Monday, 30 October 459 km: Cape Town to George
Although we at CAR always try to approach every road test and feature in a balanced and analytical manner, something always infiltrates our annual Performance Shootout to briefly suspend such an approach. In past years, the reasons have been myriad: the presence of a supercar such as a McLaren or Lamborghini, or ultra-luxurious models from the likes of Aston Martin and Bentley, or simply because, despite our determination to remain neutral, clear favourites emerge before so much as a door is unlocked or a wheel turned.
But there was something different afoot this year. As the roller door to the CAR garage rumbled roofwards and fluorescent lights fluttered into life, the spread before the CAR team was one that both confused and delighted. There may not be any exotics nestled among this year’s contestants, but the field was nonetheless one of the most intriguing we have had in years.
The pricing might span a yawning gap between the Mini
