THERE CAN ONLY BE 1
author: Patrick Vermaak
There can be only 1!
Lynx road Paarden Island did not bring images of a tropical island filled with beautiful ladies and exotic entertainment to mind but being the curious type we set off towards Cape Town on Wednesday 13 October 2004 to attend the launch of the attractive Series 1 BMW range. Lynx road lived up to expectations by being just another road in an industrial area, but the premises in question was the home of Die Burger newspaper and would prove to be a rather unique venue for the launch.
Without a single test drive having been completed a waiting list of some 150 Series 1 models must serve as a bold indication of the anticipation and guests enjoyed a nostalgic entrance to the venue via the original printing press and its modern replacement. Those with an addiction to TV programs would be familiar with the Early Edition series where tomorrows news arrived a day early. Actually receiving the BMW supplement intended for the Thursday motoring page made this concept a reality. Cannot help but wonder whether the chap in the white Chrysler Neon placed his order before the launch as he managed to lose an argument with the Armco barrier turning into Lynx road!
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....enter the BMW 120i
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Following the pace notes (arrows taped onto the floor) past the printing press the 263 guests were received with a pleasant cocktail (Butlers liquer, vodka and apple juice were some of the ingredients) before moving into what could only be described as an enormous paper warehouse. When printing of a single edition of Die Burger consumes enough paper to form an unbroken line from Cape Town to Beaufort West one can appreciate the magnitude of what happens at Lynx road between 20h00 and 04h00 every day of the week. Cannot think of a more effective publication in which to introduce a new vehicle in the Cape.
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Compact lay out
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Traffic guru, Zain Johnson of Radio KFM 94.5 fame introduced Forsdicks Tygervalley Manager, Nicholas Agrotis. Brief and to the point the formalities were followed by a young lady capable of some astonishing movements with a curtain. Balanced somewhere between artistic and crazy every calculated move was followed by spontaneous applause and relief once she finally reached “terra firma”. WP rugby hero, Schalk Burger, spent most of his evening signing autographs but as a proud owner of a 330i it was nice to see him support BMW with his presence. We will not discuss the rugby results ……………….
Then finally the three Series 1 vehicles burst into view. First impressions have a tendency to stick and the dimensions must have proven attractive to Cliff Blackman and his rally team. Looks are both sporty and practical and then it weighs in as a lightweight as well being the only rear wheel driven vehicle in its class. With the battery already fitted in the rear and the compact dimensions it simply has to see the Topcar BMW team back in 2005. Simply seating yourself behind the wheel is a pleasure, it simply feels right!
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Ready to rally!
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Run flat tyres (expensive but effective) sees no spare wheel fitted to any of the Series 1 models and the traditional ignition key is replaced by a push button and the six speed transmission place more emphases on the sporty character. Currently available with only one engine variant, the 120i, the four cylinder engine will not disappoint with 110kW on tap and more to come in future models. If anything BMW will have to face the biggest threat as this could prove more popular than the X3.
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Doreen, Anette, Thorsten, Mandy and Sakkie
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Having had the pleasant experience of viewing the Series 1, evaluating those perceptions on the road promise not to disappoint either.
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