Why the SA-built BMW X3 will stoke your sense of patriotism
At the COTY testing days some (including myself) were surprised at how quiet the cabin is despite the diesel powertrain. Some thought they were in the petrol version. Vibrations and exterior intrusions are incredibly well suppressed.
The 2.0l turbocharged-diesel, four-cylinder unit outputs 145kW/400Nm, with a gutsy feel under hard acceleration, typical of torque-rich oil-burner motors from Bimmer.
The best part is that even if you drive with a leaden foot, average consumption lingers around the late 6l/100km mark.
Allow me to wrap-up this ode to the X3 with two gripes that were identified. Minor issues but they exist nonetheless. First, there seemed to be no way to fully deactivate the automatic stop-start system. I certainly could not find the right button. Second, the doors unlock automatically each time you engage the parking brake. The obvious downside to this was revealed in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
The X3 is an awesome example of what the local automotive manufacturing sector is capable of.
We need such reminders, particularly in uncertain times where global politics, government-related challenges and tough local economic conditions loom threateningly over the fate of the industry.
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