You're from a family of petrolheads, right?
I was born and raised in a family that lives and breathes motorsports. My father worked at Porsche for 11 years. He always took me to roadshows, test drives and races in Saudi Arabia, Arizona and Germany. He even hada red Porsche 928 GTS for a couple of years in Jeddah, while my uncle also has a very strong passion for cars and racing.
It was natural that I'd also be into cars by growing up in this adrenalin-fuelled environment.
What particular cars do you like and why?
My love for Ferrari can't be described andI especially love the F50, 575M and the Challenge Stradale. I have loads of Ferrari goodies and a huge Ferrari flag in my bedroom.
You don't own one of them, do you?
Not yet! However, I got to enjoy a BMWM3 convertible which my father hired asa graduation gift for me. I certainly made the most of that car for the three days I had it.
You also have an interest in karting...
I raced for three seasons in the Sodi World Series Go Karting Championship at the Dubai Autodrome and came third at the ICC racecourse in Egypt in 2010. I always keep up to date with current and upcoming Formula 1 and Kart races.
What do your friends make of your passion for motorsports?
They are surprised by the amount of loveI have for it. But whenever one of them facesa problem with their cars or wants to buy a car, they always call me for advice.
Onto your Veloster. What made you buy it?
While at university, I had always wished my father would buy me a car but I never nagged him about it. After graduation, I started working and planned to get my own car within three months.
I spent lots of time researching what I could afford and test-drove a GTI and a Seat Leon. When my father first mentioned the Veloster, I had no clue that Hyundai actually had such a magnificent looking car. I began researching and read lots of reviews and...
...You fell deeply in love with it?
I couldn't get enough of it. I was thinking so far ahead of myself that I even decided what colour I wanted. I decided to buy it after seeing it in the flesh at the Juma Al Majid showroom.
The best moment of my life was when my father handed me the keys in front of the staff and customers in the showroom. I'll never forget driving out of there with my brand new car. It was then that I understood why my father didn't buy me a car while I was at university. Working hard and then paying for your own car feels much better.
Now, having owned the car for two months, I have to thank my father for introducing the Veloster to me.
What do you like best about it?
Its unique looks and asymmetric threedoors — one on the left side and two on the right. And the double tone 18in rims looka treat, too.
I love the black leather interior with red leather bucket seats. It also has a panoramic roof, a reversing camera and a touchscreen infotainment system that has a TV and also plays DVDs. It's very safe too and boasts six airbags and two curtain airbags. Finally, it has a great sound system which includes eight speakers, two tweeters and a sub-woofer in the boot.
It's certainly well appointed. How does it make you feel?
I feel unique. I believe this car actually says a lot about my personality. Driving an eye-catching car like this makes me feel kind of famous. People stop me on the roads to ask me what car this is and take pictures of it. Someone even left a message saying he's a serious buyer and to call him if I want to sell it.
But what about your dream of owninga German car?
I always wanted one because they are elegant, safe and comfortable. But the Veloster ticks all those boxes. It has a 1.6-litre four-pot that's mated to a dual-clutch transmission. It makes 140bhp and has 167Nm of torque which is more than adequate for a car this light.
Are you a member of any car clubs?
Not yet. However, my new-found love for Velosters means that I'm waiting untilthere are enough in the UAE so I can starta club myself.
Bio
- Name Omar Hegazi
- Job Sales executive
- From Egypt
- Wheels 2012 Hyundai Veloster
- In the UAE 11 years
