Ash’s Dash to Fash with the new Hyundai i-20

It’s one of the biggest weeks of the year, where industry insiders, VIPs, media, and social influencers alike come together to celebrate some of the most notable names in fashion. New Zealand Fashion Week is the highlight of the social calendar for many reasons, namely celebrating the spades of talent our fashion industry has to offer, but also an excuse to dress to impress.

While everyone is determined to make it onto the social pages or into a street style gallery, I extended my fashion focus to my ride also – opting to cruise down to the Viaduct Events Centre every day in the new Hyundai i-20 Hatch.

Equal parts stylish and practical, my zippy new ride offers all the benefits of a small car, with a big road presence. The new Hyundai i-20 Hatch and the sporty i-20 Cross, boast upgrades in their convenience, safety features, specifications, and powertrains.

Considered as my most stylish accessory of the week, I documented my comings and goings in my #AshsDashtoFash daily videos, shared on the Remix Instagram story. But, ICYMI (in case you missed it) you can check out some of the highlights of my week, below.

MONDAY:

My new ride arrived at Remix HQ first thing Monday morning, looking super slick in a jet-black shade, with the Remix logo featuring on the side. I couldn’t wait to take it for a spin, so I offered to pick up everyone’s delegate passes from the Viaduct Events Centre ahead of tonight’s opening party. Settling into the comfortable seat, I noticed immediately how smooth the Hyundai i-20 was to drive, and handled tight corners like a breeze (making my drive through all of Auckland city’s road works so much easier!).

Boasting a chic Radiator grille, this new iteration was the most stylish way to drive to and from Fashion Week all week, with clear European influences on both its interior and exterior design drawing looks from all and sundry.

Monday night saw the Remix team celebrating a fashion first – marking Zambesi’s first foray as the Mercedes-Benz Presents designer, opening New Zealand Fashion Week for the first time.

TUESDAY:

I was grateful for the spacious, welcoming interior come Tuesday morning, when myself and Remix crew piled into the Hyundai i-20 to head to two shows – Rachel Mills and Company of Strangers. Andrea, Rosie and I were extra comfortable thanks to the ergonomic design of the car’s interior, well-cushioned seats offered good thigh and back support, while the cup holders were put to good use to house our cups of tea and coffee while en route to NZFW.

The girls and I were safe as houses thanks to the six airbags that promised to keep us safe should danger strike, while driver assist features like Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) allowed for better stability on the wet and slippery roads.

I also appreciated the Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) feature, which alerted me when the vehicle began to stray out of my lane if I indicated a little late.

Following a morning of neon-lit installations at Rachel Mills, and deconstructed styling at Company of Strangers, we headed back to Remix HQ to get in some much-needed desk time before we were set to continue our Fashion Week fun with Hailwood and Federation later in the day.

WEDNESDAY:

Wednesday was always going to be a big day for me – with five epic shows in my diary! Starting with New Zealand Weddings show, I jumped in my Hyundai i-20, and filmed my #AshsDashToFash as I weaved my way down Ponsonby Road (keeping my eyes on the road at all times, of course).

Like previous years at NZ Fashion Week, Wednesday’s weather wasn’t great, but the rain sensing wipers and LED daytime running lights ensure I could see and be seen. A common feature among both i-20 models – the Hatch and Cross offer dusk-sensing lights, to ensure my lights switched on as night fell.

Night-time brought with it stylish new heels and sneakers courtesy of Kathryn Wilson, stunning leather accessories by YU MEI in The Tent, two full-size greenhouses at Wynn Hamlyn, and a totally edgy, badass Stolen Girlfriends Club show offsite (followed by a killer after party!).

THURSDAY:

Designed as the perfect reprieve from what was otherwise a crazy week, we hosted our Illuminators Lunch at Ponsonby’s Augustus, where 35 VIP guests joined us for a three-course lunch. I had plenty of room in the i-20 (326 litres of room to be exact!) to pile boxes of magazines, goodie bags, and styling elements into the spacious boot, which took the pressure off our super busy event organiser.

The rear seat employs a 60:40 split folding function, which meant I could lower these back to completely pack out the boot and backseat of the i-20, too!

Using the rear parking sensors and reversing camera to parallel park right outside Augustus, many guests noticed the sign-written Hyundai i-20 right away. Noting the super modern feel, I explained Hyundai’s current Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design had been applied, to result in a striking final aesthetic.

As women, we all know footwear are the final touch to any ensemble, right? I likened the i-20’s 16-inch alloy wheels to the perfect finishing touch to the vehicle’s seamless look. The i-20 also features a full-size alloy spare wheel and tyre, just in case you get caught out!

The evening encompassed Kate Sylvester and Huffer – two of the standout shows from the week. Following a quick dinner with the Remix team at one of our favourite inner city hotspots, I plugged in my iPhone using the USB port and started the party early as we cruised down to the Viaduct. The i-20 boasts four main and two tweeter speakers to ensure a surround sound experience.

FRIDAY:

With New Zealand Fashion Week coming to a close, Friday marked the start of New Zealand Fashion Weekend! Tonight’s agenda included JOCKEY and WORLD shows, and sadly the last day of my #AshsDashToFash!

The car savvy amongst us will delight at the i-20’s clever automatic transmission, specifically for the 1.4-litre model, which offers responsive performance as well as fuel efficiency. Small but mighty, this engine packs a punch! Multi-point fuel injection and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) combine to deliver 74kW of power at 6,000 rpm, and 134Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm.

All up, I’m converted. The Hyundai i-20 was the perfect way to navigate my way to and from New Zealand Fashion Week (and weekend). A stylish, smooth ride that didn’t compromise on space of safety features, ensuring a comfortable ride for the driver and passengers alike.

Now to ask for that pay rise…

For more information on Hyundai’s stylish new offering, head here.