What are you driving?
A 2008 olive green Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2R CRDi seven-seater. It’s automatic and has five doors.
When did you buy it?
In August 2018 from a dealer in Auckland.
Is this your daily drive?
Yes, to and from work and to the bach on weekends.
What do you like about your Santa Fe?
Its safety, power and towing/off-road capabilities.
And how do you find its size?
It is a great size with seven seats that can all be folded down to allow for carrying large items, surfboards/fishing gear, etc. The car looks modest and doesn’t stand out on the road saying “look at me”.
It has a great driving style. It holds the road well and this makes you feel safe on the open road.
How does it suit your personality and lifestyle?
It fits perfectly for both as it’s extremely robust, reliable and adaptable, plus for business I can fit 20 or more cartons of our coconut yoghurt or cereals to deliver urgently to retail stores that are out of stock.
If you were to describe this car as a famous person?
Bear Grylls; it’s tough, resilient and likes getting dirty!
What else is in your garage?
A VW Tiguan.
You have young children. How do you keep them happy on road trips?
We try to play games like I Spy, O & Xs or Hee Haw to overcome any boredom. But, on longer drives, we’ll use a movie to keep the peace, or the ultimate is to encourage the youngest to have a snooze.
Favourite road trip in this vehicle?
To Kawakawa Bay and then we went kayak fishing along the coast.
How many cars have you owned?
Seven, with the current Santa Fe being the best; and my first car a Mitsubishi Mirage 1989 1.5L auto being the worst back in 1995. It was gutless and it had a reversing chime — although it did have good speakers and a stereo that I had installed. I sold it when I left for my OE to London.
Any cars you have regretted selling?
Yes, an older Santa Fe AWD as it would’ve made a great farm and horse float towing vehicle.
Next vehicle you intend buying?
Most likely a hybrid or electric vehicle as I value the fuel efficiency aspect.
Who kicked off your interest in cars?
Auckland Transport, as I had no option than driving a car to get to school sports. My father taught me to drive (as well as a driving instructor) and doing a defensive driving course is probably the only time I’ve been “on the track”.
What’s your driving style?
Safe and efficient. And I’ll always look to take the back road rather than sit in traffic.
Dream car?
A McLaren, just because of the connection with New Zealand and in honour of such a great Kiwi who succeeded at the highest level.
What’s the fastest you’ve driven?
Probably 150km/h in Italy, in 2009 driving a rental Renault Clio; I like to drive to the speed limit.
Favourite movie car scene?
From McLaren the movie: after Bruce McLaren had passed away, “The Bear” Denny Hulme wins the CanAm series “for Bruce” with bandaged hands from an accident in which his hands were burnt.
And your thoughts on electric and driverless cars?
I’ll look forward to when electric cars become the norm as it should’ve already have happened. I don’t look forward to the day driverless vehicles take over as that could be the beginning of the end.