Issue 20 — Summer 2013
MILES AHEAD...
Cars Driven Lately
We take a look at no fewer than 8 new cars which we test drove just for you!
Goodwood Festival Of Speed 2013 Walking through a motor sport history book
Residential Parking Schemes Discrimination or Sanity?
SUVs Family-man Ben Glover waves goodbye to his sports convertible past
Issue 20 - Summer 2013
Issue 20 — Summer 2013
MILES AHEAD...
Cars Driven Lately
We take a look at no fewer than 8 new cars which we test drove just for you!
Goodwood Festival Of Speed 2013 Walking through a motor sport history book
Residential Parking Schemes Discrimination or Sanity?
SUVs Family-man Ben Glover waves goodbye to his sports convertible past
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 Ben Glover
Hair
Cut Coiffeur
Make Up Shasha
Advertising & Sales Fleur Balzan (+356) 21576154 (+356) 99805763
Pre-Press & Printing
Impressions Ltd., Marsa
Editor’s Note Fleur Balzan The summer months may not be the most ideal to be out test driving vehicles but with so many different cars arriving on our shores, it seemed natural to be out on the road for most of the days of the week. Out on the road in a different vehicle! I, for one, wasn’t complaining! We have gathered some of the various test drives done in our article ‘Cars Driven Lately’ and this time around we had quite a few cars from different segments. July is the month for the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This event in the UK is one to follow and that is what Pierre Vella does every year. This year he takes a look at the vehicles racing at this event and also lists the names of people he chatted with while at Goodwood. Ben Glover is about to become a daddy again, and there he goes looking for the most appropriate car for his growing family. This article is genuinely about a father looking for the best car depending on his needs and not on his desires. Haven’t we all been there? On the other hand a controversy is never lacking and Gerald Fenech looks at the Residential Parking schemes and the commotion these schemes are causing. These and other articles are all including in this issue, so go ahead and enjoy the read!
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 Summer 2013
Features 7
Cars Driven Lately
16
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013
20
SUVs
Launches 18
Recently Launched cars in Malta
22
Residential Parking Schemes Discrimination or Sanity?
News 23
Cars and LPG
23
DemoEV Initiative Launched
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Letters to the Editor: Dear Fleur,
To Wheelspin,
First of all thank you for delivering such an informative motor program. I always look forward to watching it. It keeps me updated with what’s new on the market and what’s coming up. Being someone who likes changing cars quite often, I always find it extremely helpful when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle.
There are very few magazines I like receiving through the letter box but yours is one I look forward to time and time again. Glad I subscribed to it as I have decided I want to collect each issue as I always go back to reading the articles even after having read them before. I must say thank you for sending me the one I had missed out on. Thankfully now that I receive it at home, I will not miss out on it again.
Emanuel Ellul
Anthony,
Hi Wheelspin,
Wheelspin,
Congratulations for a great show. For the next season I would have to comment that I would like to see more test drives since these provide viewers with a good idea of the specs and handling of the car, possibly more of the lower priced vehicles too. Many thanks,
So, first of all a big well done for Wheelspin and so looking forward to the next season. I wish to see more involvement of Pierre Vella especially with more Formula 1 space and keep up his interviews. Thanks and good luck. Jason Sultana
Jeremy Portelli
Hi Fleur, I enjoyed a lot watching your program on Saturday afternoon. It was very interesting the feature on SUV crash tests made in America. The program is well formed and people you find for interviews make you aware on the huge Maltese talent we have. Thank you and keep it up!!!! Mario Attard
Throughout summer the Wheelspin team will be receiving suggestions for the next season of the TV programme and for the next publication. Send us these suggestions on wheelspin@b. rightnewmedia.com and every letter chosen will receive a voucher to have your car cleaned by J Micallef Service Station.
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> WHEELSPIN
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FEATURE • Cars Driven Lately 2013 has continued to see the increase in popularity of smaller, cleaner vehicles and yet, thanks to the ever growing technology being introduced by most of the car manufacturers, it seems that compact SUV’s are still highly requested by those with larger family needs. One such vehicle driven lately is the Opel Mokka. The Mokka is an attractive SUV which although offers plenty of space both in the cabin and in the boot, isn’t that large when one looks at it. The body is no longer than 4.28 metres which make it as easy to handle as any hatchback, especially when it comes to parking. Yes, parking convenience is no longer hindered when one opts for these compact SUV’s and the Mokka is a true example of this.
by Fleur Balzan
1
OPEL MOKKA
With a short bonnet and distinctive clean lines on the sides and on the same bonnet, a high positioned grille incorporating the Opel badge and a discretely placed roof rack, this car may be considered sporty yet with an elegant touch to it. Chrome touches beneath the windows as seen from the side, the 18” alloy wheels and the overall décor even within the vehicle itself continue to strengthen the sporty elegance image of the Mokka.
features. Amongst these are the climate control, a screen designed within the dashboard incorporating the navigation, Bluetooth and rear view camera, audio system and other vehicle information. The interior design includes leather dashboard and seats in beautiful two tone browns with white stitching. The flat part of the front seats move forward to increase the seating area whilst the car offers ample storing space with several compartments also within the dashboard itself.
The model driven is the 1.7 litre ecotec diesel front wheel drive producing 130bhp, with an automatic gearbox and with fully loaded
The space for both the front passenger and the rear passengers is generous as is the space in the boot which includes a spare wheel
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PEUGEOT 2008
and is flat and so makes it easier for loading. The drive of the model tested is pleasant, with a comfortable suspension that is not too sporty, very good cornering and precise handling and with excellent torque once on the road. Definitely a car worth trying out if one is considering such a segment!
Compact SUV’s or crossovers are the in thing right now and Peugeot too have seen this coming and have introduced their newest number, the Peugeot 2OO8. The Peugeot 2OO8 is a completely new model which takes its place between the 2O8 hatchback and the larger SUV 3OO8. Built on the Peugeot 2O8 but on a larger scale, the 2OO8 is sure to attract a segment of people looking for an economical car which offers comfort and space yet which isn’t bulky and offers value for money. With a higher seating position than its younger sibling, the 2OO8 is only 4.16 metres long and therefore makes
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FEATURE • Cars Driven Lately it ideal for parking, even more so on our island. There are many similarities to the 2O8 when it comes to shape and looks. The body lines are similar just slightly curved, the front grille too, though higher like floating and framed in chrome, and also the front and rear lights which at the back are shaped like a boomerang. The 2OO8 however also includes a roof rack,
has longer body overhangs and is obviously higher than the 2O8. On the inside the similarities continue. The smaller steering wheel, the touch screen positioned on the centre of the dashboard, the digital information panel, the clean centre console and the door handles and dashboard itself. The space is more however, increasing further within the boot which is flat and offers plenty of loading space even more so when the rear seats are inclined. As a drive, the Peugeot 2OO8 has impressed us just as much as the 2O8 had. The car is light and even the
It has been called a compact SUV but looking at it one would not notice the ‘compact’ part. This car is beautiful and extremely spacious. This is the Toyota Rav 4, the 4th generation of this model which has been changed completely. The Rav 4 has always been a very popular model for Toyota so why would you think the company would need to make changes to it? Well, for some time SUV’s where considered to be fuel draining, high emission vehicles and most brands wanted to change that reality! Toyota sure managed to do just that! The model driven is the 2 litre diesel Icon version producing 124bhp and emitting just 127g/km of CO2. Definitely surprising figures when one thinks of SUV’s. The look of this vehicle is striking with muscular lines which are sharp thus offering an image which is sporty and modern. The profile suggests elegance with chrome running along the full length of the windows. The front is stunningly beautiful with a grille split by a chrome line then split again in the centre by the Toyota Badge. If the outside is beautiful then the inside is spectacular, with a dashboard and centre console made with designed carbon fibre then with a leather section along the bottom
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by Fleur Balzan
smallest engine offers an excellent driving experience. Precise and agile steering, excellent handing, road holding and cornering even at higher speeds, comfortable suspension and great torque. Plus the visibility is also very good thanks to the higher seating position and the shape of the A Pillars. The versions available locally are three, the Access, Active and Allure with a choice of engines ranging from a 1.2 litre and 1.6 litre petrol and a 1.4 to 1.6 litre diesel with low CO2 ranging from just 99g/km to 135g/km on the 1.6litre petrol model.
TOYOTA RAV4
side of the dashboard. Another element which is very artistic is the design of the simple features such as cup holders and other sections in between the front seats which are not symmetrical. Definitely jazzy!! The 6” touch screen is incorporated in the dashboard and lights up nicely as does the speedometer making the inside atmosphere very tranquil whist driving especially at night. In this particular model the seats where made of normal material yet these where stitched and therefore very attractive. The space even at the rear seats is more than adequate and these seats also recline back thus making the vehicle extremely comfortable for long drives.
The boot space is large and with rear seats folded one could practically sleep in the car. The boot door also opens electronically at the touch of a button and can be set to the height required when open. As for the drive this is one to leave a smile on one’s face! This 2 litre diesel engine develops beautifully, the grip on the road is excellent no matter the speed and the road holding is good with no rolling at all even whilst cornering. The driver position is excellent with very good visibility of the road. Definitely a 4th generation which excels!!
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FEATURE • Cars Driven Lately Larger Cars may have experienced a drop in past years but many are those that require a larger and more spacious vehicle for family needs or due to particular jobs. Estates where aimed at such people but unfortunately these cars lacked in design sometimes. Luckily this is a thing of the past and the newest larger vehicles are not only aimed to offer cleanliness and space but also offer an attractive design to compete also with luxury sedans.
by Fleur Balzan
4
CHEVROLET CRUZE SPORT WAGON
One such vehicle driven recently is the Chevrolet Cruze Sport Wagon a car which offers convenience and style and so much, so much space! With looks similar to the Chevrolet Cruze Sedan, with straight clean lines running from above the front wheel arches straight to the back ending at the rear lights this Sport Wagon is pleasing to look at. The front is definitely Chevrolet with a dominant face and the Chevrolet badge splitting the grille in two. The interior is clean with all the features easily accessible to the driver. The model driven had leather interior which makes the car look so luxurious on the inside too. On the
5
Space is extravagant in this car for the driver and all passengers, including those in the rear, and more so in the boot which is enormous. Yet
the car, though big, still is very stylish to look at. With a 2 litre VCDI Turbo diesel engine producing no less than 163 bhp and a weighted, precise steering wheel this car proved to be one hell of a drive. The car is so powerful, yet smooth and one just wants to drive it more and on longer roads. Emitting just 138g/km of CO2 emissions this is sure to be a winner with those requiring luxury and space in one package.
MERCEDES CLA
Everybody can get used to luxury, but when luxury comes with a beautiful, eye catching sporty phenomenal drive, than it cannot be but an exceptional package. We had seen the Mercedes CLA when it was unveiled in Geneva this 10
centre of the dashboard is a screen which features a very user friendly navigation system incorporating the Bluetooth system with voice control and featuring the rear view camera too. Other features included are: an on board computer giving details of the drive and the car, climate control, keyless entry, electric mirrors and more.
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year and then again when it was launched locally by the representing
sexy car to leave me wanting more than just to look at it!
local brand and I couldn’t not agree with the person (another female ☺) who pointed to the rear end of the car and told me: ‘Isn’t this car sexy?’ Yes we females do speak of cars in this way and there is nothing like a
The minute I drove the Mercedes CLA out of the showroom, eyes were looking in my direction. Not at me but at this beautiful 4 door coupe which Mercedes have managed to
FEATURE • Cars Driven Lately
by Fleur Balzan
present to those that still want a four door vehicle to look stunning. And stunning it is! From the dominant diamond face incorporating the Mercedes Benz badge, to the striking lines running from front to rear like an artist’s hit of the brush, to the (hehehe here it comes) ‘sexy’ rear overhang, this car is desirable. Although with the convenience of four doors the windows are frameless and therefore make the car appear even sportier when viewed from the side as the B Pillars seem practically non-existent. The interior is just as attractive with an elegant leather dashboard.
One luxury brand to introduce another luxury vehicle is BMW with the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, a car which was also unveiled in Geneva this year. The luxury in this vehicle is truly impressive and is most apparent at first glance. From the outside the car is long with a coupe style back. It has a long bonnet, typical of BMW, and distinctive side lines which run from behind the front wheel to just below the door handles, ending at the rear lights. With chrome framing the side windows and the air breather behind the front wheels, and a ‘luxury’ badge on top of this, the car identifies itself for what it represents. Luxury at its best!!
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Air vents inspired by jets, as in the A Class, are situated below the free standing screen and above the audio system controls. The leather steering wheel and leather door handles both have red stitching which is so, so attractive and the panoramic sunroof gives that feeling of open air tranquillity which just makes you want to continue driving. The model driven is the 4 cylinder CLA 200 with 7G-DCT transmission. It produces 156bhp at 5300 rpm with torque at 250nm between 1250 to 4000 rpm. The drive is simply amazing and one just wishes to have the opportunity to try such a car on roads that are not available locally.
BMW 3 SERIES GRAN TURISMO
On the inside the car screams ‘executive’. With leather interior throughout, the car has a distinctively BMW recognisable dashboard
featuring a navigation screen situated in the centre of the elegant dashboard. Also thanks to an excessive amount of leg and shoulder room one can easily mistake oneself for being in a 6 Series BMW and not in a 3 Series. The features found in this vehicle are all those expected to find and more, from climate control to reversing rear view camera to the active rear spoiler which opens and closes at the touch of a button so improving efficiency and driving dynamics. To top up all the extravagance is the also extraordinary drive. The
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model driven is the 320d with 4 cylinders and a 2 litre diesel engine reaching from standstill to 100km in just 8 seconds and producing 184 bhp. CO2 emissions are very low at between 129 to 131g/km and with an ‘Eco Pro’ mode, fuel consumption may be optimised. The car truly becomes a part of the driver when it is driven. With excellent grip of the roads at very high speeds, this car is simply a dream drive for many. With BMW’s new 8 speed sport automatic gearbox, this car just makes you want to relax in your seat, press on the gas and enjoy!
FEATURE • Cars Driven Lately This French beauty was another vehicle driven recently. Following the car’s launch in Gozo, we got to drive this car over 2 days both on the roads of Malta and Gozo. This is the 4th generation of the Clio yet it is another car to be changed completely by the brand as Renault is inspired by its concept design, the DeZir. It is a supermini which is generous in space, extremely attractive in looks and offers quite a pleasant drive too. With a powerful attractive face featuring the large Renault badge, a curvy muscular body becoming even more muscular at the back from the rear wheel arches, this car is good looking, appealing and young! The interior too has been improved. The dashboard features a touch screen incorporating the audio system and Bluetooth which together with other controls are positioned on the centre of the dashboard and are framed in a piano finish effect which is then framed in chrome. The door handle too features the same piano finish
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7
RENAULT CLIO
thus giving the car both a young and modern look and also a more high quality feel to the interior. The model driven is the 1.5 litre diesel producing 90bhp and offering quite a drive. The car is responsive with a steady grip of the road. Road holding is good and the steering is
The new FIAT 500L is just that. The 500 that has grown offering the comfort of a 5 door hatchback whilst still focused on the 500 style. WHEELSPIN
precise offering that agile feeling whilst driving. This is one B Segment vehicle which is excellent value for money, offering both the drive and the attractiveness of a youthful car!
visibility of the road is also extremely good thanks also to the double slim A Pillars which never once obstruct visibility. The dashboard is clean featuring a small touch screen with audio system and Bluetooth
FIAT 500L
If there is one car which is an icon for style from the FIAT range, this would surely be the FIAT 500. Now however FIAT have unveiled the 500’s eldest sibling, the 500L a car that will appeal to a segment of clients who love the 500 style yet require a slightly larger vehicle.
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by Fleur Balzan
whilst space is also ample both for front passengers and rear passengers and actually the leg room in the rear is quite surprising.
One thing to strike you when looking at the 500L is the colourful feel of it. The exterior may be ordered in one colour or in a two tone colour whilst the interior too is colourful and two toned which again shows the similarity to the FIAT 500. With slightly curved smooth sides, roundish headlights and rear lights and high positioning, this car is sweet. The driving position is excellent being just slightly elevated whilst the
We drove two versions of the FIAT 500L, the 1.4 litre petrol and the 1.4 litre twin air. Both offer a fairly good drive however the Twin Air version is slightly more responsive offering better immediate torque. The car is agile, cornering very well and with good road holding with a slightly sporty suspension. A cute, colourful car ideal for family use whilst remaining young at heart! A car which will surely have many faces turning to look at it.
GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED 2013
Walking through a motor sport history book
words and images PIERRE VELLA
O
nce more a definite appointment for my yearly motor sport events! People ask me but why return to Goodwood Festival of Speed? Well let’s put it this way, just imagine opening up a history book about motor sport. Close your eyes and imagine you are in the wonderful English country, surrounded by all that you have read on the history book. Well my eyes were wide open and I was there!
This was my eleventh year attending the event, mesmerised as always with the setup. This year I opted to attend the FoS premier day, which falls on Thursday before the long weekend. The day is labelled the ‘FoS moving road show’. It is an opportunity to come up very close to all that is on offer with regards to road cars. The span of availability is from those that want to buy a first time car, a family car or possibly dream of owning an upmarket car. Well the event description seemed to indicate that if one was interested and was patient enough to stand in a queue, you could be taken for a drive up the hill climb in possibly a Honda Civic hybrid or even a Ferrari FF. For the rest of the 16
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weekend, all major car manufacturers were to be present in their mega show exhibition stands where if you missed the Thursday event, you still had the opportunity to view the extensive range of road cars. Back to racing! This year, the FoS is celebrating twenty years, now in its 21st edition. I had to start off from the massive group of motor bikes that packed the paddock area with some stunning drivers lining up for the run, most noticeably Giacomo Agostini (pictured right) and John Surtees. Goodwood means ‘coming up close’ and these legends are all available not just for an autograph but also for a chat. Interestingly Giacomo Agostini,
FEATURE • Goodwood - Festival of Speed 2013
by Pierre Vella
about those moments as he feels they are what made him famous. Such a wonderful person!
one of the greats of motorcycle racing, used his very own MV Augusta 500 (1969). Chatting with his bike mechanic I was mesmerized at the way he was describing the bike. He was not pleased with the setup and gave me the impression that he was heading for a championship winning race. This is sheer determination and passion from these drivers and is just one example of what makes the event simply majestic. Watching around forty bikes racing up the hill is just incredible, but bikes were not the only show. This year with soaring temperatures, the rally stage demonstration proved to be quite a gruelling event. The dry track was much similar to Sardenia or Greece. These drivers were not putting up a show but they were racing the time sheets. The commitment was incredible. What excitement watching an Opel Manta 400 racing the Toyota Celica CAM turbo, the Citroen DS3 WRC together with the all new Ford Fiesta R5 utilizing the event to take the cars through their shakedown! It was time to move to the next chapter. Walking down the hill towards the paddock area I could see that Goodwood was celebrating not only its anniversary but also fifty
years of Porsche and also McLaren’s 50th. Both came down to the FoS in class. Mclaren showcased their latest production cars with the P1 being in centre stage. Plus the dark yellow cars that made McLaren acknowledged as the best ever British racing pedigree. Porsche brought some excellent exhibits both from the Le Mans series, the famous 917 K, and their production cars such as the just launched GT3. Besides taking part in their specific group, Porsche provided an exciting collection of models which went up the hill together.
Before I could blink, I had next to me Damon Hill, Jacky Ickx, Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Stirling Moss, and, oh here he comes, Nico Rosberg with Sebastian Beumi. Bear in mind this is a public place, all are at hand for a chat and an autograph. Soon, conversations were over and helmets on they headed off racing up the hill. Unfortunately my article concludes here as otherwise we would have no space for some stunning pictures. I promise that in the coming months we will have another contribution on our magazine plus talk about Goodwood FoS when our TV program Wheelspin recommences.
I should have a word with Fleur to possibly have a second article about Goodwood FoS because four exciting days cannot be transcribed in just one article. There is so much to see at the event! I always suggest that once in a lifetime you have to attend the FoS. I had taken that advice and have been visiting for years on end. Moving on to my favourite topic Formula 1! Well someone I really look forward to meeting at FoS is Rene Arnoux, one of the regulars, driving for Renault, not with one but two cars. Obviously we always talk about the thrilling time in 1979 with Gilles Villeneuve. Rene is always thrilled
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Launches The Opel Mokka, Fiat 500L, The Mercedes Benz CLA, BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo
We have seen quite a few launches over the past few weeks amongst them the Compact SUV by Opel, the Opel Mokka, the Fiat 500L which is a five door version built on the iconic Fiat 500, the luxurious yet sporty 4 door coupe Mercedes CLA and most recently the BMW 3 series Gran
Turismo, a luxury executive vehicle to leave you breathless. All these vehicles we have tried for ourselves and you can read about them in the ‘Cars Driven Lately’ article on page 7.
Also arrived in Malta… Peugeot have received 2 new vehicles from their line up. These are the sporty 2O8 GTI and the compact crossover Peugeot 2OO8, details of the 2OO8 are also found in our ‘Cars Driven Lately’ article. Both vehicles are available for viewing at the Peugeot showroom, Michael Attard Ltd in Blata l-Bajda.
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NEWS • Launches
Chevrolet Trax A much awaited Compact SUV by Chevrolet has finally made it to our shores. The official launch was held in the last week of July and the local media was given the possibility
of driving this vehicle on a hot sunny summer afternoon. The Chevrolet Trax may be viewed at the GasanZammit showroom in Mriehel.
Kia Pro Cee’d The newest number by Kia has just arrived in Malta. The new Kia Pro Cee’d was unveiled by Cars International Ltd at their showroom on the 3rd week of July. Kia’s first truly sporty car is one to turn heads and may be viewed at the Kia Showroom in Qormi.
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SUV
s
by B e n G love r
I
’ve been dreading this day for a while, the day I swap my comfortable sports convertible for a more ‘sensible’ car. The time has come to ‘man up’ and get myself an SUV – Sports Utility Vehicle. SUVs are the choice for those who want a soft off-roader but will probably never ever leave tarmac. As the Glover family is expanding somehow two adults, one child and a baby seat are not going to fare well in the back of my current Vauxhall Astra Twin Top. Being pretty much ‘the’ tallest person on this rock there is hardly any room for legs behind the driver’s seat, (I practically sit in the back seat to drive anyway). One Saturday I decided to send my son off to his friend’s for me to do one of my favourite pastimes – trawling the car showrooms with my wish list. The rules are:
I always feel it is great to aim high so that is why the Range Rover Evoque was top of the tree. I like the Evoque. No, I actually love it. Yes, it may have been designed partly by a Spice Girl (Victoria Beckham by the way) and yes I’ve had the shouts of ‘It is a girl’s car’ but I don’t care. I love it. It’s 2.2 diesel engine and 4x4 performance appealed to me, there’s plenty of room in the boot and what’s more, and here’s the surprising bit, I didn’t actually have to have the seat fully back to drive it. A first in my life!
It must have room for baby seat and push chair in the boot It must look good It must be reasonable on fuel I must have leg room
There was legroom in the back and the high driving position and wrap around dashboard was just so elegant. Just one problem. The price! At €39,000 for the base model it was
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beyond my budget this time. Besides, I would always be conscious of leaving it out somewhere on the island always wondering if it was going to be ‘alright’. Every single nick or tiny little dent would drive me mad. It’s a great car for Malta; I just don’t think we’re ready for it yet. Back to the drawing board! Around the corner from Land Rover was BMW. I’d had a BMW X5 and really loved it. Its 3 litre V6 petrol engine just sounds divine on the motorway. However with fuel economy being an issue, as well as the size of the thing I know the wife would not get on with the ‘Chelsea Tractor’. The BMW X3 is a good car, smaller, compact yet plenty of room
FEATURE • SUVs – I just can’t help but feel people who drive one of these do because they can’t afford the X5. Whilst in the show room I laid eyes on the BMW X1. This was an ‘SAV’ (Sports Activity Vehicle). This motor is the crossover from the 1-series with raised suspension, more legroom and optional 4-wheel drive. The M-Sport pack ensured paddle shift gearbox, sports trim and a fine engine. The X1 comes with a lot of kit; GPS, iPod/phone connection, climate control, fancy cup holders etc. I was really impressed. It was just lacking some ‘fizz’.
by Ben Glover
I was stuck. I went to Audi, checked out the Q3 and Q5. Both in the Evoque price range yet the Audi’s came with more toys on board. Previous experience told me that they can be expensive to repair and with the budget not really stretching this far I was stuck.
to break any speed records. The Duster’s standard equipment does the job – even comes with A/C and decent stereo system. In the UK a stripped out version with no radio, colour coded trim or even A/C was priced at £8,995! And it’s perfect for Malta. Why?
Then it struck me. It was like a moment from the film ‘Bruce Almighty’ when God visits Jim Carrey. Not quite the bright lights and angels from above but almost as I passed its showroom. I’d heard about this particular car, its rave reviews, its great value for money. I am of course talking about the Dacia Duster.
With high clearance, long wheelbase and spacious interior what you see is what you get: a basic value for money SUV. OK, so it doesn’t have the luxury of the RR, the Audi or the BMW but did we need that this time? With the Duster I wouldn’t be too bothered if a dent appeared, the wife scratched it or the kids messed up the seats. In central Europe this is the car of many emergency services
Next on the list: the Skoda Yeti.
This Romanian built car now has
We had one at my work on show – I really liked it. It was good value, plenty of room, VW built of course yet my wife said no…because it was a Skoda. I reminded her of the fact that it’s now all German owned and that she could fit plenty of show boxes in the box (almost swung it) yet it wasn’t the choice of car for the school run.
Nissan/Renault as it parents. Gone are the shoddy old Dacia’s that once were old Renault bodies converted to run on 4 BHP. Europe’s cheapest SUV was now in Malta. A handsome looking thing that is based on a Nissan Qashqai with a 1.5 DCi diesel from Renault! It was available in 2x4 (€18,620) or 4x4 (€19,940). With 110BHP on tap it wasn’t going
included the German police and Red Cross (kind of swung it for me if I’m honest). So that was it then. I’d found my SUV. The Dacia wasn’t going to turn heads but it ticked all the boxes. And I could get the pushchair in the back. The only box left to tick is the one marked,’ Wife Approves’.
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.................................. | | | | | .................................. | .................................. RESIDENTIAL .................................. PARKING SCHEMES .................................. .................................. .................................. .................................. .................................. DIS ? Y CRIM T .................................. I N A S I NATION OR .................................. .................................. .................................. |
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T
here has been a considerable amount of hullabaloo of late with regard to the implementation of residential parking schemes across some of the heavily congested areas in Malta. Although there has been controversy over the halting of certain schemes, especially the one in Sliema, one has to analyze the situation with an open mind before coming to a conclusion, especially when there are several interests pulling different ends of the rope. Let’s have a look at the actual definition of resident’s parking.
the introduction of a residential parking scheme always courts controversy. The Sliema issue is a case in point where there has been considerable public outcry over the imposition of a blanket scheme which covers the whole locality. The Sliema Local Council and the majority of the residents are insisting that a residential parking scheme is a must to ensure that residents are not locked into their homes and cannot go out for fear of not finding any parking when they return.
Residential zoned parking is a local government practice of designating certain on-street automobile parking spaces for the exclusive use of nearby residents. It is a tool for addressing overspill parking from neighbouring population centres (such as a shopping centre, office building, apartment building, transit station, stadium, or central business district). Typically, residents in the zone pay a small fee to the government in exchange for a placard or sticker placed on their automobile(s) that indicates the zone designation (signified by a number or letter).
On the other hand commuters and shoppers who frequent Sliema or those who work there are faced with the eternal problem of finding parking which is practically impossible at several times of the day. The two hour timing zone for all non parking permit holders had several workers organisations up in arms with teachers at the Sliema Primary School going out on strike for a few hours in protest at the timed parking schemes. Only a few days after the parking scheme was introduced, it was stopped by the Office of the Prime Minister citing difficulties for commuters much to the dismay of the residents although to the elation of those who work in the area.
Although in practise this might look to be a positive development,
However Sliema is not alone in introducing blanket residential parking.
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Another smaller locality which springs to mind is Ta’ Xbiex where a pretty draconian residential parking scheme is in place and has been effective for years. Here there are also several businesses and commuters to the area due to the boating industry in the environs. However no government has even seen it fit to intervene since the scheme is drastically unfavourable to consumers with almost all zones varying between 60 and 90 minutes parking. Incidentally another timed parking zone was supposed to start being introduced in Gzira which is another locality heavy on traffic and congestion, however this has also been put on hold. It seems that there is some grey area over the actual establishment of these parking schemes since they can be legally challenged as discriminatory between residents and consumers. So what is the ultimate solution? It seems that general government policy is moving away from timed parking schemes to other as yet unknown solutions. Residential parking may solve the problem in the short run but something more drastic and holistic needs to be done to address the perennial parking problem in Malta. Short sighted and short term solutions certainly do not help matters at all.
NEWS
Cars and LPG fuel We have heard a lot of mention when it comes to LPG and how one can reduce the running cost of one’s vehicle, yet at the same time we have heard very little about it. It’s a matter of a simple conversion which until recently, locally, only one or two people were qualified to do yet what has changed in these past months? Well now the conversion is more readily available as more garages are trained to do it. Also LPG filling stations are being introduced as a 2nd petrol station installs an LPG filling station at its outlet. Thanks to Muscats Motors and their fully trained technicians at their garage in Gzira we had the opportunity to drive one of these vehicles to see for ourselves if, such a conversion to the engine would sacrifice the quality of the drive.
car, in this case a Citroen C5, was equally responsive with both fuels and one barely realises when the switching is made. According to Mr. David Mowles, Muscats Motors certified automotive engineer, the only difference felt when switching a car from petrol to LPG is in the pocket since LPG is cheaper at 73c per litre, practically half the cost of petrol. Therefore with such savings any initial investment (approximately €1,000) is recovered within less than a year. Moreover, it is being mentioned that the government will offer some form of rebate on the cost of conversion as part of its aim to reduce the carbon footprint of our island and increase cleaner air in our environment. Well thumbs up for the incentive. Definitely a conversion worth considering!
This time this was going to be a different test drive as we wouldn’t be looking at the car as a whole but simply comparing the drive between petrol and LPG. This can easily be done for, with such a conversion, the petrol tank remains and one can choose between either of the fuels at the press of a button which can be done even whilst driving. To our surprise there is practically no difference at all when one switches from petrol to LPG and vice versa. The
DemoEV initiative launched The Ministry for Transport and Infrastructure has launched the DemoEV initiative with the arrival of the first Electric vehicles to be brought to Malta for this aim. These cars, 24 in total, were recently unveiled at an event organised by the Ministry where information was given about this particular study, the objective of which is to ‘demonstrate the feasibility of electric vehicles towards climate change mitigation’. The project will also include the setting up of a nationwide charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, the comparative study of different ways of
recharging and on how carbon neutral transportation may be achieved. The project is co-founded by the LIFE+ financial instrument together with the Maltese Government. The cars acquired for this project are Renault Fluence and Mitsubishi Miev and the Minister for Transport and infrastructure Hon. Mr Joe Mizzi is the first to lead by example in using such a car for his Ministry.
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SPOT INFO
URBAN ADVENTURER - Peugeot 2008 style Peugeot invites you to enjoy life to the full in the new 2008 Crossover, a vehicle with an identifiable, strong and elegant design. The 2008 is compact and spacious. It can adapt to all of your requirements, making adventures
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The All New Range Rover Sport It’s official, Land Rover has unveiled its third model in the new Range Rover portfolio. It is being called the “fastest, most agile, most responsive Land Rover ever” and appearance wise, is a mix of the latest Range Rover and the smallest Evoque.
order for delivery in 2014 as will a high performance 4.4-litre 339PS SDV8 diesel version. The smallest diesel engines offers a 15 per cent reduction in C02 over the outgoing model with emissions of 194g/km, while across the range acceleration times for the 0-60mph dash start from sub-5.0 seconds.
After the success of the Evoque in Malta, the new Range Rover Sport, due to arrive in September, is eagerly awaited by all car enthusiasts on the island. The new Sport oozes luxury and exceptional design and according to Land Rover, delivers impressive on the road performance and superior handling.
The new model will be available with four engines, two diesel engines and two supercharged petrol engines (5.0-litre 510PS V8 and the new 3.0-litre 340PS V6). The diesel engines are a more economical 3.0-litre 258PS TDV6 and a more powerful 292PS SDV6. In addition, a fuel-efficient diesel hybrid model will be available to
Toyota Malta launch app Toyota Malta has introduced a Toyota Malta smartphone application available to iPhone, iPad and Android devices. This service allows clients to browse through all Toyota stock, both new and used and to calculate any payments required should one be interested in buying a car through hire purchase instalments. The app, besides other services, offers a Parking assistant option where the app leads one back to their car 24
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after location has been locked. With many consumers accessing internet through their mobile device the local Toyota representatives thought it was time to present this system which sits alongside the exiting mobileoptimised website. The App is simple to use and is a first for the Malta car dealer community. More details may be obtained on marketing@toyota. com.mt or on the Toyota Malta Facebook page.