19 minute read
Motoring
Charming it may be, but Ted Welford fi nds the Fiat 500’s age has now got the better of it.
What is it?
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As recognisable and as loved as a Mini or Land rover Defender, the 500 was fiat’s icon throughout a big part of the twentieth century until 1975, followed by a revival of the model in 2007. that reincarnation was a hit and Fiat still sells 400,000 of these city cars every year, despite a multitude of rivals.
What’s new?
This year saw the introduction of a new electric 500. It looks similar to the petrol car but is rather different underneath, and should be yet another hit as it’ll be one of the cheapest EVs around thanks to a sub£20,000 starting price.
There is also fiat’s new 500 Hybrid. It’s not a full hybrid, but rather a petrol engine with a small electric motor, battery and belt-integrated startergenerator that improves effi ciency and aims to allow for a smoother drive. So does it succeed?
With just 69bhp, 0-60mph takes 13.6 seconds, but around town it’s more than up to the task. A six-speed manual gearbox is also a pleasant surprise for a car of this size.
The mild-hybrid system is also noticeable with the regenerative braking when you take your foot off the accelerator, though the engine can ‘switch off’ while coasting in order to improve fuel economy.
What’s it like to drive?
It’s in urban areas where the Fiat excels. It bucks the trend of city cars growing in size, as at 3.5m-long it remains tiny and an absolute doddle to park, helped by great visibility. the steering is also brilliantly light, and even gets a ‘city’ mode to make it even lighter.
But elsewhere the 500 shows both its age and its fl aws. The ride quality is poor while the driving position leaves a lot to be desired – you feel like you sit on the car, rather than in it. refi nement is also poor, even by city-car standards. next to rivals like the Volkswagen Up!, it’s well behind the pace.
How does it look?
What’s under the bonnet?
If you want a manual 500, the only option is this new mild-hybrid petrol, with automatic models using the 1.2-litre unit that fiat has been using for years. It’s likely buyers choose the fiat 500 because of the way it looks. And with its scope for personalisation, bubble-like shape and cool retro-inspired design, it offers bags of charm and appeal in this respect. A range of trim and liveries add to the appeal. range of trim and liveries add to the appeal.
Facts at a glance
Model as tested: fiat 500 Hybrid Lounge Price: £14,750 Engine: 1.0-litre mild-hybrid petrol Power: 69bhp Torque: 90nm Max speed: 104mph 0-60mph: 13.6 seconds MPG: 53.3mpg Emissions: 119g/km
It’s more impressive just how fresh the 500 looks considering it’s been around since 2007 in its current guise – the only real design changes in that time being some new lights at the front and rear, fresh alloy wheel designs and updated bumpers. some subtle ‘Hybrid’ badging is also fi tted as part of this update, however.
What’s it like inside?
the interior also has charm – not least with the cool colour-matched dashboard, which is a particular highlight. there’s a clear instrument cluster, with an optional seven-inch TfT display in the middle. A seven-inch touchscreen is also fi tted, and while not the best system you can get today, it’s simple to use and gains Apple carPlay and Android Auto. A panoramic glass roof is also a nice touch. but the colourful dash and technology can only go so far with the fiat 500, as other areas feel especially cheap, with hard and scratchy plastics littering the cabin. It’s also small even by city-car standards, with a dinky 185-litre boot and compromised rear space.
What’s the spec like?
Prices for the fiat 500 start from £13,020 and for that you get a Pop-spec car. It’s not especially wellequipped but gains air conditioning, a DAb radio and a speed limiter. But our choice is the £14,750 Lounge model, which adds a touchscreen, leather steering wheel, rear parking sensors and a glass roof.
Prices rise through to £17,150 for the top-spec Launch Edition, which includes satellite navigation, 16-inch alloy wheels and special seats made from recycled materials. but at that price, you can buy a far more accomplished supermini.
Verdict
It’s a testament to the 500’s cool retro design, easy-to-drive nature and quirky interior that this fiat continues to be as popular as it is. Used around the city it’s really quite appealing, and the Hybrid system has added greater effi ciency to the package – meaning it will be very cheap to run. but none of these traits can hide some glaring weaknesses of the 500, which are really just down to its ageing design. Its poor driving experience away from town and cheap cabin make it fall off the pace of rivals, and given it’s not especially cheap, it means this Fiat – as charming as it is – is tough to recommend. consider the electric model instead…
Great gadgets from simple trackers to tthe smartest smartwatches
One of the simplest and cheapest exercise trackers is the pedometer, which tells you how many steps you’ve walked in a given period. There are lots of them around for very little money: for example, the Omron Walking style One step Counter, a pocket-sized digital pedometer, is around £16.
However, if you’d like to track more than just steps you’ll need to look at a dedicated fi tness tracker. these aren’t necessarily much more expensive – you can get Huawei’s attractive and effective Huawei Band 4 for less than £30 – but they’re more useful, as they typically add heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, calories burned and other key data. some also offer sleep tracking. Although they’re battery-powered they usually last much longer than smartwatches, typically going for over a week between charges and not needing long to recharge. there are versions designed for kids, too, such as the Fitbit Ace, which track activity but not calories.
The next step up from fi tness trackers is the smart watch. Apple’s watch is the market leader here, but it’s also one of the most expensive, and you can get good smartwatches such as the Samsung Galaxy (£159) or the Huawei GT2e (£99) for a lot less. These devices offer a wider range of fi tness tracking features and usually connect to your smartphone to share data with your health and/or fi tness apps.
In many cases the line between fi tness trackers is blurred. For example, the Fitbit Versa Lite is a smartwatch, but really it’s a super-powered fi tness tracker and unlike more expensive devices you can’t install your own apps. the latest generation of the Apple Watch is really impressive, both as a smartwatch and as a fi tness tracker. It isn’t cheap – the latest model, the Series 6, starts at £379 – but the more affordable Apple Watch SE starts at £269. The older Apple Watch Series 3 is £199, although we think the se is more capable and worth paying slightly more for.
Apple Watch sE This is the current mid-range Apple Watch and it’s effectively a cut-down version of the range-topping Series 6. It’s packed with fi tness features. £269, Apple.com
sigma ROX 7.0 Cycle Computer
If you prefer pedalling to pounding pavements,
Sigma’s GPS cycle computer can track your performance on every ride and deliver every conceivable kind of statistic. £59,
Wiggle.co.uk
Omron Walking style One 2.0 step Counter
This pocket-sized device contains the same kind of 3D accelerometer sensor you’ll fi nd in smartphones, enabling you to track your steps, kilometres and miles. £15.99,
Argos.co.uk
Fitbit Inspire HR
This Fitbit is cheap but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in features. It has a workout monitor and heart rate sensing as well as step and calorie counting, and it syncs nicely with Fitbit’s phone app. £59,
Fitbit.com
Honor Band 5 smart Fitness Tracker
A fully featured fi tness tracker for under £30? That’s what this little marvel from Honor delivers. It’s a great little device available in a range of colours. £29.99,
Amazon.co.uk
High sheriff: A Year of lockdown
Dean Harris had four years to plan for the role of High sheriff of shropshire – but nothing could have prepared her for the year she would experience.
Instead of joining friends, family and dignitaries at shrewsbury justice centre for the legal ceremony which would mark the start of her year in office, Dean found herself sat in front of her computer at home for the first ever virtual ceremony.
It was April 2020, and the UK was less than two weeks into the first national lockdown put in place in an attempt to combat Covid-19. she explains, “I’ve always thought I was tenacious, and this year has been a real test of that – I was determined not to simply sit at home and wait until I was able to host events, welcome visitors to the county, and visit organisations. Instead, like so many of us, I had to adapt to working virtually; and with the benefit of hindsight, I’m glad I did, as covid restrictions have lasted far longer than I (or any of us) had hoped.”
Dean had chosen to focus on domestic abuse, addiction, and child poverty and deprivation as her three key causes: determined to raise public awareness and understanding of these issues which are often hidden and have many misconceptions associated with them.
In a bid to counteract the worsening of all three issues as a result of the pandemic, Dean has been busy arranging virtual training sessions, setting up hardship funds for pupils, linking companies and charities together, thanking people, partnering with Aico to support the building of a ground-breaking family contact centre, and much more. When restrictions were relaxed during the summer, she toured the county to meet organisations, businesses, council staff and individuals in shropshire’s towns. she says, “the role is the oldest office in the UK aside from the monarch, and I am very respectful of its 1,100year history and traditions - at the same time I wanted to ensure the relevance of the role is maintained in today’s world. With most of the ceremonial elements of the role unexpectedly removed in 2020, it’s really brought into focus what it’s all about: making a positive contribution to the county, and supporting and encouraging the judiciary, emergency services, voluntary sector, crown, and faith groups, to name just a few.
“In the last 1,100 years, High Sheriffs have been through the Great Plague, norman Conquest, two World Wars and many other events which would have forced them to adapt. this year will also go down in history – it has highlighted how technology can be utilised for greater reach which I hope will enable the role to continue and flourish for many years to come. “It’s been an absolute honour and privilege to serve as High sheriff of shropshire, I have thoroughly enjoyed it and feel I’ve been able to efficiently use my time, and make best use of virtual working to reach even more people than I could have visited in person. I may have missed out on the ceremonial aspects of the role like royal visits, award presentations, and hosting a charity ball – but I have learned so much. “I now understand so much more about how the charity and voluntary sector operates, how local government works, who is who in the county, and what shropshire truly has to offer. “I’ve also certainly become far more knowledgeable about the world of social media and Pr too (with the help of zen Communications) – using digital platforms and traditional media to educate, inform and update. “Many have commiserated that it must have been terrible to be High sheriff this year, but I have a different view: in this crisis, I am fortunate to have had the opportunity and platform to help make a positive difference and encourage others to get involved with the impactful and vital activities happening in shropshire to help those who are vulnerable and to improve our wonderful county.”
International Women’s Day Event
The Marches growth Hub, businesswoman Hollie Whittles and the Federation of small Businesses have teamed up to organise the annual high-profile event on March 8.
If you are not familiar with the Marches Growth Hub shropshire, it is a collaboration between shropshire Council and The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership and provides free support to all shropshire businesses. The Marches area includes Shropshire, Telford, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
The online event – which gets under way at 10am, will include inspirational talks from a host of keynote speakers as well as networking opportunities. If you are a business owner or thinking about taking the plunge, this will be your opportunity for some inspiration, advice and tips across a range of expertise.
Networking online has become ever increasingly important during the lockdowns as we are limited to zoom calls and expanding our businesses through the use of social media marketing and an online presence.
Marches Growth Hub Shropshire Manager Emma chapman said it was the third year of the annual celebration – and the first time it had been extended to cover the whole of the Marches.
Emma said, “After nearly a year of the Covid-19 pandemic, we thought it was more important than ever to bring together businesswomen from across Herefordshire, shropshire and telford & Wrekin to celebrate this very special day.
“We have lined up an exceptional selection of women who will talk about their own experiences of breaking down barriers in their careers and be able to pass on some of that knowledge to help others.
“This is a must-attend event for any woman in business in the Marches as well as being a fantastic celebration of the contribution women make to the economy and success of the region.”
Hollie, Fsb area lead for shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire and Tech Director for Telford-based Purple Frog systems, is among the star speakers who will be sharing their stories and top tips from their areas of expertise. “this is always a highlight in my calendar, and I’m delighted that so many inspirational businesswomen and friends have agreed to speak. this is the third year running that we’ve organised this sell-out event and whilst we can’t meet in person this year, it will still be lots of fun online.”
Speakers include Trudie Adcock, Global Enterprise Learning Director for pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, broadcaster, presenter and teDx speaker Merisha Stevenson, the CEO and founder of the KogoPAY Group Dr narisa Chauvidul-Aw, Marches Local Enterprise Partnership Chair Mandy Thorn and Chief Executive Gill Hamer and tracy Darke, Assistant Director for economy and Place at shropshire council.
International social media and marketing speaker Teresa Heath-Wareing, the founder of Digital Women and SocialDay UK Lucy Hall and the fSB’s Deputy Head of English regions Linsey Luke complete the impressive line-up. the event – which has sold out in both its previous years – costs £10.
International Women’s Day Event
The Marches Growth Hub:
Backed by the UK government, the Business support Helpline provides free, impartial business support and signposting services to businesses in England. give them a call today on freephone 0800 998 1098.
The 38 Local Enterprise Partnership led Growth Hubs across England bring together and simplify access to national and local business support. Supported by Government, Growth Hubs ensure that no matter the size, sector or maturity of a business they provide locally tailored business support and advice to direct businesses to the most appropriate organisations to assist with their specific requests.
For more information and tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ international-womens-day-2021-celebrating-shropshire-women-inbusiness-tickets-126852821203
Pictured: The speakers for the event
We are all having to adapt to the “new normal” during the Covid-19 restrictions, and lawyers at Lanyon Bowdler
Brian Evans are reassuring their clients
that help is always available.
During the latest national lockdown, the law firm’s offices in Oswestry are open for appointments only, and anyone requiring legal assistance is being asked to get in touch by phone, email or via the website in the first instance.
Managing partner, Brian Evans, said people’s safety was the most important priority, but by embracing technology, lawyers could still provide support even in the strictest lockdown.
He said: “the pandemic has actually meant we have been very busy in a number of areas, with businesses and individuals needing to grapple with a range of new legal issues.
“specialists in our employment team have been working closely with businesses assisting them with the intricacies of the furlough scheme and other Government support packages.
“And our family team has been busy helping separated parents deal with the complicated, and often emotionally difficult, arrangements regarding their children during these lockdowns.
“It’s important to stress that we are all here to help, whether at the end of a telephone or on a video call, and where the situation requires, we can still arrange face-to-face meetings with strict safety measures in place.
“We would be grateful if you could use our letterbox to drop off documents and avoid entering the building unless you have a pre-arranged appointment.
“this pandemic has been, and continues to be, extremely challenging for all of us and we will continue to go above and beyond to ensure our clients have access to the legal support they need.”
For more information and advice, visit the Lanyon Bowdler website at www.lblaw.co.uk or call 01691 652241.
Our People, Your Team
Here to Help
We continue to offer meetings via telephone and video and where necessary we are able to offer face to face appointments, please use our letterbox when dropping off documents.
Legal services including:
• Agriculture • Business Law • Family Law • Clinical Negligence • Court of Protection • Disputes • Education • Employment Law • Motoring & Crime • Personal Injury • Property & Planning • Wills, Trusts & Probate
Contact us:
Chapter House North, Abbey Lawn, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 5DE
01743 280280 info@lblaw.co.uk www.lblaw.co.uk
PuZZle PAGe
CrYPtIC CrossworD:
ACROss
3. Look out for high tar content! (5-4) 7. Girl returned the bad ball (5) 8. Praiseworthy double turn by a politician (9) 9. Old boat upended by gangster in settlement (5) 10. footballer, one prepared to use a brush perhaps (7) 13. Grade for many a girl (5) 14. Colloquially speaking, it isn’t an infection (5) 16. Such a jewel has not been reduced in price (5) 17. Cry for donkey kept at festive occasion (7) 21. Loafer left in dire trouble (5) 22. Weak and unsupported at the back (9) 23. Before one I had to return the fool (5) 24. replace a nice load in ancient land (9)
DOWn
1. Opener going round in circles (9) 2. High spots of an Asian tour, no doubt (9) 3. Musician in small room is fi rst trumpet (7) 4. Her husband is late (5) 5. Inert compound used in gunpowder (5) 6. Supply free verse (5) 10. Shed light (5) 11. China April once smashed (9) 12. About to say again and again (9) 15. A unit is exchanged in this country (7) 18. first of a series of letters from Athens (5) 19. Look around poles in order to understand (5) 20. White House up north (5)
Keep your mind occupied during your coffee break.
suDoKu easy
each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
suDoKu Hard
SoLUtionS
20 Igloo. 15 Tunisia; 18 Alpha; 19 Sense; 10 Spill; 11 Porcelain; 12 reiterate; 3 Cellist; 4 Widow; 5 nitre; 6 Serve; – 1 Corkscrew; 2 Himalayas; Down 22 Spineless; 23 Idiot; 24 Caledonia. 16 Uncut; 17 Wassail; 21 Idler; 9 Kraal; 10 Sweeper; 13 Class; 14 Taint; 3 Crow’s-nest; 7 Olive; 8 Laudatory; Across –
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