Wheelspin Magazine Issue 35 - Spring 2017 by Wheelspin

#35 - SPRING 2017

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES IN MALTA Can you imagine that? THE SEAT ATECA Sincerely amongst the best in its class! THE NEW CITROÃ&#x2039;N C3 The cute spy on the road! MOTOR SHOWS THROUGH THE EYES OF A MUSICIAN A behind-the-scenes account when we're filming abroad

#35 - SPRING 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 Paul Giordimaina

ADVERTISING & SALES Fleur Balzan (+356) 21 576 154 (+356) 99 805 763

PRE-PRESS & PRINTING

Months are flying past, spring is here and so is another issue of Wheelspin Magazine. Once again our team has put heads together to come up with some great and different articles, as well as some other regular articles about the many motoring events happening around the world. Pierre writes about the much loved Geneva Motor Show which the Wheelspin team never misses out on. Ben writes about the do’s and don’t do’s when one gets his license for the first time as well about Autonomous Driving, the talk of the motoring world right now. I on the other hand have continued to drive a number of vehicles amongst them two long term test drives, the SEAT Ateca and the new Citroën C3. Oh and let me not forget another member of the team that is usually entrusted with the Wheelspin music and jingles and sometimes with the photography too. This is none other that my other half, Paul Giordimaina who, in this issue, gives us humorously away when it comes to preparation for filming abroad.

Impressions Ltd., Marsa Well, once again we hope you enjoy this issue and most important, that you 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.

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WHEELSPIN• Issue 35: Spring 2017

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IN THIS ISSUE

SPRING 2017

FEATURES

TEST DRIVES

10 CARS DRIVEN

GENEVA: SIMPLY GREAT CARS

A look at the cars gracing the 87th edition of this Motor Show

12 MOTOR SHOWS THROUGH THE EYES OF A MUSICIAN

A behind-the-scenes account when we're filming abroad

16 FIVE THINGS TO NOTE AFTER GETTING YOUR LICENCE

Ben shares his wisdom on what to do and what to avoid when you get licenced

22 AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES IN MALTA Can you imagine that?

Featuring the Mercedes C Class Cabriolet and the Renault Scenic

18 THE CITROËN C3

The cute spy on the road!

20 THE SEAT ATECA

Sincerely amongst the best in its class!

LAUNCHES 14 LAUNCHES

The Mini Countryman, the Renault Scenic, the Peugeot 3008 and the Isuzu D-Max

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GENEVA FEATURE• Online Crime by Ben Glover

SIMPLY GREAT CARS Our appointment with the Geneva Motor Show has become a yearly event that never stops to amaze! These past years visiting such an incredible show arena makes us wonder the incredible and technological advancements that have occurred within the automobile industry. Now in its 87th edition, the Geneva Motor Show is definitely not showing its age. On the contrary, each year it amazes all those visiting with it’s interesting exhibits that have become a true sense of evolution. Words & Images: Pierre P. Vella

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FEATURE â&#x20AC;˘ Geneva: Simply Great Cars by Pierre P. Vella

p to some years back, various brand concepts were displayed, then one would have to wait a few years to witness a new model describing that it all came from that concept some years before. Things have changed! It is the effect of competitiveness and the edge to beat the competition. Now a concept might take less than the time for a child to be conceived and born. One would address this as innovation, technology or else the will to complete a project in the shortest of time. Quite a few years back, I remember very clearly visiting a European car manufacturer where amongst a lot of secrecy I was given a glimpse of road vehicles which had to make their debut a decade later. At that time the car industry was passing through a bleak period where car manufacturers could not afford making mistakes. Can they afford doing mistakes now? The scenario is somewhat different. These past years we have seen recessions, the UK voting to leave the EU, oil prices at their lowest, uncertainty all over the world, yet the car industry seems to just grow indefinitely with sales figures constantly increasing. The technology being rolled out on what we call the basic models is just incredible. From gathered comments, certain technologies of up market models will have to become standard on all models with the objective of decreasing road accidents that have become a concern. Something that is also topping higher in our accident statistics! Why Geneva and the motor show? Well personally it is a manageable event, pleasantly setup and with one distinctive DNA. A start to finish all under one roof! Geneva is an incredible city, with a lot of hype, and an incredible 140 metre high water jet and yes, it

is quite expensive. Yet still very much worth the yearly experience for the Wheelspin team. So what actually impressed me at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Geneva Motor Show? Over a hundred premieres uncovered over a span of two days. So which cars made me stop that extra minute to appreciate that little bit longer? Rest assured my list was quite extensive but by now most of my favourites have already been revealed during our weekly motoring TV program Wheelspin. Definitely my number one was the Ferrari 812 Superfast1. Probably most would argue that I might be somewhat biased. Well maybe, but when Ferrari launched the F12, it was one car I took time to explore. It somewhat brought back tradition with its front engine coupled up with some of the most innovative aero and technological gismos. Ferrari seems to have adopted a trend that after some time each model gets an upgrade. A completely different model based on a previous model! The F12 was immense but the 812 Superfast is ballistic. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body style, massive engine and an incredible interior. Many would argue what is the fuss about the interior? The importance is the handling and the speed! Speed wise the 812 Superfast can handle La Ferrari, initially, but the interior beats it all hands down. It is always a big treat having the opportunity to view the newly launched models especially these incredible machines. Continuing with the super cars we move to the Lamborghini Huracan Performante2. This Performante can really perform doing 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds, but its performance is not just about

WHEELSPIN

FEATURE • Geneva: Simply Great Cars by Pierre P. Vella

speed. Lamborghini has tweaked up its designs. It has created the ALA, Active Lamborghini Aerodynamics. This has taken the brand to new heights. Adaptive wings and flaps work in conjunction with the car’s speed and behaviour resulting in a bespoken synergy boosting down-force and reducing drag. Next came the Porsche 911 GT3³, upgraded with more power and incidentally it could definitely be a return to the future with manual gearboxes being re introduced. Manual gearbox transmission are doing a big comeback with high powered cars, definitely reigniting the passion of pure driving, well in this case racing. But these for the majority of us could be just dream cars. Yes it is good that we dream however the affordable cars were all there. From the new Toyota Yaris hybrid4, with the Japanese manufacturer continuing its pace of introducing hybrid power to more of its fleet, and the Toyota iTrill5 electric concept. Reducing emissions was one of the topics being discussed and addressed. Electro mobility, hybrid innovation was visible on the majority of stands. 3

Another household name, the Ford Fiesta6, a new generation technologically advanced car coupled with a range of sophisticated advancements usually available on larger models. Ford once more brought the Fiesta, one of the largest selling factors in Europe, back to the front row. With a distinctive shape, the Fiesta somewhat being timeless, is a good choice for various ages. A breath of fresh air comes with the ‘all new’ Honda Civic7. Finally Honda seems to have nailed a great model together with a new Honda Civic Type R that defines the perfect combination of a super sporty model. It is good to mention the extraordinary Peugeot 30088 that swept the ‘Car of the Year award 2017’, a car that was destined towards achievement as the vehicle carries the dynamics of effectiveness, practicality and is also very attractive. The Peugeot 3008 had been applauded months prior to its prestigious award. This when French manufacturers PSA roped in the take over of GM, a bold move that will see Peugeot become one of the main contenders in car manufacturers.

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FEATURE • Geneva: Simply Great Cars by Pierre P. Vella

Concepts do play a part at any motor show. Personally there are two on my wish list to eventually experience. The first is the Mercedes X-Class9, which is classified the best of both worlds, having the undisputed Mercedes luxury coupled up with a rather extensive open luggage booth. This will be Mercedes’ first pickup and with what we saw, definitely Mercedes are already counting the laurels. The second concept is the Citroën C-Aircross10, another very interesting car with Citroën taking on board all the good qualities of the C3 and converting it to a Crossover, better still Aircross. Talking about crossover’s and SUV’s, one other favourite was the Land Rover Velar11, the missing link between the Evoque and the Sport as it was described. Personally I felt that Land Rover have taken everything good in both cars and produced a stunning SUV, incredible, stylish with a clean interior and retractable door handles. Stylish yet aggressive, might be wearing high heels but ready to change to runners on leaving the tarmac! With an array of available engines, from a 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder 247hp turbo charged, to a 3.0 litre, 6 cylinder, 380hp super charged. First year of production will have a limited edition colour and interior choice making it a much-desired SUV. Second year will be even more desirable as the accolade from the experience will definitely establish the Velar as one of the very best for Land Rover.

On a final word still within the SUV market, there is the beautifully styled DS 7 Crossback12, a must see in close up. With its sculptured lines, stunning lightings and luxuries interior, this car most definitely has the wow factor! Then comes the incredible Renault Koleos13, considered to be the French manufacturer flagship for SUV’s. Definitely a pinnacle of perfection after the Captur and the Kadjar, the Koleos strives ahead, having inherited a wealth of experience resulting in an incredible vehicle. The interior is so spacious with a rather short drooping dashboard that results in great comfort both front and rear. Again Renault has built on its current trend of interior practicalities, with Koleos taking a much richer quality, making this SUV a must have. Sitting on a proven Nissan X-Trail chassis, the Koleos, soon to be driven by our Wheelspin team in Helsinki, has the making of an incredible DNA. Well the Geneva Motor Show, with all modesty can be considered the World Best Car Catwalk with its unique layout, great atmosphere and incredible location. Innovative exhibits from new type of energy cells to a world launch for a distinctive car polish, arguably reducing dust and spray pollution. Well if you are into cars, Geneva just for a few days in March, prides itself in being a world premiere for cars, all in timed precision!

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WHEELSPIN• Issue 35: Spring 2017

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Im Wo D ag rd RI es s: F VE : R le ob ur N er Ba t V lz as an sa llo

THE MERCEDES C CLASS CABRIOLET If there had to be an international question about which countries have the most appropriate weather for convertible vehicles, without a doubt, Malta would be amongst the top 10 countries! Where else can one drive a convertible on a sunny winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day without freezing from top to toe? Well, recently we had the opportunity to test drive the new Mercedes C-Class convertible so one may understand the constant grin on my face the day I collected it from the Mercedes Showroom in Lija. Obviously a car from Mercedes never disappoints and an open top vehicle is one I always love driving locally for different reasons. One, our temperatures allow for such cars and two, the speed limits allowed locally are just appropriate to cruise around in an open top. Who wants to speed at 150/200 km/hr when you can drive at less speeds feeling your hair move gently with the wind? Maybe I associate a convertible with a relaxed lifestyle, a lifestyle we all should want more of! So we drove the Mercedes C Class Cabrio in 220 Diesel with a 9 speed automatic transmission. It has a particular attractive style with a face recognizable as

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Mercedes, with beautiful LED headlights, a long bonnet and twin rear exhausts that give it a sporty image too. The interior is classy with red leather seats to match the red canvas roof of the model driven. The dashboard is clean yet modern with aluminum touches and access to a number of features through the on board screen which is separate to the dashboard itself. The ambient lighting may be changed depending on what appeals to the driver. The seats are comfortable with lumber support and the heated air scarf allows for open driving all year round especially locally. It is a sporty 4 seater with plenty of elegance therefore appealing to people of all ages, young and those less younger, thanks also to features such as the seat belt holder that moves forward for easy access. The car offers a great drive with the 2.1 litre engine producing no less than

170bhp and emitting just 121 g/km. There is a choice of drive be it Eco, comfort, sport, sport + and dynamic with the suspension changing depending the choice made but all offering a drive to enjoy. The car, being a convertible is 120kg heavier than the coupe for better security on the road. It goes from 0 to 100km in just 8.2 seconds giving it excellent acceleration too. The safety features within the vehicle are several, including Attention Assist, forward collision warning, emergency braking, lane departure warning, sign recognition and more. Other features include the self-parking mode and heated seats making this a car that will be desired by many. Style, elegance, beauty, luxury, excellent drive and more, all in this Mercedes C Class convertible!

THE RENAULT SCENIC Another car driven recently is the new Renault Scenic, the MPV by Renault that has had a thorough changeover. After having seen this vehicle it certainly seems that MPV’s may still have a place amongst the many segments being introduced lately. The Renault Scenic features a styling previously introduced on the Clio, the Captur and the Kadjar. Curvy lines, muscular body, two tone colours and more making each one of these vehicles one that turns faces towards it. So what makes the Scenic special? Well the Renault Scenic is spacious, with plenty of storage space, including under the front and rear floors and between the seats, therefore ideal as a family car. It is practical for long distance travel, also for rear passengers thanks to comfortable seating, plenty of leg room and features such as folding tables on the back of the front seats. Making travelling in it as comfortable as sitting at home on one’s sofa. The dashboard is attractive featuring an 8.7inch portrait touchscreen offering driving data, the Renault R

Link Infotainment system, navigation, and a change in car lighting for greater atmosphere etc. Touches of aluminum and stitching on the dashboard and the seats give it a luxurious feel, as does the beautiful panoramic roof and the small screen in front of the driver showing the speed one is driving at without taking one’s eyes off the road.

The model driven is the 1.5 DCi 6 speed manual gearbox producing 110 bhp and with CO2 emissions being as low as 100g/ km. It offers a choice of drive amongst them the Eco, Comfort, Neutral, Sport, and Personalized with the suspension, which is slightly firm, changing depending on the drive. It has a low centre of gravity for better grip and less body roll when driving. Visibility is good and handling is comfortable with a weighted but precise steering wheel. It offers various security features including, lane departure warning, driver fatigue recognition and emergency braking to mention just a few. The Reverse camera and the sensors all around the car make it even safer to drive too. On the whole a car that is responsive, comfortable, attractive and packed with features which make it one that is utterly practical and versatile.

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TEST DRIVES • Cars Driven by Fleur Balzan

MOTOR SHOWS THROUGH THE EYES OF A MUSICIAN Words: Paul Giordimaina

t is an early morning weekday, around 7 am. Fleur and I leave for the airport and on the way we pick up Robert our cameraman who loads his equipment into my car with so much attention and care and off we head for Luqa airport. Destination Paris, Genève, Frankfurt, London or Bologna or wherever the next popular Motor Show is being held.

WHEELSPIN

FEATURE • Through the Eyes of a Musician by Paul Giordimaina

7.30 am we arrive at the airport and we proceed directly to the check in where we are met with a very cheerful (excessively so, for such an early time of day) Pierre. Luggage checked in, we proceed for the departure lounge for some much needed tea and coffees while we wait for our boarding time. With the pleasantries exchanged, out come the files and schedules for the coming 2 days of very organised timings for filming and booked interviews during the motor show. As they talk, I cannot help but notice the quick dialogue between Fleur, Robert and Pierre about how they will be distributing the work involved between them. This entails moving from one car stand to another, preparing for interviews and defining timings for the programmed press conferences allocated during the two days the motor fair will be open for the media. I too get my directions as to what images are required and which press packs definitely need to be collected. Boarded and again Robert’s concern about where the equipment will be stored during the flight is immense and when all is to his satisfaction we settle down in our seats for the plane to depart. I start to talk about some news hitting our airwaves and I notice after about two minutes I am nearly ignored, as the ‘team’ just want to discuss more details about their upcoming work. So out comes my iPod and I retreat in my music world and let them get on with their discussion. Having arrived at our destination, usually quite late in the evening we check into our hotel. A quick shower and off to a good restaurant to unwind before the start of two long days. It won’t be a late night as we all have to wake up early for the first day of filming. The next morning 5.45am the alarm goes off, signalling the start of a long but exciting day. Contact quickly established and all the team is on the move as planned at 6.45am meeting downstairs at the reception. As I go down I immediately see Robert with all his recording stuff ready to hit the road and round the corner, Pierre in his ‘signature outfit’, that is a great suit and tie and all the works. He is looking amazingly very awake and fresh for this time of day and he greets us with a loud ‘Bongu’!

By 7.30 am we arrive at the venue and all the credentials are checked by tight security guys and in we go, greeted by a very large, well lit hall with all these amazing cars already on show for the media people to start snapping at. I personally am not into cars as much as the rest of the team but I immediately get struck by the beauty of the classic Lotus, Bugatti and Maserati which are being given such priority, but the team have their time slots allocated for the different brands and press conferences that are scheduled to start shortly. So off we go to the site in order for the cameras to be set up. I can’t help noticing the adrenalin already starting to flow as the team now is very much feeling ‘at home’ with all knowing exactly their respective duties. I leave them and start wandering by myself around the stands of the big car companies. I have to start my duties too and this, besides other things, involves my second passion, photography! Each stand is set up so different from the other and they all have their own characteristics, representing the respective brands and nationality being French, German, Italian, Japanese, etc. Food is also displayed on most of the stands boasting their own cuisine and of course I can’t help the odd nibble and taste of the specially laid gourmet food. I notice too that a lot of different media people from all over the world are there all busy filming or clicking away at these new cars and I start doing the same. I also collect the different press packs and catalogues for the Wheelspin team to work on later. These contain all info about the cars being presented and they are so detailed that the most elaborate car goer has all his curiosity answered. At one particular fair, news arrives that Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher will be present for some time on the Mercedes stand. I immediately inform the team and we head off to try and get short interviews and sure enough a beaming Pierre interviews the now World Champion. At another fair it was Vettel and Christian Horner on the Infiniti stand and again interviews are acquired and pictures too. Each and every time a scoop for Wheelspin!

By 1pm the team considers taking a 30 min break to eat, usually at the Mercedes stand which offers an amazing lunch and the team is reflecting on how the morning filming went on. Fleur is pointing out (subtly) that they are a bit behind schedule. Nothing they don’t catch up on by the end of the day when around 7pm the fair closes down for the first day, and with the cars now being covered, we have no option but to pack the equipment and call it a day. Back at the hotel we relax a bit before going out for dinner. I hear laughter coming out from Pierre’s room and after five minutes of it, curiosity gets the best of me and I go knocking on the door. I find both Pierre and Robert in tears playing over and over a talking mouse software Pierre has on his iPad. At least they are not talking cars! Next day again up early for another day of filming and interviews and the energy is even greater than the first day. Wow these guys really like their work. I wander off to see some other stands I missed out the first day and to take more pictures and suddenly I notice a familiar figure passing near me in a low profile mode. It is Alain Prost, the great ex Formula One driver strolling freely through the stands stopping now and again to shake hands with admirers and maybe even pose for a selfie, which of course I did too!! At another show it was Arnold Schwarzenegger to catch my eye as well as singer Shakira as she promoted the SEAT brand! As I’ve pointed out earlier I’m not much of a keen car follower unless it’s Formula One but I truthfully enjoy myself at these Motor Shows and I really enjoy seeing the filming aired once the team is back with all the stuff recorded in the previous days. Going back home on the plane I try to have a conversation with Fleur, Robert and Pierre about other topics aside from the Motor show, but most times I am not very successful as the energy in them would still be very evident. They would still be discussing stuff they have seen and filmed and already looking forward to the next one. So I have no choice but to reach for my iPod and headphones again!

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LAUNCHES MINI COUNTRYMAN The MINI Countryman was launched in Malta at the end of March during an event held in Paceville. The new Countryman, the second generation of this model, has grown in both size and class and it is now recognized as the King in the MINI line up. The MINI Countryman may be viewed at the BMW/MINI showroom in Rue Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Argens, Gzira.

THE NEW RENAULT SCENIC Recently arrived in Malta is the new MPV by French brand Renault, the Renault Scenic. The Scenic has now been presented as a completely different model yet keeping loyal to the Renault Styling introduced in the Clio, Captur and the Kadjar. With plenty of interior space and extraordinary storing space this car is beautiful yet practical and specifically aimed at family life. The New Renault Scenic may be viewed at the Renault Kindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Autosales Showroom in Lija.

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THE NEW PEUGEOT 3008 The Car of the Year 2017, the new Peugeot 3008 has arrived in Malta. The 3008, Peugeot’s SUV, now has a completely new look with a dominant and attractive face, attractive styling and is filled with technology to make driving more beautiful and safer.

The new Peugeot 3008 may be viewed at the Michael Attard Ltd, Peugeot Showroom in Blata L-Bajda.

THE ISUZU D-MAX Recently launched by Gasan Zammit Ltd is the Isuzu D-Max, a car in the pick up truck segment. The Isuzu D-Max had it’s first European Launch at the Ta’ Qali Motocross track where the media and guests enjoyed driving the vehicle on this off road track to experience what the pick up has to offer. The Isuzu D-Max may be viewed at the Gasan Zammit, Isuzu showroom in Mriehel.

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things to note after getting your licence

by Ben Glover

ay the 1st, 1997. I’m in the UK, and had just left my school career. It’s a warm, sunny spring day, the windows are down and I’m on a complete high. I have just passed my (practical) driving test and I am now fully licenced. What a moment! I spent a year crammed and, somewhat folding my tall frame into a tiny little red Nissan Micra, the vehicle so basic power steering was not on the options list. The car that had been through countless clutches, hill starts and gear grinding had got me through, had earned me my freedom! And all from its one litre normally aspirated engine. Bless it! As soon as I arrived home I told my mum. She was baking a quiche for the local church tea and had always promised me that I could go on her insurance for her own car. Within an hour I was on the policy, life was just too good! I was part owner of a glorious Renault 5 TC Rio, so extravagant it came with a pop up sunroof, a fancy set of stickers and… well, that was it. My friend had donated a ‘pull out stereo’ (they were all the rage, honestly) and not only that, the rear boot was so spacious I had installed and hot-wired the speakers from my hi-fi system. I was the ‘don’. Bearing in mind all this was done within two hours after I had my licence, mum thought it was a good idea to go off and get some petrol. Clever parenting move as she knew the fuel station was not too far and that it would be good for me to get out in the car. But this was my very first time on my own. Well, legally anyway. (Aged 14 I was driving banger cars from one garage to another around the streets of my home city, it wasn’t far, and I never crashed or got caught. Stupid I know but it was only the once). So I know how you feel when you step into the driver’s seat and there is no one to tell you how to start the damn thing, adjust the mirrors or ‘give it some gas’. I took to it straight away. I wasn’t nervous at all. I had the choice of over three filling stations and of course I chose the one furthest away from the house. And it was here I made my first mistake. Shuffling the wheel through my hands I gingerly guided my ‘beast’ onto the forecourt next to the pump. I had already attracted attention from the over sized hi-fi speakers in the boot that were by now perforated. I was looking good! That was until I tried to get out of the Renault. I couldn’t. I had parked too close to the pump and I

WHEELSPIN

FEATURE• Five Things to Note After Getting Your Licence by Ben Glover

could not get the door open. I looked a right idiot. What’s more the filler cap had to be activated by a switch that I just could not find. By now a queue of angry drivers were waiting and I felt too embarrassed to get petrol. I didn’t bother and drove on, promptly running out of petrol half a kilometer down the road. I felt like the kid at the disco who looked the part but just couldn’t dance. Epic fail! I can only pass on my wisdom when it comes to driving and what not/what to do when you get licenced. So here goes.

YOU ARE NOT THE WORLD’S BEST DRIVER

Newly licensed drivers in Malta are TWICE as likely to crash within the first 12 months. I’ve lost count the amount of times I have passed crushed cars with ‘L’ plates on them. Take your time. We can be a nation of ‘hot blooded’ people and horns are activated the split second traffic lights turn from red to amber let alone green. But who cares. You are new to the road and you are going to be master when it comes to pulling away from the lights safely and not ending up in a tree or lamp post. Corners are not as easy to get around as they are on the XBox or worse if you have just watched another tedious Fast & Furious movie. They need respect, in fact everything on the road does. Keep the speed down, don’t go to your limits and driving becomes so much more enjoyable. I have two advanced driving qualifications. I can drive at emergency speed (in the correct vehicle) at any speed safely. Even two months of solid daily training doesn’t make me a good driver.

DO NOT LISTEN TO YOUR PARENTS

Just because your parents do it does not mean you should. My word, if I had a euro for every seatbelt I saw not worn I would have enough money to buy this beautiful island and it’s Sisters and have enough left over to build another three. My point is don’t get into their bad habits. We seem to accept that drinking alcohol and driving are second nature. OK, so the law, in my opinion, may be a little ‘slacker’ than

that in other countries. It doesn’t make it acceptable. Parents are wise when it comes to choosing the right car, the money they can lend or at best give you. But I bet there is something about their driving that really annoys you. My own mother is so impatient that I now have to drive her everywhere when she comes to visit. To be fair even that is bad enough. She has become so critical of my driving that I may as well put some pedals and a steering wheel on the passenger side of my car. If I had all those euros, I’d buy a single seater car and she could have her own bus. Or walk.

will be so good heavens will sing when your gorgeous babies will be born. And now I have that girl she is proving hard work and high maintenance. Hundreds of my hard earned cash have been forked out to keep her on the road and we are still in our ‘honeymoon’ period’. Good fun though and essentially we are still together. Learn to set aside a budget for the amount of fuel weekly, incorporate insurance and of course any servicing costs (tyres, parts, oil, basic tools etc). The average car will cost you about 10-20% of your salary per annum. Quite a lot when you think about it. A regularly serviced car is a happy one. A bit like having a wife.

It is so easy to get licensed and get behind the wheel of a powerful motor. Two things wrong here: 1) Insurance is going to be so expensive you’ll need a mortgage or sell your Nanna. 2) Let’s face it, it won’t last long. The temptation to drive it like an F1 driver will be so great I guarantee you’ll end up having an accident within a month. Like I did when I bought my Opel Astra 1.7D! I had gone from a tiny little Ford Escort to this ‘faster’ oil burner in such a short space of time I had written off the Astra within a year when I went over a roundabout and not around it. Face palm.

As mentioned, we are not a nation of particularly patient drivers. We have all seen road rage, witnessed countless motorists cutting you up or into a queue - let them get on with it. You have worked hard for your licence. Get into good habits and you’ll be a good driver. It will not come at the first turn of the wheel but you my friend, by avoiding any red mist, will be the one driving past when they have hit another motorist. Pull over safely for that emergency vehicle to pass. Leave the phone in the glovebox when it rings. Buses are bigger than you and they will always win.

I set my heart on something with a ‘V’ engine layout and as I got older the dream became reality the older/wiser I got. Now I’ve got my dream car (VW Golf v6 4Motion) and I’m having fun. There is nothing wrong with that Toyota Starlet you inherited from your Grandpa, it’s the first step to your dream car. Take it, love it, wash it, treat it with respect, it’ll be the best car you ever own.

Remember all you were taught. Avoid ‘racing’ and don’t get distracted. Oh, another thing Learner/probation (‘L’ or ‘P’) plates are not just for hen and bachelor parties, they are designed to be on your car too. Make sure people can see them and that you are confident to take to the road by yourself. This is a tiny island, everyone pretty much knows everyone else so don’t be in the conversation for your poor driving.

GO SMALL AND WORK YOUR WAY UP

BUDGET

Cars are not cheap. I waited most of my life to get a V6 Golf and I have finally got her. In the 6 months that I have owned her we have had our troubles. She’s rather like the girl I fancied at school, the one every boy wanted on their arm, to be seen with. The one where you know the genes

BE DEFENSIVE

That red Nissan Micra will hold a special place in my heart. It was the worse car I ever drove but it was the one that got me licenced, gave me freedom and were I went from boy to man (in a driving sense, not the other). Exactly 20 years on I have not had one single road traffic accident. That doesn’t make me the world’s best driver though. Have safe fun out there.

WHEELSPIN

LONG TERM TEST DRIVE

THE CITROËN C3

THE CUTE SPY ON THE ROAD!

Words: Fleur Balzan

There is nothing like the convenience of a small car with all the perks and gadgets when it comes to driving in Malta! We often remind our readers and viewers how there was a time when owning a small car meant you had very little options to go with it. Thankfully, all that has changed and the new C3 is a good example of this. The Citroën C3 is young, sporty, with a style of it’s own and with all the comfort of modern technology including one it can pride to introduce itself. The onboard dash cam! We have been driving the new Citroën C3 for well over a month now and, having bought the previous model after we had it for a long term test drive 3 years ago, (yes, I had loved it that much) I can actually see the many improvements Citroën have introduced on this model. The Citroën C3 is a B segment vehicle, so supposedly a car that is not excessively small yet also not a big car. This new model has grown. It is slightly wider, longer and higher than the previous model and so is much more spacious for all the passengers and even the boot space is extremely reasonable. Its style has had a complete makeover and the result is very positive. In appearance it is striking, colourful, smart and funky. I could find so many more

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adjectives to describe it but what I can say for certain is that, since I have been driving it, I have been stopped by dozens of people who fell in love with it.

The model we have on test is the 1.6 litre diesel Flair. It is white in colour with a funky red roof and side mirrors and touches of red on the sides that are styled

TEST DRIVE • The Citroën C3, The Cute Spy on the Road! by Fleur Balzan

with touches of rubber, similar but nicer than those seen on the Cactus. The inside is smart in grey with touches of red, also on the dashboard and red stitching on the seats, which in this case, comes as an option on this model. A touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard incorporates the infotainment system climate control, and car data and serves as a screen for the reversing camera. Oh, and I cannot forget the voice recognition system, a button on the steering wheel, that allows you, besides other things, to call someone by simply asking to call a name from your contact list or asking to dial a number.

Yet the one feature that is unique to this car is the onboard dash cam that you may leave on throughout your driving. This feature allows you to take high quality footage and images of all you meet on the road meaning your car has a personal spy which can go a long way, especially in cases of accidents which have become all too frequent. A simple app on your mobile then allows you to download the footage and images and use them as you please. A spy or a witness, call it what you want, the C3 has introduced a feature that is oh so needed on every car today.

And you thought this was a small car! A small car with all the technology of a larger segment vehicle and more and we haven’t even started to mention the technology that go a long way to make the drive better and safer. That we will leave to our next article in our next issue when we hope to show more images taken by this cute spy too!

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THE SEAT ATECA Sincerely amongst the best in its class! Words: Fleur Balzan, Images: Robert Vassallo and SEAT

As I am sitting down to write this, our team has just returned from Sicily where we went to continue with the ‘long term’ test drive of the SEAT Ateca, a car that we have been driving since the beginning of the year. If you have read our introduction to this car in our previous issue, or seen the many features we presented on our TV programme, you may have already realized that this car has ticked all the right boxes in our books and most specifically in mine. I had no doubt that I would love it after having seen it as a concept and then being presented as a production vehicle in one of the motor shows, but I have to admit that after a few months driving it, I just wish I didn’t have to give it back. The SEAT Ateca is one of the latest SUV vehicles being presented and the first SUV for SEAT. With SEAT being part of the VW group, it was expected that this would be a good car but the Spanish brand has outdone itself with this vehicle. So it is more than comprehensible that this model has won so many awards, awards that keep pouring in.

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• • • • • • •

Amongst the many awards won are: Best Crossover 2016 by Auto Express Best Crossover in UK Car of the Year 2017 Best for Modern Families by Top Gear Magazine 2017 Best Buy Car of Europe 2017 by AutoBest Car of the Year 2017 by What Car? Awards 2017 Best Small SUV by What Car? Awards 2017 Best Mid-size SUV by Fleet News Awards 2017

So what makes this vehicle great and why has it pushed aside all previously award filled SUVs to take the highest spot? Well, the ATECA is beautiful to look at, modern yet with subtle lines that never age. The interior is elegant yet sporty with high quality material being used everywhere. Whether it is the dashboard, the touchscreen, the doors, the upholstery and the many extra features it offers, everything feels superior much as you would find in more luxurious brands. The body itself is so solid that the security is immediately felt once entering the vehicle and the space is incredible for all passengers and in the boot.

TEST DRIVE • The SEAT Ateca by Fleur Balzan

When it comes to the features, these are never ending. In the 1.6 litre TDI, front wheel drive, ‘Style’ version we are driving, features include an 8” touchscreen, reverse camera, Navigation and a Bluetooth system that offers the choice of several saved numbers as well as an option to read and send messages. Other great features are: the voice recognition that allows the driver to make a call, enter an address for the navigation system or even choose the choice of music required and connect features through SEAT’s ‘Full Link’ system offering compatibility with android or apple smartphones for mirroring etc, Beside these, the car offers a start stop system including Hill Assist which is utterly useful on Maltese hilly roads and Park Pilot and Park Assist which allows the car to do the parking by simply pressing a button and putting the car in reverse gear. Other car options are endless including gesture control and more which simply goes to show that the car and all it’s features are built around the driver and the needs of the same driver on any kind of road. When it comes to drive, the car impresses further. There is a choice of drive which include Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual, with all, including the Eco offering a great drive with responsive acceleration on any roads, including motorways, on which we had the chance to drive this car during our Sicily test drive. The handling is good, in all honesty probably the best

amongst other SUVs driven, and the car offers a very comfortable ride even though the suspension is firm. The suspension also helps when it comes to cornering where there is practically no body roll at all and the car feels agile on any road. The steering is also precise assuring the driver is fully in control of the vehicle at all times. When it comes to ride comfort and visibility, these are exceptional thanks to the seat and steering adjustments and at no point did we experience any kind of blind spots while driving or maneuvering, also thanks to the convenience of the reverse camera and the many sensors around the vehicle itself. I could probably go on forever on the many features the car offers, and I am sure that, because I am writing and not driving, there are some features I may have left out in these pages. It has DAB radio, 2 SD

card inputs and 2 USB connections besides a CD player placed discretely in the glove compartment. I particularly like the LED headlights that give it a beautiful face, especially at night, the interior atmosphere lighting, and the ‘welcome light’ that lights beneath the side mirrors showing the name of the car and help one find or enter the vehicle in the dark. The car is a mine for comfort and security too and besides the many airbags there are other features such as adaptive cruise control, front assist, driver alert system and an ESC system so it is no wonder the car was awarded 5 stars in the Euro NCAP tests. The SEAT Ateca is the best SUV I have driven in a while and if a dear family member hadn’t fallen for it too, it would have had permanent residence in my garage. Well maybe next time!!

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AU TO V N EH O I N IC M L M E OU A S S LT A

S U O M S A E O T L L N C A I O T M H E U A V IN by

t? a h t e n gi a imver u yoy Ben Glo n Ca b

I have just watched a video of a taxi overturn in a busy Arizona street. It has been shunted by a Honda SUV vehicle that was turning left and it has somehow, ended up on its side. By the side of the road passers by are stroking their chins in wonderment in how this has happened, let alone why this happened in a â&#x201A;Ź40,000 plus Volvo XC90. What may not come as a surprise is the fact the car in question was driverless, one of Uberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest moves into autonomous driving, an attempt to dominate the world of public transport.

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FEATURE• Autonomous Vehicles in Malta by Ben Glover

Uber have always been the ones who wanted to stand up to the usual way of life and attempt to make life easier just by booking your taxi via their app. For those that have not heard about Uber, this is a taxi service that makes ordering a taxi so simple. Although yet to land on our rock, (and I am sure the time will come), it must be doing well as the EU transport commission have supported the millions that Uber want to invest into the market. Autonomous vehicles have been around for a while. Anyone that has flown into Heathrow airport may have been transported to the hired car via a driverless pod in a car park. They work by being placed on dedicated tracks, away from other transport and with room for four passengers. In fact it has proven such a success the exact same pods have been tested on the streets of London recently. Has the iconic black cab been replaced? If you think about it we travel into the skies daily with aircrafts flying themselves to a destination. The pilot is only needed to take off and land. And what about the London Underground? Many trains are run automatically with just the driver opening and closing the doors when arriving at a station. Even K.I.T.T. from the 1980’s TV Knightrider would often drive Michel Knight about America whilst he had a kip at the wheel. OK, fiction but the connection between an 80’s icon and today’s vehicles may not be that far apart. Fundamentally, all the above ‘vehicles’ still have to be operated by a human.

A recent April Fool’s joke in the UK saw an ambulance trust announce the trial of ‘driverless emergency vehicles’; transporting the patient from home to hospital with no crew. And I kid you not, in a moment of face palming, some paramedics I work with believed it. Why? Because technology is so great and advanced, even I thought about it. Then you look into it and the human element becomes much more needed. What if the patient goes into cardiac arrest? What if they need medication en route? What if the technology lets the thing down? It is a long way off, thankfully. What about here? I love driving here, the Coast road with its sea breeze, the tight little streets of Valletta and the steep decline into Mellieha bay, just stunning! But you miss so much when driving. Have you actually sat in the passenger seat and thought: ‘I never knew that was there!’ We are so used to being on ‘auto pilot’ we often don’t look beyond the tarmac in front. Driverless vehicles offer a chance to see the island and other places like you have never seen them before. There are just a few things standing in our way.

Autonomous vehicles rely on GPRS satellite navigation and various waypoints in order to focus their transportation. This often means masts placed in remote areas to carry these signals, something which locals could oppose if it was to spoil their environment. But hey, if we can say yes to another high rise modern skyscraper apartment or hotel then why not a big pole with an aerial on it? Now, we all know what driving can be like here. I used to work in west London and drive most weekends to my radio show in Leicester Square. It was my dream job and I was happy to sit in the traffic every Saturday night for an hour at a complete standstill at Piccadilly Circus. I often was tempted to jump into the bus lane and fly down past the statue of Eros and into the car park of Capital Radio. I thought the driving there was bad. I was often a witness to the near misses of pedestrians looking the wrong way at traffic crossings or cars jumping red lights. Here things may be even worse! If we were to bring in autonomous vehicles we would need dedicated lanes to transport us from destination to destination and we all know someone is bound to use it in frustration. Who would offer the manpower for enforcement?

INFRASTRUCTURE I admire the investment poured into Malta over the past few years; our roads are getting smoother, many of our over polluting vehicles have gone and power cuts are becoming less. Well, almost! If driverless cars are to become normality on the island we must upgrade our technology.

Heathrow Airport’s driverless pods (your.heathrow.com)

Like London, dedicated driveways or tracks would have to be laid out for this to happen, at least to start with.

SAFETY As the Uber test proved even a small and relatively low speed impact had a dramatic conclusion. For the Volvo, thankfully no one was in the car. How could they be stopped in emergency? With many driverless cars powered by electricity, will the heat have an effect on the drive motors? If one went out of control will the airbags go off?? Can they be carjacked easily using another mobile phone??? I’m pulling at strings here but all valid no doubt. There are, however, many plus sides. Traffic congestion would be reduced, the carbon footprint would be lower and tourists would love them. The school run would be easier and our drink drive cases could potentially be reduced at the weekend. These vehicles don’t have to be

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FEATURE• Autonomous Vehicles in Malta by Ben Glover

the watch to talk into ordering my vehicle to collect me). ‘Siri, come and collect me, oh and go via the school to pick my kids up’. Wonderful thought. Don’t get me wrong, technology is great, I have always been a huge fan, but the jury is still out on whether we are ready as a country for driverless cars. Let’s be honest, we struggled at rush hour to negotiate the Kappara roundabout, so much so there will be a flyover to go over it. Not even white lines or obvious arrows pointing to which lane we should be in are adhered to. But driverless vehicles would be preprogrammed to negotiate their way around these – we could be onto something here.

Hyundai Motor’s Autonomous IONIQ at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show

space age pods like those hitting the London streets this July (yes, it is happening). They could just look like ordinary cars, like the XC90 Uber converted. Ford, Tesla, Google

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and dare I say it Apple are all hoping for a slice of the driverless pie (I for one would love Siri to be the voice of my car, rather like a modern day Knightrider and I’d like

With road traffic accidents increasing and insurance premiums going up wouldn’t driving in Malta be so much easier with driverless cars? Maybe, if you are a passenger. For now, I’ll stick to the place I love to be in, the place where I feel in control, the driving seat!

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.

Virtu invests €75million in cuttingedge technology High Speed Wavepiercer Catamaran

Citroën reveals the new C5 Aircross Citroën is premiering at the 2017 Shanghai Motor Show a NewGeneration SUV: C5 Aircross. It mixes an asserted design with an interior space focused on the well-being of each passenger: a “People Minded SUV”, human-oriented. With its flowing and muscled bodylines, the new C5 Aircross imposes a unique stance, conveying energy and self-confidence. With generous dimensions for all passengers, it benefits from the highest level of technology, aiming to ensure a modern and global approach of comfort. C5 Aircross is a big milestone in the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme with the World Premiere of the “Progressive Hydraulic CushionsTM” suspension, delivering a unique smooth comfort of suspension that is typically Citroën.

Virtu Ferries has signed a newbuild contract with Incat Tasmania Pty. Ltd. to build a High Speed Wavepiercer Passenger/Vehicle Catamaran for their Malta – Sicily route. Delivery is scheduled for the 4th quarter of 2018.

Scheduled for launch in Europe at the end of 2018. Keep yourself updated on www.facebook.com/CitroënMalta

At 1,000 tons deadweight, the vessel will be the largest RoPax Catamaran ever built for operation in the Mediterranean, and the second largest in the world. The vessel will have a capacity of 900 passengers in four luxury lounges on two passenger decks and additional outside seating. The full span of the garage deck is designed to carry 23 heavy commercial trailers, equivalent to 490 truck lane meters or 167 cars. At a cruising speed of 38 knots, the Malta to Sicily crossing will, as with the Jean De La Valette, take approximately 90 minutes.

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