In a way it's hop, skip and jump time. Amid all the depression we have a lot to be thankful for. This is especially so in my case; let's accentuate the positive and stop those negative vibes out there.
So it was last Sunday that my little white tail was riding high as I twitched the nose, shook the ears and decided that it was time for a good outing.
I was lucky that there was a car in the garage that I really wanted to drive and felt good about because of its greenish credentials as well as its great heritage.
These days, there is probably no car that gives such a delicate blend of style, pure driving ability and responsible consumption as the BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics sedan.
Despite having incredible mid-range torque and standing start acceleration (0-100kmh in eight seconds) and a top speed in excess of 225kmh, the car uses only 4.1 litres/100km and emits only 109g/km of CO2.
It's claimed to be the first premium executive car with emissions below 110g/km. Despite major advances in space, however, the car really falls into the "compact" executive bracket, which, to be fair, also includes the Audi A4, Lexus IS, Mercedes C-Class and Jaguar X-Type.
But none of these cars has the driving dynamics of the 3 Series. It's a superbly sharp drive with brilliant grip, accurate steering and just the right firmness in the suspension. After a week in the bone-crushing Fiat 500C, it was a reminder of what driving should be about.
The Efficient Dynamics concept has meant a lot of work to improve the drivetrain, lower the suspension, fit energy-saving tyres and make weight-saving and other aerodynamic improvements where possible.'
NOT SLOW IN COMING FORWARD
There is also the increasingly standard gear-shift indicator to help the driver make the most efficient use of the 1995cc, 120kW turbodiesel.
The car is very well-equipped but again, BMW isn't slow in coming forward with every opportunity to empty your wallet. The basic price of R364 000 was quickly increased by another R7000 for the test car by Bluetooth and a "sport steering wheel", among other extras.
But, on a mighty hot day, the BMW was cool, quiet and supremely comfortable as we powered up motorways and through country lanes. I like the way the car is built. It may not be the car for the enthusiast - we will leave that to Audi - but in terms of quality it couldn't be faulted.
So it was not surprising that, on the day after I gave the car back, I heard that BMW was seen as one of the world's top brands.
ASPIRATIONS
I have been critical of the corporate world's rush to embrace BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the executive car park, but there is no doubt that cars from the Bavarian Motor Works give a splendid resonance of having arrived. It's a pity their prices are still above the level to which many private purchasers can realistically aspire. - Irish Independent