All posts in Self Drive

Pure Class with a great ASS!

By Brucester | September 13, 2010 | Convertible, Self Drive | No comments
2010 BMW Z4 35i Sdrive

2010 BMW Z4 35i Sdrive

The New 2010 BMW Z4 35i Sdrive

Standing from afar you can’t help but notice its perfect curves, beastly front end and super sexy rear. This is not a super model nor the centre page pull out from a men’s magazine, this is BETTER, quicker, faster and a hell of a lot more comfortable, with a top that comes down in just under 10 seconds.

Then you climb in and the soft, yet sporty, seats which are mounted nice and low, this Z4 feels agile and tight like a track car, but provides luxury gadgets and comfort equal to that of a 7 series. Immediately one feels at ease with the controls and surprisingly spacious cockpit. The new BMW iDrive system is really something that grabs your attention. As you push the ignition button on the 8.8-inch screen automatically lifts up out of the dashboard displaying local and national radio stations and on board navigation that is simple to use as it now features fewer clicks, less turns and a sound system that enchants the experience of the Sydney Opera House to your car.

2010 BMW Z4 35i Sdrive

2010 BMW Z4 35i Sdrive

Fitted with BMW’s world-renowned inline 6-cylinder 3.0 litre engine boosted by twin turbo’s, the Z4 delivers 225kW of refined grunt with  400nm to provide an exceptional smooth combination of torque and power all the way to red-line. The 7-speed DCT sport automatic double-clutch transmission is fitted with manual paddle shifts. The enthusiast can control the car very nature in a few clicks from Normal setting to Sports to SPORTS PLUS thus going from a soft easy almost wafty ride to a hard as nails hit the throttle, let’s have fun ride. All these dynamics equate to a 0 – 100 in 5,2 seconds. This BMW Z4 delivers a beautiful sound of spooling turbo’s and a 6 cylinder Roar while changing gears in milli-seconds.

All in all the Z4 is a fantastic steed that will give you everything from looks, comfort, safety, raw power and awesome handling in the open air whilst driving yourself to a business meeting or that coastal cruise over Chapmans Peak for a sea side lunch.

For more rental and vehicle information on the BMW Z4 Sdrive, visit http://www.slv.co.za

Go wild: Rent a Porsche Boxter S for your holiday in Cape Town

By Brucester | July 30, 2010 | Convertible, Self Drive | No comments

If you’re thinking about renting a luxury car in Cape Town, think Porsche Boxter hire…. Lets not forget – raw power. The Porche Boxster S is the most powerful Porsche Roadster ever to trip the light fantastic, reaching a top speed of 270 kilometers per hour (fuelled by a 3.2-liter water-cooled flat-6 engine).

Perhaps the greatest things about the Boxster is how this little beauty fits into pretty much every situation. It’s been referred to by some reviewers as the everyman’s sports car. Probably because it suits every man (or woman).  It embodies the most basic of Porsche’s tenets – class. Which makes it perfect as a vehicle for every situation, from styling day trip drives along the scenic highways out of Cape Town to showing off at weddings, matric dances and film shoots.  What you want is a car that doesn’t detract from the situation, but rather adds new dimensions of elegance and regal.

It handles everything Cape Town can throw at you. Breathtaking drives along Chapman’s peak are pretty famous this side of our world – but you haven’t experienced the smooth calm and visual banquet to the full until you’ve done it in a Porsche with the top down. Its flexible capabilities epitomise that which has made Porsche the trusted and household brand that it is, the brand you want to drive.

This exceptional performance is achieved through a range of innovative technologies, including four-valve heads, VarioCam variable valve timing and a powerful engine management system. And of course manual transmission for maximum control. The breaking system uses four-piston aluminium monobloc anchors, and four internally vented and cross-drilled discs – ensuring absolute safety.  With all that the Mother City has to offer, standing out and fitting in is no easy feat in Cape Town – Status Luxury Vehicles offers you the chance to do exactly that, with the Porsche Boxster S. Travel Cape Town the way you should – stylishly, hassle free, and in your own time.

Hire a Porsche for your Cape Town holiday and you’re all set to look good and feel good amongst some of the most beautiful people in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Range Rover Sport – the Unstoppable Giant 4×4

By Brucester | July 30, 2010 | 4x4, Range Rover, Self Drive, SUV | No comments

An extraordinary 4×4 rental SUV You’ll probably feel like one of the Beckhams when you drive the Range Rover Sport. It’s (very) big and (very) powerful, and you’ll definitely be noticed! This 4×4 vehicle combines elegance and brute presence in a way that few vehicles have achieved in the past.

The Range Rover Sport will dominate whatever road you choose to put before it, and stylishly so. Our car-crazy holiday team has sourced excellent 4×4 rental car options like the upmarket Range Rover Sport, and all at rental rates that are better than you might expect. Hire a Range Rover Sport in Cape Town and you’ll experience a whole new world of re-assuring safety, serious style and epic power – welcome, super-VIP. In one of these, you can cruise around the most exclusive areas of Cape Town in undeniable style. But tar roads aren’t all this vehicle is capable of cruising… If you’re keen to venture off-road in the Range Rover Sport, go right ahead.

Unlike many luxury SUVs that can’t deal with much more than a pavement, the Rover has more than enough ground clearance to enable you to do a little off-road adventuring around Cape Town. With a supercharged 4.2-litre V8 engine growling away up front, you needn’t be worried about having enough power on tap. A huge 550Nm of torque means that this imposing SUV will devour any hill, anywhere, without skipping a beat. Sir Lowry Pass, here we come; Du Toit’s Kloof Pass, consider it done; Cederberg and Bushmanskloof, absolutely!

The interior has been immaculately designed, which is just as well, since you’re probably going to want to spend a significant amount of time in this car. Materials and finishes are top-notch, and all the dials and buttons are intuitive and logically laid out so that you can concentrate on enjoying the ride rather than wondering which button does what. Range Rover Sport Rentals in Cape Town are priced at R4000 per day, and for that fee you get free reign with an adventurous 4×4 that can race to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 225km/h.

Driving Cape Town’s Country Lanes in a BMW 135i Cabriolet

By Brucester | July 30, 2010 | Convertible, Self Drive, Uncategorized | No comments

Nothing says ‘I’ve made it’ like the stunning BMW 135i Cabriolet convertible. You’re driving through the winding roads of the Constantia Winelands with the wind in your hair. You’re not just driving any car – it’s a sleek and sophisticated, drop-top beauty of show stopping proportions. By indulging in luxurious convertible car hire, your drive turns the heads of Cape Town’s high society, for all the right reasons. You’ve got a piece of the action you’ve always dreamed of. You opt for the iconic, convertible stunner, the BMW 135i Cabriolet. You’re a lover of power and speed and this car does not disappoint.

The 135i Cabriolet BMW’s twin-Turbocharged 3.0 liter engine produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, which means that you’re catapulted from 0-100 mph in under 6 seconds. Nothing complements countryside driving like a little top down exhilaration. The electro-hydraulically-operated soft top roof is lowered in a mere 22 seconds and creates a distinctive, metallic silver appearance in sunlight. A perfect drive with the wind in your hair. Your drive is one of comfort and luxury as you sink back into sporty and comfortable, leatherette bucket seats, with enhanced side support.

You needn’t worry about leaving the top down whilst you lunch at a stylish wine estate, as the seats are designed with sun reflective pigments that deflect ultra violet rays. You want an entertainment and climate control console that integrates with the car you drive and enhances your driving experience. The 135i’s gadget-rich console boasts radio rotary knobs and an automatic air conditioning system.

The Mini Cooper Supercharged Continues Its Parade

By Brucester | July 30, 2010 | Convertible, Mini, Self Drive | No comments

Get adrenalin rushed to the Max in the Mini. Topless, perky and loads of fun – the Mini Cooper S Cabriolet looks and sounds the business. A car that’s sure to take you by surprise, whether you’re in the driving seat or watching enviously as it passes you while driving to Clifton 4th. Although if you’ve seen The Italian Job you’ll know all about the prowess of the chic yet potent Mini Cooper S – if the heart-racing car chase scene in that movie didn’t convince you as such, nothing else will, except maybe driving one for yourself.

The only challenge the Mini will give you? Trying to choose the best roads to let it play on. Being a small and nimble car, the supercharged Mini makes town driving a pleasure rather than a pain, but if you let it stretch its legs a bit on some twisty roads, such as the scenic tree-lined Rhodes Drive in Constantia or Camps Bay Drive, you’ll quickly gain a deeper appreciation of this rental car’s capabilities and eagerness to play.

Regular driver’s of our roads know all too well how narrow some of the avenues can be, luckily this diminutive driver’s dream can negotiate them with ease. Parking, ever a commodity in Cape Town, is made far easier when all of a sudden you can fit into tiny spots SUV drivers are forced to pass by. Stylistically the Mini Cooper really needs no introduction – If the Mini could join you for a drink, it would order an exotic cocktail – this is one car that is as hip and happening as the places you’ll want to take it to.

Images of the Mini Have been as prolific in popular culture for almost as long as Marilyn Monroe, but without the conspiracies (and it appreciates better). It’s a car that’s truly passed test of time, even driving far ahead of it. The Mini Cooper S has an energetic 1.6-litre supercharged engine that puts out 128kW and 260Nm, giving it a 0-100km/h time in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 235km/h; far more power than you’d expect given its size.

So it has the strength, but frankly you’ll want to drive it as slow as possible to really let spectators envy sink in sufficiently.

Move along swiftly in a Ferrari F430 Spider

By Brucester | July 30, 2010 | Convertible, Ferrari, Self Drive | No comments

When an F430 flashes by in its solid curves, an appreciative sigh is compulsory. Roger, ground control. Location: R46. Situation: You’re looking down on the vast Ceres valley on perfectly clear day. Far below, a few sheep flock about and scattered dwellings dwindle into expanses green countryside. The wind tears through your hair as the altitude climbs. You’d be forgiven for thinking you were flying, rather than flying along in a Ferrari F430. This is the Superman of luxury sports cars, after all; equal parts style and status, the grace of a bird, the power of plane. It’s a sublime way to slide through the panoramic farmlands, conquering kilometres and bending time.

The sleek beast sticks to the road like a hand to a thigh, its precision engineering perfected by Ferrari’s F1 Racing Division. As the road ribbons out behind you, you’ll wonder how people ever passed the pass on foot and in wagons. Or why. Buttons, switches and other naughty bits When an athlete or a dancer reveals a perfectly sculpted muscle, it’s hard to stifle an appreciative sigh. When an F430 flashes by in its solid curves, it’s compulsory. When a beautiful woman takes her top off, it’s recommended to look away politely even if it takes immense self control; when the Spider’s automatic hood opens up, it’s impossible not to stare. Flip the right switch and you can handle any lover; flip the Manettino switch, and you can handle any terrain – the Low grip is good for when its wet, and if you want to speed things up a little, the Race switch engages faster gear shifts. Finding your way around new territory was never this sexy.

So much more than just a one night stand This slinky playmate is not difficult to drive, either. High performance it may be, but the sporty steed impressed Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson with its ease of handling. ” Even the most butter-fingered, incapable driver could drive the F430 around their test track only one second slower than the most skilled test driver.” Slip into the two-seater paddle shift transmission with someone special or sexy (or both), and let the purring 4,3lt V8 engine increase your power by 360KW and show you around town in a flash of sleek red status.

Despite being easy, the Spider doesn’t reveal all its pleasures in one go. To truly appreciate its grace, beauty and appeal, it helps to spend a bit of quality time together. And the best thing about it? It’s red. Of course.

Hire a Hummer

By Brucester | July 29, 2010 | 4x4, Hummer, Self Drive | No comments

Rule the Road with Mighty Muscle The Hummer H2 is a colossal vehicle with a presence that demands respect – voluntarily or involuntarily. The 4×4 is now available for rental in Cape Town and we have it ready and waiting for you. The Hummer was initially used in the military, and has now been carried through to the consumer market. Weighing in at over 2 900kg, the Hummer H2 is a champion contender in the super-heavyweight category of SUVs, making its rivals seem midget-like in comparison.

The Hummer H2 is a colossal vehicle with a presence that demands respect – voluntarily or involuntarily. The 4×4 is now available for rental in Cape Town and we have it ready and waiting for you. The Hummer was initially used in the military, and has now been carried through to the consumer market. Weighing in at over 2 900kg, the Hummer H2 is a champion contender in the super-heavyweight category of SUVs, making its rivals seem midget-like in comparison. Probably one of the quickest ways to instantly feel like a super-VIP is to hire this massive Hummer H2 in Cape Town. Even before you climb in, the size of this beast standing before you will get your adrenalin pumping. Get in, fire it up, and prepare to rule the roads of Cape Town… whether tar or dirt. The Hummer H2 is not only about on-road presence, it’s also about off-road capability. After all, it does have a healthy military heritage behind it. Head to the Cederberg to find some 4×4 trails to put this beast to the test, or take a trip up the West Coast – a rugged section of South Africa that’s perfect territory for the Hummer H2 to explore. A 4×4 as big as this needs a big engine – and that’s certainly the case with the Hummer H2. A mighty 6-litre V8 is the source of power in this vehicle, and it generates 235kW of power and a massive 488Nm of torque, which makes this a 4×4 rental SUV that has the bite to match its bark. There’s nothing gentle about the Hummer H2, so if you’re thinking about what tracks to play on as you explore Cape Town in your rented Hummer H2 SUV, leave your panpipes CDs at home and rather bring along a Kanye West or Red Hot Chili Peppers CD, which would indeed be music to this massive 4×4’s ears! For lunch during your day with your hired Hummer H2, you could consider stopping off at Paranga in Camps Bay or Pepenero for a ’surf & turf’ – the adrenalin-rush of driving a car as meaty as this is certain to work up a mighty appetite. The team at CapeTownMagazine.com has done all the work for you to source the most luxury 4×4 rentals and excellent rates in Cape Town. Rent a Hummer H2 SUV in Cape Town and you’ll rule the roads – no question about that!

‘I do’ want to hire the Bentley Flying Spur

By Brucester | July 29, 2010 | Chauffeur Drive, Self Drive | No comments

A stately wedding car that lends itself to the risqué, a Bentley Flying Spur tugs at the heart strings I’m standing in the crowd of well wishers in Kirstenbosch Gardens. We’re throwing rice and confetti, laughing and clapping, staring at the beauty before us. She’s immaculate. So stylish and refined. I can’t stop staring at her curves, her large, tight derriere, her long, wide nose. What a model!

There’s no doubt about it, she’s all poise and grace. My partner elbows me suddenly in the ribs. “Stop staring at the car,” he hisses, “you’re supposed to be sending the bride off.” Oh right! The bride! Well, a Bentley Flying Spur may do that to the best of men, or maids of honour like me. How can you ignore such a solid presence, sophisticated finishes and silent authority?

It’s most definitely a vehicle to pair with ceremonies and special occasions. Even if it isn’t all yours. We hired the Bentley for the wedding for obvious reasons. Not only do I love this car almost as much as the bride loves the groom – but the elegance makes a good match for any occasion. The luxurious leather seats are comforting. And who said ‘looks and size don’t count’? The beautiful Bentley Flying Spur has a huge engine – we’re talking six litres. The happy couple breaks my menagerie by throwing the bouquet into my hands – awkward. They disappear into their regal, elegant getaway car and are gone. And I’m left with? A posy and unrequited love. Make an impression, always stately, sometimes racy

Why love? Why not? This baby is safe and stylish; a dependably royal drive that it can lend itself to the risqué at the turn of a key. Somebody forgot the ring? Quick – hop in, accelerate 0-100km/h in 5,54 seconds and zip off. The self respecting hardtop has an automatic transmission for pleasurable sailing, if you don’t opt for a chauffeur. It’ll easily fit a small (wedding) party into its four seats. For dreamers, there’s a top speed of 315km/h to astound anyone around. You can also do it standing still; people tend to stand and stare at a Spur, or make way for it like it’s royalty.

Did I mention its 411KW purr? Maybe I’m just the maid of honour, but I want to point out that it’s not only those once-in-a-lifetime moments that deserves such classic luxury. It’s any moment that can fit a Flying Spur. Imagine impressing your (future) father-in-law with a languorous drive under the Twelve Apostles on Chapman’s Peak Drive. Cement a contract with investors whilst sliding through the wine lands.

Got a big party and a big appetite for alcohol? Let the chauffeur take you there and home safely. You can’t go wrong. And, really, I caught the bouquet, I’ve got the spare keys; I should know. The happy couple are only being driven a few blocks to their honeymoon hotel suite, so I’m following on foot with my hands in my pocket until I get to that baby and start to unlock it! Tell me I’m not a smooth operator. We were made for each other.

Sophisticated thrills with the Aston Martin Vantage

By Brucester | July 5, 2010 | Aston Martin, Convertible, Self Drive | No comments

This stunner of a sports car is the perfect blend of flawless design, undoubted sophistication and exhilarating athleticism Distinguished gentlemen visiting Cape Town on holiday or on business have a variety of choices of luxury rental cars to transport them around the city and its surrounds. There are cars that will simply do the job, there are cars that will impress, and then there are cars that will astound. The Aston Martin Vantage, a luxury sports car available for hire in Cape Town, fits quite firmly, and quite beautifully, into the latter category.

CapeTownMagazine.com has taken time to select some incredible Cape Town sports car rentals for you, and at excellent prices. The appeal of renting this Aston Martin Vantage in Cape Town lies in three fundamental areas: its design, its soul and its muscle. These all seem to blend into each other in perfect measures, resulting in a car that is a beauty to behold, a wonder to drive and exceptionally agile when the moment demands; and it can be yours during your holiday in Cape Town. This Aston Martin Vantage’s stunning looks will turn heads whether it’s gliding over the crest of Kloofnek Road or cruising alongside the pristine beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay.

No matter the place, no matter the light, this Aston always looks the part. But, like they say, looks aren’t everything. What’s on the inside also counts for a great deal. Fortunately, this Aston Martin Vantage rental sports car doesn’t fail to impress on this account – both in terms of its ultra-exclusive hand-crafted interior materials and finishes, and in terms of the marvelously muscled piece of engineering that resides in its engine bay. Without further ado, here are those performance stats you’ve been waiting for, sir. A growling yet cultured 4.3-litre V8 with 283kW and 410Nm is the source of mischief in this sports car. It will propel you from 0-100km/h in a rather brisk 5.85 seconds, and won’t stop surging ahead until it reaches 282km/h, so you need hardly worry about being late for an appointment…

Spoiling yourself with these luxury wheels takes an easy R10,000 per day out of your petty cash. Rent the Aston Martin Vantage in Cape Town as a perfect holiday gift for yourself.

The “Bankers Hot Rod” – Chrysler C300 SRT8

By Brucester | June 14, 2010 | Chrysler, Self Drive | No comments

Big, bold, bling and busty…. That’s the first 4 things that came to mind when the Chrysler C300 SRT8 pulled up to me, also known as the “Bankers Hot Rod” since the mid 1950’s is a true example of what we in South Africa call a “Yank Tank”.

Chrysler C300 SRT8

Chrysler C300 SRT8

6.1lt 425HP Hemi V8 pure power drives the giant around the streets of most countries giving attitude as well as status to its owner. I have never been a fan of America cars, and was reluctant to even drive this one, but the moment the pedal was down to the metal my impressions changed 180 degrees and the rear wheels lit up with out any delay or issue. I then knew this was going to be something different, something fun!

The simple interior with a slight hint of sportiness, been the SRT8 stitched into the leather bucket like seats, SRT8 badge on the steering wheel and simple plastic finishes that I find in most Opel’s really gave the Chrysler a minus point to me after been so taken back by the big, bold, bling and busty impression she first gave. Never the less, comfort was not at a loss and whilst the V8 took me from 0 – 100 km/h in just over 5 seconds in the stylish power adjustable sport seats while holding the stable leather-trimmed steering wheel she was a real beast. A six-speaker Boston Acoustics speaker system, with steering wheel-mounted controls allows you to listen to your choice of music while taking that Sunday cruise. Temperature adjustments are made with an automatic control system and individual cabin controls with infrared sensor for your automation of heating or cooling.

Beautiful big instrumentation with 300-kph speedometer, tachometer, temperature gauges and tire pressure monitoring gives any person piloting the SRT8 a true race car feeling when the power is down on the ground, and when traveling at a speed of that loud V8 growl you are able to monitor what is happening around this beast to provide peace of sanity.

The 20-inch aluminum wheels stopped by one of my favorite braking systems of all time Brembo, 360 x 32 mm vented rotors in the front and  350 x 28 mm vented rotors in the rear and suspension and handling controlled by the SRT8 tailored spring rates and suspension bushings and larger diameter anti-sway bars I now know why they call it the “Bankers Hot Rod” because it purely is just that!

Every time I parked the SRT8, I had some one ask me something interesting, but the most interesting was a chap at the local hardware store who came up to me and asked what kind of Rolls Royce is she? I gently giggled to myself and said, its an American Rolls Royce. He looked very blankly at me and peered over to the Chrysler badge that appears above the front grill on a classy chrome surrounding and laughed.. Americans seem to always come up with something!

The Chrysler was a very aggressive car to drive, and always smooth on the get go with an attractive appearance to the passing eyes on the street.

For  just over R550 000, you get a complete package of power, style and comfort, but not forgetting the 6.1lt Hemi V8 is a thirsty bugger to power around, specially when on the open roads.