Africa-Press – Cape verde. News24 Motoring editor Janine van der Post picks six vehicles launched or driven this year she would want in her garage this Christmas. They aren’t cars you’d expect the fairer sex to be driving, and frankly, the dads would love these cars too.
Mom-cars, mammy-vans; loathed words. I have always loved fast cars, and I’ve loved driving them just as quickly.
But motherhood really makes you pump the brakes on life in more ways than one, at least for a little while.
When I was pregnant with my daughter a few years ago, my mindset shifted, being responsible for another life, so we drive much slower – which actually works in my favour when testing an electric vehicle or hybrid car that thrives on economical driving to extend the range.
And with ever-climbing fuel prices, who wouldn’t love some extra mileage added to their distance-to-empty clock on the cluster.
However, as my sprog has become older, so has her interest in cars, and, naturally, a more profound love on my side for great vehicles.
Here’s the thing, though: I loathe those “cars for women” articles because, honestly, whoever decided we like mundane cars to begin with?
While a safer driver, I still find sporty and fast cars aspiring.
My dream cars change occasionally – and I also have them in segments in my fantasy garage.
Even if my dream car list features some electric vehicles, they are quick.
The acceleration and instantaneous power on tap in an EV are thrilling in its own right and could beat most internal combustion engine vehicles off the line at any time.
Here are just six vehicles launched or driven this year that I would want in my garage this Christmas.
They aren’t cars you’d expect the fairer sex to be driving, and frankly, the dads would love these cars, too.
Not only are they incredibly good looking, but their power figures are impressive – not to mention fuel consumption, okay, bar one or two.
1 Audi RS 6 Avant performance
Powered by a potent 4.0-litre V8 biturbo TFSI engine, the RS 6 Avant performance model mow punches out 463kW and 850Nm.
An increase in the turbo boost pressure from 2.4 to 2.6 bar means 22kW and 50Nm more than you’d find in the non-performance variants – although even those figures are delightful.
While you might not need this kind of sprint time on the school run, this car can take you from zero to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds.
Inside the car, the RS Package colour usually comes in grey or red, but now you can also opt for Mercato blue.
The styling is assertive, and even though it’s a wagon, its driving dynamics and performance could rip up the Autobahn.
But its power figures are not the only things I like about this vehicle.
2 Isuzu D-Max AT35
Let’s be honest here. Isuzu’s D-Max Artic Truck 35 is not meant for the road.
Those mega 35-inch tyres are just not made for highway driving. So why is it on this list? Because it’s freaking colossal, or at least those tyres and fat wheel archers make it feel that way.
Even trying to get into the bakkie is like climbing onboard a monster truck.
It’s terrible on the long road, absolutely awful, and don’t even try to overtake.
But it’s pretty fine to drive on the school run, and it has all the kids gawking at this cool truck while you’re prodding along.
I love how high you’re seated behind the wheel, also thanks to the 35″ BF Goodrich all-terrain rubbers wrapped around 17×10-inch AT black alloy wheels.
Most of all, not a single taxi driver dared to challenge the bakkie’s presence on the road, and if anything, they were giving me the right of way even when it wasn’t needed.
This bakkie is made for playing; it’s just a toy for plenty of big grins on the beaten track.
The second-generation AT35 3.0TD 4×4 is priced from R1 120 620.
It might look as fierce as Beyonce’s alter ego on stage, but its bark is worse than its bite.
3 Lexus LX
Launched earlier this year, the fourth-generation LX is probably the car on this list that’s not the most fuel-efficient.
But it’s colossal and just looks “gangster”. And despite its mammoth size, it’s still 200kg lighter than its predecessor.
By now, you might have noticed I love cars with loads of space and in the boot, too.
It comes with loads of comfort treats, niceties, and a mammoth boot.
The LX is a vehicle that has genuinely tickled my fancy this year.
Not just because of its sheer size but also because of the ridiculous level of luxury and comfort. And who wouldn’t love 1 100 litres of boot space? There’s even more than enough room to bring our dog along.
4 BMW M2
An M car? For a mom? I know you’re sitting up straight now.
You see, I am a mother of one child, so a two-door car is perfectly fine on the school run, and then having to commute 60km to town before your first meeting.
No, it doesn’t mean I will break any speed limits, but it will get me there faster than an electric vehicle or a large SUV I would rather want to drive fugally. Yes, those M sport seats with integrated head restraints in bucket seat style aren’t made for easy ingress and egress when you have to do drop-and-go’s and jump out for a “Have a nice day” hug on the school run.
There are five body colours to choose from, but the one to have is in M Zandvoort Blue paint.
There are also three trims or styles to choose from: Essence, Balance, and Signature – with the latter being the priciest of the bunch at R1 603 975.
The Signature model also comes standard with an M Racetrack package, an M Carbon roof and an M Driver’s Package, which increases the speed.
5 Mini John Cooper Works Clubman
Minis are still as popular as when they were launched decades ago, in 1959, and sold as the Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor. But I was never a big fan.
They’re great little cars, don’t get me wrong, but it was never my cup of tea.
The JCW versions, though, have always been extra special. But Mini’s John Cooper Works Clubman model changes everything and ticks many more boxes for me – especially with the double doors at the rear.
Gosh, it’s fun to drive with its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine kicking out 225kW and 450Nm.
Mini says this larger pocket rocket goes from zero to 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 250km/h. Mini also reckons its fuel consumption reading is 7.7-litres/100km, which is achievable if you’re driving conservatively.
But this is one car I didn’t want to stop driving, and its dynamics are so easy and delectable that it provokes you to keep your foot in the right corner, looking for the longer way home.
Priced from R862 144, it’s not cheap, but it sure is a big bucket of fun.
6 Hyundai Tucson N-Line
Like most of us, I could hardly afford any of these cars in real life, and even the Tucson N-Line, being the most affordable on this list, comes in at R815 900. But it’s also the most realistic car I would go for.
The Korean brands consistently win over hearts here in South Africa, and the proof is evident in the monthly sales figures.
People love Kia and Hyundai cars around here and with good reason.
Not only are Hyundai’s cars becoming better looking with each product, but those great engines and reliability factors are winning for them.
What’s even more surprising is just how terrific that 2.0-litre diesel engine is in the N-Line all-wheel drive model.
It is mated to an 8-speed auto transmission and has so much grunt.
It’s incredibly great to drive with 137kW and 416Nm between 2 000 and 2 750rpm. Hyundai reckons its top speed is rated at 206km/h.
But my favourite thing is its fuel consumption, and the Korean brands always hand out close-to real-world claims, which are often attainable.
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