Tag Archive for: driving

Ford Puma ST

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We’ve taken a short break from reviewing electrical cars to driving back to petrol/diesel cars, old school! The Ford Puma ST (Available to order from October 2020 and arrives January 2021) will soon be here and it’s Ford’s first ever performance SUV in Europe. Which has been created with the signature fun to drive feel of the ST Range.

It has a turbocharged 1.5L Ford EcoBoost engine and has an impressive 200 PS with 320 Nm of torque. While it can go from 0-62mph in just 6.7 seconds! So, not only does it have practicality of an Urban SUV it also has the sheer power of a Ford Performance vehicle!

Drive Modes

The Ford Puma ST has 4 selectable drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport and Track), a sports-tuned suspension, an aggressively sculpted aerodynamic design, impressive 19” alloy wheels, and signature ST styling. You can seamlessly change the Puma from a robust SUV around town to an exhilarating all round performer. Easily! The 4 drive modes will fine tune the car performance by modifying the engine mapping, throttle, steering response, as well as traction and stability settings. The chassis has been combined with an optional Mechanical Limited-Slip Differential, this will continuously optimise the traction and stability to ensure a comfortable driving experience. In any driving condition.  You’ll be able to do this via the 12.3″ digital instrument cluster.

Storage

Key information is shown on the 12.3″ digital instrument cluster. While a host of smart assistance technologies work together to enhance your driving experience. Furthermore you get a total of 80L storage space with a Puma MegaBox! With Puma Load you no longer have to rummage around for your keys either! Simply use some foot movement under the rear bumper and the boot will open up! It can also be opened and closed whilst sitting in the car!

There is also an option to choose a full length panoramic roof which will replace the steel roof. Letting in lots of light to create an airy feel to the car. the front half is power operated and can tilt or slide ride back. While the full length retractable sunshade lets’ you open the glass to get some fresh air whilst being protected from the sun.

Intelligent Tweaks

The Ford Puma ST has some intelligent tweaks to the car. They’ve been implemented so that none of the fun to drive aspects of the ST are compromised by the ride height of an SUV. There’s and added torsion bar and stiffer rear twist beam counterbalance the SUV models higher centre of gravity to ensure stability. While uniquely tuned suspension springs increase lateral stiffness for sharper cornering.

The New Puma ST also has a fantastic braking system which has been optimised for performance. As it has larger front and rear disc components than on other Puma models, for impressive breaking performance.

Comfy Seats

Inside the Ford Puma ST there is racing inspired RECARO front sport seats. It has contrasting Metal Grey stitching and an embossed Ford ST Logo. While the seats are ergonomically designed to fit you perfectly. Moulding you to every movement of the road.

Driving

The Ford Puma ST has been designed in such a way to uphold the pure joy of driving, whilst maintaining efficiency. Even if it can go 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds. Whilst it has a 6 speed manual transmission to help you get the most out of the car. Shifts are short, fast and deliver a smooth performance on each gear change.

The Tech Lovers Car

Ford Puma has a FordPass Connect modem built in. It provides a whole range of invaluable benefits. Including 4G LTE Wifi for up to 10 devices and real time traffic updates delivered to the in car satnav.

Local hazard information is displayed as warning symbols in the instrument cluster and will advise you of any obstacles you may be approaching. Furthermore in the event of an accident. FordPass Connect will even place an eCall to the emergency services and provide your vehicles location.

While if you download the FordPass app you’ll gain even more features. Such as locating your vehicle via your phone, lock it and unlock it remotely. Monitor fuel level, mileage and tyre pressure. While you can also get vehicle health alerts direct to your phone!

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Ford Sync 3

Ford SYNC 3 is a state-of-the-art system that enables you to stay connected and control your phone, music and navigation system with natural voice commands.

Call up a list of local restaurants by simply saying “I’m Hungry” Ford Sync 3 will also read out text messages! The colour touchscreen can be use pinch/swipe gestures and connects to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With AppLink you can also access some of your favourite apps!

Music

There is an incredible music system in the Ford Puma ST. It comes with a powerful B&O system. A premium 575W audio system finely tuned and designed by B&O sound engineers. The system is a 10 speaker set up and includes a subwoofer which has been cleverly incorporated into the rear bulkhead.

Driving Assistant

Ford Co-Pilot360 combines a range of tech that will make your drive better. Adaptive Cruise control automatically adjust your cruise control speed based on the vehicle ahead. It will also recognise speed signs and too adjust your cruise control accordingly.

The Blind Spot Information System will use radars to see any vehicles that will be hidden from your sight. They’re located on either side of the Ford Puma ST and will alert you with an orange light. Which is clearly indicated in the side mirrors.

Traffic Sign Recognition can help the driver recognise speed limits and no taking over signs for example, of which will be displayed on the instrument cluster and will help the driver if they missed a sign.

Parking is made easier by the rear view camera, the view of which will be shown on the centre console. Virtual lines will help you park in even the smallest of places.

Pre-Collision detection and pedestrian detection helps keep you safe on the road. If a collision risk is detected with either a pedestrian or another vehicle, you will be warned. If you don’t respond in time the system can provide full breaking force, to help reduce the severity or in some cases eliminate frontal collisions.

Launch Control

Developed for use on the track (& available on the optional Ford Performance Pack), Launch Control will allow you to maximise acceleration off the line for fast standing starts. Simply set the maximum RPM for the engine and the system will ensure you won’t over rev when pressing the throttle.

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Episode 342 Top Gear

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PLAYING POKER HOW TO KILL AN HOUR

Legendary Guy’s Night Ideas You Need

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A night with the guys. It’s a night for fun, laughing, banter, and drinks, and it has to be one that everyone can remember. It doesn’t have to be a bachelor’s night out for single guys in your circle. You can invite all the guys and have a night to remember – no limits!

 

Men need a way to blow off some steam. So, whether one of you buys one of the many used Aston Martin cars for sale from Dick Lovett and pulls up ready for a road trip, or you simply need a day out at the golf to unwind and bond, we’ve got some legendary ideas that should make the cut. You need to go and have fun every now and then. Let’s take a look at some of the best guys’ night out ideas around.

PLAYING POKER HOW TO KILL AN HOUR

At The Grill

You do not have to jaunt up and down the country to get a good night in with your friends. The summer looms ahead, so why not coordinate when everyone is free and book a date in the calendar so that you can come together and grill? A few steaks, cold beers, and damn tasty side dishes already make for a great night. Throw in a darts board, and you have a competition going!

Poker Night

We’ve picked poker specifically based on the fact that the game isn’t hard to learn, and you can play for dares or bets if you don’t want to play for cash. Put a ceiling on your buy-in, and you can all have a good time without going bankrupt. It’s a great way to test each other and challenge one another to win, and you also get the chance to win some cash! You can swap houses for hosting, and then when you get good at the game, hit up a casino and enjoy what they have to offer with much a bigger prize.

Movie Night – With A Twist!

Instead of heading to the movie theater and not talking to each other, why not put your own cinematic experience in the backyard? You can add a large white sheet and get a movie projector to project the latest and greatest action movies. Bring snacks and drinks, and get comfortable. There are so many options for movie night that you are spoilt for choice.

Sports Games

Are you basketball fans? Is there enough of you to be able to play football? Get a team together and add sports games to grill night. You can run up a little healthy competition and get together to trash talk the action one on one.

Road Trip

The ultimate guys’ night idea is the beginning of a road trip. Pick a night you can all leave and throw a dart at a map to hit the city you want to get to. This type of trip can be life-changing for you and your friends, and if you’ve already got the Aston Martin, you can travel in style!

 

How to Step Things Up in 2020

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It’s always possible to upgrade your life, but there’s no denying that a new year does provide an especially excellent opportunity to mix things up. And when it comes to 2020, we’re not just entering a new year, oh no: this an entirely new decade. The last decade has gone, whether it was good or bad, and all our energies should be focused on making the new roaring twenties extra special. But how can you do this? We take a look at a few ideas below — incorporate them into your life, and you’ll be on your way to a great year/decade.

 

 

New Careers

 

Have you hit something of a rut when it comes to your career? It does happen from time to time! Even if we’re in something that we like, it can begin to feel a little tired and old if we stay for too long in the same position without progressing. So while you might have been vaguely aware that things have to change a little, the new year will provide the opportunity to actually do it. It might involve topping up your education, applying to new jobs, or selecting a new career altogether. 

 

Upgraded Home

 

The new year can also provide an opportunity to look at your living arrangements, and figure out if it’s really all that it could be. Of course, how you upgrade will depend on where you’re currently living. If you’ve not long left university and you’re still living like a student, then this might involve putting together a more adult space. Or it might involve moving out on your own if you’re still living with housemates. They can be super enjoyable to be around, but at some point, we all have to fly the safety of the nest and live on our own.

 

Getting Around

 

There are many things that can make us feel like we’ve arrived in adulthood, but some are more important than others. Where we live, outside above, is one. How we get around is another. If you’re forever relying on public transportation, rides from other people, or you’re driving around in a vehicle that you’re ashamed to be seen in, then this is a clear area where you can upgrade things in 2020. If you can’t yet drive, then your mission could be to pass your test. If you’re looking for a new vehicle, then you could look at the many Vauxhall new car offers that are available. You’ll definitely feel things are moving in the right direction once you’re riding around in your new set of wheels!

 

New Challenges 

 

Finally, you can look at making the forthcoming year one to remember by pushing yourself to try and experience new things. This might involve picking up a new hobby or joining a club, or taking a new kind of trip to somewhere exotic and exciting. It doesn’t matter what you do, actually, so long as you’re stepping outside of your comfort zone. It might not always be comfortable, but it will be worth it! 

 

Turning A Smartphone Into A Driver’s Best Friend

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We’re not encouraging that anyone spends more time looking at their phone rather than keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the steering wheel. However, smartphones are becoming versatile tools with apps to seemingly fit any situation and that includes when you’re on the road as well. Here, we’re going to look at some of the coolest, most convenient, and even most helpful apps that can help you drive safer, cut costs, and even deal with an emergency.

Don’t choose between tunes and data

This might not seem like the most vital of tools, but when it comes to using apps on the road, a lot of people are going to discover the limit to their data very quickly when they first hit it. Rather than cutting off your access to half your apps thanks to data-draining apps, there are ways to make it stretch a little longer. In particular, if you listen to music or podcasts on the road there’s a good chance you use Spotify to do it. Spotify Lite is a slimmed down, efficient version that can keep those tunes, but without burning through your data.

Balance your fuel budget

Sick of paying more than you think you should for gas? There are other apps that can help you manage your fuel efficiency, but Fuel Map is all about one thing only: helping you find the most affordable gas stations closest to you. By comparing and listing the current prices of stops across the country, as well as how far away you are for them, it can help you make a real dent in the fuel costs that can make your car more expensive to own than you might like.

Be ready for any situation

There are apps that can help you when you’re in a true pinch, as well. If you’ve been caught in a car accident, then after the dust has settled, you’re going to need a replacement car. Apps like Compass Car can help you get a replacement delivered quickly to your location and pick it up wherever you like whenever you’re done with an app that shows you where the delivery is in progress as well. Rather than simply downloading, you have to apply to the service to get the app, but it can be truly helpful in a tight situation.

Never have trouble finding a spot again

Particularly useful for urban dwellers, Parkopedia is an app that’s designed to help you find a parking spot much more easily, highlighting where the open spots currently are. It doesn’t yet reach across the whole country, but it is steadily expanding to include more locations. If you’re having trouble finding spots consistent, you should check the site to see if it’s in the city in which you live.

While often the cause of accidents when misused, smartphones can be a lot more helpful to drivers than you might imagine. The above-mentioned apps are some of the most useful out there, but there are plenty more worth taking the time to discover, as well.

 

FORD EDGE: Ice Driving

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Ice Driving with the Ford Edge ST Line

Well Feburary is the month of love for some…..but for #HowToKillAnHour it is the month of CARS!As well as our usual talk around the world of tech we will be looking at a few whips that are packed full of tech….Kicking off with the new Edge ST Line from Ford UK which we took for an icy spin in temperatures as cold as minus 15! See the lin in the comments for more info!

Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Saturday, 9 February 2019

Recently, thanks to the lovely guys over at Ford, Marcus wrapped up warm and traveled to the Icy heights of Northern Sweden to experience ice driving to test their brand new motor, the Ford Edge.

Tech Heavy

The Ford Edge not only looks amazing, but it drives wonderfully well too! Not only that but it’s packed with tons of amazing tech! Just what we love here at How To Kill An Hour! For example, the Ford Edge comes with adaptive cruise control, radar sensors which help you see your blind spots, lane centering and Ford Co-Pilot 360, a driving assistant.

Plus, what’s really cool, the Ford Edge has Ford’s FordPass Connect. Which allows for everyone in the car to stay connected through it’s in-car Wifi hotspot that connects to 4G! Therefore saving all that precious phone data! FordPass Connect also gives drivers up to date live traffic information and the chance to make an eCall if you were ever to get in danger. In the case of a serious accident FordPass will automatically make a call to the emergency services and ping them your location! However, the Edge will also do it’s best to avoid situations like this, as the Edge has a Pre-Collison assist. The Ford Edge keeps everyone safe and sound by anticipating your next move and the cars around you. Intelligent and impressive stuff!

Each Ford Edge also comes equipped with B&O tailor made speaker systems. Now B&O are a huge name in the audio industry and they bring 1000 watts of power to the car’s speaker system. Don’t turn it up too loud will you!

When is it available?

The Ford Edge is available in 8 colours: Oxford White, Ingot Silver, Magnetic, Chrome Blue, Shadow Black, Ruby Red, White Platinum and Burgundy Velvet. It comes with a 4 cyclinder 2.0L diesel EcoBlue engine and is available in both manual and automatic transmission. Furthermore the Ford Edge also comes in 3 different models: Titanium, ST-Line and Vignale & is available now!

Please see our gallery of our amazing time in Sweden below!

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Race Kings

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This is RACE KINGS for iPhone and Android, it’s a hugely popular racing game that’s got everyone at the office hooked! See below more information on what it’s all about!

Two drivers, one winner. Take every corner sideways in a scream of smoking tires, your rival just inches from your window, the finish line only seconds away. You’ve never experienced racing like this before: intense drift duels, winner takes all, designed for mobile.

All live, all the time. Race against real-time online opponents, matched to your skill whether you’re a beginner or a tire-slaying legend. Tackle a real-time calendar of varied live Events, featuring dozens of tracks.

Visit the Market to browse a real-time selection of legendary sports cars from the world’s biggest brands. Thousands of unique car variants available to buy, win, collect and upgrade. Come back often – there’s a different selection every time.

You want to go all the way to the top? Place bets on your ability to earn bigger money and climb the leaderboards. More risk means more reward. Don’t want to rule the racing world? Earn prizes for making progress at your own pace.

To download Race Kings please click here Apple / Android