With homes in Switzerland and Germany, Audi Singapore managing director Reinhold Carl will be dividing his time between them this Christmas. That means a lot of driving. On some very slippery roads.
"Ever since we moved to Asia, it's become a year-end tradition to spend our holidays in a winter country so we do not get too acclimatised to the tropical weather," says the accomplished amateur racer and owner of several classic cars.
Mr Carl adds that the car he chooses for each trip must come standard with quattro, Audi's permanent all-wheel drive.
"It is a must-have on icy roads," he explains. "The car also has to serve a family of four well, especially with all our luggage and skiing equipment. So, in terms of safety, comfort, functionality, as well as a great drive, the Q7 or the A6 allroad will be my pick this holiday season."
The Q7 is a large seven-seat sport-utility vehicle while the A6 allroad quattro is an A6 estate with all-wheel-drive.
This year, he and his family will be taking a two-week break and part of the programme includes heading for Flims Laax in Switzerland for skiing.
Mr Carl says: "Flims Laax attracts a very cosmopolitan crowd, yet still manages to retain an air of tradition and quaintness to it. With my family close to me, this is my vision of a perfect winter wonderland."
