Like it or not, our automotive world has moved in a distinct direction. Once everyone in Namibia (actually, southern Africa) had figured out how practical a modern SUV can be, there was no stopping its proliferation. Although the performance-SUV is nothing new, I recently tested this exciting newcomer from Alfa…
Twin-turbo
Tested: Audi A8 V8T
The understated confidence
Sometimes I wonder if car reviews are actually read and appreciated by the subject’s prospective buyer. Whereas I’m sure that small hatchback and family sedan shoppers do a substantial amount of homework before hitting the showrooms, do the punters of an Audi A8 long wheelbase do the same?
Tested: Mercedes-Benz ML400 4Matic
The gentle giant
It just happened again. Motoring journalists are not infallible and for the third time in my career I made a slightly huge mistake. The first one involved a hidden Honda CD player, my second blunder was mistaking a Jeep’s engine and this newest one follows that tradition with the Mercedes-Benz ML400 4Matic.
Tested: Renault Clio 4 Expression Turbo
The fresh omission
As of this morning, my computer informs me that I have tested 298 cars, not including multiples at launches. The list is made up of 34 manufacturers and includes everything from a full electric to twin-turbo V12’s. Until this morning, for reasons unknown, this list did not include a Renault Clio.
Tested: 2011 Mercedes-Benz G350 BlueTEC
The antique trophy
Prepare to meet the definition of the words legend, antique and expensive. I haven’t been so excited about a test car in months and it’s been equally long since I witnessed such diverse and lively reactions to a vehicle, in this case a Mercedes-Benz G350 BlueTEC.
Tested: 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE TDV8
The humungous love
I’m in love. Head over heels, butterfly-filled stomach, Vaseline border vision, smiling double-sigh, pulling petals off flowers while gazing into the sunset in love. Please believe me when I say that I tried to resist it, but eventually the Range Rover Vogue SE TDV8 got under my skin.
Tested: 2011 Jaguar XJ Portfolio TDV6
The frugal feline
Inspired by one of my favourite songs, Sting’s “Stolen Car” (Take me dancing), here follows a declaration of love to something that’s completely out of my league: the Jaguar XJ 3.0 TDV6 Portfolio. And just like Mr. Sting, I imagined the conduct of its rightful owner as I enjoyed my brief time with the big Jag.
Tested: 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i
Third time lucky
If an underwear model came up to you for the third time and offered to buy you a drink, would you refuse? I thought so. I have no idea what happened and even less interest in the consequences, but last week someone gave me a Z4 that I have tested before.
Tested: 2011 Jaguar XF S
The fancy feast
If I mention the word Jaguar do you also think of a spotted tiger and stodgy British cars? More senior readers might lean back, tug on their pipes and reminisce about Le Mans D-Types, sexy E-Types and Mark Twos but you’ll be hard-pressed to locate a fanatical S-Type or X-Type owner.
Tested: 2010 Range Rover Vogue SE TDV8
The big daddy
No time for chit-chat this week, I have a lot of stuff to work through with our latest test car, the Range Rover Vogue SE TDV8. If you think that name is quite long, you should cast your eyes upon the car itself. I can’t recall when last I drove a car that is, mostly, taller than me.