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| Road Test: Bristol Blenheim 3S (2001-) |
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| Exotic Sports |
by: Martin Buckley |
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| DRIVING RATING: |
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This is where the Blenheim scores over many of the current generation of luxobarge saloons. It is usefully narrow with an imperious, commanding driving position, so threading it quickly through traffic or parking in town, using the tight turning circle, is simple. The seats are electrically adjustable and ingress and exit are easy because of the fairly high stance. Lots of torque (pulling power) and an automatic box mean you can waft away from almost everything at the lights. The layout of the controls is clear and simple (the basic design of the dash has not changed significantly for many years) with no pretensions towards modern ergonomic ideas. 'Fun' is probably not the right word, but the Blenheim is a satisfying drive if you are in the mood. It feels poised and balanced in corners, and is at its best under power, threatening neither to plough on at the front nor to slide its tail. You can't throw it around with the abandon of a traction-controlled Mercedes but then the Bristol would never entice you into such uncouth behaviour. The pleasure of the car is in the sense that you are its master and in charge of your own destiny. It rewards smooth, decisive, mature driving with swift, relaxing, unruffled progress. The lack of body roll belies the car's tall build and the power steering is up to the mark in both feel and response. The brakes bite well - but shouldn't a car of this stature at least have ABS?
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Introduction Now that Jaguar, Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce and Bentley are under forei... |
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