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There’s a smidgen too much padding in the driver’s seat and steering-wheel rim to make you feel instantly in touch with the road… It’s the front that will eventually let go first, and this, combined with steering that doesn’t feel quite as precise or reassuring as you’d like, can make it difficult to commit on the entry to a bend… in the dry there’s more grip than power. Not an oversteer hero then, unless it’s wet… the wheel control can get vague if you hit a bump mid-corner, unsettling the car disconcertingly. – evo

I point these out not to level criticism at the 1 series specifically but rather to highlight that each of these points to trends at BMW that I’m hoping will pass…

One of my earliest posts some 5 or so years ago pointed out how differently the same car (in that case a Ferrari) drove depending on which option box you happened to tick. In one case it was miserable, in the other what a Ferrari should be.

Here’s another example – keep in mind that these are just two of the dozen examples I’ve experienced or encountered in the last decade alone; always try every possible permutation before you buy…

Unfortunately the steel-sprung Cayenne simply can’t match the road. It’s not giving any confidence as the front end wallows and fails to feel like it’s keying into the corners. It copes badly with compressions too, feeling all at sea and frankly rather unpleasant. Cover the Porsche badge and try to imagine what a big, heavy SUV would feel like if driven quickly and you’ll get the idea. Fortunately it’s a major failing that’s easily rectified by spending an additional on air suspension with PDCC (Porcshe Dynamic Chassis Control), Porsche’s clever active anti-roll bar system. Now the Cayenne stays miraculously flat when you turn-in and inspires confidence instead of mild panic. Instead of having to be manhandled through corners it reacts cleanly and allows you to really feel and subtly exploit the 38:62 front:rear power split. It defies your expectations of what over two tons of 4×4 should be able to do and deserves its Porsche badge. It’s genuinely fun.—evo

I’m writing this as I make way over to Cobo hall – word has it the Malibu and the CX-9 were awarded.

CX9 I get – it’s surprisingly well executed, esp given it’s roots.

The Malibu we all saw coming, didn’t we? Especially as this award is voted on by the same journalists who have been heralding the Malibu as the best new car when it really isn’t all that new. Aren’t they all in essence defending their own decisions?

I’ll report back on what my personal best in show picks were…