Ace Azura: TV host/model/actress Azura Zainal is no stranger to speed especially in the Audi A4 1.8t

Adly Syairi Ramly

On TV, she appears to be this lovable, cute, bubbly, chirpy and youthfully- sweet girl.

Off screen, 25-year-old TV host/model/actress/ singer Azura Zainal is all of the above and more — naughty, adventurous and has a big appetite for cars, driving and speed.

The first sign was apparent when we saw the car she drove to the location.
It’s a souped-up 1982 Mitsubishi Sapporo, the type of car that only genuine car enthusiasts would own.
And fortunately, the car we paired her with, an Audi A4 1.8T, courtesy of Euromobil Sdn Bhd, packs all the power that should satisfy her need for speed.

What’s new with you, Azura?

Well, my stint with Disney Channel ended recently.
I had great seven years with that channel. For now, I’m still doing my travelogue show, Eksplorasi, which will resume shooting probably after Hari Raya. Since I’m into travelling and all that, I’m also trying to work my way into the Discovery Channel and do a travelogue programme for them. Other than that, I also have a few projects in the pipeline.

So hosting is going to be it?

If possible I just want to concentrate on hosting. I’ve been doing it ever since I left school and it’s something I really like doing. Hopefully, when I grow older, I can have my own talk show, something like the Oprah Winfrey Show. That would be THE show for me. Now, back to the business at hand.

Are you into cars?

Yes I am. Not a hardcore car enthusiast but I am into cars. It’s in the blood I guess as everyone in my family are into speed and cars. My mom, she used to drive really fast when I was younger. She’s a really good driver, too.

What are the things about cars that appeal to you?

Its sporty-ness, sleekness and speed. I just get this massive adrenaline rush whenever I sit in a fast car (laughs).

What about your dream car?

Obviously, it has to be a sports car. Out of curiosity, what car are you driving now by the way? I’m driving a 1982 Mitsubishi Sapporo. The car has a long history with my family. My mom bought it from her old boss and when I started working it was handed down to me. One time, my mom and brother did up the car without me knowing because I was in Singapore for a shoot. When I came back, they told me that they had to sell the car because it was so old. As a replacement, they said they got me an old Volvo. I was like ‘What?!’ However, I could sense they were trying to hide something from me. True enough, three months later, they took me to the workshop and there was my car... pimped (laughs). There are a lot of things that still need to be done, though. That’s one sturdy car for a cute little girl like you.

Anyway, as a driver, how would you rate yourself – out of 10? An eight.

I think I’m a pretty good driver.

If you are good, why don’t you give yourself a 10 then?

Because I don’t want to sound too ‘braggy’ if I give myself a 10 (laughs).

If there’s anything that you would like to improve on when it comes to your driving, what would it be?

I still don’t know how to do a handbrake turn. I don’t think I would want to do it with my car (laughs). I can drift but it’s yet to be perfected. Me and my sister, we wanted to get a rally licence but have yet to do so.

You should go for the advanced driving lessons then.

Maybe I should... When I have the extra cash to spare.

t are the things you think makes a good driver?

You have to be brave and not hesitant. The ‘scaredy cats’ are the ones that I believe cause accidents. If you want to overtake or come out of a junction, don’t hesitate, just go. I also think the good drivers are the ethical ones. They know their cars very well, they know how to handle their cars and they know what they’re doing on the road.

general, rate Malaysian drivers and their driving style — out of 10?

(Laughs) I’d give them a seven. I have to say that women drivers are the worst drivers on the planet, majority of them.

t about scary experiences, anything to share with us?

There is one actually. I was driving my mom’s Proton Wira without her knowledge. With me was my brother who came down from the States for a holiday. We were from Seremban and it was raining very heavily. I was going at about 80kph and I didn’t notice the puddle ahead and as we went over it, the car just skidded to the left. Luckily nothing happened.

What do you normally do when you’re caught in a jam?

I listen to my music, daydream. sing and do my own thing. If I were to check people out, it would only be because they’re driving a damn nice car (laughs).

Let’s talk about the A4.What was your impression when you first saw the car?

‘Wow!’ I can’t believe that I’m going to drive this car. It’s a nice car. I’ve seen it around and it had crossed my mind to visit the Audi showroom one day and take it for a test drive. Now doing this, I get to drive it. The pick-up is awesome.
It’s got a good braking system, manoeuvrability and stability.

Who’d best drive it?

It’s a man’s car. Women would look a little too tiny in it. It’s nice, but a man would complement the car more.

What type of men?

Someone who wears a shirt, very successful, and of course, good looking (laughs).