Rabbers

I wasn’t talking about Ray Bans, but “classic Ray Ban style” glasses. Try www.sightnight.io or, failing that, www.techfibrr.com for the supplier’s full catalogue.

It's not easy to understand the ins and outs of the motor insurance business, but it would have been logical to predict that, as a result of Covid, when vehicles were used less and accidents and payouts were presumably fewer, that premiums would temporarily have gone down or at least stabilised. That we are seeing the opposite seems to mean that insurers have not seen fit to pass some of their higher profits on to their customers. Or could it be that we are now seeing a delayed higher rebound in premiums after two years of Covid-related stability? The only certainty is that we are not going to get clear explanations from insurance companies and their representatives.

Big swing, that. Like between caviar and baked beans …

I think I might have caught a glimpse of a Polestar, possibly a 2, on the motorway in CH recently, but I've never seen one close up. While seeming rather expensive and perhaps a bit big for my personal taste and needs, they are undoubtedly worth a closer look from a design and performance point of view From pictures I find it difficult to tell if the Scandinavian minimalism of the cabin might not be a bit too spartan for my taste. Interestingly, the association with Volvo should mean that the service network will be adequate from the start, and this is a big plus. Regrettably (though I won't make a drama out of it) I am largely prevented from owning an EV because I live in a building listed as being of historical interest, which means that recharging points cannot be placed anywhere on the outer perimeter or even within view of it. I could probably get around this restriction one way or another but, tbh, I don't really want to. As regards public charging points, Italy is lagging way behind other countries in numbers, and the situation in semi-rural areas and many small towns in particular is unlikely to improve anytime soon.

Although I’ve driven a few Volvos as rentals over the years, I’ve never been a prospective buyer of one. This is mainly because I developed an irrational - and completely unfair - dislike for the marque during the two years I spent working in Scandinavia in the 80s. They were by far the most common “quality” cars throughout the region at the time (and still seem to be today, though less so). You would see them everywhere, often as different generations of the same models with, among them, quite a few ancient but well-kept specimens invariably with “sensible” owners at the wheel. The carefully cultivated - and entirely justified - house image was one of reliability, ruggedness and suitability for the harsh territory and climate. In short, they were solid, muscular and, despite being built by and for people with a Viking heritage, rather boring. Even the company’s CEO, who seemed to give TV interviews every other day, projected an appropriately Viking image in both his name and personal presence. He was called Pehr Gyllenhammar, meaning “Peter Golden Hammer”, which, if you were looking for a horned-helmet vibe, was as good as it gets.

Substitute “RC” for “IS” to exactly reflect my own current thinking.

Nice post, Vlad. It makes me look forward even more to trying the pair I ordered. There’s one thing I don’t quite understand though. Is it the reduced glare that makes things look clearer? I ask because logic tells me that improved clarity of vision should normally occur only with corrective prescription lenses, which neither you or I (hopefully) need.

Malc, I reckon you can already safely un-bate your breath since you won’t be getting much science from me. But, seeing it’s you, and on this one occasion only, I’ll make sure to give my windscreen a few extra wipes before I first try on the glasses.

Yes, I have been indecisive for several years precisely because of the amount of negative literature. And yet it has always been at the back of my mind that thousands of pleased users can’t all be wrong, and that highly reputable lens manufacturers such as Zeiss and Hoya, among others, are not in the business of selling rubbish.

In a cab to Zurich airport last evening I noticed the driver was wearing yellow-tinted classic Ray-Ban style night driving glasses. So, with this thread in mind, I asked him about them, and was told they were called SIGHTNIGHT (not the most imaginative of names, but apt), and are far and away the best of the many brands, including much costlier ones, he has used over the years. Interestingly, he said his personal assessment is mainly based on the ability of this type of glasses to satisfactorily reduce glare from mixed light sources in tunnels in wet conditions (which is a familiar enough problem for drivers in Switzerland and even more of one in countries whose own tunnels are badly maintained by comparison). Anyway, having concluded that the guy knew what he was talking about, I today placed an online order for a pair at €39.99. I should add that the manufacturer claims they can be worn over prescription glasses if needed (which I don’t), but I would be sceptical of this claim insofar as the latter surely come in so many shapes and sizes as to make fits potentially awkward. I’ll report in due course on whether or not they prove to have been a good buy.

I feel this thread should have put a smile on my face but it actually brought tears to my eyes.

Good idea in theory. I suspect that’s why the cats were frightened off a neighbour’s car and decided to frequent mine, but that’s still not a good enough reason to de-badge and thus demote my Lexus.

No, and nor can you exchange your gulls for the pigeons I forgot to mention.

Yes, in an automotive context I suppose cats are preferable to squirrels, though I’ve never had occasion to compare their pees from any olfactory or visual standpoint. At least cats don’t hoard acorns and nuts or, as far I know, gnaw through wires and cables. But you have to admit that squirrels, on the whole, are more cuddly than some cats. Amazing that the dealer fixed the heater matrix under warranty.

I think you underestimate the likely skill and perseverance of cats in getting around, under, or over any electric fence of less than Guantanamo size and quality.

I am more concerned about the prospect of kittens being hidden inside the engine compartment with consequences that don’t bear thinking about.

I would normally consider any cats who choose a Lexus to be highly discerning creatures wholly deserving of my affection, but the ones in question treat my car like a squat and have therefore incurred my wrath. The eviction notice I have served on them is further justified, I feel, by the fact that I have neighbours whose cars would offer the local feline population equally comfy accommodation.

That’s highly creative thinking, David, but I think the RSPCA (if it still exists) might object.

Alex, aren’t potent citrus scents going to eat into my nice paintwork? If so, I prefer the cats.

I’m going to research the acoustic device further, but I have to confess that I was somewhat freaked out by Donk’s post.

Tried that too, Peter. Momentarily effective, but creates wipe-and-dry work as result of splatters.

Tried that. Two coats best carnauba. Doesn’t work.

I’ve recently had a cat - or, more likely, several cats - leaving paw-prints after walking on my bonnet, and leaving hair after taking naps between it and my windscreen. I had the same problem a few years ago, and resorted to the use of a so-called “cat-deterrent” spray (whose name I don’t recall), albeit with mixed results. In fact, I came to the conclusion that some cats might even have developed a liking for the stuff. Any advice would be much appreciated, e.g. have there been any recent advances in cat-deterrence technology, etc., etc.?

Usually not, but in this case, given the time, the place, and the product, yes I did.

Anthony, imagining what designers twenty or more years ago would do today is perhaps a bit of a stretch but perfectly fair on your part. Not sure that pointing to modified BMWs and Audis as sources of inspiration is worthy of a Lexus, but that’s personal bias on my part. On the other hand, further confusing people who already think the SC430 might be a new model by now painting the grille sounds like a highly satisfying plan to me!