Car
March 6, 2015
Toyota Avensis: A European Lifestyle, Chapter 3
Toyota Avensis
CHAPTER 3
Conditions for a Quality Space
Peter Barakan uses his car daily as transportation to the studio, and also as a listening space for selecting music. He shares his thoughts on the car as a space that provides quality time, and has also selected music perfect for a comfortable drive.
Text by Dai MatsuoPhotos by Takahiro Igarashi
A Space for Listening
Peter Barakan leaves home at 5 AM for his radio show recordings. He has been driving his current car for about 13 years, just as he did with his previous one. He rarely finds a car that meets his standards for long-term use.
A driving feel that feels natural even to someone accustomed to European cars.
Peter particularly likes the design of the roof.
The important thing on a morning drive is to listen to new music and select songs for the program. This requires good sound insulation between the outside world and the car's interior. Listening is impossible in a car filled with extraneous noise. Furthermore, it's crucial to have good throttle response, steering precision, and body rigidity for a safe and enjoyable drive. A car that brings a sense of security and relaxation is also a must. In other words, for him, a car that can serve as a music listening space is a quality car.
Can Drive for Hours
He explained that he has always driven European cars because of their superior ride quality and sense of security. So, what kind of car is the Avensis to him?
"Unlike what I imagine of Japanese cars, it has a sense of weight. For example, the sound when you close the door. Even that alone is different. It sounds like the European cars I'm familiar with. And what I felt immediately upon starting to drive was the excellent throttle response. As someone who usually drives European cars, I find it very easy to drive. The suspension is solid, the body rigidity is high, and it would be enjoyable to drive with confidence even in Europe, where speeds are higher than in Japan."
The turn signal lever is on the left, just like in European cars, so there's no sense of unfamiliarity. The seats are neither too soft nor too hard, providing a comfortable ride. The lumbar support is excellent. They are made large, like in European cars, so you can relax and probably keep driving for hours."
Of course, he also noted that it's not exactly a European car.
"The steering is light at low speeds, making it easy to handle, which I think is characteristic of Japanese cars. However, recent European cars have also become quite light, so perhaps it's not a decisive difference," he remarked, feeling that it combines both European and Japanese characteristics. For Peter Barakan, the Avensis seems to be a car that can be handled with the same sensibility as his familiar European cars, and can serve as a listening space.
Toyota Avensis
CHAPTER 3
Conditions for a Quality Space (2)
Quality Design
Peter Barakan drives about 10,000 kilometers a year, including his daily 9-kilometer commute to the studio. This is not a short distance, considering his driving is mainly within Tokyo. It's a companion he spends a lot of time with.
"I want to be surrounded only by beautiful things," says Peter. Regarding the Avensis, he commented, "I found the curve of the roof particularly beautiful. Also, the steeply raked A-pillar design and the thin upper and lower window sections strongly evoke a European aesthetic."
He seemed quite satisfied with the seats.
While design is an important factor when choosing a car, he also stated that he wouldn't be satisfied unless the ride comfort, stability, quietness, and practicality all met a high standard.
Besides the design, he was particularly impressed by the quietness. Peter Barakan has selected five recommended pieces of music to listen to in the Avensis.
John Scofield “A Moment’s Peace”
This is a collection of ballads by a distinctive jazz guitarist. It offers substantial listening pleasure even in its quiet moments.
The Imagined Village “Empire And Love”
This album incorporates elements of Indian sitar into British folk songs, hinting at the reality of the UK as a multicultural society.
Tedeschi Trucks Band “Revelator”
A dream band led by Derek Trucks, a slide guitarist of rare talent, and his wife Susan Tedeschi, a singer with a wonderfully soulful voice. Derek was also a member of the Allman Brothers Band, and those who remember their early work might be delighted to know such a band exists today.
Aaron Neville “I Know I’ve Been Changed”
The veteran soul singer, known for his "golden voice," sings classic gospel songs here. It washes away all the unpleasant feelings of the day.
Afrocubism “Afrocubism”
A masterpiece created by musicians from Cuba and Mali in West Africa. I believe it's the ultimate driving music, centered around various string instruments.
Peter Barakan
Born in London, UK. A music critic and radio DJ based in Japan. Graduated from the Japanese Language Department of the University of London. After arriving in Japan, he joined YMO's management office, handling international coordination and English lyrics for their songs. After going independent, he became a TV and radio personality and continues to be active in many media outlets.