I am not the off-road "type". 
imp:
I know people who are. I also know people, who know people, who are die-hard off-roaders. They will do anything and use anything to get away from the rat-race; away from civilization; to experience the bush & dunes and nature in her un-spoilt variety. You will see them on their quad bikes, tents, caravans and 4x4s leaving the cities during the big holidays in search of Mother Nature in her purest form. :thumb:
I also know someone/s that own performance cars including a 335 & 135 but spend more time in their heavy duty 4x4 bundu-bashing in the beautiful Melkbos Strand to experience true exhilaration and fun than in their convertible sports cars.
I also admire my neighbours that religiously hook a trailer (most weekends) to their 4x4, and drive away into the sunset.
As I said before, I am not the off-road type.imp:
But my work & lifestyle have begun to demand that I do explore the unknown; camping under the stars and bath in the moonlight of meandering cold streams and hopefully return to the monotony of my daily life; invigorated and inspired.
I am definitely not the off road type. I remember when I was a boy, my friends and I used to climb up Table Mountain and sleep overnight in one of those hidden caves, way back in the 70's, and how great it felt, like we have been through an initiation of some sorts. But those days and memories have all gone. Oh how I sometimes miss the days of my youth!
South African roads can sometimes feel like one is permanently off-road. :cursin: The roads are just terrible, compared to the amazing roads in Germany, the birthplace of our fanatical roundel. But then again if one has travelled through Africa; Zambia or the Congo; then we should feel privileged at home. You have just no idea that roads can be so bad and that owning a 4x4 in the rest of Africa is not even a need or a want, it is an absolute necessity!
I also admire my friend who is the presenter of that adventurous programme “Voetspore†on SABC. He and his crew travels our Continent in their Jeep, filming human and nature stories and makes us want to get off our couches, into our 4x4's and follow suit.
So, I have been thinking for awhile that perhaps the time has come and dare to go off-road. But with what?
A. I like the Suzuki Jimny very much. A small 4x4 that is very capable on and off-road and recently took on the Namib desert with aplomb but is not very comfortable as a daily drive and ugly as hell. Yes, I want to occasionally go into the bush but with my creature comforts in place. A city boy for life!
B. I checked out the new Discovery 4 with its air suspension and felt this was it. :thumbsup: It had everything one could possibly want in an off-roader, yet also very at home in the suburbs. Easily taking 6 -8 rugby players and a dog and the cabin is simply the best in the business! And it is also part of the BMW family. :thumbsup: But eish, with all the power of the turbo diesel V6, it still remains a very heavy and thirsty beast. Everyone, I spoke to about the Discovery and Land Rover in general was concerned about its expensive parts and after care service which is confirmed by local motoring reviews.
C. The VW Toureg 3.0 TDI was another contender on my list. In fact a very serious contender. I saw pictures of it in Leisure Wheels driving through mud pools and rivers and I thought how exciting and romantic that would be. :excited:
Then a friend just happened to mention to me that I could wait another 3 months and the all-new 2011, X3 would be available for a test drive.
I decided, while I am at it, I may as well look at all the BMW X models, starting with the X1.
My colleagues have a black and white X1 with different engines and specs and from their feedback and my own testing I do like the X1 very much. The ride is still a bit hard for my liking but the X drive is great for those that venture on farm gravel roads occasionally.
The X5 & X6 were too large and expensive including the XM models for my specific purposes.
I requested a demo, new X3, SUV, Xdrive 20d, from Donford Stellenbosch, to test drive for a couple of hours, just before Christmas! :thumbsup:
I was immediately impressed with the second generation updated looks of the X3. It is fresh, funky and fun, from the sharp bonnet lines and curves on the sides to the very sexy rear. The car looks and feels bigger, like a baby X5. In silver or white the new X3 will be a sure stunner.
BMW EFFICIENT DYNAMICS
EXTERIOR
Big mirrors ensure you dont miss that blind spot :thumbsup: Together with park distance control, front and rear, and a visual display on the large navigation system, one would have no problem parking the X3 in tight spots.
INTERIOR
The vital stats are driver focussed and unfussed. Love the simplicity.
So is the rest of the cabin. Clinical and purposeful and gives a strong sense of security. I am not very happy with the cheap and plasticky feel of the cabyhole but there is ample storage in the cabin for those Powerades. But it is the steering that steals the limelight. Its called variable sports steering, which adjusts the steering ratio and steering force to suit the changing driving situation. This can be ordered together with the "Dynamic damper control" system. :thumbsup:
It was also easy to get in and out of the vehicle. My son and his cousin could easily climb in, despite a reasonable ground clearance of about 212mm , which is close to that of the the new X5.
All those wonderful gadgets. Some of them are available for the first time in an X model. The stop start function is intended to reduce fuel consumption and can be disabled at the start of a journey. Basically the car switches off when the car stops and starts up immediately when you take your foot off the brake pedal.
Comfort access. I dont like. I want the key attached to the rest of my keys.
Finally, I understand iDrive!!! And straight to my favourite radio station.
Check the hand brake. :thumbsup: Or leave it in auto mode and the car will engage and disengage the hand brake as and when required. You got to love this effortless technology.
Eight Speed, sports automatic transmission, Steptronic. Who needs to shift 8 times in one drive? Fortunately, this box thinks for you.
A 6.5 colour navigation display in 3 "D".
X Drive intelligent four-wheel drive system. I did some very steep climbs while testing the X3 and was amazed. In hill-assist mode the car effectively drives itself very slowly up or down hill without any wheel spin whatsoever or help from the driver. You literally can take your foot off the accellerator or brakes and let the electronics take over.
Nevada leather with brilliant stiching.
Not many choices in interior trim. Brushed/Satin silver will work well with black sports seats. The standard seats are too hard for long journeys and reminded me of my 120d standard seats. I ordered the sport seats with electric adjustments and memory retention. :clap:
The seating position provides all round visibility and does not feel "high" like in some SUV's. The bonnet turns sharply forward and down and from the drivers position provides clear visibility of vehicles or obstacles immediately infront.
Enough room in the back for some big lads.
Massive boot space. Rear seats can be folded down if you need to load in the kids bicycles or just want to take a nap after a long drive.
It is a diesel after all.
HANDLING & PERFORMANCE
Obviously, like all BMW's the handling and performance of the X3 is simply outstanding. :thumbsup:
Forget about your experience with the previous generation X3. The new version is comfortable and extremely competent on road. It handles like a car and begs to be taken off-road. Some of the worse tarred roads can be found off the R304 near Stellenbosch. The X3 dispatched these B-roads with ease. I also tested it with the special traction control enaged and I think it was overkill. The standard suspension without the electronics was more than capable when taking on the farm, gravel and sand roads and caused no change in the handling and stability of the X3.
I did a couple of sharp bends and turns on some decent roads and the steering felt precise and agile unaffected by the X3's curb weight. I can only imagine how fantastically this SUV will handle with the optional Dynamic Damper Control which comes with a comfort setting, sport mode and sport plus mode. Its going to be a blast! :excited:
I tested the X3 on good and bad roads and the final test was driving through the Koopmanskloof wine estate and up the mountain right to the top, where you have a 360 degree view of Gordon's Bay, Falsebay, Cape Town harbour and stunning views of Paarl and Stellenbosch wine region. A trip up this mountain will take you at least 1 hour and 30 minutes up and down while enjoying the beauty around you. There were some challenging angles and unfortunately I could not get in and out of the vehicle all the time to snap pix of the X3 being tilted to the drivers side.
It will always being argued that the BMW X vehicles are not true off-roaders. Well I am inclined to disagree. Fair enough, the X3 is not a hard core bundu-bashing vehicle since it is way to pretty for that. :thinker: But it possesses enough off-road and recreational abilities to take you where you want to go and safely back. It has enough power (135Kw) & torque (380Nm) for that caravan and trailer too. :thumbsup:
Starting point @ Koopmanskloof wine farm, where you can find original and genuine bushman paintings in the "Kloof". The X3 is ready and seamlessly fits into these rugged surroundings. The 19' wheels is more for sportyness on the X3. I prefer and ordered the standard V-Spoke style 225/60 R17 rims because I think the car will drive even better with fatter RFT rubber underfoot for various terrains.
What lies ahead. :thinker:
This is a truly, beautiful wine farm.
Steep declines and inclines. I was more nervous than my passengers but all it takes was activating that clever hill descent control (HDC) button and all bid well. :thumb:
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
The cross shows where we embarked on our climb.
GOING HOME
It was not easy to return the keys to Donford. :bawling:
I am very impressed with the new X3 and I am convinced this is going to be a seller.
OPTIONS ORDERED :thumbsup::thumbsup:
1. Alpine White 111
2. Nevada black leather interior
3. Exclusive package
4. Performance control
5. Servotronic steering
6. Anti dazzle mirrors, interior and exterior
7. Roller sunblind for rear side (my son insisted on this)
8. Extended connectivity for communication/bluetooth/USB
9. Dynamic damper control
10. Professional navigation system
11. Electric seat adjustment. This is a must on an SUV.
12. Sport seats, driver & passenger
13. Sports leather steering wheel (3 spoke)
14. Sun protection glazing
15. Variable sport steering
16. Panorama glass sliding sun roof
17. PDC front & rear
18. High beam assist
SUMMARY
Price with options: Approximately R560 000
Available: March 2011
I LIKE: :clap:
- Looks
- Space
- Suspension
- X Drive
- Comfort
- All the new James Bond gadgets
- Marvel of a 20d Engine
I DONT LIKE: :banghead:
- 19' Rims
- Comfort access
- Stop Start function
imp: I know people who are. I also know people, who know people, who are die-hard off-roaders. They will do anything and use anything to get away from the rat-race; away from civilization; to experience the bush & dunes and nature in her un-spoilt variety. You will see them on their quad bikes, tents, caravans and 4x4s leaving the cities during the big holidays in search of Mother Nature in her purest form. :thumb:
I also know someone/s that own performance cars including a 335 & 135
but spend more time in their heavy duty 4x4 bundu-bashing in the beautiful Melkbos Strand to experience true exhilaration and fun than in their convertible sports cars. I also admire my neighbours that religiously hook a trailer (most weekends) to their 4x4, and drive away into the sunset.
As I said before, I am not the off-road type.
imp: But my work & lifestyle have begun to demand that I do explore the unknown; camping under the stars and bath in the moonlight of meandering cold streams and hopefully return to the monotony of my daily life; invigorated and inspired.
I am definitely not the off road type. I remember when I was a boy, my friends and I used to climb up Table Mountain and sleep overnight in one of those hidden caves, way back in the 70's, and how great it felt, like we have been through an initiation of some sorts. But those days and memories have all gone. Oh how I sometimes miss the days of my youth!
South African roads can sometimes feel like one is permanently off-road. :cursin: The roads are just terrible, compared to the amazing roads in Germany, the birthplace of our fanatical roundel. But then again if one has travelled through Africa; Zambia or the Congo; then we should feel privileged at home. You have just no idea that roads can be so bad and that owning a 4x4 in the rest of Africa is not even a need or a want, it is an absolute necessity!
I also admire my friend who is the presenter of that adventurous programme “Voetspore†on SABC. He and his crew travels our Continent in their Jeep, filming human and nature stories and makes us want to get off our couches, into our 4x4's and follow suit.
So, I have been thinking for awhile that perhaps the time has come and dare to go off-road. But with what?
A. I like the Suzuki Jimny very much. A small 4x4 that is very capable on and off-road and recently took on the Namib desert with aplomb but is not very comfortable as a daily drive and ugly as hell. Yes, I want to occasionally go into the bush but with my creature comforts in place. A city boy for life!
B. I checked out the new Discovery 4 with its air suspension and felt this was it. :thumbsup: It had everything one could possibly want in an off-roader, yet also very at home in the suburbs. Easily taking 6 -8 rugby players and a dog and the cabin is simply the best in the business! And it is also part of the BMW family. :thumbsup: But eish, with all the power of the turbo diesel V6, it still remains a very heavy and thirsty beast. Everyone, I spoke to about the Discovery and Land Rover in general was concerned about its expensive parts and after care service which is confirmed by local motoring reviews.
C. The VW Toureg 3.0 TDI was another contender on my list. In fact a very serious contender. I saw pictures of it in Leisure Wheels driving through mud pools and rivers and I thought how exciting and romantic that would be. :excited:
Then a friend just happened to mention to me that I could wait another 3 months and the all-new 2011, X3 would be available for a test drive.
I decided, while I am at it, I may as well look at all the BMW X models, starting with the X1.
My colleagues have a black and white X1 with different engines and specs and from their feedback and my own testing I do like the X1 very much. The ride is still a bit hard for my liking but the X drive is great for those that venture on farm gravel roads occasionally.
The X5 & X6 were too large and expensive including the XM models for my specific purposes.
I requested a demo, new X3, SUV, Xdrive 20d, from Donford Stellenbosch, to test drive for a couple of hours, just before Christmas! :thumbsup:
I was immediately impressed with the second generation updated looks of the X3. It is fresh, funky and fun, from the sharp bonnet lines and curves on the sides to the very sexy rear. The car looks and feels bigger, like a baby X5. In silver or white the new X3 will be a sure stunner.
BMW EFFICIENT DYNAMICS
EXTERIOR
Big mirrors ensure you dont miss that blind spot :thumbsup: Together with park distance control, front and rear, and a visual display on the large navigation system, one would have no problem parking the X3 in tight spots.
INTERIOR
The vital stats are driver focussed and unfussed. Love the simplicity.
So is the rest of the cabin. Clinical and purposeful and gives a strong sense of security. I am not very happy with the cheap and plasticky feel of the cabyhole but there is ample storage in the cabin for those Powerades. But it is the steering that steals the limelight. Its called variable sports steering, which adjusts the steering ratio and steering force to suit the changing driving situation. This can be ordered together with the "Dynamic damper control" system. :thumbsup:
It was also easy to get in and out of the vehicle. My son and his cousin could easily climb in, despite a reasonable ground clearance of about 212mm , which is close to that of the the new X5.
All those wonderful gadgets. Some of them are available for the first time in an X model. The stop start function is intended to reduce fuel consumption and can be disabled at the start of a journey. Basically the car switches off when the car stops and starts up immediately when you take your foot off the brake pedal.
Comfort access. I dont like. I want the key attached to the rest of my keys.
Finally, I understand iDrive!!! And straight to my favourite radio station.
Check the hand brake. :thumbsup: Or leave it in auto mode and the car will engage and disengage the hand brake as and when required. You got to love this effortless technology.
Eight Speed, sports automatic transmission, Steptronic. Who needs to shift 8 times in one drive? Fortunately, this box thinks for you.
A 6.5 colour navigation display in 3 "D".
X Drive intelligent four-wheel drive system. I did some very steep climbs while testing the X3 and was amazed. In hill-assist mode the car effectively drives itself very slowly up or down hill without any wheel spin whatsoever or help from the driver. You literally can take your foot off the accellerator or brakes and let the electronics take over.
Nevada leather with brilliant stiching.
Not many choices in interior trim. Brushed/Satin silver will work well with black sports seats. The standard seats are too hard for long journeys and reminded me of my 120d standard seats. I ordered the sport seats with electric adjustments and memory retention. :clap:
The seating position provides all round visibility and does not feel "high" like in some SUV's. The bonnet turns sharply forward and down and from the drivers position provides clear visibility of vehicles or obstacles immediately infront.
Enough room in the back for some big lads.
Massive boot space. Rear seats can be folded down if you need to load in the kids bicycles or just want to take a nap after a long drive.
It is a diesel after all.
HANDLING & PERFORMANCE
Obviously, like all BMW's the handling and performance of the X3 is simply outstanding. :thumbsup:
Forget about your experience with the previous generation X3. The new version is comfortable and extremely competent on road. It handles like a car and begs to be taken off-road. Some of the worse tarred roads can be found off the R304 near Stellenbosch. The X3 dispatched these B-roads with ease. I also tested it with the special traction control enaged and I think it was overkill. The standard suspension without the electronics was more than capable when taking on the farm, gravel and sand roads and caused no change in the handling and stability of the X3.
I did a couple of sharp bends and turns on some decent roads and the steering felt precise and agile unaffected by the X3's curb weight. I can only imagine how fantastically this SUV will handle with the optional Dynamic Damper Control which comes with a comfort setting, sport mode and sport plus mode. Its going to be a blast! :excited:
I tested the X3 on good and bad roads and the final test was driving through the Koopmanskloof wine estate and up the mountain right to the top, where you have a 360 degree view of Gordon's Bay, Falsebay, Cape Town harbour and stunning views of Paarl and Stellenbosch wine region. A trip up this mountain will take you at least 1 hour and 30 minutes up and down while enjoying the beauty around you. There were some challenging angles and unfortunately I could not get in and out of the vehicle all the time to snap pix of the X3 being tilted to the drivers side.
It will always being argued that the BMW X vehicles are not true off-roaders. Well I am inclined to disagree. Fair enough, the X3 is not a hard core bundu-bashing vehicle since it is way to pretty for that. :thinker: But it possesses enough off-road and recreational abilities to take you where you want to go and safely back. It has enough power (135Kw) & torque (380Nm) for that caravan and trailer too. :thumbsup:
Starting point @ Koopmanskloof wine farm, where you can find original and genuine bushman paintings in the "Kloof". The X3 is ready and seamlessly fits into these rugged surroundings. The 19' wheels is more for sportyness on the X3. I prefer and ordered the standard V-Spoke style 225/60 R17 rims because I think the car will drive even better with fatter RFT rubber underfoot for various terrains.
What lies ahead. :thinker:
This is a truly, beautiful wine farm.
Steep declines and inclines. I was more nervous than my passengers but all it takes was activating that clever hill descent control (HDC) button and all bid well. :thumb:
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
The cross shows where we embarked on our climb.
GOING HOME
It was not easy to return the keys to Donford. :bawling:
I am very impressed with the new X3 and I am convinced this is going to be a seller.
OPTIONS ORDERED :thumbsup::thumbsup:
1. Alpine White 111
2. Nevada black leather interior
3. Exclusive package
4. Performance control
5. Servotronic steering
6. Anti dazzle mirrors, interior and exterior
7. Roller sunblind for rear side (my son insisted on this)
8. Extended connectivity for communication/bluetooth/USB
9. Dynamic damper control
10. Professional navigation system
11. Electric seat adjustment. This is a must on an SUV.
12. Sport seats, driver & passenger
13. Sports leather steering wheel (3 spoke)
14. Sun protection glazing
15. Variable sport steering
16. Panorama glass sliding sun roof
17. PDC front & rear
18. High beam assist
SUMMARY
Price with options: Approximately R560 000
Available: March 2011
I LIKE: :clap:
- Looks
- Space
- Suspension
- X Drive
- Comfort
- All the new James Bond gadgets
- Marvel of a 20d Engine
I DONT LIKE: :banghead:
- 19' Rims
- Comfort access
- Stop Start function
