A convertible to be savoured
WIND IN MY HAIR: THE PERFECT SOUNDTRACK FOR CRUISING IN THE BMW420I ‘So many roads I’ve yet to travel; So many friends I haven’t met; So many new adventures just around the bend; Wind in my hair’ – Mandy Moore.
The lyrics to the song Wind in My Hair, by Mandy Moore, are an exact description of the new BMW 420i convertible with the M sport kit. My experience with the vehicle was exactly that – the feeling of wanting to escape to a whole new world.
Receiving the keys to the new BMW was a glorious moment, imaging all the places I’d drive and the perfect accompanying soundtrack for my convertible life.
At first glance, the price looks hefty – R983 566 – but when you consider the market in which it is competing, it seems affordable.
This isn’t a car for those looking to save cents. It’s a complete splurge fest but worth it. Let’s look at the reality. This convertible is a soft top, and the roof is quick to open and close.
This is a theory I tested, to the awe of the cars around me.
I pulled up to a red robot, pressed the button to open the top and by the time the signal was green, everything was open and fully locked with no mistakes or flying objects.
The child standing next to his mom on the pavement delightfully exclaimed: “It’s a transformer!”
Fine with me. I always admired the likes of Optimus Prime in the movie The Transformers.
I’m not going to get into the new-look grille too much because it’s an integral part of the edgy design and does give the car a little bit more aggression with a touch of style.
We must, after all, adapt to new things, and once you’ve looked past the revamp, this vehicle is a stunner.
No denying that a lot went into getting the design to be elegant, while still keeping to the old look of BMW. One thing’s for sure, if you own this, you will be the envy of males and females alike, for different reasons.
The car has a manual transmission, a 135kW, four-cylinder engine with an automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive, which I’m told is the general standard on BMW.
My gripe with rear-wheel drive is it can be slightly skittish on sharp corners, especially if you’re in the mood to push the accelerator. Do this only if you’re trained.
The point is, this is a car to be savoured at a healthy speed limit, curves are to be hugged and taken gently.
The soft leather interior lets you fit easily, no matter your size, with plenty of legroom – let’s not forget, the point isn’t to fit a lot of people in, it’s to go cruising in a convertible.
The car has various modes and easy-connection infotainment that allows you to change the colour of the sleek lights inside to suit your mood.
It is one of the best I’ve experienced so far, packed with information: a full car manual has been digitally loaded, making valuable information like tyre pressure, engine or service issues or navigation easy to find.
BMW has outdone itself with this onboard system.
The navigation system was so easy to enjoy, I found myself punching in long-distance places just to experience it.
Voice control is also key because texting and driving is dangerous, and it’s all there, once your mobile is connected via Blue tooth.
The usual standards are there – heated seats, steering wheel and climate control on both sides (which you will welcome if your passenger doesn’t agree with the temperature you set).
A new feature is adapting to the latest smartphones with c-type and wireless charging. Boot space isn’t to be touched on; convertibles aren’t meant for boot space. They are meant for glorious sunny days, cruising down the highway and forgetting your worries.
Why? Because this is defiantly a car that dreams are made of.
You’ll be the envy of males and females alike, for different reasons.