Motoring November 2018

IN THIS ISSUE: MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS COUPÉ: GREATER SPORTING CHARACTER | NEW PEUGEOT PARTNER: INTERNATIONAL VAN OF THE YEAR 2019 THE JAGUAR I-PACE IS THE 2018 PROFESSIONAL DRIVER CAR OF THE YEAR | THE NEW RANGE ROVER EVOQUE: THE LUXURY COMPACT SUV SUZUKI JIMNY: THE ONE-AND-ONLY, SMALL & LIGHTWEIGHT 4WD VEHICLE

The Malta Independent on Sunday. November 2018

The New Mercedes Benz C-Class Coupé The Dynamics of Intelligence also inside

Discover Piedmont, the hilly region around Turin PIEDMONT SPOTLIGHT ON SPIRITS: THE STORY OF MAROLO, A TERRITORIAL GRAPPA

Discover

PIEDMONT THE HILLY REGION AROUND TURIN

TRUE TO THE MEANING OF ITS NAME – FOOT OF THE MOUNTAIN – PIEDMONT IS A LAND OF MOUNTAINS AND ROLLING HILLS. A WEEKEND DRIVING THROUGH ITS GASTRONOMIC TOWNS AND VINE-CLAD HILLS INVITES YOU TO FRIENDLY FAMILY-RUN HOTELS AND RUSTIC TRATTORIAS, EXPANSES OF WATER AND RICE PADDIES, LONG ROWS OF POPLARS AND OLD FARMHOUSES, ANCIENT VILLAS SURROUNDED BY BEAUTIFUL GARDENS AND MEDIEVAL CASTLES.

Cuneo

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nce the seat of the Savoy empire, Piedmont is known for its Barolo and Barbaresco, wines made from the Nebbiolo grape that are amongst some of the most coveted wines in the world. A driving trip in this region is really the best way to enjoy and appreciate all it has to offer, driving from town to town, enjoying the magnificent scenery along the way of sloping vineyards, eating delicious meals, and simply going at your own pace.

TURIN

The Province of Turin lies on the border with France and Val d'Aosta. The area is characterized by its varied landscapes: magnificent alpine resorts, vast pasturelands, woods and large stretches of vineyards. In Turin itself enjoy historic cafes and elegant shops in Piazza San Carlo and Via Roma; the recently refurbished stunning Egyptian Museum and the Automobile Museum. Unique examples of religious architecture abound, such as the Renaissance Duomo, dating back to the Renaissance; and the Sindone Chapel (Shroud of Turin). Magnificent public buildings include Palazzo Carignano, Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Reale, as well as the prestigious Savoy residences. The hills to the south of Turin are perfect driving, offering enchanting views and expanses of vineyards and countryside.

ASTI, CUNEO AND ALESSANDRIA The three neighbouring Provinces of Asti, Cuneo, and Alessandria incorporate the Langhe and Monferrato hill region in the centre of Piedmont. The area around Asti is renowned for its cheeses, such as robiola of Roccaverano and robiola di Cocconato. Typical dishes include agnolotti, Monferrato-style potato gnocchi, ciotola di trifulau (cheese fondue with polenta and truffles) and Piedmontstyle boiled meats. The region has rich limestone and sandstone deposits laid down by the retreating Adriatic some 5 million years ago and is home to some of Italy's finest red wines and some famous whites. The town of Asti is at the centre of this area and is the major city of this notable wine district. The wine most famously associated with Asti worldwide is the sparkling Asti (DOCG) made solely from the moscato bianco grape.

Vercelli

Vineyard upon vineyard litter the terrain around Asti and Alessandria producing some of the most famous wines including Barbera d’Asti, Barbera del Monferrato, Dolcetto, Cortese di Gavi, Brachetto, and Grignolino.

VERCELLI AND NOVARA

A spectacular panorama of rice paddies in the Po Valley characterize Vercelli and Novara, one of Europe’s leading rice producers with rows of poplar trees dividing the plain symmetrically. The countryside is varied from the summits of the Alpine to the gentle slopes of the Gattinara Gattinara Hills, covered by vines, woods and rivers and the vast plains.

Cuneo

Alessandria

VERBANO CUSIO OSSOLA

Lying on the borders of Switzerland and Lombardy this is a region of unspoiled nature with an extensive network of valleys. For example, the Val’Ossola is carved by the Toce River overlooking a plunge of 413 metres, which gives way to the most powerful waterfall in the Alps. Being the most Northern province of Piedmont hearty local foods are based on traditional products, such as black rye bread baked in a wood ovens, and gnocchi all’ossolana made with chestnut flour, potatoes and yellow pumpkin. The entire valley is renowned for its cheeses, mushrooms and polenta in the mountains and lake fish by the lakes.

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Lands of excellence. Marolo is based in Alba, the capital of the Langhe, one of the world’s premier winegrowing districts for its diversity of grape varietals and the quality of its wines. The Langhe hills produce some of the finest red wines, such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto and Brachetto, but also great whites like Roero Arneis and the aromatic Moscato d’Asti.

PIEDMONT SPOTLIGHT ON SPIRITS The Story Of Marolo, A Territorial Grappa

PAOLO MAROLO IS THE INSPIRED ORCHESTRATOR OF GRAPPA DISTILLATION, ARRANGING HARMONIES OF AROMA AND FLAVOUR THROUGH A SENSITIVE BALANCING OF TECHNIQUE AND PASSION. USING HIS NOSE, HIS HANDS AND HIS PALATE, HE CREATES ELEGANT VARIATIONS ON THE THEME OF GRAPPA, ENSURING THAT EACH BOTTLING, FROM EACH YEAR'S HARVESTS OF GRAPES FROM VARIOUS RENOWNED WINE REGIONS OF ITALY, IS ORIGINAL AND UNIQUE. SINCE 1977, MAROLO HAS DISTILLED THE SPIRIT OF THE LAND. GRAPPAS MADE FROM THE BEST ITALIAN VINEYARDS, VALORIZING THE EXTRAORDINARY VARIETAL HERITAGE OF THE LANGHE, MONFERRATO AND ROERO, AREAS WHICH ARE RECOGNIZED AS UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE. MAROLO REPRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF THE LAND, THE LOYALTY TO ITS MOST NOBLE VINEYARDS AND THE TRANSFORMATION INTO A GRAPPA THAT GLORIFIES ITS NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS. DISTILLATION HAPPENS IN BAIN MARIE DISCTONINUOS STILLS, ONE FOR WHITE AND ANOTHER FOR RED, IN SMALL BATCHES OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME SO THAT THE ORIGINAL FLAVOURS OF THE GRAPES CAN BE EXPERIENCED. aolo Marolo’s first grappas were produced in 1977 from his desire to transform a traditional, often rustic product into an excellent example of the distiller’s art.

From that time on, he has consistently worked with the pomace of noble grape varieties to make spirits that exalt the special qualities of each variety.

Marolo's distillery is not automated, and so he attentively surveys every phase of the distillation process, his meticulous craftsmanship adapting knowingly to the various characteristics of the pomaces that are used. The results bear witness to Paolo Marolo's comprehension of the workings of nature, and to his ability, through the skillful creation of these fine spirits, to bring out the personalities of the grapes in their fullest expression.

Marolo's Santa Teresa distillery works closely with wineries in Various regions to ensure that only the freshest pomace is used. Two small discontinuous 'bain marie" stills are employed, one for white wine pomace and the other for the red wine pomace. This method of production means that Santa Teresa cannot distill large quantities of spirits, but it allows Marolo to capture optimally the diverse and welldefined characteristics of excellent raw materials he uses.

Through long and careful aging in barrels of acacia and oak, Marolo's Barolo grappa acquires the elegance in its aromas and amber colour that make it

P

a precious gem of the distillery's production.

Today the Santa Teresa distillery is testimony to Paolo Marolo's ability to create an artful fusion of artisanal, traditional techniques with modern equipment.

Visit Marolo when travelling in Piedmont, at Corso Canale 105/1, Alba (Cn) Italy. Tel. +39 0173 33144. Locally Marolo is 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

Capturing the differences. Marolo’s grappas are a mirror of the incredible richness and diversity of the territory and viticulture. Not a neutral, standardized, industrial product, but a spirit able to narrate the grape from which it came, to enhance the varietal’s typical aromas, and express a unique, personal character linked to its land of origin.

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NEW PEUGEOT PARTNER

INTERNATIONAL VAN OF THE YEAR 2019

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he new PEUGEOT PARTNER has been elected International Van of the Year 2019. This award recognizes the PEUGEOT teams' commitment to a project that is at the heart of the brand's development strategy.

This prestigious trophy has been awarded even before the launch. The new PEUGEOT Partner is the fifth PEUGEOT Van of The Year since the trophy was created in 1992.

The new PEUGEOT PARTNER has unprecedented dynamic and acoustic qualities, a high technological and safety content, two lengths of bodywork (4.40m and 4.75m), and a wide range of engines and equipment designed to make life easier for its users.

Two major innovations attracted attention: the overload

indicator for safe charging and the Surround Rear Vision that provides blind-spot camera vision.

The PEUGEOT PARTNER stands out through the exclusive and world-first adoption of this segment of the PEUGEOT iCockpitÂŽ, offering a new driving experience for greater productivity.

Every professional will be able to set up their own configuration that will allow them to work effectively, including versions to meet a need for robust services in all circumstances, or for those who spend a lot of time in their vehicle.

The new PEUGEOT PARTNER strengthens PEUGEOT’s ambition to undertake mastering the impossible. Available at Michael Attard Ltd, PEUGEOT Showroom, National Road, Blata l-Bajda.

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THE NEW RANGE ROVER EVOQUE THE LUXURY COMPACT SUV FOR THE CITY AND BEYOND • EVOQUE: THE ORIGINAL LUXURY COMPACT RANGE ROVER SETS NEW STANDARDS OF REFINEMENT, CAPABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY • EFFORTLESS: NEW ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY DELIVERS SMOOTH, QUIET AND REFINED DRIVE • CHARISMATIC DRIVE: AGILE HANDLING AND RESPONSIVE CHARACTER IDEALLY SUITED TO TIGHT CITY STREETS

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he original luxury compact SUV has got even better. At home both in the city and the country, the new Evoque joins the Range Rover family with a choice of hybridelectric engines.

Building on the original’s instantlyrecognisable design, the new Range Rover

Evoque is a sophisticated evolution of the distinctive coupé-like silhouette, typified by its distinctive fast roofline and rising waist, which unmistakably identify the Range Rover family.

The outstanding volume and proportions are amplified by its pronounced shoulders and powerful wheelarches that, alongside new 21-inch

wheels, combine to create a strong and dynamic attitude.

The introduction of jewel-like elements such as super-slim Matrix LED headlamps provide a more sophisticated front and rear lamp graphic. Flush door handles add to the smooth, sculpted aesthetic, while sweeping directional indicators create a purposeful signature. Optional R-Dynamic details and burnished copper accents add to the unique appeal.

The footprint is almost identical, yet built on Land Rover’s new mixed-material Premium Transverse Architecture, there is more interior space than before. A longer wheelbase yields 20mm extra rear kneeroom and an increase in small item stowage – the larger glove box and centre cubby can now fit tablets, handbags and bottles with ease. The luggage space is 10 per cent larger (591 litres) as well as much wider and easily fits a folded pram or set of golf clubs, with space increasing to 1,383 litres when the flexible 40:20:40 second-row seats are folded.

Every bit a Range Rover, the compact SUV combines all-terrain capability with all-weather assurance. New Evoque features All-Wheel Drive, as well as a second-generation Active Driveline with Driveline Disconnect to enhance efficiency and Adaptive Dynamics to deliver the optimum balance of comfort and agility.

Terrain Response 2 – technology first found on full-size Range Rover – automatically detects the surface being

driven on a adjusts the set-up accordingly, while Evoque can now wade through water up to 600mm (previously 500mm).

The famed Range Rover command driving position has jumped into the digital age, with a segment-first ‘ClearSight rearview mirror’ that transforms into an HD video screen. If rear visibility is compromised by passengers or bulky items, the driver simply flicks a switch on the underside of the mirror and a camera feed from the top of the car displays what is behind the vehicle in crisp high definition. The screen provides a wider (50-degree) field of vision and superior visibility in low light.

The new Range Rover Evoque is also the first in the world to feature Ground View technology, which effectively makes the bonnet invisible by projecting camera imagery onto the upper touchscreen to show the driver a 180-degree view under the front of the vehicle. This is useful when negotiating difficult parking spaces, navigating high city centre kerbs or tackling rough terrain and is the realisation of the Transparent Bonnet technology previewed

by Land Rover in 2014.

Jaguar Land Rover’s commitment to the UK car industry continues following a £1 billion investment to support its creation and delivery. This includes £110 million into the company’s UK manufacturing plant in Halewood, Merseyside, to develop the state-of-the-art flexible manufacturing facility.

THE JAGUAR I-PACE IS THE 2018 PROFESSIONAL DRIVER CAR OF THE YEAR he all-electric Jaguar IPace has been judged to be Car of the Year for 2018 by readers of Professional Driver magazine.

The I-Pace also won the Green Car of the Year category in the Awards, announced last night (November 22).

The Jaguar I-Pace is the “game changer” that could allow private hire and chauffeur operators to go all-electric, said Mark Bursa, editor of Professional Driver Magazine: “The I-Pace generated unprecedented levels of enthusiasm at or two-day judging event in September, and we knew we had our likely winner even before we’d added up the scores.”

“We’ve never had a car in such demand for test drives, and we’ve never had quite such a torrent of positive feedback as we had for our 2018 Professional Driver Car of the

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Year. As one judge commented: ‘This could be the game-changer we’ve been waiting for.’.”

“With a range of more than 250 miles on a single charge thanks to a 90kW lithium ion battery pack, and the ability to

rapid charge from zero to 80% in 45 minutes, the I-Pace is a practical proposition for chauffeurs. The lack of a conventional engine gives I-Pace a short bonnet and a long cabin.

This has maximised the cabin

size, giving rear seat legroom and headroom comparable to an executive saloon, as well as providing a 656 litre boot that is capable of swallowing several suitcases.”

Mark Bursa continued: “The I-

Pace is already securing orders from e-chauffeur companies.

WeKnow Group is planning to run a major fleet out of Heathrow, while other big operators, including Parker Car Service, have ordered the cars.

The I-Pace is fully ULEZcompliant, and has the daily range to do just about any job without needing to recharge.

This makes it a worthy winner of the 2018 Professional Driver Car of the Year Award.”

The Professional Driver Awards are among the most rigorous in the automotive industry. There are seven categories in total, and a two-day judging event is held in September. The Professional Driver Car of the Year is chosen from the seven category winners, and the awards are announced at the Professional Driver Awards dinner in November.

SUZUKI JIMNY THE ONE-ANDONLY, SMALL AND LIGHTWEIGHT 4WD VEHICLE • ALL NEW JIMNY MODEL ON SALE IN THE UK FROM JANUARY 2019.

• TWO MODEL GRADES AVAILABLE FROM LAUNCH • RETAINS ITS TRADITIONAL LADDER-FRAME CHASSIS FOR OPTIMUM OFF-ROAD PERFORMANCE. • BODY FRAME TORSIONAL RIGIDITY NOW 1.5 TIMES HIGHER THAN PREVIOUS MODEL ENHANCES BOTH ON AND OFF ROAD PERFORMANCE. • NEW JIMNY IS 30MM SHORTER IN OVERALL LENGTH, 45MM WIDER AND 20MM HIGHER THAN PREVIOUS MODEL. global debut in April 1970, it has been a masterpiece of Suzuki’s 4WD technology. It is the one and only authentic off-roader that is small and lightweight, but still retains its core off-road performance desired by professionals. Two decades have passed since the thirdgeneration model made its debut in 1998 and the Jimny has now evolved to its fourth generation in almost 50 years of history.

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Practical exterior

The beauty of simplicity and offroad functionality are both realised with its robust exterior.

Its strong square body expresses its off-road ability and robustness as well as assisting with the driver’s situational awareness. The more upright A-pillars and flat clamshell bonnet enhance visibility from the windscreen,

while the dipped driver and passenger window lines provide good visibility from the side windows. The front grille is simple and black, highlighting the round signature headlamps, with 15-inch dark-metallic alloy wheels fitted on the SZ5 model accentuating the strong exterior even more.

Standard Equipment

The new Jimny offers a much higher level of equipment than the previous model and SZ4 offers selectable 4WD with low ratio transfer, Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS), Air Conditioning, CD Tuner, Bluetooth connectivity, Cruise Control and front foglamps.

Moving up to SZ5 adds 15-inch alloy wheels, LED Headlights, Climate Control, Navigation with Smartphone link, rear privacy glass, heated front seats and body coloured door handles.

Other functions included as standard equipment for both grades include Lane Departure Warning* and weaving alert function* which help the driver stay alert, and high beam assist* supports relaxing and courteous night driving by automatically switching the high and low beams at speeds of 25mph and above. *Each function operates at different vehicle speeds and under certain conditions.

revolutions which enhances driving performance especially while driving off-road where a low engine speed is often needed. Despite the increased displacement, it has smaller overall dimensions than the engine it replaces, with 15 per cent reduced weight, contributing to enhanced fuel efficiency.

Uncompromising performance Authentic off-roaders must be tough enough to handle the harshest conditions. From its ladder frame structure to its

new 1.5-litre engine, the new Jimny is built for rough-road adventures. But on-road ability was not compromised, with the higher torsional rigidity of the ladder frame providing a more comfortable ride on the road, and newly equipped steering damper on the front suspension minimising steering wheel vibration and kickback. Whether navigating the urban jungle or exploring off the beaten track, the Jimny is sure to satisfy adventurous minds.

Off-road capability

The Jimny incorporates the four essentials for serious off-roading – a ladder frame, three excellent clearance angles, 3-link rigid axle suspension with coil spring and part-time 4WD with low range transfer gear. Designed for professionals, it features ALLGRIP PRO*.

The new Jimny is one of the few authentic off-roaders equipped with a rigid axle for both front and rear. The front axle housing is now constructed

of more robust high tensile steel and the rear axle housing is larger diameter with 30 per cent higher flexural strength for greater durability. *ALLGRIP PRO is Suzuki’s 4WD system designed for high off-road ability.

Jimny features a part-time 4WD system with low range transfer gear, which can be easily switched from 2H (2WD-high gear), 4H (4WDhigh gear) and 4L (4WD-low gear) modes by a manually operated shift lever directly connected to the transfer gear.

Compared to the 4H mode, the 4L mode can transfer more torque to the wheels when in lower gears offering better traction on steep slopes and rough terrain.

When two wheels diagonal from each other lose traction, the Jimny’s new design brake LSD traction control automatically brakes the slipping wheels to redistribute torque to the other side and allow the vehicle to gain traction.

1.5-litre engine

The former 1.3-litre engine is replaced by a 1.5-litre unit in the new Jimny. It delivers higher torque than its predecessor with ample torque available at low

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MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS COUPÉ GREATER SPORTING CHARACTER

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uto Sales Ltd have just received the first facelifted models of the best-selling MercedesBenz C-Class range, notable among which is the sporty two-door coupé.The other three models are the four-door saloon, two-door cabriolet and the estate. In 2017, its fourth years of sales of the outgoing model range, no fewer than 415,000 C-Class saloons and estates were sold worldwide.

The Coupé’s exterior has been enhanced with new LED high performance headlamps featuring a particularly striking interior design as standard.The front grill is dominated by the three-pointed star and the rear boot lid is moulded to deflect air and promote greater grip at higher speeds.

Inside, the driving experience is enhanced through greater comfort and a greater onset of electronics both in terms of infotainment but also general safety.These include Active Distance Assist that immediately steps in to warn with a red light and, in an instant, an audio warning unless you slow down.This is coupled with Active Steering Assist to provide even more comfortable support in steering and keeping a safe distance.

The car’s speed is now adjusted automatically ahead of bends, junctions or roundabouts. Also on board are Active

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Emergency Stop Assist and intuitively understandable Active Lane Change Assist to complete the full safety arsenal that envelops you.

In terms of power units, Mercedes-Benz launched a new generation of four-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engines, along with the additional electric power of a 48-volt system with a belt-driven starter/alternator. On the C 200 engines this adds an additional power output of 14 bhp and an impressive 160 Nm (pulling power) to the already

generous 184 bhp and 280 Nm produced. During braking, kinetic energy is recuperated to charge the battery and there is an overall contribution to better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

There is also a new 258 bhp 2.0-litre petrol on the C 300 with 370 Nm. In terms of diesels, the 1.6-litre engine on the C 180 d (122 bhp and 300 Nm) and the C 200 d 160 bhp (with six-speed manual transmission) and 150 bhp with the automatic gearbox, both produce 360 Nm and are a first in any Mercedes-Benz model worldwide.

Power output ranges from 125 bhp and 210 Nm of torque in the C 160 to 390 bhp and 520 Nm of torque in the range-topping Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC. Drivers will appreciate such details as the passenger door mirror automatically tilting lower to enable a better view of the pavement as soon as reverse gear is engaged.

There is a choice of the new Dynamic Body Control suspension, including damping characteristics adjustable in three stages, the Sports Direct-Steer system or Air Body Control suspension.

Standard equipment on all C-Class models includes the latest electronic architecture, active brake assist (ABA), windscreen wipers with rain sensors, 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox, cruise control, and the mirror package (described above – the mirrors automatically fold when the engine is off) with prices starting from €50,400.

With so many options available on this model, Auto Sales Ltd. – Kind’s make it easier by putting together a number of different packages.