travel • fine food • temptations

Peugeot Life
2009
Peugeotlife
EUROPEAN FLAIR AND INNOVATION
TRAVEL • FINE FOOD • TEMPTATIONS
I magine it, and you will find it here…
Situated on the top deck,
and truly the only one
I magine A Resort
...Designed To Satisfy Your Every Desire
is a half-acre of beautifully
manicured grass, inspiring
moments
of
ultimate
indulgence. Play bocce, sip
a cold drink on the patio, or
simply sit and be taken in
by the smell of freshly cut
grass in the middle of the
ocean. You can even enjoy
a live demonstration of the
Club’s glass blowing studio.
Spectacular
Design
Exquisite
Restaurants
It took a world-class team
of architects, designers
and stylists to create
the masterpiece that is
Celebrity SolsticeTM. From
the overall design and layout,
down to the fabrics and
colour palettes, no detail was
overlooked, leaving you to
absorb an utterly complete
experience on a ship like
no other.
With distinct specialty
restaurants spanning a world
of culinary delights, dining
on Celebrity SolsticeTM is
truly a tantalising experience.
We’ve teamed up with
Elizabeth Blau & Associates
to pair innovative menus,
wine lists and unmatched
service with an immersive
atmosphere sure to capture
every mood. In the end
we’ve created a refreshed
and contemporary dining
experience, that promises
to elevate your culinary
journey.
Luxurious
Accommodation
Celebrity SolsticeTM are
nothing short of exceptional.
Our staterooms have been
redefined by our Leading
LadiesTM — an experienced
cruiser, a hotelier, a travel
agent, a travel writer, and a
potential cruiser — so that
each one is tailored to the
very same people who relax,
indulge and live in them.
And the introduction of
AquaClassTM a new category
of staterooms designed
with the spa life in mind,
promises guests the ultimate
combination of pampering
and relaxation complete
with your own specialty
dining room.
Ultimate Caribbean from $2,995 per guest
10 nights aboard Celebrity EquinoxTM from Fort Lauderdale
Various sailings available December 2009 - March 2010
Cruise Highlights: Fort Lauderdale, St. Thomas, St. Kitts.
Barbados, Dominica, St. Maarten, Fort Lauderdale
Eastern Mediterranean from $3,385 per guest
11 nights aboard Celebrity SolsticeTM from Civitavecchia (Rome)
Various sailings available May - November 2009
Cruise Highlights: Rome, Santorini, Mykonos, Istanbul
(overnight), Ephesus, Athens, Naples, Capri, Rome
Voted The World’s Best Large Ships by Condé Nast Traveler for the sixth year in a row
For Reservations Please Call Your Travel Agent Or For A Brochure Call 0800 CRUISE (278 473) www.cruiseholidays.co.nz
Prices are per person, NZ$, share twin, based on lead in, interior stateroom categories, Celebrity Solstice’s 09 Nov 2009 & Celebrity Equinox’s 09 April 2010 departure, including port taxes (correct as of 26 Feb 2009).
Gratuities additional. Special conditions, currency fluctuations & availability restrictions apply. All fares and taxes are subject to change without notice up until full payment is received. Sale ends 30 April 2009. CEL672
I magine it, and you will find it here…
Situated on the top deck,
and truly the only one
I magine A Resort
...Designed To Satisfy Your Every Desire
is a half-acre of beautifully
manicured grass, inspiring
moments
of
ultimate
indulgence. Play bocce, sip
a cold drink on the patio, or
simply sit and be taken in
by the smell of freshly cut
grass in the middle of the
ocean. You can even enjoy
a live demonstration of the
Club’s glass blowing studio.
Spectacular
Design
Exquisite
Restaurants
It took a world-class team
of architects, designers
and stylists to create
the masterpiece that is
Celebrity SolsticeTM. From
the overall design and layout,
down to the fabrics and
colour palettes, no detail was
overlooked, leaving you to
absorb an utterly complete
experience on a ship like
no other.
With distinct specialty
restaurants spanning a world
of culinary delights, dining
on Celebrity SolsticeTM is
truly a tantalising experience.
We’ve teamed up with
Elizabeth Blau & Associates
to pair innovative menus,
wine lists and unmatched
service with an immersive
atmosphere sure to capture
every mood. In the end
we’ve created a refreshed
and contemporary dining
experience, that promises
to elevate your culinary
journey.
Luxurious
Accommodation
Celebrity SolsticeTM are
nothing short of exceptional.
Our staterooms have been
redefined by our Leading
LadiesTM — an experienced
cruiser, a hotelier, a travel
agent, a travel writer, and a
potential cruiser — so that
each one is tailored to the
very same people who relax,
indulge and live in them.
And the introduction of
AquaClassTM a new category
of staterooms designed
with the spa life in mind,
promises guests the ultimate
combination of pampering
and relaxation complete
with your own specialty
dining room.
Ultimate Caribbean from $2,995 per guest
10 nights aboard Celebrity EquinoxTM from Fort Lauderdale
Various sailings available December 2009 - March 2010
Cruise Highlights: Fort Lauderdale, St. Thomas, St. Kitts.
Barbados, Dominica, St. Maarten, Fort Lauderdale
Eastern Mediterranean from $3,385 per guest
11 nights aboard Celebrity SolsticeTM from Civitavecchia (Rome)
Various sailings available May - November 2009
Cruise Highlights: Rome, Santorini, Mykonos, Istanbul
(overnight), Ephesus, Athens, Naples, Capri, Rome
Voted The World’s Best Large Ships by Condé Nast Traveler for the sixth year in a row
For Reservations Please Call Your Travel Agent Or For A Brochure Call 0800 CRUISE (278 473) www.cruiseholidays.co.nz
Prices are per person, NZ$, share twin, based on lead in, interior stateroom categories, Celebrity Solstice’s 09 Nov 2009 & Celebrity Equinox’s 09 April 2010 departure, including port taxes (correct as of 26 Feb 2009).
Gratuities additional. Special conditions, currency fluctuations & availability restrictions apply. All fares and taxes are subject to change without notice up until full payment is received. Sale ends 30 April 2009. CEL672
Peugeot
life
Introduction
By Simon Rose, Divisional Manager
Sime Darby Automobiles NZ Ltd
Welcome to the latest edition of Peugeot Life!
Many people don’t know, that Automobiles
Peugeot is still a family-owned business. They are
dedicated to serving people in a personal and
memorable way with the clear objective of producing
innovative and stylish-looking vehicles of the highest
quality, to ensure they exceed customer expectations.
Recently, Peugeot reached an important milestone
in its 100-plus-year history.
They have now produced an incredible 50 million
vehicles worldwide and are now the fourth biggest
vehicle manufacturer in Europe.
As the recently appointed Divisional Manager of
Sime Darby Automobiles NZ Ltd, the importer of
Peugeot, I am extremely proud to be able to share
with you some of our recent accolades, as well as
our new product plans for what promises to be an
exciting future for our customers.
Peugeot is a brand that becomes part of your life
– hence the appropriate name of our magazine. It
has been a part of my life and career for the last six
years, my own parents are now onto their sixth
Peugeot and, having just started a new family of my
own, my latest model of choice to keep our family as
safe as possible is the new Peugeot 308 SW HDi –
we love the economy and flexible use of space to
carry around everything that comes along with a
young family!
Talking safety, we are pleased to announce that the
new Peugeot 308 was recently awarded the
prestigious title of “New Zealand’s Safest Car” by
the well-known and trusted Automobile Association.
We couldn’t have asked for a more important
award to share with our customers and our entire
organisation is exceptionally proud to have received it.
We are also pleased to highlight in this issue the
outstanding achievements our dealer network and
their staff have made in all areas of the business, be it
in sales, marketing or simply in treating you like one
of their own family when it comes to delivering
outstanding levels of customer service.
We hope this edition of Peugeot Life has something
to tempt and entertain everyone. It includes articles
on everything from gourmet cooking, reviews on
luxury golf courses and travel, to the latest runway
designs from our local fashion icon and long-term
brand advocate, Kate Sylvester.
Of course, we have some exciting new product
news to share as well… a sneak peek at the stunning
new 308 CC, our first-ever 4WD SUV, the new
Peugeot 4007 and the new Crossover 3008, not to
mention our new small commercial van, the Peugeot
Partner.
Lastly, we welcome and value your feedback – it’s
vital we understand what our customers would like
to read and also how you think we can improve
our business.
Please feel free to contact me directly on email at
[email protected] to let me know your
thoughts, and in return for your time we will send
you a Peugeot writing pen to thank you.
Thanks again for taking the time to learn a little
more about the world of Peugeot. Enjoy the read
and we look forward to talking again soon.
Until then, safe and happy motoring.
Regards,
Simon Rose, Divisional Manager.
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Peugeotlife
8
18
28
Contents
8
Tunnel Vision
A gentle drive through the countryside in the new 308 CC winds
up at the Matakana Farmers’ Market.
14
Peugeot 308 CC
Peugeot invented the concept of folding hardtop roofs back in the
1930s. We lift the lid on the latest coupé cabriolet.
16
Unmistakably Peugeot
The ground-breaking 4007 SUV is the product of European
influence and a commitment to driving pleasure.
18
2009 Peugeot 407 – New Model
Increased refinement and subtle styling changes herald
the arrival of the latest 407.
20
New Zealand’s Safest car
The NZ Automobile Association has named the 308
the safest car in 2009.
22
908 HDi Hybrid
Peugeot is a major contender to win this year’s Le Mans
using new diesel and hybrid technology.
24
Green Tyres
A new tyre developed by Peugeot and Michelin helps
to reduce carbon emissions.
26
Top of the Class
Peugeot proves its fuel efficiency at the AA Energywise Rally. We
tell the story – and give some tips on driving for economy.
28
The Future of the Family Car
The striking new 3008 Crossover, so named because it crosses
a whole range of different functions.
Peugeot Life magazine
Published by Sime Darby Automobiles NZ Ltd
Printing – PMP Print Ltd
Produced by Hope Publishing Ltd,
Box 1199, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140, New Zealand.
Advertising enquiries to:
Don Hope 09-358 4080, Jo Harvey Mob 021-498 434
Editor – Tom Hyde
Sub editor – Patrick Smith
Creative Director – Mark Llewellyn
To change your address details or subscribe please phone 09-526 7010 or email [email protected]
Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Sime Darby Automobiles NZ Ltd or its agents. All care has been
taken to ensure product details are correct at time of printing but no liability is accepted. Please confirm with your local Peugeot Centre.
Contents
32
Cruising On
Celebrity Cruises introduces a new and
sophisticated class of cruise ship.
32
A New Way to Fly
Emirates Airbus A380 service sets a
benchmark for comfort and sustainability.
36
Touring France
Peugeot EuroLease was the logical solution for
a holiday in France.
40
Cutting the Mustard
French food and French condiments
meet in three stunning dishes.
44
How to Say “Fore” In French
A new golf course in Tahiti catches
Tom Hyde’s attention.
50
Best of the Best
Peace and tranquility at two romantic
luxury resorts in the Cook Islands.
56
Forecasting Fashion
We catch up with leading fashion designer
and Peugeot partner Kate Sylvester.
60
Temptations
Fragrances, fabulous Dior, funky French
homeware and the latest in home theatre.
64
The Van is Back
Peugeot join the small van market with its
new practical Partner van.
72
Peugeot News
We bring you up to date with the latest dealer
news from around the country.
74
Quality + Passion = Great Service
Peugeot dealers take pride in providing
customers with the best service in the country.
78
36
44
56
70
Country Drive
NEW 308 CC
Peugeot
life
TUNNEL
VISION
THE PEUGEOT LIFE TEAM TEST-DRIVE A NEW 308 CC TO MATAKANA.
TOM HYDE REPORTS.
T
he drive through the new Johnstone Hill
tunnel north of Auckland has proven to be
an administrative nightmare, but putting that
aside for now, it has also turned out to be one of the
prettiest roads in the country.
The tunnel is neat and clean and appears to have
all the latest technology automotive tunnels today
should have. The road cruises smoothly through
attractive native bush on both sides (read: no
development) and at one point there’s even a sea
view few people will have seen before. A sleek
new bridge crossing high above the road has
thin red supports, its design meant to resemble
a Pukeko.
The tunnel has turned a once stressful drive up the
coast into a breeze and if you time it right it makes a
Saturday morning visit to the Farmer’s Market in
Matakana fun and something different to do. To beat
mid-morning traffic that invariably gets backed up by
the ludicrous intersection in Warkworth, we left
Queen Street at 7:20am. By eight we were knocking
off a coffee and a croque-monsieur for breakfast.
That the Farmer’s Market in Matakana would have
someone making croques-monsieurs on site, while
you wait, says a lot about what the coast east of
Warkworth from Snells Beach north to Leigh has
become. A croque-monsieur is a French-style grilled
ham and cheese sandwich, a traditional French café
staple, pronounced KROHK muhs-YOOR – even if
the guy making them called them “Crocs” as if they
were a style of shoe.
And even if the sandwiches were made with what
food writer Lauraine Jacobs told me (hush, hush) was
Turkish bread. Lauraine is the food editor of Cuisine
magazine and the author of a combination guide and
recipe book entitled Matakana (published by
Random House). She and her husband have had a
second home at Omaha Beach for seven years.
She told us, “As a passionate cook I revel in the
food I find around this district. I can get everything I
need: fresh garden produce from farm stands where
honesty boxes still rule, gourmet products and meat
from possibly the best butcher in the country; a
bakery with bread and pastries to die for, and plenty
of ocean-fresh fish that my husband catches with
regularity.”
8–9
The Matakana Farmer’s Market has become so
popular it’s likely you’ll meet someone you know or
notice a familiar face. We spot Anne Thorpe, the
chef of the Food Channel’s Kai Ora programme,
picking up a few things. Paul Blackwell, the owner
of the New Zealand Breakers basketball team, is
there with his family. They have recently moved into
the district.
Most of all, however, the market thrives because
it serves great coffee and food (we moved on from
a croque-monsieur to a whitebait fritter) and sells
the local delights described by Lauraine Jacobs.
Moreover, next to the market are permanent
shops, among them the noted Stubbs Village
Butchery, an organic ice cream shop, and the
Matakana Patisserie. On the morning of our visit
there was a flea market underway in front of
the pub.
Here, wine country begins just south of
Warkworth on SH 1 at Ransom Wines, a winery
and café owned and operated by Robin and
Marion Ransom. They’ve been making wine here
since the mid-1990s, which means they’ve been
here about as long as the other 15 wineries on the
Matakana Wine Trail.
It was still morning, and too early for most of us
(not all) to taste wine, but before leaving Matakana
we picked up a useful brochure on the trail, with a
map for future reference. Instead, the vote was for
homemade ice cream at Charlies Gelato Garden.
Charlie Wrigglesworth and Heather King, the
owners of Charlies, make their own fruit- and
berry-flavoured gelato (more flavour, less fat than
conventional ice cream) on site at their café on
Sharp Road. They also make chocolate-coated
strawberries, meringues and jams. We thought it
was the perfect stop after the market because the
gelato was cool (literally so), we could sit down and
take our time, and before leaving we were able to
check out an exhibition of contemporary art at the
Fine Line Gallery attached to the café.
Art, or rather sculpture, inspired our next stop at
Brick Bay, where Richard and Christine Didsbury
have established a vineyard and winery and popular
Sculpture Trail – a quiet walk, through native bush
over wetlands and around a neatly trimmed
vineyard, that features work by more than two
dozen New Zealand artists.
Christine Hellyar, Gretchen Albrecht, Fatu Feu’u
Peugeot
life
and Mary-Louise Brown are among those who have
contributed to this outdoor gallery, an easy one-hour
walk and the perfect thing to work up an appetite
for a glass of wine and a gourmet food platter back
at the vineyard’s attractive Glass House. The winery
and Sculpture Trail are open from 10am to 5 pm
daily and adult admission is $10.
As if we hadn’t had enough food and drink already,
we considered the options for lunch. The café at
Morris & James Pottery on Tongue Farm Road, we
knew, was as popular as ever. According to Lauraine
Jacobs, writing in Matakana, “Anthony Morris and his
family returned to New Zealand from Britain in 1977
to establish their family business at Matakana. For
several years they produced terracotta pots using
the supply of iron-rich clay on their property, which
previously had been used for brick-making. But by
the mid-1980s the pottery was producing pots and
tiles with brightly coloured glazes, putting Matakana
on the map as visitors came from afar to source
their distinctive works.”
Morris & James continues to be a top spot for
experiencing art and fine food on the same site,
although in recent years other attractive cafés and
restaurants have opened in this area, too, such is the
impact of those who have left Auckland and
elsewhere to settle here.
David Hoskins and Mary Evans began growing
grapes here over 20 years ago but their restaurant, at
Heron’s Flight Vineyard, opened only two years ago.
Ever since, their wine and food has been a critical
success. Heron’s Flight is one of the wineries on the
Matakana Wine Trail, but it is the only vineyard in
New Zealand dedicated solely to Italian grape
varieties, namely, Sangiovese and Dolcetto, from vines
imported from Tuscany and the Piedmont.
All the wineries on the wine trail serve food, but
to break the pattern and feeling like something more
substantial than nibbles – however delicious they
were – we drove back towards Warkworth on the
Matakana Road to the Dragonfly Café. We were told
it was under new ownership, so perhaps that was
why we found the parking lot nearly full and the
shop and restaurant inside buzzing.
We never met the new owners – no doubt they
were too busy to talk in any case. But from
The Saturday
morning Farmer’s
Market in
Matakana offers
the best produce
and tasty
delights from
the region.
10 – 11
Peugeot
40
appearances the Dragonfly is a French boutique, an
art gallery and pleasant café, out back, in cool shade,
all rolled into one. As this report is not a restaurant
review and we do not presume to be food critics,
suffice it so say, our experience left us recommending
the place to friends as a café that just might be
dishing out the best brunch in the region.
Back on SH 1 again heading south, we were
thankful for the early start. Motorists expecting a
quick run through Warkworth by midday were
backed up half way to Puhoi. Now that the tunnel
has been completed, next up should be a by-pass at
Warkworth, with no traffic lights.
At Puhoi we drove on by the historic pub to the
Art of Cheese further down the road. It too was
busy with lunchtime guests, all of them one way or
another enjoying the taste of fine cheese made onsite. We found the Franck’s Blue especially tasty.
Back through Puhoi and on home through the
Johnstone Hill Tunnel which, for those of us who
don’t live there, has opened a new vista on Matakana,
the surrounding region and the coast. It was a very
fine day out and, oh yes, the car purred clean and
smooth all the way.
The cafés and
wineries of
Matakana Coast
are now just 40
minutes from
Auckland using
the new
Northern
Gateway and
tunnel.
Opposite: Our
308 CC parked
outside Morris &
James Pottery.
12 – 13
Peugeot 308 CC
C
onvertibles are often thought of as
“fashion-statement” cars. True enough,
but let’s not forget that in fashion, a
select few lead while others follow.
The new 308 CC certainly has eye-catching lines
and its clever power folding hard-top is right at the
cutting edge of such technology. Not surprising for a
company that invented the concept of folding-roof
cars back in the 1930s with the gorgeous 401, 601
and 402 Eclipse models.
But the 308 CC is also a groundbreaking
convertible – a leader in its market segment. Windin-the-hair motoring is all about experiencing the
outside environment, so it’s fitting that the 308 CC
does more than any other drop-top to protect the
environment as well. It’s powered exclusively by a
high-tech turbo-diesel 2.0-litre engine that provides
massive torque for relaxed driving through the
standard six-speed automatic transmission, yet sips
fuel at the astonishingly frugal rate of seven litres per
100km and boasts a particulate filter that completely
eliminates black exhaust smoke.
The 308 CC leads in safety, too. In fact, it’s the
first coupé-cabriolet in the world to have head,
chest and pelvis airbag protection built into the
front seats. Peugeot already builds some of the
safest small cars in the world (the 308 received New
Zealand’s Safest Car Award at the 2009 Automobile
Association Motoring Excellence Awards – see page
20), so with Peugeot advances in airbag packaging
and technology there’s no safety compromise for
convertible buyers.
Not that the CC is all good sense and safety. The
driving experience and level of luxury is comparable
to prestige convertibles costing twice the price, with
a Porsche-design Tiptronic transmission doing the
gearchanging and the availability of cabin features like
sumptuous leather upholstery and the innovative
Airwave system, which directs hot air around the
front-seat occupants’ necks.
So even if you choose to power back the roof on
a winter day (it retracts in just 20 seconds, at up to
10km/h), Airwave ensures that you can keep warm
while looking cool.
The 308 CC is available from May 2009 with
orders being taken now. Contact your local Peugeot
centre or call 0800 PEUGEOT for more information.
C
Go anywhere
in style with
the innovative
on-demand
four-wheeldrive system.
rossover sport utility vehicles, which
combine off-road ability and style with
car-like handling, ride and cabin comfort
will play an important part in Peugeot New
Zealand’s product portfolio for 2009.
Just confirmed for launch in New Zealand is the
4007. This is Peugeot’s first-ever sport utility vehicle
and combines rally-proven four-wheel-drive
technology with typically French style and classleading diesel-engine technology.
Forget the outmoded belief that crossover vehicles
are thirsty and dirty: Peugeot New Zealand boasts
the lowest CO2 emissions of any major local
distributor, measured across it range. The 4007 will
enhance its position as a provider of environmentally
respectful vehicles, powered by the latest-generation
2.2-litre HDi diesel, complete with FAP particulate
filter.
The 4007 will be the perfect partner to Peugeot’s
forthcoming 3008 compact crossover (see page 28),
contributing to the sales growth the brand is
experiencing in New Zealand and across the world.
Locally, Peugeot has been increasing its European
market share in a declining market; it’s the same
internationally, where the Peugeot Group holds a
staggering 31.6 percent share.
Peugeot centres in New Zealand are currently
taking pre-launch orders for the exciting new 4007,
which is expected to go on sale in November 2009.
Peugeot
life
Unmistakably
Peugeot
PEUGEOT’S FIRS
FIRST SUV,
THE 4007, IS THE
PRODUCT OF EU
EUROPEAN
INFLUENCE AND
THEIR CORE MISSION:
DRIVING PLEASURE.
16 – 17
2009 407
R
Above: Newlydesigned rear
lights and
reshaped lower
panel give a
sportier look.
efinement: the process of
improvement by clarifying and
making small changes. The evolution of
Peugeot’s highly-acclaimed 407 sedan, SW and coupé
series has been subtle, and with good reason. At
launch in 2004, the 407 was recognised as one of the
most avant-garde models in its class: the epitome of
French style and sophistication. Simply put, there was
nothing quite like it.
And that remains true in 2009, after 750,000 sales
in more than 130 countries. The 407’s exterior
design and dynamic prowess ensure it retains standalone status in the premium sector.
But even the most innovative cars must be refined
to stay fresh and competitive. The new 407 benefits
from some fundamental changes that preserve the
integrity and brilliance of the original design, but
introduce new styling and equipment features that
keep it ahead of the pack. These include subtle
visual improvement, enhanced comfort and other
new features.
Style first – isn’t it always with the French? New
407 features a redesigned front air intake, with black
lateral components underpinning chrome crosssections. The new look is functional, too: the 407 is
now available with front parking radar, to
T
THE
2009 PEUGEOT 407 RANGE
ARRIVES IN NEW ZEALAND.
A
complement the rear parking assistance of the
previous model.
The headlights are a new design, featuring chrome
surrounds and a beautifully textured finish.
At the rear, the lower panel has been completely
reshaped and incorporates a protective capping
decorated by a chrome bead. The “diffuser” section,
inspired by the aerodynamic aids fitted to racing cars,
give the 407 a more aggressive and dynamic look.
The rear lights are also a new design, with a rubyred housing and crystal-white finish on the direction
indicator and reversing light. Viewed together, these
small changes give the 407 a much more athletic and
dynamic appearance. The new lower panel and lights
have an especially dramatic effect on the sleek body
shape of the 407 SW.
By night, the 407 takes on an even more distinctive
aspect. The rear reflector function has been moved
away from the lights to the diffuser-style section, in
the form of two horizontal bars on either side of the
registration plate.
The styling changes have slightly increased the
dimensions of both models, resulting in a more
elongated and athletic appearance. The sedan is now
15mm longer, but remains under 4.7m overall. The
SW has been stretched a mere 2mm, and is now
Peugeot
life
4.765m long.
Other dimensions remained unchanged, to
maintain the sleek proportions and beautifully
balanced driving characteristics and weight
distribution of the 407.
Inside, a luxurious pearlescent-black trim finish
takes the 407 cabin even further upmarket. The
dark veneer decorates the centre console, air-vent
trim, door handles and door panels. Square-design
metallic finishes add a sporty look to the sedan and
SW variants.
Touches designed to lift the cabin ambience into
the realm of true luxury include chrome surrounds
on controls for the air-conditioning and audio.
Crucially, the 407 SW retains its individual and very
practical character. The rear tailgate and window
section can be opened separately if required, while
the parallel-piped boot floor is meticulously finished.
The 70/30 split rear seats allow for a completely flat
load floor. And the so-called “modular” front seat
can be folded forward to allow particularly long
items to be loaded.
The range of 2.2-litre petrol, 2.0-litre and 2.7-litre
diesel engines continues. The diesels, which are fitted
with Peugeot’s FAP particulate filter, continue to top
their classes with an unrivalled blend of performance
and efficiency. Other eco-measures include the use
of aluminium for bulky suspension components and
the bonnet, thereby reducing weight and saving fuel.
But the safety of the 407 remains a five-star affair,
with high-strength steel used in key areas and
cutting-edge airbag technology: up to eight are fitted
as standard across the range and an incredible nine
(including a driver’s knee airbag) on the rangetopping 2.7 V6 HDi versions.
Other safety features include Electronic Stability
Control, which automatically intervenes to keep
the car stable in the event of a skid; active seat
backrests that help prevent whiplash in a rear-impact
accident; Isofix child-seat mounting integrated into the
back seat; and electronically-controlled locking for the
rear doors.
Dynamically, the 407 continues to blend
characteristic French suppleness of ride with sporty
handling. The dual-purpose cruise control/speed
limiter function now features new displays with
magnified pop-ups that keep the driver completely
informed about the system’s various parameters.
The new 407 also benefits from a new set of
controls under the steering wheel. This improves
driver access to various functions, including the
automatic windscreen wipers and headlights.
New 407 SW
retains its
individual styling.
The tailgate and
window section
can be opened
separately.
18 – 19
New Zealand’s Safest Car
WE FIND OUT WHY THE NZ AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION HAS
RATED THE 308 AS NEW ZEALAND’S SAFEST CAR IN 2009.
I
Above: All that
in-built safety
and the 308
still looks
beautifully
stylish.
t’s official! The Peugeot 308 is New
Zealand’s safest car as rated in the recent
AA Motoring Excellence Awards. Vehicles
were scrutinized according to criteria set down by
the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme
(ANCAP) and the European equivalent (Euro
NCAP). Some of the crash tests were performed
in Sydney.
The award is sponsored by MITO – the NZ Motor
Industry Training Organisation (Inc) who coordinate
training and apprenticeships in the motor and
industrial textile fabrication industries. MITO also sets
industry standards and promotes training in these
industries.
New Zealand AA General Manager of Technical
Services Stella Stocks told Peugeot Life, “The
manufacturers were not too happy about crash
testing when we started doing it in the 1990s. But
they’ve come around and customers do take notice
of the results. Just the other day I got a call from a
woman who had been in a serious road accident.
She was seeking advice on what car to buy based on
our safety ratings.”
Crash testing involves a frontal impact, where the
collision is skewed to the driver’s side, a side impact,
a pole test, and tests for occupant and pedestrian
safety. The Frontal Offset test, as it’s formally known,
simulates a collision with another vehicle of similar
size by making contact with a crushable aluminium
barrier at 64kp/h. The side-impact test runs a 950kg
trolley into the driver’s side of the vehicle at 50km/h.
The occupant protection rating uses crash-test
dummies that measure injury outcomes of the driver
and front passenger and the deformation of the
vehicle’s structure. A star rating is assigned on the
basis of the results from impacts front and side.
Pedestrian safety has become more important in
recent years as the number of pedestrian road
fatalities in Australia and New Zealand has gone up.
Today, pedestrians make up about a third of all road
fatalities in urban areas.
The pedestrian-impact test estimates injuries to
pedestrians struck by a vehicle travelling at 40km/h. It
consists of dummy components projected at the
vehicle’s front and bonnet to evaluate injury risk for
the head, upper leg and knee of the pedestrian.
Says Stella Stocks: “A comprehensive analysis with
all possible crash tests on just one car can cost as
much as $500,000, which is why crash testing is
sometimes restricted to one or two safety features.”
The 2009 review tested for occupant and pedestrian
collisions and the Peugeot 308 scored the highest in
Peugeot
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www.mito.org.nz
both categories. The car scored 54.3 out of a
possible 73 points and earned the maximum 5-star
safety rating.
Stella Stocks noted new control systems like
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and anti-lock
braking systems (ABS) among the most significant
technical advances in car safety in recent years.
ABS and ESC are now standard features of the
Peugeot 308.
Research on automotive safety systems has proven
their value. A study by the Institute for Highway
Safety in the US, for example, found that ESC
reduced the likelihood of a fatal crash by 43 percent,
a fatal single-vehicle crash by 56 percent and a fatal
single-vehicle rollover by 80 percent
Where the Peugeot 308 further distinguishes itself,
however, is with a body designed with a tripleimpact absorption structure that dissipates energy on
impact, increasing protection for occupants while
greatly reducing the consequences of an impact with
a pedestrian. Just as Peugeot is one of the most
innovative carmakers in the world when it comes to
low fuel consumption and low CO2 emission engines,
so too is it one of the most innovative manufacturers
when it comes to safety.
As Peugeot’s NZ Divisional Manager Simon Rose
noted when the 308 received its 5-star safety rating,
“This Safest Car award is of genuine value to a
prospective buyer and is unique in its meaning to the
New Zealand motoring public – which in my opinion
makes it by far the most important award we could
ever win.”
308 SAFETY FEATURES
• Electronic Stability Control
• Up to seven airbags – driver, passenger, side impact,
front to rear curtain, drivers knee.
• ABS (with EBFD & EBA).
• Front and rear 3-point seatbelts.
• Pre-Tensioning/force limiting seatbelts.
• Force limiting outer rear seatbelts.
• Isofix on front passenger and rear outer seatbelts.
• Electric rear child door locks.
• Fuel cut off inertia switch.
• Wrap around front/rear head restraints.
• Auto hazard warning lights.
• Collapsible steering column.
Up to seven airbags are included
on the 308 –
driver, passenger,
side-impact, frontto-rear curtain
and driver’s knee.
20 – 21
908 HDi Hybrid
Peugeot
life
THE LE MANS SERIES THIS YEAR WILL INCLUDE THE
PEUGEOT 908 HDI HYBRID UNVEILED IN 2008 AT SILVERSTONE.
I
t’s a little-known fact that the practice of
spraying champagne after winning an F1 race
actually began at Le Mans. In 1967 after the
American team of Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt won
this celebrated endurance race, Gurney stood on the
podium with a magnum of bubbly. But instead of
offering a toast and drinking it, he shook the bottle
and sprayed it over anyone within striking distance,
including Henry Ford II and team owner Carroll
Shelby.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans, otherwise known as the
Grand Prix of Endurance, will take place this year on
June14-15 and again Peugeot will be there, only this
year Peugeot Total Team will race three 908 HDi FAP
Hybrids (or 908HY) with the aim not simply to
complete the race but to win it.
The 908 HDi FAP Hybrid can be powered in
either electric mode only (e.g. in the pit lane),
internal combustion engine only or a combination of
the two.
Peugeot Sport profited from the final round of the
2008 Le Mans Series at Silverstone to unveil a 908
HDi FAP Hybrid equipped with a hybrid power
plant, featuring a kinetic-energy recovery system. The
908HY was presented in a dedicated new silver-grey
livery, providing a foretaste of what Peugeot’s next
endurance racing challenge could resemble, although
its use will depend on the regulations that govern
LMP 1 cars from 2009.
Since it was first staged in 1923, the 24 Hours of
Le Mans has seen 117 drivers and 24 different
makers taste victory. At the same time the number
of spectators has grown to more than 200,000, while
television coverage reaches more than 400 million
viewers in 113 countries. In May, they will see the
Peugeot 908HY, too.
The 908HY technology enables a proportion of
the kinetic energy produced under braking to be
either recovered or stored. In the case of the hybrid,
this energy is lost or simply dissipated in the form of
heat via the brakes. When it’s harnessed, however, it
enables the car’s efficiency to be improved in two
ways. Firstly, performance is enhanced, with no
increase in the amount of energy consumed, thanks
to the combination of the stored mechanical energy
and the energy produced by the internal combustion
engine. This translates into an additional boost of 60
kW (80 bhp) for approximately 20 seconds a lap,
either automatically when re-accelerating or when
the driver chooses to make use of it.
Secondly, fuel consumption is lowered by 3-5 per
cent, thanks to the availability of stored mechanical
energy.
Le Mans is one of seven events planned for
Peugeot Sport. The 2009 programme began in
March at Sebring (US) with a 12-hour endurance
Race. In April there are two 1,000km races at
Barcelona and Monza, and in May the series moves
to Belgium (Spa) for another 1,000km event before
the team sets up camp at Le Mans in June. The two
final 1,000km races are scheduled for Nurburgring
(Germany) in August and Silverstone (UK) in
September.
Michel Barge, the Director of Peugeot Sport, has
said: “The hybrid 908 HDi FAP is in perfect keeping
with the overall mission of our endurance racing
programme which covers not only the challenge
of competing, but also the fact that we can use
motorsport as a research and development tool for
the Peugeot brand as a whole.
Michel continues, “After innovating through the use
of our HDi FAP technology in competition, running a
hybrid car in endurance racing would give Peugeot a
chance to gain extremely valuable experience that
would benefit the development of production cars.
Whether we use this technology or not in 2009
will obviously depend on the details of the new
regulations published by the Automobile Club
de l’Quest”.
The Le Mans Series is just one side of Peugeot’s
involvement with and commitment to research and
development through competition. In March this year,
the Peugeot 207 Super 2000 finished first and
second in the IRC (Inter-continental Rally
Championship) in Brazil. The 207 Super 2000 races
in the IRC series and the European Championships.
22 – 23
Green Tyres
THE NEW MICHELIN ENERGY SAVER TYRE FOR THE PEUGEOT 308 REDUCES
CARBON EMISSIONS BY NEARLY FOUR GRAMS PER KILOMETRE.
W
hen people talk about the
environmental impact of car tyres
they’re usually talking about
something else other than CO2 emissions. Engine
and exhaust systems, not tyres, are commonly
associated with global warming, but now Michelin has
produced a tyre for Peugeot that reduces rolling
resistance by as much as 20 percent more than the
market average.
What this means is that the new Michelin Energy
Saver tyre cuts the amount of energy needed to
propel a Peugeot and that’s one of the secrets to
Peugeot’s superior fuel efficiency.
Michelin and Peugeot have worked together for
many years to achieve these kinds of goals. The
Energy Saver tyre can generate a fuel saving of about
0.2 litres per 100 kilometres, resulting in a reduction
in CO2 emissions of nearly 4 grams per kilometre.
This represents about a one-tonne reduction in
carbon emissions into the atmosphere over the life
of the vehicle.
The Energy Saver tyre leads to greater fuel
Peugeot
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Michelin and Peugeot have
worked together for many
years to bring the new
Energy Saver tyres to
the market.
efficiency while delivering superior grip. It delivers
superior safety and has arguably the longest lifespan
of any tyre on the market. Graeme Mead
of Tyreline Distributors, New Zealand’s Michelin
distributor in Hamilton (www.tyreline.co.nz),
told Peugeot Life exactly how the Energy Saver
tyre works.
With each rotation of the wheel, the shape of the
tyre changes slightly under the weight of the vehicle.
As the shape changes the tyre’s components heat up
and some of the energy transmitted by the car’s
engine is lost. This is what’s known as “rolling
resistance”.
Lowering rolling resistance lowers fuel
consumption and that in turn lowers CO2 emissions.
When it comes to lowering rolling resistance, all
tyres are not created equal. Differences between
two brands used on the same vehicle can be as high
as 50 percent. In September 2007 at the Frankfurt
Auto Show, Michelin convincingly demonstrated
rolling resistance and its impact on fuel consumption.
The test involved two Peugeot 308s running on
two concave tracks (for rolling forward and back) but
with different tyres. One car had Michelin Energy
Saver tyres, the other a brand of tyre with the
market-average resistance. Each vehicle was released
from a height of three metres down a 20-degree
slope. The vehicles were rolled forward and back
again, propelled by their own weight. The car with
the Michelin Energy Saver tyres continued to move
forward and back significantly longer than the other
car. A live demonstration of that test can be viewed
online at www.youtube.com by searching “Michelin
Energy Saver”.
Graeme Mead told us: “For New Zealand roads
and conditions we stock the Michelin Energy XM-1+
tyre which comes as a standard fitment on the
Peugeot 308 AT-e. As part of the Michelin Energy
range, the XM-1+ is manufactured to have a 25
percent mileage improvement from its predecessor
the Energy XM1.”
Michelin has invested considerable time and
money over the last decade in developing a green
tyre; that is, a tyre that solves two problems at once:
fuel consumption and carbon emissions. For a more
comprehensive understanding of this, readers are
urged to visit www.michelin-green-meter.com, where
they’ll find a number of testimonials from businesses
which have saved a considerable amount of money
by switching to the Energy Saver tyre.
For now, one of the best testimonials the product
could have is its endorsement by Peugeot, world
leaders in environmentally respectful motoring.
24 – 25
Top of the Class
PEUGEOT PROVES ITS FUEL EFFICIENCY AT THE 2008 AA ENERGYWISE
RALLY. BY SELF-DECLARED “PEUGEOTPHILE” DONALD WEBSTER.
T
Above: The
Peugeot team
with the two
308 ATs.
From left:
Rhys Nolan,
Donald Webster,
Heather Mosley,
Mike Marshall.
he recently launched 308 AT-e came top
of the Compact Car Class for lowest CO2
emissions and lowest fuel consumption in
the 2008 AA Energywise Rally. The 308 AT-e
produced a total emissions of just 106.03 g/km and
came first in its class for using the least amount of
fuel, with an overall consumption of 4.047 l/100km.
Divisional Manager for Puegeot in New Zealand
Simon Rose said: “We are very proud of this result.
The Compact Car class is very competitive and is a
growing sector of the market as it’s largely reflective
of modern family consumer’s needs. Having the
lowest CO2 emissions and using the least amount
of fuel means a Peugeot 308 customer is winning
on all counts.”
The AA Energywise Rally is held every two years
and is jointly organised by the AA, the Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and
Gull Petroleum New Zealand. Former NZ Rally
Champion Mike Marshall and I drove in the rally on
behalf of Puegeot.
It’s been said often enough that there are three
kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics. In the
2008 AA Energywise Rally, there were heaps of
statistics (and a few lies) flying around. I was fortunate
enough to be invited to drive a fabulous new Peugeot
308 HDi AT. This was a special treat for me because
I come from a long line of Puegeotphiles. Through
our companies Campbell Motors and Motorworld,
my family held the NZ franchise for Peugeot for
nearly 30 years, from the introduction in 1952 of the
203 until 1981. We also built the assembly plant in
Thames where the Peugeot 403, 404 and 504 were
assembled. More recently I have driven in a number
of endurance races for Peugeot, my wife and children
drive Peugeots and in 2006 I competed in the
Energywise rally in a 407 V6 HDi.
Mike Marshall, meanwhile, is well-known for his
impressive driving skills and now his sons enjoy rally
driving as well. Mike has driven in three Energywise
Peugeot
life
rallies with his partner Heather, and when he’s not
rally-driving he’s managing his First Aluminium
business in Penrose.
In 2008, strangely for a fuel economy event, there
was no winner for overall best economy, even
though there were the usual awards for most
efficient driver, best dollar per kilometre and lowest
CO2 emissions. Held every two years, the 2008
event attracted 59 cars from different manufacturers.
Some of the county’s biggest sellers were notably
absent from the event, which was a pity. At the same
time, some marques entered an extraordinary
number of cars.
Contestants were asked to drive 1,641 kilometres
over four days, from Auckland to Wellington and
back. Day one saw us drive through rush-hour
Monday-morning traffic (1 hour 17 minutes to do
9km) down SH 1 to Hamilton, through the centre of
town and on to Taumarunui for lunch. From there we
drove to Wanganui over the Paraparas and into the
busy evening rush hour at Palmerston North, a total
of 532.5km.
Day two took us to Wellington, for lunch on the
waterfront, before a frustratingly slow journey out of
the capital back to Palmerston North, a total of
351.2km. Day three was a punishing 523km to
Rotorua on the Forgotten World Highway between
Stratford and Taumarunui and a lovely lunch in the
“Republic of Whangamomona”.
The final day saw a simple trip home to Auckland
and a last refuel at Gull Manukau, where all the lies
stopped and the statistics took over big time. A
three-minute/hour penalty was applied if you were
too slow. That made it a realistic event which would
replicate normal driving conditions.
I did this event for Peugeot in 2006 in the sublime
407 V6 HDi 2.7-litre turbo diesel. This year I was
fortunate enough to drive the new 1.6-litre 308 HDi
turbo diesel 5-door hatch with their new Automated
Transmission (AT). It’s a six-speed manual gearbox
that has an automated clutch system. In practical
terms that’s two pedals in the footwell. The paddle
shifters behind the steering wheel were especailly
good; right side for up-changes and left for down.
Not that you needed to use them because you can
select Auto Mode and it will do it for you.
Over the 1,641 kms, I used 69.59 litres of diesel,
which worked out at 4.24 l/100km or 66 mpg. That
put me third in my class and fifth overall. My very
good friend and long-time rally-driving legend, Mike
Marshall, driving an identical car to mine (except that
it had new silica Michelin Energy Saver tyres) used
66.40 litres of diesel, giving a phenonenal 4.04 l/100km.
Mike was second, but while there were no prizes
for that, there were prizes for best drivers. Peugeot
quoted 4.7 litres/100km for my car and 4.5 for
Mike’s, but we both bettered those figures by about
10 per cent. A Holden Maloo V8 Ute won that with
a whopping 39.5 per cent improvement.
The next category was cost-per-kilometre. My
69.59 litres of fuel cost $83.44 and Mike’s $79.61, but
we both had to add $59.07 of RUC (yes, that’s what
we said!) to our figures, so our total cost was
$142.50 and $138.68 or 87 cents per km and 85
cents, respectively.
In the CO2 emissions sector, the better economy
of the diesel-engined cars gave them the first four
places, with Mike’s Peugeot 308 AT-e second, the
Peugeot-engined Mini third and me seventh. Being a
motorsport competitor, I don’t particularly like
driving slowly, so this was a new challenge for me.
You have to contend with all the other road users
and watch your fuel consumption like a hawk.
Looking ahead and anticipating the upcoming road
conditions is really important. Anyone could have
achieved the economy I did, as I did nothing special,
so if you follow the four easy tips below, you can
save heaps on your fuel cost, and treat it as a
personal challenge. It’s not hard and is a lot of fun.
• Never accelerate hard. Moving off from the lights
or going onto a hill, let the car do the work,
building up speed slowly. Leave passing traffic to
others and relax more on your trip. If you have to
pass, try and do it smoothly.
• Change up gears as soon as you can. Be careful not
to let the engine labour under too much lowspeed load.
• Drive in your socks so you get a better feel of the
accelerator pedal.
• No need to speed – you accelerate down hills to
build up your speed very economically.
The Peugeot 308 is available in Euro Hatch, Sport
Wagon and the newly launched convertible with a
choice of either petrol or diesel engines and with
manual or automatic transmission. It is priced from
$33,990. The 308 AT costs from $40,990.
26 – 27
Peugeot
3008
PEUGEOT REDEFINES THE FUTURE OF THE FAMILY CAR
WITH CLEVER PACKAGING AND TECHNOLOGY.
Peugeot
life
I
t’s not often a carmaker invents a whole
new genre of vehicle. But Peugeot has done
just that with the new 3008 crossover – so
called because it crosses over into a variety of
different segments and applications.
The 3008, which will be launched in New
Zealand in the next 12 months, gives a glimpse of
the future of the family car. Designed for active
people who want more out of their vehicle than
the existing hatchback, sport utility or peoplemover categories can provide, the 3008 introduces
a new concept and new technology to the world of
mainstream motoring.
It may be a new type of vehicle, but the styling
and some distinctive design cues clearly mark it as
a Peugeot. The streamlined headlamps are
expressive and typical of the French maker’s design
philosophy. The single front grille helps create the
effect of a luxury off-roader. At the rear, the wings,
with their structured curves, blend smoothly with
the ruby-coloured rear LED lights. The use of a split
rear tailgate boosts versatility and further stamps
an outdoor spirit into the look of the 3008.
As is often the case with Peugeot, the name tells
you all you need to know about the 3008. The “3”
means it belongs in the maker’s compact car range
(a sister to the 308, if you like). The “00” is intended
to indicate an original and innovative design, and
make it distinct from Peugeot’s existing “0” cars.
And the “8” specifies the generation within the
current range.
A spacious five-seat vehicle with a high driving
position but hatch-like ride and handling, the 3008
is based on an existing Peugeot platform, to ensure
28 – 29
excellent rigidity and safety.
To help reduce the vehicle’s weight – thereby maximising
both performance and economy – laser welding was used
instead of normal spot welding; the front overhang was kept
to a minimum by the introduction of an innovative new
type of impact absorber; a number of lightweight materials
were used and the thickness of the panoramic glass roof
was also reduced to just 5mm, while retaining the same
level of safety as current roofs fitted to the 308 SW.
The driving position of the 3008 resembles an aircraft’s
cockpit – both ergonomic and functional. The roomy
passenger compartment ensures comfort for every
occupant; both passenger and driver benefit from a raised
seating position, whilst rear passengers have ample legroom.
By day, occupants also benefit from the light coming from
the large glazed area, including the 1.70 sq m front
windscreen. The panoramic roof has a surface area virtually
the same as the 308 SW.
The high-volume air-conditioning is distributed by four
individual vents mounted in the fascia panel, heating ducts
for the feet of the front rear occupants, and two adjustable
vents for the rear passengers. Two levels of air-conditioning
are available: manual or automatic. The latter can be adjusted
individually by each of the front occupants and benefits
from a new feature, the Air Quality Sensor (AQS). This
function, linked to an air quality sensor located upstream of
the passenger compartment air intake, automatically
controls the closure of the air recirculation flap if it detects a
high level of outside pollution.
Inside, the 3008 offers occupants nearly 50 litres of
storage space, three 12V power connections and a range of
sunblind options.
The lower section of the split tailgate can become a seat
or be used to support up to 200kg. The load area,
meanwhile, can easily be compartmentalised thanks to the
cleverly designed floor with its three adjustable positions.
On certain models the load-area interior light doubles as a
rechargeable portable torch as in the 308 SW.
The dynamic abilities of the 3008 are further
strengthened through an innovative traction control system,
Peugeot
life
called Grip Control. The system has five operating
modes and special mud and snow tyres. This allows
the driver to optimise traction on
both front wheels, enabling the vehicle to
overcome difficult situations where the wheels
have little grip.
It’s likely that diesel powerplants and front-drive
will be the focus for the New Zealand 3008 lineup –
at least at launch. But in keeping with the vehicle’s
futuristic aspect, it will also eventually be the first car
in Peugeot’s international range to employ Peugeot’s
exciting new “Hybrid 4” technology.
Hybrid 4? The name describes the hybridisation of
a traditional engine with an electric motor, in an
original layout in engineering terms, that also allows
for the possibility of four-wheel drive.
While the conventional engine is located under the
bonnet and drives the front wheels, the electric
motor is located under the load-area floor adjacent
to the rear suspension. This technology not only
represents a real breakthrough in terms of fuel
consumption and CO2 emissions (a reduction of
around 35 percent), but also in terms of four-wheeldrive operation.
Another important benefit is that there are no
mechanical connections between the front diesel
engine and the rear electric motor: everything is
controlled electronically. This left the designers free
to create a spacious and useful cabin environment
without compromise.
Hybrid 4 technology was incorporated into the
3008 design programme from the very outset.
Peugeot says it will enter production some time
before 2011. Luckily, Peugeot customers will get
their taste of the future long before that, with the
arrival of the conventional – although the word
hardly seems appropriate for this avant-garde
machine – 3008 next year.
Opposite page: Split
rear tailgate and
low load height
means incredible
boot area.
Above, clockwise
from top left:
ergonomic and
functional switchgear; Grip Control
will optimise car’s
traction; nearly 50
litres of internal
storage; Head-up
display could be
an option.
Orders being taken now at you local dealership.
30 – 31
CRUISING ON
Peugeot
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CELEBRITY CRUISES HAS INTRODUCED A NEW CLASS OF SHIP
BRINGING A NEW SOPHISTICATION TO CRUISING.
T
oday we drive, we fly and, with luck and
good fortune, we cruise the high seas in
comfort and style. Just as the automotive
industry has re-engineered itself to produce more
fuel-efficient, environmentally respectful cars like
the Peugeot 308 HDi; just as the airline industry
has introduced larger, quieter and more
comfortable planes, like the Airbus A380, so too is
cruising steering itself
into a new world
of concept and
design.
Condé Nast Traveler magazine surveys consistently
reveal Celebrity Cruises to be one of the best
cruise lines in the world. Celebrity has a fleet of
nine ships covering nearly 150 destinations, or
ports, and after introducing the first of its two
new stars, Celebrity Solstice, in Florida late last
year, the company sets sail this year with the
second of its new-look ships, the Celebrity
Equinox, in London in July. The new Solstice Class
will include four ships by the end of 2011 and each
will reveal a new sophistication in cruising.
What strikes anyone who has never taken a
cruise, or who hasn’t done so for some time, is
just how sophisticated cruising has become. The
extraordinary growth of cruising in the last 10
years is due in part to the Boomer generation
finally letting go of family and career enough and
trying something different.
But mostly, it’s not changes in
demographics that have made cruising so
popular as much as changes in the
quality of the experience, from the
service to the food and drink to
the stops along the way.
The sophisticated
Celebrity Solstice
at sea.
32 – 33
Celebrity Cruises is rated highly because of the
changes it has made, starting with its unrivalled
attention to detail when it comes to looking after its
guests and allowing them to tailor their cruise in any
way they like.
Perhaps the single most important change to
cruising in recent years has been the introduction of
more choice. Passengers today have so many more
options, from where to dine to onboard activities
and choosing from a host of onshore excursions. On
Celebrity Solstice, for example, you can dine in any
of 10 restaurants and cafés, ranging from Murano,
with its floor-to-ceiling windows, white tablecloths,
Riedel stemware and gleaming silverware, to the
poolside Mist Grill & Bar. Dietary preferences are
happily satisfied.
But it’s not just the number of options that matters,
for quantity alone is not what discerning travellers
today are after. Like a number of other cruise lines,
Celebrity has employed the talents of the world’s
most successful designers to lift the standard of
onboard dining to a new level.
Adam Tihany, the creator of Jean Georges, the best
French restaurant in New York, and the chic
Mandarin Bar in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Hyde
Park in London, is responsible for the look and style
of the two-tier Grand Epernay dining room, the
Tuscan Grille steak house and the Oceanview Café
and Grill aboard Celebrity Solstice.
Where once a passenger liner might have had no
more than three to five options for accommodation,
the Celebrity Solstice Class, typical of modern ships,
has 11 possibilities to choose from. Passengers also
have more choice on how many nights they remain
on board – between seven and 14 nights are
common.
When it comes to shore visits and sightseeing,
cruise lines are usually given priority for group
ticketing, making life easier for passengers by
eliminating those long queues. But passengers can
also tailor onshore excursions to suit their own
interests. With the wider range of options comes
more freedom to get exactly what you want.
Onshore excursions, for example, no longer have to
mean being part of a large group and invading a
museum en masse.
The new Celebrity Solstice Class has introduced
the AquaClass – a new category of staterooms and
accompanying services designed for passengers
wishing to look upon their time aboard as a wellness
retreat. AquaClass staterooms (130 in all, each a
double occupancy) are located on the same deck
as the spa and are set up to promote improved
wellbeing with healthy menu options, relaxing music,
plush bedding and daily access to the spa.
The spa, of course, is open to all passengers, but
some may wish to spend more time there than
others. Truth is, no matter where guests choose to
stay among the 1,425 staterooms aboard the Solstice
Class ships, their room will be 15 per cent larger
than on other Celebrity ships and, from the comfort
of each bed to the soft, earth-toned colour schemes,
designed to maximize comfort and relaxation.
From the adults-only solarium to the Martini Bar;
from the kids-only Fun Factory to regular onboard
exhibitions of fine glass-blowing and a lawn made of
real grass, the four ships of the Solstice class are
setting still a higher standard in cruising – a sector
of the travel industry where the standards are
already high.
Peugeot
life
More details of the Solstice Class ships can be found on the Celebrity
Cruises website or by calling the New Zealand agents, Cruise Holidays,
on 09-523 7788. Below are two European Celebrity Solstice
itineraries that caught our eye. Prices are in New Zealand dollars.
• A 10-night cruise of the Eastern Mediterranean that departs from Rome
on June 5 and includes stops at the Greek islands of Rhodes, Santorini,
and Mykonos, returning to Rome, from $3,325 per person.
• An 11-night cruise departing from Rome on June 15 and including
a stop at Alexandria, Eygpt, before returning to Rome, from $3,465
per person
Celebrity Solstice, the largest ship in the Celebrity fleet, is the product
of cutting-edge design. From artist’s illustrations to computer-generated
renderings that involved the world’s leading architectural and marine
design firms, life aboard this ship – the first in a new class, to be
followed by the Celebrity Equinox later this year – is truly the
“experience of a lifetime.”
Opposite page:
Aqua Spa
reception area
where guests
are welcomed
to the spa for
treatments.
Above: The
Solarium, one
of two onboard
pools.
Left: The first
real lawn at sea,
perfect for a
game of bowls,
croquet or even
a picnic.
www.celebritycruises.com or www.cruiseholidays.co.nz
34 – 35
Peugeot
life
A NEW WAY
TO FLY
WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE A380, EMIRATES HAS SETS A
NEW BENCHMARK FOR COMFORT AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE AIR.
O
n the road, at sea and in the air, travel
is more exciting than ever when you
consider new technologies and designs
like those introduced by Peugeot and Celebrity
Cruises, for example. Now Emirates Airline, flying the
A380 “double-decker” completes what could be
described as the perfect trio.
The new A380 has all the features we’ve come to
expect in an age desperately in need of lower fuel
consumption and carbon emissions while at the
same time delivering unprecedented comfort and
services along the way.
The Emirates A380 currently flies three times a
week from Auckland to Sydney and Dubai, where it
connects to an Emirates A380 flight to London. On
May 1 it becomes a daily service.
Emirates has ordered a total of 58 A380s, making it
the largest customer for the new aircraft. That’s
about 30 per cent of all orders received by Airbus
from 16 customers and an investment of $19 billion
dollars. The A380 best meets the airline’s need for
higher capacity and lower operating costs. The A380
also satisfies Emirate’s demand for high-efficiency
performance standards (see overleaf).
The A380 has the widest cabin of any aircraft in
the world and it’s versatile. It will operate in three
configurations depending on the route: a low-density,
long-range three-class arrangement of 489 seats; a
low-density, medium range three-class mode with
517 seats; and a higher-density, medium-range twoclass setup of 604 seats. The aircraft serving Auckland
have the 489-seat longhaul configuration.
First Class passengers occupy 14 private suites,
each 2.08 metres long, with seats that convert to flat
beds. Each suite is equipped with an electronic door,
a mini-bar, reading lights and a work desk with a
built-in illuminated vanity mirror. They have “room
service” on request and share two bathrooms, each
with a spa shower complete with beauty products
from Timeless Spa and Bulgari.
First Class is located on the upper deck, of course,
and so are the 76 Business Class seats. Each Business
Class seat is housed in a shell with built-in amenities
including a personal table, laptop, shoe and book
stowage and a mini-bar. Seats operates by touchscreen technology, highlighted by a 17-inch LCD
screen linked to the in-flight entertainment system.
Business Class seats also transform into flat beds
when it’s time to sleep.
Meanwhile, if you’re one of those who does not
sleep on a plane, take note: all seats including those
in Economy Class, are linked to an entertainment
Opposite page:
an Emirates
A380 makes its
first touchdown
in Dubai after
its delivery flight
from Europe
(top) and
(below) the first
Emirates A380
flight into
Auckland
provides an
interesting
comparison in
size with a
1930s Tiger
Moth at the
new pier at
Auckland Airport.
36 – 37
Above: First Class passengers toast each other across a lowered divider between their suites.
Below: A passenger enjoys the amenities in one of the First Class Spa showers.
system wired for more than 1,100 in-flight audio,
television, movie and games channels. To be more
specific, all A380 passengers have 190 movies to
choose from. Losing sleep has never been so
much fun.
Emirates has embraced the A380 more than
other airlines because it remains one of the fastest
growing airlines in the world. Established 23 years
ago, it continues to expand its capacity and reach.
As recently as March this year it launched new
A380 routes from Dubai to Bangkok and Toronto
and in December it will open yet another A380
route, from Dubai to Seoul.
As the Chairman and Chief Executive of
Emirates, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed AlMaktoum has said: “The A380 will be instrumental
in helping Emirates meet its growing passenger
demand using one of the most efficient, quietest
and greenest aircraft ever produced.”
Peugeot
life
A380 Performance Facts
• The A380 burns up to 20 per cent less fuel per seat
than today’s next largest aircraft.
• The A380 is more fuel efficient than a small family
car, offering a fuel economy as low as 3.1 litres per
100 passenger kms – better than a popular Japanese
hybrid car that gets only 4.4 litres per 100 vehicle kms.
• The Emirates A380 uses the Engine Alliance GP7200
that will save the airline an estimated 500,000 litres of
fuel per aircraft per year.
• The A380 produces only 75g of CO2 per passenger.
That is almost half the European emissions target for
cars manufactured in 2008.
• On take off the A380 generates less than half the noise
of a Boeing 747-400 and it comfortably meets EU
Stage Three and Stage Four noise level standards.
• The A380 has a maximum cruising speed of Mach 0.89
and a range of up to 15,000 kms.
Top left: The
onboard lounge
bar available to
both first and
business class
passengers. Top
right: Business
class seats
have their own
“pods”. Above:
Some of the
beauty products
on board.
Left: Emirates
crew welcome
the first aircraft
on delivery.
38 – 39
Peugeot
life
TOURING
FRANCE
PEUGEOT EUROLEASE WAS THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR OUR
FRENCH HOLIDAY. BY ANDREW STRANGE AND JAN HALL
W
e had been planning our holiday to
France, including the 2007 Rugby
World Cup, for some time – with the
emphasis on enjoying La France Profonde (the
culture of French provincial towns).
With our friends Peter and Sally Jackson, we
searched for a rural property that had good access
to the southern cities where many of the World Cup
matches were being played. Eventually we chose
Manoir Rognes, a 19th-century farmhouse 10
minutes from the village of Rognes, which is
16 kilometres northwest of the delightful city of
Aix-en-Provence, and based ourselves there for all
of September 2007.
Because of our rural location, independent
transport was essential to the success of our holiday.
And as an enthusiastic Peugeot 407 owner, opting for
a brand-new Peugeot under their EuroLease scheme
was an easy choice.
Comprehensive documentation, including depot
location maps, arrived well before departure.The pickup from Marseille was simple: after completing the
paperwork, and familiarizing ourselves with the car and
its GPS system, we took possession of our two new
Peugeot 407’s and embarked on our adventure.
September is a wonderful time to visit Provence.
The European holidaymakers have gone home, so
the roads, towns and tourist attractions are not
crowded. And the weather is warm and pleasant.
We found that the best way to enjoy the
experience was to completely embrace the French
way of life. Actually, in Provence there is little choice.
Even in the larger towns, shops and tourist
attractions close by 12.30pm and do not reopen
before 2pm. In our village of Rognes the shops did
not reopen until 4pm.
Our general strategy was to select a nearby town
or locality to visit for the day. After morning
sightseeing we would find a local restaurant and
enjoy a leisurely lunch. This is often the main meal of
the day for the French. We found that the threecourse fixed-price menu, which is standard in
virtually all café-bars, brasseries and restaurants, was
very good value – sometimes as little as 25 euros –
and invariably included regional dishes. After lunch,
more sightseeing, then home to Manoir Rognes to
compare notes on the day’s experiences.
On some days we simply went to a local
restaurant and enjoyed a leisurely lunch. A perfect
example was La Touloubre, near Salon, an archetypal
Provencal restaurant with a vast outdoor terrace
shaded by plane trees and excellent food prepared
by the chef/proprietor.
Within an hour’s drive of our Provencal home we
could visit Avignon (Palais des Papes), the Luberon
hill towns (Gordes, Roussillon, Goult, Apt, Bonnieux)
Aix-en-Provence
is a town of art,
and a heritage
that has been
well preserved.
40 – 41
and the Alpilles region, with the notable towns of
St Remy-de-Provence and Les Baux-de-Provence.
A little further away was Arles, with its impressive
Roman and medieval buildings, and Orange, home
to one of the finest Roman theatres in Europe.
Closer to home we frequently visited Aix, which
has a daily food market, and Salon-de-Provence, a
typical Provencal town with a medieval castle at its
centre. Not to forget the notable wine town of
Chateauneuf-du-Pape, which lies between Avignon
and Orange.
The Mediterranean was further away, but we
did manage to spend a day at St Tropez and
the delightful canal and river-based fishing town
of Martigues.
Amidst all this, the four of us undertook a fourday tour, using just one of our Peugeots, through
the Dordogne region, the Lot valley, and the major
Southwest city of Toulouse. We crossed the
amazing Millau viaduct, then experienced one of
those unexpected highlights, which only arises
when travelling independently.
We were looking for a hotel in the town of
Figeac but there was nothing suitable. Armed with
our trusty Michelin Red Hotel & Restaurant Guide
we continued on to the tiny village of Grezes
(population 133) where we found Hotel Le
Grezalide. The principal rooms and some guest
rooms were in a 17th-century Chateau. That night
we dined in a magnificent vaulted dining room on a
splendid regional meal prepared and served by the
husband-and-wife proprietors. They were pleased
to meet us, too. As is typical in rural France, the
hotel closes in mid-winter and they were planning
to holiday in Australia and New Zealand!
After spending the next night in the medieval
town of Cahors, we drove on to Toulouse, where
the GPS really came into its own!
When we were not driving our 407s around
Provence, we made the most of the village of
Rognes (population 4,000) and Manoir Rognes. We
became great friends with Pierre the butcher,
probably because we seemed to be spending more
on meat than the locals! Pierre also had a range of
what we would call delicatessen products, including
pre-prepared regional dishes.
Of course, one of the delights of French village
life is fresh bread, which is baked twice daily. Even
our small village had two boulangeries. We were
Peugeot
life
also fortunate to be staying in Rognes during the
annual fête. The town square was closed to traffic
and the local bar-café filled it with tables and chairs
so everyone, mostly families, could enjoy the
entertainment.
With all the touring, we generally stayed “home” in
the evenings, sat around the pool, shared our
experiences of the day and generally enjoyed the
ambience of the Provencal countryside. We usually
had a light supper or a barbeque, but on special
occasions Raymond, a local chef, came and prepared
dinner for us. The food was exceptional, of course.
Finally, and reluctantly, we left Rognes and headed
to Beaune in Southern Burgundy. This is the capital of
the famous Côte D’Or wine region. We spent two
nights at the exceptional Hostellerie de Levenois, a
Relais & Chateaux hotel with a Michelin-starred
restaurant. A highlight of our visit to this area was a
visit to Vezelay and the Basilica Ste-Madeleine, one of
the most famous religious sites in Europe. We also
allowed plenty of time to visit the wine cellars of the
Beaune region!
What of the Rugby World Cup? Well we saw quite
a few games but, given New Zealand’s performance,
thank heavens we didn’t go just for the rugby.
Vive la France!
There is no doubt that Peugeot’s EuroLease scheme
enhanced a wonderful holiday. We had the use of brand
new cars which allowed us to be truly independent in
our extensive touring.
Our diesel 407 performed excellently but on reflection
we would have been just as happy in a 308. It would
have made driving through the narrow French streets a
little easier.
One of our cars had GPS, the other didn’t. GPS
certainly came into its own in the larger cities and in
navigating the more complex motorway interchanges.
And when we handed our cars back, with a few minor
battle scars I must admit, there were no problems as
one of the benefits of the Peugeot EuroLease scheme is
the comprehensive, no excess, insurance policy. We
simply handed the cars over, signed a receipt and
walked away!
The Provence
region, in the
South of France,
is known for
its beautiful
landscapes and
wonderful local
markets.
For more information on Peugeot EuroLease
visit www.eurolease.co.nz
42 – 43
Peugeot
life
CUTTING
THE MUSTARD
FRENCH RESTAURANT AND FRENCH CONDIMENTS COME
TOGETHER IN THREE STUNNING DISHES. BY CONNIE CLARKSON.
I
t was 11am on a sunny Saturday morning
when, fortified only by an espresso and the
anticipation of a tasting of three masterpieces
crafted by the hand of a masterchef, I pressed the
doorbell of Antoine’s in Parnell.
We were to sample three fine dishes
complemented by three fine French mustards,
perhaps with wines to match. All this, and the
opportunity to sit at the table of one of Auckland’s
most colourful raconteurs, was a compelling
proposition.
Beth and Tony Astle opened the doors to
Antoine’s in Parnell in 1973. “I like it here” he says
and I suppose after 35 years in the same place there
must be something to that. Someone once said of
Antoine’s that “The rich don’t come here, the
powerful do”. It’s true, so the powerful must like it,
too. Many a deal has been struck, important and
consequential conversations carried out, successes
and occasions celebrated, behind the unassuming
closed front door of Auckland’s best-loved dining
establishment. After 10pm of an evening, Chef holds
court to the hospitality community and supper
seekers with glass of Côtes du Rhone in hand and
many a tale to tell. He’d have an opinion on just
about everything and he’s unafraid to air it, no matter
what.
The Antoine’s menu is distinguished by its attention
to both the new and the traditional. The Nostalgia
menu favourites of Traditional roast duck with
Grand Marnier sauce, Oxtail braised in red wine with
baby onions and mushroom caps and Chicken, leek
and wild mushroom pie, are all classical gems that
evoke comfort and the confidence that comes from
never being disappointed. It’s a rare treat in these
days of food alchemy, where things may not be what
they seem.
Tony branches out in the more adventurous Table
and Specials menus and here we have the gorgeous
offerings that make the most of mustard. Steak
tartare rolled in beef carpaccio with pickled radish
and a Dijon mustard truffle cream, and Oven-roasted
lamb rack with a Dijon mustard herb crust served on
aubergine, polenta and mint jus.
The experts say that mustard should be entirely
pleasant, somewhat acidic, not too salty, be wellbalanced, with no single element dominating. The
texture should be smooth or, in the case of coarse-
Opposite page:
One of Auckland’s
most colourful
characters, Chef
Tony Astle, prepares
our dishes with
meticulous care.
44 – 45
Above: Oven-roasted whole grain crusted lamb rack served with cherry tomatoes, baby leeks and carrots with a Maille Wholegrain mustard glaze. This is New Zealand lamb at
its finest with the grainy textures of the mustard adding interest and taste contrast. If the 1982 Pétrus at a mere $12,000 is too rich, perhaps we could suggest the Château
Lafite Rothschild Pauillac Haut Medoc, 1971 at a mere $2,300!
Below: Get him talking and Chef Tony Astle’s sharp wit, knowledge and enthusiasm will leave you spellbound long after you’ve parted company.
Peugeot
life
Above: A fillet of Regal Salmon with Foveaux Straight oysters, wasabi-infused
flying fish roe, a saffron and Maille Dijon Original Mustard beurre blanc,
topped with tempura seaweed oysters.
We love oyster season because it brings out stunning molluscs the size of
dinner plates which become even more beguiling sitting on a beautiful fillet of salmon. The Dijon Original beurre blanc was the perfect foil for the
richness of the salmon and tempura oysters. Accompanied by the Guigal
Condrieu La Doriane 1996 ($550), it would be difficult to pass up.
Right: Steak tartare rolled in beef carpaccio with pickled daikon and a
creamy duet of Maille Dijonnnaise and Dijon Originale. This has
all the hall marks of a dish that will endure. It is succulent, juicy and
refreshing. One bite begs for another and the mustard duet adds that
essential piquant edge to the ensemble. We thought to wash it down with
the 1964 DRC Richebourg, on Antoine’s library list at a mere $4,500.
46 – 47
grain mustard, pleasantly grainy, not gritty or hard. It
should have a fairly thick consistency, so that it easily
holds its own shape on a spoon, but it should not be
so thick as to be cloying or tongue-coating. Even if it
is hot, it should not burn the tongue and it should
always have a pleasant after-taste and leave a
harmonious finish on the palate as the flavours fade
together.
Chef ’s definition of great mustard is much more
succinct: “If it vaporizes so that your eyes water and
forehead sweats but you are eager for more,
consider yourself lucky.”
When Antoine Claude Maille founded his mustard
and pickle company in 1720, I am sure he would
have been most impressed with our Saturday
morning offerings. Armed with pots of Maille
Wholegrain, Dijionnaise and Dijon Originale
mustards, Tony worked his magic, suggested wine
accompaniments from his impressive library list
and we loved it all.
Left: Diverse and unusual, the wine list at Antoines’ never fails to surprise
and delight. Below: The versatile range of Maille mustards which seem to
work with almost everything.
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How to say
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in French
Peugeot
life
A NEW GOLF COURSE IN TAHITI CATCHES
TOM HYDE’S ATTENTION.
A
fter a restful night in an over-the-water
bungalow at the Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort
in Tahiti, a driver turned up the next morning to
take me to Tahiti’s newest golf course five minutes away.
The Moorea Green Pearl has certainly added a new
dimension to a Tahitian holiday for, until this course
opened in 2007, Tahiti was never on anyone’s radar as
a golf destination. It may not be still, but this course,
plus one other in Tahiti, not far from Papeete, make it
more so.
I was aching to see what the Jack Nicklaus design
company (not the man himself; he has never been here)
had come up with on Moorea. My appointments were
with the general manager, Jacques Maniette, and JeanLouis Gregori, the owner and man responsible for
building the course, .
Monsieur Gregori has a remarkable story to tell. He is
the founder of Gregori International, a global landscaping
and construction company noted for its golf courses and
sports venues. The sheer volume of projects completed,
under construction or planned by Gregori International
is mind-boggling.
The golf courses he’s built include the Four Seasons
Nevis, the Abu Dhabi Golf Club and The Dunes
Country Club in Morocco. Gregori International has
built polo fields, cricket grounds, race tracks and now,
returning to golf, the Moorea Green Pearl in Tahiti.
The company’s website (www.gregori-international.
com) reveals all. Suffice it to say, M. Gregori knew what
he was doing when he built the Green Pearl. He hired
the Jack Nicklaus design company to plan it, and though
the Golden Bear has not been hands-on, the rolling
fairways, bunker placements and tiered greens are
signature Nicklaus.
I met Jean-Louis Gregori for lunch in an open-air café
50 – 51
Above: Moorea
is just a short
ferry ride from
Tahiti, but
their ancient
volcanic peaks
and beautiful
bays are just
a part of an
authentic island
experience.
Opposite: Typical
over-water
bungalows at
the Sofitel
Moorea Beach
Hotel.
overlooking the 9th fairway. The Moorea Green Pearl,
he said, was his last golf course before handing over
Gregori International to his son. He was proud of
the course, not only for its quality as a golf course,
but also because he built it on what was once little
more than a neglected wasteland.
M. Gregori was born and raised in Algeria. After
serving his time fighting in the French Army and also
in the Algerian Revolution, he returned to France
and joined the family landscaping business. He still
keeps a home in Toulouse, but since the business has
grown from domestic landscaping to building some
of the finest sports venues in the world, he has spent
less and less time in France. Now, with the Moorea
Green Pearl, he lives most of the year in Tahiti. He
told me of plans to build two five-star hotels next to
the golf course. That explained the on-going
earthworks and dust in the distance, out beyond the
front nine.
After lunch I ventured down the steps to the pro
shop, so new some apparel had yet to be unpacked
and hung on racks. The club’s general manager,
Jacques Maniette, shook my hand and gave me a
Moorea Green Pearl golf cap, the first out of the box.
Jacques was welcoming, although it was apparent
there was still much to be done. After a brief
interview he allowed me to choose from different
sets of rental clubs, good quality all – recent Callaway,
Mizuno, Titleist and TaylorMade among them – and a
cart. He pointed the way to the driving range and
the first tee and wished me luck, before disappearing
out the door on yet another errand or two.
The range was like nothing I had ever seen before.
You hit special balls into a man-made lake, where
they float. Jacques told me that kind of set-up was
common. Maybe it is in France or Reunion Island (off
the African Coast in the Indian Ocean), where he
had last worked before coming to Tahiti, but not in
New Zealand, Australia or the US. Surprisingly,
though, it was a lot of fun watching balls splash down.
The Moorea Green Pearl is just the second golf
course ever built in Tahiti. The first is about 20
minutes from the capital of Papeete, at Atimaono. I
had checked out Atimaono a few years before and
found it to be a relatively flat, short and scratchy golf
course, barely worthy of an international tournament.
Peugeot
life
52 – 53
Three of the
holes on the
back nine at
the Moorea
Green Pearl.
Yet Atimaono is the site of the Tahitian Open, won at
different times by the likes of Kiwis Simon Owen,
Steve Alker, and popular Grange head pro, Stu
Thompson. Perhaps inspired by the Green Pearl, the
government has reportedly agreed to fund an
upgrade of Atimaono and plans include a new island
green at the 18th hole.
Meanwhile, over on Moorea, the Sofitel Moorea
Beach Resort is the first hotel in Tahiti to support
golf by sponsoring the Sofitel Cup, an annual pro-am
at the Green Pearl. Anyone interested in playing can
contact the golf course or the hotel direct.
What you will find should you play here is a front
nine distinctively different from the back nine.
The front nine is relatively flat, with small lakes, and
the 7th hole plays directly towards the sea. The back
nine crosses the main (and only) road and plays up
into steep hills – steep enough to make a cart
essential. Once you’re at the top, say on the 16th tee,
the ocean views are spectacular.
To what extent Tahiti will succeed with golf will, of
course, depend on the costs involved. Stay-and-play
packages and maybe a weight concession for golf
clubs by Air Tahiti Nui were some of the
inducements under consideration. Certainly, in one
way or another, Tahiti has to come to grips with the
fact that, for most Kiwis, holidaying there is expensive
relative to, say, Fiji, whether one plays golf or not.
My Shot of the Day happened at the 420-metre
par five 16th hole. I sliced the drive over a fence and
into private property, nearly killing a chicken. I
stepped over a sagging, rusty line of barbed wire and
as I retrieved the ball an old woman sitting in the
shade of a breadfruit tree stared me down. Later
that evening, over a fine meal at the Sofitel, I
recalled that errant shot to an acquaintance who
spoke French. Next time, he suggested, you must call
out: Gare devant!
IT’S NOT A PEUGEOT WITHOUT PEUGEOT GENUINE PARTS.
peugeot.co.nz
0800 PEUGEOT
Peugeot
life
BEST OF THE BEST
TWO BEAUTIFUL LUXURY RESORTS IN THE COOK ISLANDS
OFFER PEACE AND TRANQUILITY.
F
or all the fabulous island escapes that
we who live in the South Pacific have
to choose from, none compares with
Pacific Resort Aitutaki, if the 2008 World Travel
Awards are anything to go by – and Peugeot Life
believes they are.
The Cook Islands has traditionally taken a back
seat to other Pacific island destinations like Fiji and
Tahiti but that’s changing and more so now that the
Cooks can boast at least two five-star award-winning
resorts: foremost the Pacific Resort Aitutaki and, on
the main island of Rarotonga, Te Manava Luxury Villas
& Spa, also managed by Pacific Resorts.
Ask any Kiwi familiar with the Cook Islands and
more than likely they’ll tell you Aitutaki is the place
to go in the Cooks. Feel free to take exception to
that, but there’s no getting around the fact that
Aitutaki is as seductive as the song of a siren; one of
the most beautiful holiday destinations in the entire
South Pacific.
It begins the moment you approach Pacific Resort
Aitutaki’s seven hectares of tropical forest and its
amazing beachfront of pure white sand. It continues
when you come upon the resort’s breathtaking
lagoon, dotted as it is with idyllic islands framed by an
azure-blue sea. It finally captures you completely
when you reach your intimate, secluded hideaway
among lush palm-filled gardens.
Pacific Resort Aitutaki is no stranger to
international recognition. It is a member of Small
Luxury Hotels of the World and that in itself is some
measure of the refinement and romance the resort
offers discerning international travellers. Here guests
are enchanted by the lush tropical gardens, their
fragrant flowers and lily-strewn pools beneath
sparkling waterfalls.
The resort has just 27 beachfront bungalows, suites
and villas, but each is spacious and, when needed, airconditioned. But no matter which of the three
accommodation options guests might select, all have
their very own panoramic lagoon view.
Each room features Polynesian-inspired art and
architecture, a private sundeck, polished wooden
floors, marble bathrooms stocked with Bulgari
bathroom products and super-king-sized beds. For
those who cannot entirely leave home amenities
behind, all the bungalows, suites and villas here
have a CD stereo, television, and wireless
internet connection.
Here, the tranquil island setting will soothe the
soul, while fine cuisine from the resort’s signature
restaurant, Rapae Bay, will light up the palate.
Succulent seafood, international and pacific fare and
a comprehensive list of world-class wines come
together over a table with terrific views over
Aitutaki Lagoon.
Guests commonly enjoy the warm colours of a
South Pacific sunset over a cocktail and/or a more
casual meal at the beachfront Black Rock Café.
Pacific Resort Aitutaki is an unparalleled setting for
a wedding. The staff here go the proverbial “extra
mile” to make the day a success for all involved and
to ensure that the day is truly unique and
memorable. Weddings are often held on the beach
beside the lagoon at sunset or under swaying palm
trees in the resort’s colourful tropical garden. With
weddings in mind, we note that Aitutaki is also a
popular honeymoon destination for New Zealand
couples.
Bury your toes in the sand and snorkel about the
turquoise sea. Dance the night away then sleep in
and have a tasty cooked breakfast delivered to your
Opposite page: It
should come as
no surprise that
Pacific Resort
Aitutaki has
scooped so many
awards, including
the World’s
Leading
Boutique Island
Resort (World
Travel Awards
2008).
56 – 57
Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa is a new concept in luxury accommodation and gives you the
freedom to personalise your own leisure experience. Choose to be entirely self-sufficient or go
for the full-service five-star experience. Te Manava gives you the best of both worlds.
bungalow the next morning. Of course, you can hop
on a scooter and cruise into town or visit any of the
local villages for shopping and sightseeing. But then
again, you might just find yourself being too laid-back
to go anywhere else at all.
Meanwhile, on Rarotonga, Pacific Resort’s Te
Manava Luxury Villas & Spa is well worth a night or
two on your way to or from Aitutaki. Te Manava lies
on Rarotonga’s stunning southeast coast and it offers
an exciting new concept for the discerning traveller.
The idea is simple: the resort has a base rate that
gives guests exclusive access to a self-contained,
elegant villa. They can then choose from a range of a
la carte services as required, from daily housekeeping
and bath products to a fabulous private meal
prepared by one of the chefs. Guests pay for services
as they want or need them.
The villas at Te Manava are two and three
bedrooms in either a beachfront or garden setting.
Each includes a private swimming pool. The
beachfront villas face Muri Beach, a picture-perfect
white-sand strip that arcs for a full kilometre around
the southeast end of the island. The lagoon here is
perfect for snorkelling, kayaking, sailing or windsurfing
and close by is a village with cafés, grocery stores and
other shops. Te Manava is about a 20-minute drive
from Rarotonga International Airport.
www.pacificresort.com
Forecasting
Fashion
Peugeot
life
KATE SYLVESTER, ONE OF
AUSTRALASIA’S LEADING
FASHION DESIGNERS AND
LONG-STANDING PEUGEOT
PARTNER, HAD AN EVENTFUL
YEAR IN 2008. PEUGEOT LIFE
CAUGHT UP WITH HER TO SEE
WHAT SHE EXPECTS FROM 2009.
R
eaders of Peugeot Life probably do not
follow the fashion industry day in and day
out, so give us some perspective: the NZ
fashion industry has grown considerably in recent years, but
where does it really sit with the rest of the world?
New Zealand fashion has a very niche place in the world
but the great thing about globalisation is that you don’t
have to be a giant multi-national to find a place for
yourself on the global stage today.
What are the general worldwide trends you expect to see
in 2009?
As a brand, Kate Sylvester avoids obvious trend-driven
fashion. I have my own unique signature that our
customers value. They don’t want to look like everybody
else. However, the key word in fashion at the moment is
‘timeless’, which is an important part of my philosophy
too. Women wear and love Kate Sylvester garments for
years. It’s investment purchasing.
What trends do you see here?
I love the fact that in New Zealand all the designers have
such different signatures.
We’re too small a market to chase the same customer,
so for Kate Sylvester, our Black Swan winter collection
is based on black roses, swans and ballet, so is a mix of
very strong graphic shapes in rich, dark colours and very
feminine looks in soft ballet colours.
You revealed your Royally Screwed collection at Australian
Fashion Week recently. It was your first time there in three
years. How did it go?
We created a bit of unintentional furore with our
use of war medals. In fact we made the cover of the
newspapers two days running. After the dust settled,
though, people were able to appreciate that it was
actually a very beautiful collection. We are going back
to show again in April.
Opposite page:
Award-winning
fashion designer
Kate Sylvester.
This page from
top: Black Swan
menswear; Black
Swan for ladies
featuring organic
cotton.
60 – 61
How did you come up with “Royally Screwed?”
The collection was inspired by monarchy. Every season
I work to a very strong concept. It ensures that our
collections are uniquely Kate Sylvester and creates a
story to go with the individual pieces.
Your Black Swan collection is currently in the shops, what
kind of reaction has it had?
We have had a great response. In fact we’ve had our
strongest launch ever, which is pretty amazing in the
present retail climate.
You have three boutiques – High Street, Auckland;
Newmarket and Cuba Mall,Wellington – yet you also
distribute widely through retail shops.What advantages
are there to having your own boutiques?
The great thing about having our own stores is we can
present our entire vision. Department stores and
boutiques only buy a selection of styles so they present
their interpretation of Kate Sylvester.
Your designs are sold in the US, Hong Kong, Singapore and
you have a wide distribution in Australia. Do you have plans
for an even wider overseas reach in the future?
We’re always interested in new opportunities to export,
however, all expansion has to work with my family
commitments. If we were to take on all interested
markets I’d spend my entire life travelling. My life is all
about finding balance between family and work while
growing strategically.
You share environmental concerns with Peugeot. Describe
your sustainability approach and, in particular, what is “eco
merino” fabric and how do you use it?
Our vision for sustainability is a holistic one, looking at all
aspects of how we do business. So we take sustainability
issues into consideration on all decisions – from who is
our electricity supplier to how we print through to fabric
choices and ensuring we aren’t producing “disposable”
fashion. One of the first decisions I made was to trade
in my petrol car for my beautiful low-emission diesel
Peugeot 308 Sport Wagon.
ZQ branded merino is New Zealand-produced merino
that can be traced to specific farms. In simplest terms we
know our merino is produced by “happy” sheep rather
than being the product of dubious intensive farming
practices we see overseas. Merino is a uniquely highperformance yarn and is a key fabric in all our winter
collections.
The controversial but
beautiful Royally Screwed
collection show.
What can we expect to see from Kate Sylvester in the
second half of the year?
Our big project ahead is opening our own retail shop in
Australia. We’ll have a store in Sydney as soon as we find
the right location.
Temptations
YSL
New products for men from Yves Saint Laurent include a complete shaving tool kit (below) and skin care
options (bottom, left to right) like Touches Eclat, Anti-Fatigue Treatment, and Healthy Look Moisturizer.
Peugeot
life
Omega
New Seamaster – Gents’ stainless-steel
41mm case and bracelet, fitted with
calibre: Omega 2500 self-winding
chronometer, Co-Axial Escapement.
Power reserve: 48 hours. Waterresistant to 300m.
Longines
From the Sport Collection, the Grand
Vitesse is inspired by the world of
motorsport as it honours the memory
of the fastest men in history.
Patek Philippe
Calatrava 5119 – With its round case, elegant dial, and
guilloche bezel, the Calatrava Clous de Paris is one of the
most emblematic ambassadors of the Patek Philippe style.
The sublime elegance of the watch is complemented by a
glossy black alligator strap with a prong buckle in 18ct
yellow, rose or white gold.
Partridge Jewellers
Auckland, Wellington
www.partridgejewellers.co.nz
64 – 65
Temptations
NARCISO RODRIGUEZ
Essence, the new signature
fragrance from Narciso Rodriguez,
celebrates the energy and spirit of
modern women.
JO MALONE
Sweet Lime & Cedar Cologne for men
and women was inspired by the diverse
flavours of Thai cuisine.
GIORGIO ARMANI
Three fragrances, each representing an exotic
kingdom, leave heady scents in a
woman’s wake.
BULGARI
Light and fresh, Omni Green Jade is inspired by
the idea of an early morning in spring.
Peugeot
life
FABULOUS DIOR
Dior Squareness Necklace
This gorgeous Dior necklace
shows its fine jewellery spirit and
a retro design with its pure
geometric shapes of oval, square
and round. The sets of
cabochons in turquoise are
encrusted in sanded gold-tone
metals for a sunny effect.
Miss Dior I Couture Shoes
Luxurious lizard finish calfskin shoes in soft purple
tone. The shoes have a very discreet DIOR
signature on the tiny buckle behind.
Dior Boutique,
DFS Galleria, Auckland.
Ph: 09-356 6920
Grand Lady Dior bag
Carry all your essentials while looking
fabulous with the Grand Lady Dior in
exquisite purple and patent lambskin.
This bag was originally made for and
inspired by Lady Diana.
Lady Dior clutch bag
The Lady Dior purple patent clutch
features soft and luxurious patent
lambskin.
66 – 67
Temptations
PYLONES
Founded in France in 1985, Pylones (pronounced pee-lone) produces
a colourful range of designer gifts for those hard-to-buy-for family and
friends who think they have it all.
www.pylones-australasia.com or 277 Ponsonby Road, Auckland.
The smiley faces on the eggcup
and spoon are as much fun for
adults as kids, and the doll-like
cheese grater is not simply for
decoration.
Peugeot
life
These clocks brighten up the home all the time (pun intended).
Treasure boxes for children makes keeping secrets more fun
than ever.
68 – 69
Temptations
EASTERN HiFi
Contemporary home cinema and sound is easier than
ever to use and, most of all, it is designed for people with
a discerning sense of style. The system shown on the right
includes KEF Q Series speakers. Pictured below is the
Ultra Thin Hitachi flat-panel LCD screen, which combines
leading technical innovation with superior design to
produce a screen that is truly elegant and a perfect
complement to modern interior décor.
www.easternhifi.co.nz
Peugeot
life
70 – 71
THE VAN IS BACK.
PEUGEOT IS ABOUT TO INTRODUCE THE FUN, PRACTICAL AND
ECONOMICAL PARTNER VAN TO NEW ZEALAND. BY ROBERT BARRY.
Robert Barry is the editor of NZ Company Vehicle magazine. This article was adapted from the February 2009 issue.
For more information, please visit www.companyvehicle.co.nz.
Peugeot
S
mall vans are making a comeback
into the New Zealand fleet thanks to
their compact size and versatility.
Recognising this trend, Peugeot importer Sime Darby
Automobiles introduced the Partner Van for market
evaluation recently.
“Peugeot has produced more than 1.3 million
commercial vehicles internationally, so introducing
the Peugeot Partner Van to New Zealand is a logical
step forward for us here,” said Peugeot Divisional
Manager, Simon Rose. “We are fortunate enough to
have a brand with 120 years of heritage and
credibility producing models that embody the values
of flair and innovation. The light commercial Partner
Van provides a good-looking, versatile and efficient
solution for growing New Zealand businesses.”
There are two models under evaluation, the
standard length Van (L1) of 4380mm and the long
length Van (L2) of 4628mm. Under the bonnet, both
versions share a lusty yet quiet 66 kilowatt 1.6-litre
HDi turbo diesel engine mated to a slick-shifting fivespeed gearbox.
The Partner L1 offers up to 3.3 cubic metres of
load space and 850kg of payload, while the Partner
L2 offers 3.7 cu m of load space but a lesser payload
of 750kg. With Peugeot’s new Multi Flex front seats
fitted, the L1 has up to 3.7 cu m of load space and
the L2 a whopping 4.1 cu m.
The L2 gets two side-opening doors as a standard
fit. The cargo doors lock automatically once the
vehicle is in motion. The key fob will also lock and
unlock the front and cargo doors separately, which is
a very good security feature for tradesmen with
valuable tools, or couriers with valuable cargo.
A great deal of clever design has gone into the
interior of this van to make it user-friendly. There is
seating for three people up front and, despite the
dash-mounted gear stick, a second passenger can fit
quite comfortably by simply moving their legs slightly
to the left.
Should the second passenger seat not be occupied,
the seat back can be flipped down to create a flat
surface for the driver to use as a writing pad.
Thanks to the multi-flex arrangement, the outer
seat can fold flat into the floor to accommodate
longer loads up to 3.25m in length because the
lower bulkhead panel can be flipped down allowing
ladders or the like to be safely stowed.
Also, the bottom squab of the outer passenger
life
seat can be folded up so that tall objects such as pot
plants can be ferried about in the cabin. This is one
very cleverly designed vehicle that should please
all drivers.
Other amenities in the cabin include twin cup and
bottle holders, a twin-shelf glove box, a map pocket
in the dash in front of the passengers, ceiling shelves
above the driver and passengers and another lidded
compartment behind the instrument binnacle where
the driver can hide a wallet and other valuables.
Because of the 1.23m clearance between the
rear wheel arches, a standard pallet can be loaded
into the Partner and the rear doors open to 180
degrees to allow easy access for a forklift operator
to do that.
On the road, the Partner L2 displays the normal
nimble road manners you would expect from a
Peugeot, thanks to its McPherson strut front
suspension and coil-sprung rear suspension with
an anti-roll bar providing a comfortable ride.
Like many other vans we have test-driven there is
a bit of road noise which echoes through the rear
cargo area when the Partner is not laden, but fill it
up with boxes or other cargo and that noise
disappears instantly.
The turning circle is a very commendable 11m.
Four-wheel disc brakes are fitted to the Partner as
standard, so too is ABS braking with brake assist and
electronic brake force distribution. ESC (or Electronic
Stability Control) will be fitted as standard to all
New Zealand-bound Partners, as will ASR traction
control. These active safety features detect vehicle
instability and automatically apply corrective
measures to assist in accident protection.
Peugeot Centres are now taking orders for the
first arrivals for the Partner range.
72 – 73
Peugeot Around New Zealand
Dealers of the Year
T
Above: Peugeot Divisional Manager, Simon Rose, presents the Supreme Dealer of the Year Award
to John Hayes from Tauranga Peugeot while Dominique Monet from Peugeot France looks on.
Below: Mayfield Motors director, Sturrock Saunders, receives the coveted Rural Dealer of the
Year Award
auranga Peugeot was named the Overall
Supreme Dealer of the Year, the Provincial
Dealer of the Year and was further awarded
the Supreme Customer Service Award at the annual
Peugeot Automobiles awards presentation.
Peugeot has had a presence in the Bay of Plenty
since 1998. This was the fourth successive year
Tauranga Peugeot has won the award. It has been
named the Provincial Dealer of the Year for the last
five years in a row.
Owner John Hayes said, “As a local family business
our team works very hard to provide the best for
our community. To receive the Supreme Customer
Service award as well really is the icing on the cake
for a busy year.”
Peugeot NZ Divisional Manager, Simon Rose,
added, “The awards Tauranga Peugeot have received
are strongly based upon customer feedback and
surveys. Consistently high levels of service quality
have been shown by this dealership.”
Meanwhile, Mayfield Motors, the local Peugeot
dealer in Marlborough, won the Rural Dealer of the
Year. Owner Sturrock Saunders said, “We are
overwhelmed to receive such an honour. It’s been a
busy year for us with the total redevelopment of our
facility in Blenheim and with this has come a strong
focus on doing things well, including a constant
delivery of great customer service from our team. In
a challenging market environment it shows that by
having an excellent and committed team with great,
innovative products, you can achieve outstanding
results.”
Last, but hardly least, Precision Automobiles in
Takapuna was named Metro Dealer of the Year.
Manager of the dealership, Shaun Mackle said, “This is
such a vote of confidence from our customer base.
We are so proud to receive this award and we are
incredibly grateful to have such a dedicated team
that operate our dealership professionally. We really
are like a family business.”
Peugeot
Runner-up Dealer of the Year
Waikato Motor Group, apart from
being named Runner-up Peugeot
Dealer of the Year, has been getting
attention for other reasons, too. Its
owner and sole director, Tracy Martin,
is a woman operating in what’s
traditionally been a man’s world and
for that she is thought of as a pioneer.
As she told HerBusiness magazine,
“My gender is just not an issue for me
or my team. Any woman can succeed
in a traditionally male career as long as
they can deliver the goods, go into it
with their eyes wide open and
understand that men don’t mean to
be offensive – they’re just being men!”
Waikato Motor Group was owned
by Tracy’s father, Murray Nicholson.
When he retired last year she bought
the Peugeot franchise. She had worked
for her father for a number of years on
and off so the business was familiar to
her. In fact, she was instrumental in
turning the dealership around at one
stage after it had experienced some
hard times. That even led to her
advising other dealers around the
country on how to improve their
business.
She told HerBusiness, “It was really
about listening to people, clarifying
roles and establishing a good team
spirit. The motivation was simple: make
it work or we didn’t have a job.”
Most dealerships, she says, need to
make two basic changes: creating
systems and improving
communications with their teams and
customers. She believes these are
more important than ever now.
Waikato Motor Group employs 30
people, five in vehicle sales. One key to
its success is its involvement in the
local community as a sponsor of four
high-profile events: The Rev 120 Cycle
event held in February, the Great
Rowing Race, where a crew from
Waikato University takes on a crew
from either Cambridge or Harvard
University, The Black Stumps
Adventure Ride for mountain bikers
and the True Colours Charitable Trust.
Tracy is married with two boys aged
12 and nine. Looking at 2009, she told
Peugeot Life, “I am very focused on
managing Waikato Mogtor Group
through the year ahead. We are all
aware it is going to be a challenging
year but it’s about working smarter,
keeping team moral up and constantly
looking for ways to improve our
service.”
life
Tracy Martin, owner
of Waikato Motor
Group, Hamilton’s
Peugeot dealer.
Dealers on the Move –
Takapuna and Wellington
Precision Automobiles North Shore
have recently moved from Hauraki
Corner, Takapuna to 187 Wairau Road
in order to better accommodate its
growth in sales and service and the
new range of 2009 models. Contact
Shaun and the award-winning team in
their bright, new showroom.
Phone 09-486 8000 or visit
www.precisionautomobiles.co.nz
Armstrong Peugeot, Wellington have
also moved recently. So recently, in fact,
that their signage has still to be put up.
The new, large premises bring sales,
service and parts all under one roof.
The friendly Peugeot staff is led by
Adrian Harris. Go and say hello to
them at 75-78 Cambridge Terrace in
the city. Phone 04-385 9508
www. armstrongpeugeot.co.nz
74 – 75
Peugeot Around New Zealand
Car Of The Year
The Peugeot 308 HDi 2.0-litre Euro hatch was
awarded Compact Class, Car of the Year at the 2008
AMI NZ Autocar awards. Editor of Autocar magazine,
Paul Owen, chief judge for the awards, said
afterwards, “The 308 range possesses the great
French characteristic of an involving chassis, thus
appealing to drivers while offering a distinguished
ride, which ensures happy passengers.”
Owen added, “Our pick, the 2.0-litre HDi diesel,
costs $46,990, but if the price tag is too much there
is a cheaper 1.6 version available. Here’s substance
and style unmatched by its rivals in the compact class.
The five-star Euro NCAP crash rating, its seven
airbags and standard stability control make the 308 a
safe family offering.”
Well-known motoring journalist, Dave Moore, of
The Press in Christchurch, said after a test drive of the
vehicle, “I could have stayed on the track all day in
this. Peugeot has really lifted its interior quality.”
The category winners were selected by the judges
from new models launched in NZ between
November 30, 2007 and November 30, 2008.
Peugeot Stands Alone
Peugeot partnered with the popular Taste of Auckland
food and wine festival held in March at the Ellerslie
Racecourse. The event featured samples of cuisine from a
number of Auckland’s best restaurants, wine-tasting
classes and cooking lessons from leading chefs.
Over four days, a selection of the city’s finest
restaurants offered exquisite signature dishes in samplesize portions. It was a fantastic opportunity to try new
restaurants, explore different cuisines and plan a whole
year of dining out.
Two new Peugeot models were on display at the
event, the all-new 308 CC and the award-winning 308
Sport – which recently won Safest Car of 2009 at the
New Zealand Automobile Association Motoring
Excellence Awards. www.tasteofauckland.co.nz
Peugeot
life
Peugeot Uses Auto Express
Peugeot has recently reached an agreement with
Auto Express, the vehicle logistics division of Toll
Networks Ltd to transport new vehicles around
New Zealand. Toll Networks is part of the Toll
Group that maintains a presence throughout
Australasia, Europe and North America. Its vehicle
transportation services are currently provided to a
broad spectrum of customers and they include a
wide range of vehicle types, from new and used to
rental and leased cars and trucks.
Rail is the company’s preferred linehaul method –
they utilise 14 GT rail wagons – because of the costeffectiveness of rail versus road and the protection
offered by the wagons, which are fully enclosed and
locked throughout transit. Rail services are also more
frequent than coastal shipping and the environmental
benefits of rail versus road have been independently
verified.
Toll Tranzlink was been acknowledged as a leader
in safety and security innovation for its freight
tracking, asset utilisation, and customer service
technologies. To learn more go to www.toll.co.nz
Peugeot WebTV a hit.
In just 12 months online, Peugeot’s innovative
WebTV has logged more than two million viewers,
prompting the company to upgrade the site with a
new version.
The site now features a new console with six
channels offering news, product range, concept cars,
innovation, sport and an events channel. Its optimised
navigation allows higher-quality viewing, with new
functions such as full-screen or high-definition
options.
The new Version 2.0 debuted at the recent
Geneva Motor Show which featured on the events
channel, allowing users to watch videos of Peugeot’s
news from the show, such as the global debut of the
3008 crossover vehicle, the press conference given
by Peugeot’s managing director, Jean Philippe Collin,
or even take a tour of the stand.
Throughout the year, Peugeot WebTV’s schedules
will include broadcasts of the marque’s highlights,
such as the 24-hour Le Mans race and the Frankfurt
Motor Show.
www.tv.peugeot.com or www.peugeot.co.nz
76 – 77
Peugeot After Sales
Quality + Passion
= Great Service
A
3-year, 150,000-kilometre warranty,
24-hour toll-free roadside assistance
and repairs with only genuine Peugeot
parts are a few of the after-sales services spelled out
in more detail at www.peugeot.co.nz. But, really,
service is not just about roadside support and
genuine parts, it’s also about the sense of quality and
passion Peugeot service people bring to their job
everyday at any dealership around the country.
Scott Bruhns, the national After Sales Manager,
came to Peugeot two years ago. He drives the 2009
model 407 SW 2.7HDi. Like so many Peugeot
customers, Scott’s passion for the brand is as
personal as it is professional. “We place a large
emphasis on getting after-sales service right,” he told
Peugeot Life.
Scott says, “We constantly measure the dealer
network for their service delivery to the customer
through contact calls, customer questionnaire mailings
and dealer auditing. We always try to keep our finger
on the pulse of service quality, because the one thing
that always stands out with our customers is that they
are as passionate about the brand as we are.”
European manufacturers have always been at the
forefront of advances in automotive technology and
Peugeot is no exception. In fact, Peugeot has led the
way when it comes to environmentally-respectful
diesel engines.
Scott says, “I have worked with European brands
for the past 14 years, so I fully appreciate they can be
expensive for the average motorist. But this is where
Peugeot stands out from the crowd. They offer a top
5-star Euro NCAP safety rating [New Car
Assessment Programme] with the 207 costing from
just $26,990, for example.”
Peugeot dealerships are required to call every
service customer within 10 days of their service visit
as a way of following up any work that was done and
to make sure customers are satisfied. Also, a
customer questionnaire is sent out after each annual
service and after each maintenance or repair. Scott
says, “I was always taught that it’s best to listen first
and talk second when it comes to best
understanding our customer’s needs.”
Dealer auditing happens twice a year and in
essence it is a viewing of the dealership through the
eyes of a customer. Evaluation ranges from the
signage in reception to the name badge of a sales
person and customer parking. Peugeot uses this audit
to help every dealer meet a higher level of Quality
Assurance Standards required by the brand.
“The Peugeot After Sales team is currently rolling
out an 18-month training programme to all of our
customer service consultants to ensure the highest
quality of service,” says Scott. “Called the ‘Essentials’
programme, it is a nine-step path all customers
follow when they deal with a Peugeot service
department. For example, the ‘After Sales Welcome’
consists of service at an agreed time, protective
covers are fitted and removed and the vehicle is
carefully inspected – all with the customer present.”
As Scott Bruhns notes above, Peugeot customers
can be as passionate as technicians when it comes
to quality workmanship. Quality work derived
from passion for the brand, you could say, is a
Peugeot mantra.
peugeot.co.nz
The new 308 CC.
Become one of the first to experience the new Peugeot 308 CC,
an exciting new benchmark in luxury open-air motoring.
To find out more or to register your interest, call 0800 PEUGEOT
or contact your nearest Peugeot Centre. It’ll be worth the wait.
31683 Peugeot Life Mag 308.indd 1
Nouvelle
308 CC
17/4/09 4:16:55 PM
PEUGEOT CENTRES
NORTH SHORE PRECISION AUTOMOBILES
187 Wairau Road, Glenfield, North Shore City. (09) 486 8000
CENTRAL AUCKLAND CONTINENTAL CAR SERVICES
227-229 Great South Rd, Greenlane (09) 526 6950
PUKEKOHE DON THOMSON MOTORS LTD
WATER STREET
MOTORS
69-79 Manukau Road. (09) 238 4199
HAMILTON WAIKATO PEUGEOT
270 Te Rapa Road, Te Rapa. (07) 849 7733
TAURANGA TAURANGA PEUGEOT
619-627 Cameron Road. (07) 579 5080
PRECISION AUTOMOBILES
NORTH SHORE
HAWKES BAY HAWKES BAY PEUGEOT
CONTINENTAL CAR
SERVICES GREENLANE
DON THOMSON
MOTORS LTD
Corner Queen & Nelson Streets, Hastings. (06) 876 3142
PALMERSTON NORTH BRENT BODDY CARS PEUGEOT
TAURANGA
PEUGEOT
177 Main Street. (06) 354 1702
WELLINGTON ARMSTRONG PEUGEOT
WAIKATO PEUGEOT
75 - 78 Cambridge Terrace, Wellington. (04) 384 8779
GB MOTORS
BLENHEIM MAYFIELD MOTORS PEUGEOT
6 Hutcheson Street. (03) 577 5335
CHRISTCHURCH ARMSTRONG PEUGEOT
CONTINENTAL
AUTO CARE
161 St Asaph Street. (03) 379 7384
DUNEDIN SOUTHERN MOTOR COURT PEUGEOT
300 Andersons Bay Road. (03) 455 5500
HAWKES BAY
PEUGEOT
SUPPORTED BY AN ADDITIONAL
PARTS & SERVICE NETWORK
BRENT BODDY
CARS PEUGEOT
WATER STREET MOTORS
44 Water Street, Whangarei. (09) 438 1197
GB MOTORS
42 White Street, Rotorua. (07) 348 7598
CONTINENTAL AUTO CARE
ARMSTRONG
PEUGEOT
189 Devon St West, New Plymouth. (06) 759 5224
HOKITIKA SERVICE STATION
46 Fitzherbert Street, Hokitika. (03) 755 8346
MAYFIELD
MOTORS
SHOWGROUNDS AUTOS
199 Evans Street, Timaru. (03) 688 3716
SOUTHERN AUTOMOBILES
209 Dee Street, Dunedin. (03) 211 2233
HOKITIKA
AUTOMOTIVE
ARMSTRONG
PEUGEOT
SHOWGROUNDS AUTOS
SOUTHERN
MOTOR COURT PEUGEOT
SOUTHERN
AUTOMOBILES
24 HOUR TOLL FREE SERVICE
0800 PEUGEOT
0800 738 4368
peugeot.co.nz