In this week’s automotive news you need to know: VWSA comes out guns blazing with new models for 2022, BMW’s design department appears to be overdoing the “creativity boosters”, bakkie special-edition season is well underway and Toyota brings customisation in-house, for the Corolla Cross, of all cars.

Volkswagen’s big reveal in 2022 – Big bang theory

It seems like the South African subsidiary of the German Giant has been shaken from its slumber by the rumble of new models from the East being rolled out of container ships docked at our nation’s ports (with Haval and Hyundai’s wares leading thecharge). Volkswagen’s awakening has predictably been followed by a comprehensive response that leaves nothing to chance; the Wolfsburg-based brand’s line-up of new modelsfor 2022 coversvirtually all the bases it needs to. It’s a tactical move to ward off threats, protect an existing customer base and attract new business going forward,but what if?

Read more: Volkswagen reveals its cars for 2022

What if recent successes of up-and-coming brands like Haval, which hasset the blueprint for other emerging (mostly Chinese)manufacturers to follow, is creatingmore than just a hindrance forVW? Other established brands will also be concerned by the SUV brand’s competitive pricing and strengtheningreputation.South Africans are brand-loyal and VW arguably has the most devoted following of all, but at what point will brand loyalty no longer rule buyingbehaviour? Asaffordability becomes all-important (and VW’s unlikely to be a frontrunner in that regard), thatmoment may happen sooner rather than later.

BMW Concept XM– The design debacle intensifies…

I’ve read that the practice of ingesting micro-dosages of hallucinogenic mushrooms (they’re all-natural and aren’t meant to be consumed recreationally or habitually – before someone gets the wrong idea) has been a popular – if taboo – method of unlocking original ideas in creative or artistic people for some time. Studies have shown it to work when a stale design concept, for example, needs invigoration, but perhaps the designers at BMW have got their micro-dosages a little wrong of late and, as a consequence, extended their minds way beyond the known universe to come up with new creations. I jest, of course.

Read more:BMW Concept XM Previews High-Performance Hybrid SUV

Long-standing fans of Chris Bangle-era BMW designs (from the Noughties), let alone those who loved the boxy brilliance of Claus Luthe’s creations (from the Eighties) – and everything in between –have abandoned this new age of BMW design. They’ve optedtocollect and cherisholder Bimmers and reminisceabout an erathat has long since passed;as if tolockthemselves in time capsules. I do feel for them as they’ve been fiercely loyal to the Bavarian brand, but I appreciate BMW’s eagerness to challengethe status quo under the leadership of the BMW Group’s designchief Adrian van Hooydonk and his new(ish) lieutenant, BMW Design headDomagoj Dukec. The Concept XM demonstrates that BMW’s future is bold, fearless and unsubtle. Youcan either jump aboard or get left behind– it’s up to you.

Isuzu X-Rider Limited Edition – If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em

South African manufacturers have well and truly embraced the “special edition”trend as they strive tirelessly to squeeze as much “bottom line” from ageing products as they can. The word “special” seems incongruous when applied to an 8-year-old model, even one that served its manufacturer well. We all know it’d be cheaper to buy a standard derivative and kit it out yourself (tomake it even more special).

Read more:Isuzu releases D-Max X-Rider LTD

Production of the new-generationD-Max will startsoon and, to Isuzu Motors SA’s credit, the Gqeberha-based firmhas spent considerable time and effort todevelopthe bakkie to be better suitedfor local conditions (as opposed to its Mazda BT-50 cousin, which is imported from Thailand). But perhaps, instead of cooking up yet anotherLimited Edition of old faithful,it should havetaken whatever market, design and manufacturing budget it could scroungeto maximisethe new bakkie’s prospects in acutthroat segment. Who knows, Isuzumighthave unlocked more profit than aspecial edition ever could.

Toyota Cross customisation – Custom, papi!

Theworld of automotive after-market customisation is one of extremes;it featuresproducts that have been enhanced with tasteful, high-quality adornments that add appreciable cosmetic value… and then you get products that have been plastered with cheap knock-offbits and pieces, many of which seembolted on haphazardly. The first follows a rather rigorous and thorough process of design, quality control, testing andproblem-solving by specialist companies. The latter merely looks incredibly tacky, probably devalues your car and encourages more companies to make even tackier parts. It’s a mess.

Read more:Toyota Corolla Cross Accessories Confirmed for SA

Toyota and other manufacturers arenow bringing aftermarket customisation in-house. On the one hand, well-chosen accessories do add to a model’s distinctiveness(dealers especially love it when buyers specify extras on their vehicle orders).On the other hand, I wish that manufacturers would rather ensure that their core products arequality propositions, as opposed todiluting what they can bring to the marketby relying on “the icing”to securebuyers’ signatures. I understand there is money to be made, but I’d prefer better cars rolling off the production line. Leavecustomisation tothe specialists, I say.