Every year I look forward to the book put out by The Grand Tour (even though this is only the second year). The books and their predecessors (see page 225 of this book for a non-definition of the two words not to be mentioned) are always good for a laugh or three. Plus, you might even learn something. This year’s instalment, A-Z of the Car, is slightly heavier on the facts with less emphasis on the shows of the current season. This suited me as I still haven’t seen Season 2 because Australian internet is slower and jerkier than a manual Nissan Duke driven by a first-time learner. (Seriously, it takes a week of planning just to update my Xbox. Co-ordination to watch an episode involves moon phases, aeroplane tracking and most of my neighbourhood suffering an unfortunate blackout).

The premise of the book is simple – facts about cars, their brands and parts listed in an A-Z format. Handy. Easy. Don’t go thinking that this is a reference book though. For starters, there’s no index. Then there are the handy comments from JC, RH and JM. (James’ comments are helpfully truncated by Jeremy, ensuring this book weighs less than a sack of spuds). There are more than a few Nazi references as well as some snickering over the Wankel engine. (Now I know why schools refer to it simply as the rotary engine. Important stuff here). Some of the facts are likely to be quite true. Some sound very true and no doubt will impress your mates, especially if they are less cluey about cars than you (e.g. thinking the Mazda 3 is the most progressive car ever).

Me, I particularly enjoyed the entries about cars I like and giggled at the commentary on cars I dislike (e.g. Hyundai Ascent, Ssang Yong, SAAB). It’s also useful in getting an idea of who bought who and who’s gone bust. (In short, GM buys everything, goes bust and others scramble in a fire sale). In between the fun, you will actually learn a fact or two. Which could come in handy in getting rid of boring people at parties, impressing the opposite sex and attracting James May.

I would have loved to see some interruptions from the guys talking random stuff (and where is Hammond’s, ‘I HATE THE NISSAN JUKE’ essay?) but overall, this was a fun read whether you’re a car buff or just like alternative facts.

http://samstillreading.wordpress.com ( )