Almost complete loss of power and a huge amount of white smoke in the mirrors gave me a scare - it was almost a relief to lift the bonnet and smell the coolant.

It happened as we were climbing the Alps and we managed to limp into the resort.

I'm hoping it's just a hose as it seems to be further back than the rad - but no idea what caused the loss of power - I assume some sort of limp mode - the only message on the dash was to do with coolant temperature.

I've called the RAC but it will be Monday before they can get someone out - not a huge problem, because I'm here for a week and don't need the car.