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....

Make/Model: Opel Astra 2.0i CSX
Colour: Silver
New?: Yes
Engine: 2.0l petrol direct injection
Power/Torque: 92kW @ 5800rpm, 180Nm @ 4400rpm
Average Fuel Consumption: 11.7 l/100 km
Performance: 0-100km/h in 9.6 s, 201 km/h top speed.
Owned: September 2002 - December 2003

Notes: This was my first performance car, as I consider any car that does 0 - 100 km/h in under 10 seconds as a performance car. It was one of the best vehicles I ever owned - never giving me any kind of trouble whatsoever.

It had solid performance and enough features such as ABS, EBD, electric windows, airbags, power steering etc. to be a worthy upgrade from the Corsa. The only reason I ever sold it was my ever increasing desire for acceleration. I always wanted an Opel Astra Turbo Coupe, but never had the extra money for it. All I can say is I was never disappointed and it is still one of my all time favourites.

I am one of those people who regularly purchase new cars... I guess I just like the feel and smell of a brand new car, and to experience different styles and performances.

During the next couple of weeks I'll play catchup on all my previously owned vehicles. I will write short reviews based on my personal experiences and opinions - they will NOT be objective reviews as my intent is to include emotion.

Starting then with my very first car - the Opel Corsa 1.6i Sedan.