Motoring MAY 2015

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The Malta Independent on Sunday • 31 May 2015

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 31 May 2015

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Toyota takes fuel cell research to nano-particle level oyota’s scrutiny is reaching unprecedented levels with a new monitoring system that plots the behaviour of nanometre-sized – one-millionth of millimetre – particles.

The focus of its research is the way in which platinum in the fuel cell stack catalyst “coarsens” over time. These changes at particle level have an impact on the metal’s performance supporting

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the chemical reaction between hydrogen fuel and airborne oxygen to create the electricity that powers the vehicle engine.

The detail may be minute, but securing optimum performance and being able to detect where and why this coarsening happens are important issues as Toyota accelerates its fuel cell vehicle programme. Toyota is in the process of bringing Mirai, its first full-production hydrogen fuel cell vehicle

to market and the new model will reach Europe’s roads later this year. The rarity and high cost of platinum as a raw material adds to the value of the research.

Until now, it has only been possible to observe platinum particles at fixed points – before and after the reaction that causes the coarsening. Working with the Japan Fine Ceramic Center, Toyota has produced a new observation technique in which test samples are

placed in an exact simulation of the environment and conditions in a fuel cell stack. Together with a new method of applying voltage to the sample inside a transmission electron microscope, this allows the coarsening process to be observed in real time, at all stages during electricity generation.

The intelligence gained will help Toyota better understand and address the issues that cause

coarsening and the characteristics of the carbon material used as a carrier for the platinum in the catalyst. This will help in the development of a new generation of more efficient and durable fuel cell stacks.

For more information on Toyota and the Toyota line-up visit the Toyota showroom situated in Mdina Road Zebbug log on the Toyota Malta Facebook page or call on 2269 4000.

The New Hyundai i20 Coupe now in Malta eridian Enterprises, local representatives of Hyundai are announcing the arrival in Malta of the new Hyundai i20 Coupe, a three-door version of the new i20 launched earlier this year.

Designed at Hyundai’s European design centre at Russelsheim in Germany, the new i20 Coupe shares most of its technical underpinnings and engine line-up with the five-door but it also brings some fairly major differences in the design than the 5-door version.

All three pillars have been altered, and support a roofline that’s lower by 25mm and ends in a tailgate spoiler, giving this model a sportier look, aided by the gloss black C-pillar break that links the side window with the rear screen.

Its tail-lights and sill mouldings have been redesigned as well.

The front is marked by a distinct ‘reverse hexagonal’ front grille placed in a deeper recess to give the i20 Coupe a slightly moodier feel than its five-door counterpart.

Albeit more sporty, the boot space is slightly bigger than the five-door’s, with 336 litres on offer (a 10-litre increase.) This model also comes with optional 17-inch alloy wheels.

Engine-wise, expect a brace of diesels (a 74bhp 1.1 and 89bhp 1.4) joined by two petrols, an

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83bhp 1.25 and 99bhp 1.4. A further three-pot petrol turbo will join the range shortly after launch.

Like its immediate predecessor, the new i20 Coupe remains faithful to its original design principles - to transport driver and passengers in great comfort and sophistication. Elegant lines, refined details and use of soft-

touch materials bring another class-leading interior space featuring high specification and unique-in-segment features such as subtle black inserts and chrome detailing that creates a modern and sophisticated interior package.

The i20 Coupe has been engineered to deliver a most pleasurable ride. It comes fitted

with a number of new technologies that provide levels of comfort and convenience normally associated with largevehicle segments. For example, the inclusion of front and rear parking assist, heated steering wheel, static bending headlamps and automatic defog system are firsts for a Hyundai B-segment vehicles.

Additionally, the lane departure warning system and Hill Assist Control are another innovative features, normally found in higher segments. The unique-in-class panoramic sunroof, able to both tilt and fully open, enhances the comfort and the sense of space for occupants, filling the cabin with natural light and fresh air.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 31 May 2015

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2015 Opel Cors a new level of su Text and pictures by John Peel he Opel Corsa has been lately overshadowed by the superb Adam and it was only a matter of time before Opel would present its all new fifth-generation Corsa. Although not targeting the same markets the new Corsa had to stand out and make its presence felt.

I picked up a peppermint green Corsa for an afternoon drive and was immediately attracted to its flowing dynamic styling.This car came in an Enjoy trim level (Essentia being the introductory level) and powered with a most enjoyable 1.4ltr turbo petrol engine.

So is this little urban dweller indeed all-new? Up front, the 2015 Opel Corsa is treated with a pair of wing-shaped LED daytime running lights and redesigned headlight

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clusters.The round fog lights feature black-painted plastic bezels and chrome surrounding trim, masterfully flanking the lower bumper’s trapezoidal grille.

The distinctive chrome bar that supports the large Opel emblem and the radiator grille’s two-pattern plastic mesh are the elements that give loads of character to this fifthgeneration Corsa, and is probably the most eye-catching Corsa to date.

The moment you hop in the driver’s seat you’re able to see and feel a thorough update over the previous model, especially with the touchscreen infotainment system provided.The round air vents have morphed into trapezoidal units and the instrument cluster and dashboard are now thoroughly modern-looking and made from better-than-average quality plastics.

The new model also boasts a

lower center of gravity, and driving dynamics feel much improved. It is also uncannily smooth on poorly surfaced roads with softly sprung suspension whilst still retaining good confident grip levels and is genuinely fun to drive in a sporty manner.

The six-speed manual transmission is near perfect although I must admit I doubt I ever used 5th gear let alone 6th.The engine (apart from the pretty peppermint green colour) was the star of the afternoon hence my spirited driving.

Without a shadow of a doubt, we now have a more-than-average allrounder and a very competitive (in terms of value for money) supermini on the island. If you’re planning on buying one a test drive would definitely help to appreciate Opel’s quality in this competitive sector.

The new Passat is “Car of the Year 2015” • Coveted honour as Europe’s “Car of the Year” goes to the eighth generation of the bestseller urope's "Car of the Year 2015" is a Volkswagen: the new Passat wins the prestigious award, which is presented every year by the international "Car of the Year" jury. The winner was announced on the afternoon before the Geneva International Motor Show.

"We are extremely proud of this accolade," explained Prof.

Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, at the prize giving ceremony in Geneva. "In the new Passat we have again succeeded in developing a car that sets the standards for its class in terms of technology and quality. This honour is a tremendous confirmation for the work of our engineers, designers and the entire team. The new Passat

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shows that the Volkswagen brand has the right answers to the challenges of our time."

HeinzJakob Neusser, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for the Development Division, received

the award for the new Passat: "We are delighted by the honour of "Car of the Year 2015". This accolade has a very special significance for us because it is awarded by independent international trade journalists. In

addition, the honour is known to have a high standing for our customers."

One of the oldest and most well known awards in Europe, "Car of the Year" has been honouring the best new releases

in the car industry every year since 1964. The jury, consisting of 58 European motoring journalists from 22 countries, had nominated seven candidates ahead of the final. In the preceding months, these candidates had undergone detailed testing, comparisons and evaluations based on criteria such as economy, comfort, safety, driving characteristics, functionality, design and technical progress. In the 52 edition of the traditional competition, the new Passat clearly triumphed over its six rivals in the final with a total score of 340 points. Two current Volkswagen models have already received the coveted award in the recent past, namely the Polo in 2010 and the Golf in 2013. In addition to the "Golden Steering Wheel 2014" and "Auto Trophy 2014", the top position as "Car of the Year" was preceded by several accolades at home and abroad.

The new Passat, in all its versions, is one of the most successful mid class cars in the world and with 1.1 million units (in 2014) one of the highest volume series of the Volkswagen Group worldwide.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 31 May 2015 • r e v i e w •

sa elevated to ublime beauty

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The Malta Independent on Sunday • 31 May 2015

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Discovery now set to challenge for the ‘compact’ SUV crown Text and pictures by John Peel ith styling conforming to the new Range Rover and Evoque, the new Discovery Sport breaks away with what we have come to accept from previous Discovery models. In actual fact this ‘compact’ SUV is a replacement for the ageing Freelander 2 with less rugged looks, yet promising the same level of off-

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road capability.This new sleeker look will also be seen in the forthcoming replacement for the Discovery 4.

I was to test drive an HSE model with the SD4 engine - a 2.2-litre diesel with 190bhp that came with a six-speed manual gearbox. A ninespeed automatic is also available.

Like the larger Discovery 4, the new Discovery Sport can come with seven seats in a footprint no larger than existing 5-seat premium SUVs, although the

rearmost two are more occasional seats for children. The interior is a step up in quality from the Freelander and feels amply more up market. It features high-quality materials and a strong vertical centre console graphic to reflect the premium design of the exterior, while the core Discovery value of versatility is evident everywhere. Up to four 12v power sockets and six USB charging points are available, specified for all three rows of seating allowing multiple electronic devices to be charged simultaneously. Standard equipment includes an all-new 8inch touch screen with reversing camera plus tilt and slide seats in the second row.

Under the skin the Discovery Sport has a new multi-link rear axle designed for more precise handling.

There is also long-travel suspension that gives a smooth ride quality and should provide all the usual allterrain ability we've come to expect from Land Rover. It actually feels very much like a Range Rover Evoque on the road. With

approach, departure and breakover angles of 25, 31 and 21 degrees respectively,Terrain Response technology, and the ability to wade to a depth of 600mm, Discovery Sport offers class-leading capability for any condition.

As with every new Land Rover, safety has been a key priority in the development of the new Discovery Sport, resulting in a first-in-class pedestrian airbag, autonomous

emergency braking, and a state-ofthe-art bodyshell featuring both ultra-high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium.

As one Land Rover official put it, the 2015 Land Rover discovery Sport is nothing less than the "most important SUV in five years." With compact SUV sales exploding at present this is surely a model worth looking at and a testdrive is definitely recommended.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 31 May 2015

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Renault Twingo named 2015 ‘Design of the Year’ • Twingo scooped best design prize in 2015 Fleet World Honours • Another major industry award for Twingo he Renault Twingo has been awarded the title of ‘Design of the Year’ in the 2015 Fleet World Honours at a ceremony held this afternoon at the Royal Automobile Club in London.

The All-New Twingo was launched in the UK last autumn and has already scooped a number of major industry awards including TopGear Magazine Awards, 2014 City Car of the Year; British GQ Car Awards, 2015 Best answer to the City Car Dilemma and the UK Car of The Year Awards, 2015 City Car of the Year.

Commenting on the decision to award the title of ‘2015 Design of the Year’ to Twingo, Alex Grant, Deputy Editor, Fleet World said: “The new Twingo combines the best bits of Renault’s expertise – small cars and MPVs. Its chic styling is a nod to the Renault 5, while the rear-mounted engine enables a large and flexible interior to fit into a small, manoeuvrable body. Clever, customisable and great value, it represents Renault at its very best.”

Ken Ramirez, Managing Director,

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Renault UK said: “With its bold and playful design, we always knew that our All-New Twingo would be a hit so we’re delighted that the judges from the 2015 Fleet World Honours agree and have decided to add to Twingo’s tally of major industry awards with this ‘Design

of the Year’ accolade.”

Now in its third generation, the latest Twingo city car has an innovative rear-engined, rear-wheeldrive layout that allows for a clever use of internal space as well as being very nimble and practical to drive around town with a tiny

turning circle of just 8.59 metres and the ability to park in the tightest of spaces.

There are four versions of AllNew Twingo – Expression, Play and Dynamique and Dynamique S, powered by a choice of two engines – the new 1.0-litre 70 hp

SCe three-cylinder normally aspirated engine and a Dynamique TCe 90 with a 0.9-litre 90 hp three-cylinder turbocharged unit.

CO2 emissions are as low as 95 g/km and fuel economy as high as 67.3mpg on the combined cycle.