I feel like it was just a few months ago I was writing my column for the Nov/Dec 2005 edition, and here we are putting the final touches to the 2006 version.
Looking back on the last 12 months, the issue that has most affected motorists across the country is fuel. While at the time of writing prices have plateaued, the feeling is that the upward trend will continue. The other concern is how close we are to running out of oil and what we will do when it does finally run out. For the last 50 years, engineers and scientists the world over have come up with various cheap alternative fuel sources to run our cars. Some were laughable but many had real merit. Yet few have got past a prototype and none have ever appeared in any numbers on our roads. You’ve really got to wonder why that is. |
 |
NRMA recently held its Alternative Fuel Summit to look at ways of solving this situation and has vowed to keep ‘driving’ this initiative. But as motorists we can’t afford to be complacent either. We also need to make sure we keep putting the pressure on governments and car manufacturers to offer us some viable alternatives.
If fuel prices do remain stable and you’re looking for a touring route this Christmas, then think about the Grand Pacific Drive. It starts at the Royal National Park and continues all the way down the coast taking in the new Sea Cliff Bridge near Coalcliff. It’s a stunning drive with great views both on land and looking out to sea.
If you’re not into what’s new and trendy then it may surprise you that the old workhorse of the road, the ute, is now the car of the moment among the ‘in’ set. Rather like 4WDs in the last 10 years. In our test of four models and their variants, road test experts from across Australia’s motoring clubs put all hip notions aside and put them through their paces, no excuses allowed.
Finally, the team here at Open Road wish you all a happy and safe Christmas. And if you are driving any distance remember to take lots of regular breaks.
Needra D'Souza Editor in Chief
