Autozine November 2009 Digital

Autozine November 2009

You can never fault men's - and women's - love for cars. It's a love that has confounded behavioural scientists, who are hard pressed to trace the genesis of obsession with a four-wheeled collection of metal. In The Secret Life of Cars and What They Reveal About Us, researchers at University of East London write that motorists- men especially,- view cars as a part of who they are. "Men talk about their cars as if talking about themselves.... Women are more comfortable expressing their feelings directly and see the car as separate. That's why women give cars names." In Kenya, no other brand ropes in loyalty like BMW does. And yes, the men and women interviewed here see their Bimmers as an extension of who they are.

Our reporter Daudi Mugambi is just back from the Frankfurt Motorshow. He went, he saw, and, in his own words, "was conquered." The current and upcoming models of various cars on display was just amazing, even for a man who has attended the Johannesburg and London Motor Shows. But which cars would he like to see on Kenyan roads? He gives you his verdict.

On his list, we hope, are no models which will in future appear in the all-time motoring list of shame. Read about some of the most infamous cars in history. Rallying is slowly shedding off its exclusive sport reputation by reaching out to kawaida guys like you and me. The recently launched Rally Academy should be the first port of call for every budding Petter Solberg, Carl Tundo... or thrill seeker. We tell you how to go about it.

Enjoy!