Well, our shootout between the BMW X5 diesel and the hybrid Lexus RX400h had me thinking while cruising through the distant and remote Free State. Was that Lexus really worthy of inching this car in that shootout?

I doubt if I would personally opt for the hybrid in a direct buy-off, but in the contest of that issue, the faster, cleaner Lexus has it taped. In reality I won't give up those BMW advantages of unmatched dynamics and a right up to date model. So I kept my eyes on the road, my hands upon the wheel...

When we got home the X5's next hurdle had arrived in the driveway — its X6 sister. Same colour, same engine.

The first surprise was how different the two actually are. There isn't a panel on them that's the same — the headlamps are different, the bumpers, all the glass (besides the windscreen, I think) and the rest are all totally incompatible.

But look at them apart and your mind tells you that they're the same. I mean why bother? Not quite sure how BMW's design department can go about designing a totally unique car when you will never notice the difference unless the cars are parked next to each other in the first place.

But then I suppose you know my feelings on BMW design...

That said, X6 is indeed far more muscular — it even makes the X5 seem a bit plain. But only when parked next to each other, as I said. Strange...

Under the skin, the X6 benefits from that stunning torque-biasing diff I would kill to have in my X5, but that's where it ends.

They've stolen the basic practicality of the X5 and made the rear cabin a cave for dwarves and children. And only two of them, mind you. So straight away, X6 is a bit of an old man's car, although I was quite surprised by the stir the Six caused everywhere I took it. I have a feeling that no matter what I say, it's going to be a success...

Back in our X5, life has been a pleasure. We enjoyed that wonderful trip into the country where the car mastered the open road and shocked the Land Rover mob down there with its agility over some soft 4x4 tracks.

We've had to plug a slow leak in the left rear since, but our biggest problem has been sourcing 50ppm diesel in Gauteng.

Not many people know it, but that substance has become nigh impossible to obtain on the Reef and that's because of a fuel industry backroom squabble.

So we have to search out and find that fuel to be sure to maintain our warranty, which is a bit of a low blow considering how well the roll out of 50ppm up here was publicised a few months back.

So once again, our driving enjoyment has been tarnished by something that has nothing to do with the car or the carmaker.