by Cathy Droz, Founder – HER Certified
Nissan Armada and Dublin, Ireland… Both Crowd Pleasers
Test driving cars is fun, don’t get me wrong. I feel very fortunate to have driven over 500 the last twelve years and reported on them to manufacturers and the media. However, it was my trip to the British Isles this fall that made me appreciate my “job” more than usual. I’m not sure if it was my red heels and book placed throughout the Guinness Storehouse that brought things to light or the fact I came home to the sight of a 2017 Nissan Armada in my driveway and knew how much I missed my “job.”
No trip to Dublin Ireland would be complete without a ½ day tour of the Guinness Storehouse, Gravity Bar and Gift Shop.
The Guinness Storehouse is a tribute to all things Guinness, and it includes six different floors of interactive displays and interesting exhibitions that show you nearly enough to set up your own brewery. There are also displays educating people about alcohol abuse and drinking and driving, and even though this may not sound all that impressive, it really is. There are films running and buttons to push and amazing lighting affects and a labyrinthine path that takes visitors ever closer to the bar at the very top, where each paid guest can finally claim a rich and smooth glass of the potion they’ve studied and drooled over all the way up.
The GRAVITY Bar
Yes, the highlight for most people is the free and perfectly poured pint of Guinness each person gets along with admission. You’ll get a nearly 360-degree view from the highest structure in this part of Dublin, and if the weather is decent you’ll be able to see for many miles in every direction. Once you present your coupon for your beer you have to be prepared to wait a couple minutes, since a proper pint of Guinness is always a two-or-more step process, with the glass first being filled up, and then finally being completely topped up after the foam has settled. Now I don’t drink beer but I sure had fun learning how to pour it and admire the dark color and smile of the faces of other visitors.
I’ve seen that smile in other situations and it was after a test drive of the 2017 Nissan Armada
Eight Reasons Why
1. The redesigned Armada Full-Size SUV in now built on the platform shared with the Infiniti QX80.
2. Seats up to 8 passenger and offers three trim levels SV, SL, and Platinum
3. Standard Features include LED low-beam headlights, LED daytime running lights, side steps and l8-inch alloy wheels
4. Seating is great: second-and third –row benches; second-row bucket seats or optional in the Platinum trim. My favorite option is the Moonroof and power liftgate
5. Standard 8-inch screen, navigation and Bose audio system, Bluetooth, heated front seats and dual zone a/c. Some of the options are very cool such as cooled front seats, power folding third row and rear-seat entertainment center with 7-inch screens
6. Back up camera comes standard
7. Platinum version has many bells and whistles and lane-departure warning is one I found very helpful
8. 14 mpg City – l9 mpg Highway
Weather a tour of the famous Guinness Storehouse/Brewery or a tour of the 2017 Nissan Armada the results were very much the same… smooth – hearty – satisfying – great view out the windows and perfection in manufacturing; not to mention a crowd pleaser.
The next time you are in Ireland, stop in to visit the Guinness Storehouse… next time you’re near a Nissan Dealership, stop in to test drive an Armada.
For more on the Nissan Armada go to NissanUSA.com.
Prices starting at: $44,400
Vehicle Tested: $62,340
Guinness Tour – Adult Tickets starting at $15.00 per person
