The magic number M
put on and remove your glasses with the helmet on (something I’ve struggled with on other lids). And thankfully, that secret sun visor also doesn’t collide with your glasses when retracted!
The helmet has Shark’s Autoseal system, which seals the helmet from water and cold, but also helps prevent it from fogging up. Additionally, Shark include an easy-to-fit pinlock visor just remove the visor by hand, clip the Pinlock into place and you’re fully fog free!
Your helmet is the one thing you can’t afford to scrimp on - you get what you pay for and since this is protecting the most important part of you, don’t be tempted to go cheap.
The D-Skwal helmet reassuringly solid, but isn’t too heavy (1.4kg), so no neck ache after wearing it for a few hours.
At £169.99 it’s an absolute bargain, and really shows that you don’t need to break your bank to get quality riding gear that not only looks good, but also keeps you safe and protected. AZDA has had an excellent reliability record from its earliest days of sales in this country and while some of those early cars left something to be desired in the driving, the latest models are brilliant all round.
The ‘3’ medium hatch has been the company’s biggest seller for some years and the latest model launched in 2013 is the best yet, with great looks, excellent safety and a top driving experience.
There are five door hatch and four door fastback models to choose from, and all feature the company’s Skyactiv technology, which brings light weight from innovative build techniques. This helps towards good economy and low emissions as well as excellent safety and good performance.
All have a very comfortable ride even in town and over rough roads at speed, and they also hold the road brilliantly with excellent grip, good balance and informative steering.
There is a choice of three petrol engines and two diesels. The petrol range starts with a 1.5-litre that has 98bhp, and next up is a 2.0-litre with 120.
The range topper – only available in more expensive models - is the same 2.0-litre but now with 165bhp - and this one is a real stormer with a delicious soundtrack.
In fact all the petrol engines sound good and are very willing and free revving.
The diesel choices are a 1.5 with 105bhp and the same 2.2 litre used in other models from the range with 150. These could be the best choices for business drivers, and even the 1.5d offers better than average performance for the size.
Economy is very good – helped by the lightweight construction – so the 1.5d average is 74mpg while the 2.0-litre 120bhp petrol is capable of 55.
Trim levels are SE, SE-L and Sport, each of which has a Nav model alongside with standard – and very good – sat nav.
Top models also get active safety including automatic city braking, lane departure warning, auto high beam lights and radar controlled cruise.
All have a large display screen at the top of the centre console that’s controlled by a rotary wheel, plus an internet connection and top models also have a head up display for speed and optional leather trim.
Pay about £7,250 for a ’13 13-reg 2.0 SE petrol, or £9,900 for a ’15 15-reg 1.5 SE-L diesel.