Me and My Car: Moochi's Ayla Surtees

Ayla Surtees, Moochi's premium customer manager. Drives a 2014 Renault Clio. Photo / Ted Baghurst.

As moochi's premium customer manager, Ayla Surtees looks after in-store personal shopping and styling. That flair for style is also apparent in her choice of car

What do you drive?
A black 2014 Renault Clio, 1200cc - for a small hatchback she packs a bit of punch underfoot. I love European design and styling but I wanted something a little different from the standard models everyone seems to have. When I looked at the Clio it ticked all the boxes - a slim but curved silhouette (like me!), a little bit sporty with the F1 connection plus all the essentials a modern girl needs, like a seven-inch touch screen GPS navigation and easy iPhone connection. I'm always on the run, whether dropping off an outfit to one of my clients for a last-minute fashion emergency or doing anew season wardrobe workshop, so I need a car that has plenty of room in the boot but is also easy to zip around the city in.

Being a stylist, how important is the design of a car?
I like to have an emotional connection with the car I drive so having a stylish car is important as I see it as an extension of my personality. It has to represent me.
I find this helps my clients understand my style and aesthetic plus it gives them confidence in me. Like putting together a great outfit, it's all about the finishing touches which is why I added tinted windows and black alloys to complete the look. I tell my clients "have nothing in your wardrobe that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful" - the same approach goes for my car.

First car?
A bright red Mazda when I was 15.
I thought it was super cool at the time but now, on reflection, I'm not so sure.

Your dream car?
I'd love a big SUV for weekends and trips away.

Favourite car colour?
Always black - it's modern but classic like any good accessory should be!

Who taught you to drive?
My mum taught me to drive first but, after much frustration, we decided it was easier for me to get lessons ... much less stressful for both of us.

Manual or automatic?
An automatic is much easier around the city but a manual can sometimes be more fun. The Clio has a tiptronic transmission so I get to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Most memorable road trip?
A spontaneous trip to the snow with my bestie. We decided we didn't want to be in Auckland so we drove to Mt Ruapehu and enjoyed a few incredible days on the slopes.

How often do you clean your car?
About once a week to keep it looking clean and tidy.

And what do you listen to when you are driving?
I listen to the radio in the mornings, mostly George FM but switching over to The Hits for a few guilty pleasures, and then I play my favourite playlist through my phone during the day.

Great day trip out of Auckland?
My favourite beach is Tawharanui, which is only an hour or so from Auckland and it's a beautiful drive.
If you go on a Saturday you can also check out the Matakana Farmers Market on the way or stop for gelato at Charlie's Gelato Garden - the stracciatella is delicious.

Do you judge people by what they drive?
You can tell a lot about a person by the type of car they drive. It gives you a little insight into their personality and lifestyle.

Would you rather drive in Auckland or take public transport?
I enjoy getting behind the wheel and, because of the on-call nature of my job, I never know where my day's going to take me; so driving my own car suits me.

Who else is allowed to drive your car?
At the moment, it's just for me.

Do you have a special number plate?
No - however moochi has collaborated on a limited-edition Clio that features a custom moochi "xx" badge so I'll be trying to get myself one of those.