Issue 14 — Winter 2012
miles ahead...
3x Auto Shows
Cars recently presented at Bologna, Tokyo & Detroit
Britain’s Most Classic Car in Malta The search starts here
Tyre Straits
How not to spend money for nothing
Cars Always Increasing! Latest statistics on vehicle congestion
issue 14 - Winter 2012
Editor’s Note Fleur Balzan Publishers b.Right new media Ltd. 19, Parish Street, St. Paul’s Bay, SPB 3362, Malta
Editor Fleur Balzan fbalzan@b.rightnewmedia.com
Contributors Pierre Vella Gerald Fenech Mark Attard Jan Karl Farrugia Ben Glover
Graphic Design Chris Mahoney www.chrismahoney.eu chris@chrismahoney.eu
Hair Cut Coiffeur
Make Up Shasha
Advertising & Sales Fleur Balzan (+356) 21576154 / (+356) 99805763
Yet another year has started and the 1st month of 2012 is already all gone. These last two months have seen two large and important international Motor Shows, the one in Tokyo in December, ending the 2011 calendar, and the one in Detroit in January which opened 2012 in a grand way. We also had another interesting Motor Show in Bologna in December so it is only natural that we at Wheelspin have done our utmost to bring to you the best from these motor shows, not only here on paper but also through our TV programme. So many different vehicles are featured on this issue besides those seen at the motor shows. We test drive the fabulously luxurious and sporty Mercedes Benz C- Class Coupé as well as the small yet gadget filled new Toyota Yaris on our road whilst Ben drives the Renault Clio Gordini in the UK. British Classic Cars were also on Ben’s agenda lately so we join him on his search for Britain’s Classic car in Malta. As you are now all used to, Jan Karl Farrugia looks at Porsche’s latest number, also presented in Detroit whist Gerald looks at a problem that affects us all and which all we drivers and car owners are responsible for, as the cars on our roads continue to increase. Mark’s choice of topic for this issue is ‘tyres’ whilst Pierre Vella is in his 7th heaven writing about one of his latest trips to Mugello, the Ferrari haven. So as you can see, we at Wheelspin have been keeping occupied with our Motoring passion. We hope that, through this issue, we may take you, the reader, away from other happenings and have you thinking ‘cars’, at least for a short while! Enjoy the read,
Pre-Press & Printing Impressions Ltd., Marsa
No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form for any purpose without the prior written consent of the publisher. WHEELSPIN
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In this issue Winter 2012
Features 5
18
3x Auto Shows Cars recently presented at Bologna, Tokyo & Detroit Britain’s most classic car in Malta
23
Small car, big fun crisis
25
Tyre Straits and their walk of life
26
Cars always increasing on our roads
28
Wintery Ferrari in Tuscany
14
The Mercedes Benz C- Class Coupé One of a Kind
Test Drives 10
The New Toyota Yaris Complete package in one car
Launches 16
More cars arrive in Malta
Regulars 20
The Porsche Monologues Rants from Stuttgart and Beyond - Part 9
Peugeot 3008 The Peugeot 3008 is a compact and spacious crossover. It represents an innovative offer and its concept and specification bear on all of Peugeot’s expertise and values. Positioned at the crossroads between several existing vehicles, the SUV, the MPV and hatchback, the car derives its strengths from this blend of motoring concepts while at the same time adopting a number of new and original technologies, rewarding added driving pleasure whilst being eco-friendly.
Imported and distributed by Michael Attard Ltd of National Road, Blata l-Bajda. Tel: 2123 8854 Petrol 3008 retail from €23,200, whilst the HDI Turbo Diesel from €23,800.
The architecture of the Peugeot 3008 successfully combines a single-compartment body shape with a forwardpositioned front windscreen with elements borrowed from the world of the SUV. WHEELSPIN
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FEATURE • Online Crime
by Ben Glover
COMPETITION
WIN A DRIVING SESSION IN THE LAMBORGHINI MURCIELAGO thanks to Wheelspin and Dream Thrills. Participating is easy, send your details to wheelspin@b.rightnewmedia.com or Wheelspin, P.O. Box 24, St. Paul’s Bay and you can be a winner. The session consists of: • • •
Demonstration lap driven by the instructor 4 laps driving the Murcielago High-speed passenger ride by the instructor
More details on www.wheelspin.com.mt
Letters to the Editor: dear Fleur,
hi Fleur,
As a viewer of your program and a reader of the magazine, I have to congratulate your team for the excellent features you are presenting to us. You are the best and no program/magazine are up to your standards.
Read your article from Frankfurt with a lot of interest. Any chance you could organise for a group of us to visit one of these motor fairs with your team one time? I’m sure I’m not the only one who would like to join if you organise something like that. You have a good program and I never miss it.
Wish only that Wheelspin was published more often. Malcolm
Simon
dear editor, Although I am a woman I enjoy your magazine and look out for it at my local post office every time. I must say you have helped me in my choice of car and my husband is pleased as I also enjoy watching the programme with him when before I wouldn’t have dreamt of seeing a car program. Keep up the good work Fleur, you make us women proud. Stephanie
is there anything you’d like to see featured on our TV Programme and magazine? Send your letters, comments and suggestions to: wheelspin@b.rightnewmedia.com or Wheelspin, P.O. Box 24, St. Paul’s Bay. All letters featured will receive gifts from our partners or/and Wheelspin Merchandise.
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WHEELSPIN
DET RO I T
BOLOGNA
TO K YO
3x
Auto Shows by Fleur Balzan
I
n the last couple of months
though the previous year had
top brands went back to having
we have seen a number of
been a little less glamorous than
a much larger spacious stand
International
Shows
we are used to being offered from
showing practically all models
taking place worldwide with each
our Italian neighbours. This year
of the brand. Presentations were
of these presenting quite a few
however the situation seemed
also different to last year when
new vehicles to the International
to have changed completely
even a press conference was
market.
with the motor show being even
more discreet whereas this year,
more exciting and glittery than
lights, music and personalities
the last few years.
were the order of the day.
The
last
Motor
European
Motor
Show of 2011 was the one held in the Italian City of Bologna. For
Whereas last year, even stand
yet another year the Wheelspin
sizes for some brands had been
team was present for this event
reduced in size, this year most
>>
WHEELSPIN
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FEATURE • 3x Auto Shows
by Fleur Balzan
definitely VW’s star being celebrated at all hours and our team could barely put in a word during filming because of the singing and loud music. VW also presented the irresistible new VW Beetle, an icon which, in our opinion, has gone very Italian in style. Quite positive I must say!
B O LO G NA Some of the most prominent stands were those of the VW Group that occupied a whole hall, with VW in particular also having a huge stand at the main entrance of the Motor Show featuring the various models of the brands newest yet smallest car, the VW Up. This little number was
Audi too had two different models presented in Bologna, one was the newest Compact SUV by the name of Q3, a car which has since arrived in Malta, as well as the Audi A1 Sportback, the 5 door version of the popular sporty A1. The Sportback has not lost anything in looks by going 5 door. This last model had only a day prior its Bologna presentation been shown as a World Premiere in Tokyo. Renault too had quite a few numbers displayed in Bologna. The brand presented the Concept Car
Renault R-Space whilst their electric vehicles were very prominently displayed on the stand especially the Renault Zoe and the fun looking Twizy. The design director of the Concept and Show cars was also present during the presentation. Axel Breun spoke about what inspired him to come up with the designs of these vehicles, inspirations that are common to all of us such as life, play, love, family and emotions. All feelings and things that affect each individual. Electric vehicles were prominent everywhere with Mercedes also presenting, besides the normal fuelled vehicles, the Mercedes B Class E Cell as well as the Zero Emissions Mercedes Vito whilst Smart presented the Electric Smart for two, an electric vehicle that has already reached no less than 18 countries.
Audi A1 5dr
VW Up
Smart For Two (Electric Drive)
Renault Twizy 6
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Renault R-Space
Mercedes B Class E Cell
FEATURE • 3x Auto Shows
Nissan Pivo 3
by Fleur Balzan
Nissan Nismo Juke
TO K YO A day before the start of the Bologna Motor Show, in Japan, the Tokyo International Auto show opened its doors to the public for yet another spectacular show.
Mazda Takeri Concept
It must be said that this International Motor Show attracts many presentations of luxury vehicles and this year was no dierent. BMW presented as a World Premiere the BMW Active Hybrid 5 as well as the Electric i3 and i8 which had already been presented in Frankfurt last September.
Subaru BRZ
Toyota GT 86 Honda, besides having a Robot as part of their presentation, presented the Honda AC-X Concept, the N Concept 4, the Honda E-Canopy Trike and the Honda EV-Ster, a small electric rear wheel-drive two seater convertible sports car. Nissan the Pivo 3, the Nissan Leaf Nismo and the Nissan Nismo Juke, Mazda the Takeri Concept, Toyota the GT 86 and FCV-R Concept and Subaru the 2012 Subaru BRZ. These to mention but a few!
BMW Active Hybrid 5
Honda AC-X
Honda AC-X
Honda EV-Ster WHEELSPIN
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FEATURE • 3x Auto Shows
by Fleur Balzan
with the start of 2012 it was time for the motor show calendar to start again this time with the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) also known as the Detroit Motor Show.
DET RO I T
The American market, as does the Asian, attracts many Luxury Car presentations and this year was no exception. Maserati presented the Kubang Concept, an all new Modern SUV which goes to show that this Italian brand can offer competition in this segment too.
No sooner had the year come to an end with these two motor shows,
Lexus presented the LF-LC Hybrid Sport Coupe Concept, a 2+2 vehicle which also won the annual ‘Eyes on
Design’ Award for Best Concept. Toyota presented the NS4 plug in hybrid concept, Bentley the new Continental V8 Range, the Continental GT V8 and the Continental V8 GTC. Mercedes presented, amongst others the Mercedes SL, Smart the ‘Rule Breaker’ urban pick up Smart for-Us, and VW the two seat E-Bugster, the latest ‘E-Lectrifying’ Beetle which is quoted as being ‘more power than flower’. These are but a few of the various brands and models present at these International Motor Shows. No wonder we, the team at Wheelspin, can never get enough of these shows!!
Maserati Kubang Concept
Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Sport Coupe
Toyota NS4 Plug In Hybrid
Smart For Us 8
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Mercedes SL
VW Beetle E-Bugster
W
hen we usually think of smaller vehicles we are not accustomed to expect too much when it comes to the features they offer. Well, nowadays it is normal to expect things like electric windows, power steering, remote control central locking, even AC and some other features as standard but that’s usually as far as it goes. Toyota have done away with this thinking and they have presented us with a vehicle that is small, though not too small, family oriented supermini with so many features it can easily be called the ‘gadget master’. The new Toyota Yaris has been on our roads for a few months now and it is already proving to be a popular vehicle so let us have a look at why this car is becoming so popular. Let’s start by having a look at the car at first glance. This third generation of the Yaris has certainly grown in size. When you look at it, it is hard to imagine it as a supermini and yet it falls under that category. The car has become roomier on the inside comfortably accommodating a family of five. The wheelbase has been extended for this to be achieved while the seats are also slightly thinner. The space at the front seats is incredible whilst the knee room at the rear is also quite impressive. The boot may not be too large at 286 litres but that’s because, looking
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at the car, one automatically compares the boot to that in larger vehicles when in fact it compares very well to other superminis. Keeping to the inside we look at the dashboard which has changed completely to that in the previous models. The instruments have been moved to behind the leather trimmed steering wheel whilst on the centre of the dashboard one will find the multimedia touch screen which, within it, offers several features usually not found in such cars. This multimedia system, which comes as standard in the TR models, offers Bluetooth, a touch screen 6.1 inch stereo with USB and aux-in connections, and also acts as a screen for the rear view camera. Yes, this ‘small’ car offers even that, a camera at the back which
TEST DRIVE • Toyota Yaris makes parking and reversing extremely easy! One can also upgrade this system to the Toyota Touch and Go available in the T-Spirit we drove. This offers advanced Bluetooth for sending and receiving messages, a satellite navigation and other connected services which are available when connected to a mobile device. So many gadgets yet the dashboard remains uncluttered. The T-Spirit model also includes Dual Zone air conditioning, rain sensitive wipers and dusk sensing headlights, key less entry and start/stop function and also a panoramic roof which gives a feeling of more space from within the vehicle itself.
by Fleur Balzan
The car comes in a choice of engines amongst them the 1.0 litre VVT-i petrol offering 69bhp and with CO2 being as low as 111g/km, the 1.33 Dual VVT-i 6MT Petrol and Dual VVT-i Multidrive-S Petrol both offering 99bhp with CO2 emissions being at 123g/km and 118g/km respectively, and the 1.4 Dual D-4D 6MT Diesel offering 90bhp with CO2 emissions at only 104g/km.
When we look at the car from the outside, the car is wider yet the bonnet is not too long. The car is in fact 3885mm long and 1695mm wide. The sides have a slight curve at the waistline which runs along the sides over the door handles. The wheelarches are just slightly muscular with 15 inch alloy wheels which make it also sporty whilst the colour coded bumpers give the car a more refined look. The panoramic roof, as seen from the outside, also adds to the sporty look of the vehicle. As a drive, the car is agile, handles very well and is very responsive to the driver’s steering. It is very stable with a comfortable ride thanks also to the changes done to the suspension. Curves are taken easily with the steering being quick to react. The model driven had an automatic gear box which can also be manually controlled from next to the steering wheel thus allowing the choice of drive.
Security features include driver and passenger airbags, side airbags and front and rear curtain airbags, ABS with EBD Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Whiplash injury lessening and rear seat belt reminders. So, do you still believe this is a supermini? Well one with a lot of essence to it!!
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NEWS
Ford of Europe takes initiative for better global competitiveness in Europe’s Auto Industry
Continental Cars agreement with MCAST
Can the global competitiveness of Europe’s Auto Industry be improved? Ford thinks so and has taken the initiative to call for a strategy to change this for the better at a time when the European economy is going through one of the most challenging periods of all times. Stephen Odell , Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO has gone as far as to urge the political leaders to take the tough decisions necessary to maintain the integrity of the Eurozone. “We need to enhance the global competitiveness of Europe’s volume auto industry. EU regulation must be holistic in its outlook and ambitious; but not over-ambitious to the point where the equation for manufacturing in the EU becomes negative. That’s why we strongly support the principles of better regulation, including the need to ensure that any regulation is cost-efficient and does not undermine competitiveness, and that the cumulative cost of regulation is taken into account’.
A very promising agreement is signed between Continental Cars Ltd and Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) as the first Audi Training Centre is launched in Malta. Through this agreement MCAST will be providing training courses to Continental Cars Ltd’s employees working at the Audi workshops. All College lecturers will be receiving specialised training at the Audi AG Headquarters, in Germany, before they start conducting on-the-spot training to Audi’s technical and non technical employees in Malta later this year. Mr. Maurice Mizzi, Managing Director of Continental Cars Ltd, said that the Maltese Government has dedicated substantial resources to help MCAST and other educational institutions provide highly-trained professionals for the local industry. Continental Cars Ltd supports this investment as it believes that quality education is crucial to the success of our economy.
Mazda’s ‘SKYACTIV-G 1.3’ Engine wins award Mazda’s newly developed SKYACTIV-G 1.3 engine which is found in the very popular Mazda 2 model has won the 2012 Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan Technology of the Year award. The breakthrough SKYACTIV-G 1.3 achieves a record high compression ratio of 14.0:1 and exhibits outstanding efficiency, especially under high load at low rpm. In order to avoid knocking – an unavoidable issue with conventional high-compression engines – the SKYACTIV-G 1.3 features a number of new technologies, such as piston cavities that are specially designed to support ideal combustion, and multi-hole injectors that enable precise fuel injection control.
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NEWS
Peugeot and the Bipper Van Fleet Van Awards gives the ‘City Van of The Year 2011’ title to the Peugeot Bipper Van. The van is popular for its compact proportions, its economical HDi diesel engines and transmissions and its volume load which make it a leading choice for businesses. More details may be read on our web site at www.wheelspin.com.mt
More Awards for Toyota This period is known for the various awards in the Auto Industry and Toyota takes its share of these awards, this time thanks to the Toyota Hilux which wins the Pick-Up category of the Total 4x4 awards. The Toyota Hilux has been tested in the world’s extreme environments having been driven to both the South and Magnetic North Poles. It combines robustness with comfort, safety and other features which make it a vehicle that bridges the divide between work and everyday driving needs.
Range Rover Evoque – Truck of the Year The North American Auto Show gives one of its awards to The Range Rover Evoque naming it the 2012 North American Truck of the Year. The Evoque won the award over competition such as the BMW X3 and the Honda CR-V and the categories for which it was judged on were: value for money, innovation, handling, performance, safety, and driver satisfaction.
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FEATURE • Online Crime
by Ben Glover
By Fleur Balzan
W
hen I was growing up, way before I realised that my particular interest in cars was not common to other eleven year old girls, the brand which to me reflected exclusivity and elite beauty was Mercedes Benz. Then most Mercedes models seen on the road were large, executive cars and it was a time when big translated to better. When my father started driving one, I used to stare at the ‘gadgets’ of the time, the stitching on the beige leather seats and I remember very clearly offering to wash my dad’s car as often as I could, feeling so proud to then be driven somewhere in a clean, luxury vehicle. Since, things have changed. Some features then exclusive to Mercedes Benz were introduced in other cars and the advancement of technology has meant that no one brand necessarily stands out as much above the rest. Yet there is something about Mercedes Benz that still reflects the exclusive luxury I felt as a child, so it is no wonder that every time I am asked to drive one of these cars I jump to the occasion! This latest model from Mercedes Benz is the C-Class Sport Coupé; a model that is a thrill to look at and an even bigger thrill to drive. At first glance the front of the vehicle is very
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similar to the C Class sedan however, being a Coupé and therefore sportier, the car is much lower at about 1 and half inch. The car shares the same length and width as the sedan therefore offering the same amount of space within the vehicle itself though the Coupé model is a 4 seater. The front is distinctively Mercedes Benz with a 2 bar upright grill framing the large Mercedes emblem. The headlights design has a slight resemblance to the Mercedes SL and the bonnet is long and made from aluminium and therefore much lighter. The wheel arches are elegantly shaped without being too beefy. The side lines are also very elegant, flowing at a slight angle from the front wheel arches upright towards
the back, continuing at a sharp curve over the rear lights ending up in a spoiler like rear end, then continuous towards the other end of the vehicle. The interior is distinctively Mercedes, immediately recognisable! It is classic, elegant and at the same time modern with touches of aluminium and chrome. Round and prominent speedometers behind the leather steering wheel add to the sporty feel of the car as do the leather seats which caress your back as would a glove caress your hand. A 17.8cm display in the middle of the dashboard offers the infotainment and navigation system and also acts as a visual for the rear camera which clearly shows what’s behind you when reversing or parking. This
TEST DRIVE • The New Mercedes C Class Coupé reversing camera is available together with the optional COMMAND online multimedia system.
transmission modes may be switched from Comfort to Sport Modes at a touch of a button.
When it comes to the drive, the car is even more impressive! The model driven is the C220 CDi Blue Efficiency 4 cylinder engine featuring the ECO start stop function and with AMG package which obviously increases the thrill of the drive. Sporty yet with an adjusting sport suspension package called dynamic handling which, in a split of a second, stiffens the springs and dampers for agile handling in sport mode or softens up on roads that are less smooth. The handling is excellent, precise even at corners taken at high speeds. This thanks to the handling package which includes a stability control based vectoring system. When the stability control sensors detect understeer, the system slows the inside rear wheel to assist the yawing moment. The car has a 7 speed G- Tronic plus gearbox which allows optimised rpm level and can also reduce fuel consumption. Powerful acceleration is brilliant with individual gears being skipped, when needed during sudden acceleration whilst
The C220 reaches a top speed of 232 km/h reaching the 100km from standstill in just 8.4 seconds. It has 400nm of torque between 1400 and 2800 rpm and develops 168bhp. Fuel consumption is between 4.4 litres to 5.1 litres for combined driving. Mercedes engines have in fact increased their power output on their diesel engines whilst at the same time reducing fuel consumption by 20% with CO2 emissions also reduced by 23% which, on this particular model means that the CO2 emissions are between 117 to 132 kg p/km. Security is at the top of the list on this vehicle which has no less than 9
by Fleur Balzan
airbags. Other security systems are the Driving Assistant Package which amongst other things helps the driver keep a certain distance away from the vehicle in front, and if need be initiates braking. There is also the Intelligent light system, the LED tail lights and adaptive brake lights and the Attention Assist which recognises if the driver is losing control of the vehicle through drowsiness etc. Other security features such as the Neck-Pro head restraints protect the driver and passengers whilst Mercedes have also thought of the safety of the pedestrians thanks to the Active Bonnet which, in case of an accident, is made to soften the blow should it hit someone. A car that is sure to increase Mercedes Benz’s sales potential in the C Class!
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Launches The Compact Audi Q3 Just before the end of the year, Continental Cars Ltd presented the brand’s new compact vehicle, the Q3. This is a five door Coupe Crossover which slots itself perfectly between the Q1 and Q5 and is aimed at those wishing a sporty vehicle which at the same time appeals to a particular lifestyle. With this vehicle, Audi hopes to attract the client who is moving away from larger vehicles but at the same time still wishes a spacious crossover. The Q3 combines a transverse engine layout with flexible steering and suspension, and is available in front-wheel drive, one which will definitely be very popular on our island, as well as quattro ‘on demand’ four wheel drive variants. The car may be viewed at the Audi showroom in Testaferrata Str, Msida.
‘Hupper’ Happy Scooters! We have heard it time and time again, our island is the perfect place for travelling with a scooter! Short distances and great weather most of the year should make us think of taking up this better option for avoiding traffic: A Scooter! Well yes, a lot of people would suggest a motorcycle too but with a lot not being comfortable with driving a motorcycle, a scooter sounds more appealing. Now Industrial Motors has provided us with a choice of scooters to tempt any traffic intolerant individual, The Hupper Scooters. These scooters have finally made it to
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our shores with the entry Hupper scooter models, the 50cc Slalom and Scugnizzo being priced at just €975. There are also another two options also at 50cc, the Hupper Tomcat at €1050 and the Hupper Ouragan at €1100. For those wishing a little more power there is even the 125cc Hupper Kyalami and Montclair scooters at €1575, all prices that make these scooters ideal to share the garage with your precious 4 wheels. These scooters may be seen at Industrial Motors Ltd in National Road, Blata L-Bajda.
NEWS • Launches
Jeep Arrives In Malta Following some difficult years for Jeep manufacturer Chrysler, in June 2009, a new company, Chrysler Group LLC, was set up together with the Italian automaker Fiat to save the brand from bankruptcy. Since, Fiat increased its stake from 20% to 58.5% so hoping to restore the brand both in the US and globally. From what we can see so far, Fiat’s influence on Jeep is already being recognised, and lucky for us, the brand is now officially available in Malta! The company representing Fiat locally is UCIM Co Ltd, so it was natural that they would be the official representatives for Jeep here.
Wrangler on some of the few remaining untouched roads on our island and what a fun day it was! The Grand Cherokee is a premium SUV offering striking looks with high class comfort, excellent performance and premium safety. The Jeep Compass is a stylish, spacious vehicle aimed at active families wanting a roomy heavy duty car, whilst the Jeep Wrangler is a fun, attractive and young 4x4 vehicle for those with an active outdoor lifestyle. And so Jeep remains ‘the’ Jeep, as original as ever, yet we must say, with looks that have been refined and improved in true Italian style!!
In mid January the local media was invited to try out 3 of the 4 models that will be available in Malta. We drove the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Jeep Compass and the Jeep
Hyundai make it three! Meridian Enterprises Ltd recently launched the first 3 new vehicles for 2012. These are the Hyundai Veloster, the Hyundai Elantra and the Hyundai i40 all three, according to Managing Director Francesca Mamo, representing the brand’s slogan ‘New Thinking, New Possibilities’. The Veloster is a sporty 3 door coupe offering individuality
and dynamic performance, with looks that will attract new buyers to the brand. The Elantra is an attractive hatchback which has already gathered a few honours to its name and the i40 is a stylish modern premium vehicle, long with smooth lines and SW capabilities.
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T
he challenge was set. After going through my late father’s old pictures I found during a clear out, there was one that really stuck out for me; a proud tall man stood next to his baby blue mk2 Ford Cortina 1600E from 1967. What triggered off the trip down memory lane was the Mdina Grand Prix last October. I was actually there on a post with the Malta Red Cross when I saw a few classic Fords in their full Brit pride come swinging around the corner bottom of the first hill. I really wanted one! Even the Rolls Royce Silver Shadow that lived up to its name almost ‘rolling’ literally in front of me. As soon as I got home I did what every petrol head’s wife dreads, jumped on the Internet with a fantasy budget. I gave myself a €1,000 budget to find Britain’s most classic car, in Malta. You would think it would be quite easy but not if you are fussy. After jumping on a few auction sites I was amazed at what was on offer for so little! There were Mazda 929s, Peugeots and pretty much every Toyota that was ever built from Japan all under budget. All no good, they weren’t British. The search had to move elsewhere. My wish list then became a top three from what I had found; A Morris Marina van with windows, totally British originating from the Midlands. It was well within budget and in good condition. Car number two was an mk3 Ford Cortina GLX in black. This came as a result of a drive past near Mosta which resulted in braking so hard my wife got a bit of whiplash. And finally, an immaculate Ford Anglia I found in a car park near Portomaso. Sprayed in white I really had my heart set on it until I looked under the bonnet. In fact all of them had one common problem. Now, you know I love Malta and especially the old cars but let me tell you something that saddens me, the Toyota diesel engine. Almost every classic car that I have 18
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found seems to have this engine in it! It’s like as soon as the British motors arrived on the islands they had to pass a special garage where the diesel was implanted before it made its home here. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great engine and of course back in the day economical, just not, well, British. And so the search went on. Along came Escort mk2s, a Ford Transit Van (I saw this on a roundabout near Zebbug) even a Vauxhall Viva that had just failed it’s VRT on emissions. All with that diesel engine in it. This was sure going to be an epic fail. There was no way for that price I was going to get what I wanted. That is until I passed an open garage on the way to pick up the wife’s Nan for Christmas from Hamrun. Below her apartment there was an open door with two very round headlights and a shiny chrome grill peering out at me. An icon that truly was British and what I was looking for. It was a car that was probably the first thing your parents drove and at age 14 was mine. I am of course talking about the Mini. Everyone in the 60’s had one from The Beatles to the Pope. Now of course, reborn as an icon thanks to the Germans (and ironically the Mini ‘D’ powered Toyota diesel!). Getting carried away I took a look inside this haven ecstatic at my find to the point I forgot I was in someone else’s yard! But in true Maltese style the elderly owner Joe was only too pleased to show me his pride and joy… owned from new. An hour passed in which I inspected every outer join of the 32 year old wheel arches, the immaculate beige interior, giant speedometer on the dash and of course the transverse 1000cc (non diesel) engine. All was perfect until a problem. It wasn’t for sale. And so the search goes on. If you do pass a British classic by the side of the road or just happen to see one whilst picking up your Nan do get in touch. So far I have failed to find Britain’s most classic car…in Malta.
FEATURE • Online Crime
by Ben Glover
Rants from Stuttgart and Beyond {Part 9} | by JK Farrugia - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Topless Sensation - Porsche unveils the 991 Cabrio
T
he sports car manufacturer unveiled the Cabrio version of the new 911 for the first time at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit starting on the 9th January 2012. Being the first of the world’s largest annual auto shows, the Detroit Motor Show traditionally ushers in the new automotive year with the hottest new models to grace the planet. The show held in the authoritative automotive capital is regarded as a landmark marketplace for trends especially those having particular significance for the North American market. The US traditionally is one of the main markets for Porsche, so it comes as little surprise that Detroit was chosen deliberately for the world premiere of the new 911 Cabrio. Moreover the American market is by far the world’s biggest in terms of sales of 911 convertibles. The topless 991 however is far from just a pretty face: the manufacturer claims it is doubling the driving fun to be had from the new 911 Carrera by putting a Cabriolet alongside the Coupé. What the Coupé began with the new aluminium-steel body, the
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Cabriolet continues with an allnew, unique hood. This allows the typical 911 roof line to be retained in its entirety. Porsche utilized highly innovative lightweight elements in the hood design, which include the use of magnesium in the hood, resulting in less weight and more sportiness, lower fuel consumption and greater comfort. This has led to the 991 Cabrio models being significantly lighter than its predecessors.
and even more highly sought after Carrera S Cabrio, which is powered by the 3.8-litre boxer six-cylinder engine developing no less than 400 bhp, also channelled through a seven-speed stick shift. Both cars may alternatively be equipped with the tongue twisting paddle shift “Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe” gearbox (PDK in short), delivering shorter acceleration times, and most remarkably, lower fuel consumption.
As from its launch there will be two variants to the convertible. The Carrera Cabrio will house the 3.4litre flat six engine generating 350 bhp, driving the rear wheels through a seven-gear manual gearbox. The second variation will be the venerable
With the longer wheelbase of the 991 compared with the 997, the wider front track and the new electromechanical power steering, the new convertibles offer even more dynamic driving characteristics, greater precision and agility on the road.
FEATURE • Online Crime
by Ben Glover
The 2012 catwalk collection for the 991 starts here aggressive stance to the car. This results not only in a clear view of the braking system, with painted calipers in any custom colour as an option, but also in effective heat dispersal. Furthermore a weight advantage of up to 15% results in a reduction of the rotating and unsprung mass weight and increased driving dynamics for the Porsche 991 models.
M
any are the well-known aftermarket stylists and performance gurus that are ready to line up their wares whenever a new Porsche model is revealed to the world. Techart definitely needs no introduction in the Porschephile circles. For 2012 Techart is offering several aesthetic and performance upgrades for those who cherish individualization packages for their Stuttgart model.
In addition to the wide-ranging program for the interior refinement, like the Techart custom full leather interior, the sport steering wheel variations, or even customized PDK paddle-shifters offering greater gear change precision, the company is now offering its customers the classic and elegant five-spoke Techart Formula light alloy wheels in 20 and 21 inch sizes for the 991. The flowing shape of these wheels utilise large spaces between the spokes to give a more
Moreover Techart has produced sport tailpipes specifically for this new model made of polished stainless steel with a dual oval tube or a round tube, as well as exterior trim parts in carbon fibre or custom colour in order to create an unmistakable individual 911.
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FEATURE • Online Crime
by Ben Glover
Y
Now to be fair Gordini was probably halfway through his midlife crisis by the time the company was sold so we’ll let him off. My father-in-law really has no excuse. I had to have a go!
After a recent trip back to the UK it was clear my exmotor dealer father-in-law was having his. Gone was the sensible Ford Focus CC from the driveway only to be replaced by what can only be described as a boy’s racer car, the Renault Clio Gordini. I honestly thought his eldest son had passed his test and had popped over for a cup of tea and to get his washing done.
When you slide into the part leather and sports Gordini badged stitched seats you know this is no hire car. As the seats hug you for the perfect fit only then do you see the point of this car. The finger friendly steering wheel, metal gear knob and the drilled racing pedals, it all feels a lot bigger than a standard size Clio. Even the Fiat 500 is slightly outdone, especially if you are a long fellow like me. And with 128bhp waiting to be released (a 106bhp diesel is available as well as the 200 Cup) it was only fair we fire her up and take to the roads.
This was the car that followed in a long line of sporty models in tribute to Amédée Gordini nicknamed “Le Sorcier” after his Formula 1 tuned engines were successful in the 1950’s. So much so, Renault bought the company.
As this was technically a test to see if this car would work on our island’s roads I tried my hardest to avoid the motorway but it was no good. I was not home for long and needed my fix of hitting 70mph! Even with a 6-speed
ou can always tell when someone is having a midlife crisis. My Mother-in-law for instance has started to dress like her daughter and is attracting the attention of my mates. Whereas men just go and buy something big with a motor. Whether it is a motorbike named after a fax machine or a turbo charged car either way this really is a crisis.
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FEATURE • Small Car… Big Fun Crisis!
by Ben Glover
gearbox it was a little road noisy, not helped by the low profile 16” alloys. A ride out-classed by the Opel Corsa VXR. Its Renault Sport chassis though would be perfect for the run up (or down) to Mellieha with enough poke to put Facebook lovers to shame. And no worries about getting lost with its integrated Tom Tom sat nav. To be honest, I’d happily get lost in it with the radio off.
The ride was a small let down. If you like a strong but smooth set up then try the Ford Fiesta ST (go for the one in green), the Gordini was a bit like driving a go-kart at times. Yet looking at the bigger picture you can still fit the shopping in the deep fill boot, it will hit 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds and if driven carefully manage 42.0mpg. And all this fun when quite reasonably priced.
Small cars like this are great if you are a singleton; having a big family or wanting to transport the grandparents to church on a Sunday may not be so easy. Rear seating is only suitable, well, if you are single! Don’t expect many of these on the school run unless you go for the VW Polo GT, which seats five.
Malta does need a small car with a big personality, performance and of course the fun. Next time you want to look for an SUV, Grand Tourer or even a 4x4 why not have a midlife crisis instead. It looks like mine may have begun at 32…
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FEATURE • Online Crime
TYRE STRAITS and their walk of life
by Ben Glover
How not to spend money for nothing by Mark Attard
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nly a few of us, vehicle drivers, would ever realise the utmost importance of the tyre in our daily commutes. In fact the tyre is the only part of the vehicle that actually is in contact with the road, (unless the vehicle is travelling on its side or upside down, but that’s beyond the scope of this article!). The car’s power is produced by the engine, transferred through gear trains and shafts and finally delivered through tyres to push the vehicle up the road to our destinations. It also transfers the steering commands to the ground and limits the tangential escape of the vehicle when driving round a curve. The word tyre itself may have been derived from the word “tie,” which refers to the external steel ring part of a wooden cart wheel that ties the timber segments together. The earliest pneumatic tyre dates back to 150 years ago and various materials were used and are being used to produce the “right” tyre for the given conditions. Mainly, three sections are identified within the tyre, the tread, the side walls and the bead. The tread is the most wearing part and provides the contact part. Some treads acts as pumps to remove the water present on the road from beneath the tyre footprint, thus ensuring better adhering properties. The sidewall transmits the torque applied by the drive axle to the tread in order to create traction and is
made of rubber and steel for strength and flexibility. The bead is that part of the tyre that contacts the rim on the wheel, it seats tightly to ensure the tubeless tyre holds air without leakage and to ensure it does not shift circumferentially as the wheel rotates.
safe of speed cameras catch zones and everywhere else, one tyre slip or flare and you would have spent your money for nothing, or even worse killed someone or yourself. Buying branded tyres is quite a guarantee for good quality but some new brands also offer quite good products too.
The main types of tyres are cross ply, radial and solid, with the eldest type being the cross ply, it was generally fit for older, slower cars. Radial tyres are mostly used today and solid tyres are used for high security and safety vehicles.
Frequent checks on air tyre pressure are highly recommended in order to increase the life time of your tyres. With the occasional hole in the road and hitting high pavements, tyres do get deflated and with radial tyres it’s quite hard to notice with the naked eye. A quick round check at your petrol station, with a proper pressure gauge could save you time, money and nasty accidents.
There are two crucial aspects in the walk of life of the tyre. Firstly we have to choose the right tyre for our vehicle and secondly we have to get rid of it in time before it’s too late. We never buy a vehicle without its tyres, being it new or second hand, but in the case of new cars no one really worries about the tyres, say for the first 2 years. In the case of second hand bargains one has to be sure that the tyres are up to scratch before using the car at all. Some people would try to economise on tyre costs, buying retreaded or cheap alternative tyres, in my opinion this is quite a gamble. If you use the car daily and your passengers are your loved ones, including infants, then you better think it over again.
Having said all this, new technology has now produced a different type of tyre which could be revolutionary in the sense of safety and reliability, this is called non pneumatic tyre or airless tyre. These tyres are not supported by air pressure and therefore cannot go flat, but have some problems of their own, like higher rolling friction and much less suspension than similar shape and size pneumatic tyres. However some companies are developing an integrated tyre and wheel combination with a low energy loss of power and it will be designed to withstand driving over sharp and irregular objects without rapture, now that’s what I call a “Maltese roads compatible invention!”
Imagine those who are always late and are speeding after driving WHEELSPIN
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by Gerald Fenech
A
s the number of cars continue to increase on our roads, the situation gets even worse with traffic congestion continually becoming an issue. Even more so with all the road works currently going on. Recent surveys have shown that the number of cars on our roads has topped the 325,000 mark and this appears to be continually increasing at a pretty fast rate. What with the spate of car imports from EU countries such as the UK and the affordability of new vehicles, the number of cars continues to multiply apace.
During this quarter, the majority of new licences were issued to private vehicles within ‘Class 1’ (<1300 cc), accounting for 1,452 new licences, followed by vehicles in ‘Class 5’ (18012000 cc) with 528. Newly-licensed ‘new’ motor vehicles amounted to 1,455, or 35 per cent of the total. A total of 2,697 ‘used’ motor vehicles were newly-licensed during this period. In the third quarter this year, 31 vehicles were exported. Scrapped vehicles numbered 937, of which 87.2 per cent were private vehicles, with the majority in the ‘Class 1’ category (<1300 cc).
Finally one has to account for the fact that younger people are constantly driven to acquire new vehicles and there are also issues due to the use of school and public transport. Many a time, one may observe hundreds of parent’s vehicles
Garaged vehicles amounted to 2,099 or 68.4 per cent of the total vehicles which were no longer on the road in the period under review.
waiting outside schools before these close and the incredible congestion which manifests itself after the school closing time is rather incredible, to say the least.
Traffic congestion is becoming ever more of an issue with several ‘hot spots’ full of huge amounts of traffic all over the island. Rush hour traffic is becoming an increasingly important and powerful issue too with long queues of cars regularly shunted in and creating a huge problem for those who are caught in it. There were 303,761 licensed motor vehicles at the end of September 2011, the National Statistics Office said. The NSO said that of these, 76.4 per cent were private vehicles, while commercial vehicles accounted for 15.6 per cent. A total of 4,152 new licences were issued in the third quarter - 3,353 of them for private vehicles. 26
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Another issue with cars upon our roads is the fact that industrial vehicles are constantly on the rise and with much less space for these on our one lane roads, congestion becomes even worse. One has to admit that the situation is constantly spiralling out of control in this respect and that everyone has to accept the fact that if something is not done to control these heavy vehicles, accidents will definitely increase.
The public transport reform has not been too helpful either and has actually created more congestion and problems. Parking spaces are more limited these days and the situation continues getting worse and worse with several places being taken up by shoppers and office workers especially in the main areas such as Sliema and Valletta. The City Gate embellishment project has also severely affected the availability of parking in the capital city with several hundred parking spaces having now vanished completely and permanently.
There has to be a holistic plan to reduce the number of cars on our roads as the situation is getting constantly worse. One can try car pooling as well as the reduced usage of vehicles during peak hours in an attempt to effectively reduce the congestion during these peak times. The thing is these initiatives may help but are far from solving the problem on a small island like ours.
WINTERY FERRARI IN TUSCANY W
e are weeks away from the inaugural F1 Grand Prix with all the teams looking forward to another gruelling season. The top teams will be doing their utmost to dethrone resident holders Red Bull F1 team, after the car launches off to Jerez in the south of Spain for the first test.
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Words and images Pierre Vella
However Ferrari had staged their end of year season finals prior to the conclusion of the F1 season due to the late ending of the Grand Prix.
The F1 clients were also present, an incredible sight with all those Ferrari racers coming down the pit lane for a couple of demonstration laps.
After an absence of two years from the Tuscany Ferrari track, it was a delight to hear the Ferrari cars roaring around the Mugello track. Both previous editions were staged at the circuit of Valencia due to Fernando Alonso having joined the Italian team and main sponsor Spanish Financial institution Santander. Unfortunately, missing from this year’s event were Alonso and Massa, whilst the bad weather around the Scarperia area did keep the crowds away. However it was another eventful three days.
However, it is a fact that the number of vintage Ferrari have been on the decrease these past years. Historic cars are being restricted from participating in so many events as pressure to restore these cars is of utmost importance. Watching a historic car drive around a circuit brings goose bumps even in torrid hot temperatures. Last year a memorable sight was watching Fernando Alonso driving the Ferrari 275 at Silverstone, 60 years after Ferrari’s first win in Formula 1.
Together with some dedicated tifosi, we ventured the bad weather and headed for a three day adventure, talking, thinking and seeing just red. These events give a different insight to all those that have race cars in their system. The event makes it possible to get up close to the various vehicles from the Ferrari challenge where specially prepared road cars challenge it out both in Europe and the US. Also in 2011 an Asia championship was originated clearly showing the interest of this dedicated championships. The Ferrari special race program was initiated way back with Michael Schumacher as instigator starting off with FXX. Now the 599 is being utilized and last November it was confirmed that the program will continue through 2012.
Finally a word of thanks to all those that showed their appreciation to the footage the Wheelspin team provided from the Ferrari Finals at Mugello. As a team we strive to satisfy our viewers and we are very grateful for all the support you give us.
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