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The Malta Independent on Sunday • 30 November 2014

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New C4 Picasso: Europe’s leading MPV with 160,000 sales since launch he new Citroen C4 Picasso is a real market success with more than 160,000 sales since its launch last year, of which more than 100,000 since the start of the year. Today, the new Citroen C4 Picasso is pulling ahead of its competitors to claim the No. 1 spot in the European MPV segment. The new Citroen C4 Picasso has sold 160,000 vehicles to date, of which more than 100,000 since the start of the year. Building on this huge market success, it is now No. 1 on the European MPV segment. Launched in June 2013 as a 5-seater and in September 2013 as a 7-seater (‘Grand C4 Picasso’), the new Citroen C4 Picasso is confirming its customer appeal month after month, with: success for both body styles: more than 49% of sales concern the 5-seater version and almost 51% the 7-seater version; a preference for the best-equipped models: almost twothirds of sales concern the highest trim levels; fourth place in the rankings of the most popular fleet cars

in France (fourth place in the total market, first for MPVs), owing primarily to its position as best in class for CO2 emissions (from 96 g/km). Linda Jackson, CEO of Citroen, said: “One year after launch, the new C4 Picasso is building excellent market momentum. This performance reflects the warm welcome it received in the press right from the start, and the many awards it has picked up, including Germany’s prestigious Golden Steering Wheel. This new C4 Picasso embodies the best in MPV design, and the best brand expertise in design, comfort and technology, with optimised running costs. So it is completely in line with the expectations of customers today, as illustrated by its leadership in Europe!” The new C4 Picasso is building on its many strong points to outperform the competition. Illustrating a generational leap in MPV design, it expresses Citroen’s new product values with: More design: pure, expressive styling underlined by a unique light signature. More comfort: a loft-style interior (uncluttered dashboard,

large glazed areas with a panoramic windscreen, passenger seat with a calf-rest, etc.). More useful technology: technologies designed for easy use (touch drive interface grouping all vehicle functions, Park Assist, 360 Vision, etc.). All this with optimised running costs: the vehicle is lighter (-140 kg compared with the previous generation) and fitted with efficient new-generation engines to cut both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (best in class: from 3.7 l/100 km and 96g of CO2/km for the BlueHDi 120 engine with the 6-speed manual gearbox - Euro 6). The new Citroen C4 Picasso reflects yet another new take on the MPV concept, to continue the bold approach initiated by its predecessors and open a new page in the success story of Citroen MPVs with the ‘Picasso’ signature (Xsara Picasso, C4 Picasso, C3 Picasso), sold in more than 3.3 million examples to date. A figure that illustrates in itself the know-how and credibility of Citroen on this market. For further information one can visit Facebook.com/CitroenMalta

200,000th PEUGEOT 2008 produced by the Mulhouse plant he success of the 2008 urban crossover cannot be denied: the Mulhouse plant has just celebrated the 200,000th example produced, the vehicle being certified “Origine France Garantie “ since its launch in 2013. The PEUGEOT 2008’s momentum is also confirmed in overseas markets, notably in China. With 2008, PEUGEOT has capitalised on the experience with the 3008 crossover to create an original automobile offer in the B segment, and so win new customers.

An innovative concept, the 2008 crossover combines strong styling and a unique driving experience. And the rapid success of the PEUGEOT 2008 confirms how right the brand’s vision was, with production being regularly increased to meet the demand from customers. Daily production at the Mulhouse plant, initially set at 310 vehicles, was raised to 460 vehicles at the end of May 2013, then to 680 vehicles at the end of January 2014. This success allows the Mulhouse plant to celebrate today the pro-

duction of the 200,000th unit. At the same, time, the rate of production has been increased again, to 860 vehicles a day, with two day shifts and a half night shift. All PEUGEOT 2008 vehicles produced at Mulhouse are certified “Origine France Garantie” (Guaranteed Made in France), awarded to vehicles for which final assembly takes place in France, with more than 50% of their value also produced in France. For the PEUGEOT 2008, the value of the content produced in France is 73%. The success of the PEUGEOT 2008 is also accompanied by a very high trim level mix that has been maintained since launch, evidence of PEUGEOT’s move upmarket: two thirds of customers

opt for the upper trim levels (Allure and Féline). The new generation of 3-cylinder petrol engines, represented by the Puretech 1.2 litre 82, has been chosen by more than 20% of customers. As regards its markets in Europe since launch, France is the leader with 62,000 sales, followed by Italy, United Kingdom, Germany and Spain. The PEUGEOT 2008 is also nearly 10 awards, won in Ireland, Italy, Spain, France, Poland and Turkey. Certified 5 stars by the EuroNCAP organisation, the 2008 urban crossover is the only model in its segment to offer five traction modes, via the Grip Control technology. This enhanced drive control system associates traction control with Mud& Snow tyres

intended for winter use (3PMSF : 3 Peaks Mountain Snow Flake). An international dimension was included in the specification for 2008 from the start; it is the brand’s first vehicle to be designed simultaneously by and for several geographic areas. Produced also at Wuhan in China and recently launched in this country, The PEUGEOT 2008 has already recorded more than 22,000 orders. This international momentum will be completed in 2015 by the production of the PEUGEOT 2008 at the Porto Real plant in Brazil, while its big sister, the PEUGEOT 2008 DKR will make its assault on the Dakar Rally in January as part of Team Peugeot Total.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 30 November 2014

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Jaguar unveils its latest model aguar unveiled the latest addition to its sports saloon car family, the Jaguar XE, at a star-studded event in London last September. The event marked the unveiling of a true driver’s car; one that redefines the concept of the sports saloon – a segment that Jaguar created over 50 years ago with iconic models like the Mark II. With this new model Jaguar has brought new levels of innovation never seen before in this segment – with its lightweight construction expertise and sophisticated chassis technology in addition to the new family of Ingenium engines – all designed,

engineered and manufactured in the UK. The Jaguar XE redefines the concept of the sports saloon and will be the driver’s car in its class. Its lightweight construction, streamlined styling, luxurious interior and outstanding ride and handling are testament to company founder Sir William Lyons’ vision: ‘The car is the closest thing we will ever create to something that is alive’ Jaguar’s world-leading expertise in aluminium structure engineering enables exceptional fuel consumption and emissions figures: with the new Ingenium diesel engines, the XE can achieve

75mpg and 99g/km CO2 – the most efficient Jaguar ever. Powered by the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine from the acclaimed Jaguar F-TYPE, the XE S is capable of 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds. “The XE’s driving behaviour fully matches the promise of its seductive looks, and the emotional appeal is supported by state of-the-art approaches to efficiency, from aerodynamics to the advanced Ingenium engine family.” The XE is the stiffest, most aerodynamic Jaguar saloon car ever built. It is also the first Jaguar to be equipped with electric

Mazda presented its all-new MX-5 in Paris

power steering, tuned to provide exceptional responsiveness and feel but with lower energy consumption than hydraulic systems. The XE also boasts the lowest cost of ownership and most environmentally sustainable credentials of all Jaguar models. Manufacturing of the aluminium-intensive Jaguar XE occurs at Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull plant in an all-new facility. Part of a £1.5bn investment, this flexible, purpose-built site will create 1,700 UK jobs. The XE now completes the Jaguar saloon car range, sitting below the XF and XJ model lines.

he all-new Mazda MX-5 made its European auto show debut in October at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. First unveiled at Mazda Space, Mazda’s new European event hub in Barcelona, the fourth-generation MX-5, as expected, gave another boost to the unconventional Japanese brand, which is currently riding a wave of success. In terms of design, the latest edition of the bestselling roadster in history is arguably the sportiest ever. The striking rendition of Mazda’s KODO – Soul of Motion design theme is full of life, expressing the car’s agility and the exciting experience that awaits behind the wheel. In

Cars International launches Kia’s first electric car – The Soul ars International, representatives of Kia in Malta, launched the first electric car – Soul – manufactured by the Korean brand which continues to break into new grounds and increase its market share in the car industry. A landmark in Kia's history, the zero-emissions Soul EV is Kia's first electric vehicle to be marketed by the company outside Korea. The Soul EV is a uniquely designed battery electric vehicle perfectly suited for city commuters thanks to its class-leading drive range, a spacious cabin and generous cargo area. Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said the Government is pleased to note that the private sector promotes such initiatives as it understands the importance of

culture change in Malta as we start to realise the negative impact pollution has on our health. “The Transport Ministry is committed to ensure that two projects that encourage the use of electric vehicles are implemented successfully – one that it facilitated the purchase of 24 different electric vehicles and the instalment of 90 charging points for the public to charge their electric cars. The Government also offers between €1,500 and €5,000 to those owners who scrap their car for an electric one,” said Minister Mizzi. “I congratulate Cars International, as representatives of Kia, for putting this new electric model on the Maltese market and hence making a direct contribution to improve the air

quality in Malta and increase the choice of eco-friendly vehicles,” said Environment Minister Leo Brincat. Every Maltese citizen should embrace the availability of electric vehicles as these are the best shields against fine particles and greenhouse gases.” General Manager Ryan Buttigieg said: “Combining the iconic design of the KIA Soul with advanced eco-friendly technology has landed Soul EV in a class of its own. The Soul EV is equipped with a state-of-the-art battery providing top efficiency in range and regenerative energy. This becomes a winning combination of individualistic style, user-friendly functionality and eco-friendly capability.” The Kia Soul EV comes with a battery energy density of 200 Wh/kg. Ensuring that the Soul EV

retains all the ‘fun-to-drive' character, rapid acceleration to 100 kph (62 mph) is predicted to take 11.2 seconds, while top speed is in the region of 145 kph (90 mph). The battery pack is mounted beneath the cabin, ensuring a low centre of gravity and contributing to the car's accomplished ride, handling and refinement. Charging is accomplished by plugging the Soul EV into any standard household electricity supply. Recharging times are up to five hours for a fully depleted battery using a 6.6 kW AC slow charger. An 80 per cent charge can be achieved in as little as 25 minutes with a 100 kW charger or 33 minutes using a 50 kW DC charger. The new Soul EV has achieved the world automotive industry's

first UL Environment Validation for containing 23,942 grams of bio-based plastic and 10 per cent bio-based organic carbon content. Soul EV's recyclable interior materials include bio plastic, bio foam, bio fabric and bio PET felt, together with low volatile organic compounds and newly developed antibacterial materials and paint. Kia engineers have developed the outstanding power pack featuring 192 lithium-ion polymer battery cells in eight modules, delivering a total battery capacity of 27 kWh. A lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable battery which saves the electric power as chemical energy and uses it when necessary. The pack incorporates state-of-the-art thermal control technology to maintain individual cells at optimum tem-

perature and structural design to enhance crash worthiness. By exploiting the class-leading energy density of its battery, the Soul EV offers a driving range of around 200 km on a single charge. The Kia Soul EV has also become the latest model from the Korean brand to earn important certification for its outstanding whole-life environmental credentials. TÜV Nord, an independent technical inspection organisation, certified the new Kia Soul EV according to the ISO 14040 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) standard. LCA examines the environmental impact of both the car and the overall manufacturing process throughout its whole life, taking into account factors such as choice of mate-

rials, tailpipe emissions and recycling. The zero-emissions electric vehicle scored particularly strongly for ‘Global Warming Potential', emitting 39.7 per cent fewer greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, over the whole life of the vehicle. The Soul EV also scored an improvement in ‘Photochemical Oxidant Creation Potential', limiting the amount of smog created by the vehicle's manufacturing process and by the vehicle itself throughout its life. Kia's first TÜV Nord certification was earned in 2008 with the first-generation cee'd, and this year's certifications bring the total number of Kia models with ISO 14040 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) certification to 11. The car will retail at €29,900,

showroom price, which includes the full government grant. As with every other Kia model, the Soul EV will guarantee owners with the peace of mind provided by Kia's unique seven-year warranty, including on the EV battery. There are no additional leasing costs besides the selling price. The Kia Soul EV is available for a test-drive at Cars International, Mdina Road, Qormi. For more information or to book a test-drive send an email to kiasales@cil.com.mt, call on 2269 2120 or visit the website www.kia.com/mt or Facebook page Kia Malta. For further information please contact Cars International Ltd, Mdina Road, Qormi, QRM 9010. Telephone 2269 2000 email marketing@cil.com.mt

keeping with MX-5 tradition, the cabin is snug yet comfortable. Only now it features modern conveniences like the MZD Connect smartphone connectivity system and i-ACTIVSENSE, Mazda’s innovative line-up of active safety technology. And what its looks promise, the technology can deliver. Under the bonnet, high-compression SKYACTIV-G petrol engines drive the rear wheels, while the specially-developed SKYACTIV-Chassis ensures the most advanced Jinba Ittai driver-andcar-as-one experience yet. But at the same time the all-new MX-5 retains the charm, reliability, affordability and above all lightweight fun of the original model launched 25 years ago.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 30 November 2014

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The JEEP Cherokee has already been a recipient for a number of prestigious awards:• Motorweek has the Jeep Cherokee its Best Small Utility. • Autobytel named the 2014 Jeep Cherokee one of the 10 Best Small SUVs. • The 2014 JeepCherokee was named by AutoGuide.com Reader’s Choice Crossover of the Year. • The Texas Auto Writers Association gave the Cherokee the prestigious Compact SUV of Texas title • Named Best Value On-Road in the Carspondent.com Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year competition • Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com named the 2014 Cherokee one of the 10 Best SUVs Under $25,000 • The Rocky Mountain Automotive Press named the Cherokee the SUV of the Year. • The Northwest Automotive Press Association named the Cherokee Trailhawk® the 2014 Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year and the 2014 Best Compact Utility of the Year.

The Aggressive and Promising New Jeep Cherokee Now in Malta aunched at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show and introduced throughout Italy and the major European markets in April, the new Jeep Cherokee is finally in Malta and available for viewing and testing at the JEEP showroom in Valley Road, Msida. JEEP’s philosophy for this particular model has seen the car evolve into a completely new vehicle delivering to customers a fresh interpretation of the "Go anywhere, do anything" attitude, an attitude which forms the essence of every model belonging to the legendary American brand. "It's a whole generation ahead of just about anything else in its class. It is a blueprint for what a Jeep should be both now and for decades to come.” Today, the new generation of the Jeep mid-size SUV features a new sleek and athletic design, enhanced on-road driving dynamics and

handling, legendary 4×4 capabilities, refined interior craftsmanship, innovative technology, new levels of efficiency, entertainment and comfort and 'five-star' safety and security features that allowed the vehicle to earn the designation of 'safest SUV' in its category from Euro NCAP. The new Jeep Cherokee is available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations and offers a choice of three innovative four-wheel drive systems - Jeep® Active Drive I, Jeep® Active Drive II and Jeep® Active Drive Lock - that ensure benchmark 4×4 capabilities in all driving conditions.This vehicle is also the first mid-size SUV to feature rear axle disconnect, resulting in reduced friction and energy loss when 4x4 capability is not needed and ensuring improved fuel efficiency. The new Jeep Cherokee has been marketed in Europe in three trim levels: the Longitude, the Limited

and the Trailhawk, equipped with the new 2.0-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel or with a 3.2-litre Pentastar petrol engine.The efficient 2.0-litre turbo diesel delivers 170 horsepower and is coupled with the new nine-speed automatic transmission - a feature that the new generation Cherokee proudly introduces into its category. A 140 horsepower version of the 2.0-litre engine is also fitted on the new Jeep Cherokee in combination with a six-speed manual gearbox. Both versions of the 2.0 turbo diesel incorporate standard 'Stop/Start' technology that improves fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions.The 3.2-litre V6 Pentastar petrol engine delivering 272 horsepower completes the engine range and is offered only in combination with the new ninespeed automatic transmission. “This new JEEP Cherokee represents a further expression of JEEP’s constant evolution in terms of innovation, technology and

performance, and consolidates the current strategy of expanding the JEEP range worldwide.This is why we feel this particular model is going to go down well in the a local market which is thirsty for aggressive new interpretations of a model that stands out for its uniquely adventurous identity,” states Francesca Mamo, Managing Director of UCIM Co Ltd, representatives of the JEEP brand in Malta. With the interior, on the other hand, Mopar set out to prove that the current 'street' requirements can go hand in hand with something no other brand can boast: the DNA that has made Jeep the authentic brand for more than 70 years. An entirely hand-made interior is precisely what was needed to reinforce this concept. The new JEEP Cherokee is available for viewing and test drives from the JEEP showroom in Valley Road Msida. Prices start from

€39,000 in Longitude trim that already comprises loads of features such as touch-screen with bluetooth, cruise control, dual zone climate control, and lots more! There then is the Limited version for €5,000 more that increases a massive 8.4 inch screen, a further TFT in the driver’s binnacle, full leather with heated and ventilated front seats, HID headlamps, electric boot, and many more luxurious features! These and all other range prices are the exact showroom price the Cherokee is sold for in Italy, despite the Maltese Registration Tax incurred here. Clients now have the facility to go on http://carconfigurator.jeep.com/it_IT /cherokee/ and configure the Cherokee version and options on the Italian configurator and then order it for the same showroom price with Maltese registration INCLUDED! For more information visit the JEEP showroom in Valley Road, Msida.

class leading ownership costs. Toyota’s cars, come in all shapes and sizes, with a broad range of features. The car range includes small, medium and family vehicles with a focus on fuel economy,

style, comfort and performance. With everything from compact, city cars like the gorgeous New Aygo and Yaris to supreme offroad and hybrid technology vehicles.

For more information on the All New Aygo 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.

Toyota and KSU are now partners SU and Michael Debono Ltd. are very pleased to announce that a corporate partnership has been struck between both entities, and that Toyota will be a corporate sponsor of the Council. Toyota is a leader in the automotive industry and a pioneer of hybrid technologies, and therefore this partnership compliments very well KSU's holistic vision to address our transport systems and the impact that they are having on the environment. The cars we drive and the fuels they consume, define the world we will live in, and therefore companies that show commitment to address this, show promise. KSU looks

forward to a fruitful collaboration and close contact with this new partner. Seen in the photo are Jonathan Cremona and Geoffrey Debono from Toyota, and members of KSU's Admin Team, alongside the latest Toyota Aygo model. Michael Debono Ltd, the automotive division of the Debono Group, offers a full range of motoring services, from the world’s number one auto brand Toyota to the premium brand Lexus. In addition, a Quality Used Cars business has also been set-up so as to provide a holistic service to the different motoring needs of the Maltese population. The Toyota range brings you innovative design, advanced engine technology and

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 30 November 2014

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Renault picks up two awards at 2014 Green Apple Awards • Kangoo Z.E. electric van and Clio both pick up awards • Green Apple Awards now in their fourth year • 2014 is third year that Renault has won Green Apple Awards

enault has won two environmental awards at the 2014 Green Apple Awards at a ceremony held at the Houses of Parliament in London this week. The Renault Kangoo Z.E electric van was awarded the Green Apple Automotive Industry Bronze Award whilst the Renault Clio was

named Runner Up in the Small Family Cars category. These two accolades build on Renault’s success in previous Green Apple Awards. Last year, the Renault ZOE electric car took the Overall Winner prize as well as being named Best Small Family Car and in 2012 Renault was applauded with two awards for its commitment to zero emissions motoring. Commenting on awarding the Kangoo Z.E. van the Automotive Industry Bronze Winner prize, a spokesperson for The Green Organisation said: “The Renault

Kangoo Z.E. Van was the market’s first all-electric light commercial vehicle. This purpose-built van has zero tailpipe emissions, is cheap to run and easy to charge. It has instant torque, making it rather quick – but at the same time very quiet and smooth to drive.” The awards are organised by the Midlands-based The Green Organisation and were judged by members of the Midland Group of Motoring Writers. Midland Group chairman Ian Donaldson said: "When The Green Organisation asked us for our current green champions we

wanted to go further than some other awards and look beyond the official figures and rank our favourites in the real world, taking into account how they performed in our hands." Explaining the award for the Clio, one Midlands Group of Motoring Writers judge said: “Good looks combine with an extremely frugal and fun to drive diesel engine to put the Clio near the top of anyone’s list.” The Renault Kangoo Van Z.E. is the world’s first 100%-electric van produced directly by a massmarket vehicle manufacturer. It provides zero tailpipe emissions and silent motoring that is ideal for commercial use within urban environments. The 44kW electric motor and 22kWh lithium-ion battery provide 226Nm of torque, available from rest, which allows for smooth, linear acceleration. The official range of 105 miles means that the vast majority of van users’ daily driving can be done on one charge. Kangoo Van Z.E. is available in four versions – Kangoo Van Z.E., Kangoo Van Maxi Z.E. (2 seats), Kangoo Maxi Crew Van Cab, and Kangoo Van Z.E. Maxi Crew Van (5 seats). The Clio hatchback, now in its fourth generation, is available with a range of petrol and diesel engines which emit CO2 emissions of as low as 83g/km and with fuel consumption as low as 88.3 mpg.