Motoring May 2017

IN THIS ISSUE: JAGUAR XJ220 ROYALTY TO JOIN SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS | VOLKSWAGEN PREMIERES AT LARGEST GTI MEET | ALFA ROMEO GIULIA IS A ‘GAME CHANGER’ | BUYING A USED CAR | MERCEDES-BENZ CONCEPT A SEDAN: HERALD OF A NEW GENERATION

The Malta Independent on Sunday. May 2017

JAGUAR XJ220 ROYALTY TO JOIN SILVER

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

also inside

A Guide to Rhone Valley

RHONE VINEYARD SPOLIGHT E.GUIGAL

A GUIDE TO

RHONE VALLEY What to Do and See

Valence The Champs de Mars and the Peynet Kiosque

Chateauneuf du Pape

BEHIND ITS VAST VINEYARDS, THE RHÔNE VALLEY HIDES LITTLE PIECES OF PARADISE AND HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER FROM A CULTURAL POINT OF VIEW WITH LYON BEING ONE OF THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES. WITH ITS SIMPLE, AUTHENTIC GASTRONOMY, WORLD RENOWNED RESTAURANTS AND BISTROS WILL GIVE YOU A REAL TASTE OF THE LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS. THIS IS ALSO A WINE LOVER’S HEAVEN WITH CROZESHERMITAGE, HERMITAGE, COTE-ROTIE AND CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BEING THE STARS OF THE REGION. FROM VIENNE ALL THE WAY TO AVIGNON, THERE ARE 200 KM OF VINEYARD SITES, 250 VILLAGE COMMUNES, 75,800 HECTARES AND 8000 WINE ESTATES.

Angles sur l’Anglin is a commune in Vienne

NIMES

discover the ancient monuments. Top of the bill is the Temple of August and Livia, dating from the 1st-century BC and standing at the heart of Vienne, completely intact. Jazz lovers will be delighted to come in July, when the Jazz a Vienne takes place.

Montelimar nougat

Nîmes is unique. With its Roman arena and the Maison Carrée (a majestic Roman temple) it offers so much for visitors between its contemporary architecture, the discreet splendour of its private mansions, and the grandeur of the Jardins de la Fontaine laid out in the eighteenth century on a Roman site. Don’t miss the impressive ancient Pont du Gard aqueducts, made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

VALENCE

MONTELIMAR

ORANGE

South of Lyon, Vienne is a city overflowing with Roman history. Take a walk through the narrow streets and

Built over a series of terraces, the city has benefited of the proximity to the Rhone River and as such became a prosperous market place. Being very close to the vineyards where Crozes Hermitages is produced and just an hour away from Lyon, Valence is the perfect choice for wine lovers. It is also a chocolate and sweet treats paradise; try pogne, a rich rum flavoured brioche.

Visit the Castle of Adhemar, once used as a prison, which is now open to visitors and hosts a contemporary art exhibitions. Montelimar became famous due to its nougat production, which dates back to the 17th century. Close to the city is the charming village of Le PoetLaval, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful in France. On the way the lavender fields make a perfect stop.

Orange is an ancient Roman town on the east side of the Rhône and north of Avignon. The historic center is packed with narrow streets, picturesque squares and its famous Roman Theatre and Triumphal Arch. Hike up to the top of Colline St Eutrope and enjoy the view over the theatre and the Roman ruins or relax at the small terrace cafes and restaurants.

Lyon

Nimes Pont du Gard

LYON Lyon is France's third largest city, with a wealth of outstanding museums and dynamic cultural life. Lyon's Michelin star restaurants shine bright among the city's many attractions. You can walk through the city and enjoy the renaissance buildings and the medieval facades coupled with the modern part of the city.

No matter what your preference don’t forget to visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière which offers great views over the city.

VIENNE

Roman Theatre Orange May 2017 | motoring 03

RHÔNE VINEYARD SPOTLIGHT

E.GUIGAL

THE STORY OF THE GUIGAL FAMILY IS YOUNG BUT REMARKABLE. ETIENNE GUIGAL WAS THE YOUNGEST IN HIS FAMILY AND WAS SENT OFF ON HIS OWN AT A VERY YOUNG AGE WHEN HIS FAMILY COULD NO LONGER AFFORD TO CARE FOR HIM. HE ENDED UP IN AMPUIS TO PICK APRICOTS, WORK WHICH HE FOUND PREFERABLE TO HIS PREVIOUS WORK IN MINES. IN THE EARLY 1930S WHEN HE WAS 14, ETIENNE'S BROTHER HELPED HIM SECURE A JOB IN THE VINEYARDS AT VIDAL FLEURY, THEN THE LARGEST WINERY IN THE RHONE. ETIENNE STARTED PRUNING IN THE VINEYARDS AND ROSE TO MAITRE DE CHAI OVER THE COURSE OF 15 YEARS, BEFORE EVENTUALLY LEAVING IN 1946 TO START HIS OWN FIRM, E. GUIGAL.

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tienne's son Marcel became involved very early in the business when in 1961 he was forced to return from school because his father was suddenly struck with total blindness. Marcel has since led the firm, and his unparalleled work ethic and dedication to quality have lifted the Guigal wines to the pinnacle of the wine world, and the Guigal domaine to its status as the leading winery from the Rhone Valley. In the process Marcel brought attention to Côte-Rôtie and other appellations throughout the Rhone that were in danger of being lost in the annals of wine history, despite the region’s distinguished past of 2,500 years as a superior wineproducing area, and the cradle of wine civilisation in France. Today, Marcel’s son Philippe serves as Director and Oenologist at

Guigal family

Guigal, and with his father is carrying on the tradition of leadership in the Rhone Valley and uncompromising excellence.

The Guigal firm is extraordinary for a number of reasons. First is their decision

that they will only purchase vineyards that are capable of producing truly great wines. They own the finest collection of vineyards in Côte-Rôtie, carefully selected sites in both Condrieu and Saint Joseph, four exquisite

parcels in Hermitage, and some of the finest vineyards in CrozesHermitage. These serve as the source for their estate-bottled wines and the foundation for their Northern Rhone appellation wines.

A second important dimension is Guigal’s approach to viticulture. The Guigal family is tireless in its work on the steeply sloped, terraced vineyards it owns. Their philosophy in the vineyard is to prune low and strictly limit the number of shoots per vine, training for low vigor and low-yields and looking for natural balance and concentration in this manner.

No pesticides, herbicides or chemicals are used in the vineyards, and the fact some of Guigal vines date back to the 1890s is a testimony to the nurturing, obsessive approach the Guigals have in their vineyards.

Because of their superior fruit, the Guigals do not make “simple” wines – these wines demand time to come together.

All wines undergo natural yeast

fermentations, and intervention is at a bare minimum, with no fining or filtration. The top Guigal wines undergo long maturation in barrel, up to three and a half years, but even parcels of old-vine Syrah for their Côtes du Rhône are aged in foudres for six months, completely atypical for the Côtes du Rhône category. The Guigals are so exacting about the ageing process that, finding inconsistent barrels from even the best tonnelleries, they make every barrel that is used in their winery, with five barrels produced by hand every day by their single cooper at the Chateau d’Ampuis; they are the only winery in the Rhone Valley with their own cooperage.

Red Crozes-Hermitage.

Crozes-Hermitage can be considered the gateway to the red and white wines of the Northern Rhône Valley. This red has wonderful warm flavours of red and black fruit, and typical Syrah pepper, spice and savoury notes. Overall this wine has a remarkable freshness with notable and refined tannins to due long oak ageing.

Plan a visit.Visit E Guigal only upon prior booking – email guigal.com/en/contact.php Locally E Guigal Wines are imported by Attard and Co and available from Sistina Wine & Co.,The Strand Gzira. Opening hours: 10am till late.

WEB: www.sistinawineco.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/sistina wineco TEL: 2131 4161

04 motoring | May 2017

JAGUAR XJ220

ROYALTY TO JOIN SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

• • • •

SUPERCAR MASTERMINDS JIM RANDLE AND KEITH HELFET TO HEAD 25TH ANNIVERSARY PARADE INSPIRATIONAL DUO VISITS DON LAW RACING IN BUILD-UP TO SILVERSTONE CLASSIC INVITATIONS FOR REMAINING MEMBERS OF THE FAMOUS ‘SATURDAY CLUB’ ALL TICKETS FOR THE CLASSIC MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE

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pecial plans to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the remarkable Jaguar XJ220 at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (28-30 July) have moved up a gear with confirmation that two of the key inspirational figures behind the sensational supercar, Jim Randle and Keith Helfet, will both be joining the silver jubilee festivities.

As Engineering Director at Jaguar, Randle was the mastermind behind what is still the fastest, most exciting and most expensive road-going Jaguar ever created. Helfet was Jaguar’s senior sports car designer and the brains behind the XJ220’s stunning – and astonishingly ageless – styling.

The two leading lights were recently reunited at Don Law Racing in Staffordshire, the worldrenowned family-run organisation that has assumed global responsibility for the XJ220 having taken over the business from JaguarSport. Amazingly, it was the first time either Randle or Helfet had visited Don Law’s thriving enterprise, so it was an emotional experience for all parties. More so, as there were no fewer than 22 XJ220s in situ undergoing various renovations, some amazingly with just delivery mileage on their odometers.

The story behind the most extraordinary car ever to bear the Jaguar name is well worth sharing. Believing Jaguar needed

something very iconic to rebuild its tarnished image, Randle set out to create a Group B supercar to take on the combined might of Ferrari and Porsche. However, with limited resources at his disposal, he was forced to seek a team of a dozen unpaid volunteers willing to work after hours and at weekends.

Famously known as the ‘Saturday Club’, this small team created the sensational XJ220 concept car which was unveiled to rapturous applause at the NEC Motor Show in October 1988. Jaguar was inundated with blank cheques as more than 1,500 enthusiasts and speculators clamoured to get their hands on of one these gorgeous V12propelled show-stoppers. A response that forced Jaguar to grant approval for a limited production run of 350 road cars.

A dedicated JaguarSport joint venture was set up with the company’s then competition partner, Tom Walkinshaw Racing, and soon afterwards the fairytale continued with HRH The Princess of Wales opening a brand new XJ220 factory in Bloxham near Banbury.

When customer sales started in June 1992 (hence this year’s 25th birthday celebrations) the dramatically-styled, mid-engined, two-seater supercar – priced at a not inconsiderable £400,000 plus VAT – was not only Jaguar’s fastest ever production car but also the fastest production car on earth, officially clocked at a then peerless 212.3mph.

At this point, though, the story took a turn for the worse. The world was heading into economic recession and many of those bowled over by the original prototype weren’t quite so excited by the downgraded specification of the eventual production car.

Although originally conceived to feature a V12 engine plus fourwheel-drive, the customer version came with a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 – albeit developing a sizable 542bhp – delivered to just the rear

transaxle.

In the end, when production ceased in 1994 with just 281 cars built, Jaguar was left with 150 unwanted XJ220s many of which were eventually sold off for less than half of their list price.

However, now 25 years on, the XJ220 is starting to be respected by motoring aficionados and serious collectors alike. Prices are rising

fast and, with no little thanks to those custodians at Don Law Racing, the ultimate Jaguar is starting, rightly, to be acclaimed as one of the world’s significant supercars.

May 2017 | motoring 05

VOLKSWAGEN

PREMIERES AT LARGEST GTI MEET

• NEAR-PRODUCTION PROTOTYPE OF THE NEW UP! GTI1 CELEBRATES WORLD PREMIERE AT WÖRTHERSEE AS NEW MEMBER OF THE GTI FAMILY • FIRST GOLF GTI WINS SPECIAL AWARD AS MOST INFLUENTIAL CAR OF ALL TIME IN GREAT BRITAIN

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round 200,000 fans again made the pilgrimage to Kärnten for the unique festival at this year's GTI meet at Lake Wörthersee.

Volkswagen was there with several automotive surprises. For example, with the world premiere of the near-production prototype of the 85 kW / 115 PS up! GTI – a car that pays homage to the 110 PS original GTI from 1976. Just ahead of the start of the GTI meet, the latter scooped a remarkable prize: as part of the publication's annual awards, readers of English motoring magazine Autocar crowned the first Golf GTI the most influential car of all time! Another world premiere at Wörthersee: the Golf GTE Performance Concept.

Instead of 150 kW / 204 PS, the plug-in hybrid drive system of this concept car develops a system output of 200 kW / 272 PS. System torque rises from 350 to 450 Nm. The new up! GTI – externally and internally similar in size to the original GTI – will extend Volkswagen's product range from the start of 2018, carrying on the doctrine of the lightweight,

06 motoring | May 2017

uncomplicated sports car in compact format. It is powered by a turbo engine (TSI) delivering a potent 200 Nm of torque.The benchmarking and performance figures read like those of a Golf GTI I catapulted into the modern era. Weight: 997 kg.Top speed: 197 km/h.

0-100 km/h: 8.8 seconds.

Colours: again classic and typical for the GTI – the single colours of tornado red and pure white, plus the metallic colours of dark silver, black pearl and – as a new GTI shade – costa azul (blue).This

THE NEW UP! GTI – EXTERNALLY AND INTERNALLY SIMILAR IN SIZE TO THE ORIGINAL GTI – WILL EXTEND VOLKSWAGEN'S PRODUCT RANGE FROM THE START OF 2018, CARRYING ON THE DOCTRINE OF THE LIGHTWEIGHT, UNCOMPLICATED SPORTS CAR IN COMPACT FORMAT

most powerful up! can be identified by the typical GTI insignia. At the front, for instance, it is the red lateral stripe in the honeycomb-patterned radiator grille. Incorporated above it: the GTI logo. On the sides it is the black double lateral stripes over the wide side sill shrouds, where the new up! draws directly on the original GTI.The 17-inch alloy wheels have also been redesigned.They look particularly snappy within the wheel arches, as the up! GTI has a sports

Concept, one thing is clear: GTE3 has always stood for sustainability and dynamic handling.That is reflected too in the new Wörthersee concept car. While the classic GTI and the semielectric GTE are based on a similar concept, the drive systems differ and on the GTE all the red GTI insignia are blue. With the new prototype of the Golf GTE Performance Concept, Volkswagen is now presenting an idea of how the Golf GTE, which can drive up to 50 kilometres in

power,Volkswagen provides large 17-inch brakes (discs perforated, callipers in 'GTE blue'), sports running gear and wheel spacers.

At the rear features such as the exhaust tailpipes and diffuser of the Golf GTI and the roof edge spoiler of the legendary Golf GTI Clubsport mark out the GTE Performance version. On the inside it is details such as exclusive leather sports seats and a multifunction steering wheel in 'alcantara' with blue '12 o'clock marking', with which the powerful

running gear set 15 mm lower.

GTI features characterise the rear as well: here these include once again a red stripe and a larger roof spoiler that provides greater downforce on the rear axle and thus optimised handling characteristics. In the interior the typical features include the leather sports steering wheel, a GTI gear lever knob and the legendary 'Clark' seat cover pattern.

With regards to the details of the Golf GTE Performance

all-electric mode, could be further developed.

Externally the Golf GTE Performance Concept painted in Electric White Mother of Pearl Effect draws admiring looks with a black roof, blue elements in silhouette, black wing mirrors, air deflector elements in the front bumper painted in gloss black, side sills in the same gloss colour and blue-and-black 19-inch Pretoria wheels.

To accompany the increased

concept car will be appearing at the GTI festival in the Austrian village of Reifnitz.

1+2 up! GTI and Golf GTE Performance Concept: these vehicles have not yet gone on sale and therefore Directive 1999/94 EC does not apply.

3 Golf GTE – fuel consumption combined 1.6 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 36 g/km; electricity consumption combined 11.4 kWh/100 km; efficiency class: A+.

BUYING A USED CAR

DO YOUR HOMEWORK Check price guides and compare similar cars in the classifieds so you know as much as you can about the value of different cars to avoid being overcharged.

BUYING A USED CAR IS A GREAT WAY OF CUTTING THE COST OF YOUR DRIVING AS MOST NEW CARS LOSE AROUND 15% OF THEIR VALUE IN THE FIRST YEAR. BUT THERE ARE RISKS, SO IT'S IMPORTANT TO TAKE YOUR TIME RATHER THAN RUSH INTO ANY DEAL, AND TO BUY AS FAR AS POSSIBLE WITH YOUR HEAD RATHER THAN YOUR HEART. HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU NEED TO CONSIDER.

BY PAUL VELLA, RMF TECHNICAL DIRECTOR.

BUDGET CAREFULLY Get insurance quotes and check taxes before signing on the bottom line, and remember to factor in the cost of any work that might be needed too. If you’re going to borrow money to buy the car it’s a good idea to get loan quotes before you go out to view any cars.That way you’ll know what you can afford and will be able to tell whether any finance a dealer offers you is good value or not.

DON’T VIEW A CAR IN THE RAIN, IN POOR LIGHT OR AT NIGHT You won’t be able to check the condition of the car properly if it’s wet – water hides scratches, dents and other problems. Make sure you can see the vehicle clearly and from all angles.

TEST DRIVE The test drive is your only opportunity to check the car’s general mechanical condition and to find our for sure that it meets all your needs. Is the driving position comfortable? Can you reach/operate all the controls easily? Do the child seats fit?

Does the sports equipment or pushchair fit in the boot?

When test driving inspect carefully. Misaligned panels or mismatched colours on doors, bonnet and tailgate can indicate that the car has been repaired after a shunt. Traces of spray paint on door handles, window seals and mouldings can indicate repairs too. If the engine bay looks like it has recently been power-washed clean the owner could be trying to remove evidence of fluid leaks. A check under the bonnet after a lengthy test drive should reveal any problems.

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA

IS A ‘GAME CHANGER’ • ALFA ROMEO GIULIA NAMED A ‘GAME CHANGER’ AT 2017 AUTOCAR AWARDS • LAUDED FOR ITS ‘INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE AND EXCITING HANDLING’

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he Alfa Romeo Giulia has been named a ‘Game Changer’ at the 2017 Autocar Awards as it has signalled ‘a complete transformation for one of the most loved names in motoring’.

Mark Tisshaw, Editor of Autocar, commented: “This is not only the most competitive Alfa Romeo saloon since the last Giulia was launched more than half a century ago but, crucially for anyone with Alfisti blood lurking in their veins, it’s the most likeable, too. With its

incredible performance and exciting handling, the Giulia is everything you’d want an Alfa Romeo to be.”

Developed by the best engineers, designers and stylists within FCA, the new Giulia embodies the core elements that have made Alfa Romeo one of the world's best-loved automotive brands: Distinctive Italian design; innovative powertrains, perfect weight distribution, unique technical solutions and the best weight-to-power ratio.

Collecting the award at the event in the Silverstone Wing, Ashley Andrew, Managing Director FCA UK, remarked; “The Giulia has marked a turning point for Alfa Romeo, signalling a new era for the company where the driver is back at the heart of everything we do. Its engaging drive, five star NCAP rating, with highest ever recorded adult occupancy score, and impressive residual values has echoed across the brand, bolstering buyer confidence.The success of the Giulia has allowed us to expand the range with the introduction of the 280hp Veloce, bridging the gap between the standard Giulia and the Quadrifoglio. It also lays the ground for the introduction of Alfa Romeo’s first ever SUV- the Stelvio – due for launch later this year.”

Autocar says that its ‘Game Changers’ are cars that ‘bring new, higher standards to their classes, or because they defy conventions to benefit buyers.’ Of the Giulia, Autocar says: “The Giulia is a riveting, idiosyncratic and striking entrant into a class usually defined by an understated brand of superiority.”

DON’T BE PRESSURED INTO BUYING There are always other vehicles out there so if this one doesn’t feel right in any way it’s time to walk away. Be wary of and don’t be swayed by ‘sob stories’ like change of job, break-up of relationship, moving aboard, new baby on the way and so on. The bottom line is that you’re buying a car to help yourself, not anyone else.

THERE ARE ALWAYS OTHER VEHICLES OUT THERE SO IF THIS ONE DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT IN ANY BEFORE YOU HAND WAY IT’S TIME TO OVER ANY MONEY Agree collection/delivery WALK AWAY. BE arrangements. Confirm exactly WARY OF AND DON’T what’s included in the price.

BE SWAYED BY ‘SOB Confirm any work that the seller has agreed to do. Make sure you STORIES’ LIKE get a receipt showing vehicle details, price, terms of sale and CHANGE OF JOB, the seller’s details. Make sure BREAK-UP OF that the log book is signed and that there are no accumulated RELATIONSHIP, fines which have not been paid.

MOVING ABOARD, If you feel uneasy to do the NEW BABY ON THE above with your seller, RMF WAY AND SO ON. offers you a used car THE BOTTOM LINE IS inspection. RMF can guide you to know the general view THAT YOU’RE of roadworthyness in the purchase of a used vehicle, BUYING A CAR TO could be your first or HELP YOURSELF, NOT which second biggest investment of your life!

ANYONE ELSE. May 2017 | motoring 07

MERCEDES-BENZ CONCEPT A SEDAN

HERALD OF A NEW GENERATION ith the Concept A Sedan at Auto Shanghai MercedesBenz provided an outlook of the next generation of compact vehicles and a potential, new body type.

The Concept A Sedan show car specifies the evolved Mercedes-Benz design language. Thanks to its purist, surface-focused design featuring reduced lines and flat surfaces the show car is hot and cool at the same time. The "Aesthetics A" sculpture already demonstrated that the upcoming compact class generation marks the dawn of an even more rigorous implementation of the design idiom of "sensual purity".

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THE CONCEPT A SEDAN: STUDY OF A COMPACT PREMIUM SEDAN

The Concept A Sedan (length/width/height: 4570/1870/1462 mm) has been designed with the proportions of a dynamic, coupé-like and simultaneously compact, premium sedan.

This aim is emphasized by the traditional three-box design featuring short overhangs, especially at the rear, as well as the slim greenhouse that has been offset towards the rear. Additional sedan characteristics are the relatively vertical C pillar, larger side windows and the higher beltline.

The wheel arch design featuring a reduced arch dimension emphasises the

08 motoring | May 2017

exclusive 20 inch wheels. The light alloy wheels radiate technical precision with their sporty aerowheel look featuring a structured surface between the spokes.

The door handles of the show car are flush with the body, while the outside mirrors, in a contemporary reinterpretation, stand proud of the beltlines.

The striking front expresses selfconfidence: this is crucially highlighted by the deep Panamericana grille tilted towards the front, featuring vertical chrome inserts and a star in the centre, as well as the stretched bonnet with Powerdomes. The large, lower air inlet featuring a diamond grid structure and a striking trim strip in dark chrome is also amongst the most eye-catching features.

The headlamps with their eyebrows as a typical feature of the brand as well as the striking grid structure on the inside

guarantee a confident look – and a simultaneously high recognition value.

The structural sculpture that has been broken down in detail represents a technically based counterpole to the sensual exterior – "stimulating contrast" is one of the six guiding principles of Mercedes-Benz design. The grid structure

in the lamps has been coated with a UV paint and it is exposed to ultraviolet light.

As a result, the headlamps "glow" in different colours, depending on the light medium – the daytime running lamps, for instance, are white.

This unusual lighting technology is also used at the rear: The striking tail light image has also been designed as a structural sculpture. In line with the evolved design philosophy the lines and gaps at the rear have been reduced. As a contrast to the paintwork the rear bumper features a diffuser-look lower part trimmed in black and a chrome trim strip that emphasises the width and underlines the car's premium appeal. The integrated exhaust deflectors are finished in dark chrome. Additional features of the roadworthy show car are dark privacy windows all-round as well as a large, panoramic glass roof.