Amodest-yet-versatile people carrier that is fast becoming popular on the roads of Phuket is the Toyota Avanza. It is surprisingly spacious and, probably best of all, very affordable.

Powered by a 1.5-liter DOHC engine, the Avanza is never going to set the road afire but it can reach speeds in excess of 160kmh, and it achieves excellent fuel economy. Maximum power is 107bhp (78kW) while the torque output is a respectable 140Nm at 4,400rpm.

Mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, it is necessary to use the lower ratios to achieve brisk acceleration, particularly up and down some of Phuket’s hills.

The interior is well appointed, with rear seats that fold down individually or completely flat to form a huge luggage area. While not luxurious the Avanza is comfortable and versatile. It accommodates seven passengers in three rows of seats, and there are many storage compartments throughout the cabin.

Three-point seat belts are fitted to the outer seats of the second row of seats, as well as the front seats, while the middle seat of the second row has a lap belt.

A reader recently wrote in saying he was “surprised Toyota only fits one airbag to the Hilux pickup”, reviewed in this column in mid-May. Well, once again Toyota appears to be penny-pinching and the Avanza has only a driver’s side airbag.

Dharma Bums: Ann-Sofie and Susanne show off a couple of their creations.

AGirls, what are you gonna take when you go to the beach? Phuket residents Ann-Sofie Stendahl and her business partner Susanne Nilsson know it’s not just a matter picking out the right bikini.

They have created Andaman Beach Wear Design to launch a new women’s beach fashion brand, Dharma Bum, offering complete ensembles of beach fashion items.

“Our idea is to have the total concept of everything a woman needs on and around the beach. This doesn’t mean just a bikini, it means some necklaces to wear while on the beach and something on her head, like a hat,” says Ann-Sofie.

“You might need some sandals and a lovely sarong, too. It also means what you wear in the evening when you go to a restaurant; you’ll need to have a nice dress,” she adds.

“The brand name Dharma Bum comes from the contradiction of trying to be a better person and doing good things, which is the meaning of dharma, while doing absolutely nothing, like a bum, hanging out on a beach all day eating pineapple.

“There is a sense of spiritual adventure and alternative punk to the name. The name stands for a philosophy: it’s okay to look good while doing nothing all day, as long as your thoughts are to be a better person,” Ann-Sofie explains.

Dharma Bum offers a collection of silk and cotton dresses and blouses, beach bags made from water hyacinth and leather, leather shoulder bags and necklaces, as well as bracelets and rings fashioned from silver, “power” stones and leather and cotton pieces.

Ann-Sofie brings fashion sense with her from her experience as a costume designer in the movie industry in Sweden and Spain and as a designer and buyer for international company H&M Co Ltd, which has shops all over Europe as well as in the US and Hong Kong.

“We designed everything ourselves with a unique style. Our collection is ‘hippie chic’ and ‘classic trendy’. We are aiming for women between 26 and 60 years old who are fashion-aware without being slaves to an ever-changing fashion carousel.

“They are also aware of quality and appreciate the finer details,” Ann-Sofie says.

“Everyone wants to do good things, and we are trying to build a brand from the beginning and we want to grow, but meanwhile we are also trying to support our suppliers.

“Our primary suppliers are people in Phuket and some are from Northern Thailand,” she explains. “We try to help them have better lives by having regular orders from us.

“As a small company, we can’t solve the world’s problems but we can help the people who make our clothes and accessories. By choosing the right small local producers, we can make a big difference in a few people’s lives,” she says.

Dharma Bum’s pre-launch was held recently to show its concept to people and the shop is expected to open in early October at the Ayara Surin project in Cherng Talay.

Dharma Bum clothing includes traditional details that have been reincarnated from a previous life and although pricing is above the norm for local market products, it is still reasonable, says Ann-Sofie.

“Our garments have been designed to last a lifetime, but if a customer gets tired of wearing them, we ask them to send them back. After all, even a T-shirt deserves eternal life,” she adds.

For more information, call Ann-Sofie Stendahl or Susanne Nilsson of Andaman Beach Wear Design Co Ltd at 089-9710031 or 084-8529522.