Lexus Tauranga team picks their showroom favourites

Lexus of Tauranga’s new showroom is open in Elizabeth Street. The passionate team share their picks of the luxury vehicles in the showroom.

WORDS MONIQUE BALVERT-O’CONNOR PHOTOS JAHL MARSHALL + SALINA GALVAN

Engage in a chat with Mike Ranstead about the new Tauranga Lexus car dealership he runs, and chances are he will talk more about people than cars. That’s not surprising, given this Tauranga branch manager and his team are heavily focussed on offering exceptional customer service. Many Tauranga locals have already had a taste of it as the Lexus dealership opened its Elizabeth Street showroom in June. Mike says that even though he heads an automotive dealership, he considers he and his team work within the hospitality sector.

“We don’t want people to feel as if they are moving into the process you traditionally find in the automotive industry. When we open our doors to them, we are inviting them into a comfortable, welcoming space where they are our guests – we are sharing our hospitality with them.” He passionately talks about how the premises is up for the task, “looking on point” and offering a sense of walking into a hotel foyer rather than a dealership. It’s a perfect setting for talking about dream vehicles. “We invite people to sit and have a conversation with us about how we can help them. The initial dialogue is not necessarily about the product – it is more about what they want to achieve from a vehicle buying experience,” Mike enthuses.

In discussing the importance of customer service, Mike reverts to the Japanese term “omotenashi”. “Omotenashi is about anticipating the needs of others without expectation of reward. In other words, the experience we are giving to customers is given whole-heartedly. It is about ensuring that when they leave here, they’ve had a memorable experience that fits with what they would expect of the quality and premium Lexus brand.” In the short time the Lexus showroom has been open in Tauranga, plenty of people have experienced this special welcome. “The response has been outstanding. We have experienced a huge amount of warmth and positivity,” Mike says.

Amongst those calling in is a steady level of Lexus owners, coming in to say hi, checking out the site, booking their Lexus in for a service, and coming to talk about what the future holds. Those new to the Lexus experience are also calling in. There’s a strong inclination to know more about hybrid technology, and Lexus has a significant range of hybrid models, Mike says. Customer service the Tauranga Lexus way includes all sorts of added touches. Imagine coming in to have a test drive and returning to find your car washed. How about receiving a bar of chocolate and a hand-written thank you note after getting your car serviced? And what about a bottle of champagne to celebrate when you make a purchase. It’s all part of the “hand-on-heart” hospitality Mike and his team do so well.

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Mike Ranstead

Branch manager

Eye-catching styling combines with a spacious and driver-centric cockpit in the ES300h F-Sport. This seventh-generation Lexus ES (executive sedan) is a mid-size luxury sedan with an all-new chassis that allows for the dynamic exterior design and, teamed with front and rear performance dampers, turns this sedan into a very competent driving vehicle. I enjoy touring around in it, seeking out less-driven roads to find hidden gems, and the ES F-Sport gives both the range and the handling on those country roads.

The F-Sport interior finish option with the red upholstery makes a real statement, and the front-seat styling with additional side bolsters gives fantastic support during longer drives. I also love the enormous boot, and the rear window shade is really handy on hot, sunny days.

Lily Matenga

Sales coordinator

The UX250h F-Sport is our entry-level Lexus SUV and a compact vehicle well suited to my on-the-go urban lifestyle. It’s perfect for zipping around town, and the self-charging hybrid engine makes it super economical - especially in the notorious Tauranga traffic. The UX (urban explorer) range starts at $59,900, making it a more affordable luxury car. The hybrid engine is cost- effective but powerful as well, giving the smaller model an added sporty flair. My favourite design feature is the F-Sport front grille, with its distinctive mesh pattern made up of multiple L-shaped motifs. I also love the wireless charging pad and remote touchpad that allow me to stay connected while I’m out and about, as well as provide easy access to features such as maps, music and climate control.

Mitchell Handcock

Sales consultant

The RX450hl is a luxury mid-size SUV and the top- selling Lexus SUV in New Zealand. My fiancée and I are big adventure people and often spend our weekends doing long journeys in search of good times. Whether visiting family in Kerikeri, going on Coromandel surfing missions or popping over to Lake Tarawera to wakeboard, we find the RX gets us there feeling relaxed and refreshed. I’m 6’4”, and with the recent addition of a dog, our family is beginning to grow even bigger, so the RX (radiant crossover) 450hl’s blend of space and comfort is a must for us. Its black interior with bamboo trim makes it look sophisticated and modern. My top feature would have to be the Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto. Seamless smartphone connectivity combined with the touchscreen display makes everything very convenient.

Damon Bowe

After sales consultant

Perfect for my passion for performance-style cars, the IS350 F-Sport (IS stands for intelligent sedan or intelligent sport) is a compact yet powerful sedan that not only has exclusive tuning implemented into the suspension springs, shock absorbers and electric power steering, it is also paired with luxury driving comfort. Its ground-hugging form lowers its centre of gravity and improves agility while driving – ideal for anyone who enjoys fast cars and wants a race-car feel.

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The new extraordinary: driving the new Aston Martin DBX to one of Taupō’s most luxurious lodges

PHOTOS Vinesh Kumaran WORDS Steve Vermeulen

Did somebody say take Aston Martin’s new DBX to one of Taupō’s most luxurious lodges? You don’t have to ask twice.

It’s never a bad day in the office when an invitation arrives to drive something a bit special and stay in a lavish setting. I seldom get to enjoy that perk with the family in tow, so when the opportunity arose to showcase Taupō’s beautiful Kinloch Manor and earn some serious brownie points with my wife and son, I grabbed it with both hands. The transport? Aston Martin’s DBX. “Well, okay. If I must.” The DBX is infused with a sense of adventure that bodes well for a family getaway. Even so, I didn’t quite know what to expect. After all, a debut foray into a high-riding, Labrador-toting SUV model isn’t without risk for any sportscar brand, not least one with more than a century of pedigree, such as Aston Martin. It’s all too easy to be blinded by nostalgia, but that’s simply not a realistic view of how we prefer to get around these days. SUVs from sportscar brands are the new normal. Or, at least in the DBX’s case, the new extraordinary. Inside the DBX is a superbly appointed cabin, richly perfumed by the leather covering over almost every surface. Aston Martin’s focus remains on the driving experience, and this goal hasn’t been complicated with superfluous technology, as can be the case with German counterparts. Rather ironically, however, the Brit brand actually relies quite heavily on German tech, leveraging the expertise and scale of Mercedes-Benz for quality audio and infotainment systems.

A central dial allows for the navigation of all functions and there are just three basic driving modes. You don’t need to be an IT guru to navigate your way through the media, navigation and drive functions. Critical information, including the sat-nav map graphic, can be presented within the high- resolution instrument cluster ahead of the driver as well. Despite relying on external suppliers for some elements, Aston Martin chose to be the master of its own destiny and develop a unique SUV chassis. The end result is deeply impressive. The DBX disguises its mass well, utilising double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. Mechanically it’s very advanced, but also benefits from the latest in air suspension tech that adjusts both compression rate and ride height. Electronic torque vectoring to each wheel helps keep the 2.2-ton vehicle on the driving line and 48-volt active anti-roll bars and adaptive dampers also keep body roll to a minimum. Believe it or not, the DBX exhibits less roll than the smaller, sportier Vantage. Meanwhile, the well- planted all-wheel drive system delivers traction and torque management for optimum acceleration on corner exit, or sure-footedness if you really want to go off road. En route to Kinloch, my family and I settled in comfortably while the 542hp (404kW) V8 ate up the miles ahead. What felt like no time at all passed before we were on the country back roads of the Kinloch area, 20 minutes northwest of Taupō. Bright autumnal yellows and reds flashed past the DBX’s panoramic glass roof as we purred towards our destination.

We couldn’t help but voice a collective “Wow!” as we entered Kinloch Manor’s grounds. Despite being shrouded in low cloud, the vista remained deeply impressive, with Lake Taupō dominating the horizon. Kinloch’s central lodge rises from the landscape like a white stone fortress, while blackened-timber-clad suites nestle sympathetically into the hillside. Everything’s presented within the surrounds of a manicured golf course.

“It’s like a painting,” my son aptly suggested as we approached. The rendered stonework and generous use of monolithic slabs of timber continue throughout the lodge and dining area. Everywhere you look, beautifully detailed bespoke craftsmanship adorns the environment, from the smallest detail such as a bone domino set, to more substantial elements like the counter-weighted steel fireguards that hang in front of huge open fires, and the black timber ceiling with a 3D geometric form encompassing the generous square footage of the lodge. There’s a European and antipodean hybrid feel to Kinloch’s architecture and décor. It’s homely but doesn’t feel like home, with comforting spaces in which you can lounge in by the fire with a wine, soak up the views, plan some activities and chat before retreating to your accommodation. Our suite offered up another premium experience all its own. Two terraces opening onto the golf course provided panoramic views of the lake, while another large front deck replete with sun loungers invited relaxation. We knew we wouldn’t be catching many rays on this autumn visit, but lighting the wood burner (one of two fires in the two- bedroom suites) and kicking back for a few hours in the lavish surrounds was the ideal way to leave the day’s busy schedule behind. While my wife soaked in the enormous tub, my son and I took a golf buggy to the course for a scenic tour, and some driving and putting practice. The entire Kinloch experience is simply world class. We often forget just how magical our own backyard can be and investing in local luxury is arguably a far more rewarding experience in the world we inhabit right now. As for the DBX, it certainly presents a compelling case for luxury you can take with you when you leave.

Thanks to Luxury Lodges of New Zealand and Kinloch Manor for making our stay possible.

Driving barefoot in the Bentley Continental GT V8

On a road trip to Northland in a ridiculously beautiful Bentley, going shoeless has never felt so right.

WORDS Steve Vermeulen PHOTOS Vinesh Kumaran

There’s something satisfyingly audacious about driving a Bentley with bare feet. Somehow, kicking off the Havaianas and going ‘foot commando’ in an interior awash with hand-crafted leather and timber accoutrements, beautifully knurled metal dials and an edifying suite of cutting-edge technology just feels right.

Bare feet are entirely appropriate for this road trip to the winterless North – to Whangārei, Opua, Russell and Paihia – to relish the great roads, great food and great scenery this region offers up in spades. At around 300km in length, our first leg from Auckland’s south to the sparkling Opua harbour isn’t an exhausting drive, but it’s certainly made easier in a Bentley Continental GT V8. This latest-generation Continental GT was released a couple of years ago and, for me, captured the real essence of the brand more than any Bentley before it. A brand steeped in luxury and craftsmanship, yes, but also one with track-bred performance and racing pedigree aplenty. 

Physics decrees that luxury features and a swathe of creature comforts shall be the antithesis of lithe handling. But Bentley doubled down on the technology stakes in this latest generation Continental GT, completely flipping that science on its head and making a big car that’s also unbelievably engaging to drive. I’m pleasantly reminded of this as the Puhoi tunnel releases me from the shackles of rush hour and onto the more sweeping curves of State Highway 1, heading through Warkworth and the Dome Valley towards Whangārei. With the composure of all-wheel drive and 404kW of power under (bare) foot, you can make short work of our typical Kiwi A-roads.

There’s a raucousness evident in the V8, something the more silken flagship W12 Continental GT doesn’t have, but the svelte looks and noise combo make the Bentley a popular sight when I hit the streets of Whangārei. A meaty V8 exhaust note around here isn’t uncommon, but judging from the nods of approval and positive reactions I’m getting with every burble and crackle on over run, they clearly appreciate Bentley’s take on the eight-cylinder format as something a bit special.

Sticking to SH1, the miles melt away quickly and driving is effortless. I can sit back with fan-cooled seating and even a gentle massage function and burn through mile after mile without any fatigue. In what seems like no time at all, I’m enjoying fresh fish and chips in the lovely seaside village of Opua.

Our northernmost port of entry for overseas vessels, with a sheltered, deep-water bay, Opua’s a popular destination for international visitors entering our shore. Most recently it homed Spanish billionaire banker and art ‘enthusiast’ Jaime Botin’s beautiful superyacht. Today, though, the Bentley takes centre stage as we board the Opua car ferry to Okiato. 

You really know you’ve well and truly shrugged off the city when you arrive in the Bay of Islands. Today it’s what amounts to a busy day in Opua with the ferries at capacity on each crossing. But the staff on board remain relaxed and accommodating. With some social distancing and PPE protocol in place, they’re only too happy to invite our photographer up to the bridge and allow us to position the Bentley just so, before loading up for the next crossing. It’s little things like this that serve as great reminders of how magnificent New Zealand can be.

I’m overnighting in Russell, but before I head there, I’ve been invited to Paroa Bay Winery and their hilltop Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Sage. Operated by good friends of the Bentley brand, the Lindis Group, Paroa Bay Winery also offers accommodation in the form of three luxury villas perched above what must be one of the most idyllic bays in the entire Bay of Islands.

I’m not drinking, but on the balcony at Sage I’m told both the 2020 Sauvignon Blanc and 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon are very sippable in tandem with, respectively, line-caught fish and New Zealand wagyu bavette. Regardless of the pairing, a stunning dining experience is assured; make sure you add a booking to your next sojourn north.

The following day starts crisply with the morning sun revealing yet another crystalline northern sky and the baritone V8 humming down the road from Russell. Formally one of the Southern Hemisphere’s busiest ports, favoured by whalers, seafarers and merchants of the day, Russell enjoys its heritage as a once-heaving Victorian metropolis of industry and debauchery in equal measure. 

“It’s not nearly as debaucherous now as it was in the old days, dear,” I’m assured by an older lady, as I chat over a morning coffee while she waits for her coach tour to depart. She and her fellow travellers fawn over the Bentley’s lines outside the fabled Duke of Marlborough Hotel. “If the walls could talk!” she laughs.

Thankfully, mid-week up here is milder-paced than usual. It’s quiet even, affording me the time to absorb the prominence and beauty of Russell’s promenade, the serenity of the harbour and character of the town that has been lovingly preserved.

The roads tighten up between Opua and Paihia, but the Bentley’s party trick is its ability to feel smaller and lighter than reality. You can push on unphased by changes in road condition and with surprising agility. 

There’s time for a brief bite on the wharf at Paihia before the 250km jaunt back to Auckland. After the past 12 months, it’s been great to get some decent driving miles in, sink my feet in the sand and reconnect with one of my favourite parts of the world. Unsurprisingly, the Bentley has been a brilliant tourer. Maybe the bare feet and salt air played a part, but I can honestly say I’ve never felt so reinvigorated at the end of a day’s driving.

For the latest automotive news, visit 66MAGAZINE.CO.NZ. 

Lexus rolls into Tauranga

WORDS Daniel Dunkley PHOTOS supplied

If you’ve ever driven a Lexus, you’ll know the experience is all about luxury. The high-end sister brand of Toyota is famous for its quality, attention to detail, and craftsmanship. And for the very first time, those features are about to be seen up close in the Bay of Plenty.

For Tony Coutinho and Mark Ranstead of Ebbett Toyota, a Lexus is more than just something to get you from A to B. It represents a higher level of service, stunning showrooms, and a bespoke approach to finding people the right vehicle. Think of the difference between flying business class and economy, and you’re about there.

The duo is close to launching Tauranga’s first Lexus showroom as Ebbett capitalises on Hamilton's growing market. While Bay of Plenty motor enthusiasts were previously forced to travel across the Kaimais to get a sneak peek at the latest models, they will soon have one of the region’s most luxurious showrooms on their doorstep.

The perfect match

After 30 years in New Zealand, why is Lexus heading to Tauranga? Coutinho, the chief executive of Ebbett Toyota, says the city and brand are a perfect match.

“This is an up-and-coming city that attracts people who like quality things,” Coutinho says. “It’s thriving, and it’s vibrant. It matches the product well and suits the kind of person who wants an experience and a certain level of service.”

The centrepiece of Coutinho’s plan is the new showroom at 158 Elizabeth Street in the heart of Tauranga. 

The new Lexus store will open in the next few weeks, informed by Japanese culture and the concept of “Omotenashi”, the unwavering commitment to exceptional hospitality. Lexus spaces in Tokyo, New York, and Dubai will inspire the ambience of the Tauranga site.

“It’s about a sense of engineered luxury,” says Ranstead, who will helm the Tauranga operation. “You walk in, and you feel that spacious, clean environment that also has warmth.”

Ranstead wants customers to be “at home” during the experience and enjoy “the art of hospitality”. “We’re there to listen more than we speak,” he says.

Dedicated to motoring perfection

All Lexus models are designed by Takumi Masters, highly-skilled Japanese master craftsmen who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of motoring perfection. The company confidently offers a four-year warranty on new cars sold in New Zealand.

Ranstead expects the latest Lexus SUVs, including the hybrid UX and NX, will be as popular in Tauranga as they are in Hamilton as people transition away from internal combustion engine vehicles towards eco-friendly alternatives.

“We know that a lot of people in Tauranga are ecologically driven, and about 70 percent of our cars are hybrids,” Ranstead says. “So we expect that to resonate with people.”

Following Lexus's global blueprint, car buyers in Tauranga will be treated to something out of the ordinary when the new site launches next month.

Customers will be closely guided through which cars suit them, steered away from those models that don’t, and offered a tailored service to help them choose the right vehicle.

“We help them select something that suits their lifestyle,” Coutinho says.“We want people engaged but relaxed. For people to walk out and say, ‘that was fun’.”

“It’s all about fine-tuning and getting to know the customer,” says Ranstead. “We know we’re not just presenting a motor vehicle. We’re presenting an experience.”

With a fleet of green luxury cars, Japanese hospitality and some local know-how, Tauranga motorists are about to get something a little different this autumn.

Aston Martin DBX: supreme luxury on all terrains

With the kind of exhilarating power and control necessary for navigating New Zealand’s unique and challenging terrain, the Aston Martin DBX brings with it a luxury that could comfortably take you from one end of the country to the other.

The first ever SUV from Aston Martin, it’s also a rare example of getting it right first time - scooping ‘Best Designed Car of the Year’ from The Sunday Times and ‘Best Luxury SUV’ from the GQ Car Awards.

4 October, 2020; London UK: Aston Martin Lagonda’s first SUV, DBX, has been awarded the ‘Best Designed Car of the Year’ at The Sunday Times Motor Awards. While the shortlist is drawn up by judges at News UK, the winners are chosen by readers votes.

Will Dron, Editor of Driving.co.uk at The Sunday Times said, “A brand traditionally associated with sports cars had a tough job on its hands creating its first SUV, but the fact that Sunday Times readers voted the DBX their favourite design of the year — against some truly stunning competition — is a clear indication that Aston Martin got it right first time.”

The Aston Martin DBX was first revealed in November last year and sees the British brand compete in a new segment of the global luxury market for the first time. Built on a new dedicated platform in a purpose-built manufacturing facility in St Athan in Wales, DBX remains distinctly an Aston Martin through both its engineering and design: From the signature grille at the front, through the sculptured sides and design feature line, to the tailgate flip that draws inspiration from the brands most focused sports car, Vantage.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Lagonda EVP and Chief Creative Officer says, “We are delighted that Aston Martin DBX has been awarded by readers of The Sunday Times for its design. We designed DBX as we would a sports car, but its unique platform gave us the freedom to create an SUV with stunning performance and design, and to be awarded Best Designed Car of the Year makes us very proud of what we have achieved ”.

Chief of Vehicle Attribute Engineering Matt Becker says the DBX offers supreme confidence, whatever the terrain.

“Our performance has seen us push the boundaries of what is possible for an SUV.”

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DBX is an SUV with a V8 engine that offers an exhilarating 550PS power output, backed by 700Nm of torque. That power is delivered over the widest possible range, focused on providing instant throttle response.

The DBX has active all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution and height-adjustable air suspension, which combine to give you the confidence and versatility you need for life’s great adventures. Thanks to lightweight aluminum construction, and its world-leading powertrain and suspension developed by the finest engineers of their kind, DBX drives like no other SUV - it drives like a sports car.

UNO Drives: the Bentley Bentayga

Shaun Summerfield is a proper boy. He spent 17 years as a journalist, covering world cups and epic motor races across the world for Newshub. After a job of adrenaline-fuelled deadlines, Shaun is now the general manager of marketing and communications at the Giltrap Group. It's a role the suave petrolhead describes as, "Close to perfect: surrounded by some of the best cars on the planet and working for a family-owned company." He brings a brand new Bentley down to The Mount. It was a slower photoshoot than usual: the Bentayga certainly draws a crowd.

WORDS SHAUN SUMMERFIELD PHOTOS GRAEME MURRAY

When Ettore Bugatti described the 1924 Le-Mans-winning Bentley 3-litre as ‘the world's fastest lorry’, he was trying to insult its winning durability. If only he knew what was in store nearly a century later. Driving the Bentayga down to Mount Maunganui from Auckland, there was nothing remotely lorry or truck-like about Bentley's foray into the SUV market. Neither Signore Bugatti nor W.O. Bentley, I suspect, would ever have imagined the ‘Flying B’ adorning a diesel-powered SUV. Still, had they seen the numbers, they would have been impressed. My favourite is 48 – as in the 48-volt electrical system that provides the spark for two of the Bentayga diesel's most impressive features.

The first is ‘triple-charging’. Two mechanical, twin-scroll turbochargers are uniquely boosted by an electrically driven compressor, that third unit banishing turbo lag, meaning 900Nm of torque is delivered from 1000rpm. That means being able to virtually idle up the boat ramp at Sulphur Point, even hauling a Rayglass 2350 out of the water.

Fastest and most-refined

I never thought I'd be describing a Bentley as a great towing car. But the automotive world is changing fast, and Bentley are changing with it. Despite the sight of the never-seen-before-on-a-Bentley warning sticker on the filler cap, the Bentayga is as Bentley as any other automobile to come out of the Crewe factory.

It's the fastest and most refined diesel ever built, with a top speed of 270 kph. And most ‘Bentleyesque’ of all is the acceleration; despite weighing 2511 kg, the Bentayga dispatches 0 – 100 kph in 4.8 seconds.

That should take care of the diesel-perfumed elephant in the room, except to mention the other obvious upside: economy. This oil-burning Bentayga's official consumption figure is only 8 litres per 100 km.

More than a magic-carpet ride

One of the toughest challenges for this SUV is combining a magic-carpet ride with sporty handling. That's achieved with the second of those impressive Bentayga features – the Bentley Dynamic Ride (BDR) system.

Like the turbocharging, this system benefits from the 48-volt lithium-ion electrics. Even more than the engine boost, BDR is the Bentayga’s key to reproducing progress from the Bentley Continental GT in this SUV. Working together with the adjustable dampener system and air suspension, BDR controls the Bentayga’s roll bars, courtesy of electric motors that each produce 30% more grunt than the diesel engine (yes, really), helping the vehicle defy a few laws of physics and eliminate body roll.

All this technology operates in the background, almost silently, leaving passengers to enjoy the refined opulence that defines the brand. Bentley go to extraordinary lengths for their car interiors. There is simply nothing to fault inside this car. The most perfectly grained walnut comes from the root balls of old trees from California. The result is a wood grain you can’t stop looking at.

Incredible attention to detail

Only bulls from northern Europe are deemed worthy enough to supply the hides – 14 of them – needed to trim the Bentayga's interior, as they haven't been scarred by barbed wire. (It has to be bulls, not cows, so there are no stretch marks.) And the diamond-patterned seats take nearly a week of careful cross-stitching. You park your behind very gently indeed as you get in.

 There is plenty of technology at hand, but it’s the trademark organ stops used to control the car's ventilation that sum up the Bentayga’s interior. They operate with a just-so level of resistance; all very old school, yet comfortably at home in Bentley's 'down-with-the-kids' SUV.

Like every Bentley, the Bentayga has a rather magnificent presence. But it's also a bona fide off-roader, and it's more capable than just about any other premium-luxury car. The suspension rises to offer 285 mm of ground clearance, with an official wading depth of 500 mm. Who'll be the first down that boat ramp at Sulphur Point to test it out? That pleasure will be yours, Team UNO.

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