UK Motoring Holidays: The Atlantic Highway
Thursday, 28 July 2011
Why holiday abroad when you can discover a spectacular driving experience in the south-west of England? The route along the stunning Atlantic Highway, a section of the A39 from Barnstaple in Devon to Fraddon in Cornwall, is guaranteed to impress all with its breathtaking coastal scenery. As the name suggests, the road follows the Atlantic Ocean's coastline and shares part of the route with the former Southern Railway express train, running from North Devon and North Cornwall (named the Atlantic Coast Express).
Cornish Delights
Whether you're staying in a small Cornish village for an extended period or passing through county for a few days on a family adventure, you're bound to be captivated by the natural wonders and famous attractions which surround the Atlantic Highway.
For a historical experience, King Arthur's Great Halls in Tintagel will take you back in time while those looking for the perfect holiday shot will be mesmerised by miles of picturesque rural countryside dotted with hamlets and quaint towns. Popular family beaches such as Croyde beach in North Devon, the Camel Estuary beaches near Padstow, and Perranporth beach in the middle of Cornwall are only a short drive away from each other.
However, road trips like these can leave holidaymakers seriously out of pocket with petrol prices rising at a staggering pace. Reliability is also key, as it is not ideal to break down in the middle of the Atlantic Highway at night (especially if you have two wailing children sitting in the back). So how does one choose the perfect road trip ride?
The Era Of The Hybrid
There has always been a 'petrol versus diesel' debate when it comes to cars. While diesel vehicles are often considered the more fuel efficient option for motorists, they can lack in acceleration and performance. Another alternative can be found in hybrid cars.
Hybrid vehicles run on both petrol and electricity, and as well as being fuel effective, they also emit up to 90 per cent less toxic emissions than the average petrol car. The gasoline engine is smaller in hybrids than normal cars, meaning that it produces less pollution and is therefore more environmentally-friendly.
Performance And New Technology
Unlike their diesel (or traditional petrol) counterparts, a smaller gasoline engine doesn't affect the hybrid's overall driving performance. While most cars need bigger engines to produce more power for a quicker acceleration, the hybrid's smaller and lighter parts mean they can perform on par with petrol-run vehicles and keep up with traffic on the road.
Hybrids also provide a better mileage because their engine is smaller and lighter than normal cars. Bigger engines tend to use extra energy to accelerate and drive up hills while the hybrid, with its compact engine, uses less power and energy overall. Who said bigger is better?
Due to advanced technology, the hybrid's battery pack does not need to be charged by an external source, it automatically gets recharged during braking. This makes hybrids more reliable than either conventional cars or electric vehicles.
The good news is hybrids drive like any traditional car; so there is no need to get used to your hybrid before heading towards the Atlantic Highway for a comfortable and smooth drive. While breezing through the stunning coastline and stopping off for some Cornish pasties on the way, rest assured that your hybrid car will perform more smoothly than any other conventional car on the road.
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