ISSUE #1:
We prouldy present you two articles taken from our giant archive.
This time:
ISSUE 02/2000 STORM ADVENTURE
Did the millenium bring us something radically new?
Well, if you still search for something, take a closer look
at the Storm Adventure. A Storm and a fleet-suiting car? Storm usually is the
incarnation of the american clichée, offering overpowered fun cars. When we got
the key from Storm Australia, we were already looking foward to a wild V8. But
the sound was clearly an l3. Storm, why did you do that to us? Is this small
pampers-carrier still a real Storm? At least it looks like one, with modern,
sporty styling that gives us a litte hope.
FIRST IMPRESSION AND INTERIOR
We enter and notice the comfortable seats. A welcomened
compensation for the rather standard trim level, offering an aircondition only
at extra cost (incredible in Australia!) and power windows only for the front
doors.
Doors is a good point to continue, the car has rear sliding
doors, that make it very easy entring the spacious cabin. We are surprised how
well that car, that is not even 4 meters long, is able to offer good seating
for five adults. Only the trunk space is a limited, which makes it not the
first choice as an airport taxi shuttle. The quality is relatively solid, much
hard plastic surface, but the pieces are not falling off after the first strong
pull. Our first impression was confirmed on bad roads, no rattles or squeals disturbed
our ride. The dashboard is relatively ergonomic and functional, the shifter is
lifted up in the center console and can be reached easily, the steering wheel
is adjustable.
DRIVING
We expected a roaring V8 and got an underwhelming l3 idle
sound. But as we started to ignore the Storm badge on the wheel, we got used to
the Adventure. Independent suspension on all wheels and a direct power steering
gives us a very nimble handling, and we are surprised to find a 6th gear on the
knob. This unexpected feature allows a relatively tight gearing in lower gears
– the engine always operates at optimal RPM. Our 100 km test was finished with
under 7 liters, a more than respectable result. Shifting is no burden, as the
ways are rather short, but need a little practice to get used to. After that,
we floored it. That l3 is a turtle, isn’t it?
The ultimately modern DOHC AlSi 4 valve engine tries it’s
best, it can be revved until 7500 rpm, which is insane for a small family car.
11,6 seconds to 100 kph is not insane, but still a lot better than average in
this class. A top speed of 185 kph does not need to hide even on the German
Autobahn. The engine sounds aggressive, which makes the car feel even faster.
We were not fair. The l3 engine is the best we have driven so far. If the
1500ccm engine is as reliable as the proven Opel 1,0 l3, it’s a candidate fort
he engine of the year award. Vibrations are worse than those of a comparable
l4, but bearable. The same for the noise. The firm, but not unpleasant
suspension allows good cornering on twisty roads – we did not forget that we
were sitting in an MPV, but we finall felt like being in a Storm. And if it is
too stormy for you, use the excellent brakes. We already think the car is
overbraked, so try to find a feeling for the pedal before you have an unwanted
emergency stop.
WHO SHOULD BUY IT?
The thrifty car could be a perfect addition for your civic
taxi fleet. The acceptable comfort and agile handling allows for relaxed
medium-distance travels, and as the trunk accomodates a lot after folding down
the rear seats, it can be a choice for sales representatives. Although reaching
a surprising top speed and having a 6th gear, we would recommend a classic
sedan for long-distance travels. But that does not mean that the Adventure is
not capable of going 500 kilometers without torturing the passengers.
VERDICT
We did not believe it when we saw it the first time and
turned the key, but the Adventure is a real Storm. It’s advantages are the good
engine, delivering well-used 107 horsepower at excellent economy and the almost
perfect handling (for it’s segment). Also, we liked the space offered on a
length of a new Skoda Fabia.
Yes, the Storm is a little more expensive than other cars of
it’s size. But the big pro’s are worth the relatively modest markup. You won’t
lose yourself in debts even while ordering the extra-cost air condition. If we
would asked what could be improved: SELL IT OUTSIDE AUSTRALIA! 8,5 out of 10!
ISSUE 05/2012 CAVALLERA OCUMA
After many relatively boring cars, we finally show you a
sports car. Are you tired of reading reviews of cars that you could throw away
to your employees?
Why aren’t you doing yourself a favor and buying a pure driving machine?
FIRST IMPRESSION AND INTERIOR
The Cavallera Ocuma is a one-seater, so you can’t even
impress your 30 years younger russian model girlfriend with your driving
skills. Well, at least you can impress her by just showing her the car: It’s
design is sharp, modern and the dual rear wing is something we rarely saw
before. The red color is a yell towards a famous Italian Company.
The interior space is limited, but not too limited for your
well-alimented stomach. We notice the excellent workmanship – Cavallera has put
maximum effort in this hypercar. Carbon decor inlays, a F1 ignition start
button, Recaro bucket seats and lightweight parts all over make you feel like a
race champion. A lap timer and gauges for oil pressure and temperature are
standard features as well as G-Forces counter.
DRIVING
If you still doubt that this is a driving machine for those
who have balls, you should notice the standard manual transmission (nope, no
sequential!) and rear-wheel drive. But the handling is not as difficult as we
first thought, if you drive it in „C“ mode, the engine and suspension are
performing well at sporty, but reasonnable driving. We leave the S-mode for the
track, and there the party starts. The engine is a rather unusual but
fascinating design, a 5,3L V8 with 5 valves and without turbo, made with an
extremely expensive magnesium block and just needing 95 octane – how strange is
that? 670 horsepower without a turbo, that is enough to propell this rocket to
nearlly 350 kph. 100 are reached in under four – despite the high downforce
that allows cornering that makes unexperienced drivers wallace and gromit. The
balance of the car is perfect, nearlly 50/50. The weight of 1,4 tons is
actually a good point, as we feel that each kilogram prevents it from taking
off. If you find somebody who is insane enough to fit a turbo in the engine
bay, the glued aluminium monocoque with aluminium panels still won’t be bent by
the force, because before that, the clutch would burn, the gearbox maybe fall
apart and your pants get wet. The engine could propably stand it, as we revved
it to the redline of 9000 RPM quite often without having any trouble.
That car plays in the league of Koenigsegg, McLaren and
Pagani. For a slightly lower price, by the way. When we cooled down the car
with some relaxed laps in C-mode, we were disappointed how fast this day had
passed. It was so much fun compared to the l4 (and sometimes l/V6) sedans we
usually drive.
WHO SHOULD BUY IT?
You, if you have the balls and the skills for it. And the
money, of course.
VERDICT:
It can stop midlife crisis, help to find a date and stops
you from having too much money to burn. If you can agree with at least one
point from these three, then take your phone and call your insurance company
how many of your Van Goghs you have to sell to get the contract. 7 out of 10!
two pieces of feedback:
