There’s a car for almost every stage of life. From your family car to buying you own and the progression as you upgrade in your career and interests, and finally the car you always dream about owning someday. In a roundup of meeting with some young and vibrant entrepreneurs, B360 spoke to some of them about their love for cars.
[nextpage title="Nikhen Gopali" ]Nikhen Gopali Co-Founder / Director, Arbitrary Group
Current drive
Mahindra Scorpio
First car Maruti Suzuki Gypsy
Wishlist Aston Martin One 77
Driving playlist Techno and house Music
Reason behind your love for cars My entire family is crazy about cars.
Personality traits you share with your car… Efficiency
Next car purchase I hope it’s a Mitsubishi ASX
Who taught you how to drive My dad
Likes or dislikes about driving in Kathmandu I like how we can catch glimpses of hills and mountains from different parts of the city. I hate it when we cannot roll down the window on a good weather day. It’s just too dusty.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title="Tenzing Kunsel Lama" ]Tenzing Kunsel Lama Owner, Insulate Dry Wall Udyog
Current drive
Nissan Sunny 2010
First car Toyota Carina 94
Wishlist Koenigsegg Regera
Driving playlist Hip-hop, J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Drake
Reason behind your love for cars My brother and father are extreme car enthusiasts.
Personality traits you share with your car… It’s not a fancy car, but, it’s Japanese which gives good mileage. And reliability is one thing I can connect with it.
Next car purchase Considering how expensive everything has become ever since the taxes have increased, I can see Ranger or Thar in my garage next.
Most striking feature in a car These days, I think clearance is the first thing I look for in a car.
Who taught you how to drive Family driver, Manik Dai. He is like a family to me.
Likes or dislikes about driving in Kathmandu The condition of the roads and the countless number of motorbikes that never wait at intersections causing traffic jams.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title="Bidhata Shrestha" ]Bidhata Shrestha Joint Managing Director, Radisson Hotel Kathmandu
Current drive
Mazda 6 and SsangYong Rexton
First car Mazda 6
Wishlist Lykan Hypersport
Driving playlist Pop, Rock and RnB
Behind your love for cars Movies and car magazines that my father used to have
Personality traits you share with your car… The traits that my car represents are power, strength and reliability.
Next car purchase An off-roader SUV
Most striking feature you look for in a car For the roads in Nepal, ground clearance, safety features and power
Who taught you how to drive First few sessions were taught by my father and then by my drivers
Likes or dislikes about driving in Kathmandu I appreciate the traffic police working in all-weather conditions surrounded by pollution. I dislike the traffic jams and potholes.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title="Roli Mittal Jalan" ]Roli Mittal Jalan CEO, Kreativnepa and Co-owner, Sumukhi Handicrafts
Current Car
Nissan Micra (2016)
First Car Skoda Laura (family car)
Dream Car AMG C 63 S Coupe (2018)
Driving playlist When I drive, I like listening to Coldplay, John Lennon and Beatles.
Personality traits you share with your car… I think my personal car at the moment is an urban commuter, so traits I can compare myself with the car comprises its ease of to maneuvering and handling and it offers great reliability. I believe I can manoeuvre through different situations with minimum accidents and relative ease and I have strong work ethics so people can rely on me.
Your next car I am going for a Hyundai Verna (2017) SX in the near future.
What do you look for in a vehicle? Since we are in Nepal, I look for value for money such as brand reliability, mileage, power and torque, ground clearance, utility, maintenance, size of the vehicle (must be small for maneuverability) and so on. Luxury and style are added bonuses.
I don’t usually drive on the highway, but, when I do, I take our family SUV, Mitsubishi ASX (2016). Also, when I am in the States, I usually rent a car that symbolises the culture and heritage of that particular place, like the Ford Mustang, a pure bred American ingenuity. When in Italy, I would go for a Ferarri to roam through the countryside. Having fun in a sports car is certain, but brand history and lineage brings a special touch to the experience.
Who taught you driving? My husband made me a driver.
What do you like or dislike about driving in Kathmandu? I dislike absolutely everything about driving in Kathmandu. I detest the size of the road, its potholes, the pedestrians, the number of vehicles on the road, filthiness, pollution, no parking spaces and more. Kathmandu is not a driver’s city. Honestly, driving in Kathmandu is a horrifying experience and we have to face it every day. Driving in the Terai, however, is wonderful.
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