IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

While on holiday, I was sure I spotted a Rolls-royce Cullinan parked on the water’s edge, arguably the pinnacle of luxury and motoring status, and an exciting car for a young car fanatic to see. Upon closer inspection, I realised what I had actually seen was a blinged-up Citi Golf with big wheels which has not changed since its initial release in 1974. I was shocked at how I could even make this mistake as they are such contrasting vehicles, despite there being obvious similarities in the shape. Has car design and styling become dull and hung up on the past reusing safe styles?

Nowadays, there are numerous cars which to a regular person would be indistinguishable. We would expect a prestigious brand like Rolls to produce show-stopping vehicles drawing attention, flaunting its opulence and prestige. Yet, the Cullinan seems to fall short; its badge does not make up for its polarising looks.

This is where Elon Musk’s ridiculous design of the Tesla Cybertruck impresses and the simplistic yet stunning design makes me love it. It is so unlike anything else and shows how motor design can be revolutionary, not just evolutionary.

Although it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, you have to respect the radical design and how the mass publicity it received may impact design in the future. This could be the catalyst to change design monotony to design ingenuity.

ALEX BROEKMAN Stellenbosch

[It takes quite the petrolhead to own up to mistaking a Citi Golf for a Cullinan, Alex! I’m a big fan of the Cybertruck, too, only because it looks so peculiar – editor.]