Self – Indulgence: The Power of “Me”
While the South African consumer market tends to lean towards understated luxury and moderated excess, for no holds barred indulgence, there are a number of fine, rare or highly crafted indulgences celebrating the art of “looking after me”.

MY NAME: Enjoy your own personalised, bespoke stationery set from The Letterpress Company. Visit: www.theletterpresscompany.co.za

MY NUMBER: Indulge in a limited edition, numbered bottle of Malus, the unique terroir spirit by The Elgin Distilling Company. Visit: www.malus.co.za

MY SELECTION: Support African artisans through the curatorship of your own selection of items: whether it be in the Carla Antoni Collection available at Okha(Visit: www.carlaantoni.com) or the fine fair-trade products available through Merchants on Long.Visit: www.merchantsonlong.com

MY COLLECTION: South African wealth circles have established an exclusive currency in art, with iconic artists like Dylan Lewis, Kentridge and Pierneef being indicators of the gravitas of a personal art collection. Sanlam Private Investments now offers an art advisory service to patrons who are looking to invest. Visit: www.sanlam.co.za and view Art Advisory Service)

MY CARD: Black, titanium and more recently the Absa Wealth Infinite cards abound, with your payment choice being a fine indicator of how much you can afford to indulge. (Visit absa.co.za and view the Wealth Infinite card)

MY SOUL: Experience the healing power of nature at the Self-Transformation Adventure Retreat (STAR) at Londolozi Game Reserve where, with the aid of coaches, you will open your mind to inner peace. Visit: www.londolozi.com

MY ISLAND: Nothing says indulgence quite like purchasing an island. For those who cannot afford to invest in an island, why not buy a piece of an island or retain exclusivity for a holiday. From a weekend at the One&Only in Mauritius, a private retreat to Fregate Island, to fractional ownership at Eden Island or taking a share in niche African isles: options abound for island lovers.www.fregate.com

MY WINGS: Fly 007 style by buying and naming your own jet or chartering the next time you fly from ExecuJet.www.execujet.net

Five-star hospitality destination Asara Wine Estate and Hotel in Stellenbosch recently launched Glenfiddich Whisky Sundays. It is a monthly event hosted at Asara’s whisky and cigar lounge, Sansibar. Until the end of August, guests can enjoy a Sunday lunch which includes a dram of that week’s featured whisky, music and a whisky professional to guide you through the tasting process. A grand finale event in September will offer a formal dinner paired with all of the whiskies featured until then. The next dates to diarise are 3 and 31 July and 28 August. For more information visit www.asara.co.za/hotel/promotions-and-specials

Some of the Western Cape’s finest restaurants will be offering special menus at affordable prices from 18 – 24 July in honour of the StreetSmart Winter Restaurant Week. Some 57 restaurants that are part of StreetSmart SA, an organisation dedicated to helping street children rebuild their lives, will help the NGO raises funds through a voluntary five rand donation with each table’s bill. StreetSmart Winter Restaurant Week is aimed at creating awareness for effective fundraising for street children. Visit www.streetsmartsa.org.za

Witness the talents of SA’s finest young artists at Africa’s top annual art competition, the Absa L’Atelier Art Awards, which enters its 26^th year in 2011 – making it the longest running and most prestigious art contest on the continent. The overall winner from the regional judging will be announced at the gala exhibition on 20 July. The exhibition of the top 100 works will be on show to the public from 21 July 2011 at Absa Gallery in Joburg. Contact (011) 350 5793 or visit http://latelier.you2me.co.za/main.html

Wine lovers will be flocking to Stellenbosch Wine Festival from 28 to 31 July. The Celebration of the Vine is one of the oldest country food and wine festivals in the Cape and will be happening at the Paul Roos Centre, showcasing culinary creations, music, the arts and of course wine. Guests will be treated to selections from over 500 wines, delights from top chefs, workshops and entertainment. Tickets to the wine festival range from R120 per day to a R350 Golden Pass for the whole festival. For information and bookings visit www.wineroute.co.za.

Wish the Springboks luck for the World Cup, while supporting a good cause, at the 14^th annual Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund banquet, the Bell’s Night of the Stars Rugby Extravaganza in Durban on 9^th August, to be held at the Durban ICC. The fund assists players who have suffered catastrophic injuries. The event offers live entertainment, an auction of rugby memorabilia and sought-after items and a raffle. Contact Alison Williams: (021) 659 5617, events@playersfund.org.za or visit www.playersfund.org.za.

The international dance sensation, Burn The Floor, comes directly from its record-breaking run on Broadway exclusively to Joburg Theatre. From 14 July to 14 August you can witness this dazzling ensemble of 20 champion dancers in a true theatrical experience. From Harlem’s hot nights at the Savoy where dances such as the Lindy, Foxtrot and Charleston were born, to the Latin Quarter where the sassy Cha-Cha, sensual Rumba and fiery Salsa steamed up the stage, Burn The Floor will take you on a journey through the passionate drama of dance. Ticket prices range from R195 – R365 and can be booked online at www.joburgtheatre.com

Salt aficionado Chef Craig Cormack will host salt and wine pairing dinners at Die Bergkelder in Stellenbosch on the last Thursday of every month. Be of the first to experience Fleur du Cap unfiltered wines paired with an impressive collection of rare salts from around the globe. Cormack designs dishes to achieve a particular flavour as a perfect taste partner to individual wines. These five-course dinners cost R400pp. Call (021) 809 8025 or visit www.bergkelder.co.za

Upon arrival we were treated to a light breakfast in the lounge area, decorated with plush modern rugs, ornate mirrors and an interesting collection of bold furniture. Thereafter we were shown to our gorgeous suites – located in the wooded parkland of the 613-hectare estate at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, the boldly sophisticated Manor House offers complete privacy with 13 luxury suites, four grand suites and one large, two-bedroom master suite. Each room boasts its own unique colour palette and is styled in crisp metallics, sensual dark wood and an accent colour.

One sweep around the suite and it quickly became clear to me that any modern convenience and luxury amenity I could desire was at my disposal. A truly striking feature is the ornate mirror on the wall which turns into an enormous wide-screen TV screen at the press of a button. Throughout the Manor House, with its historic nuance and modern design, one can find a wide collection of exquisite South African and international artworks. The rooms all look out onto a picturesque courtyard with heated swimming pool and veranda, perfect for light lunches in the shade.

With a single telephone call, I was immediately assisted by my personal butler, who was on hand 24 hours a day to provide the superb service distinctive to the Manor House. Personalised conveniences also included breakfast served in my choice of venue, evening canapés with a glass of sparkling wine, afternoon high tea and a fully stocked, in-room complimentary refreshment centre and mini-bar with crystal decanters of premium drinks.

La Cantina Restaurant, where we spent a rather extended version of “brunch”, offered us an unforgettable five-course affair of delectable dishes created personally by Italian chef, Matteo Siliberti, whose passionate approach to culinary arts is reflected in his fresh and inspired dishes. Not a huge meat eater, I approached my main of fillet and truffle oil cautiously, but found myself savouring every last morsel. Definitely a dish I would recommend experiencing.

Later that evening after a delightful wine tasting in the luxurious master suite, we were lead to the Manor House restaurant, Henry White’s, so named after the first owner of Fancourt, Henry Fancourt White, which is sure to be pinpointed as a must for fine dining on the Garden Route. The classic yet dynamic menu offers a variety of prime meat and seafood dishes as well as extensive tasting menus complemented by award-winning wines.

Not just a golf estate, as is typically perceived, Fancourt houses a variety of outstanding resort facilities. Besides three Gary Player-designed golf courses (Montagu, Outeniqua and the highly exclusive Links), complete with clubhouse, golf academy and tailor-made Performance Lab, one also has access to a spa with heated indoor pool, sauna and steam room, hair salon and gym, swimming pools, tennis courts, designer shopping, two other restaurants and a conference centre.

For more information contact (044) 804 0000 or visit www.fancourt.co.za

Finding out we were on our way to ODI created further excitement as I had thrashed my Carrera RS around the tight circuit and wanted to feel if this 575hp and 700nm beast could be tamed.

However, when we got there the circuit could not to be used that day and this was the first test – to see if my mind could actually accept this enormously capable car as a real GT or Grand Tourer and not a super powerful toy.

We were given the opportunity to feel the acceleration of the W12 6.0 litre down the drag strip (0-100 in 4.6 seconds) and see it reach an almost 260kph indicated (short of a maximum of 318kph) before climbing on the brakes to bring down the hefty 2 320kg to a halt – a formidable task but one that the new-age Bentley is more than capable of achieving. Doing an impromptu slalom back down to the start/finish line just to feel if the all-wheel drive system can bring the directional stability in tow was not what was expected from my passenger, but as he was not unduly unsettled, it is clear that this type of manoeuvre is well within the confines of its ability.

An emergency stop test by pulling up the emergency brake button (the handbrake is automatic on such modern machinery) brings the bulk to a controlled stop with braking being applied to all four wheels in a well orchestrated stop. Even trying the same run in Sport mode there is still no tyre smoke just a strong push in the back, but it does ensure a little crisper exhaust note, slightly longer rev range and an improved measure of sprightliness that is more than acceptable for such a heavy package.

Doing an emergency lane change is the next order of business. For me this is not something that particularly impresses. Any modern electronically-controlled kit, especially in this market, should be more than able to handle it. What I wanted to see was whether Brian, Bentley’s director of powertrain, chassis and motorsport had told the truth – the electronics have been improved to be “intelligent” and can tell when you know what you are doing and will allow you some element of control (read ‘play’). Well, into the chicane we go, lift off, swerve right and miss the imaginary child, flick left – and yes the electronics do allow some element of driver skill. And all I could think was, wow can we try that on the track please?

After a brief lunch it’s my turn to drive the Continental GT on the road for a real world driving test. Yes, you can use this car every day. I am not sure how you get your mind around driving an over R3 million all-wheel drive coupe (burning on average 16.5 l/100km) in SA traffic daily, but let’s say this mindset is one you can live with – what a daily runner.
The ACC or cruise control is a dream. Set it to any speed (let’s say 120kph) – even driving at 20kph in traffic. It targets its radar on the car in front and as that car speeds up and slows down so do you.

Fitting my tall frame behind the wheel and still leaving me enough space to fit in the back is for me the litmus test of a daily driver, not whether it has two or four doors. It is all luxury inside and the traditions of old school charm such as knurled buttons are there, surreptitiously designed into the back or sides of the knobs – just to let you know you are still in one of the few hand-finished cars around.

On the open road just light pressure on the loud peddle propels this 4.8m behemoth to the next light year, this is the true measure of any GT car. No pointing and squirting today, just unadulterated power aplenty to move you from one GPS co-ordinate to the next in the utmost style.

The new design changes are understated but when parking an “old” GT next to the “new” one, the crispness of style and design changes certainly bring it to the next level and even though these are seemingly small changes the overall package is much more appealing.

For more information about this sleek new Bentley Continental GT visit www.bentleymotors.com

The JHB showroom is a 3 500m² spotless facility including full service area. You could design your own bespoke car electronically – choosing colours, options such as leather, alcantara, wheels, and more, all changed magically before your eyes on a big screen. Once happy with your choice, sign the order and wait for delivery. Ferrari has promised to reduce the waiting time to a maximum of 18 months.

It is clear from the international and local promoters present at the launch that Ferrari and Maserati are on track to continue with their market penetration. South Africa has become an important market to the Italian manufacturers (in the top 15 of 58 countries). Last year Ferrari made approximately 6 500 cars (of which 850 came to SA) while Maserati made approximately 5 600. There is an expected growth for the next model year despite the ramifications of the recession.

Ferrari intend to introduce a new model every year, last year the California, then the 458 and next year the FF for the “family man” – and no don’t hold your breath for a Ferrari SUV – it will not happen!

Maserati on the other hand has the Quattroporte as its four-door sports saloon as well as the four-seat Grand Cabrio. This manufacturer has all the intention of stamping its name on the luxury GT segment.

Both Ferrari and Maserati have reconfirmed their commitment to the environment and “going green” and work endlessly at meeting the international CO2 emissions and environmental requirements, while still producing some of the most exciting sports cars ever made.

Each and every time I see a new Ferrari my blood still stirs as it did when I was a little boy. Out of the current range I’ll take a 458 please even though in the immortalised words of Enzo Ferrari – “the best Ferrari is the next one.”

The welcoming committee at Tuningi Safari Lodge consisted of gracious staff offering refreshing drinks and an elephant noisily slurping at the waterhole, which is overlooked by a wooden deck under an ancient fig tree that lends its name to Tuningi. A light lunch of smoked salmon salad enjoyed outside in the warm sun was enhanced by yet another elephant joining the first in a majestic stride up the hill. Just as we thought that it couldn’t get any better, we were reminded of an afternoon game drive, so grabbing some jackets and cameras, we made our way to the vehicle.
Our intrepid tracker and expert game ranger, Christo, who was to be our guide for the duration of our stay, was a man with a mission. Obviously passionate about wildlife and highly knowledgeable, his excitement at sightings fuelled ours and any request was tirelessly fulfilled. We saw an abundance of zebras, giraffes, elephants, kudu and a whole spectrum of birdlife before coming across a rather grumpy looking lion with a terrifyingly generous mane marking his territory on the side of the track. As the sun descended languorously towards the horizon, we stopped for sundowners beside some grazing zebras, who looked up curiously before resuming their evening snack. We were treated to some delectable snacks of our own as we toasted to life, Africa and anniversaries.
Back at the lodge, the two-way fireplace glowed invitingly in both bedroom and bathroom and a sumptuous bath filled with bubbles and salts courtesy of Molton Brown was just the ticket to sooth tired muscles and wash away the last recollection of city blues. The romantic, colonial decor of our spacious room complemented the surrounding bush in an unassuming and elegant manner and the private wooden deck was a sanctuary for the enjoyment of the sights and sounds around us. A beautifully thought out three-course dinner which was a delight to both palate and eyes made our evening perfect. We indulged in a tempura vegetable starter, followed by a choice of succulent lamb shank or pan-fried sole accompanied by gorgeous veggies grown on site and a scrumptious Rooibos Crème Brulée, savoured in the stylish dining room overlooking the rim flow pool. As if on cue, the full moon came out from behind a wayward cloud as we celebrated our special day.
At daybreak, the wake-up call was received rather grudgingly, but as we made our way to the softly-lit main lodge, the smell of freshly-brewed coffee and homemade rusks enticed our senses. The cheerful Christo was at the ready, thoughtfully packing warm blankets to ward off the morning chill as well as a variety of hot drinks and baked goodies, a much needed necessity in order to restore the energy depleted by the early morning game drive. As we made our way out of the gate and into bushveld we came across a most welcome African road block – two male lion cubs sitting on the path, without the slightest intention of moving out of the way, rather disdainfully giving a slow blink now and then and posing elegantly for our feverishly snapping cameras. Our game drives were a real-life version of National Geographic scenes: a herd of buffalo, one of which reminded me of a sulky schoolteacher from my past, three nosy elephants sniffing the mudguard, a hair-raising escapade into rocky terrain in pursuit of an elusive leopard with its kill and an elegant giraffe sitting in the moonlight.
African adventures are active affairs to say the least, but Tuningi has a way of balancing the scales, I thought, as I relaxed in the comfort of my room, enjoying a lavish massage to ease my aching muscles, after a morning of watching a pair of honeymoon lions coupling in the veld. Just another day in Africa.
Five-star Tuningi Safari Lodge, part of The Madikwe Collection, is set in a valley in the world-renowned 75 000 hectare, malaria-free Big 5 Madikwe Game Reserve. For reservations please contact reservations@madikwecollection.com, call (011) 805 9995 or you can visit their website www.madikwecollection.com.

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I’ve recently come on board as an Audi ambassador, and to be honest, like most women (and here I AM generalising), I know very little about cars. Upon being told that I was getting an A7 Sportback in Dakota Grey, I was satisfied thinking I knew the specs. Only upon receiving the car (my 30th birthday present), did I realize that it was a very legitimate non-sexist question that was asked when total strangers asked if they could see what was under my bonnet.

Under my Audi A7 Sportback’s bonnet purrs a 245kW 3.0 TFSI engine. My baby is fast – very fast. With her seven-speed S tronicdual-clutch gearbox, she’s likely to draw some envious stares from both genders. One of my favourite moments thus far was filling up my tank at a local petrol station. I had eight petrol attendants gather around to check out the engine and a minor scuffle ensued when all of them rallied to wash the windows. The other drivers smiled politely and waited. The quattro® all-wheel-drive system means that her feet are always firmly planted on the ground, no matter the attention that she receives and the terrain she delves into. And yes, she’s a ‘she’ since she has no problem taking directions from Satnav via the MMI (Multi Media Interface).

I’ve found that there’s an air of opulence and simultaneous simplicity about my car – and while that might sound like some of the cheesy lines I’ve been known to utter on Top Billing, there’s nothing cheesy about the A7Sportback.  I’ve just returned from a cruise through Franschhoek and the surrounding mountain ranges and I’ve enjoyed the handling and technology that makes this one of the most gorgeous cars on the road. Of course, I may be prone to superlatives, but they’re not out of place when speaking about the design of this car.

Now, about the boot space – even JLo’s booty would be considered small in comparison. Kim Kardashian’s would come a distant second. The convenience of being able to fully open the boot with a push of a button means I can load my golf bag easily and still have space for a Jimmy Choo sale stash. In fact, I can do two golf bags and then some. Another attractive addition is of course the integrated rear spoiler, which aids downforce at higher speeds (the demand at Jimmy Choo sales sometimes requires one putting the stiletto to the pedal to the metal).

I recently returned from Monaco where I joined the Audi dealer network to test drive the new Audi A6 – a model quite similar to mine.  With similar engine specs, it would be fair to compare the handling of the car on even the most deceiving mountain passes. I also got a chance to chat to members of the Audi design team. The design of the A7 has hailed praise as “the most beautiful of all Audis” – well, precisely a car fit for an ex-beauty queen. But, what also impressed me was the consideration for green credentials that has gone into the design of these cars. Even my A7 Sportback comes standard with Audi’s Start/Stop Efficiency System, which switches off the car when stopped at a traffic light.

In terms of safety, the usual suspects are present, of course: all-round airbags, ABS brakes and dynamic stability control. The parking camera and assistance are very useful – especially since I struggle to park even the smallest of cars.  The A7 Sportback is nearly five metres long, almost two metres wide and almost one-and-a-half metres tall. And yes, size does count! The dimensions give it an aggressive, sporty appearance. But, though it’s a very capable sports car, the comfort and smoothness make it quite akin to the flagship Audi A8. The high centre console and dashboard makes driving it feel like being in the cockpit of your own private jet and I definitely feel like I’m going places!

I’ve always been a fan of precision German engineering – in fact, my fiancé is imported from Deutschland.  And he’d definitely have no problem if I’d compare him to my A7 Sportback. This one’s a keeper!

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In 1988, the farm was purchased by David and Marlene McCay. One of their most interesting changes was the inclusion of a cricket pitch due to their love of the sport. This brought on the need to build a hotel, to accommodate the cricketers and visitors. And so the boutique hotel grew from one suite to sixteen.

These days, each suite is elegantly simplistic, giving a relaxed country feel with modern flair and the usual amenities. The more lavish cottages even offer their own private garden area so you and your partner can sprawl out with a good book and tan without concern of indecent exposure. Everything is in close proximity and our room was conveniently nestled between two of the three popular hotels. Its wines aside, the restaurants on the estate are certainly the crowning jewel of Constantia Uitsig.

On a walking tour of the estate starting at La Colombe, the award-winning restaurant offering a French-Asian fusion style, I was hit by the aroma of wildly exotic dishes being prepared by a distinguished culinary team. Due to its popularity we didn’t get to dine at this particular gem but instead we were invited for some soul food with a sophisticated touch at the Constantia Uitsig Restaurant. First we worked up an appetite with a personal wine tasting on the veranda while enjoying the breathtaking view of the vineyard resting in the shadow of Table Mountain. Known for its Chardonnay and other white wines, it was rather surprising that I fell for the only red wine on offer, The Constantia Uitsig Red which is a rich and delicious blend – so much so that we made a note to stop off at the estate’s Wine Shop after breakfast the next day… even though breakfast was the furthest thing from our minds after such a decadent dinner. I tucked into a very filling mushroom risotto wrapped in Parma ham which lulled me into silence while my plus one stuck to steak and chips – with the fine dining twist.
The next morning we awoke surprisingly starving (most likely from stretching our stomachs the night before) and were eager to try the third tier in the crown of Constantia Uitsig restaurants – The River Café. Leaving the car behind to burn off a few calories, we took a leisurely stroll down to the entrance of the estate where the café is located. Converted from an old school house, The River Café is a popular breakfast and coffee spot with the Constantia locals. I soon discovered why as in all my years of reviews, I have put myself to the test with the lavish spreads offered by hotels and restaurants. One buffet melts into the butter and bacon of another buffet. I always feel relieved when ordering at a restaurant because to an extent you know what you are getting and how much. The River Café offered us its standard – and to a high standard it came. We started with a muesli, fruit and yoghurt platter to share that arrived looking like a work of art I was afraid to alter. It left us completely satisfied and we regretted having ordered a hot breakfast – however, having been told that the restaurant’s Eggs Benedict dish was worth writing home about we persevered. Tip: Swap out the bacon for the healthier option of smoked salmon – delicious! Presentation is exceptional and the staff at each of the restaurants are refreshingly knowledgeable, friendly and interesting to chat to.

Unable to think about food for a while and a tad too early for another wine tasting, we headed to the estate’s spa. Specialising in treatments backed by prominent brands such as Clarins, Kalahari and recently !QMS Mediscosmetics, we knew we were in for an indulgent experience. The spa is serene and inviting and the staff are delicate and polite.

Having walked away relaxed and smiling I can certainly say, whether for a great meal, a picturesque wedding or a weekend of skipping through the vines and sampling food and wine, the intimate and chic Constantia Uitsig experience comes recommended.

For reservations or contact details for the spa or restaurants visit www.constantia-uitsig.com or call (021) 794 6500.

Constantia

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Lady in red
Ardente padded bra, R795, with matching hipsters, R445.

Flower girl
Segreto bra padded, R795.

White wonderland
Sensuale push-up bra, R795, with matching thong, R335, and string suspender belt, R795.

Once a lady…
Straziante bra top, R795, and matching thong, R335.

Grey scale
Straziante T-shirt bra push-up (with removable straps), R795, with matching thong, R355. String, suspender belt, R795.

Silver lining
Tentazione T-shirt bra, R795, and matching hipster, R445.

The LingaDore range of underwear is available at all the Barclay & Clegg stores: Hyde Park Shopping, (011)325 6500, Fourways Mall, (011)467 7263, Cresta Shopping Centre, (011)478 3226, Brooklyn Mall, (012)346 4388 and The Grove Mall, (012)807 3975.

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I took delivery of one of the first Minis to come off the boat in 2001. It was a real head turner and you could get away with murder in the traffic because Minis were still cute and full of novelty value. The Clubman got those heads turning again but Mini has become a popular brand in South Africa so they’re ubiquitous and quite ordinary.

Well, I drove the new Mini Countryman recently through the streets of Johannesburg and had regular Mini drivers turning their heads at a car that’s clearly a Mini, just bigger and edgier and it has four doors. There is also something called legroom at the rear and a fair amount at that. The Countryman was greeted with very mixed feelings in the looks department among the motoring press, some loathing it and some, I for one, quite liking it.

The front grille is squarer and lines are more deliberate, obviously wider, longer and higher. Over-extended wheel arches scream off-roader and if you’ve seen the VW Cross-Polo, it’s similar in the way it looks like the ultimate utility vehicle for a nice drive into the country, onto the beach to a good left break or up a fairly tame dirt track to a paragliding take-off spot, or isolated waterfall. I would stay clear of the Richtersveld.

That said, it is the framework for Mini’s return to the WRC in 2011, so it intends to be a performance off-roader and I think it would be a whole lot of fun on some of our better dirt roads, particularly in four wheel drive guise – dubbed ALL4.

We drove the regular version, two wheel drive, normally aspirated 1.6 litre, through suburban Johannesburg, to a remarkable property in the Cradle, and then back into town in the ‘S – ALL4’ with its turbocharger and meaner deportment.

All the Minis I’ve ever driven, even the Clubman, have been like weather-proof karts. They nip in and out of gaps, making traffic a pleasure and they make parking so easy – exactly what they’re designed to do.

The extra weight of the Countryman’s new doors and back seats, together with its higher centre of gravity, have come at the expense of its manoeuvrability and speed off the mark. So, it’s no longer designed to be a metrosexual’s exciting runabout, it’s designed for the active individuals who own the coolest sport vehicle that won’t have to be sold when their first kid comes along.

Mini also introduced us to what will no doubt become standard in its cars in time to come – Mini Connect. It works with your iPhone to deliver the internet, a Twitter app, all of your files and media, and your phone contacts for telephony. The giant speedometer needle makes way for the interface and you get your speed reading from a funky outer edge needle. There is talk that Mini Connect will evolve to accommodate Blackberry and the others but iPhone is the preferred partner for now and it shared the launch stage of the Countryman with Mini South Africa through the Core Group.

Here comes the part where you ask “would you buy one?”. The challenge will be justifying the price because at around R300 000 for the Cooper and R400 000 for the Cooper S, you’re beginning to punch above the car’s weight in terms of segment, so you’ll want to maximise the use you get out of the car and be very serious about your active lifestyle. So, no I wouldn’t buy it.

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