Long term cars are part and parcel of life at CAR. The idea behind this exercise is to simulate the ownership experience over the course of one year.

We measure all the basic data that future owners care to know about; real world fuel consumption figures, tyre wear, servicing costs, etc. And when the time comes to service our respective vehicles, we try to book them without any hint to the dealership that they are part of CAR's long term fleet.

In the past I have driven some cars that I would not necessarily have opted for personally. There was the Renault Modus 1,4, that was more suited to a young mom, than a young bachelor - enough said.

A Seat Ibiza Cupra 1,8T followed the Frenchie. The Spaniard was more in keeping with my tastes - 132 kW, 17-inch alloys and two doors are just ingredients that light my fire. As much as I enjoyed most aspects of the Seat, like the strong power delivery, it was never a car that I loved in the same way that I did my very own Golf 2 CSX. It's harsh ride and Seat's less than sterling service here in Cape Town left me cold. And, of course, we all know how the Seat saga ended...

From one two-door hatch to another I went from a Spaniard to an Italian. A Fiat 500 Sport was lined up as my next 20 000 km companion. The Bambino is less than manly, and as a result the good-natured ribbing about my "effeminate" ride lasted throughout the 500's tenure.

The little red car made way for another red car only this one has a far more butch nature. Earlier this year, as I wound up the mileage on the 500, I was informed by the Ed that I would be in charge of a Mini Cooper S hatchback for a long term test.

Only later did I find out that it was going to be a John Cooper Works (JCW) variant, which set my pulse racing. I've experienced all the Mini variants over the last few years, and believe me they are all a hoot to drive, but the JCW models are just that much more so.

Communication between Mini representatives and me revealed that I could add a few items to personalise the car that I would be using for most of 2010. I went with several carbon fibre styling bits including the hood scoop, mirror caps, rear bumper detailing, handbrake lever and gearknob. On the comfort side a pair of Recaro bucket seats (made especially for John Cooper Works) has been installed for the front occupants. "My" car was also fitted with an armrest between the front seats. I purposely chose NOT to have the 18-inch alloys as I felt that, as the ride borders on stiff as it is, larger diameter rims on lower profile rubber may just make the JCW difficult to live with.

I was called shortly after the car's arrival in Cape Town at BMW's local media garage and I can honestly say that I have never been more excited about a long term car. This has been my most anticipated long term car to date as I feel it is the kind of car that I would actually own - 155 kW of turbocharged power, race-inspired seats and a well sorted suspension are just what I lust after.

Unfortunately the car was only delivered with 510 km on the odo, which means that 2 000 km of running-in is now partly my job. And let me tell you, having 155 kW and 260 N.m underfoot with a self-imposed 4 500 r/min limiter is a real test of one's self control.

All my ride needs now is a good nickname. Feel free to post your answers below.

Original article from Car