Make/Model: Audi TT 3.2 Quattro Coupe S-Tronic
Colour: Silver
New?: No, 5500km on clock
Engine: 3.2l V6
Power/Torque: 184kW @ 6300rpm, 320Nm @ 2500-3000rpm
Average Fuel Consumption: 9.4 l/100 km
Performance: 0-100km/h in 5.7 s, 250 km/h top speed.
Owned: August 2007 - July 2008

Notes: After being bored by the BMW's reliability, good looks, powerful engine and fantastic fuel consumption I decided to look around for something that will inspire an emotive driving experience once again. I almost purchased an S-Type Jaguar, but one day before accepting the deal I saw a new Audi TT Coupe driving past me and I immediately had the WOW reaction.

So I did some research and realised that the car actually has 4 seats - even though the rear seats are extremely small, they are good enough for my 3 year old daughter who really enjoys sitting in that small space. So I took one for a test drive and I was hooked. Problem was just that 3.2l TT's were on a 4 month waiting list. That, and that alone, caused me to accept an offer from a guy who had his for 3 months and only had 5500km on the clock. He really looked after his car as it was in mint condition - so I accepted the deal and drove off with this little demon.

Make/Model: Jaguar X-Type 2.2l Diesel
Colour: Winter Gold
New?: Yes
Engine: 2.2l Diesel, 4 cylinder, 4 valves/cylinder
Power/Torque: 114kW @ 3500rpm, 360Nm @ 1800rpm
Average Fuel Consumption: 6.0 l/100 km
Performance: 0-100km/h in 8.9 s, 220 km/h top speed.
Owned: August 2007 - current

Notes: This is not a replacement for my BMW 330d. In August 2006 when I sold my Alfa I also sold my Corsa (it was getting really old with > 130000km on the clock), and I purchased a new Chevrolet Spark LT as replacement for the aging Corsa. That car had a 1 litre engine, power steering, electric windows, ABS. With only 48.5 kW and 87.3 Nm torque, it crawled to 100 km/h in 13.9 seconds, and top speed was limited to 160 km/h. But it was brand new and a very nice little car, with a boot bigger than most other hatches. So when I sold the BMW I decided it was time to get a better second car. The problem is the car I replaced the BMW with is a sports car and does not really have big rear seats, so to take it on long journeys would be hard on my poor daughter. So I decided to get a nice second car, and the Jaguar fit the bill perfectly.

I have not driven it extensively, however I did drive enough to be able to form some solid opinions. It has an extremely comfortable suspension - when you drive it it feels like you are flying. It is really the most comfortable car I ever drove.

Make/Model: BMW 330d E90
Colour: Sparkling Graphite
New?: Yes
Engine: 3.0l 24v turbocharged longitudinal inline 6 diesel
Power/Torque: 160kW @ 4000rpm, 480Nm @ 1750-2750rpm
Average Fuel Consumption: 6.5 l/100 km
Performance: 0-100km/h in 6.9 s, 246 km/h top speed.
Owned: July 2006 - August 2007

Notes: I guess the extremely high fuel consumption of the GT got me a bit rattled, so I thought by purchasing a BMW 330 at R1000 per month less (got a better financial deal), and saving R1000 per month on fuel bills the BMW might just be the "better" deal even though the car itself was more expensive than the GT.

I originally wanted a 330i, but once I took a test drive in a 330d the apparent power difference was just too convincing. The 330i is fast, but not that you'd notice. The 330d with its huge 480Nm torque and turbocharged engine really kicks you in the back when you depress the fuel pedal.

Make/Model: Alfa Romeo GT 3.2l V6
Colour: Silver
New?: Yes
Engine: 3.2l 24v transverse V6 petrol direct injection
Power/Torque: 176kW @ 6200rpm, 300Nm @ 4800rpm
Average Fuel Consumption: 14 l/100 km
Performance: 0-100km/h in 6.7 s, 243 km/h top speed.
Owned: August 2005 - July 2006

Notes: Without a doubt the most beautiful car I ever owned. Alfa Romeo knows how to build beautiful, emotive cars. And the help of the Italian styling house Bertoni did not do any injustice either.

Revving a 3.2l V6 is just so much more exciting than a 2.0l turbo charged engine... The sound is like music to your ears. And the highly individualistic interior styling immediately had me fall for this car.

Make/Model: Opel Astra Turbo Coupe 2.0
Colour: Capri Yellow
New?: Yes
Engine: 2.0l 16v turbo petrol direct injection
Power/Torque: 147kW @ 5600rpm, 250Nm @ 2000rpm
Average Fuel Consumption: 9.87 l/100 km
Performance: 0-100km/h in 7.63 s, 245 km/h top speed.
Owned: December 2003 - August 2005

Notes: This was my first high performance car. And boy what a feeling it was when I drove it out of the dealer's showroom... I never drove any vehicle before with this kind of performance - it was 2.2 seconds faster than my 2.0 CSX!

I remember flooring the car in Pretoria on my way home - only to have my heart skip a couple of beats as the enormous power pushed me against the seat. I knew I was in love with this car....