivered, which should prove an interesting comparison against what is by my reckoning its great great great grand uncle. But first, I have plenty of work to get through.
Sunday July 6
With most of this week's copy filed, and with the sun coming out just on cue, I get to spend a day with some friends and Kermit, first by paying a visit to Cars and Coffee Dublin and then heading on to the Classic Car Show in Terenure. I got slightly confused looks when I politely said no to the marshal at the entrance who asked if I was exhibiting the car. Perhaps I should've chanced my arm.