This issue of ROADSTER! is being kindly supported by Jaybee Motors, of Banbury.
Is your family thinking about a new car, or perhaps a cool used one? Jaybee Motors is the place to go!
Based just outside Banbury, Jaybee is not your average car dealership. They’ve been main Renault dealers for over 35 years, which means they really know their stuff and love helping local families roll into adventures with style!
But what makes them extra awesome?
● They sell new AND used cars, including super spacious ones perfect for family trips (or hauling school bags and football boots!)
● They’re now Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA)—so they can help you zoom off in something clean, green, and super cool!
● They have an after-sales service centre that actually cares—friendly faces, no confusing tech talk, and top-notch support
● Their team is all about being honest, fair, and fun to talk to—grown-ups love them, and they welcome families… kids (like Sam!) give them their thumbs up too!
Whether you're 8 or 80, Jaybee Motors treats everyone like part of the family.
So buckle up—your next big ROADSTER! adventure might start just five minutes from Banbury!
HelloEveryone!
And a special hello to everyone picking up Roadster!fortheveryfirsttime!
Thank you to everyone who has sent us things, and who have said nice things about our last issue. Test Track went down VERY well, so we’vemadeanother!
ThisissuehasbeenEPICtomake!Itallstarted back in May, when we went on an amazing familyholidayintheFrenchAlps.
I’ve seen mountains in Wales before, but never like this! We had a great time and we drove on some pretty special roads, which we tell you all aboutinthisissue.
ThosewhohavereadRoadster!forsometimemayknowthatmyDadandI have been nervous about being able to carry on. Lots of people want Roadster!tocontinue.Wehavebeenluckyenoughtoreceivesomereally generous help from our friends at Jaybee Motors in Banbury. Jaybee are greatfriendsofRoadster!WehaveboughttwofamilycarsfromthemandI lovegoingtoseethem.TheyalwaysletmeexplorethecarswithmyDad, andI’vesatinsomereallycoolAlpinesintheshowroom!
ROADSTER! is supported by our PATREON FOUNDER Subscribers:
Mark Deakin
George Thurman
Terry Cook
Rebekah Stennett
Talya Dosaj
Marny Moruzzi
Donna Haley
Duncan Brown
Vicky Folland
Peter Lavington
Nicola Lovell
Helen Eldridge
Alison Thorpe
Thank you! We are so grateful for your support!
STEERING COMMITTEE
Ben Lane
Charlotte McKenzie
Belinda Guy
Rowan Ridley
This issue would not have been possible were it not for the support of the following amazing people:
Olivia & Iris. The T. Family, with special props to Richie T! The Birch Family, Mark Jordan, John Dauphin and all the team at Jaybee Motors, Charlie Roper and the PR team at Dacia UK, Grace Webb, Simon Hooker, Ant Cross and the team at Scalextric4Schools, Triumph Visitors Experience, Andy Entwistle and the Team at Automotion Events, Julie Francis and the Cazoo Team, Richard Webb at Gamify Cards, Simon Alpine Cars (UK), Marny Moruzzi, Vicky & Evie Folland, Katharine Morgan and the media team at Goodwood Festival of Speed, James Allinson at Ferrari UK, Julie Scale and the Scale Models team, Lake Annecy Tourist Office, Kim Palmer & Bev Boswell.
NEWS!
Motoring News for Kids!
Pedal Power!
8-Year-Old Alyssa Smashes Goodwood Record for Charity!
On June 13th, eight-year-old Alyssa achieved a new pedal car lap record at the Goodwood Motor Circuit, completing the 3.8km (2.367 miles) inher…AustinJ40!
This remarkable feat was part of a fundraising effort for Mission Motorsport, a charity supporting veteransandtheirfamilies.
Alyssa's extensive training and support from individuals like the Duke of Richmond and Derek Bell paid off. Not only did she set a new record, beating the previous one by 10 minutes, but she also raised over £6500forthecharity.
WelldoneAlyssa!
Where do the Aston Martin F1 Team go to eat? Fer-nandos! (joke by Sam)
Hot Wheels x Ferrari: Dream Cars Are Back!
Getready,HotWheelsfans!
Aftermorethan10years,HotWheels and Ferrari are teaming up again to bringyousomeamazingnewcars!
Starting in Summer 2025, you'll be able to grab awesome 1:64 scale Ferrari die-cast cars. Imagine collecting cool models like the super-fast Ferrari F50 or the sleek LaFerrari for your tracks and displays. These will be around £8.99 each.
You'llalsofindnewFerraricarsinthe regular Hot Wheels packs, costing about£1.80-£2.40.
You can even pre-order a special collector's set with two unique cars: theFerrari312P(athrowbacktothe very first Hot Wheels Ferrari from way back in 1970!) and the awesome 499P Modificata. This special set is about£118.00.
Art and Racing: A Winning Team!
Have you ever thought about what racing cars and art have in common? A new project called Art in Racing (AIR) is bringing them togetherinanawesomeway!
Disrupt Space, a group that helps Black artists, has started a partnership with two talented young racing drivers (and friends of ROADSTER’S), Lewis Appiagyei and Ruben Stanislaus. Both Lewis and RubenareBlackandwanttomakeit big in the racing world, where there haven't been many people like them before.
A visual artist named Elicia McKenzie is joining the team. She'll becreatingartandtellingthestories of these drivers' journeys through exhibitionsandworkshopsforyoung people.
The goal of this project is to show kids from all backgrounds that they can succeed in anything they love—whether it's art or motorsport. By mixing art with racing, AIR hopes to inspire lots of new artists and racers and make these worlds more welcoming for everyone. Keep an eyeoutfortheiramazingwork!
ROADSTER CLUB!
Andfinally…
We are pleased to announce the launchofournewRoadster!Club! UltimateMembershipforfans! OurnewROADSTER!Clubprovides all of the issues plus a year of thrillingRoadster!Perks,including aspecialgoodieboxwiththethird issue! ! Available for 50 a year ANNUAL,or£5amonth: FullDetailsonourwebsite!
Alpine’s Awesome ALPENGLOW!
MeetAlpine’sAlpenglow… a futuristic hydrogen-powered concept car with a roaring740bhp“Hy6”engine!
First revealed in 2022, it's now a working prototype, built for performance and planet-friendliness. Instead of petrol, it burns hydrogen, releasing just warm air and water vapor.
Alpenglow is not just high-tech engineering either. Its sleek aerodynamic design is built for speed and sustainability.
Roadster! editor Sam met Alpenglow at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where its sleek design and clean tech wowed the crowds.
Couldcarslikethisbethefuture?
Write in and tell us what you think!
See our centre pages for an awesome A3 pull out poster!
These tiny electric cars race along special tracks with grooves that guide them. You control the speed with a handheld controller, and trust us — it’s a lot of fun!
You’ve got to master a perfect balance of speed and strategy to stay on track and beat your rivals. It’s easy to learn, but hard to master, making it perfect for kids who love a challenge!
Back in the 1960s, slot car racing was huge. Clubs popped up everywhere, and kids (and grown-ups!) raced for glory. Then video games took over, and slot cars went quiet for a while…
But they’re making a comeback!
Parents and grandparents are dusting off their old sets, and new digital tracks are make racing evenmore realistic. It’s old-school fun with a modern twist!
Fans from all over Europe came to race, explore, and geek out over slot cars. There were rare layouts, awesome competitions, and loads of chances to jump in and race! It was a really great couple of days and ROADSTER! HIGHLY recommends it!
Wanttogetstarted?
Slot car racing is back — and it’s more fun than ever! Whether you’re a total beginner or a future racing legend, there’s a slot car set for you!
Roadster! at the UK Slot Car Festival — Full Throttle Fun!
We were back at the UK Slot Car Festival at the British Motor Museum — and it was EPIC! Packed with Scalextric tracks, racing competitions, club displays, and loads of cool stuff to buy — it was slot car heaven!
OurStandWasWild!
For the second year running, Roadster! had its own stand — and we brought something totally bonkers: a gravity-defying AFX track from the 1990s! It hadn’t been used in 40 years, but with help from our friends at Ridley Didley Racing, we got it working again and even bought brand-new cars to race on it. It was fast, twisty, and totally awesome,and was very popular with slot car fans!.
NewTracks,OldCars
One of the coolest things about Scalextric slot cars? You can race older cars on newer tracks! That means there’s a whole second-hand world of racing treasures waiting to be discovered.
While we were at the Festival, we set ourselves a Top Gear-style challenge: Who could buy the best slot car for just £10? Sam or Dad?
- Sam picked a Ferrari F40 — sleek, speedy, and super stylish.
- Dad went for a Jaguar XJ220 — a supercar built just down the road from Roadster! HQ!
But who won? YOU decide. Have a look at our YouTube channel!
Welcome to Scalextric4Schools, a national competition where students design, build, and race their own cars! More than just a race, Scalextric4Schools is a hands-on challenge in creativity, engineering, and teamwork, using industry-standard tools likeCAD software and 3D printers!
The competition turns STEM learning into something you can compete against other schools with!
During the contest, students are judged not only on their fastest lap times but also on their:
● VideoPresentation: A video launching their car, explaining their design process.
● PitDisplay: A creative display area showcasing their team and car designs.
● CarManufacturing: The quality and innovation of the cars they build.
Scalextric4Schools is a fantastic way for students to discover how fun and powerful STEM can be, potentially sparking future careers in engineering, design, or motorsport.
And YOU can do it too! Interested in starting a team? Ask your teacher about Scalextric4Schools!
HOW ROADSTER! GOTINVOLVED!
Motivated by a desire to help other young enthusiasts, we teamed up with Drift Dynamics Racing (DDR), a group of Year 10 students from the Bishops’ Blue Coat High School in Chester who were ready to take their skills to the next level!
We provided the team with money, helping the team get awesome stuff like custom teamwear, paint, and materials for their presentation, giving them a huge boost in confidence!
For the competition’s "Le Mans" theme, Team DDR designed a car based on the iconic Ford GT40 - the underdog that took on the mighty Ferrari and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times!
Using professional CAD and CFD software, they've engineered a detailed model and prepared three versions of the car—one with a magnet for maximum grip, one without—to test different racing strategies and one sponsor car for ROADSTER! to show off with pride!
We couldn’t wait to see their amazing GT40 in action!
Team DDR: Driver and Technician, Clive; Team Principal and Designer, Aaron; and Social Media and Pit Crew specialists, Sam and Nathan.
Race Day!
Roadster! at the Scalextric4Schools Finals
When Roadster! rolled up to the Triumph Visitor Centre, the energy was already buzzing! Teams were tearing it up on two custom-built “Le Mans” tracks, racing their hand-built Scalextric cars like pros! It felt like a mini F1 Grand Prix — with teams zipping between the track and their pit zones, tweaking and tuning their cars to perfection!
PitZonePower
Behind the scenes, it wasn’t just about racing. Teams had set up amazing displays — posters, models, concept cars, and full-on presentations showing their journey from sketch to race day. It was creative chaos in the best possible way!
MeetingDriftDynamics
Roadster! finally met the school team we’d been sponsoring: Drift Dynamics Racing — and they were awesome! Their setup was slick, their team spirit was strong, and their car was getting a SERIOUS workout!
- Aaron was using gaffer tape for extra grip.
- Sam was cooling the motor with a handheld fan.
The vibe was intense but friendly. Teams were watching each other, learning, and racing hard. Teachers stepped back and let the kids run the show!
Judges were quietly watching everything — from team YouTube videos to pit displays. Roadster! even saw them sneaking into empty pit zones with clipboards, checking out every detail.
FinalsTime:DriftDynamicsGoesFullThrottle!
After lunch, it was go-time. Drift Dynamics was laser-focused, solving problems and chasing every millisecond. They dominated the leaderboard — until another team snatched the fastest lap! Did they give up? No way! They regrouped, locked in, and pulled off a flawless relay — each member racing with precision and speed. Their final lap? A jaw-dropping 2:13:0!
ChampionsCrowned!
As the day wrapped up, teams gathered by the stage. Judge Grace Webb gave a heartfelt speech, and then the awards… Fastest Lap: Drift Dynamics — 2:13:0
We were so proud to support them — their hard work, teamwork, and determination totally paid off.
We had a blast and felt like part of the action all day. We can’t wait to do it again next year — perhaps Sam can convince his new secondary school to build a team?
“CREW NOT CARGO” PROGRAM LAUNCH!
ROADSTER! is on a quest to show that kids are FAR more than just cargo in the back.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Empower Young Creators
Learn Through Doing
Build Skills & Confidence
Bridge Education & Industry
MISSION 001 BACKSEAT SURVIVAL
MISSION OVERVIEW
Long road trips can mean EPIC adventure - but they can also mean being stuck in the back seats for a LOOONGtime!Thismission aims to get you through thejourney.
MISSION OBJECTIVES
● BustBoredom
● SmartSnacking
● HyperHydration
● ClimateControl
● WiseWellness
● MissionBonus
We are launching young minds into active orbit on a mission that fuels hands-on exploration, discovery and innovation!
The ROADSTER! Crew forge skills, confidence and curiosity with every launch. Kids are vital crew on our mission!
MISSION BRIEFING - with Mission Specialist, Sam P.
Bust Boredom
Bring a puzzlebook, sketchpad, cards, and the latest Roadster! Music is the mood-control module every mission specialist needs!Loadupyourplaylist,chargeyourkit,andtunein.
Smart Snacking
Fuel. Focus. Function. A well-balanced ration plan is essential to sustain high-level backseat operations. I recommend a strategic mix of healthy, dried, and sweet treats. Nuts, seeds, cheese sticks, and stealth-water fruits keep you going. Tactical sweets (in very small doses!) provide bursts of energy, focus, and morale.
Hyper Hydration
Water powers your internal systems. Freeze half a water bottle, top it up, stay cool. Supplement it with a juice box or flavoured waterwithstrawforlong-lastingrefreshment.Sipsecurely.
Climate Control
Comfort = performance. Mission Specialists should carry a hoodie, blanket, neck pillow, sun shades, lip balm, and their favouriteplush(nojudgementhere!)forsystemstability.
Wise Wellness
Mission control’s medical team recommend that every crew member carries a core medi-pack of tissues, sanitizer, travel bands, sickness bags, meds. Add a first-aid kit for full crew support.
Water Blasting in Area Unstable buildings Regulatory
Inclement Weather Zone
Socks with Sandals Prohibited No Dad Dancing No access for Gulls or Wasps
07/25
All work MUST stop where sign displayed Excavation Area
Dive Bombing Gulls
Meet “Racecar Eddy”—our wild comic-strip hero, created and illustrated by 14-year-old Richie T! So far, Richie’s drawn 8 hilarious Eddy adventures for Roadster!, proving that young minds DRIVE this magazine! Got an idea? Drop us a line—we’d LOVE to feature your creation!
In case you missed the last instalment, Eddy did, of course, use the time machine.
And after inventing the wheel in the Stone Age, now finds himself in Ancient Rome!
Suddenly, to Eddy’s surprise, the gladiator stopped still.
Oh, thank you Mr. Gladiator.
It’s off to the colosseum for you…
Previously in Racecar Eddy, Peter created a time machine…
can I use it?
I’ll be off then… Halt!
...to do some chariot racing for the emperor. If you impress him he’ll free you. If not…
Ha ha. No. Absolutely not. No. No way. Ever. No.
Please don’t hurt me Mr. Gladiator!
Yikes, is that the emperor?
Hey, put me down. I’m Eddy from Roadster!
That’s what they all say!
car!
Uh oh.
An ancient race
Yikes. But WOW!
Ooh,
Hello! It’s me!
I’m getting the hang of this now.
This is just like F1!
Where is everyone else? Ah ha, behind me!
Woohoooooooooooooooo!
There was silence in the colosseum, with all eyes on the emperor. Finally, he smiled…
Slow down, horses! Where are the brakes in this thing?!
Faster, horses, faster, I need to win! Think again Road Boy!
Hello again! Or should I say goodbye! You can’t catch Racecar Eddy!
… and cheers rang out! Eddy!!
Uh oh! The emperor isn’t going to like that.
Where (or should I say when) am I off to now?!
I can’t wait to tell Peter about this! Find out in your next edition of Roadster!
ROADSTER!: What are your memories of makingGrace'samazingmachines?
GRACE:I'vegotsomanygoodmemories!The varietyofmachinesthatIgottotryout,drive, ride, fly. I think that's what I remember the mostisbeingabletotryoutlotsofdifferent things,someofwhichIloved,
ROADSTER! Which machine from amazing machines do you remember the most and why?
ROADSTER! What was the trickiest machine to rideordrive?
GRACE: I think the one that I remember the most was the wing walking plane probably becauseitwasanoverloadofsenses-Icould feelthewindonme!Ittookyourbreathaway! The view from standing on the the wings of the plane was just… incredible! It is something that is ingrained in my brain forever.
ROADSTER! Was there a machine that totallysurprisedyou?
GRACE: The one that surprised me was a machine called a “Sea Breacher”, which basically looks like a metallic shark that you sat within. There were so many controls in termsofthethingsyoucouldpush,pull,and rotate. There was joysticks that you had to move in all directions that had buttons on them.SoIthinkthat'stheonethatsurprised methemostintermsofwhatIhadtodoto makeitmove!
GRACE: The trickiest one I would say, was one called an E-Wake, which is like an electric surfboard! Youhadaremotecontrolinyourhand which meant it powered the board - you didn't needtowaitforawavelikearegularsurferwould do!Soyouhadtohavealotoffinessewithboth your hands and your feet to to balance it and controlthespeed.
ROADSTER! What do you think the legacy of Grace’sAmazingMachinesis?
GRACE: The legacy of the show I've seen is through the reactions that when I get to meet youngerkidsthathavewatchedtheshowandthat athey'vethey'vebeenbraveenoughtotrysittingon machine that they haven't done before. Some kidshavepickedupthecouragetoputahelmeton wheretheywereabitnervoustobefore,ormaybe some children have said that they've developed theirvocabularyandtriedspeakingnewwordsand learnednewthingsfromit.
Ithinkthemainlegacyisisthatit'sit'saccessible to a lot of children and that they're gaining differentexperiencesintheirownwaythatIhope willlastforeverwiththem.
ROADSTER! Would like to thank the Year 10 students from the Bishops’ Blue Coat High School in Chester, for carrying out the interview with Grace on our behalf, and Grace for being such a willing interviewee!
Geoffrey Gearhart
Bard of the Road
ROADSTER! introduces Sir Geoffrey Gearhart, our very own time wandering Bard of the Road. Here he shares the true story of the first ever car…
Roadster’s Sam with a replica of the Benz Motorwagen. You can see the replica at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire.
Q1: A driver is approaching a zebra crossing.Pedestriansarewaitingto cross.Thedrivershould: (ONEansweronly)
A. Give way to the elderly and infirmonly
B. Slow down and prepare to stop
Q2: Whatdoesthissignmean?
A. Lowbridgeahead
B. Tunnelahead
C. Ancientmonumentahead
D. Trafficdangerspotahead
Questions from the UK Driving Theory Test!
It's just like the real thing!
C. Use their headlights to indicatetheycancross
D. Wave at them to cross the road
Q5: What is the maximum specified finefordrivingwithoutinsurance? (ONEansweronly)
A. £50
B. £500
C. £1000
D. £5000
Answers on Page 35!
(See the centre pages!)
Our Test Track! is your personal learning to drive tool kit! We've designed Test Track! to fit standard die-cast toy cars, so you can actually see how road markings and driving rules work.
Test Track! will help you figure out key driving rules before you are ready to hit the real road!
Every issue drops a new Test Track! section, like puzzle pieces to build an EPIC theory test course. Grab your favorite die-cast cars and learn some real driving skills!
Q3: What MUST you have to park in a disabledspace? (ONEansweronly)
A. ABlueBadge
B. Awheelchair
C. Anadvanceddrivercertificate
D. Anadaptedvehicle
Q4:Whatdoesthissigntellyou? (ONEansweronly)
A. Nocycling
B. Cyclerouteahead
C. Cycleparkingonly
D. Endofcycleroute?
We
Therearefour easy steps: Drawordesignyourdreamcar inanywayyoulike Writesomeawesomefactsall about your car. We want designer details and fabulous facts… what makes YOUR car the ultimate fantasy car - is it powered by marshmallows? Can it drive underwater or fly throughclouds?
Take a photo of your design and turn your drawing into a magical masterpiece with the help of AI! What would your car look like if it were real? (youmayneedaparenttohelp you - a full guide is available onourwebsite).
Send in your fantastic design bundle to our email address: roadster.magazine@gmail.com
ELIGIBILITY
The engine hums, the morning glows— Swapping screens for winding roads.
From island shores, through Chunnel dark, We chase the sun with the morning lark.
Past Reims, Dijon, and fields of vine, Where hilltops tilt and sunflowers shine. At Aires we stop for rest and open air, Breaking bread, moments shared.
The autoroutes sweep, fast, powerful streaks Bear us towards the distant peaks
Through tunnels carved, across viaducts wide, We gasp, we grin, as mountains glide.
Lake Annecy holds our spellbound gaze, Its shimmering waters, a golden haze. No screen can capture this alpine view, No app can taste the morning dew.
A brother points, a sister grins, A story stirs, a song begins.
We share the view, the jokes, the seat, On mountain roads in the summer heat.
We chase the clouds, the gentle breeze, Past silver falls and rows of trees. The road bends high through pastures green, Cowbells chime through a wildflower sheen
At Col du Marais, where silence flies, And eagles carve the cobalt skies.
Then Glières—untamed, a breathless rise, Where gravel speaks and history lies.
We pause for crêpes, for genepi ice cream, For cheese that melts into a dream.
For flea markets, and for a myrtle tart—
A feast of France, the beating heart.
These gifts the open road provides, A cure no doctor can prescribe.
Not apps or games, but hills we climb— Pure magic made in precious time.
So look up, kids! The world's outside!
A widescreen epic, stretching wide.
Then—just for those who truly see: "La vraie splendeur de la vie."
By ROADSTER! Dad
The Car…
Our family decided to have a holiday in the French Alps during May half-term, and after weighing up whether to travel by train, plane or road, we decided that travelling by road offered the best option.
When it came time to plan our big French road trip, Sam and I faced a surprisingly tricky question: What is the perfect car for a proper family adventure?
Most car shows and magazines focus on a very different kind of journey, with the "perfect" road trip car being some sleek, low-slung supercar with stiff suspension and lots of horsepower.
Our family's road trip car had to be different.
Our mission was to comfortably and efficiently travel the 720 miles from Roadster! HQ to our Alps campsite (and back), hauling our family of four, all our luggage, our gear, and several kilograms of French cheese on the return trip!
Our ideal car needed to be reliable and offer comfort for everyone — front and back. It had to provide ample storage for a week's worth of gear, plus extra space for snacks, books, chargers, and souvenirs. Fuel efficiency over long distances was crucial, as was good visibility and the capability to handle whatever Alpine passes we might encounter. This car wouldn't just be transport; it would be our rolling living room, games den, and nap zone for the week.
After much discussion and research, we made a surprising discovery: the perfect car for our road trip might already be sitting on the Roadster! HQ driveway — our 2020 Dacia Duster.
Unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, and built at Pitesti in Romania, the second-generation Dacia Duster is rugged, spacious (yet compact), and delivers comfort and quality at an affordable price. With a large, practical boot, plenty of cabin space, numerous storage pockets, and front and rear charging sockets, it was starting to look like a strong contender. Features like automatic headlights, keyless entry, a multi-view camera, blind-spot warnings, climate control, and air conditioning only added to its appeal.
The car’s 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine provides decent horsepower, plenty of torque, good fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions - perfect for the long journey to the French Alps.
Most of all, it was already ours, complete with a brand new MOT, a fresh set of tires, and an extended warranty. It was fully serviced, insured, and ready to go — meaning no rental costs, no uncertainty, and no stress.
We realised we didn't need a flashy badge or an Instagram-friendly adventure van to go the distance. We simply needed our Duster!
Our car was supplied by Jaybee Motors, who are also kindly sponsoring this issue of ROADSTER!
Jaybee, based in Banbury, is a family business that has been established for over 30 years, providing a personal and friendly service. Jaybee are main dealers for Renault, Dacia and Alpine.
Oxford Road, Bodicote, Banbury, UK, OX15 4AB
EPIC ROAD TRIP!
Our epic road trip to the campsite for our holiday would see us travel a huge 733 miles to reach our destination…
Leg1:
We actually kicked our journey off quickly after school… setting off from Banbury, down the M40 to Richie T’s house just inside the M25. We stayed at Richie T’s house overnight, ready for an early start the following morning…
Leg2:
A quick dash to the Kent coast, anti-clockwise around the M25, and down the M20 motorway to the Eurotunnel… we had a train to catch!
After a quick stop at the Eurotunnel services we drove right onto a train bound for France! Whizzing 35 minutes under the English Channel
Leg4:
Leg3:
The serious driving begins! We came off the train in Calais and we were straight onto the French Autoroute (and straight onto the right-hand side of the road!), as we zoomed along the A26, then the A5, and A31 to Dijon. The aim of this leg was to cover a large distance quickly before stopping for a bit of rest and recreation in Dijon.
We loved spotting brown landmark signs along the way, hinting at castles and history. For quick stops, we'd pull into handy Aires – French rest stops perfect for grabbing a snack and stretching our legs before hitting the road again.
After a day of great progress, we pulled into Dijon.
After a good night’s sleep we awoke in Dijon to a fantastic poolside French breakfast – yummy croissants, fresh juice and Sam discovered apple compote! Fully refreshed, we set off again for the easy three-hour final stretch of on the A39, then the stunning A40. The vineyards slowly turned into rolling hills, and soon, massive mountains filled the view – the majestic French Alps!
Finally, we arrived at our campsite, nestled close to the sparkling blue waters of Lake Annecy and surrounded those incredible mountains. What a journey!
ROADSTER’s epic road trip began… with a train journey! In order to get to France we had to travel from the UK across The English Channel. We drove our car onto a “Le Shuttle” train which took us through the Channel Tunnel, under the sea to France.TheChannelTunnelisn’t“justatunnel”-its amarvelofcivilengineering…
The Channel Tunnel, also known as the "Chunnel," is the longestunderseatunnelinthe world, stretching 31.35 miles (50.45km),with23.5miles(37.9 km)undertheEnglishChannel.
Eleven colossal Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) dug the tunnel bychewingthroughtherockwith rotating teeth, extracted the spoil,andinstalledtunnelliningas theywent.
The French engineers gave their machines women’s names: Brigitte, Europa, Catherine, Virginia, Pascaline and Séverine.
Thetunneldoesn’tjustgounderthesea—it goesthroughit.Engineerscarvedthrougha stable layer of chalk marl beneath the seabed,chosenforitsstrength.
The American Society of Civil Engineers named it one of the Seven Wonders oftheModernWorld.
(“it’s not bore-ing at all!”)
The Chunnel project set worldrecords fortunneling speed:75.5metresperday. 428 metres per week. 1,719 metres per month… More thanamileoftunnelboredin 30days!
Before the twin train tunnels were built, engineers dug a smaller service tunnel down themiddle. This “pilot bore” helped check the geology,removespoil,andprovidesaccess.
After British and French teams met beneath the seabed, a British engineerpassedaPaddingtonBear throughthewalltotheFrenchside — the first “passenger” to make the fulljourney!.
“Le Shuttle” trains carry cars, vans, and trucks through the tunnel in double-decker carriages. The trains can carry over 100 vehicles at once. By 2024, over 100 million vehicles and nearly 500 million peoplehadcrossedviaLeShuttle!
The ROADSTER! guide to… The Channel Tunnel!
Four Roads, One Dream: Roadster!
drives a Haute-Savoie Grand Slam
Over the course of one unforgettable family road trip, we tackled four of Haute-Savoie’s most iconic driving routes. Each road delivered a different flavour of the Alps—some serene, some wild, all deeply memorable.
Stage 1: A40 – The Gateway to the Alps
Nickname: L’Autoroute Blanche
Vibe: Fast, bold, dramatic!
BestFor: Access to the mountains with scenery that makes your jaw drop!
The Autoroute signs were telling us we were nearing our destination. We were on France’s so-called “White Motorway”, travelling along a stretch called “Autoroute des Titans”. We were about to discover why…
A lengthy tunnel cut through the Jura Mountains before emerging onto the dramatic Viaduc de Nantua - a sweeping 86 metre high motorway carrying viaduct, passing through mountainsides, and by sleeping villages and peaceful lakes. We knew we were somewhere special, with every curve feeling like the opening widescreen shot of a spy thriller. We stopped at the “Aire de Ceignes Cerdon”, just to catch our breath!
Highlights:
● The three lengthy tunnels with engine roaring!
● Emerging onto the Viaduc de Nantua - just WOW! So cinematic!
● The surreal moment when the Alps reveal themselves all at once
Stage 2: D909A – Annecy’s East Shore
Nickname: The Lakeside Drift
Vibe: Serene, shimmering, and a little bit sporty
BestFor: Coasting with the windows down and the water in arm’s reach
Our holiday destination. The D909A is the quieter side of Lake Annecy, the road wrapping the eastern edge of the lake like a grey ribbon. This is one of the most picturesque drives in Europe, and it’s not even trying. The road threads its way through postcard villages, with the lake by your side.The light here does something magical. Time slows. We drink in the views. No matter which way you look there is beauty. Look upparagliders catch the thermals. Our favourite place to enter the water was here, a small stretch of grass and layby near the village of Balmettes.
Highlights:
● “There’s the lake!”
● Lakeside pizza in Angon. A very romantic setting.
● Coasting downhill before taking in the lake’s beauty. in neutral, engine off, soaking up the silence
Stage 3: D12 – Faverges to Thônes
Nickname: The Cheese Trail Vibe: Rustic, restful, and steeped in tradition
BestFor: Meandering through meadows, cowbell soundtracks included
Starting in Faverges-Seythenex and winding north to Thônes, this road climbs gently through forested slopes and sleepy hamlets. The high point is Col du Marais at 843m, hairpin bends and broad alpine views. It’s not a flashy road, but is certainly dramatic in places!
Highlights:
● Beautiful towns with bakeries, balconies, and charm
● Waterfalls and dramatic woodland
● Watching the cyclists battle uphill
Stage 4: D55 – Route de Glières
Nickname: The Resistance Road
Vibe: Remote, rugged, and rebellious
BestFor: A drive with guts, grip, and respect for history
We were looking for one of those dramatic hairpin mountain roads that cling to the mountainside. We found one.
The D55 is not for the faint-hearted. Climbing to the Col des Glières at 1,440m, this route mixes 12 hairpin turns with steep climbs and unguarded drop-offs. It’s a fun, but slow drive!
The reward at the top is the Glières Pass. A vast, flat valley at an ear-popping altitude of 1400-1500 metres. A huge Alpine pasture with cows grazing, cow bells ringing, conifer trees, farms, chalets and gîtes.
The plateau was a site of fierce fighting during World War II, between the French resistance, and the German Army, and a vast monument would dominate the landscape were it not for the dramatic scenery of the surrounding mountains.
Highlights:
● The amazing 12 tight hairpin road.
● The beautiful landscape of the Glières Pass.
● The monument: solemn yet defiant
Sam’s Rear View Mirror
Sam reflects on his French Alps adventure…
Well, that was EPIC! It was a lot of fun and the scenery was absolutely amazing, with some of the best views I’ve ever seen. I’ve never seen mountains like that in real life! And the food! I LOVE French crepes!
The road trip was good. Although it was a long way, the car handled the trip without any problems (we broke down on holiday once before and I always worry it will happen again!).
The French roads were nice and smooth, but even amazing roads can’t make really long drives feel short. Breaking up the journey is a must—it keeps everyone sane and safe.
My only gripe with the Duster is that is became a bit of a uncomfortable after a while… My sister really needed more leg room, and we were short on cup holders, charging ports, and decent air flow in the back. If you’re going long-distance, the back seat need to work harder!
My favourite parts of the holiday…
● Crepes
● Ice cream
● Macarons!
● The campsite swimming pool!
● Swimming in the lake
● Feeling that mountain air on my face!
OPINION
A breath of French aire?
French motorways are SO much better than UK motorways!
During our epic family road trip through France, we clocked countless hours on the French autoroutes. But the moment we re-enteredtheUK,wehitamassive traffic jam—worse than driving all thewaythroughFrance!
It got us thinking: are we missing a trickwithBritishmotorways?
French Autoroutes: Smooth, Speedy,andStress-Free
The autoroutes we used in France were mostly toll roads. You grab a ticket at the entry barrier, pay when you exit (or switch sections), and voilà—you’re on roads that feel like a giant, perfectly ironed carpet. Smooth, quiet, and virtually jam-free.
Why? Because they’re expensive. Locals tend to stick to regular roads for daily travel, leaving the autoroutes largely to long-distance drivers and tourists. The result? No traffic, faster journeys (thanks to 80mph limits), and an almost peacefuldrivingexperience.
British Motorways: Free but Frustrating
Here in the UK, the road reality is quite different. It’s a smaller, more densely populated island than France, which means more traffic andmoretension.
Most motorways are free, making them accessible—but also heavily used. More vehicles mean more congestion, slower journeys (with 70mph limits, sometimes lower on “smart” motorways), and plenty of groans from the back seat: “Are we thereyet?”
Rest Stops: Aires vs Service Stations
French“Aires”areastandoutfeature. Spaced every 15–20 km (by law), they range from full service stations to peaceful green areas with loos and lush green picnic spots. Some service station serve up regional cuisine like fresh pastries and sit down meals (we called in at “Aire du Poulet de Bresse - a “gastro aire” celebrating Bresse chicken, served roastedwithfrites!).
British service stations are a world apart—fewer, busier, noisier, and often pricier. Fast food dominates, and the atmosphere can feel more franticthanrestful.It’smorepitstop thanproperbreak.
And then there’s the classic UK motorway moment: stuck in traffic, someone needs the loo... but the nearest services? Who knows. It couldbemilesaway!
TimeforaFrench-inspiredrethink? We think UK motorways could be improvedby:
● Prioritisingtravellerwell-being
● Building smaller, but more frequent,family-friendly“Aires”
● Exploring toll funded maintenance (where there are easyalternativeroadsforlocals) to improve journey times and easecongestion
There’srealvalueinroadsthatmake journeys more comfortable and enjoyable.It’sbetterforeveryone!
So, over to YOU. What do YOU think? IfyouwereaUKmotorwaydesignerwhatwouldYOUdo?
Share your opinions with roadster.magazine@gmail.com
Okay, so I'm 11, and my driving test is still six years away (2031!). The government has targets meaning most new cars will be electric by then, so my first car will probably be electric too!
Dad got a Dacia Spring loan car snd it got me thinking! I like Dacias (we've had two Dusters), and I like the Spring because:
● It's Electric! Good for the environment, which I care about.
● It’s Small & Practical: Perfect for college, family help, or adventures with friends.
● It’s Not Too Fast: That’s safer for a first car.
It's a "city car," made for short trips and tight parking, not long motorway journeys. It’s practical and cheap to run around locally.
Wow! I LOVE This Little Car!
Like Doctor Who’s TARDIS, it feels "bigger on the inside". It is really roomy with clever "YouClip" spots for phone holders and things. It has a good boot and secret hiding spots.
BACKSEAT DRIVER DACIA Spring
Spring has Sprung!
Sam ponders whether the new Dacia Spring could be a perfect starter car once he has passed his driving test…
Dad says it's super lightweight, making it a fun, "bouncy" ride. It's nippy for city driving and gets to 50 mph quickly, but struggles after that – which is good for my safety!
As it is light it doesn't need a massive battery. It goes about 140 miles on one charge, perfect for daily school runs or shopping. It charges fast, even from a regular plug! My sister could use it for her college commute 20 miles away, just charging nightly.
It has a tough, cool design and good safety features (though more expensive cars have a lot more).
Best of all, the Dacia Spring is one of the cheapest new electric cars in the UK! For a future new driver, that's a huge plus! It’s definitely on my list!
Disclaimer
I love the magazine and wanted to tell you about our crazy road trip. My family and I went all the way from Hertfordshire to the Isle of Lewis in Scotland for half-term. It's a super long drive, but worth it!
The minute we got there, our car broke down completely. It was a bit scary, being stuck on a remote island. But the AA and some amazing local companies like Hughsons Vehicle Services and Stornoway Vehicle Hire came to the rescue. They got us a new car and towed our old one away.
Later, for the trip home, Ullapool Recovery Services and Enterprise met us at the ferry with another car. They made sure we all got home safely and smoothly. It was an epic adventure, and I'm so thankful for all the people who helped us!
Thanks!
Matteo, Hertfordshire
P.S. Here is a picture of me on Lewis with my dog Enzo!
