Introducing: Car-Play with Liv
Meet Liv Rogers, our new columnist who will be sharing her thoughts on all things motoring
Among the fleet of cars at Parihoa, Liv has driven the Mercedes-AMG G63. Photo: Andrei Diomidov Photography
I’m an amateur car enthusiast with little to no knowledge of cars apart from how good the sound system is or how it looks. Although I’m Parihoa’s business development manager, I’ve recently joined AutoMuse’s team and was asked to start reviewing cars, from an outsider's perspective.
That got me thinking, what is important for me in a vehicle? I found a few key factors that stood out, and I am sure once I learn more this rank of importance will change.
First, the look. As a 31-year-old woman, I want to look good driving around the city streets of Auckland through to those summer road trips.
I don't have a favourite colour as such but I do know I am more of a modern, latest-release sort of person as opposed to an older classic. Though I would never scoff at a nice old-school Rolls-Royce or Chevrolet (yes I had to spell check the latter).
Second, the sound system is important for me. When I am driving I am usually doing one of three things; listening to some music to get me in the mood (mood for what, unsure, but upping my mood regardless); listening to podcasts trying to convince myself I will learn on this adventure, to wherever it may be. Or I’m chatting to friends or clients as I believe driving can be productive ... always keeping my eyes on the road of course.
Liv has also driven the Bentley Continental GT coupe. Photo: Hamish Pattison
I also need a car that is easy to drive. Sounds simple but I can only drive auto so that eliminates manuals. I think there is also something called 'stick' unsure if this is the same as manual or not, but yes definitely can't drive that either.
Also, the car has to be practical, such as how easy is it to connect a phone, how do I get the petrol cap off, are the seats easily adjustable. Being both vertically and technically challenged I find these things important, frustration with a car is not welcome.
So why is a woman with zero knowledge about cars putting her hand up to review cars? The answer is simple; I have always loved cars, I love going fast, love the grunt of an engine, love driving, and think there are a few people out there in the same boat (or should I say car?) as me.
So far it is paying off with my first few months into the car world seeing me drive a Bentley Bentayga, Porsche 911 S convertible, Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, Mercedes-AMG G63, and about 20 different Range Rovers, or so it seems. (And yes I had to speak to someone about the makes of the cars.)
All of the above are a welcome change from the Honda Fit I have been driving for the past eight years.
So with my car mentors Liz Dobson and Matt Chapman (co-founders of AutoMuse) knowing everything (maybe not but pretty close) about cars and multiple other 'car people' in my life, it is a hobby I would also like to explore.
Liv has also driven the Land Rover Defender Heritage that is part of Parihoa’s fleet. Photo: Andrei Diomidov Photography
I would like people who are like me – into cars but don't know enough about them – to join me to learn more and explore these wonderful four-wheeled people movers that also have a lot more to them.
I’m opening myself to 'car banter', learning terminology that I will probably get wrong for quite some time and while I am at it, I will open myself to learning manual car as well – this will probably be a good start.
So if you are like me, love cars, don't know much about them, and want to learn more then be sure to follow this journey of 'car awakening'.
The 2020 Land Rover Defender is one of many Land Rover’s Liv has driven.
