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Advertorial
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The new Seven series BMW takes the company's well-deserved reputation for combining safety and elegance with speed and comfort to new prominence. |
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On a resent test drive, I was fortunate to have Mr. James Berger at the wheel, as I was somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of electronic wizardry and accompanying dials and levers. However, I soon relaxed as he explained and demonstrated many of the car's functions. The anti collision system detects how close you are to other objects and makes maneuvering out of crowded parking lots an almost risk free exercise. The large screen mounted in the center of the dashboard and deeply recessed to avoid outside glare or sunlight, shows, with the help of proximity indicators, a birds-eye view of the car. These indicators, accompanied by a low-volume pinging sound, use scrolling banner style yellow and red patches around each corner of the car to warn you of imminent danger. Once on the road a flick of a switch changes the display to function options. Options can be selected by using buttons mounted on the steering wheel. The engine is barely audible even at high speeds and a conversation can be held in the quietest of voices. The absence of road roar from the tyres contributes to a very peaceful feeling as you sink into the luxurious seats that are fully adjustable. All four seats have their own air-conditioning and ventilation systems so that a passenger can create his or her own microclimate. The rear seats have three separate ventilation outlets each, in the roof, the central door post and behind the seat. These multiple outlets allow you to be cool on even the hottest of days without strong blasts of air blowing on you.
The low noise level, even the air-conditioning system is silent; gives a false impression that the car is going slowly even at half its potential speed. When you shift into sports mode there is a noticeable increase in engine noise, changing from a murmur to a purr! The excellent road holding was evident as we negotiated bends on Thepkasattri road. The car tracked smoothly along the outside lane at speeds my car has difficulty achieving on a long straight. All too soon we were back in the parking lot at Performance Motors' BMW dealership on Thepkasattri road. Here I was shown in more detail some of the numerous features and benefits. The doors have hydraulic arms that enable you to have the door secure at any degree of opening. This is a very useful feature and I wish it were standard on all cars, as we've all hit other cars and been struck by doors using the traditional system. Hydraulics also prevent the wind blowing the door back on you as you climb out, ouch! Remember that one? The rear seat can be reclined, electronically of course and the seat cushion slid forward. There is even a button to move the passenger seat forward for more legroom, operated from the back seat control panel. Although designed for the chauffeured executive, lots of kids are going to have fun squashing Mummy. The over-door grab handles are self-retracting to prevent bumps on the head and are very convenient for those of us no longer in the full flush of youth. The boot design also follows that theme. Just push the button and it slowly opens itself, not like some of the "jump back quickly" self-openers other manufacturers have devised over the years. The boot space, whilst not cavernous will be quite adequate for most people. At 500 liters capacity there is space enough for four golf bags or a set of suitcases.
Each back window boasts two sunshades of black netting that greatly reduces glare but still allows the scenery to be appreciated. Another sunscreen can be raised on the back passing when conditions require it. With the world's first six-speed automatic transmission, operated from the steering wheel, fuel consumption has improved over the previous models and with Thailand's low fuel costs there will be little concern about fuel bills. This is a car that accolades and adjectives cannot do justice to. The nearest I can come to giving a fitting description is to tell you of the expression on the face of an owner of last year's Seven series, looking at the new Seven series; it was pure envy! More and more Sevens can be seen gracing the streets of Phuket and joining the already large populations of Fives and Threes. Doubtless the trend will continue, especially now that Performance Motors of Singapore have taken over the dealership. With over twenty years experience in BMW sales, they are well positioned to deal with the demands of their customers and have had long-term relationships with many of their clients. They know very well that often after-sales service is more important than making the initial sale because they hope to see returning customers purchasing several more cars from them. Not everybody starts with a Seven series and now with roadsters, convertibles and off-road vehicles in BMW's stable, the choices have never been greater. Of course performance motorbikes are yet another choice and BMW's latest and classic models are available here in Phuket.
Performance motors have over twenty years experience in Asia. They are the BMW importers for Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China as well as Thailand. Their training programmes in both Singapore and Germany will be used to improve the level of knowledge amongst their staff from their Phuket and Bangkok showrooms. This should result in a highly qualified team of skilled professionals ensuring the very best in customer service and satisfaction in Phuket. Approximately three-quarters of the clientele in Phuket are expatriates, unlike Bangkok where most cars are sold to local people. The majority of sales to Thais are to young successful people, the type of customer most likely to upgrade to a larger model as their business and families expand. The 3 series is very popular with young ladies, its compact size and stylish appearance being very "in". Males prefer muscle and the sleek power of the larger models that can so impress a potential life partner. With the continuing growth of the expatriate population in Phuket, it would seem that Performance Motors can expect a steady increase in sales especially as customers can have full confidence in their ability to maintain these high tech marvels.
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Tropical Living: August 2002, Volume 2 Issue 4 |
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