MOTORING

Just

Model: Fiat 500 Lounge 1.0 Hybrid 70 bhp Price: £14, 750 Engine:1.0 Hybrid 70 bhp Pictures: Stellantis Drive...

Looked out of the window today? By the distressed denim of Jeremiah, 'tis a grim sight! When the weather's not behaving the spirits droop. And then there's the little matter of the post-covid 'economy', rolling on downhill ever faster and looming like an empty oil drum.

But what's this? What can I see parked outside on the mansion drive? Just the car that's needed to bring a little ruddy glow of jollity into our post-pandemic pit of despair, that's what. A car that's as bright as a daisy meadow, but rather quicker to respond to the throttle. A car that says hello to the young at heart of all ages. A car that's lively, quirky, cute and charismatic. Say hello to the £14, 750 Fiat 500 Lounge 1.0 litre Hybrid - a three door hatch powered by a 70 bhp 999cc 3 cylinder turbo petrol engine lightly assisted by a tiny battery that offers an extra push for starting off or accelerating. You don't drive on electric alone. It's just there for when the need arises. Then it releases recovered energy from braking etc.. There's a manual gearbox with well chosen ratios including an 'overdrive' sixth gear to let you get the best from the lively petrol engine for nippiness and then for cruising in sixth - which it does well even on a motorway. It's capable of near 105 mph and really does return more than the claimed 53.3 mpg. Near 60 mpg was easily achieved by your lead booted correspondent. With light and nimble handling, it's a car to zip about in that's as much fun as a Mini or Fiesta. The engine is fabulous and the turbo boost gives a linear surge as you floor the throttle. Not since I stampeded the farmers cattle whilst escaping from Borstal and running for my life have I enjoyed nippiness so much.

Fiat 500 Lounge 1.0 Hybrid...

Four sit acceptably comfortably for short hops but even sardines would find it a challenge on a long journey. As stylish inside as it is outside, the 'fun' intent is clear. Good ergonomics, an excellent driving position and comfortable and supportive seats to hold you secure as you explore the limits of the dynamic ability. It's a safe and secure car that you can drive like a roller skate - convincing yourself that you are doing Mach 1 when you are only subsonic. You have to hand it to Fiat. They bamboozle expectations with the aplomb of a pantheon of spin bowlers. They seem to have a knack for knowing just how far to push common sense and how far to twirl the tenets of taste. Not for them the sombre orthodoxies of the "We Design a Car to Function Properly. Full Stop" school. Fiat go beyond the stop. And it's that one-stop-beyond philosophy that tickles the fancy; that tempts that tentative yearning for some plain and simple fun. Fiat 500s are more popular than ever now, with Brits adoring Italian 'eleganza'. Who wouldn't want to face the brand new day with a 500 hybrid waiting to be driven? Better by far than going to work on an egg, or in a big smelly bus. Epic Blue was the colour of this vivacious lifestyle chaser. Fiery Vesuvian Red would have been my choice. Yes, it's just a bit unserious, but when did light heartedness ever hurt? If your heart is not yet an encrusted, dull-thumping thing a 500 ride will buck you up every time. All electronic essentials that might have the old colonels and retired seamstresses frothing at the folly of modern ways are there aplenty. Being long in the tooth also, I just wanted to listen to the purposeful hum of the delightful engine. The 500 Hybrid is very much a modern car with fine manners so you can take it on the best tarmac - yet it's so streetwise that it thinks nothing of dashing to the chippy on potholed side streets. When I picked up my new assistant, Angelina Corleone (For it was she)

By Syd Taylor

Motoring Reviewer

I was glad that I had opted for the comfy 'Lounge' spec so that I could transport her in the way to which she is accustomed. "Are you going to take me somewhere nice?"she asked. "Sure thing Babe" I replied. "There's a good kebab takeaway at the Coliseum Centre. Let's go." Yes, I thought, as I relished the zippiness, comfort and rewarding dynamics - these Italians might deserve sympathy for putting up with the Euro, but let's be frank, their motor industry is in good health and the 500 Hybrid bears this out.

Ciao!

Pet-proofing your home and flring

A recent report showed that 51%* of the UK adult population own a pet, and with this figure expected to rise considerably since the Coronavirus lockdown, so too has the need for owners to pet-proof their homes and in particular, their flooring.

Whether it’s muddy paw prints on the carpet, claw marks on the rug or stains on the mat, homeowners can find themselves forever cleaning up after their pets and in some cases, carrying out substantial home improvements for more durable and convenient pet-friendly flooring options. But with so many different products on the market, what should owners look for when choosing something that is going to be durable, stylish, cost effective but also safe for their fourlegged friends?

Tiles

Probably one of the most hardwearing options, a tiled floor offers many benefits to a pet owner. Easy to clean and stain resistant, tiles will cope with anything that your pet throws at them. They can’t be dug up, scratched or chewed making them a long-lasting, convenient option. If tiles sound like the perfect option for your home, ensure you pick a tile that offers a degree of grip. Highly polished tiles may look nice, but a non-slip finish will help prevent your pets from potentially hurting themselves. Young puppies who slip and slide during a frantic session of zoomies may look funny, but the damage this can be doing to their young joints and muscles can be detrimental for later life. Tiles also offer a level of coolness to pets, great on a hot summer’s day. However not so great for when there is ice and snow on the ground! So pet owners will need to ensure suitable bedding or a rug is available for sleepy time if tiles are chosen. We love the bold geometric pattern that our Loft Elyria tiles provide. The blue and white diamond design has a distressed finish with worn edges, perfect for disguising the odd muddy paw print. They are also water resistant and suitable for all high traffic areas of your home such as hallways and the kitchen. LVT - Luxury Vinyl Tiles continue to be a firm favourite with pet owners as it is super hard-wearing against the daily grind of four paws. Ideal for when those little toilet accidents occur or when an overzealous puppy sends his water bowl flying, LVT is waterproof and easy to keep clean. From light to dark shades, LVT comes in a variety of effects and installation systems, meaning that there really is a style to suit every taste and home decor. Here at Best4Flooring, we love the LayRed EIR Mountain Oak by Moduleo range. The hard wearing and silent engineered click vinyl is an ideal option for energetic puppies racing around the living room floor. Mountain Oak offers a realistic embossed texture that allows you to feel all the wood grains and knots in the design, while providing a soft comforting underfoot. Pets can feel the touch of wood without the harm of splinters!

Vinyl

Sheet Vinyl Flooring is an easy DIY flooring choice. It is soft, cushioned and warm underfoot and allows you to create an amazing floor at a fraction of the price. With hundreds of designs in a variety of colours, sheet vinyl is also easy to clean, however consideration should be given about what areas of the home this might go in and also if you have a digger or chewer! For more information on the flooring products and accessories that Best4Flooring offers, please visit the website or contact the customer service team for advice.