Bicester Scramble, Alpine A290 v Renault 5, the cyclorn
About this episode
A lively discussion unfolds as the hosts reflect on their recent experiences at the Bicester Scramble and delve into the merits of the Alpine A290 versus the classic Renault 5. They share personal anecdotes about car choices for a road trip to Italy, emphasizing the joy of driving smaller, more engaging vehicles. The episode also features entertaining stories about car modifications, the charm of classic cars, and the importance of home EV chargers. With a mix of humor and automotive passion, this episode captures the essence of car culture.
The latest episode of My Week In Cars finds Steve Cropley and Matt Prior inside a Hyundai during a photoshoot to talk cars and more, including the last Bicester Motion Scramble of 2025, the Alpine A290 vs Renault 5, the T Plate, the cyclorn, and much more besides, including your correspondence.
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Anderson EV
"...this podcast is brought to you in association with Anderson EV, makers of high quality domestic chargers. And I don't have the script in front of me..."
Anderson EV makes chargers that you can install at home to charge your electric car. They focus on making sure these chargers are good quality and last a long time.
Anderson EV is a company that specializes in manufacturing high-quality domestic chargers for electric vehicles (EVs). Their products are designed to provide efficient and reliable charging solutions for EV owners.
Ford Model A
"...the trouble is, every turn around, as I say, you walk around the corner and see something else new. But I love them. I love being surprised. Model A, Ford, that was it."
The Ford Model A is a classic car made by Ford in the late 1920s and early 1930s. It was known for being a reliable and affordable vehicle, and it was a big improvement over the earlier Model T.
The Ford Model A was a popular car produced by Ford Motor Company from 1927 to 1931, known for its affordability and reliability. It was the successor to the Model T and marked a significant advancement in automotive technology at the time.
Porsche
"...by bringing a plug-in Porsche to this event. And of course, it was charged at my house..."
A plug-in Porsche is a type of car from Porsche that can use both electricity and gasoline to run. You can charge it at home, which is convenient for drivers.
The mention of a 'plug-in Porsche' refers to a Porsche model that is equipped with a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) system, allowing it to run on both electric power and gasoline. This type of vehicle combines performance with efficiency.
Audi A2
"Queue here. Rob Lightbody wrote the other day to me. We know I was talking about the Audi A2 and what to do with the radio. Do you remember that? Oh, I do."
The Audi A2 is a small car made by Audi that was produced in the early 2000s. It is known for being lightweight and having a lot of space inside despite its small size.
The Audi A2 is a compact MPV produced by Audi from 1999 to 2005. It is known for its lightweight aluminum construction and efficient use of space, making it a unique offering in the small car segment.
FM transmitter
"...one of these little FM transmitters that you plug into the 12 volt socket. And then it's broadcasts on FM and the car's stereo picks it up..."
An FM transmitter is a small device that lets you play music from your phone through your car's radio by sending the music over FM radio waves.
An FM transmitter is a device that broadcasts audio signals over FM radio frequencies, allowing users to play music from their devices through a car's stereo system without needing a physical connection.
Mercedes-Benz SL
"... go? My current thought is a 2014 to 16 Mercedes SL 63 AMG. The luggage might be a problem, perhaps c..."
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a fancy convertible car that looks great and drives fast. It's known for being comfortable and stylish, making it a popular choice for those who want a luxury driving experience.
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a luxury roadster that combines performance with elegance. Known for its powerful engines and advanced technology, it often comes up in discussions about high-end sports cars.
Alfa Romeo Spider
"... you think of them, but do you remember the Alfa Spider with the little quad headlights? Yeah, I remember..."
The Alfa Romeo Spider is a classic convertible car that looks really cool and is fun to drive. It's loved for its unique style and the experience of driving with the top down.
The Alfa Romeo Spider is a classic Italian sports car known for its stylish design and engaging driving experience. It has a loyal fan base and is often discussed for its aesthetic appeal and vintage charm.
Ford Mustang
"Crikey, something potent. That is a Ford Mustang being moved into position for a photograph."
The Ford Mustang is a famous car from America that is known for being fast and sporty. It's been popular for many years and has a unique look that many people love.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its performance and distinctive styling. It has been a popular choice among car enthusiasts since its introduction in the 1960s.
Peugeot 207
"...driving a Peugeot 207 Coupe Cabriolet, not the world's most fantastic car. I think that's fair, to say. Roof down at 70 miles an hour..."
The Peugeot 207 Coupe Cabriolet is a small car that can turn into a convertible, meaning you can take the roof off. It's a fun car for driving in nice weather.
The Peugeot 207 Coupe Cabriolet is a compact convertible that combines the practicality of a coupe with the fun of a convertible. It's known for its stylish design and is often seen as a budget-friendly option for open-top driving.
Alfa Romeo Duetto
"...whether there are any Alfa convertibles sold in this country that conform to the budget except for something old like a, you know, a duetto..."
The Alfa Romeo Duetto is an older convertible sports car that's loved by many for its unique look and fun driving experience. However, because it's older, it might need more care and repairs.
The Alfa Romeo Duetto is a classic convertible sports car known for its distinctive design and engaging driving experience. It has a strong following among enthusiasts but may require more maintenance due to its age.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
"a modern Alfa, you know, a, you know, Giulia. Oh, yeah, Giulia Quadrifoglio."
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a fast and sporty version of the Giulia car. It's built for people who love to drive and has a powerful engine that makes it exciting on the road.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a high-performance variant of the Giulia sedan, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It features a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and is designed for driving enthusiasts.
Porsche Panamera
"I've driven down here today in a Porsche Panamera and thinking, isn't this a laudable car..."
The Porsche Panamera is a fancy four-door car that is both comfortable and fast. It has a lot of power under the hood and is great for long drives or just cruising around.
The Porsche Panamera is a luxury four-door sedan that combines performance with comfort. It features a range of powerful engines and a spacious interior, making it suitable for both everyday driving and spirited performance.
Fiat Barchetta
"Oh, no, the car. What's the, what's the, what was the left hand drive only Fiat? Barchetta. Barchetta. Yeah."
The Fiat Barchetta is a small, sporty convertible car that is fun to drive. It was made by Fiat and is popular for its stylish look.
The Fiat Barchetta is a two-seater roadster produced by Fiat from 1995 to 2005. It features a sporty design and is known for its fun driving experience.
Porsche Boxster
"By a Porsche Boxster. Steve, that's probably your best bet because they've got two boots, roof down, manual gearbox, great engine, yep, colder value."
The Porsche Boxster is a sporty convertible car that is fun to drive. It has a powerful engine and is popular among car lovers for its performance and style.
The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engine roadster that combines sporty performance with a convertible design. It's known for its agile handling and is often recommended for enthusiasts looking for an engaging driving experience.
Alpine A290
"...hat's what I would think. Yeah. So let's talk the A290 that you alluded to a minute ago. Well, you and ..."
The Alpine A290 is a new sporty car that aims to be fun to drive while looking stylish. It's part of a brand known for making exciting cars that are enjoyable on the road.
The Alpine A290 is a modern interpretation of the brand's sporty heritage, designed to offer a thrilling driving experience with contemporary styling. It's often discussed for its performance potential and connection to the Alpine legacy.
Renault 5
"well, your column this week, you have the question five or 290, Renault five. Yeah. And I had them together because my long term is a five, sort of higher power, high, the one with 150 horsepower."
The Renault 5 is a small car made by Renault, a French car company. It was popular in the 1970s and 1980s for being easy to drive and park.
The Renault 5 is a supermini car produced by the French manufacturer Renault from 1972 to 1985. It was known for its compact size, practicality, and distinctive styling, making it popular in Europe during its production run.
horsepower
"sort of higher power, high, the one with 150 horsepower. And I found myself saying I would have the five any day."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster and accelerate better.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. In automotive contexts, it indicates the engine's ability to perform work, with higher horsepower typically translating to better acceleration and performance.
range
"But the range, I mean, the Renault five at this time of the year, we'll offer you, you can depend on 200 miles."
Range is how far a car can go before it needs to be recharged or refueled. It's important for planning trips, especially for electric cars.
In automotive terms, range refers to the distance a vehicle can travel on a single charge or tank of fuel. It is an important consideration for electric vehicles and fuel-efficient cars, as it impacts usability and convenience.
0-60 time
"...about a second and a half off the North to 60 time and so on..."
0-60 time is how long it takes a car to go from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a way to see how fast a car can speed up.
0-60 time refers to the time it takes for a vehicle to accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common metric used to measure a car's performance and acceleration capabilities.
Renault Five
"...the five is even better value. Yeah. And you still get all the interior stuff's much the same. The, the eight to 90, we were in, I think was a premiere edition, which had, you know, very flash seats and stuff, but the seats are, you know, yellow seats in the Renault Five are nice anyway."
The Renault Five is a small car made by the French company Renault. It was popular in the 1970s and 1980s for being affordable and easy to drive.
The Renault Five is a supermini car produced by Renault from 1972 to 1985, known for its compact design and affordability. It was popular in Europe for its practicality and distinctive styling.
pedestrian impact regulations
"the bottom of the can had to be changed for pedestrian impact regulations. And I believe he apparently got told off for wasting company resources..."
Pedestrian impact regulations are rules that help make cars safer for people walking near them. They require car manufacturers to design parts of the car so that if a person is hit, they are less likely to get hurt.
Pedestrian impact regulations are safety standards that require vehicles to be designed in a way that minimizes injury to pedestrians in the event of a collision. These regulations often dictate the shape and materials used in certain parts of the car, such as bumpers and hoods.
Mini
"So yeah, that is, thanks Rob for that. I thought that was the case. That is a cool, that is a great story. It'd be glued to all the early Minis now."
The Mini is a small and famous car known for being fun to drive and easy to park. It was first made in the 1960s and has a unique style that many people love.
The Mini is a small car that became iconic for its compact design and fun driving experience. Originally launched in the 1960s, it has undergone various updates and remains popular among car enthusiasts.
Morgan Super Sport
"that's the Morg starting up. That is a Morgan Super Sport. I've been at the factory a couple of times recently to chat to them about various things."
The Morgan Super Sport is a special sports car from the UK. It's known for its unique look and lightweight build, making it fun to drive.
The Morgan Super Sport is a classic British sports car known for its unique design and lightweight construction. It features a distinctive wooden frame and is often praised for its driving experience.
Peugeot 504
"there was a absolutely superb Peugeot 504 there, a car that I drove early on in my road test career."
The Peugeot 504 is a car made by the French company Peugeot. It was built a long time ago and is known for being very reliable and comfortable to drive.
The Peugeot 504 is a mid-size car produced by the French manufacturer Peugeot from 1968 to 1983. It is known for its durability and comfortable ride, and it has a classic design that is still appreciated by enthusiasts today.
Ford Model A Ford
"others though. The trouble is, every turn around, as I say, you walk around the corner and see something else new. But I love them. I love being surprised. Model A, Ford, that was it. And there was a bit of a lineup of, of nice hot roddy kind of cars too, right? Did you see those?"
The Ford Model T is one of the first cars that many people could actually afford. It's important because it changed how cars were made and helped everyone get around more easily.
The Ford Model T is a historic automobile that revolutionized the automotive industry by making cars affordable for the average person. It's often discussed for its significance in automotive history and its role in popularizing mass production.
Volkswagen Beetle
"...a couple of old Beatles that I was very fond of. Oh, lovely. Yeah..."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a small, round car that became very popular in the 1960s. It's known for its unique design and is often seen as a symbol of fun and freedom.
The Volkswagen Beetle is a classic car known for its distinctive shape and rear-engine design. It has a rich history and is often associated with the counterculture movements of the 1960s.
Volkswagen Type 2
"...there was a type two van with a Honda 750 motorbike in the back..."
The Volkswagen Type 2 is a van that people often use for camping or traveling. It's famous for its boxy shape and is loved by many for its retro style.
The Volkswagen Type 2, also known as the VW Bus or Kombi, is a versatile vehicle that has been used for various purposes, including as a camper van. It has a cult following and is known for its spacious interior and iconic design.
Honda
"...with a Honda 750 motorbike in the back, in the back of it. Yeah. And they were nice Honda 750 on it."
Honda is a car and motorcycle company from Japan. They make many popular vehicles and are known for their quality and performance.
Honda is a well-known Japanese automotive manufacturer that produces a wide range of vehicles, including cars and motorcycles. The company is recognized for its innovation and reliability.
BMW
"...those BMW police bikes, every auction seems to have one or two in them. And I don't know. Pretty cheap, maybe one day."
BMW is a famous car and motorcycle manufacturer from Germany. They make high-quality vehicles, including motorcycles used by police.
BMW is a well-known German automotive brand that produces luxury vehicles and motorcycles, including police bikes used by law enforcement agencies.
VAT
"...there's 20% buyers premium plus 20% VAT. So you've got to add quite a lot to the price."
VAT is a tax that you pay when you buy something. It's added to the price of products and services at different stages of production.
VAT stands for Value Added Tax, which is a consumption tax placed on a product whenever value is added at each stage of production or distribution.
buyers premium
"...there's 20% buyers premium plus 20% VAT. So you've got to add quite a lot to the price."
A buyers premium is an extra cost you pay when you buy something at an auction. It's usually a percentage added to the final price you bid.
Buyers premium is an additional fee charged by auction houses on top of the winning bid price, typically a percentage of the final bid amount.
Alpine A110
"...to part two of the podcast listener, your Alpine A110 Steve is home. Yeah. I collected two or three day..."
The Alpine A110 is a small, sporty car that's really fun to drive. It's known for being light and quick, making it a favorite for people who love fast cars and good handling.
The Alpine A110 is a lightweight sports car that emphasizes agility and driving pleasure. It has a rich motorsport heritage and is celebrated for its performance and handling, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
Volkswagen T-Roc
"Hmm. You've taken the Volkswagen T-Roc back. Yes. Very glad to hand over the keys and say goodbye."
The Volkswagen T-Roc is a small SUV that is designed for everyday use. It's comfortable and has many modern features.
The Volkswagen T-Roc is a compact SUV that combines practicality with a stylish design. It's known for its comfortable ride and modern technology features.
Life 110
"...who does life 110, who does upgrades and components and modifications to Alpine's?"
Life 110 is a business that helps improve Alpine cars by adding new parts and making changes to how they work.
Life 110 is a company that specializes in upgrades and modifications for Alpine cars, enhancing their performance and handling.
Alpine
"...who does upgrades and components and modifications to Alpine's?"
Alpine is a brand that makes sporty cars, designed to be fun to drive and handle well on the road or track.
Alpine is a French automotive manufacturer known for producing lightweight sports cars that emphasize performance and handling.
suspension
"...I'm never going to stiffen up this car's suspension because we've done track days and it rolls a little bit..."
Suspension is what helps your car ride smoothly over bumps and turns. It includes parts like springs and shocks that keep the wheels in contact with the road.
Suspension refers to the system of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. It plays a crucial role in ride comfort and handling.
Jeep Wrangler
"...se to work on. Good. What's happening on the Jeep Wrangler front? Oh, well, two things. I've just, you know..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough, small SUV that can handle rough terrain and is great for adventures. People love it for its cool look and ability to go almost anywhere, making it a popular choice for outdoor activities.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It has a strong following among outdoor enthusiasts and is often discussed for its versatility and iconic status in the automotive world.
MPG
"...except that you claim 26 MPG and I've been getting 16. 16. Yeah..."
MPG means how far a car can go on a gallon of gas. The higher the MPG, the better the car is at using fuel efficiently.
MPG stands for 'miles per gallon' and is a measure of fuel efficiency for vehicles. It indicates how many miles a car can travel on one gallon of fuel, which is crucial for understanding operating costs and environmental impact.
Land Rover Defender
"...this before, putting a soft top on my Land Rover Defender, just to make it a bit more fun, I suppose, a bit..."
The Land Rover Defender is a fancy SUV that can go off-road and is known for its strong, boxy shape. It's popular because it looks cool and can handle tough conditions while still being comfortable inside.
The Land Rover Defender is a luxury SUV that combines rugged off-road capability with high-end features. It's often discussed for its iconic design and history, as well as its recent revival with modern technology and comfort.
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