#34 - WINTER 2017
THE SEAT ATECA Definitely a wow factor TWO DAYS, THREE COUNTRIES DRIVEN WITH A FORD KUGA From Croatia to Austria in this great car WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2017 A F1 revamp, new tech, and a host of new models to look out for ROAD SAFETY VIA SOCIAL MEDIA Are we doing enough to promote road safety?
#34 - WINTER 2017
PUBLISHERS b.Right new media Ltd. 19, Parish Street, St. Paul’s Bay, SPB 3362, Malta
Editor’s Note
FLEUR BALZAN
EDITOR Fleur Balzan fbalzan@b.rightnewmedia.com
CONTRIBUTORS Pierre Vella Ben Glover
MAKE UP
February is here and so is the first Wheelspin Magazine for 2017. Oh how time flies! On our last issue in October, we launched our new look which coincided with the start of the new Season of Wheelspin the TV programme . From the comments received, it seems that this new look has gone down well with our readers. What has also gone down well is the continuous effort to include original articles on every of the past 33 issues of our magazine. This is what you will find on this issue too!
Shasha
ADVERTISING & SALES Fleur Balzan (+356) 21 576 154 (+356) 99 805 763
PRE-PRESS & PRINTING Impressions Ltd., Marsa
As you may realise as you turn the pages, Pierre Vella has been travelling trying out some of the newest vehicles launched to the media. Amongst them are, the Ford Kuga that he drove from Zagreb to Vienna and the new MINI Countryman that he drove in London. Ben Glover has written about what we are to expect in the motoring world in 2017 as well as an interesting article on how we could use social media for road safety. I, on the other hand, have been driving non-stop! Driving our present long term test drive SEAT Ateca, (with which I’m smitten) and other cars amongst them the Land Rover Evoque Cabrio, the Jaguar XE and Jaguar XF, the Audi Q2 and also the new VW Up. As you see we have all been busy. So go on, get busy too, reading these article dedicated entirely to you, our readers!
No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form for any purpose without the prior written consent of the publisher.
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WHEELSPIN• Issue 34: Winter 2017
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IN THIS ISSUE
WINTER 2017
TEST DRIVES 4
CARS DRIVEN
Featuring the VW Up!, Jaguar’s XE and XF, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible and the Audi Q2
10 THE SEAT ATECA
Definitely a wow factor!
16 BEING A COUNTRYMAN
Experiencing the BMW MINI Countryman in the UK
22 TWO DAYS, THREE COUNTRIES DRIVEN WITH A FORD KUGA From Croatia to Austria in this great car
FEATURES
LAUNCHES
12 WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2017
15 LAUNCHES
A F1 revamp, new tech, and a host of new models to look out for
The Toyota C-HR and the Citroën C3
20 ROAD SAFETY VIA SOCIAL MEDIA Are we doing enough to promote road safety?
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THE SWEET AND COLOURFUL VOLKSWAGEN
VW’s smallest vehicle, the Up! has had a facelift and we had the possibility to drive this vehicle to check out the car to appreciate the changes to the design as well as the changes to the engine. The Up! remains the brand’s cute City Car with a stylish image that makes it an icon on the road. It may appeal mostly to younger drivers who want style and sportiness in a small package and this is what may be achieved with the choice of colours and two tone options that the car may be ordered in. The changes introduced in this new generation vehicle are mainly on the front, primarily the bumper. It has a double slim grille with touches of chrome running from one side of the car to the other and angled
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lights, features that make the car seem wider than it actually is. When it comes to the interior the main changes are to be seen on the dashboard with the previously on dash screen removed leaving the dashboard cleaner. The materials used on the dashboard give it a sporty, high quality feel and this combined with the sporty seats, on the version driven, made it truly attractive. The boot is small yet deep so spacious enough for every day use and VW has managed this without sacrificing the spare wheel, which, for a country like ours, is needed. The version driven is the 1 litre producing 64bhp though, if you had to drive it, you may excuse us for initially thinking
that the engine may have been the newly introduced 89bhp turbocharged. The car, with a 5 speed manual gearbox, is extremely responsive and the acceleration brilliant when you consider the engine and power it offers. The car is also quite solid on the road with very good handling even when taking corners at higher speeds. Definitely a small car with plenty of substance!!
TEST DRIVES • Cars Driven by Fleur Balzan
LUXURY AT ITS BEST WITH JAGUAR
Over the past weeks we have driven two luxurious vehicles by the same brand, the Jaguar XE and the Jaguar XF, two sedan vehicles that are executive yet sporty and ultra attractive! The Jaguar XE is the smallest executive car from Jaguar although it is definitely not
small. It is slightly coupe like towards the rear whilst the front is aggressive with elongated LED headlights and a prominent upright grille. The version driven was the R Sport that was loaded with features and also a panoramic sunroof in black that matched beautifully with the piano finish touches along the grille, bumper and around the windows.
The interior is elegant yet clean, again with piano finish touches mingled with a touch of aluminum and with all features mainly controlled from the 8” touch screen on the dashboard. Through the same touch screen one may also download an app ‘In Control’ that allows one to check on the car from a smart phone, including checking whether the car is locked and more. The Jaguar XF is larger than the XE version, about a foot longer. It has a beautiful profile, long and yet still appearing sporty. Both models share the same grille and headlights, besides other things, though in the XF model driven, the grille, headlights, and windows were circled with chrome rather than the black piano finish on the XE, giving it a more executive image.
(left and below) The Jaguar XE
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TEST DRIVES • Cars Driven by Fleur Balzan
On the inside the differences are slightly more visible, with the XF having the centre console designed with lines offering more of a luxurious feel, although sharing a similar 8’ touch screen as the XE. The inside of the XF is spacious with knee room and headroom being extended from the previous model and increasing on the comfort. A TFT screen behind the steering wheel offers car and drive info on both of the models.
The cars, as expected, offer a beautiful drive with one being able to choose from a choice of drive allowing for Eco, comfort, sport or dynamic driving as may be desired by the driver. The suspension adjusts itself depending on the choice of drive to ensure comfort on all roads. The XE model driven is the 2 litre diesel, rear wheel drive R Sport offering no less than 180bhp with 109g/km of CO2. The XF model was the 2 litre diesel
Prestige again offering 180bhp and with CO2 being at 114g/km. Both offer an 8 speed automatic gearbox that is utterly smooth. Both the Jaguar XE and Jaguar XF are equipped with a number of safety features such as lane departure warning, emergency braking assist, park assist, driver condition warning, autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian contact sensing and much much more making both vehicles some of the safest on the road. Thanks to the Adaptive surface response, handling is yet again improved, the cars are agile and the ride comfortable offering the maximum in confidence on all surfaces. Two cars from Jaguar, both luxuriously brilliant!
(all images on this page) The Jaguar XF
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TEST DRIVES • Cars Driven by Fleur Balzan
THE RANGE ROVER
STYLISHLY SPORTY I must say that we have been following the progress of the Range Rover Evoque convertible since we had first seen it as a concept in one of the International Motor Shows we visit every year. So now we finally have a choice of an SUV that is also convertible and may I say that driving it was a thrill. The Evoque Cabrio is based on the Evoque Coupe that has been around for a few years now. The fact that it is an open top may attract a newer clientele to the brand, a clientele that until today didn’t have a choice of a convertible SUV. The car is muscular at first glance, thanks to the curved wheel arches at the front that practically invade the bonnet space. With a slim grille, elongated headlights and
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sporty air intakes and beautiful curved side lines, the Evoque Cabrio is a full bodied beauty that makes one want to stare at it in appreciation of it’s lines. The interior is stunning with a wide screen touch screen and a dominant centre console very similar to that found on the sister brand Jaguar. With touches of aluminum, stitching on the dashboard, knobs for the choice of drive including option for 4 wheel drive and leather seats, this car is luxurious but also young and sporty. When it comes to drive, the car is stable, be it with an open or closed top. The car is heavier than the coupe version but this only results in practically no body roll at all while driving. The handling is also improved plus the wind turbulence is
practically not felt at all when you consider this is a soft-top convertible. The steering wheel is weighted and precise and the ride is comfortable though with a sporty suspension. We only wish we had time to try this car on off road terrain. The car driven is the 2 litre diesel SE Dynamic offering 150bhp with a 9 speed automatic gearbox and with the Co2 emissions at 149 g/km. Oh, one last point! I must say that never before have I thought that heated seats would be appropriate for Malta. With the recent cold weather spells we have been having however, driving an open top with heated seats was utterly pleasant so I have changed my mind!
TEST DRIVES • Cars Driven by Fleur Balzan
THE AUDI SUV OR CROSSOVER?
The Audi Q2 is Audi’s smallest SUV that is based on the platform of the A3. It is one of Audi’s newest car’s introduced to reach even more of a wider clientele, a car that is ‘smaller’ than the Q3, maybe closer to a crossover than an SUV. Yet it is spacious enough, offers a more than decent drive and has all the features of a luxury vehicle that carries the name AUDI. When it comes to SUV’s the Q2 is one that is spacious and convenient, yet at the same time more compact, with a profile image that is closer to a hatchback, though an elevated one. Its lines are immediately recognizable as Audi, noticeable yet at the same time subtle. The face is attractive with wide headlights, a prominent grille and a bumper also incorporating a lower grille and air intakes running from one side to the other.
The inside it utterly Audi high standard style with an infotainment screen that hides in the dashboard, an infotainment system that features different car and data info to make our drive more comfortable. The interior is very similar to the Audi A1, functional yet clean and with a multi function steering wheel. In this case, the car features a particular material that was used between the dashboard and the glove compartment and around the centre console that illuminates in light and continues to give an ambience lighting that makes the interior very pleasant.
adaptive suspension too. The acceleration is very good and the car has excellent grip on the road also when cornering at higher speeds. The model driven also comes with ‘Cylinder on demand’ technology that shuts down 2 cylinders of four when they are not required, for even better economy.
The model driven is the 1.4 TFSi petrol engine with a S-tronic automatic gearbox that is extremely smooth and fast changing. This engine produces 150bhp and the car has progressive steering. The suspension is somewhat firm but one has the option of an
Another Audi success, this time with the Audi Q2!
The Q2 features a choice of drives amongst the eco, comfort, sport, dynamic and individual and also various safety features such as Lane Departure warning, collision warning, blind spot monitors and much, much more.
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THE SEAT ATECA Definitely a wowww factor! Words: Fleur Balzan, Images: Robert Vassallo and SEAT
Only a few weeks ago we finally collected the new car from SEAT, the first SUV by the brand that goes by the name of Ateca. I must say, we have known of this test drive since it was presented in the Geneva Motor Show last year so we were anxiously exploring it at every International Motor Show we had the opportunity to see it at. So I finally got into this car to drive it home, a few months later than expected, but it was sure worth the wait! It was about time that SEAT came out with an SUV or crossover but it seems that now that they have, they have made sure that the car is complete of everything one may need or desire. Every day we drive this beautiful beast, we discover something
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different about it and the features it offers and we have to go back to check the prices. This because, if there is something that is immediately noticeable with the Ateca, it is the price! Yes, the price for the package it offers, especially when compared to other vehicles in the same segment, is incredibly reasonable and surprising. The SEAT Ateca was developed alongside the 2nd generation VW Tiguan, sharing the same underpinnings, engines, gearboxes and technology, although the designers have made sure that the two cars are very different when it comes to style and characteristics. The Seat Ateca in fact has very stylish lines and is much less conservative than the VW Tiguan. Certain
features it comes with also indicate that SEAT wanted to impress with the Ateca because everything about it shouts ‘look at me’! From the daytime running lights, to the rear lighting and the ‘welcome light’, that shows a bright light on the floor, with the silhouette and name of the car clearly visible.
TEST DRIVE • The SEAT Ateca by Fleur Balzan
The model we have for the test drive is the ‘Style’ version with the Optional Advanced pack. It has a 1.6 litre diesel engine producing 115bhp, a 6 speed manual gearbox and with CO2 emissions just at 112g/km. This engine is definitely well powered for a car like this and immediately from the first drive the solidity of the vehicle is highlighted. Its handling and agility make you forget you are driving a larger car. Other obvious features that are instantly observed are the excellent media and Bluetooth system with voice recognition. Just a touch of a button on the steering wheel and you ask the ‘car’ to call someone or to choose your favourite music. One can easily get used to such comfort and pampering that’s for sure!
The SEAT Ateca’s interior (Xcellence model, © SEAT)
The security features are also utterly helpful. From the front collision assist, hill hold assist, tiredness recognition, parking
assist and so much more, all making one’s life so much safer and easier. We are still at the initial phase of our test drive and driving modes are still being experimented with, but from the start we can say that even on ECO mode, the car is responsive and the acceleration very good. Oh, and let us not forget economy. From a 6.9 litre per 100 kms, we are already down to 6.1 litres with just over 500km on the clock. Not bad eh? And we are sure to bring that down over the coming months. The Seat Ateca, a success story as of day one!
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We are now well underway into the New Year. I personally think that 2016 was truly awesome if you are a self-confessed petrol head like me. I have seen technology be infiltrated not only to power cars but also to save lives. The convenience and ease that comes with owning a new car that not only is living in perfect harmony with our own daily lives but with our smart phones too. Not to mention the exciting designs that have penetrated our heads: the Tesla Model X, The Golf GTI, Aston Martin Vulcan – just a few of my personal highlights. But if you thought that was good, Malta, we are about to be very spoiled in the next 365 days. by Ben Glover
FORMULA 1 I have always loved F1, from the moment my father bought me the Lotus John Player Special 78 with it’s sexy black and gold paint work, massive rear spoiler... just writing this sends shivers down my spine. But I cannot help but feel the last three years have been boring. Engine reduction size (no more of the V12 scream we all replicate when we see a racing car), teams dishing out orders just to hit the points and not to mention some tired old tracks visited just once a year. Now Bernie Ecclestone has moved his tiny rich self out of the game, the Americans have taken over promising something exciting, changes to the rules for the season. Don’t get me wrong, the pint size pioneer has been at the forefront of racing safety and kept tabs on teams trying to do the dirty on the other but it was time to move on Bernie.
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What will change? Front wings, bigger tyres and body shape will all get an increase in size. The weight will be increased to 722kg per car and aerodynamic changes will revolutionize speed. With former Ferrari F1 Team Principle Ross Brawn heading up the new operational side of F1, we are in for a mighty fine treat for 2017. Expect fast cars and reduced lap times.
action than that at the fun fair? Let’s face it, we are not a nation of excellent parkers, me included. ‘Self parking’ cars are pretty much wasted on our island too. However, could this be the tiny little thing that might just change our lives???
STANDARD EQUIPMENT All new cars sold in the United States will have a reversing camera as standard. The US, last time I checked, was not part of the EU. With manufacturers developing cars for all markets it makes sense to do it in bulk! Great news for us! How many times have you sat in a café in Sliema watching another double park so horribly wrong that you witnessed more ‘bumper to bumper’
With daytime running lamps standard on all new models expect a trend in matrix/ LED technology. Vauxhall/Opel have just developed the new Astra/GTC with sharp beams that reduce when oncoming traffic is detected. What is more, as mentioned in a previous article from Goodwood Festival Of Speed, a lot of companies are now
FEATURE• What to Expect in 2017 by Ben Glover
adopting laser light design; razor sharp lights that would look great in your front room let alone on the car.
BUY ON-LINE It used to be: find a dealer, pick a car, haggle for the price and make a deal. This year expect more when it comes to buying on the internet. Many manufacturers are making the whole process more transparent with you getting a decent deal without the middle person. That said, import rules into Malta could make it an expensive option so plan wisely. Korean carmaker Hyundai has successfully piloted online purchases. So much so, their ‘click to buy’ process has reduced £3000 off a new car in the UK. So with the savings you could have a nice new kitchen and be in her good books.
GOODBYE TURBO I have always failed to see the point of bolting on a turbo charger to an engine
the size of a sewing machine. My latest drive a VW Golf 2.8 v6 doesn’t have one and it pulls even in 6th gear. As a small car nation we have always had a love affair with our 1.0, 1.1 and even 1.2 litre petrol engines. The only reason manufacturers decided to do this was in order to reduce the emissions and improve performance. Fair enough. But how many times have you driven a turbo charged engine and lost the power when fast approaching the red line? Exactly. This year expect more from your naturally aspirated engine. Amen.
HACKERS Last year saw the Russians accused of it, the CIA at it and now it is the turn of a 15 year old from the comfort of his own bedroom! Yes, hacking is bound to be an issue with technology freely flying about the place, and cars have become a tasty target. Already on the hacker’s hit list Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Jeep Cherokee, Tesla Model S and Nissan LEAF all subject to cars being ‘taken over’ by another source
and mysteriously malfunctioning. These have since been rectified but I still put into question cars with Wifi and Bluetooth that hold private information. Choose wisely.
The Nissan LEAF was only one of a number of cars which were hacked.
SUVS – BRING THEM ON With cars such as the Nissan Qashqai taking the number one best selling spot in Malta the Sports Utility Vehicles are here to stay. These school run 4x4s have proved their worth during the harsh winter storms we have endured recently and make a practical solution for the airport run. From the budget Dacia Duster (sorry, I couldn’t
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FEATURE• What to Expect in 2017 by Ben Glover
resist a mention of my favorite) to the top end Range Rover Evoque convertible there will be something for every mummy on the island. Expect fantastic warranty deals from Asian manufacturers and superb technology everywhere else. Crossovers in the market such as the Citreon C4 Cactus, the forthcoming BMW X2 and even Bentley are all a handsome bunch that should not be sniffed at.
NEW MODELS There are a whole host of exciting new models to pound our streets in 2017. Look out for the face and rear end lift of the Ford Focus. Already running to the World Rally Cross teams it will be a whole lot of car for the money with practicality and the fun of the ST. The pick-up will be king for 2017. Look out for the Nissan Navara Outlaw with its tidy 3.0 DCTI engine and would you believe it, a Chinese competitor – the Great Wall Steed. China has smashed the car market with cheap affordable motors popping up all over Asia. With that a huge increase in sales making it a car rich country (only 15 years ago the bicycle to car ratio was 10:1) the Steed comes with heavy technology and decent emissions if a lack of power compared to its rivals. And, if I am honest better looking!
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There is plenty of fun for petrol heads. The Ford Mustang2, now in ‘user friendly’ form will become the best value V8 for under £35,000. OK, so it is no Steve McQueen runabout but nothing hits the high notes than a V8’s exhaust note bouncing off the walls in the streets of Valletta. Porsche fans are getting excited for the latest addition to the family with the Boxster3. The entry model comes with a 2.7 litre engine hanging out the back and you can actually tell the difference this time between front and rear. At less than £40,000 it will be a difficult choice for
For the 4x4 lovers Jeep are back with a petrol engine, yes petrol powered Wrangler1. All the rugged features of previous Wranglers now all grown up with intelligent technology and plenty of sexy lights to go with it’s 3.6 litre V6 power train. 1
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But there is one icon that I cannot wait to see back: the Volkswagen Camper4. Gone will be the air-cooled engine in the rear and in place will be an electric. Iconic features will still be kept from the original of the 1950’s including D-pillar and boxy design not forgetting the space and luxury interior ready and waiting to be taken away for the weekend. All that needs to be decided by VW is which platform they will base it on. Decisions decisions...
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lovers of the ‘Stang and the diet version of the 911.
LAUNCHES THE TOYOTA C-HR Michael Debono Ltd have recently welcomed to Malta the newest car from Toyota, a car that, since it’s unveiling, has had a very positive response throughout Europe and worldwide. The Toyota C-HR (meaning high riding coupe) is a Crossover with aggressive lines that make it stand out in the crowd. It comes in hybrid too which Toyota has excelled in over the last 2 decades.
The official launch was held during an event held at the Toyota Showroom in Zebbug during which, Patrick Clark, General Manager of Michael Debono Ltd gave details about the C-HR and about the future for Toyota and motoring technology. The vehicle may be viewed at the Toyota Showroom, in Zebbug.
THE NEW CITROËN C3 The Citroën C3 has had a complete make over and the new model has finally arrived in Malta. The new Citroën C3 is colourful, young and trendy and it is strikingly eye catching. After having had its world launch at the Paris Motor Show, the new C3 has been welcomed on our shores. It has taken some style cues from the C4 Cactus but includes many other original features for comfort and security, including an in built dashcam. The New Citroën C3 may be viewed at the Michael Attard Ltd, Citroën Showroom in Attard and viewers and readers of Wheelspin will soon have the chance to see and read more about it as the team takes it for a long term test drive in the coming weeks.
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TEST DRIVES • Cars Driven by Fleur Balzan
BEING A COUNTRYMAN Words: Pierre P. Vella, Images: BMW & Pierre P. Vella
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country that is so proud of its monarchy, a country that has dominated the world with its language, a country that is now leaving the European Union and a country that is known for a long lasting dynasty, the UK and the MINI.
A legacy that spans fifty eight years where on the outskirts of Oxford, this iconic and legendary car made its appearance. A year later exactly in 1960, the Austin Seven launched its MINI Countryman which was affectionately known as woody due to its outside wooden struts that adorned the rear sides of the car. In 2010, the MINI Countryman was re-introduced. I remember that launch quite well as officially it was my first abroad outing as part of the Wheelspin motoring team. I recall it was a great event as BMW had charted new territory having an ALL4 system on a relatively small car. I can instantly remember the remarkable experience and the great impression the car had left at the time.
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BMW topped 540,000 sales of just the Countryman making it definitely a success story. Now it was time for a change, a success story that had to continue charting new territories with the all new 2017 BMW MINI Countryman. This time around BMW decided to return to MINI’s origins with the International launch being initiated just a few miles where MINI was produced way back in 1959. The weather kept its promise to clearly remind all where we where. The British countryside with its grey wintery skies makes it somewhat unique. Unique was also the location where we had to start the experience of the BMW MINI Countryman, this was Hedsor House, a
location or rather a stage for some many great films. For sure the debut of the BMW MINI Countryman could not have been better. First impression was that the car has grown up with class. Visually aesthetically the detail was immense. Such flowing lines, a new grille, redesigned headlamps, length with an extra 20cm, 3cm across but yet the car still retained its aggressive approach whilst still remaining classy. BMW brought around the previous model on location. Instantly one realizes that this is a completely new model. Well it was now time to stop the viewing and get in the car, not the old one but the new one!
TEST DRIVES • Being A Countryman by Pierre P. Vella
Now you all know that I am always after a ‘good looking’ car especially if it is super clean. Well the car provided had just gone through a muddy field, yes you guessed, it was off to the dirt track. Once strapped in and waiting to get all the attached gismos running (yes I guess you have witnessed all this on our weekly motoring program, Wheelspin), I looked around the interior, spacious, comfortable with such fine detail in how everything comes together. The trendy touch screen, the steering wheel with all its essentials including paddle gearshift. Anyway middle switch engine roars to life and off we go. Destination? The mud lanes to get the car even dirtier! Driving position was just great, seat well supported, controls within reach yet there was an ambience of space in the car. Checking rear mirrors as if I needed them and off we went trailing our group leader. We were soon digging mud, it was actually driving through sunken culverts of mud, it was fun, totally in control apart from, I believe, turn four when due to the soft terrain there was a negative camber that was very slippery. I am being modest when describing slippery, this was a superb illustration of the excellent ALL4 setup of the car we were driving. Flicking the accelerator and the car was heading in my desired direction, however the steering was not, but we eventually got there. I had to forget the nightmare of the car’s condition on the outside, where gradually it was changing colour, but it
was good fun. The Countryman retained its great fun attitude, going down a short slop, no skidding but total control. We were not after speed but for sure after getting to grips, literally, with the superb handling of the car in such conditions. Fun does tend to end quickly even though I could hardly look at the state of the car, yet it was a great experience, the off road drive and getting myself such a filthy mud clad car. A short break and yes I was kindly allocated another car. This was immaculately clean, besides a few spots of rain. I went around the car whilst being briefed for the next drive. A blue coloured model, white top, with the interior also in white. First impression was that this was such a bright colour and the interior looked so spacious. The BMW Mini Countryman boosts three seats at the rear, which are
quite comfortable. With the extra length, legroom was generous; the rear seats could also move to maximize both legroom or added space at the rear. In the rear being a relatively low compact car, visibility was good including access in and out of the car. Well I was all ready to set out for our route but there was a hitch. We were instructed not to use our satellite navigation system but to do it all the old way, reading maps. Now how on earth do I have to do away with the ‘all new’ touch screen which in the new Countryman has been classified as one of its prime features? The screen is clear, providing all that is needed, from setting up the car wifi on board, an incredible sound system and a navigation system at its best. We did have an eject button should things go wrong and utilize the onboard navigation, however we could not cheat as the car was being tracked in real time with the route we were taking being monitored. The drive was of around 89 miles taking us further West heading towards the proximity of Chippin Norton. Oh yes we had to have a colleague, obviously one had to drive and the other read the map. I was teamed up with a certain Stelios Kythreotis, coming from Cyprus. We soon realized that we were the only two persons in the group that knew where we should be going as for once we were driving on the left side of the road. Normally countries visited for media launches we tend to drive on the wrong side of the road with the steering wheel also fixed incorrectly. This time all
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TEST DRIVES • Being A Countryman by Pierre P. Vella
was in its usual place! The second plus was that my just acquainted colleague was an active karter, hillclimb, rally, drag racing competitor plus a host of other things in his homeland. I guess this was the first time ever that I did not encounter just a journalist. Now remember the map reading, right this was going to be a breeze. We soon decided that I was driving and Stelios would be my navigator. The rest is all history. The way I got my instructions was just an added bonus to my adventure. We did take a few wrong turns, it was the documentation provided and yes I was enjoying myself so much, an extra mile only added to the fun. It also gave us both the chance to explore the car further. The interior is quite clattered with knobs, dials and paddles but once you are
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driving everything falls into place with the steering wheel becoming your only port of call as all is within arm’s reach. The Countryman S tested is top of the range when it comes to power and this was felt instantly as you briskly heaved down the accelerator pedal, coupled with an eight speed steptronic automatic gearbox. Shifting was quite seamless even when I ventured to use the paddle shift. Engines range from two petrol engines, a three cylinder and a four cylinder plus two identical in size diesel engines with one having more power. Soon there will be an interesting hybrid version too. When it comes to the driving experience, the Countryman did tick my boxes. Steering feel when driving was just right, aggressive brakes, very tight turning circle considering its size, and a clear rear
view from both external mirrors. The inside mirror is somewhat limited in visibility but a rear view camera comes in handy even if you have to reverse in pitch darkness in the British countryside. Interesting was the stability of the car. Due to the previous days torrential rain most roads where wet with caution signs of possible mud on the road. First reaction is to slow down. Well traffic ahead would make one slow down but with a clear road the Countryman just glided along the murky surface. I was more concerned with having a soiled car as traction was incredible and yes we were going downhill quite briskly with a visible left hand corner. I mentioned this was going to be fun! A pair of helmets with intercoms would have fitted just right. But who needs them? Once more inside the car, sound deafening was very good even when I pushed hard at
TEST DRIVES • Being A Countryman by Pierre P. Vella
low revs. 180 degrees vision was good even when tackling tight corners. Wind noise is negligible, wheel noise varied according to the terrain encountered but in general quite good. The Countryman comes with a Dynamic Damper Control which is optional. Two program maps can be activated for the electronically controlled dampers via the likewise optional MINI Driving Modes. A rotary switch at the base of the gear or selector lever enables the driver to select a set-up according to one of the three modes MID, SPORT and GREEN. This also influences the accelerator pedal and steering curve, the operating mode of electrically powered comfort features and the engine sound and shift characteristics of the Steptronic transmission, depending on engine and fittings. Well this was briefly tried out in sports mode once we had a patch of dry road, the car became stiffer especially going round corners and the perky accelerating was definitely a kick when the accelerator pedal was floored especially from standstill. The ALL4 seems to be at its best also in dry conditions and from standstill. All in all, the new Countryman just got better! Seven years back I had different emotions and for sure there was excitement. This time around the emotions are still there. Once more BMW has worked intensively in these seven years, once more creating an experience of driving fun on all occasions!
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS: MINI Cooper Countryman 3-cylinder petrol engine, capacity: 1 499 cc, output: 100 kW/136 hp, max. torque: 220 Nm. MINI Cooper S Countryman 4-cylinder petrol engine, capacity: 1 998 cc, output: 141 kW/192 hp, max. torque: 280 Nm. MINI Cooper D Countryman 4-cylinder diesel engine, capacity: 1 995 cc, output: 110 kW/150 hp, max. torque: 330 Nm. MINI Cooper SD Countryman 4-cylinder diesel engine, capacity: 1 995 cc output: 140 kW/190 hp, max. torque: 400 Nm. The range also includes the first ever MINI with plug-in hybrid drive: MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 3-cylinder petrol engine, capacity: 1 499 cc, output: 100 kW/136 hp, synchronous electric motor, output: 65 kW/88 hp, system output: 165 kW/224 hp, system torque: 385 Nm.
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ROAD SAFETY VIA SOCIAL MEDIA by Ben Glover
R
ecently I just could not work out why my smartphone battery life was dropping quicker than Donald Trump’s popularity. I had installed the endless updates, reduced the screen contrast to a bare minimum and even ignored calls from my wife for fear of being cut off half way through a conversation. I decided to Tweet my frustration and Mr Apple suggested that, ‘I may have too many apps open at the same time’. Nope. Not one. I even checked my Google to see if there were tabs running away with my internet data allowance. Nothing. He then ‘tweet’d’ me back and asked me to check the app time in my settings. Bingo. My Facebook. I spend a daily average of 59% viewing time on my social media using my iPhone. If I use my phone for 10 hours a day I spend just over six hours checking in and checking out who needs attention this week. Back in the day I had a Nokia 3310, the phone you could charge all night and would last three weeks on standby, unless of course you were addicted to the game ‘Snake’. (Younger readers might be interested to note this phone was indestructible and could survive the equivalent to a nuclear bomb). It was great but you couldn’t live with it today. And here is my point, we rely and use our smartphones for everything. Right now mine is next to me handsomely sitting
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connected to my fast Wifi drinking up the Facebook updates and patiently waiting for an email from Tesla confirming my test drive of the Model X. Posters reminding us not to use our mobile phone whilst driving are all too prominent these days, but are we doing enough to promote road safety? Campaigns on the back of buses are all good and well but the last time I saw one on a bus it had ploughed into a wall near Sliema. Sending the Transport minister into Maltese schools to help promote road safety are all good and well but I don’t know about you, when I was a kid I had to be fully engaged by something I enjoyed listening or seeing. It was great by the time I had got into year six as we could sit at the back of the school hall and I could have a sleep. And this is where social media can come in - is Malta doing enough to help reduce the 2.4 million serious injuries that occur in the EU each year? We can do so much better. The UK is smashing the social media on this topic. Back in 2010 the THINK! Campaign saw various TV adverts in the 1990’s of graphic crashes involving motorbikes and other vehicles. Then came a breakthrough. In 2010 Tales Of The Road uploaded to YouTube. It wasn’t announced, just uploaded. The story begins with a schoolgirl in a neck collar, the kind you find
on those injured in a car accident. She steps out onto the road and is hit by an oncoming car. The thirty second clip is excellently narrated and unpatronising. The comments on the video speak for themselves with one saying, ‘This haunted me when I was at primary school...years on it still does’. In Holland police there have got their own Snapchat account (no, me neither) with hard-hitting promotions on how they deal with the issue. The impact of what appears to be the foot of a deceased and a Snapchat tag hanging from the toe is as hard hitting as a physical impact. Back in the UK police forces across the country have devised plenty of campaigns ranging from real life stories to what you would expect to pay if caught on your mobile phone. Forces have turned to video messages live from road traffic accidents to increase awareness, again great use of the social media platform. The Australians were so passionate about their road safety, last year the state of Victoria museum placed what the human body would look like after a car crash. With its fibreglass body and human hair it was about as close to us as a distant cousin. The sculpture has no neck, a flat face, bags of air in his chest and stomach, and knees that bend in all directions in order to protect him
FEATURE• Road Safety via Social Media by Ben Glover
from all impacts involved in a car crash. An interactive, 360-degree view of Graham – who was made using silicone, fibreglass and human hair – can also be viewed online as part of the safety campaign using a smart device displaying internal organs and what broken bones would look like in an accident. Brilliant!
in Ladas to slow down. If that isn’t irony I do not know what is.
Not only did this campaign get people through the door, it was shared so much via social media platforms, state officials are convinced it contributed to a drop on road fatalities. I like the way this is perceived as a bit of fun yet hammers home the message that will etch on minds for years.
Here in Malta it is not that we are not doing anything via social media platforms to put the message across. I found Safer Roads Malta, a Facebook page dedicated, not ticking off the bad actions of drivers but contributing good driving skills and techniques to encourage better road control. The Malta Police Facebook page is very active, sadly with its fair share of daily posts involving road collisions, but to whoever is posting the updates, fair play to you. The 112 Ambulance service could learn a lot from it.
We just don’t do enough virally in the country to help bring the traffic incidents down. German police are so hot on the road safety they have a dedicated department just for this alone. if you don’t believe me check out the Polizei Facebook page. In other extremes topless women in Russia hold up speed limit signs that are deployed in accident hotspots to get speeding drivers
And speaking of which, why is a frontline service like them not contributing to the cause? They of all people should know the impact and human cost they deal with on a daily basis on our roads. Many UK NHS services update their media platforms with advice, training and videos on agencies working together to make safety their priority.
Why are the big household names of this island not promoting the use of seatbelts in cars, something I feel is severely lacking on our island, especially with children who would look up to them? What is stopping them going into schools and contributing to the campaign? Nothing. The Malta Road Safety Council has started doing something about it and I’m only glad that magazines and programmes such as Wheelspin are not only giving you the best from the motoring world but offering safety advice to keep you on the road too. With drug driving on the increase the best education is in our pockets, on our desks and in our laptop bags. Yes, you can build your road safety facility and race track, releasing the testosterone of the boy racer, I’d be the first on it, but if we are going to step forward in our campaign to reduce the road incidents on our precious islands, social media is instant and the way forward. Unless of course you are driving!
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2 DAYS
3 COUNTRIES
DRIVEN WITH A
FORD
KUGA
I
t all starts of with an email, a mentioned brand, a predetermined date and a destination, then one has to wait. Ideally a bit of research on the car in question, if any is available, and then information about the place where the event will be staged. Next will be the announcement of the vehicle going to be presented to the media and possibly the world. Having the privilege of being there is just incredible. Being one of the first to experience a car that will be hitting the showrooms at a later stage, is a great bonus for us car enthusiasts. Words and Images: Pierre P. Vella
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TEST DRIVE • Two Days, Three Countries Driven with a Ford Kuga by Pierre P. Vella
The new Ford Kuga media launch was no exception. The usual information was passed on yet there was something completely different with this event. Normally presentations are all set up in a specific location and over a period of time. Media representatives visit the location to experience the place and most of all the opportunity to try out a brand new car. The routine was slightly different however. Ford decided to take the new Ford Kuga through its paces but not just on any specified route. The Ford Kuga was on a mission to drive around 5,000 kms from Athens in Greece up to the North Cape. This had to be an incredible feat considering what the cars in question had to go through. From the humid high temperatures of Greece to the lows of the North Cape! Interestingly, joining the fleet of cars was a mobile control centre which trailed the convoy in real time, recording the movement of each test vehicle, moving from one territory to another with different drivers on route. Cars had to be cleaned, checked out every night before every new stage.
to the front. It wedges down to a lower grille with additional front side air vents and integrated fog lamps. The bonnet drupes down towards the front but from the driving position it still gives a clear indication of the distance ahead. I tend to enjoy driving in a high position and the Kuga provides just that. Visibility is good even though one has to gauge seating position not to have the front supports in the way. I opted for the ST-Line version that is the sporty version coupled with a 1.5ltr eco boost turbo petrol engine. The sporty version comes with that extra trim on the outside, which brings out the body contours better. Well time to drive off and head for Zagreb city centre. The Kuga, considering its size was quite at ease in the morning rush hour, delivering
good power and comfortable and adequate visibility all around. Controls are all close at hand. I do like the rather horizontal piano controls in front of the satnav screen. The Kuga, even though classified as an SUV, with its redefined shape resembles more an estate yet retains high its SUV characteristics. We were soon out of the city and heading towards the mountains, giving the KUGA the ability to illustrate its true potential. Up the winding road I really felt like pushing. The engine was very willing to accelerate, more so coupled up with some superb grip from the Four Wheel drive. Half way we stopped to admire the scenery, whilst getting all our filming gear out of the rear of the car. The luggage space was quite spacious considering that besides the filming equipment we also had two small travel bags with us. Once more
Going through the information I had received, my allocated stage was somewhere in between. I had to drive from Zagreb in Croatia, through Slovenia and end up in Vienna, Austria. The route had to be done in approximately two days of driving. My intention was to split the route to have the opportunity to test out the two variants available, an automatic with a petrol engine and a manual diesel. There was a reason for my choice as the first day I had to drive up and down a mountain to visit an abandoned Sanatorium. Early morning and out I went to meet the all new Ford Kuga, a striking Red coloured Kuga that just won me over at first glance. Red is a very particular colour, the way it blends with the shape of any vehicle. It can also make or break especially from a personal perspective. With the Ford Kuga, the shape really came out well. It looked sporty, aggressive and desperately waiting to be driven. Before heading off, I was given a brief introduction on what to expect on route whilst I strolled around the car. First impression was the redesigned front grille that is very proportioned in size
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TEST DRIVE • Two Days, Three Countries Driven with a Ford Kuga by Pierre P. Vella
in those serene surroundings the Kuga just excelled in its shape. Definitely the Kuga upgrade was all around, from the shape, mechanically and the new engines. We were soon heading further up with the temperature dropping and the tight and twisty road becoming steeper. The Kuga retained its pace all around with a really comfortable ride. There was a bit of body roll but never was there any hesitation even when we hit a small stream of water that was crossing the road. Another aspect of the car was its interior silence. Unfortunately for all you music lovers, gauging the sound qualities of a car is not my ‘forte’. My type of music comes from the front that unfortunately could hardly be heard. Something I queried with the experts was the excellent sound proofing, advising me that the petrol had the same sound damping of the diesel version. Finally we had arrived at our destination, with breath taking views but it was soon time to move on again and drive down the mountain road. Here again the Kuga was great. Heading down we unexpectedly encountered a temporary closed road and for a short stretch we had to abandon the tarmac to drive on a mixture of loose ground and soil. Obviously caution was our utmost priority, but once again the Kuga did not let us down. We were soon on our way to Graz in Austria passing through Slovenia. Here is where the Kuga passed through a different mode, motorways. One would expect that cars in this category tend to suffer with wind resistance and the relatively long
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body, well not this time. I was surprised by the performance of the car especially the stability at high speed. It was incredibly smooth, always in control. It gave me the time to try out the paddle shift, lane assist, automatic braking and most of all road signs recognition.
through villages, resembling more our own terrain. Nothing really changed apart from having to manual shift. The diesel engine did deliver when requested. I could just make out engine noise realizing the excellent deafening effect of the Kuga plus the fuel gauge just kept still.
I soon realized I was talking to myself, as my colleague was fast asleep. When it comes to comfort definitely the Kuga is a plus. Having done over five hours driving the only thing that was getting worried was my rumbling stomach not due to movement but due to the desire for food. Before we knew it we arrived in Graz, having passed through border control twice with the guards more interested in our car than the pictures on our passports. It was the end or nearly the end of our test drive. For sure the Kuga had proved its worth, especially the improved design, comfort and most of all the excellent performance, responsive torque and fuel economy proved by the 1.5 turbo petrol engine. End of day, end of story, tomorrow would definitely be another challenge.
The Kuga is definitely a pleasure to drive especially if you intend to get away from city life. It is incredibly easy to drive, it is comfortable and most important it offers excellent visibility all around. If family is your responsibility, the fact that the Kuga comes with a five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating should reassure you. The standard safety equipment list is lengthy, with ABS, Emergency Brake Warning, driver and front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side impact airbags and front and rear curtain airbags all as standard.
Next day it was raining, temperatures had dropped but we had to continue with our drive. I opted to retain the ST-Line version but changed to a diesel manual gearshift. The route was slightly different, all plain terrain with our final destination being Vienna. In principal this would be quite straight forward, but I really wanted to gauge the car having identical accessories though with a different engine and manual gearbox. We had the time so we ventured away from our predetermined route leaving motorways and heading
All Kuga’s also get tyre pressure monitoring and two Isofix child seat mounts. Check the right options boxes and you can add Active City Stop, which helps prevent slow-speed accidents by autonomously slowing the car down if you don’t brake, and blind spot monitoring. We did get the time to stop for a coffee and again admire the great shape of how the Kuga has evolved. Our diesel powered Kuga was charcoal grey which brought out a more classy version of the car, clearly illustrating that the vehicle, just with the tone of its colour, can change personality. What is definite is that it will still be a great car to drive on your own and also with friends!
SPOT INFO
The new Audi A3 The success model from Audi has become even more attractive: The Audi A3 approaches the starting line with new driver assistance systems and engines as well as newly designed headlights and taillights. Also new on board is the innovative operating and display concept, the Audi virtual cockpit. The new A3 is available as a threedoor version, a Sportback, a Sedan and as a Cabriolet. The Audi A3 won the “Compact Car” class in the “Best Cars 2017” competition. Available from Continental Cars Ltd., Ta’Xbiex. Starting from €26,200, including Government Scrappage Scheme. Call on 23476340/360 for further information.
1-2-3 glory for Peugeot 3008DKR at 2017 Dakar Rally The brand new Peugeot 3008DKRs completed the 2017 Dakar Rally’s 9,000-kilometre run on the top 3 steps of the final podium in Argentina. The landmark One-Two-Three result takes Peugeot’s score on the famous cross-country rally to 6 outright victories ideally timed to coincide with the launch of the new Peugeot 3008 SUV. The Peugeot 3008DKR successfully took over the baton from last year’s winning car – the Peugeot 2008DKR – to make an immediate mark on the world’s toughest cross-country rally. The 2-wheel drive car warded off its all-wheel drive opposition. The switch to a body shape derived from that of the Peugeot 3008 SUV permitted aerodynamics favouring high top speeds. www.peugeot.com.mt
Sicily – just the place to do two things at the same time Well, not quite – more like two extraordinary things at the same time. Can you think of a place where you can be skiing in the morning and enjoying a boat ride in the afternoon? Skiing in the morning and lunching at a fish restaurant perched on the sea edge? Happily skiing away while milady is equally happily shopping away with a choice? A weekend with a group of good friends but all wanting to do something different, baroque architecture for one, an up but up market lunch for another, a stroll on the beach to soak up the winter sun, a good dose of shopping or skiing with the youngsters. - People are difficult - no questions asked, everyone doing his own thing! Try Mount Etna this winter and it’s all there waiting for you. Stay at one of the dreamy villages on the slopes of the great volcano – all within striking distance and only 90 minutes or so away from the Catamaran.
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