BILL Calthrop talks to Chris Bishop, managing director of Old Town management consultants QHS Services, about his 1996 Hyundai Sonata CDi

How long have you owned it? Since December 1999.

Why did you choose it? It's the secong Hyundai I've had, the first being a flame red Lantra Coupe which I really enjoyed, albeit fairly briefly. However, someone else seemed to take exception and modified the design by going down the side of it with a blunt instrument three times in three days.

It seemed wise to get something less conspicuous and I settled for the Sonata. It is very luxurious, but a lot less conspicuous.

Does it have a name? Not yet. But since there isn't a Hyundai dealership in the town at present, it could well get a name if anything goes wrong!!

What do you like best about the car? Its styling. I've always considered it to be a poor man's Mercedes. It is extremely comfortable and handles all types of driving with ease, whether cruising on the motorway or pottering around town. Most importantly, my other half likes it too, enjoying the spacious interior.

So what does the car tell us about you? That really I would like to be in a Mercedes!

What do you like listening to when driving? The car has a CD player so I have a selection of favourites, everything from the 70s to the present. I also listen to Wiltshire Sound or GWR.

When do you clean the car out and what sort of things do you tend to find? We keep the car pretty tidy most of the time, but 11-year-old daughter Sian can change all that on a long journey what with pencils and paper and that sort of thing.

Any accidents? No.

Had any parking tickets? Yes, and it was costly too £65 for overstaying our welcome shopping in Cirencester! Won't be going there again, it's extortionate!

What do other drivers do that you hate the most? People who are in a queue of traffic who are all in such a hurry that they refuse to let you join the flow from a junction.

How often do you wash your car? That's easy, not as often as I should and then it's usually in a carwash.

May others smoke in your car? No.

What is your dream car? As a family man, a 7-series BMW, something like the just-announced diesel version.

If I was young and single again, it would be a motorbike, possibly a Honda Goldwing.

Which celebrity would you like to give a lift to in your car and why? Chris Eubank. On a long trip, it would be an hysterical journey! But for serious talking it would have to be Olympian Steve Redgrave.