Top 5 Best and Worst of JIMS
I’ve just got back from the brilliance that is a press day. It’s that magical time where press get a first look in on something before Joe public ruins it by turning up in huge crowds. Unfortunately, you the reader will be subject to those masses, however do not fear, Drive RSA is here to give you the low down on what to make straight for and what to avoid like herpes.
Best – Cream of the Crop
5. Mercedes-Benz – Oh how it pains me to do this. I can’t believe I’m putting Merc on this list. But then again I can’t deny how great their selection was either. Just edging out Ford for the 5th spot, Merc really have brought many new and exciting cars to the show. The best part? The new SLK actually looks like a car a man can buy.
4. 4×4 Demonstrations – We all know that 4×4’s can do some impressive stuff, but until you see cars more associated with Sandton Soccer moms hauling themselves effortlessly up a seemingly vertical climb you haven’t lived.
3. Honda’s Assimo – Yes, yes, all you Popular Mechanics fans are going to shout at me here. I know the Honda Assimo robot has been around for a while. But if you haven’t seen it, then make sure you check out one of the many Honda demonstrations over the course of the show. I mean come on, bipedal robots are just that freaking cool.
2. Jaguar – I’m really an old man at heart, harbouring secret dreams of retiring and buying a Jag. In all seriousness check them out as Jaguar really have brought their A game here. All their cars are top of the range supercharged monsters and brand spanking new. How could you resist? I know I couldn’t… In fact I think I may have fallen in love with the XK R-S.
1. Citroen – Who’d have thought it hey? A Frenchman on top. Well I was just blown away with them. Bringing not only
the continuously stunning DS3, but the DS3 Racing, DS4 and launching the DS5? Sheer brilliance.
Worst – What you’re really here for?
5. Drifters – Those damn drifters. They’re at every show, doing the same thing over and over again. I actually have nightmares about that stupid Speed and Sound Chev Lumina. If you’ve seen them before, avoid.
4. Unnecessary stands – Another staple for most motor shows, stands having not much to do with cars or trying to sell you rubbish aftermarket products are a plenty. Luckily they are all tucked into one corner, but set foot in there and expect to be bombarded with salesmen. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
3. Nissan – With the Juke, Leaf and GT-R and GT5 demo stations on show, Nissan should have had the recipe for a great showing. But with their stand’s blander than plain Wimpy chips and promo people looking bored out of their minds, hardly willing to give you the time of day, Nissan yet again fades into the background – getting the participation medal for trying and instantly forgotten about all at the same time. Must suck to be outdone by even Mazda.
2. Alfa Romeo – This really cuts me to the core. As an avid Alfa fan I was so disappointed. With manufacturers bringing everything plus the kitchen sink, throwing in their latest concept limited edition “wow” machines, it was soul destroying to see Alfa rock up with no more than you’d see on the showroom floor of any dealership. Less in fact, as I’ve seen plenty of limited editions in my local Alfa Romeo. No wonder Fiat ran to the other side of the hall…
1. Promo Guys and Girls – Shock and horror. How could anyone in their right mind put talking to a pretty girl about cars as the worst thing? Well it’s simple. These promo people, I’m talking the guys and girls here, know absolutely squat about cars. In fact they wish they knew squat. Even worse is everything they tell you sounds completely rehearsed, like talking to a call centre operator reading in their second language. It seriously bugs me as this is South Africa, home of the seriously good looking people. Here good looks are dime a dozen, so if I go to a motor show I want to look at cars and learn about them, not be droned at by a pretty blonde pretending she loves the Tata Indica.
So my final thought here is this. With so many car clubs around the country, made up entirely of people who are passionate about a brand, whether it is Ford or Alfa Romeo, get them in to chat to the punters. They’ll be doing something they love, come cheap as chips and be interesting.
Nick Hodgson