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The M-class 3-series BMW went by us like we were standing still--we could actually feel the air disturbed by the Bimmer’s passing. We were running about 150 kph (around 93 mph) and I could only guess his speed at someplace north of 225 kph. We were in the center lane of the A11 autoroute between Angers and Le Mans, France, enjoying a beautiful day as we headed toward Chartres and then on to Giverny. The Bimmer was by far the fastest runner we’d seen in several hundred kilometers on the A-11, the only other contenders being a few Peugeots, Audis, 5-series BMWs and a Porsche or two, all running in the 175 to 190 kph range.
Driving in France for 9 days was wonderful. The scenery was great, the roads fun, and the legal higher speeds on the autoroutes were a treat for us U.S. drivers accustomed to the comparatively slow speeds common here. The autoroute speed limits were 130 kph (about 80 MPH) and most people ran about 140, with 150 not uncommon. I’ve always felt the 130 to 150 kph range was a fine speed and it works well in France. But that’s largely due to the superb roads, that most drivers tend to drive fairly fast and that proper lane use is a fact of life. People generally stayed out of the left lane except to pass and the guys towing trailers, in underpowered cars, and in trucks stayed in the right lane. No one wove in and out, turn signals were used regularly, and it was a very pleasant driving experience. Even my wife, who is conscious of speed and quick to tell me to back down, was relaxed (and even snoozed) while we cruised at 150 to 160 kph. Because most of the traffic was running fast there was little sense of speed differential and it was relaxing to run at what would be dangerous speeds on a U.S. road. Plus the autoroutes are billiard table smooth and well marked. Way better than all but new interstates in the States.
Our car was nothing to get excited about--a Nissan Almera Tino minivan--but it was a surprisingly decent car. It had a 2.2 litre diesel and a 5-speed manual trans and had enough poke for the autoroute and passing power on smaller roads--similar to a NG900 non-turbo Saab with a manual trans or a LP turbo 9000 with a manual. And it was cheap to run. Going from Paris to where we stayed west of Angers we averaged 37 mpg despite running at 85 to 95 miles an hour with several stretches at over 100 mph. I imagine it would be quite economical at U.S. speeds. It handled reasonably well for what it was, had good steering feel and even decent seats. The AC was really not up to the job (it was hot there) but the Tino did OK for four people and their luggage for 9 days.
Didn’t spot a lot of Saabs. About 8 C900s, one 9000, one 9-3SS, six 9-3s. Most were in towns, although I was passed by a couple of 9-3s on the autoroute. Saw several Chrysler PT Cruisers, which looked really weird over there. They are about the right size, but just looked strange among the average modern Euro-car. Also spotted a dozen Chrysler minivans of various ages and models, all diesels. There was a Camaro convertible in Paris which looked ridiculous in Paris traffic. There were a few Jeep Grand Cherokees, too.
In some cities (Angers, Chartres, Druex and Vernon) it’s hard to imagine driving an SUV on the narrow streets. Even the Nissan felt too big in some spots. And what we think of in the US as medium size cars--Volvos and MBs for example--seemed a bit outsized in some places. All in all, it was a real treat.
And thanks to all who provided tips before the trip. It was all very helpful. And we found no incidence of American bashing, even in Paris.
Keep Saabin'!
Noel
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