by Cathy Droz, Founder – HER Certified
Big Ben and Subaru BRZ
I love to travel. I am constantly hopping in a new model auto to report on it for the manufacturers. Yet when you’ve test driven 500 cars in twelve years, there are times when you just want to fly somewhere and have someone else chauffeur you around. Therefore, this August I took a working vacation to the British Isles. I was able to display my book in some pretty awesome places, and I was lucky enough to speak to the car club that was on the same Princess Cruise as my husband and me.
While spending four days in London I was struck by the many similarities one could make between the historical sights and the cars I get to test drive. Big Ben (or the “clock tower” as the residents call it) and the Subaru BRZ was my first factual observation They both remind me about time, and how quickly it flies by when in London or driving the BRZ.
Here are Eight Interesting Facts about Big Ben and the 2016 Subaru BRZ.
Big Ben… Top 8 things you may not know:
1. Big Ben is referred to as “the clock” or the “clock tower.”
2. It celebrated its 150th anniversary on May 31, 2009, during which many celebratory events took place.
3. The tower was completed in 1858 and has become one of the most prominent symbols of both London and England, often in the establishing shot of films set in the city.
4. The Clock Tower – which will be renamed the Elizabeth Tower in a tribute to Queen Elizabeth in her Diamond Jubilee year – was raised as a part of Charles Barry’s design for a new palace, after the old Palace of Westminster was largely destroyed by fire on the night of 16 October 1834.
5. The” On and Off” buses in London are the best way to see the sights and then choose where to go. The buses provide a great railing to rest your feet
6. The bottom 200 feet of the clock tower’s structure consists of brickwork with sand colored Anston limestone cladding.
7. Despite being one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, the interior of the tower is not open to overseas visitors, though United Kingdom residents are able to arrange tours through their Member of Parliament.
8. Due to changes in ground conditions since construction, the tower leans slightly to the north-west, by roughly 22 millimeters at the clock dials, giving an inclination of approximately 1/250.
Top 8 Reasons to Test Drive and Buy a 2016 Subaru BRZ:
1. Affordable Prices – Starting at $24,995
2. Automatic vs. Manual Transmission – You can choose between a 2016 Subaru BRZ with a manual or automatic transmission. All models have 151 pounds of torque and 200 horsepower. All models come with a 2.0L engine too
3. Fuel efficiency in cities and on the Highway- Three of the 2016 Subaru BRZ models get an average of 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city. The limited automatic, which comes with an automatic transmission instead of a manual transmission, gets more. This model gets up to 34 mpg on the highways and 25 mpg in the city.
4. Great Handling – The steering wheel and brakes respond well to even the slightest of movements, letting drivers handle curvy and winding roads easily. Anti-locking brakes add to that handling too.
5. Super Interior – The BRZ has an interior that appeals to both men and women. One of its best features is the location of its pedals, steering wheel, and gear shift. Drivers of different sizes, like me, can easily reach all the accessories they need while driving.
6. Safety Rating – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the BRZ high marks. It received an overall five-star rating and a five-star rating during rollovers and side crashes. The BRZ received a four-star rating for front crashes.
7. Running Lights and Headlights – I just love the adaptive headlight feature, as it automatically detects when the car is in a different position and adjusts the headlights to help the driver see.
8. Subaru Starlink -Subaru Starlink is a new infotainment system available exclusively in Subaru vehicles. This system integrates the information found on an individual’s smartphone with the infotainment system on the dashboard. Drivers can use Pandora to stream music, accept phone calls over Bluetooth and download other apps to make reservations, find restaurants and even shop.
Whether you choose to travel by car, ship, or plane, you will connect with one city, one car, one landmark or one outstanding feature. I was able to do that this August with Big Ben and the BRZ.
For more on the Subaru BRZ and all Subaru products go to subaru.com.
BRZ Prices starting at $24,500 – Car tested $28,485
Fuel Economy – 22 City 30 Highway
