Motoring February 2018

IN THIS ISSUE: MERCEDES ME | ALFA ROMEO STELVIO: ALFA’S FIRST PRODUCTION SUV SET TO CHALLENGE FOR TOP HONOURS IN SEGMENT 5 REASONS TO GO ELECTRIC! | MOTORS INC. UNVEILS THE ALL-NEW HYUNDAI KONA FOR MALTESE MARKET

The Malta Independent on Sunday. February 2018

THE RENAULT Z.E. RANGE WHY YOU SHOULD GO ELECTRIC! also inside

Highway 1: CALIFORNIA DREAMS

CALIFORNIA VINEYARD SPOTLIGHT: WENTE VINEYARDS

HIGHWAY 1 CALIFORNIA DREAMS Beverley Hills. Photo Mike Fox

FOLLOW ONE OF THE MOST CELEBRATED ROUTES WITH HIGHWAY 1'S COAST-HUGGING DRIVE STRETCHING FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO SAN DIEGO AND BACK; FROM THE “CITY BY THE BAY” THROUGH TO THE PRETTY SEASIDE TOWNS OF CARMEL, MONTEREY, AND SANTA CRUZ, THROUGH ELEGANT SANTA BARBARA AND SURROUNDING WINE COUNTRY, SOUTH TO THE BUSTLE AND EXCITEMENT OF LOS ANGELES AND ENDING WITH SAN DIEGO AT THE SOUTHERN END OF THE STATE.

Boardwalk, a yesteryear-style esplanade lined with classic coasters, arcade games, corn dogs, and a historic carousel. Then there’s downtown Santa Cruz with vintage shops and relaxed restaurants which focus on organic and local ingredients.

SAN FRANCISCO

SANTA BARBARA

t may measure less than 130 square kilometres, but San Francisco ranks as one of the greatest cities in the world.

Explore San Francisco by foot, bike, car and San Francisco's iconic cable cars. Famous for grand Victorian houses, classic cable cars and a soaring crimson bridge, the “City by the Bay” truly has it all. Highlights include Pier 39, the most visited destination in San Francisco, provides the picture perfect backdrop for postcard views of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, Alcatraz, Angel Island and the famous city skyline; Golden Gate Bridge and Presidio Park - a national park site and recreational paradise featuring spectacular vistas and beautiful trails; Lombard Street - often called the “crookedest” street in the world and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).

Next stop on a coastal drive is this elegant city hugging the coastal hills, where classic Spanish architecture gives the region a sun-washed European look. Tucked into the lee of the Santa Ynez Mountains and protected from the brunt of Pacific wind and waves, “The American Riviera” enjoys a dreamy Mediterranean climate, with plenty of sunny days and mild winters.

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SANTA CRUZ Drive south over the rugged Santa Cruz Mountains toward the coast. Walk along the Santa Cruz Beach

Santa Monica Pier. Photo Gerson Repreza

MONTEREY & CARMEL Wrapped by the Pacific on three sides, the Monterey Peninsula at once offers wind-tossed beaches and quiet coves, fine dining and casual eats, and a plethora of art galleries. Monterey is home to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Hotels, shops, and restaurants fill former fish-packing plants along Cannery Row. Further south Carmel-by-the-Sea (locals call it Carmel) is lined with restaurants and art galleries.

LOS ANGELES California’s largest city can be a challenge to navigate, so planning your trip in advance is a big plus. Start in the coastal city of Santa Monica, with a wide, uncrowded beach, a signature pier topped by carnival rides and restaurants, and outstanding shopping at Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place shopping centre.

Follow the Santa Monica Boulevard northeast to visit legendary Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive. Continue east to Hollywood to stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame and visit TCL Chinese Theatre.

San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. Photo Denys Nevozhai

Blacks Beach Trailhead, San Diego. Photo Garrett Patz

SAN DIEGO In the heart of one of California’s sunniest cities, shop in the outdoor Horton Plaza, or watch a baseball game at Petco Park. See the giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo or explore one of the city’s diverse neighbourhoods like Little Italy, North Park, South Park, East Village, the lively Gaslamp Quarter or Old Town.

Information source: visitcalifornia.com

Point Lobos, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Photo Meric Dagli February 2018| motoring 03

CALIFORNIA VINEYARD SPOTLIGHT Wente Vineyards

FOUNDED IN 1883, WENTE FAMILY ESTATES IS THE OLDEST CONTINUOUSLY-OPERATED FAMILYOWNED WINERY IN THE UNITED STATES. THE FAMILY OWNS ESTATE VINEYARDS IN THE LIVERMORE VALLEY, SAN FRANCISCO BAY AND ARROYO SECO, MONTEREY APPELLATIONS. IN 2010, WENTE FAMILY ESTATES WAS AMONG THE FIRST WINERIES TO RECEIVE THE CERTIFIED CALIFORNIA SUSTAINABLE VINEYARD AND WINERY DESIGNATION, AND ONE OF THE ONLY WINERIES TO CERTIFY EVERY ASPECT OF ITS BUSINESS. IN 2011, WENTE FAMILY ESTATES WAS NAMED AMERICAN WINERY OF THE YEAR BY WINE ENTHUSIAST AND A TOP 30 WINE COMPANY BY WINE BUSINESS MONTHLY. WITH THE DEEPEST RESPECT FOR THE KNOWLEDGE PASSED DOWN FROM PREVIOUS GENERATIONS, THE FOURTH AND FIFTH GENERATIONS OF THE WENTE FAMILY CONTINUE THEIR VISION FOR WINE QUALITY AND INTEGRITY THROUGH PASSION, DEDICATION AND PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE.

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ente Vineyards wines are 100% estate grown and sustainably farmed in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations.

The winery is owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family, who is recognized for their influence in making Chardonnay a best-selling varietal, based on numerous accomplishments over the past 130 years. The development of the Wente clone spread to thousands of vineyards across California and the winery was the first to introduce a varietally-labeled California Chardonnay. For five generations, the Wente family has been dedicated to the art of winemaking and the philosophy that the quality of a wine originates in the vineyard.

The Wente family is proud to be recognized as “California’s First Family of Chardonnay.” Blending traditional and innovative winemaking practices, the winery draws from 3,000 acres of sustainably farmed estate vineyards to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. Wente Family Estates is comprised of Wente Vineyards, Murrieta’s Well, Double Decker and Hayes Ranch wineries. All of the

Stunning views from hole 14 on The Course at Wente Vineyards 04 motoring | February 2018

Wente Vineyards

Left to Right: Fourth Generation Winegrower, Eric Wente; Fifth Generation Winemaker, Karl Wente; Fourth Generation Winegrower, Carolyn Wente; Fifth Generation Winegrower, Christine Wente; Fourth Generation Winegrower, Phil Wente

wines within the Wente Family Estates portfolio are crafted by Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl D. Wente. Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, world class concerts, fine dining at the award-winning Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, and championship golf at the Greg Norman designed Course at Wente Vineyards.

Each wine in the Wente Vineyards portfolio has a distinctive style. From unique vineyards to historical traditions, Wente wine productions reflect a distinctive style.

WENTE PINOT NOIR ROSÉ, ARROYO SECO, MONTEREY.

This beautiful Rosé is completely dry and fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain its bright, crisp acidity. It bursts with flavors of fresh strawberries, complemented by soft floral notes and a hint of lime undertone, making it the perfect wine for a wide variety of dishes.

Wente Vineyards

80% of California Chardonnay stems from the Wente clone

THE NTH DEGREE CHARDONNAY

This elegantly balanced Chardonnay welcomes you with a toasty oak aroma, followed by notes of golden apple and crème brûlée. Layered flavors of citrus, crisp apple, bright acidity and refined finish bring a wonderful example of Livermore Valley Chardonnay.

Wente Vineyards’s range of wines can be enjoyed locally or experienced first hand at its estate. The Wente Estate currently consists of a golf course and club, Tasting Rooms, a catering service, and a gourmet restaurant all nestled in the heart of the vineyards. During the summer, they host Concerts in the Vineyard, featuring performing artists from classics like The Doobie Brothers and Frankie Valli, to comedians like George Carlin and jazz artists such as Diana Krall, as well as current pop artists like The Band Perry. To visit contact > The Estate Winery & Tasting Room, Lermore California Tel: 001 925 456 2305, wentevineyards.com/visit Wente Vineyards’s 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/sistinawineco TEL: 2131 4161

In 1912 2nd generation Ernest Wente imported Chardonnay cuttings from the vine nursery at the University of Montpellier in France

Mercedes Me or nearly a century, Mercedes Benz has been perfecting the driving experience. With the introduction of the Mercedes me Portal, Mercedes me Connect and Mercedes Me app, this experience can now be taken with you anywhere.

Anyone can open an account on Mercedes me Portal (https://me.secure.mercedes-benz.com).

One does not have to own a connected vehicle. From this portal one can access many services, like booking an appointment for your car, and finding your closest dealer. New vehicles which are “connected”, can also access many services from the portal if the user clicks on the Mercedes me Connect tile.

Both Mercedes me Connect in the portal and the Android or iOS app, which can be downloaded for free from Google Store and Apple app store respectively, act as a HUB for all your vehicle’s information. They are a personalised tool to make daily life even more simple through use of its 24/7 global connection to your Mercedes Benz vehicle.

Mercedes Benz’s latest innovation is not just a car app, but a suite of mobile services and information that give you access to every aspect of the Mercedes Benz lifestyle. Peace of mind and connectivity are the core pillars of this service. Through a simple swipe on your smart phone, tablet, or through a couple of clicks on your desktop you can access a wealth of information about your Mercedes Benz vehicle, such as information about where your car has been in the last few hours and even whether your car is due for maintenance, without even sitting in your vehicle.

Do you often worry about whether you

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DO YOU OFTEN WORRY ABOUT WHETHER YOU HAD ACTUALLY LOCKED YOUR MERCEDES BENZ MINUTES AFTER WALKING AWAY FROM IT? VIA THE MERCEDES ME APP, UNLOCKING AND LOCKING YOUR VEHICLE CAN EASILY BE COMPLETE THROUGH ITS INTERFACE.

had actually locked your Mercedes Benz minutes after walking away from it? Via the Mercedes Me app, unlocking and locking your vehicle can easily be complete through its interface. Further comfort features within the Mercedes Me app include activating geofencing at the touch of a button and never stressing about where you parked your car due to its innovative vehicle finder and much more. In the event of an accident all Mercedes Benz vehicles come equipped with an SOS button that is triggered under specific conditions or can be triggered by the driver. This puts your mind at rest that when unforeseen circumstances arise, you and your passengers are all in good and reliable hands.

The luxury experience of driving a Mercedes Benz vehicle is now being

extended into your daily life, which can tapped into at all times from your pocket.

Through the Mercedes Me app your Mercedes Benz vehicle may be parked in your garage, but at the same time it is with you in your living room, in the office, at the airport and everywhere in between.

To watch videos of the Mercedes Me app in use, visit Mercedes Benz Malta’s facebook page. Be sure to Like our page to be kept up to date with announcements regarding future app function releases throughout 2018!

February 2018 | motoring 05

ALFA ROMEO STELVIO

ALFA’S FIRST PRODUCTION SUV SET TO CHALLENGE FOR TOP HONOURS IN SEGMENT • ALFA ROMEO LAUNCHES THE ALL-NEW STELVIO; THE MARQUE’S FIRST PRODUCTION SUV IN MORE THAN A CENTURY • TESTED WITH A 2.2-LITRE 210HP DIESEL Q4 ALL-WHEEL DRIVE • EURO NCAP FIVE-STAR RATING - BEST IN CATEGORY SCORE FOR ADULT OCCUPANT PROTECTION

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ollowing its UK debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed last August, the all-new Alfa Romeo Stelvio was recently launched in Malta over lunch for journalists and distinguished guests and we got to test it a few day later.

The car on offer, in a metallic

06 motoring | February 2018

Alfa Rosso finish was a Q4 version (all-wheel drive) and powered by a 2.2-litre 210hp diesel engine, combined with an ZF eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.The 2.2litre diesel Q4 AWD gives out 127g/km CO2 and returns 58.9mpg on the combined cycle, while still registering an impressive

top speed of 134mph (216kph) and accelerating from zero to 62mph in 6.6 seconds.

This engine is the first allaluminium diesel amongst the new-generation engines from Alfa Romeo. With four cylinders inline, it features the latestgeneration MultiJet II injection system with Injection Rate Shaping (IRS) and operating pressures of 2,000 bar.The electrically-operated variable geometry turbocharger offers state-of-the-art mechanics and minimises response times and at the same time guarantees benefits in terms of efficiency.The most sophisticated driving satisfaction and comfort levels are also guaranteed by the use of a balancing countershaft. And, an innovation for this market, the 180 HP 2.2 Diesel is equipped with a turbocharger speed sensor.

The performances are outstanding: with automatic 8speed transmission and rearwheel drive, Stelvio 180hp 2.2 Diesel reaches a top speed of 130mph and accelerates from zero to 62mph in 7.6 seconds.

Featuring perfect 50/50 weight distribution, Alfa Romeo Q4 allwheel drive architecture, best in class power-to-weight ratios and innovative engine and driver technologies, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio embodies everything a true Alfa Romeo should. Not only that, but the Alfa Romeo Stelvio can boast at being the

lightest mid-size SUV in the sector thanks to its lightweight body structure and carbon fibre driveshaft, coming in at just 1,604kg for the 2.2-litre diesel 180hp RWD and up to 1,660kg for the 2.0-litre petrol 280hp Q4 AWD, only adding an extra 56kg for the all-wheel-drive system (AWD).

Finding the perfect balance between driving experience and safety, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio was recently awarded a coveted fivestar Euro NCAP rating with a score of 97 per cent for the protection of adult occupants; the highest score in its category.

Credited for its host of innovative safety systems, which come as standard across the full range, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio boasts Alfa

Romeo’s segment-first Integrated Brake System, Autonomous Emergency Brake with pedestrian detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning.

The all-new Alfa Romeo Stelvio stands out from the crowd thanks to its distinctive Italian design, expressed through its proportions and technical architecture leaving the impression of sophisticated simplicity and quality surfaces, both inside and out.

For more information on the AllNew Stelvio please visit the Alfa Romeo showroom in Psaila Street Birkirkara, log on alfaromeo.com.mt, call on 22692215 or check out the Alfa Romeo Malta Facebook page.

5 REASONS TO GO ELECTRIC! IMAGINE A CITY WHERE YOU CAN HEAR BIRDS SING. TILL TODAY THIS IS STILL A DREAM BUT THE RENAULT Z.E. (ZERO EMISSION) RANGE HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO MAKE THIS DREAM BECOME A REALITY! he Renault Z.E. Range consists of the Renault Twizy - a covered quadricycle, the Renault Zoe – a fully fledged family car and the Renault Kangoo Z.E. – a van that is ideal for modern businesses. They all combine environmental responsibility with driving pleasure and are covered by a 5 year/100,000Km (whichever comes first) warranty.

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a very low centre of gravity, Twizy can slip into the smallest of gaps and park on a cent. It takes barely six seconds to accelerate from zero to 45kph (the same performance as a 125cc scooter over a distance of 50 metres). On a typical island journey, it enables a time saving of 25% – including parking – without consuming a drop of fuel.

WHEN OPTING FOR ONE OF THE Z.E. MODELS YOU WILL BENEFIT FROM:

Renault Zoe

1. €6,000 cost to purchase reduction provided by the government electric car grant.

2. €0 Registration Tax payable on a New Electric Car purchase.

3. €0 Road Licence payable for 5 years.

4. Economical running costs, as low as roughly €0.03 per km.

5. Low carbon footprint contributing to a clean environment.

Each vehicle model within the Renault Z.E Range offers distinctive characteristics:

Renault Twizy

Yes, it’s possible to be quiet and still make a lot of noise!

Renault’s Twizy brings island dwellers an incredible new urban mobility solution; for one person + cargo space or up to two occupants. Thanks to its ultra-compact footprint (length = 2.34m / width = 1.24m) and

The award winning Zoe is now available with two batteries size options, 22kWh or 40kWh battery, and your choice is dependent on your drive range needs. These new batteries are still located under the floor to lower the centre of gravity, which has no impact on either roominess of the car on the boot volume.

Renault Kangoo Z.E.

From a commercial vehicle aspect, the Kangoo Z.E. offers cutting-edge technology, somuch-so that the vehicle provides the driver with real time information through the real-time range calculator. This is positioned behind the steering wheel thus ensuring that the driver does not get distracted from the road.

Contact us for more details and to book a test drive.

Renault Showroom, Kind’s, Mosta Road, Lija renault.com.mt autosales.com.mt Facebook: Kind’s Tel: 23311126 / 23311131 February 2018 | motoring 07

MOTORS INC. UNVEILS THE ALL-NEW HYUNDAI KONA FOR MALTESE MARKET M OTORS INC. unveiled the all-new Hyundai Kona at its Hyundai showroom in Valley Road Birkirkara.

Starting from €17,900 (incl government scrap scheme), the All-New Hyundai Kona is a continuation of Hyundai’s new design concepts and identity. It is a true SUV with a progressive character and premium safety and connectivity features – a successful combination which will attract new, modern customers.

Besides its progressive design, the All-New KONA offers the latest technology, making premium features more accessible for a convenient and safe driving experience. A new feature - and a Hyundai first - is the head-up display which projects key driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight.

The All-New KONA offers customers a true SUV experience. Its elevated seating position ensures better visibility for drivers and increases driving

comfort.

The All-New KONA’s sports new twin headlamps enhancing the visual impact, with the LED Daytime Running Lights positioned on top of the LED headlights. The separated lights at the front deliver a confident,

progressive appearance with sleek, sharp shapes. A bold front and rear are emphasised by the car’s wide stance and its voluminous, aggressive body styling. The KONA’s two-tone roof and the choice of ten distinctive exterior colours offer

many individual combinations for almost every individual style.

The interior is characterised by smooth surfaces on top of the instrument panel that give it a sensuous and refined feel while dark painted parts represent the technological and rugged character. This is complemented by considerable roominess and visibility. A choice between different-accent colours and matching coloured stitching on the seats and steering wheel show the refinement and attention to detail that went into the development of the sophisticated interior.

The All-New KONA is designed for people with active, individual lifestyles and its list of safety features includes Hyundai Motor’s Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Static

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Bending Light and Smart High Beam.

Hyundai Motor is the only car manufacturer to make its own steel for the global production of its vehicles, with great benefits for the All-New KONA, i.e. a strong, light body that enhances the dynamic performance and increases passenger safety through the use of high-strength steel.

As with all Hyundai models sold on the local market, the Hyundai KONA comes with its exclusive Five Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty package, providing customers with a fiveyear warranty with no mileage limit.

For more information on the AllNew KONA please visit the Hyundai showroom in Valley Road, Birkirkara, log on www.hyundai.com.mt or check out the Hyundai Malta Facebook page.