Marisco Castle, Lundy Island, Bristol Channel. United Kingdom.

www.marisco.co.nzwww.marisco.co.nz

The Kings Series ‘A Sticky End’ Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2009The Kings Series ‘A Sticky End’ Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2009Gold Medal Decanter Wine Awards and Bragato Wine AwardsGold Medal Decanter Wine Awards and Bragato Wine Awards

The King’s Favour Sauvignon Blanc 2010 - Gold Medal Sydney Top 100The King’s Favour Sauvignon Blanc 2010 - Gold Medal Sydney Top 100

Acclaimed as one of the 30 Best Wine Packaging Designs in the World in 2010. (www.thecoolist.com)Acclaimed as one of the 30 Best Wine Packaging Designs in the World in 2010. (www.thecoolist.com)

‘Best Label in Show’ International Aromatic Wine Competition 2010 ‘Best Label in Show’ International Aromatic Wine Competition 2010 The King’s Favour Sauvignon Blanc, The King’s Thorn Pinot GrisThe King’s Favour Sauvignon Blanc, The King’s Thorn Pinot Gris

Amongst the twisted vines of our ancestry were the de Marisco Amongst the twisted vines of our ancestry were the de Marisco families, who in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries inhabited the families, who in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries inhabited the island of Lundy off the south-west coast of England. island of Lundy off the south-west coast of England. The families, from their stronghold on the island, maintained a The families, from their stronghold on the island, maintained a tempestuous relationship with the English monarchy – at times tempestuous relationship with the English monarchy – at times receiving royal favour, and yet ultimately - for the activities of piracy and receiving royal favour, and yet ultimately - for the activities of piracy and treason, incurring the full and tragic vehemence of the King’s displeasure.treason, incurring the full and tragic vehemence of the King’s displeasure.These days the descendant Marris family have achieved acclaim for their These days the descendant Marris family have achieved acclaim for their success in the pursuit of making fine wines, being amongst the pioneering success in the pursuit of making fine wines, being amongst the pioneering winemaking families of the world renowned Marlborough wine region.winemaking families of the world renowned Marlborough wine region.We hereby honour our glorious family history by naming a We hereby honour our glorious family history by naming a series of wines after the stories of our scandalous ancestors…series of wines after the stories of our scandalous ancestors…

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Make accorhotels.com your first choice...Over 4,200 hotels worldwide, from luxury to economy, business or leisure

elcome to the latest edition of Peugeot Life!Since 1810 Peugeot has associated its name – and later

its Lion badge – with saws, tools, coff ee and pepper grinders, sewing machines, bicycles, motorcycles, scooters and, of course,

some of the most beautiful cars in the world. To each of these worlds Peugeot has brought modernity, innovation and style,

while laying emphasis on its industrial origins, based on the working of steel. True to its heritage, Peugeot will always be committed to producing products

that connect with our emotions and consider our environment. It has strong family values and ownership and as a business it remains constantly customer-focused and always open to change.

Lighting up the futureIn New Zealand, as we head towards 2012, we have many new changes to look

forward to. Firstly, every Blue Box dealership in the country will be re-branded with the

new-look Peugeot Lion and more modern LED back-lit signage, along with receiving a complete repaint in a new, darker, paint fi nish.

We also welcome a host of new models to the range, including the gorgeous, re-styled new 308 Series II model range, with its addition of distinctive daytime running lights, as well as a completely new bonnet design. � is will be followed by a compact SUV, the innovative new 4008, and we will celebrate an industry fi rst for New Zealand with the arrival of the new 200hp diesel-hybrid four-wheel-drive 508 RXH!

This achievement is the culmination of Peugeot’s years of pioneering technology, research and development from the HX1, a six-seater, plug-in diesel-hybrid 4WD concept car that was recently showcased on the world stage at the 65th Frankfurt International Motor Show.

We hope you enjoy reading this edition of Peugeot Life. We have attempted to include something for everyone and have collected stories on everything from the history of the Hermes brand to the controversial build-up to the London Olympics, not to mention a gallery of tempting luxury Christmas gifts.

As the executive management team for Sime Darby Automobiles, the New Zealand importer for Peugeot, we sincerely thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about our plans for Peugeot and we now invite you to learn more about us, by joining us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/peugeotnz, visiting our website www.peugeot.co.nz, or by visiting one of our freshly renovated Blue Box dealerships, where you can expect a personal, relaxed and memorable experience.

Yours sincerely,

Grant Smith Simon RoseGeneral Manager Divisional Manager

W

02_07_PL8_Contents.indd 8 23/11/11 1:53:28 PM

Make accorhotels.com your first choice...Over 4,200 hotels worldwide, from luxury to economy, business or leisure

02_07_PL8_Contents.indd 9 18/11/11 10:18:24 AM

www.peugeot.co.nz

★3

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Peugeot NZ has formed a proud partnership with the Royal New Zealand

Ballet as our relationship moves effortlessly towards it’s eighth year. As a

Peugeot customer you too can enjoy the motion and emotion of world-class

ballet and benefit from our long-standing partnership.

To find out more contact your local Peugeot Dealer today 0800 PEUGEOT.

E N J O Y T H E M O T I O N & E M O T I O N O F W O R L D C L A S S B A L L E T

contents

Peugeot Life magazine is published by Hope Publishing Ltd for Sime Darby Automobiles NZ Ltd,PO Box 74-366, Greenlane, Auckland 1543, New Zealand.

Advertising enquiries to: Don Hope +64 9-358 4080, Jo Harvey +64 21-498 434 Editor – Tom HydeSubeditor – Patrick SmithCreative Director – Mark LlewellynPrinting – GEON

Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Sime Darby Automobiles NZ Ltd or its agents. All material in Peugeot Life is copyright and cannot be reproduced in any way without the written consent of the Publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, the Publisher and Sime Darby Automobiles NZ Ltd accept no liability for any errors. Please confirm with your local Peugeot dealer.

To change your address details or subscribe please phone 09-526 7010 or email peugeot@peugeot.co.nz

PEUGEOTPEUGEOTPEUGEOTlife08

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FRENCH KISSPatrick Smith falls for the Gallic charms of Akaroa.

FUTURE, HERE AND NOWDiesel-hybrid engines and amazing space

effi ciency mark three new Peugeot models.

4008, READY FOR ANYTHINGPeugeot’s versatile new SUV is set to arrive

in a showroom near you in 2012.

TOP TOURERSThe 508 range confi rms Peugeot as a maker of premium sedans and SWs.

RCZ, SET TO RACEPeugeot Sport proves the prowess of the roadgoing

RCZ coupé with a new motorsport version.

BRIGHT & SAFEPeugeot’s daytime running lights

improve visibility and reduce accidents.

PRIDE IN LIONSThe new-look Peugeot emblem

has come a long way.

NEW 308: MARKING THE MILLIONBold, fresh styling distinguishes the latest

incarnation of the hugely popular model.

FROM MONACO TO MOULIN ROUGETricia Welsh leaves the Côte d’Azur

for the glories of the City of Light.

02_07_PL8_Contents.indd 10 18/11/11 10:18:28 AM

www.peugeot.co.nz

★3

83

17

Peugeot NZ has formed a proud partnership with the Royal New Zealand

Ballet as our relationship moves effortlessly towards it’s eighth year. As a

Peugeot customer you too can enjoy the motion and emotion of world-class

ballet and benefit from our long-standing partnership.

To find out more contact your local Peugeot Dealer today 0800 PEUGEOT.

E N J O Y T H E M O T I O N & E M O T I O N O F W O R L D C L A S S B A L L E T

02_07_PL8_Contents.indd 11 18/11/11 10:18:30 AM

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THE BEST OF SINGAPORETom Hyde fi nds modern-day Singapore

much more than a one-night stand.

ALL AT SEAA cruise is supremely relaxing and

deeply satisfying, writes Tom Hyde.

MARKS, GET SET…On time and within budget, next year’s

London Olympics are ready to go.

WINE TALKWe profi le two pioneering winemakers in

Marlborough and Margaret River.

HARBOURSIDE GASTRONOMYSydney’s Ocean Room delights lovers

of Japanese food – and views.

GREAT EXPECTATIONSAn iconic Christchurch restaurant is

reborn with a radical new attitude.

TEMPTATIONS – YOUR GIFT GUIDEA seriously desirable collection of tempting

stuff for your Christmas wish list.

OF LEATHER AND SILKThe name Hermès has embodied fi ne

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DRIVEN BY A DREAMValerie Clapham and Glynn Sergeant

holiday the Peugeot Eurolease way.

PEUGEOT AROUND NEW ZEALANDNews, views, profi les and winners

for 2011 and beyond.

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PATRICK SMITH FALLS FOR THE GALLIC CHARMS OF AKAROA.PHOTOS: PATRICK SMITH.

FRENCH

KISS

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here’s a distinctly French vibe to Akaroa, a pretty, characterful village sitting beside the

flooded volcanic crater that is now Akaroa Harbour. French settlers came here in 1840 and

their heritage lives on in street names like Rue Lavaud and Rue Jolie. So it seemed perfectly fitting that Akaroa was to be the destination for our petit road trip in a new Peugeot 508 2.0-litre HDi wagon.

An added bonus was le rugby – France playing New Zealand in a Rugby World Cup game that promised to showcase the running skills of both sides. Would Akaroa be rooting for the All Blacks or Les Bleus? We’d have to wait until that evening to find out.

We’d picked up our metallic-white wagon that morning from Armstrong Peugeot in Christchurch, settled ourselves into its grey leather seats, slipped a CD into the sound system and cruised out of the city, bathed in light streaming through the panoramic glass roof. We have a “sunroof” in our own car, but this was something else – acres of glass giving a wonderful feeling of light and space.

We came to appreciate our elegant glass-enclosed cocoon even more as the scenery outside grew prettier. We passed New Zealand’s two largest lowland lakes, Ellesmere and Forsyth and slowed for dozens of runners carrying batons. It wasn’t until we stopped for lunch at Little River that we discovered we were caught up in the 71st Takahe to Akaroa Road Relay – a race that was first run in 1935.

We thought of the panting runners as we climbed the winding road into the hills, at the top of which is a well-known pub with spectacular views of Akaroa Harbour.

Down by the sea at Duvauchelle, meanwhile, there’s a funky little golf course that’s a must-play challenge for any red-blooded golfer and we’d planned to have a game there the following morning. But the forecast for tomorrow wasn’t good, while today was brilliant, so we decided to take a look. Cars packed the grassy roadside parking spaces and members milled about outside the clubhouse. Club day – we should have known. But just as we were deciding to move on, a member approached us and invited us to join in their weekly competition. It was a gesture we couldn’t refuse. We lifted our gear out of the 508’s boot and hurried onto the first tee to meet our respective golfing partners.

Among my group was Dave, a farmer from Wainui, across the bay, who told me he’d had many Peugeots over the years since spending time in Libya, where every taxi driver drove a 404. “They wouldn’t drive anything else,” he told me. “They took them everywhere – the roads were terrible – and they really thrashed them. But they just went and went. They were easy to fix, too, they did it themselves.”

“Undulating” is the polite word for the first few holes at Duvauchelle. “Heartbreaking” might describe fairways that tip precariously towards the sea and sometimes offer blind shots to postage-stamp greens. It’s a good workout, all right, and the company was fun even if our golf was somewhat ragged. I asked how Duvauchelle locals pronounced the name of the course. “D’voshle,” Dave said, “or D’voshles, which is even worse. But if you went about saying Duvauchelle people would think you were a bit… ”

Dave was keen to see the new 508 and after the game he

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Opposite page: High on the Summit Road above Akaroa; Duvauchelle golf course.Clockwise from above left: A stream-side stop in the village; a household with a sense of humour; Akaroa’s19th-century wooden lighthouse at Cemetery Point; bright and colourful Fire & Ice shop; mosaic cat in the quirky garden of the Giant’s House; Akaroa street sign; Sunday morning harbourside.

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looked it over, admiring the glass roof, the spacious cabin, the businesslike instrument cluster – and the boot lid that opens and closes automatically at the press of a button.

“Nice,” he said. “They’ve certainly come a long way since the 404!”

After a beer in the clubroom we drove into Akaroa and found our night’s accommodation on the corner of Rue Benoit. Built in 1919 by a local merchant, Maison de la Mer sits in regal splendour above the road, gabled windows looking out over a broad veranda. Owners Carol and Bruce Hyland bought the house in 2004 and completely renovated it towards their vision of a “petite lodge”. It reopened in 2005 as an “intimate and romantic” escape for guests looking for “luxury, comfort, fine food and personal care”. It was the perfect complement to our French-themed trip, with its French country décor, art, antiques, Persian carpets and, everywhere, vases of fresh flowers.

The house has just four suites, three in the main house –

Provencal, Fleur de Lys and Petit Chambre – and the separate, nautically themed Boathouse, which would be ours for the night. All rooms have sea views – the Boathouse via a big circular window.

After a quick shower in our en suite bathroom we joined Carol and Bruce for a glass of wine by the fire in the deeply comfortable guest lounge. Bruce, we learnt, is a passionate sailor and during the 1980s he and Carol, had a series of year-long adventures living aboard their sailboat with their three young children in the Bahamas. They still travel widely during the off-season, when they close Maison de la Mer for several months.

The couple proved to be charming and professional hosts with a real commitment to their guests’ comfort. They certainly have experience in the area: they opened their first luxury B&B in Devonport, across the harbour from Auckland, nearly 20 years ago and in 1994 were founding members of Heritage and Character Inns of New Zealand.

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Before we went out to dinner, Carol offered us a menu and asked what we’d like cooked for breakfast the next day. From half a dozen choices we plumped for eggs Benedict with bacon, and scrambled fresh eggs with herbs and smoked Akaroa salmon. Veuve Cliquot was also available, but we thought that might be overdoing things.

The evening had turned chilly and rain was in the air, but we rugged up and strolled around French Bay to Akaroa’s “restaurant strip”. Here we found The Trading Rooms Restaurant and Pantry, one of Carol and Bruce’s top recommendations for dining in the village. Chef Stephen Gilchrist and his partner Kathryn Curtis opened The Trading Rooms in July last year, naming it in honour of Stephen’s grandfather, whose store, The Trading Company, stood on the esplanade at Kaikoura, where Stephen spent much of his childhood.

Inside, the restaurant is high and airy, with dark red columns, a well-stocked bar and polished wooden floors. Kathryn led to a table for two where a tasselled table lamp threw a pool of light over a delicate arum lily.

Before opening The Trading Rooms Stephen spent seven years working at fine-dining restaurants in the City of London and now delights in Akaroa’s superb fresh produce that’s reflected in the menu: locally caught groper, for example, Canterbury lamb and, of course, Akaroa salmon. We started with a salmon tasting plate – smoked, potted, creamed, fresh and enclosed in tender dumplings – followed by perfectly cooked rack of lamb for me and pan-fried fillet of blue cod for Gee. Both dishes, we agreed, were excellent. The short dessert menu included more delights, but time was pressing: if we left now we’d get back to The Boathouse just in time for kick-off. Akaroa, we’d decided from the number of All Blacks flags fluttering about the place, would be cheering on the Kiwis tonight.

Earlier, Carol had pointed out the complimentary wine and beer in our fridge and the decanter of port and slim bars of dark chocolate on a side table. We settled down to watch the game on the big flat-screen TV sipping port and eating chocolate. Not a bad way to round out the day – and despite our

French pretensions we couldn’t get too upset at the All Blacks’ win.

Breakfast next morning was a sumptuous affair. Our places were laid facing the view, the table spread with bowls of homemade muesli and Greek yoghurt, jars of organic jam, glasses of fresh-squeezed orange juice, a dish of fresh fruit salad… And then Carol arrived with fresh-baked croissants and Bruce with a silver plunger of coffee – all this just a warm-up to the mains, both of which were impeccably cooked and presented. Maison de la Mer, we decided, was truly a one-off experience.

We said goodbye to Carol and Bruce and drove down to the very fine little Akaroa Museum at the back of Langlois-Eteveneaux Cottage, still furnished as the home of a French settler. There we learnt something of the area’s history – of the peninsula’s earliest Maori inhabitants and their decimation by Te Rauparaha’s warriors in 1831; of French ship’s captain Jean Langlois, who negotiated with a local chief to buy the peninsula, only to find a British warship sitting in the harbour on his return from France; and of the whalers whose huge iron rendering pots still sit beside the harbour.

No trip to Akaroa is complete without a visit to artist Josie Martin’s gracious old home, Linton – better known as the Giant’s House – on Rue Balguerie. Josie has a unique imagination and over many years the Giant’s House and its garden have been her canvas. Josie runs a very good (and quirky) B&B in the house, but the garden is what pulls in the crowds. It’s a wonderland of surreal and whimsical mosaic-clad figures, tableaux and fantastical objects that are breathtaking in their inventiveness, colour and detail.

Behind the house is a gallery containing Josie’s fine paintings and drawings. The whole experience left us smiling in wonder.

We had one more stop to make on the way back to Christchurch and when we reached Barry’s Bay we pulled into the carpark of Barry’s Bay Cheese. Our souvenirs of Banks Peninsula would include wedges of mature rinded Cheddar, Maasdam and Gouda, fruit pastes and preserves. What’s the French word for “yum”?

Opposite, clockwise from top left: The Trading Rooms’ Stephen Gilchrist and Kathryn Curtis; rack of lamb, The Trading Rooms; view, Maison de la Mer; Maison de la Mer hosts Bruce and Carol Hyland.

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wo of the new models are the stuff of dreams – concept cars that

have captured the imagination of motorshow-goers in fine style. The other, scarcely less futuristic, is a production model that’s already with us.

Th e radical-looking HR1 is a show car that combines a number of different genres. Primarily, it’s a compact urban SUV with a distinctively premium feel; but it also contains elements of city cars, style-led coupés... any number of vehicle classes that put innovation and fashion to the fore.

Peugeot is an acknowledged master of both diesel and zero-emissions electric powertrains, and the HR1 combines both. Up front is a conventional internal combustion engine; at the rear an electric motor. With both running together it off ers enthusiastic performance and four-wheel-drive capability. With just the rear powerplant operating it’s a genuine zero-emissions city car.

As a vehicle designed primarily for city dwellers, singles or couples, the HR1 benefi ts from extremely compact dimensions: it’s just

3,690mm long and features an innovative access system to facilitate use in very tight parking spaces, with electrically operated gullwing doors and a raised driving position that makes it a breeze to pilot in heavy traffi c.

The cabin is particularly innovative. Driver and front passenger each have their own “privileged space” separated by a console, just as they would in a top-line coupé. Th e major cabin functions are controlled by a “movement recognition” system, which is simple and intuitive. For example, by rotating his or her hand the driver can scroll through various menus relating to the audio, air-conditioning and satellite navigation systems. Th e driver can also hand over control of these menus to the front-seat passenger with a simple sweep of the hand from one side of the dashboard to the other.

Although the HR1 is designed primarily for two occupants, it is extremely versatile in being able to transport lifestyle equipment such as bikes, diving gear and the like. Thanks to an ingenious “stowaway” rear seat system, it can also quickly be confi gured to carry three or four if required.

CUTTING-EDGE DIESEL-HYBRID ENGINES AND INCREDIBLE ADVANCES IN SPACE EFFICIENCY CHARACTERISE THREE NEW MODELS FROM PEUGEOT.

FUTURE, HERE AND NOW

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The high life: compact SUV meets coupé style and luxury in Peugeot’s HR1 concept. State-of-the-art powertrain combines diesel and electric motors.

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As on Peugeot’s production RCZ coupé, the rear “double bubble” window gives an airy feel to the cabin and also maximises interior space and load-carrying capacity.

The HR1 is a small wonder, but Peugeot has expanded much of that car’s technology and packaging innovation in a larger concept car called HX1. Undoubtedly one of the stars of the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, the HX1 combines Peugeot’s latest HYbrid4 diesel-electric powertrain technology, sporty driving characteristics, space for six people and a highly innovative cabin.

The concept behind HX1 is that it can metamorphose to suit any situation. This goes as much for the sleek styling as the clever cabin. The futuristic lines are penned around extreme aerodynamic principles – the exterior even features flaps that are deployed to optimise aerodynamic performance at certain speeds.

The seven spokes in each wheel rim are fashioned like a turbine blade, and open to create a flat disc surface. At the same time, a spoiler and two side skirts located at the top of the tailgate are deployed above 100km/h. When moving, the HX1 therefore adapts itself physically to its environment.

The HX1’s HYbrid4 powertrain is similar in principle to the smaller HR1 – except that the internal combustion engine up front is a powerful 2.2-litre turbo diesel, compared with the 1.2-litre unit of the compact-SUV. It’s still ultra-efficient, however – and takes eco-technology one step further with the addition of “plug-in” functionality for the electric motoring, giving it a much longer zero-emission range. By plugging in to a standard 240-volt socket for charging, the HX1 can cover up to 30km of all-electric motoring. The HX1 thus obtains CO2 emissions of 83g/km.

Four reverse-opening “half-scissor” doors open wide for ease of access to the HX1’s cabin. The passenger compartment is based around four seats, with maximum comfort and luxury for those in the rear row. But if required, two retractable seats can be configured in a centre row due to a clever system based on the stowaway seats of the HR1, making the HX1 a six-seater.

The instrument panel is designed to create the experience of having complete control over the vehicle, like a “head-up” display that presents all of the information to the driver without them having to take their eyes off the road ahead.

The centre console includes a minibar and a coffee machine, a discreet acknowledgement to the extensive history of Peugeot products. This console is adorned with white Carrara marble, specially milled by hand, which contributes to the exclusive and modern environment.

The HR1 and HX1 represent an exciting future for the

Ultra-sophisticated HX1 concept can metamorphose from one type of car into another depending on the needs of the driver and passengers. Passenger compartment is built around four seats, but two more retractable chairs are available in centre row. Futuristic exterior lines change at speed, with movable aerodynamic flaps and side skirts.

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automobile – where a premium feel goes hand-in-hand with hybrid technology and the ultimate in practicality and cabin innovation. How long before we see such a vehicle on the road?

The good news is that such a vehicle is here already. The Peugeot 508 RXH demonstrates Peugeot’s vision for a high-end estate that builds upon the highly acclaimed styling and build quality of the 508 range, with unique HYbrid4 powertrain technology offering 147kW performance, zero-emission motoring when required, all-wheel drive and overall CO2 emissions of 109g/km – a staggering figure for a full-size family vehicle.

The production version of the 508 RXH made its public debut at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show and is destined for launch in main markets around the world in 2012 and expected in New Zealand later in the year.

The RXH cannot be mistaken for a conventional 508. It is distinguished by a singular visual identity with distinctive LED daytime running lights that give an impression of having three vertical “lion claws” on each side of its grille.

With a 40mm wider track and its height increased by 50mm, this new Peugeot has an individual stance, without sacrificing the characteristics of the 508 range – poise, elegance and status. The use of new 18-inch forged wheel rims allowed designers to create a very fine wheel design with an internal diameter increased by 10mm in comparison with conventional wheel rims.

The interior benefits from special features with distinctive colours and the use of luxurious materials. Standard equipment includes electric front seats, head-up display, panoramic glass roof, dark-tinted acoustic laminated side windows, half leather trim, and the latest-generation audio and satellite navigation systems.

Just like the HR1 and HX1 concept vehicles, the 508 RXH is powered by a highly advanced HYbrid4 powertrain that offers the best of all worlds: sporting performance, the traction of all-wheel drive and the potential for zero-emissions city driving. And like the HX1, the 508 RXH can adapt to any driving situation instantly.

Sympathetic suspension design ensures the 508 RXH has the kind of handling comfort expected of a Peugeot. While cleverly incorporating the hybrid architecture and taking into account a new weight distribution, the engineers have retained the recognised dynamic characteristics of the 508 range with an excellent synthesis of suspension comfort, light steering and good handling. The 508 RXH is one of the latest generation of vehicles that expresses driving pleasure, due to its Peugeot chassis “genetics” and full diesel-hybrid technology.

Just like the HR1 and HX1 concepts, the new Peugeot 508 RXH has an advanced HYbrid4 diesel-electric powertrain and highly innovative cabin design. But the RXH is the real thing: a production car that’s now on sale to the public in Europe. It boasts 147kW performance, yet CO2 emissions are just 109g/km – better than most tiny city cars.

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evealed! One of the most eagerly awaited new cars of 2012 has broken

cover. The Peugeot 4008 is a new compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)

that is certain to create a storm when it arrives in Australasian showrooms next year.

With the 4008, Peugeot completes a range of vehicles suited to the variety of demands made by all-terrain customers. The 4008 is aimed both at customers who already own an all-terrain vehicle and at those looking for an alternative to saloon cars or MPVs. It’s a vehicle synonymous with leisure.

As with the larger 4007, the new 4008 is a product of Peugeot’s partnership with Mitsubishi – acknowledged as Japan’s SUV specialist – but the 4008 has a strong Peugeot identity and palpable European style.

That identity is demonstrated in the floating grille and the feline design of the lamp units, with the marque’s visual signature: at the front, a line of LED daytime running lights that complement the headlamps and at the rear, three sculpted red claws making up the rear lamps.

The 4008’s off-road character is emphasised with a vertical grille design, the inclusion of body sill protectors and prominent wheel arch protection trims to accommodate large 18-inch wheels.

The 4008 is 300mm shorter than the 4007, yet shares the same wheelbase for the optimum in passenger space and comfort. The vehicle will be available in both two and four-wheel-drive versions – the latter with automatic and “Lock” modes that can be selected by the driver.

As you would expect from a new Peugeot, the 4008’s environmental performance is one of the best in its segment.

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Stunning new 4008, seen here in Peugeot’s first official pictures, will be one of the most exciting new-model launches of 2012. It boasts all the style and technology of the marque’s larger models, but in a more compact package.

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PEUGEOT’S VERSATILE NEW SUV IS SET TO ARRIVE IN A SHOWROOM NEAR YOU MID-2012.

4008 READY FOR ANYTHING

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2011MEDIUM/LARGE CAR

OF THE YEAR

2011MEDIUM/LARGE CAR

OF THE YEARTHE NEW 508 RANGE IS POSITIVE PROOF THAT PEUGEOT CAN NOW BE REGARDED NATIONALLY AS AN AWARD WINNING MAKER OF PREMIUM-QUALITY SEDANS AND ESTATE CARS.

TOP TOURERS

Delight is in the details. The new range was developed with the highest-quality materials in mind from the outset, giving Peugeot new prominence in the executive-car segment. But environmental concern is also key to the car’s construction – 85 per cent of the vehicle’s mass is recyclable.

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ne thing is paramount in the design and execution of executive cars: the needs

and wants of an extremely astute and well-informed group of buyers. That has been key to the success of the 508 – Peugeot’s awareness of its customers’ expectations.

What makes the 508 special? Peugeot’s generations of experience in the field of exclusive touring cars reaches its zenith in the 508, with advances in architectural efficiency, quality, optimised aerodynamics and weight reduction.

The 508 was engineered from the start to allow a longer wheelbase compared with the previous 407 and drastically altered overhangs: shorter at the front and longer at the rear. This results in a truly elegant styling balance, greater rear-seat space and generous boot volume.

Quality was another key priority of the 508 design brief. There is a very high level of fit and finish visible both outside and inside the car, intended to make the 508 look and feel “new” for as long as possible. The 508 is the third new Peugeot model to benefit from a development process where this kind of focus has been a conscious priority, after the RCZ coupé and 3008.

The 508’s styling embraces Peugeot’s new design philosophy, yet also appeals to those discerning customers who require e legance without overstatement. At the tip of the aluminium bonnet, the new Lion identity takes its place naturally at the head of the contour. Underneath it, the grille is rendered in Peugeot’s new “floating” style, seemingly detached from the body. This effect is created by the chrome edging, which becomes less pronounced under the nose of the bonnet to reveal the Peugeot branding.

The overall style of the 508 suggests a vehicle “sculpted from a solid block”, reflecting aspirations of elegance, robustness and quality. It’s modelled around a principal line running from front to rear, giving emphasis to the glass areas. No lines diverge from the direction of the road – all have been designed to follow the movement of the vehicle.

Special effort has been made to limit the vehicle’s impact on the environment with the integration of “green” materials to reduce the carbon footprint (produced from recycling or natural materials in origin). On the 508, 14 per cent of the 230kg of polymers (excluding rubber) present on the vehicle are green, compared with 6 per cent for the 407.

These green mater ia l s can be found in approximately 30 vehicle parts or functions: interior of the wheel housing, the rear bumper, noise insulation, boot carpet, steering wheel, seats, seat frames, engine cover and air filter to name but a few. In addition, the 508 is constructed of five main groups of materials: metals, plastics, fluids, rubber and glass. Overall, 85 per cent of the mass of the 508 is recyclable and 95 per cent is upgradeable.

In the same spirit, on the Rennes production line where the 508 is built, there has been much work to optimise protective packaging that has seen a 75 per cent reduction in waste in relation to the parts used for each car.

Optimised aerodynamics and weight reduction were key priorities from the very start of the 508 project, in order to ensure the best possible environmental performance. That desire to optimise the weight created an upward spiral of design benefiting not only fuel consumption but also passive safety and dynamic performance. Every aspect of the vehicle was fine-tuned in this sense: elements such as the magnesium fascia panel crossmember, the aluminium bonnet, laser welding of the roof, use of high-strength steel and engine soundproofing at source.

Naturally, the 508 offers the highest levels of driving pleasure – something that has become synonymous with the marque regardless of vehicle class. Such is the attention to dynamic detail, the 508 is available with two different types of suspension. A new McPherson-type front axle is employed for the majority of the range, ensuring a top-quality blend of comfort and roadholding, while an aluminium dual-wishbone design adds an extra edge to the top-of-the-line GT version – to match the performance of the 2.2 litre HDi FAP engine.

The breadth of the range caters to every taste: four- and five-door body styles, the latest in petrol and HDi diesel engine technology and a host of available features, including colour head-up display, quad-zone air conditioning, keyless entry/start, multi-function steering wheel and adaptive main-beam headlights.

Customers in this class are experienced, in search of modernity and status, yet free of ostentation. Active and committed to certain values, yet aware of their responsibilities. The Peugeot 508 is the car for them. It’s little wonder ir was recently awarded AMI Insurance NZ Autocar Medium/Large Car of the Year 2011.

O

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he idea of a customer-competition car is new for Peugeot Sport – which

specialises in high-level racing such as the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC), which it currently leads – but the production RCZ provides the perfect base.

The RCZ Peugeot Sport targets all saloon-car racers, from experienced campaigners, who will be able to fi ne-tune their set-ups thanks to the car’s data logging equipment, to the sport’s enthusiast drivers.

The racing version retains the production car’s 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, but it has been completely reconfigured and boosted to 186kW.

Drivers change gears via steering column-mounted paddles. The car sits low to the track on 18-inch wheels.

� e RCZ Peugeot Sport retains the original car’s styling character, from the bonnet and double-bubble roof to the polished aluminium arches which defi ne its edges. In addition, the race version stands out through bespoke features such as an adjustable rear wing, exterior mirrors and cockpit-cooling roof vent.

Inside, drivers are strapped into bucket seats with six-point harness belts. � e centre console, which houses the different controls and the rear brake pressure regulator, is within easy reach.

PEUGEOT SPORT IS PROVING THE PROWESS OF THE ROADGOING RCZ COUPÉ WITH A NEW MOTORSPORT VERSION.

RCZ SET TO RACE

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All soundproofi ng has been removed, and the steel monocoque body shell is fi tted with a welded roll-cage – with links to the upper suspension mountings – for enhanced safety. � e shell itself has also been modifi ed to accommodate three quick-lift hoists and the adjustable rear wing pylon.

The MacPherson-type f ront suspension arrangement, complete with anti-roll bar, is based on production components, while the Peugeot Sport-developed dampers permit a range of settings. � e original steering rack has been modifi ed and the car is equipped with power steering. At the rear, the original trailing arms attach to a fl exible beam, while the spring/damper assemblies are also specifi c for

competition use. Work aimed at lightening the chassis has resulted

in a kerb weight for the RCZ Peugeot Sport of just 1,070kg, a saving of 250kg over the production version of the car.

The car will make its competition debut at the start of 2012 following an intensive development programme, including wind-tunnel work and running at seven different circuits. A single RCZ Peugeot Sport clocked up more than 8,000km at circuits of varying profi les, from the abrasive asphalt of Dijon and the technically demanding corners of Val de Vienne, in France, to the heat of Circuito de Navarra, Spain.

RCZ SET TO RACE

Same heart, different beat: RCZ Peugeot Sport borrows much from the highly acclaimed production model, but it’s also a genuine racing car. More power, less weight, sequential gearbox and adjustable suspension.

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PEU0002 Peugeot Life FP ad.indd 1 30/09/11 3:52 PM

Peugeot is lighting the way to safer driving for all road users with the introduction of a distinctive, attractive yet also highly functional feature: daytime running lights (DRL), which are fi tted not only to the 508 but also to the new 308.

What are DRL? Quite simply, it’s a lighting system that operates automatically whenever the vehicle is running. DRL have been proven to reduce accidents by increasing the visibility of vehicles thus equipped, to the benefi t of all on the road. In fact, DRL have now become mandatory on passenger cars in the European Union.

� e DRL units fi tted to the 508 and 308 take the technology a step further. Their DRL are not conventional lights but light- emitting diodes (LED), which is what gives them such a clear and bright appearance when illuminated.

LEDs are more effi cient than conventional headlamps (which are also used as DRL on some vehicles) because the light is generated by the movement of energy through a conductive gas. Unlike ordinary lights, the light is not scattered and there is no energy lost through heat. In fact, a well-designed LED will be cool to the touch even when fully illuminated.

So the DRL systems on Peugeot’s latest models are not simply bright and safe, they are also long lasting and extremely effi cient. An LED light will use as little as 10 per cent of the power required by a conventional headlight, ensuring the extra energy requirement is negligible. From a Peugeot, you’d expect no less.

PEUGEOT’S DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS INCREASE VISIBILITY AND REDUCE ACCIDENTS.

PEUGEOT’S DAYTIME RUNNING

BRIGHT & SAFE

They’re just a bright idea: Daytime Running Lights (DRL) employ light- emitting diodes (LED) to improve safety, yet also dramatically cut down energy consumption.

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PEU0002 Peugeot Life FP ad.indd 1 30/09/11 3:52 PM26_DRL.indd 27 18/11/11 10:34:34 AM

eugeot’s latest Lion symbol – first seen on the stunning RCZ sports coupé and

now giving a sophisticated look to the latest 508 and 308 models – is also set to become the visual centrepiece of Peugeot dealerships, as the marque upgrades its showrooms to an updated, more dramatic and more confident corporate design.

The new Lion was revealed last year: it’s more dynamic, more supple and – perhaps the biggest change – now has a truly three-dimensional appearance.

The Lion is the globally recognised symbol for Peugeot vehicles in 160 countries and more than 10,000 individual dealerships. Yet there have been many different interpretations of it over the years – and, in fact, the original had little to do with cars at all!

The Lion emblem was conceived in 1847 when Jules and Emile Peugeot asked jeweller/engraver Julien Balzer to design a logo for identifying all their products. A lion was chosen because it evoked one of their most important products at the time: a saw, which had strong teeth, a supple spine and a swift cut, like a rampant lion pouncing on its prey.

The Lion did not appear on a Peugeot production

car until 1906 – the Type 3. In the 1920s the Lion became a rallying call for fans of the marque, who used it as a decoration on their radiator caps.

From 1933, with the launch of the “aerodynamic” range of Peugeot vehicles 201, 301 and 601, the Lion’s head was featured on the top of the radiator grille.

In 1948, the 203 adopted as its figurehead a lion on the bonnet in a more prominent style. With the launch of the 403 in 1955 yet another new Lion appeared on the bonnet; however, both designs were deemed too dangerous in the event of a collision and disappeared in 1958.

The more familiar visual concept of a lion leaping from its background was launched in 1968 on the much-loved 504. Another landmark Peugeot sedan introduced another new Lion in 1995: the 406, with its especially large Lion emblem migrating across the entire “6-generation” models.

This led in 1998 to a new-look Lion, with a stylised, angular appearance that decorated the front and rear of both Peugeot cars and scooters. And now the Lion boasts more depth and visual sophistication than ever before – a symbol of a carmaker alive with innovation and confidence.

Peugeot’s new-look emblem has come a long way.

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Peugeot’s new-look emblem has come a long way.

PRIDE IN LIONS

The Lion is the globally recognised symbol for Peugeot vehicles. But did you know it had existed for so long (since 1847) and in so many different incarnations? The latest redesign (opposite page), launched last year on the RCZ coupé and now adorning the 508 and new 308, has more depth and sophistication than ever before.Peugeot’s updated showrooms offer a dramatic and confi dent design.

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eugeot’s 308 has just passed a major milestone:

in September, the millionth example rolled off the production line at the marque’s Sochaux factory. � at calls for a major celebration under any circumstances, but the timing was especially appropriate for the 308, as the car has just undergone the most substantial update since the launch of the groundbreaking original in 2007.

There’s no mistaking the 308’s second lease on life. � e revised model wears bold new styling that integrates the marque’s new design codes in a subtle but effective way – you can’t mistake this car for anything but a 308, but nor can you confuse it with the model it replaces. Refinements under that sophisticated new skin include further optimised Euro 5 engines and a number of changes that improve efficiency – including an average weight reduction of 25kg. � at’s a remarkable achievement for a new model that has improved in every possible respect; little wonder Peugeot has stated it intends the new 308 to be the benchmark in its c lass for environmental performance.

The overal l dimensions have remained unchanged, but the new 308 introduces a more athletic look and, as a consequence, improved aerodynamics. � ere is now more of a focus on uninterrupted lines, with a thinner capping at the front and a smaller frontal air intake. Horizontal

bars on the new grille are accentuated in black or chrome depending on the model.

The bot tom pane l adds the impression of width and incorporates new dual-function lights, including safety-enhancing Daytime Running Lights (DRL). � e DRL are composed of variable-intensity light-emitting diodes (LED) and guarantee a uniquely premium look – not to mention greatly increased active safety for the driver and other road users.

The V-shaped bonnet section – a 308 styling trademark – has been reshaped to link with Peugeot’s new “fl oating grille” design. � e legendary Peugeot Lion symbol (itself newly reshaped) has pride of place at the tip of the bonnet on a black lacquer base with a chrome bead, also forming a V shape.

T h e c u r v a c e o u s f r o n t i s complemented by new smooth-glass headlamps, which gives it the look of a car several segments up in size and price.

The athletic profile is achieved thanks to a styling line that runs from the front wheel arches across the side of the body before dropping towards the lower rear panel.

� e so-called “semi-tall” profi le of the 308 off ers huge potential for cabin space and improved packaging. Yet this practicality is not at the expense of a luxurious look and feel. � e fascia panel is fi lled with premium materials:

BOLD, FRESH STYLING DISTINGUISHES THE LATEST INCARNATION OF THE HUGELY POPULAR MODEL.

NEW 308:MARKING THE MILLION

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Looks a million dollars, don’t you think? Peugeot has also now made more than a million 308 models at its Sochaux factory. The series II version is set to continue the sales success story.

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soft plastic, black-lacquered inserts and chrome detailing. According to the model, the interior features new motifs that add a pleasing sense of attention to detail.

� e 308 remains one of the most spacious cars in its class - and one of the most pleasant to travel in, with the continuing provision of features such as a large front windscreen and panoramic glass roof. Including the panoramic roof, the total glazed surface area is an incredible 4.86 square metres on the hatchback and 5.58sqm on the SW, which will now offer 308 buyers seven seats as standard. The light level can be regulated by means of an electrically operated roller blind.

Automatic dual-zone climate-control air conditioning is available across the range; it features high-tech touches such as an active hydrocarbon fi lter, which reduces odours inside the cabin and makes a genuine contribution to passenger comfort.

While the new 308 offers enhanced driving pleasure and passenger comfort, one of the main objectives for Peugeot with the second-generation version was the reduction of CO2 emissions and enhanced environmental effi ciency at every possible level. All factors influencing fuel consumption, in particular, have been optimised depending on model, including overall weight reduction, improved power-steering control through a new electro-pump unit, optimisation of alternator operation, the use of a piloted oil pump and low-rolling-resistance tyres.

With a well-established fi ve-star crash rating, safety is assured. � e proven rigidity of the structure ensures optimal operation of the wheels and suspension, delivering a high level of primary safety. In terms of secondary safety, the structure itself has been designed to withstand even the most severe impact, thanks in particular to a triple force channel at the front. � e use of high-strength steel and “multilayer” reinforcements in specifi c areas has made it possible to raise the level of safety of occupants while reducing the overall weight of the car.

� e 308 is a model that has enabled Peugeot to achieve global recognition in the small car sector, selling successfully in 100 diff erent countries. On the strength of the fi rst million and the powerful allure of the new 308 now on sale, Peugeot is targeting sales of 220,000 a year globally.

The new 308 is unmistakable from the front. The bonnet tapers down to the latest incarnation of the legendary Lion symbol. Larger air intake gives the 308 more presence, while chrome highlights and striking Daytime Running Lights (DRL) give this small car a genuinely premium appearance. Driving dynamics and fuel economy benefi t from engineering advances and painstaking weight reduction.

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t’s true what they say about Monaco. It is glamorous. It does warrant its jet-set image and its

little harbour beneath the fairytale castle is filled with fabulous yachts.

But it’s also heaven for car lovers. Check out the gleaming autos parked around Monte Carlo’s famed Place de Casino. For years, I was convinced that local car dealers paid to place the latest Mercedes-Benz McLaren roadsters, Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, Ferraris, Lamborghinis or Maseratis there. But no, I’ve been assured, their owners are either at play in the fabulous casino, in the luxurious Hotel de Paris – perhaps lunching on the terrace of the hotel’s famed Alain Ducasse Louis XV restaurant or sipping long gin and tonics in the swish Café de Paris.

It’s easy to get around this tiny principality of less than 2 square kilometres. Take an open-top bus to orientate yourself and join the throng of visitors at the entrance to the Royal Palace just before noon for the changing of the guard. While there, visit the Oceanographic Museum – respected globally for its research and conservation eff orts – before heading for Fontvieille for a stroll around the Princess Grace Rose Garden and to ogle at Prince Rainier’s car collection – now the Classic Car Museum, nearby.

Once a region of modest fi shing villages and olive groves, the British upper classes arrived here some 200 years ago and transformed it into a playground for royalty and the super rich. Somerset Maugham famously described it as: “A sunny place for shady people.” Today, the stretch of villages from Menton to St Tropez is the most famous coastline in the Mediterranean, known for its glamour and breathtaking beauty, where spectacular bougainvillea-covered hillsides spill into the deep blue sea – giving

TRICIA WELSH TAKES THE ROAD NORTH FROM THE GLITTERING CÔTE D’AZUR TO THE GLORIES OF THE CITY OF LIGHT.

FROM MONACOto Moulin Rouge

I

Playground for the privileged:

Monte Carlo was once described

by Somerset Maugham as “a sunny place for shady people”, but the allure

of the beautiful Cote d’Azur is

undeniable.

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it the apt name of the Côte d’Azur.Leaving Monaco, the spectacular Grande Corniche rolls through

glamorous villes such as St Jean Cap Ferrat, Cannes, Nice and St Tropez. Be sure to book well ahead at the celebrated La Colombe d’Or at St Paul de Vence for lunch on the terrace beneath umbrellas and spreading fig trees. Keep an eye out for film stars and celebs who come for the outstanding food and service – isn’t that Roger Moore over there? – and to admire the works of Picasso, Chagall, Miro, Alexander Calder et al that adorn the hotel’s interior. The collection reputedly started when the penniless artist Georges Braque offered to paint a picture of his lobster lunch in lieu of payment. Le patron graciously accepted. After lunch, wander the narrow cobblestoned laneways of the walled medieval village and pick up a watercolour or an oil painting to take home. You might also want to explore The Maeght Foundation – a stunning collection of 20th-century art and sculpture.

Heading further west into Provence, the area is one of natural beauty, dotted with trimmed vineyards, picturesque farming villages and quaint market towns. Be sure to visit the flower markets of Aix-en-Provence and mosey through the maze of narrow shopping streets off the renowned café-lined Cours Mirabeau; catch the Sunday antiques market in pretty L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue; wander the ancient archeological ruins of Glanum, on the outskirts of St Rémy de Provence; and make sure you view the glorious fields of lavender in the Luberon and around Sault when they are at their peak in summer. It’s easy to see why the French themselves choose to holiday in the small hamlets around St Rémy, with its preponderance of attractions and excellent, inexpensive provençal wines – think dry Rosé.

Heading north, the road follows the River Rhône around Avignon, where vineyards are numerous and fine wines such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas and Beaumes-de-Venise are household names. Tastings are obligatory!

Escape the well-trodden tourist route and head for France’s second city – Lyon – in the Rhône-Alpes. Here, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, is the historic quarter of Old Lyon, an atmospheric neighborhood of alleyways and squares that transport the visitor back in time – to the days of Victor Hugo. As the former centre of French silk production, you can visit the Museum of Silk, as well as several workshops and studios.

Lyon is the gastronomic capital of the region, famous for its intimate bouchons and brasseries. Look for the traditional and

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stylish Brasserie Léon de Lyon in the old city. It serves outstanding regional dishes and if you are lucky the sommelier might invite you on a brief tour of the cellars below. In this heartland of French viticulture there is a wine to suit every taste, from premier crus to vins ordinaires.

Travelling further north, the town of Mâcon is famed for its white wines; the villages of Pouilly and Fuissé for their superb full-bodied whites. If you are in need of some exercise, hike to the top of the limestone escarpment, Solutré, where archaeologists have discovered evidence of early man existing here more than 100,000 years ago.

From here, it’s a short drive to Beaune and the Route des Vins which passes through the charming villages of Nuits St George, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanée, Gevrey-Chambertin and Puligny-Montrachet – where a tasting or two is essential.

Further north is the picturesque village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain – the location for the film Chocolat. Its square, chateau and ancient streets dating from Roman times just beg to be explored. Call into the local épicerie (grocer) for some jamon, fromage, un baguette and a bottle of wine – and hey presto – un pique-nique en France!

Soon, you come to the lovely town of Vézelay – a town of medieval history and legend where the Knights Templar set out for the Third Crusade: their mission, to spread Christianity throughout the eastern Mediterranean. Nearby in Saint-Père-sous-Vézelay is the wonderful three Michelin-starred restaurant and hotel, L’Esperance, owned and run by the gracious and talented Chef Marc Meneau with his wife, Françoise.

Opposite page, left to right: Hotel de Paris, Monte Carlo; fields of lavender around Sault, Provence. Left: old waterwheel drips with moss, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Above, left to right: Restaurants and antique shops line canals, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue; cafés fill narrow strees, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue’s narrow streets.

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Quite near Paris is the wonderful Château de Fontainebleau – country home of King Francois I and which is often overlooked by visitors to France. Here, in the 16th century, teams of Italian artists, sculptors and decorators worked to create a palace of complete luxury – befitting a king of Francois’ importance.

And finally, it’s on to Paris – the City of Light itself. Consider staying near the Boulevard St Germain in the heart of the rive gauche area of Paris, where the shopping is great, cafés are alive and the Parisians are très chic. You can stroll down pokey side streets, browse interesting shops such as the Mariage Frères tea house and the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, and visit Ralph Lauren’s fabulous new boutique for lunch at Ralph’s, in the store’s inner courtyard. Or, to feel like a true local, consider renting an apartment for a week. Shop at local street markets, pick up delicious gourmet foods from the city’s coolest department store, Le Bon

Marché and take your daily café at the famed Les Deux Magots.

Be sure to book ahead to indulge in one of Paris’ iconic nightclubs, the Moulin Rouge, where, for 122 years, dancers have been wooing audiences with the world-famous cancan. Today it’s a slick show where up to 800 diners are catered for each night with a sit-down dinner and show and then a late-night champagne show for another 800. Th e current show, Fréerie, is literally a glittering spectacle – with a cast of some 100 rhinestone-encrusted dancers and exceptional support acts that include a ventriloquist, an acrobatic troupe and a juggler.

As we sip our champagne and sit back to enjoy the show, we can’t help thinking: C’est la vie!

Th e author wrote this article in collaboration with Janet Simmonds of Grand Tourist, a specialist in tailor-made travel to France, Italy and the Alps. www.grand-tourist.com

Right: The Cathedral of Notre Dame, one of the glories of Paris.Left and below: The Moulin Rouge, yesterday and today.

Pho

to: M

oulin

Rou

geS.

Fran

zese

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assing through Singapore and seeing only the inside of Changi

International Airport is to miss the many attractions this remarkable city,

the cleanest and most efficient in Asia, has to off er.

Taxis and the MRT (subway) make getting around easy and inexpensive and when I write that Singapore is the cleanest city in Asia, I refer in the fi rst instance to its manicured gardens and rubbish-free streets. Chewing gum is against the law – as it should be.

Th e construction cranes accenting the skyline are reassuring. The global recession has not halted progress everywhere in the world. Wherever you turn in Singapore, retail shops dance to the beat of their own drum in plush shopping malls. Th ey sell just about everything under the sun, including the latest range of internet-connected, touch-screen digital devices.

Singapore is wired. One night, while returning to our hotel from The Blue Ginger, a popular restaurant specialising in Peranakan-style food (see below) we hopped on the MRT and, to my eye, almost everyone in our carriage was engaged with either a mobile phone or a tablet.

Resting as it does at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is equatorially hot. Daytime temperatures rarely fall below 30˚C. It takes getting

used to. After an 11-hour flight from chilly Auckland, Singapore’s heat beat me down. Walking down Orchard Road, it got to the stage where a stop at one of the city’s museums was called for – not for the air conditioning, you understand, but for the art.

My visit to the Asian Civilisations Museum was well timed for other reasons, too, for its exhibition of China’s Terracotta Warriors. Cooled off and heading back out through the Qin Dynasty exhibit into the heat of the day, my eye fell on a sculpture by Singapore artist Justin Lee.

Call it “Pop Art Meets the Terracotta Warriors” if you will – but I had to take a photo. It was the fi rst of many snapshots in my search for some of the best of Singapore. Here are others. Unless otherwise noted, the best website for planning more than just a connecting fl ight is www.yoursingapore.com

ShoppingMany readers will be familiar with Orchard

Road, a Singapore institution that would be just another street but for its collection of malls. ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City and the Far East Shopping Centre, for example, are like cities within the city. Shopping here is restricted only by sore feet. Th e shops at Marina Bay Sands Hotel, attached to the hotel and casino, compete with the Orchard Road malls and they come with an ice-skating rink in the

ONCE AN AIRPORT-ONLY BREAK ON THE WAY TO SOMEWHERE ELSE, THIS ASIAN CITY STATE HAS BECOME AN ATTRACTIVE DESTINATION IN ITS OWN RIGHT. BY TOM HYDE.

THE BEST OFSINGAPORE

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middle of the food court. The dollar exchange rate is roughly 1:1 for New Zealanders. Australians get a slight advantage of 1.25:1. All purchases include 7 per cent GST, which can be reclaimed at the airport on departure.

Food There are six kinds of food, or styles of cooking, in

Singapore: Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, Indonesian, a Singaporean fusion of Chinese and Indonesian called Peranakan and the ubiquitous fast-food joints, most of them American, though you might wish to try something different like a Japanese MOS Burger. Peranakan cuisine employs everything from lemongrass, tamarind paste and chillies to the black Indonesian buah keluak nut that flavours many meat dishes – an acquired taste. We booked a table at The Blue Ginger to sample its ayam (chicken) buah keluak. The dish was served in a bowl and was altogether black. The nut gave the chicken an earthy, pungent flavour – I’d never tasted anything like it before. Our server kindly showed this rookie how to scoop the cooked meat from inside the nut.

Hawker centres, or food courts, are scattered about the city and are generally inexpensive ($30–$50 for two) providing you’re willing to put up with the intense soliciting that goes with the territory. Owners call out like desperate politicians wanting you to try their laksa or chilli crab. There’s a popular centre at Newton Circle, close to Orchard Road and another, with more than 100 stalls, on Maxwell Road, near Chinatown. The entire river bank from Clarke Quay is one continuous string of restaurants and bars, including Harry’s Bar, where expats go to watch rugby. But wherever you end up, Singapore is a foodie’s delight. The annual Singapore Food Festival is held in July.

Heritage DistrictsSingapore is a country of five cultures: Chinese,

Indian, Malay, European and Peranakan, or “Straits

Chinese”. Each has its districts or quarters. The best way to learn something about each is by taking a guided walking tour (see below). Little India and Chinatown are the most prominent districts because they are also great places to shop and eat.

Botanic GardensIt’s beautiful, relaxing and free – unless you want

to enter the famous National Orchid Garden, which costs S$5. Bring your camera. Even someone who has never paid much attention to plants and flowers before will enjoy the spectacular colour and peace of this oasis. There are differents gardens (e.g. Orchid, Ginger, Rain Forest) within the gardens, which spread over 63 hectares and include restaurants and a visitor’s centre. www.sbg.org.sg

Formula One RacingThis year marked the fourth Formula One Grand

Prix in the city. Someone told me it is now the biggest event in Singapore. Held in September, it’s really a motorsport festival, with music, dance and cultural events during the week of the race. Daytime temperatures explain why it is the only F1 race run at night. www.singaporegp.sg

Museums & GalleriesThe Asian Civilisations Museum noted above is

one of eight museums you can visit using a three-day Museum Pass. It costs S$20 and is good value even if you don’t visit all eight. Others on the list include the Singapore Art Museum, the National Museum of Singapore and the Peranakan Museum. Google “art galleries Singapore” for the Singapore Art Gallery Guide. www.nhb.gov.sg

Sentosa IslandReached easily over a short causeway from

downtown, Sentosa Island may have, as it claims, “the best beaches in Asia”, but a beach here is not a beach as we know it in Australia or New Zealand.

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The sand is much the same and, of course, clean. The water is remarkably clear, given that just a few hundred metres offshore is a zoned anchorage for big ships. But Sentosa is a holiday island devoted to theme parks and adrenalin thrills, with hotels and a golf course. Capella, the best hotel on the island and one of the best in Singapore, is next door to the immaculately maintained Sentosa Golf Club. Best thrill: the cable car. www.sentosa.com

Spas The best spas in Singapore are found at the best hotels. Example:

someone told me that a specialist in reflexology at the St. Regis could, “bring the dead back to life”. I had to meet the man. George Lim learned his technique from a Chinese master. George (no one calls him Mr Lim) dedicated himself to healing after practising certain techniques on his mother, who was paralysed from a stroke. Before long she was walking again. Go where the locals go, they say. George’s reputation is better known among Singaporeans than among hotel guests. www.stregissingapore.com

Walks & River CruisesOne of the best ways to stay cool is by taking a river cruise.

Singapore River Cruises are about 30 minutes long and will take you from Merlion Park, where the city’s signature lion has a perpetual waterfall spilling from its mouth, up to Clarke Quay, where you’ll find restaurants and bars for a lifetime. Duck & Hippo Tours’ amphibious boat follows the same route. The award-winning Original Singapore Walks cover the ethnic quarters. I was told the night walk though Chinatown is the most popular.

Public TransportGetting around the city is quick and easy. Taxis are everywhere

and, having experienced exorbitant fares in other cities, I found the service here inexpensive. Singapore can be expensive, but public transport is not. The MRT costs S$2 and change to get from one side of town to another and if you put your ticket in a machine at the other end, it returns a dollar! www.smrt.com.sg

Opposite page: The Singapore Cable Car links Singapore to the resort island of Sentosa; food alone is reason enough to visit.Clockwise, from above left: shopping can be a colourful experience; orchids at the Botanic Gardens; Sentosa beach; a river cruise is a great way to sightsee.

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THERE’S SOMETHING DEEPLY SATISFYING AND SUPREMELY RELAXING ABOUT LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVES, WRITES TOM HYDE. ALL ATsea

Oceania Cruises’ new mid-size liner Marina in Miami and (below) executive culinary director, master chef Jacques Pépin.Opposite page: Marina’s swimming pool and Terrace Café.

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t took only a short time on board for me to discover that the singular

assumption I had made about cruising was untrue. We were sai l ing to

Vancouver. I assumed that being a relatively normal person with feet firmly on the ground, the ship would no sooner pull back from the wharf than I would feel it in my belly. But nothing like that happened at all.

As we sailed beneath the Golden Gate Bridge out of San Francisco Bay, all was well. In fact, the setting sun casting its light over the City by the Bay was spectacular. So was the flute of bubbly. We were well at sea and into the third day before I thought about my belly at all... and that was because it was time for lunch!

Or was it? What is “time” after a few days at sea?The ship eventually docked in Seattle, where my

travelling companion and I joined a city tour – one of many onshore excursions to choose from. We were taken to the top of the Space Needle and from there we could look down on our ship, sitting in port. And at that moment I experienced the proverbial epiphany.

It struck me that the hidden secret of cruising is something cruise industry people rarely talk about. They sell you, naturally enough, on the itinerary and the quality of life on board. But the most essential quality in cruising is… water. The stuff

beneath the ship, otherwise known as the sea.It may be a primal thing, but floating on water

for days at a time is perhaps the most relaxing holiday you will ever have. Stories of ships in “stormed-tossed seas” (a novelistic cliché, for sure) are fanciful. If “high-seas drama” were the norm, the cruise business would not continue to grow in popularity year after year as it has, to the point where some ships and cruise itineraries must be booked more than a year in advance.

With this in mind we suggest three itineraries from Oceania Cruises’ extensive 2012 portfolio that might inspire you to discover the joy of cruising for yourself.

Close to Home Oceania’s Coral Seas and Australian Adventure

departs from Auckland on March 8. After stops in Tauranga and the Bay of Islands, the good ship Regatta makes it way north to Tonga and Fiji before turning southeast to New Caledonia. After three days on the Coral Sea, the ship drops anchor at Cairns, then sails south along the Australian coast to Townsville, Whitsunday Island and Brisbane. Sydney is the final port of call, on March 29.

This is a 21-day cruise that might leave you feeling as if you’ve been away for a lot longer than that. Regatta is beautiful, sleek and elegant, with teak decks and neo-classical staterooms. Make the

I

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most of it by booking a stateroom with a balcony. Regatta has a guest-to-staff ratio of 1.7:1. Its four restaurants include a silver-service Grand Dining Room, Italian and New York-grill themes while the fourth is a top-deck café.

Meanwhile, to work off the restaurant effect, the ship’s superb Canyon Ranch Spa is a brand many readers will have heard about, if not experienced, because Canyon Ranch is a world leader in the art and science of feeling good. Apart from its menu of private treatments and therapies, you may feel inspired to join an exercise class, utilise its wellness services or attend one of the ongoing presentations on health and well-being.

Southern EuropeThe Tuscan Artistry cruise sails from Barcelona on

May 12. Barcelona is one of the great cities of the world. My few days there were spent learning about the life and times of architect Antoni Gaudi and taking a city tour that includes stops at the site of the 1992 Olympics and the iconic Sagrada Familia.

So plan to arrive there a few days before the elegant liner Marina departs for Marseille, Saint-Tropez, Monte Carlo, Portofino, Florence and Pisa, the Amalfi Coast, finally arriving at the port at Civitavecchia, Rome, on May 22.

Special note: this cruise features renowned French chef Jacques Pépin. Marina is known for its gourmet restaurants – nine in all – and on this cruise Chef Pépin will be designing menus, presenting culinary demonstrations and delivering talks on the finer points of French cooking.

Yes, Marina is about food. Six of its restaurants feature open seating, with no surcharge. La Reserve by Wine Spectator will teach you something about matching food with wine. The ship’s Bon Appetit

Culinary Centre is the only hands-on cooking school at sea.

Northern EuropeThe Baltic Treasures cruise departs after the

London Olympics. I make that point because someone told me recently they had planned to attend the Olympics and were looking for something else to add to their itinerary while they were in that part of the world.

Marina sails from Stockholm on August 21. The first port of call is Helsinki, followed by something unique in cruising: an overnight at St. Petersburg. Why? Because the former Leningrad is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and The Hermitage, the largest museum in the world, with six buildings including the historic Winter Palace, could take two days to see. So much of Russia’s history and culture and its extraordinary architecture, is right here.

From St. Petersburg, Marina sails to the Baltic cities of Tallinn (Estonia) and Riga (Latvia) before drifting south to Gdansk (Poland). After stops at Ronne (Denmark) and Warnemunde (Germany), from where passengers make a day-visit to Berlin, the journey conc ludes on Augus t 31 in Copenhagen.

Marina is a new ship. Its sister, Riviera, will be launched in April 2012. I note this because if none of the three itineraries above work for you, the inaugural voyage of Riviera departs Barcelona on April 14, concluding 10 days later in Athens.

Oceania Cruises produces a useful inside look at cruising at www.OceaniaCruisesblog.com and provides full details on all 2012 itineraries at www.OceaniaCruises.com.au or www.OceaniaCruises.co.nz.

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Opposite page: Food is a major part of the Oceania experience; unforgettable St Petersburg.Clockwise from top left: Marina at sea; the ship’s poolside Waves Grill; where else but Venice?; Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona.

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IT’S TAKEN THOUSANDS OF WORKERS MORE THAN FIVE YEARS, BUT ALL MAIN VENUES FOR NEXT YEAR’S LONDON OLYMPICS ARE READY ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET. TOM HYDE REPORTS.MARKS,

get set...

More than 40,000 workers laboured night and day,

seven days a week, to complete the London Olympics’ venues and

infrastructure.

Pic

s: L

ondo

n 20

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y all accounts, London could stage the 30th Olympiad tomorrow. In creating

and building Olympic Park, the Brits have seemingly shown the kind of resolve that

won the Battle of Britain. You might guess that, with the Opening Ceremony on July 27, one or two headlines will draw on that historic event to describe this one.

Yet every Olympics is historic for one reason or another – good or bad. London 2012 is already noteworthy for two reasons: (1) the incredible efficiency in which Olympic Park was designed and built and (2) the price of the tickets.

More than 40,000 workers laboured night and day, seven days a week, to complete the project in what might be record time. According to the official website (www.london2012.com), the main stadium is “the most sustainable ever built”. Like other Olympic stadiums before it, London’s is a celebrated feat of engineering, but this one is built on the noble pledge to “reduce, reuse, and recycle”.

The London stadium will seat 80,000 for the Opening Ceremony. While nearly four million tickets have already been sold for the 42 Olympic and Para-Olympic events, tickets for the flashy Opening Ceremony were still available when we last checked. That might be due in part to ticket prices, which ranges from A$2,740 to A$5,927 or NZ$3,462 to NZ$7,487! The closing ceremony is a flat A$1,407/NZ$1,778.

Tickets for other events are less expensive. Athletics tickets start at A$282/NZ$356, while Equestrian events start at A$178/NZ$224. Prices vary from day to day and from the preliminary to the medal rounds. You can find

them all at www.2012tickets.org.Still, this is the Olympics and, as history and tradition

would have it, the Games are not entirely about money. London has exploited every milestone in the build-up to celebrate the event, and rightly so. The Olympics is as much a festival as a series of elite sporting contests – which is why the London committee has received applications from more than 250,000 people hoping to become volunteers. The chosen ones will be assigned to one of 34 venues.

On that note, the committee has done a splendid job of utilising existing venues. Hyde Park for triathlon, anyone? How about Earls Court for volleyball? Soccer finals will be played at Wembley Stadium (of course) and while you might not be a fan of badminton you might enjoy watching the world’s best play at the next-door Wembley Arena. Many of the venues for London 2012 already have a history.

There’s still some work to do. A new 17,000-seat Hockey Centre at Olympic Park has yet to be completed, while refurbishment of Greenwich Park (Equestrian, Modern Pentathlon) and Horse Guards Parade (Beach Volleyball) are on-going.

On July 27 this year, to mark one year out from the Opening Ceremony, the Olympic medals were unveiled at a celebration in Trafalgar Square. Designed by British artist David Watkins, some of the ore they are made from came from Mongolia. Maybe a Mongolian will win one of them. The Mongolian team includes 28 boxers, shooters, and wrestlers. Now there’s a thought: watching the Mongolian wrestlers compete at the Excel Centre in the Docklands. Tickets are only A$103/NZ131.

B

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WINE TALK

Brent Marris (below) named his Marlborough winery after the tallest peak in the hills overlooking his vineyard. His fi rst vintage was in 2006.

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rent Marris has etched out an enviable reputation and his latest incarnation is

The Ned, a relatively new label named after one of the tallest peaks near his

Marlborough vineyard.� e land there enjoys warmer daytime temperatures and

lower rainfall and these warm days and cool nights encourage the development of intense flavours and pungency – the hallmarks of Marlborough’s greatest wines.

Brent exudes the sort of confidence that comes with knowing you’ve got a good product at a reasonable price. He says, “Eighty-fi ve per cent of my wine goes for export to Australia, the UK, Ireland, Germany and Holland.”

Brent has had a stellar rise through the wine industry. He comes from Marlborough, by far the country’s largest wine-making region. His father, John, was one of the region’s pioneer contract grape growers. He remembers working in his father’s vineyards and when he left school he headed straight into a three-year course at Australia’s prestigious University of Wine at Roseworthy College.

“I was exposed to all aspects of the industry,” he recalls. “I learnt about viticulture as well as wine-making, but what was really useful was to learn about marketing and the whole business side of things.”

After graduating from Roseworthy he worked at Delegat’s and just one year after starting there – and under the watchful eye of Jim Delegat – Brent became chief winemaker.

Brent left Delegat’s after three years to pour his energy into the rapidly expanding Wither Hills winery in Marlborough. He became the driving force behind the fi rst release of Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc, a wine that used his father’s fruit and one that became a runaway success.

Concentrating on Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Wither Hills garnered numerous awards. Meanwhile, the Australasian brewing and wine monolith, Lion Nathan, was casting about for a successful, high-profi le label to add to its portfolio. In the end, Wither Hills was bought by Lion Nathan for $52 million. Brent stayed on as chief winemaker.

He remained at Wither Hills for nearly fi ve years. At the

end of 2003 he found a 268-hectare property on the banks of the Waihopai River. He says: “It had enormous potential, tucked between the Delta Hills and the river.”

� e property stretched over three distinct terraces of clay and ancient shingle that altogether provided the kind of fruit variation and complexity a winemaker can normally only dream of from a single-vineyard site. In 2004 he planted his fi rst vines and the fi rst vintage of � e Ned was released in 2006.

A good deal of his current success can be put down to his considerable marketing skills and business sense. Being articulate, personable and passionate about his craft are major pluses. He also has a clear vision of what his wine ought to taste like and even of the style of bottle and look of the label. He understands the importance of image and the fact that a bottle of wine is (or ought to be) special.

Asked about the New Zealand wine industry in these turbulent times, he’s refl ective: “I think people are likely to trade down. � at $25 to $30 per bottle could drop to $15 to $20. I think they’re going to look to brands they’re comfortable with and I wouldn’t be surprised if more people are likely to drink at home. Restaurant prices for high-quality wines can be a bit up-there.”

Brent is comfortable with who he is, despite critics and those in the industry who remain envious over his sale of Wither Hills. But his success has not happened by chance. It’s come about by hard work, calculated risk-taking and loads of vision. You can have all the passion in the world – and the wine industry is full of it – but without knowing where you’re headed and how to get there it can be diffi cult and dangerous.

Had he seen what Earl Spencer, the late Princess of Wales’ brother, had to say in the English wine magazine Decanter? Spencer talks about wine and how he’s inherited his father’s cellar and, in reply to a question about his current drinking preferences, he said: “My younger son is called Ned, so there’s some New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc called The Ned. I bought a lot in case they go out of business.”

Brent laughs. “I can assure the good Earl that � e Ned is in exceptionally safe hands,” he says.

BRENT MARRIS IS THE WINEMAKER BEHIND THE NED, A MARLBOROUGH LABEL WITH A GROWING FOLLOWING.

THE NED

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WINE TALK

The Vasse Felix story began 45 years ago and today the Margaret River label continues to win wine awards and plaudits from critics.

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r. Tom Cullity, a Western Australian cardiologist, was a “Peugeot man”. He

drove them all his life. It’s believed that in 1967 he drove a 404 from Perth down to

Margaret River, where he bought eight acres of “useless” land for $75 an acre – a purchase that caused some people to think he’d lost his mind.

But he had a dream of growing his own grapes and making his own wine. He had read studies that verifi ed Margaret River’s Mediterranean-like climate was well-suited for his intention. So Dr. Tom planted a vineyard there. It was the fi rst vineyard in Margaret River and for that reason it’s not a great stretch to say that Peugeot and the hugely successful Margaret River wine industry as we know it today were together from the start.

Dr. Tom, a scholarly man, called his label Vasse Felix. “Vasse” was the name of a legendary French sailor lost off the coast of Western Australia. “Felix” is a translation from Latin of “happy”. Inspired by his vision, others began planting vines and now, nearly 45 years later, the region has become a significant producer of world-class premium wines. Today there are more than 130 winemakers in the Margaret River region. While only 2 per cent of Australian wines are produced there, Margaret River accounts for 20 per cent of all Australian premium wines.

Clive Weston, of Negociants New Zealand, named Wine Company of the Year at the 2011 NZ International Wine Show, says: “Margaret River produces some of the world’s classiest Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays. Both are possessed of intensity of fl avour and power but also show restraint and elegance.”

Margaret River is Australia’s youngest wine region and unlike other regions its production is more boutique than

bulk. The yields are lower and the quality is therefore higher, which is why labels from the region tend to be more expensive. “Part of the romance and intrigue surrounding Margaret River,” says Weston, “is its remoteness and the fact that it’s a beautiful piece of planet Earth on the shores of the Indian Ocean.”

Margaret River credibility received a boost in 1971 when a Vasse Felix Riesling won Gold at a show in Perth. � ere was no looking back, but in 1987 Dr. Tom sold his vineyard to the Holmes à Court family. Today, the Vasse Felix cellar door, restaurant and art gallery (the original winery containing some of the Holmes à Court family collection) can be found on a property with sweeping views of the enchanting landscape. � e buildings were built with stone from local quarries and regional hardwoods and altogether evoke a charming, rustic look. But it’s the wine that matters most, of course and Vasse Felix continues to win awards and high praise from critics the world over.

� e top label is Heytesbury, a Holmes à Court family name from generations ago in the UK. Reviewing the 2008 Heytesbury for The Australian, James Halliday gave it a stratospheric 96 points. Jane Faulkner, for the Melbourne Age, described the 2009 Heytesbury Chardonnay as “stunning”, an opinion endorsed by a Tri-Nations panel that awarded it “Best Australian Chardonnay”.

Writing in Britain’s Hampshire Society magazine, two Michelin-starred chef Shane Osborne described that same Chardonnay as “the best I have ever tasted” and this year the Heytesbury Cabernet Sauvignon won Double Gold at a Five Nations Wine Challenge.

So, you see, nice things happen when you drive a Peugeot, as Dr. Tom Cullity would verify if he were with us today. He passed away in 2008.

DR TOM’SHAPPY VISION

D

ONE MAN’S DREAM OF GROWING GRAPES WAS THE SPARK THAT LED TO THE SUCCESS OF AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST WINE REGION.

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Ocean Room head chef Raita Noda’s creations mix modern techniques with ancient Japanese dining customs – witness his elegant Tuna Creations (top) and Saikyo Miso Cod. “At the root of any innovation or creation,” he says, “you must first master the original.”

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s much as temple to design as degustation and inspired by its

front-row situation, bathing in the blinking brilliance of the Sydney Harbour water traffi c and the luminous Opera House, Ocean Room is a palate pleaser in every sense.

Drawing on his own Japanese heritage, head chef Raita Noda challenges traditional interpretations of modern Japanese food.

“The creations on the menu mix modern techniques with ancient dining customs,” he explains. Without compromising on the integrity of his produce, Noda has orchestrated a unique dining experience in a menu that reworks ancient recipes and experiments with f lavour and texture combinations.

At the heart of the menu is seafood – Noda’s great passion for its simplicity and variety.

“Great seafood is the essence of the sea and it is a pleasure to present this with slight variations to the diner. Great seafood takes minimal preparation but a lot to understand about how to enhance the fl avour. I am a happy man to be able to work with seafood every day.”

While terms like “progressive” have been used to describe his cuisine, Noda himself likens it to mastering the fundamentals of any art, before daring to experiment. “At the root of any innovation or creation, you must first master the original. To understand the technique and history of any dish is important. You can then put your own twist or slant on it to create something new through a progressive

way of cooking.”Traditionalists will be thoroughly satisfied, if a

little extended, by Noda’s philosophy. “Traditional Japanese techniques are an essential part of my menu,” he says.

“We dedicate a special section of the business to traditional sushi and sashimi preparation. Another technique that I use is the ageing of a toro, which is the fatty part of a tuna usually cut from its belly. In Japan, tuna is graded and priced according to its fat content. Toro is usually the most expensive item on the sushi menu because it requires precise preparation and mastering.

“To turn the toro into a light pink appearance and make it as tender as possible, I usually hang it in a cool room for 10 days. Th is will enhance the fattiness of the tuna and will make a perfect ingredient for a delicious sushi dish. We also have perfected the art of Japanese barbecue, or robata. This technique requires only the simplest of ingredients such as camellia [tea seed] oil, cracked pepper and sea salt to flavour seafood and the rest will speak for themselves.”

Regular sojourns in Japan are vital to top up his inspiration. “Japanese culture is about precision. It’s about passion, dedication to quality produce and attention to detail. Ocean Room is a business that is owned by the Zetton Group, based in Tokyo. I try to go back once or twice a year for corporate meetings, to keep pace with the latest food trends and learn about new techniques.”

Th e architectural impact and ambience of Ocean

SYDNEY’S FABULOUSLY SITUATED OCEAN ROOM DELIGHTS LOVERS OF JAPANESE FOOD. JENI BONE SURRENDERS TO THE ART OF CHEF RAITA NODA AND TAKES IN THE VIEW.

HARBOURSIDE GASTRONOMY

A

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Room are as much a part of the dining experience as the food.

Award-winning Yasumichi Morita was responsible for the latest redesign, which has drawn acclaim and accolades for its concept, among them a berth in the international category of the recent Restaurant and Bar Design Awards in the UK – the only Australian restaurant to make the cut.

Morita has designed more than 300 world-class restaurants and bars throughout Asia; the Ocean Room his first in Australia.

Dwarfing guests on entry, a great maw of ceiling combed with 42,458 Asiatic timber cylinders fitted together like a giant hanging puzzle – part percussion instrument, wind chime, acoustic chamber, hive. The installation is of one of Morita’s colossal signature chandeliers and, soaring above diners, it competes with the sails of the Opera House for our attention.

Floor-to-ceiling glass windows capitalise on the ground-floor views to Circular Quay and salubrious suburbs beyond. You’re so close to the harbour’s edge you can see water lapping and white ferry wake. Upstairs, a private dining room promises a more intimate setting for very special occasions.

Says Noda of his cavernous yet cosy surrounds: “It’s very inspiring. Ocean Room provides the diner with an international gastronomic experience that stimulates all of the senses – sight, touch and taste.”

To ensure guests savour the gamut of his talents, Noda recommends they select the seasonal tasting menu – “small bites of the full Ocean Room experience”.

“My Chef ’s Choice tasting menu is representative of what’s in season from land to sea,” he says, referring to the 12 morsels chosen from a range of his signature dishes.

The night we dined – ravenous from enjoying a day of superlative winter sunshine, expunged by a bolt of Sydney “slab dark” at 6pm – the sake was a welcome “cockle-warmer”.

What followed was a steady flow of exquisite mouthfuls, delivered by personable, professional staff and punctuated by their concise commentary. And the sake flowed.

The O Bar showcases Japanese-inspired cocktails by celebrity mixologist Ben Davidson, of Pernod Ricard. There is an extensive cocktail menu, an impressive selection of Australian wines and a range of sake. We trusted our hosts and were not

disappointed.Oyster Duo was a sparkling opener: Pacific oysters

topped with ocean trout eggs and rock oysters sprinkled with green shiso basil granita. Blue fin tuna cubes followed, flame-seared with chilli sauce and a dash of cabbage. A white gazpacho was served next, refreshing and quenching the mild chilli bite with a watermelon tang.

Next up, Prawn Crystal, which was a cured Crystal Bay prawn bathed in jalapeno salsa and crowned with a Granny Smith sphere.

Uni Tamago was for the more daring – a semi-poached egg in its shell topped with sea urchin espuma. I ate both of those, as my dining companion made it clear his egg preference was fried.

We fought over the Soft Shell Crab Taco, which was exactly as described, only in miniature. Winter Fish in Bath was crispy fried fish in a broth, which was then followed by Smoky Trout, perfectly complemented by ginger lime vinaigrette.

The Saikyo Miso Cod also came with a citrus twist, paired with ginger risotto and orange miso sauce.

Roasted Angus beef appeared in the form of a mini scotch fillet, seared to perfection with soy and Pinot Noir jus on potato confit. “More please!” we thought in unison.

The final dish was the Sushi Collection, nigiri sushi to the chef ’s specifications.

Cleansing the palate with a fitting finale, the most delicate dessert: Gorgonzola Panna Cotta, its cheesy body offset with just enough sweetness in the caramalised banana and jumai jelly.

The virtues of a tasting menu, particularly of the scope of Chef Noda’s, are that portions are so perfectly balanced you are not left wanting and you truly experience the depth and breadth of a chef ’s pick of seasonal produce. Not too ample, not too frugal, each plate intrigued the eye, entertained the mouth and, as a sum of its parts, filled the belly.

On the agenda before 2011 is out is the second installment of Ocean Room’s Sake Masterclass Series in September.

“We are working with sake master Toshi Maeda to host an interactive food and sake dinner event where guests will have the chance to learn about this beautiful rice wine,” says Noda. “We are also hosting a wine dinner that will showcase the relationship between South American wine and Japanese food this October with Japan’s first Master of Wine, Ned Goodwin.” www.oceanroomsydney.com

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Ocean Room “provides the diner with an international gastronomic experience that stimulates all of the senses – sight, touch, smell and taste”. Taste highlights include the Bloody Miyagi (above left) and Corn Crusted Tuna with dual pepper sauce. Exterior views and interior design compete for diners’ attention in dining room and O Bar (below left), which specialises in Japanese-inspired cocktails.

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Pescatore’s decor is as striking as its food, which includes dishes such as (from top) turbot fillets on crab pot stickers, cauliflower mayonnaise, green apple reduction; corned duck, raspberry vinegar marshmallow, duck crackling and watercress; corn-fed chicken Boudin, white bean puree, crispy chestnut tortellini and baby beets; goat cheese cheesecake brandy snap with apple and lime mousse and mango sorbet.

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escatore, the fine-dining restaurant at The George Hotel in Christchurch, has for many

years been considered one of New Zealand’s top eateries, gathering numerous awards and accolades

along the way. This year it was a finalist in Cuisine magazine’s Restaurant of the Year Awards. Its wine list is rated among the world’s best by the influential Wine Spectator magazine.

I’d eaten at Pescatore once before and over the intervening 10 or so years the memory of that meal stayed with me as a gastronomic highlight. But the famous restaurant overlooking Hagley Park had undergone radical changes since then, including a dramatic interior makeover a complete redesign of its menus.

Now we were about to find out if that earlier peak experience could be repeated. I shared my thoughts with Reon Hobson, Pescatore’s current chef de cuisine. “Well,” he said with a smile, “I hope tonight that we’ll surpass that.”

In the dining room, meanwhile, plain white tables,

hanging lamps, black carpets, glass walls and modern art, had replaced the white tablecloths and candles. Matching the 21st-century décor, Pescatore’s menus revealed a modern new approach to dining – in style if not in principle; in that regard, I was assured, ingredients still ruled.

“� e food styling’s completely diff erent to what it used to be,” Hobson said. “We’re still focused on the produce, but it’s what we do with it…”

Christchurch born and raised, Hobson has worked under some great chefs – Dietmar Sawyer in Sydney, Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White in London – but enjoys having the freedom to “push the boundaries” in his home town. And he’s not afraid to add a dash of the futuristic in the form of molecular gastronomy, although the frothy science is used sparingly, “to heighten the senses – visual stimulation, smells, stuff like that”.

Expectations. At Pescatore you’re actively encouraged to leave them at the door – actually, in the small, white anteroom with its white marble leaning bar. � is is a place to pause and reset the bio-computer while sipping a foamy, palate-cleansing spritzer fired from a nitrous oxide canister.

“The architect’s idea was to change your perceptions before you get to the restaurant – try to create a blank canvas,” mâitre d’ Ted James told us before leading us to our table past a silver chandelier by famed British designer

Ross Lovegrove. � e dining room comes into its own at night. � e white

tables, softly lit from above, seemed to fl oat above the dark carpet and waiters moved quietly between islands of conversation.

You can choose from three diff erent menus, each designed to “re-awaken the senses”. Two are tasting menus – the nine-course Evolution and fi ve-course Middle menu (with or without matched wines) – and Decisions, an à la carte selection. Dishes change with the seasons.

We settled on the moderate-sounding Middle menu, mine with matched wines, and waited for the fi rst of our fi rst course, “Perception”, to arrive.

Salmon salad, with smoked salmon, capers, onion, beetroot, apple and goat’s cheese: it sounded unremarkable. When it came, however, we found wafer-thin slivers of salmon, dried onion, beetroot, apple and bread peeking out of a slim brown envelope beside a soft mound of goat’s cheese. “� e chef invites you to use your fi ngers and dip,”

James intoned and poured me a glass of Sandihurst Gewürztraminer from nearby West Melton. So we dipped and tasted, each mouthful a melting moment of delicate fl avours.

Next came two small works of art: Tuna Niçoise with liquid olives, ortiz mayonnaise and green bean for Gee and for me Venison Carpaccio, mustard, gin-infused rhubarb, truffl e toast and olive oil ice cream, perfectly matched with a La Strada Rosé.

A lamb course might be considered de rigeur at a Canterbury restaurant, but the Pescatore version placed before Gee off ered something extra: a trio of poached loin, braised lamb neck and lamb bacon served with smoked celeriac and parsley crème. I went for the Turbot with crab pot stickers, cauliflower mayonnaise and green apple reduction: a superb taste combination. A clean and delicious Millton Riverpoint Chardonnay was a nice counterpoint to the richness of the turbot.

Finally, dessert. My goat’s cheese cheesecake, brandy snap with apple-and-lime mousse and a mango sorbet was a perfect finale, enhanced by a glass of Pegasus Bay Aria Riesling. Gee surrendered to the Rocky Road, a picturesque confection of soft chocolate, marshmallow ice cream and cherry milkshake.

Wow. Expectations met. Blank canvas fi lled. www.thegeorge.com/pescatore

PATRICK SMITH REVISITS AN ICONIC CHRISTCHURCH RESTAURANT WITH A RADICAL NEW ATTITUDE. GREAT

EXPECTATIONS

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PradaInfusion D’Hommewww.prada.com

PradaAmber Pour Hommewww.prada.com

Th ierry MuglerAngel Eau de Toilettewww.mugler.com

La PrairieMidnight Rainwww.laprairie.com

A SERIOUSLY DESIRABLE COLLECTION OF SCENTS, TIMEPIECES, SPORTING ACCESSORIES, CAMERAS, SOUND SYSTEMS AND OTHER TEMPTING STUFF FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS WISH LIST.

TEMPTATIONSYour Gift Guide

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La PrairieMidnight Rainwww.laprairie.com

Dior VIIIDior VIII 33mm quartz cadran diamants.www.diorviii.com

OmegaLadies’ Constellation with steel, red gold and diamonds. www.omega.com

RadoTrue Th inline Quartz, black

www.rado.com

CartierLadies’ Baignoire set

with diamonds. www.cartier.com

IWC Schaff hausenTh e classic Pilot’s Watches pay tribute to the history of aviation.www.iwc.com

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Wilson Di11 IronsFor the golfer looking to improve their game, these user-friendly, cavity-back irons could be the answer. Their mid-sized head has a large sweet spot and their unique “half and half ” shaft of graphite and steel gives them a light but stable feel. They are designed to increase swing speed without sacrificing precision. These features, along with their progressive offset, make them a perfect gift for the mid to high handicapper. www.wilson.com

Callaway RAZR Black DriverCallaway has had much success with Forged Composite technology in recent years. Forged Composite is lighter and stronger than titanium and produces faster club-head speed for more distance, without compromising forgiveness.www.callawaygolf.com.

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WilsonBLX Tour Black Gold Super Six Bag. www.wilson.com

Wilson’s best-selling Blade 98 BLX Pink racquet.

US Open 25 racquet for more power and control (far right).

Championship tennis balls with Duraweave felt.

www.wilson.com

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Nikon Coolpix S1200 pink

Nikon Coolpix AW100 orange

Nikon P7100www.nikon.com

BeefEater Signature S3000This barbeque combines superior design with heavy-gauge steel. It has an exceptionally high heat output and a vaporising grid system for even heat and reduced flare-ups. www.beefeaterbbq.com

BollingerChampagne Roséwww.champagne-bollinger.fr

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Myryad MiThis British-made digital stereo hi-fi includes CD, AM/FM radio, iPod, iPhone and iPad connections. It delivers outstanding audio without the distortions usually associated with digital conversion.www.myryad.co.uk

Conran Audio iPod DockUK designer Sir Terence Conran has come up with

a cool speaker dock that plays streamed music wirelessly from an iPhone, iPod, iPad or MacBook.

www.conranaudio.com

Louis Vuitton City GuidesThe content of these annual guides are for the discerning traveller looking for something different even in a city they may feel familiar with. Grand hotels, Michelin-star restaurants, key points of art and architecture, cool new bars and glamorous nightclubs. www.louisvuitton.com

Castle Knight Series 3Catle Knight’s speakers produce a rich, smooth sound and as furnishings they are all handcrafted using the finest materials and wood veneered cabinets. www.castle.uk.com

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he dazzling array of luxury goods produced by the Hermès Group today belies its modest beginnings: a harness workshop founded by � ierry Hermès in Paris in 1837. It wasn’t long

before his leatherwork won him national acclaim as the maker of the best harnesses and bridles for the carriage trade.

Leather may have been the original material Hermès was known for, but take a few minutes to browse the company website today and you’ll see its extraordinary progression from decorative leather to exquisite silk to an entire range of hand-crafted goods that together represent a lifestyle of class and good taste.

� e Hermès silk scarf, introduced in 1928, was made from raw Chinese silk spun into yarn and woven into a fabric that was a stronger and more durable that any others at the time. Known for their intricate patterns, Hermès scarves were made especially popular after Grace Kelly was photographed wearing them. Queen Elizabeth II wore a Hermès scarf in a portrait for a 1956 British postage stamp.

Today, the brand remains a world leader in leather goods and silk fabrics, while embracing the highest-quality fashion accessories, jewellery, watches, fragrances, home furnishings and leisure goods. All in all, a spectacular range that is sold through its own boutiques worldwide, including four shops in Australia. www.Hermès.com

THE NAME HERMÈS HAS EMBODIED THE MEANING OF FINE CRAFTSMANSHIP FOR 175 YEARS.

OF LEATHER & SILK

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Left: Arceau Time Suspended watches. Below: Terre d’Hermès fragrance.

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OF LEATHER & SILK

Right: Agenda organisers.Left: Ulysses notebooks, and silk ties.

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Live Breathe Drive Europe

O ur dream holiday? Somewhere in the South of France with

plenty of sun and swimming, surrounded by culture and history, delicious French food, local

wines, romantic evening strolls… and not too many tourists.

Does such a place exist? Yes! We found it all in Mèze – a quiet seaside paradise in

the Languedoc-Roussillon region, just 30 minutes west of Montpellier, famous for its oysters and the mussels grown in the clean, warm water.

We collected our Peugeot EuroLease car from Montpellier Airport. (After rattling around Europe, some 25 years ago in a baking-hot Ford panel van, this time we wanted comfort, good fuel economy and space for three.) We chose the Peugeot 308 1.6L HDi diesel six-speed manual, complete with air-conditioning, GPS, panoramic glass roof and much more.

Having a car gave us complete freedom to explore Mèze and the Languedoc-Rousillon region. We even named the polite voice in the GPS “Lara”. She was unfailingly patient.

As our hosts warmly welcomed us to the second-fl oor apartment in their 150-year-old terrace home, we quickly realised that we had struck gold.

It didn’t take long to get into the rhythm of small-town France, far from the bustle of Paris. Here, it was unthinkable to pass someone on the street without a polite “bonjour”.

� e charming port was just metres from our door, there were two swimming beaches nearby and the sun shone every day. But one of the real highlights of Mèze was the local market, held on Thursday and Sunday and selling everything from fruit and vegetables to cheeses, clothing, shoes, meat, wine and more. Favourites for us were the delicious watermelons and local specialty, teille (fi sh tart), not to mention the boulangeries, where we found mouth-watering baked treats that were just too tempting to refuse, from the traditional baguettes to the crisp gross pain and tangy tartes aux citron. Delicieux!

Our many day trips included visits to Sète – an ancient fi shing port now fringed by modern tourist condos for the hordes of people visiting the stunning Mediterranean beaches that roll on kilometre after kilometre – and Pezenas, an architectural gem with a long, rich history.

Near Mèze we found the Dinosaur Museum, where dinosaurs apparently laid their eggs in the sandy soil some

65 million years ago. A modern miracle is the famous Millau Viaduct, which we came upon 100km north of Mèze, an engineering masterpiece and breathtakingly beautiful.

Among other revelations were Lupian, site of a Roman villa where fragments of fabulous 2,000-year-old floor mosaics survive; Aigues-Mortes, where we walked along the entire medieval city wall; Roquefort, to sample the famous cheese; Toulouse, for a full-day visit to the Airbus factory, where we saw three A380s under construction; Nîmes, where matadors are the local pop stars; Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is now a glorious ruin soaring 49m above the living rock; Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, offi cially recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in France; Agde, a town described by Marco Polo as the “Black Pearl of the Mediterranean”; and Pinet, where we visited a winery run by a mother and daughter, one of only 40 producers of the regional wine Picpoul de Pinet, which we found quite similar to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris.

After three glorious weeks, it was fi nally time to leave our base of Mèze. We packed everything into our Peugeot and headed northeast to Annecy – an absolute gem. Situated on a crystal-clear lake below the mountains, this charming medieval town is a major tourist attraction and not to be missed.

We continued on through Switzerland (our Peugeot had automatic headlights – a very handy feature with the numerous tunnels) and popped into Europapark in Rust, between Freiburg and Strasbourg. What a treat for the kids! Our son had been looking forward to this for the entire trip and it was everything we expected – big, bright, busy, clean and well organised. The various themed areas were all European countries: Poland, Switzerland, Greece, France, etc. Our favourite was Austria, with a dark, enchanted mountain. Among the various roller coasters was the new Blue Fire – one of the fastest in Europe.

Two days later, we were en route to Zurich Airport – where “Lara” guided us smoothly through all kinds of confusing intersections and turnoff s – to return our Peugeot 308 to the very effi cient Peugeot agent.

Our European dream was over. Any disappointments? Kind of: we never saw the automatic windscreen wipers work – because it never rained!

To learn more about Peugeot EuroLease online, visit www.eurolease.co.nz.

VALERIE CLAPHAM AND GLYNN SERGEANT HOLIDAY THE PEUGEOT EUROLEASE WAY..

DRIVEN BY A DREAM

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Clockwise from top left: Mèze Dinosaur Park; Sète from Mont St Clare; Mèze Port; local man and his dog stroller in Toulouse; enjoying the 308; fresh, fabulous paella, Mèze.

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Peugeot Around New Zealand

he Peugeot 207 has been one of the greatest success stories of the small-car segment: it hit the number-one sales spot in Europe in

2008 and has maintained an incredibly strong following ever since. It also proves that quality never goes out of fashion: earlier this year, it was

named the Most Reliable Car in the UK, with the lowest number of reported repairs of any new car.

Now New Zealand customers can enjoy some of that success with a new 207 model called Sportium. Starting from just $25,990, the 207 Sportium range is available with Bluetooth cellphone connectivity, 17-inch alloy wheels, glass roof and a range of Sportium accessories including a special steering wheel, gear lever, mat set and special Sportium badging.

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THE EVER-POPULAR 207 GETS FRESH AND FUNKY WITH THE NEW SPORTIUM MODEL

SMALLWONDER

The 207 Sportium: top-rated for reliability, plus a full glass roof and limited edition alloy wheels.

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Peugeot Around New Zealand

THE RUGGED NEW 4007SE NOW COMES WITH A RAFT OF NEW FEATURES.

IMPROVED GRRR…

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eugeot has refreshed the 4007 SUV range which now includes two value-packed Special Edition models called the 4007 Allure and

the 4007 Allure SE.The Allure might be a premium SUV with true European flavour, but it isn’t

priced that way: starting at just $54,990, it offers luxurious cloth trim, a rear parking camera and New Zealand-specific satellite navigation system.

The news is even more exciting with the 4007 Allure SE, which gains $7,000-worth of optional equipment for a premium of just $3,000: $57,990. Enjoy bolstered sports leather heated front seats, a new front grille treatment, front and rear spoilers and side running bars.

Both new 4007 models are powered by Peugeot’s acclaimed 2.2-litre HDi engine. Seven seats are standard.

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Style and value in equal measure: the new 4007 Allure SE serves up

$7,000-worth of equipment for an extra $3,000. Note the unique grille, side

running bars and spoilers.

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Peugeot Around New Zealand

Popcorn queue at Silo Park cinema.

Wynyard Crossing bridge rises to allow yachts and fi shing boats to pass into Viaduct Harbour.

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ynyard Quarter is a successful extension of Viaduct Harbour. Th e

two are linked by a new footbridge, known as Wynyard Crossing, that’s raised

to allow yachts and fi shing boats to pass beneath. Th e development covers 35 hectares of reclaimed land stretching from the eastern side of Viaduct Harbour to the western wall of Westhaven Marina.

Walk across the new footbridge and you enter Gateway Plaza with the Viaduct Events Centre on the right and, further along, nine new restaurants and bars at North Wharf. Beyond the restaurants and bars is a new inner-city park with a playground for children and an observation deck. It’s all framed by the original silos and over summer one of those will become a “screen” for outdoor movies during warm Auckland evenings.

John Dalzell, chief executive of Waterfront Auckland, has indicated that Wynyard Quarter is just the beginning as plans are afoot to redevelop more of the precinct, once strictly industrial land, into a mixed-use environment accommodating fi shing and marines industries alongside residential, entertainment and community facilities.

“Aucklanders have been asking for access to their waterfront for a long time,” he said. “We are pleased to present Auckland ratepayers and residents with their newly redeveloped land at Wynyard Quarter, where they can touch the water, smell the sea and watch the action in the harbour and its immediate surrounds, as well as grab a great meal, coff ee, fresh fi sh and produce.”

On that note, the very popular Auckland Fish Market and its restaurant is right next door, with the added attraction of a tramway carrying visitors in restored vintage trams from nearby carparks into the heart of all the activity. Th e new tramway is a 1.5km loop carrying its two historic trams painted in their original carnation-red livery.

Now that the Rugby World Cup is over (in the minds of most people, anyway) Wynyard Quarter looks to the next major international event: the Volvo Ocean Race, in mid-March, when six round-the-world yachts stop over. Th e boats will dock next to the new Events Centre. To keep up with other developments and goings-on on the Auckland Waterfront.

Visit www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz.

OVER 50,000 PEOPLE DESCENDED ON AUCKLAND’S NEWEST PUBLIC WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT, WYNYARD QUARTER, WHEN IT OPENED IN AUGUST.

WATERFRONT WINNER

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Peugeot Around New Zealand

The newly formed Peugeot amateur cycling team pose in their new Lion strips before their Saturday-morning ride.

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revor Pilkington and Chris Robinson took up cycling in a big way. Th is is to

say, there was a time when they were more likely to lose sleep over their golf handicaps than the Lake Taupo Cycling Challenge.

Th at event, now in its 35th year, is one of the most popular cycling events in the country – open to newcomers and veterans, amateurs and professionals alike. Th e course is 160 kilometres around the lake. Th is year Trevor will be riding in it for the 10th time, Chris for the sixth; but this time they will actually be sponsored, by Peugeot.

I say “actually” because last year they rode wearing retro Peugeot cycling kits Chris had found online. Th ey were so cool people commented on them as they were circling the lake. Th ey stood out because most riders turn up in... whatever. Now in their midst was a “Team Peugeot” of fi ve riders wearing retro jerseys and looking like they were ready for the Tour de France.

The popularity of cycling worldwide has grown exponentially in the last 10 years. The number of recreational cyclists in New Zealand has increased 80 per cent since 2000, according to Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC). Ten years ago there was a sprinkling of weekend cyclists along the Auckland waterfront.

Today it’s a training ground for dedicated riders looking to take part in events like the Lake Taupo Cycling Challenge, the TelstraClear Challenge (110km, including a crossing of the Auckland Harbour Bridge), the K1 on the Coromandel and the

Tour of New Zealand, which covers both the North and South Islands. Trevor and Chris are now talking of heading to France to ride a mountain stage of the Tour de France before the tour itself gets underway.

A decade ago, “cycling” for Trevor Pilkington meant riding about for a few minutes on his daughter’s bike. As recently as six years ago, Chris Robinson did not own a bike at all. Now they talk about their bikes in the way they used to talk about their golf clubs. Trevor rides an Enigma Titanium, Chris an Independent Fabrication (steel).

Trevor says, “A lot of people commented on the retro Peugeot kits, so someone put us on to Simon [Simon Rose, Peugeot NZ divisional manager in Auckland]. Turns out he cycles, too, so he understood what we were on about. Now we’ve become a team for fund-raising as much as having fun.” Each rider pays $100 and they recieve a sponsored cycling kit. Peugeot pays for the balance, and all proceeds go to Cure Kids.

Earlier this year Team PureGo raised $7,000 for Cure Kids, an organisation created 35 years ago to raise funds for research into life-threatening childhood illnesses and in which Peugeot NZ is a Key Partner. Meanwhile, the Lake Taupo Cycling Challenge is scheduled for November 26. It’s only a guess, but 30 riders wearing modern-day Peugeot kits ought to attract some attention, even if they don’t win the race.

If you want to join them, call Trevor on 021 335 005.

A NEW CYCLING TEAM SPONSORED BY PEUGEOT RAISES FUNDS FOR CURE KIDS. BY TOM HYDE.

LIFE CYCLE

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Peugeot Around New Zealand

llied Alarms, a Christchurch-based company that installs security and fi re alarm systems, relies on

Peugeot to maintain its incredible 92 per cent market share. Th is award-winning business was started by Lindsay Coulter, who was later joined by his brother, Peter. As their business grew, the company vehicle fl eet grew, too.

From its early days, Allied Alarms’ fleet was a mixed bag of Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans and Mitsubishis. But as the company developed, Lindsay and Peter felt the workhorses of the fleet needed to present a consistent face. After shopping around, the Peugeot Partner van came up trumps for its space and ease of fi t-out.

Th e rear of the Partner van is designed to fi t a standard 1200mm x 1200mm pallet and, as the van walls are not tapered, any joinery requirements were easily handled by Allied Alarms’ workshop, then simply lifted in and bolted down to fi xed points. One of the company’s staff designed and built the rear fit-out that accommodates ladders, even though the vans are equipped with roof racks for carrying longer ladders.

But there was more to their choice of Peugeot Partner vans than just the fi t-out. Lindsay says, “We value our staff highly. Th e safety ratings and equipment, along with the comfort provided by the Peugeot range, made them an obvious choice. Also, from a marketing point of view, we liked their large side panels, which we have branded with our logo. The Partner vans are the most practical and economical vehicles we have ever owned.”

Th e Allied Alarms fl eet started with the Peugeot Partner vans, but it didn’t take long for a Peugeot 508 to fi nd its way into the company carpark. For Lindsay and Peter, the arrival of the 508 has meant their company cars fi t well within the working fl eet – and they liked the economy. Lindsay reports that anyone of the Peugeots will do 1,000km on a single tank of fuel and that has seen Allied Alarms’ monthly fuel bill drop by a whopping $700.

PARTNERS IN THRIFT

A

A vehicle fl eet that makes getting about more comfortable while saving the company $700 a month.

SWITCHING TO AN ALL-PEUGEOT FLEET HAS BROUGHT MAJOR BENEFITS TO ONE CHRISTCHURCH COMPANY.

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Peugeot Around New Zealand

ack in the early 1970s, Mervyn Steele, of Levin, had a hobby repairing Peugeots. It was something he enjoyed immensely because

he was always a “Peugeot man” and, as he told Peugeot Life: “Th ere is no other brand as far as I’m concerned. Th at’s because, for me, it’s all about four features: style, comfort, safety and economy.”

He rattled off those items like a salesman, not a repairman. But a repairman supreme he’s become since those early days. He’s no longer a part-time hobbyist with grease on his hands but someone with a reputation throughout the North Island as one of the best in the business when it comes to repairing and restoring Peugeots. His user name on TradeMe is “pugdoc” – get it?

His business is both fi xed, in Levin, and mobile, meaning he takes his service wherever it is needed. He gets calls from as far away as Auckland but mostly his territory is south of Lake Taupo, from Hawke’s Bay across to Taranaki and as far south as Wellington.

WEDDINGS WITH STYLE

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ONE MAN’S PASSION FOR PEUGEOTS SPAWNS AN UNEXPECTED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY.

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Earlier this year Mervyn’s son, Adrian, married his fi ancée, Gail. For that glorious occasion Mervyn produced two fully restored Peugeots – a 1962 403 and a 1970 404. He did the work himself and after the wedding the unexpected happened.

In his words: “People who attended took an interest in the cars and with the summer season coming along there’s been interest in using them for other weddings, too. But more than that, one couple who attended the wedding went away and purchased a new Peugeot RCZ!”

How the sight of two classic Peugeots inspired the purchase of the modern and very sporty RCZ, we leave you to fi gure out. Th e fact is, Mervyn Steele’s passion for the brand and his superior skills in fi xing them up and restoring them to their former glory has been good for his new-found wedding business (drivers included) – and his local Peugeot dealer, Brent Boddy Prestige, in Palmerston North. Meanwhile, Mervyn can be reached at 06 368 9561.

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Peugeot Around New Zealand

ontinental Car Services in Auckland has formed a partnership with MORE FM. Divisional manager

Peter Metcalfe told Peugeot Life: “With the brand direction and styling changes for Peugeot and the new models coming, I had an idea that we could take the brand to the public in a way that had not been done before.

“In late 2009, I started early concept conversations with Mediaworks Radio about a fi t for a brand partnership. Th e partnership had to work for both parties to build a relationship and brand alignment.

“Once we started talking to the team at MORE FM it was apparent we could work together and share mutual benefi ts.

“In early 2010, we became the MORE FM Morning Fix Breakfast Show vehicle partner. Our concept was to have our latest Peugeot model with MORE FM to showcase the new styling and how much of a fi t the Peugeot brand was

for the station’s listeners, backed by Continental Car Services as the local dealer.”

The partnership began with the new 3008 Crossover, moved on to the cool RCZ Coupé and it’s now founded on the new Peugeot 508 GT. Th e result is Continental Car Services and the Peugeot brand is gaining recognition on the streets of Auckland, while MORE FM is being seen in great-looking cars that change whenever a new model is released.

Adds Peter Metcalfe: “Being able to work with the radio station on events and promotions gives both of us a chance to off er something a little diff erent in the marketplace and maintain that marketing edge. Radio is a great medium for us to advertise and promote our brands to customers, so we are now well into our second year of the partnership and looking forward to what the future brings. Stay tuned to MORE FM!”

TUNING INTO PEUGEOT

C… 91.8 MORE FM

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TEAMATEofPeugeotTOTAL

The PEUGEOT TOTAL team continues to triumph worldwide. An intense partnership where off-the-shelf technology keeps the competition on its toes. To win, only the best will do. Passion brings us together.

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LIFE CAN BE PERFECT

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