This week Murphy and I were lucky enough to adventure around North Yorkshire in the new Vauxhall Crossland X. An SUV packed with style and driver assist features, which really did make this a dream to drive.
I'm not going to lie, I'm used to driving a tiny hatchback so I was a little nervous about getting behind the wheel. I didn't need to be, with a 180° panoramic rear view camera and front parking sensors I was able to park like a pro (for the first time ever!)
When travelling with a dog, for me, space and safety are paramount and the Crossland X ticks all of the right boxes. With up to 520 litres of flexible load space there was plenty of room for Murphy's crate and accessories in the back.
With the early nights drawing in, it was dark when we set off. Our destination; Beech Nut Shepherds Hut, located on a working farm just outside of York. With a little help from the fully integrated European SAT NAV system (OK, a LOT of help) we were able to find our destination. That's not to say I didn't take a few wrong turns along the way (even with the best technology in the world this is still me we're talking about.) One wrong turn took me down a very narrow dirt track heavily lined by trees, it didn't take me long to realise this was probably the direction to the wolves house and not my idyllic Shepherds hut at all. The only option was to reverse, in the pitch black I didn't fancy my chances but luckily for me the camera worked amazingly well, and myself, Murphy and (Thank God) the car all came out unscathed.
Staying on a fully working farm at this time of year there was understandably mud, and a lot of it (sorry Vauxhall) but the Crossland X handled it well and thankfully I have no stories of getting stuck to report!
Beech Nut Shepherds Hut is a wonderful place to relax, with the closest neighbours being a pair of donkeys it's a truly peaceful escape.
With a rustic shabby chic country feel the hut is decorated simply and elegantly and was surprisingly spacious with a double bed, day bed and dresser. Despite visiting at the end of October, the fire made the hut warm and cosy and there was freshly baked bread to wake up to in the morning, can you get any more perfect?
Whilst here, we took the Crossland X to Whitby. Navigating the winding country roads with comfort and ease. I found the car to be so smooth and responsive I was able to relax and really enjoy the drive.
The sun shone but that's not to say there wasn't still a chill in the air, so returning to the car it was great to be able to crank up the heated seat and steering wheel and warm up quickly.
It's safe to say I fell a little in love with this car and had the best time adventuring in it with Murphy by my side.
Thank you Vauxhall for the gifted rental, all opinions are my own.
