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April 2025 | Phonebox Magazine 49Phonebox Motoring with Tom JohnstonQUICK BURSTS:Paws for thought on EVsDogs really do feel more relaxed when travelling in electric cars, a new study has found. The research, carried out by vet and dog expert Dr Scott Miller, found canines are 'more relaxed' when travelling in an electric vehicle (EV) compared with fuel-powered cars. The research involved monitoring a dog%u2019s heart rate when travelling in three cars with diff erent fuel types %u2013 electric, diesel and petrol. Cocker Spaniel Mango was driven around a private track in three different %u0160koda models. Reaching speeds of up to 70 mph, Mango%u2019s behaviour was monitored during each drive and his pulse rate checked after each journey, with signifi cant results.Mango%u2019s resting heart rate of 80 beats per minute only rose to 100 BPM in the electric car. In contrast, his heart rate surged to 120 BPM and 125 BPM in the petrol and diesel cars, indicating higher stress levels. What%u2019s more, Mango appeared to be more relaxed in the Skoda Elroq EV, lying down and almost falling asleep during the drive. In the fuel-powered cars he appeared more distracted and less settled.Passing with fl ying coloursBlue takes the crown as the luckiest colour for the car you take your driving test in, according to a new survey. With 14.4% of UK drivers %u2013 one in six %u2013 passing their test in a blue car, it%u2019s the shade with the best hue. A learner in a blue car is 18 times more likely to pass than someone in an orange car (0.8%), fi nds the research, from insurance company Tempcover.Following closely behind is red with almost one in six passing their test. Despite its reputation as the most dangerous car colour, red proved lucky for 13.8% of UK drivers. White ranks third with one in seven (13.5%) passing their test, while black, grey and silver all follow. Orange is the unluckiest car colour, with fewer than one in 100 UK drivers passing their test in this bright shade. Yellow and green don%u2019t fare much better.Most learners use their instructor%u2019s car, with almost three-quarters (73%) of drivers passing their test, while a quarter (23.8%) passed in their own car or one borrowed from family or friends. A ROAD TRIPSIX TOP TOURERSBENTLEY CONTINENTAL VW GOLFRANGE ROVER MERCEDESE-CLASSVOLVO XC90 MAZDA MX-5Possibly the ultimate long distance tourer Solid, no-nonsense touring on a budgetBrilliant ride and loads of space Luxury feel to this quality saloonRugged, comfortable and safe Small two-seater that%u2019s big on character