Share

These four cars offer true self-isolation

accreditation
1994 McLaren F1. Image: Netcarshow
1994 McLaren F1. Image: Netcarshow

As governments around the world implore citizens to avoid unnecessary contact with others in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus, we know petrolheads long to be out on the open road. 

But with social distancing being widely practiced by many people, the best thing to do if you're really aching to go for a drive is do it solo - but even that will be limited with President Cyril Ramaphosa's lockdown announcement on Monday eve (March 23). So with that in mind, we racked our brains to find cars that are centred around the driver or are only designed for the driver. 

The list is eclectic, from a rare supercar to a 1950s BMW, we've found four cars that offer true isolation, except when you get to a petrol station. Just make sure you don't get out of the car, and remember to sanitise major touchpoints. 

Renault Twizy 

First up, the Renault Twizy. It's an electric quadricycle that's offered in Europe in two outputs (4kW or 13kW), there's space for a passenger behind the driver. 

The Twizy has a top speed of either 45km/h or 80km/h depending on which model you choose, it was the top-selling plug-in electric vehicle in Europe in 2012. 

We can't think of a better vehicle for one to scoot to the grocery store or pharmacy in. 

a

Image: Netcarshow

McLaren F1 - The F1 has space for three, but let's be honest owners will go for a solo drive to scare themselves and listen to that sweet BMW-sourced V12 engine. 

The McLaren F1 is unique because the driver's seat is centrally positioned because designer Gordon Murray wanted the driver to feel special, like driving a Formula 1 car. 

The F1 has a top speed of 389km/h and has an engine bay is lined with gold to reflect heat. 

a

Image: Netcarshow


Ariel Nomad 

This creation right here is like a car designed by a 10-year-old kid, but what Ariel has built is special. The Nomad is powered by a 2.4-litre iVTEC engine from a Honda Accord and produces 175kW.

This road-legal buggy is able to go anywhere at speed and is "a masterpiece of craftsmanship". 

The driver sits in a safety cage and the Nomad has an outboard, long travel suspension, double unequal wishbones, high rotation metallastic bushes and an aluminium quick steering rack to make sure your Scandinavian flick is precise every single time. 

a

Image: Ariel

BMW Isetta

The Isetta is a microcar first built in 1953 before BMW made the Isetta its own, powering it with a one-cylinder, four-stroke engine with a 10kW. 

Tiny at only 2.29m in length and a crazy 1.37m wide, the Isetta was a sight to behold. 

Just over 160 000 Isettas were built and it's a special car because it was like no other car that had come before it. The entire front end of the car hinged outwards to allow entry and the seat could squeeze two people onto it, with a parcel shelf behind it. 

a

Image: Netcarshow



We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE