Just Drive It
When was the last time you just went for a drive?
I couldn't remember the last time I just went out. Not to go somewhere in particular for a purpose but just to go out for the love of driving. So last Sunday I decided to make up for that.
If you've read any of my previous articles you'll know that I'm lucky enough to live in Wales, a country almost unfairly blessed with an incredible amount of proper driving roads and the scenery that goes with them.
As well as the fantastic roads you need a pretty handy car - something that can cope with the mundane in a quiet, dignified way but when it's pointed at the twisties can give you a proper shove in the back as it chases the next apex. The Hyundai i30N is just such a car.
I've owned my i30N for about 7 months now and aside from a trackday at Pembrey circuit I haven't really used it for anything exciting. It's great as a daily to get me to work, but that isn't what Hyundai really had in mind when they designed this car and it isn't really what I had in mind when I ordered it.
To make amends for this I took it to some of the greatest driving roads in the UK as I headed toward the Elan Valley, near Rhayader in mid Wales.
The Elan Valley is famous for its dams and reservoirs
Leaving Swansea the N is quiet and unassuming, trundling down dual carriageways as if it were a normal i30. Once clear of the city however all that changes with the flick of a button - N mode activates and the inconspicuous (aside from the paint!) i30 comes alive with sharper throttle response, firmer suspension, a slightly more relaxed ESP setting and full noise from the adjustable exhaust. I have the car in a custom setting as in full fat N mode the suspension is really too firm for British roads. It covers distance at a rate of knots, the electronically controlled LSD pulling you into corners and launching you out the other side at speeds that really shouldn't be achievable by a mid-range hot hatch. It is by no means the quickest car in a straight line but the cornering speeds it can achieve are phenomenal.
The drive to Elan is excellent with smooth roads twisting alongside babbling brooks and snaking up the side of Brecon beacons as I charged toward mid Wales. Even though it was a wet day the N took everything in its stride with barely a chirp of protest from the Pirelli P Zeroes along the way.
When I got there I was greeted by some of the most incredible scenery I've ever seen. Backdrop after beautiful backdrop presented themselves on the roads around the lakes, giving me some great photographic opportunities to sharpen my skills and document the trip. We easily spent 2 hours just cruising around the reservoirs gawping at the scenery.
As darkness drew in the day was done. The drive home was much more sedate as the vast majority of roads in this part of the world are unlit and the rain that had threatened all day finally broke. But that didn't matter. I'd got what I wanted.
Darkness closes in over the reservoirs of Elan
Hopefully this post encourages you to get out and do the same - go find a brilliant road and drive your car hard. Don't worry about the destination, don't worry about achieving anything other than enjoyment along the way. On the way home find a nice pub, eat a good meal and admire your photos and then share them so you can inspire someone else.
Join In
Comments (15)
Amazing roads and scenery. You have to go often on "trips" just for the drive. I try to do that but mostly off roads
Looks like fun!
I should but finding the time can be difficult.
It is very fun, also try explore some new places while driving
Every car should be enjoyed.. just thinking back to when I was 15 years old. I would have loved to enjoy the freedom of a leisure drive or even more, an adventurous drive with a GIRL😳😳
Sometimes it is amazing to leave everything and just get on/off road with nothing but your car and ladyfriend...
This has to be what being a car enthusiast is about.
In an ideal world!
I drive Veloster everyday.