TOP CARS of the moment

Accountancy SA, Dec 2007/Jan 2008

Audi R8

The good

Viciously quick, and sporting the same 4.2 V8 engine found in the RS 4, the recently-launched R8 epitomises what sports cars should be. Nestled behind the cockpit under a transparent glass cover, the engine produces 309kW and 430Nm of torque via its 6-speed manual gearbox (semi-automatic DSG also available). Audi says the R8 will sprint from 0 - 100km/h in 4.6 seconds, topping off at an unlimited 301 km/h. The car handles superbly too, as proven by a brief meeting I had with it up on the extremely twisty Cape Town mountain passes, thanks to a great suspension system, Quattro all-wheel-drive and a nimble build. Comfort has not been neglected inside the two-seater, as leather adorns most of the surfaces. The interior is Audi class with everything laid out where it is within easy reach. Audi has gone the "mature" route on the R8 interior; you see very little in the form of brushed aluminium, and the steering wheel is, well, round, unlike in the RS 4 or even the Golf GTI. The silver gearlever gate looks like it came straight from Lamborghini!

The bad

It costs R1.25 million in manual mode and R1.3 million for the semi-automatic. The waiting list stretches to 2009.

BMW M3

The good

Awesome performance (309kW, 400Nm, 0 -100 in 4.8 seconds), intimidating good looks and a surprisingly spacious interior make the M3 a bargain supercar. There's nothing cheap about it though; with a very high-quality interior and an exterior that includes a lightweight carbon-fibre roof to aid performance. You'd better know your story though if you want to take it to its limits, as it not only barks through those roaring four tailpipes, it bites too! M3 can be driven like a normal car though through everyday traffic and routines such as safety nets like Dynamic Stability Control or DSC, which helps in keeping the car on the road, should an extreme emergency occur. Of course the normal lists apply, as in standard items and options. You do however, get plenty for your R650 000. In fact, a few might say you get more than what you pay for at this level of performance.

The bad

Although it shares very little with its sedan and coupe siblings, M3 doesn't look distinctive enough from a 3 Series coupe dressed in M Sports kit. I guess this is deliberate as "form will always be driven by functional considerations" according to BMW. Interior also is not sporty enough.

Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI

The good

Looks really cracking, with or without the sharp AMG Sports kit. Unlike the previous generation C-Class, this one really is able to "beat the bends" as it were, thanks to a system called Advanced Active Agility Control. C-Class is also a class-leader in terms of spaciousness, while exhibiting the high levels of comfort people have come to expect of the Merc brand. The C220 CDI itself makes 125kW and 400Nm of torque, making it extremely drivable in any gear without the need for constant changedowns. It has a top speed of 229km/h. Mercedes-Benz AG in Germany chose the South African East London plant to produce this car for both domestic and some export markets. A host of features and options is available to suit most pockets and tastes. As safety is paramount to Mercedes-Benz, acronyms like ESP, ASR and ABS with EBD feature prominently, as do airbags. Trick with these though, is that you should never use them intentionally.

The bad

Leather does not come standard. At a base price of some R292 000 for the C200 K this seems a little stingy on Merc's part. Dashboard finish is unclassy and the many buttons tend to clutter the layout too much.

BMW X5 4.8i

The good

When BMW first launched the X5 internationally in September 1999, few thought it would be as successful as it was. After building over 600 000 units over its lifespan, BMW has introduced the new X5 to instant acclaim. Not drastically different in looks from its predecessor, BMW has opted for evolution, rather than revolution in designing the X5. Nevertheless, the car is substantially better than its predecessor, which was already a class-leader itself. More power, more space, uses relatively less fuel etc., the X5 now offers a seating configuration of 7 as an option, for those with little children. Powered by the familiar 4.8-litre V8 engine, the X5 4.8i makes a heady 261 kW and 475Nm. X5 handling is for this class of car, unparalleled, making quick mince of obstacles such as tight corners as well as steep hills. Solidly built, beautifully muscular inside and out without being imposing, and it is powerful, uncompromising and sleek. The X5 4.8i sets a new standard for big luxury SUVs. It just begs for everyday driving.

The bad

* The 4.8i is no longer the flagship engine. A new 4.8iS is coming next year with over 380kW of twin-turbo V8 power.

* Fuel station attendants will quickly know you by name.

HUMMER H3

The good

Despite all the hype, HUMMER H3 is really not for everyone. Gladly it does not pretend to be. H3 is the younger brother to the (in)famous H2, a vehicle made notorious first by the 1992 war in Iraq, "Desert Storm", then by governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and then "bling" rap music videos. In countries where money grows on trees, HUMMERs are cut up, stretched, made into bakkies, lowered, even painted pink. It is a vehicle that begs to be accessorised. Sizewise the H3 is 90% the size of the H2. Nevertheless there is a great deal of presence still in the H3, and to GM's delight, interest too. It is extremely capable off-road, meaning it's not just a pavement poser that runs out of ideas once the going gets rough. Under the bonnet of this SA-built big beast is a 3.7-litre engine good for 180kW and 328Nm. HUMMER is not purchased on the merits of its performance, rather it is bought as a bold statement by the buyer. Whether this statement is attached to anything else is a matter of opinion.