#38 - WINTER 2018
AUTOSPORT IS INTERNATIONAL AT BIRMINGHAM The First Motor Show of the year THE PENALTY POINTS SYSTEM A welcomed system that may be improved POSITIVE MENTAL DRIVING How thinking positive may help in our driving YOUR BEST MATE Our car may just be our best friend
WHEELSPIN• Issue 38: Winter 2018
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#38 - WINTER 2018
PUBLISHERS b.Right new media Ltd. 19, Parish Street, St. Paul’s Bay, SPB 3362, Malta
EDITOR Fleur Balzan fbalzan@b.rightnewmedia.com
CONTRIBUTORS Pierre Vella Ben Glover Anjelika Balzan Ruggier
MAKE UP Shasha
ADVERTISING & SALES Fleur Balzan (+356) 21 576 154 (+356) 99 805 763
PRE-PRESS & PRINTING Impressions Ltd., Marsa
Editor’s Note
FLEUR BALZAN
The first Wheelspin magazine for 2018 has arrived and with it, several articles that are sure to keep you busy reading. As usual, the team has been busy deciding on the different topics to go for this issue. We constantly strive not only to give you the information about the various cars on the road today but we also try to hit the nail on the head to figure out what our cars mean to us, car enthusiasts and petrol heads! For this issue, Ben Glover has truly identified why our car may actually just be ‘Our Best Mate’. How many times, in difficult and fun times have we resorted to our cars to cry it all out or sing to the radio to our hearts content? Ben has also pointed out how ‘Positive Mental Driving’ may make our life on the road easier. Why don’t we all give this a shot and see whether it works for us? Pierre Vella has brought to these pages his latest travel experience at the Auto Sport Motor show whilst Anjelika Balzan Ruggier delves into ‘the thrill of driving’ especially in the early hours when roads are clear, as well as ‘life in the fast lane’ as seen through her eyes. I, on the other hand have been trying the different cars arriving on our shores, amongst them the Citroën A3 Aircross, our current Wheelspin long-term test drive. I also look at the newly introduced Point scheme and dare to point out certain issues in this system that, we believe may be improved. So as you can see, this is another magazine filled with original writings you will not find anywhere else. So go ahead enjoy the read and if you want further information feel free to contact us on wheelspin@b.rightnewmedia.com
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 38: Winter 2018
CITROËN C3 AIRCROSS LONG TERM TEST DRIVE PAGE 9
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IN THIS ISSUE
WINTER 2018
FEATURES
TEST DRIVES
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CARS DRIVEN LATELY
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LONG TERM TEST DRIVE
THE PENALTY POINTS SYSTEM
A welcomed system that may be improved
10 AUTOSPORT IS INTERNATIONAL AT BIRMINGHAM The First Motor Show of the year
Test driving the Renault Captur, the Renault Megane Grand Coupé, the Range Rover Velar and the new SEAT Ibiza
The Citroën C3 Aircross
12 POSITIVE MENTAL DRIVING
How thinking positive may help in our driving
15 LIFE IN THE FAST LANE
What cars mean to the car enthusiast
16 THE THRILL OF DRIVING
When one enjoys being on the road
17 YOUR BEST MATE
Our car may just be our best friend
LAUNCHES 14 LAUNCHES
The Renault Megane Grand Coupé, the Hyundai Kona and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio
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Im Wo R ag rd IV es s: F E : R le ob ur N er Ba L t V lz A as an TE sa LY llo
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There is no lack of new vehicles being introduced and every brand is constantly working on introducing new models and new segments to increase its market share. Models already introduced are also constantly being improved so there is never a dull moment for us whose job it is to drive these vehicles to then offer our opinion of them to the general public.
THE RENAULT CAPTUR The Renault Captur is one of the most popular crossovers on our roads and the success of this model has been incredible for the brand. It was therefore very important for Renault to make sure that any changes would continue to compliment the already loved image of the car. Most of the changes were made to the face of the vehicle. The grille has been enlarged, it has been given new headlights and new daytime running lights that are lower and incorporate the fog lamps. There is a touch of chrome at the sides and a choice of more colours that one may choose from to personalise ones vehicle.
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The rear lights have also been retouched whilst the interior has had some minor retouches mainly the choice of colours one may choose for touches on the dashboard. When it comes to drive, this remains very pleasant. With slightly elevated
seating, good handling and quite a comfortable suspension. New technologies have also now been introduced on this model; technology such as park assist, rear view camera and sensors making this an ideal car for family runs also due to the ease when it comes to parking.
THE RENAULT MEGANE GRAND COUPÉ The second car driven from Renault is the Renault Megane Grand Coupé. This is the sedan model of the brand that has extended the Megane range. Obviously, there are several similarities with the Megane hatchback mainly when it comes to the face and the rear lights, however when you look at the profile of the vehicle you will realise that the extended lines make this a very beautiful executive vehicle. When it comes to space the car is definitely not lacking. The leg and shoulder room is ample not only for driver and front passenger but also for those seated at the rear. As imagined the space in the boot is generous too and the interior, similar to the Megane hatchback, is attractive offering a number of features, mainly through the 8.7” portrait touch screen, making this a very prestigious vehicle. When it comes to the drive, the model driven is the 1.5DCi Dynamique S Nav producing 110bhp and with a 6 speed manual gearbox. The engine is very sufficient for a car of this size and the vehicle was responsive, with very good acceleration, practically on either of the choice of drives available to choose from, be it Eco, Comfort, Sport etc. Handling is very good and suspension comfortable. One impressive thing which stands out is the silence of the cabin that allows for
a beautiful drive while escaping from the road noise we encounter too often nowadays.
towards the car with the lights coming on and with easy access to the vehicle without the actual use of the key.
Another feature that attracted us to this vehicle is the feature that recognizes the driver when he/she is walking
Definitely a car that, because of its price and all, is one of the most value-formoney vehicles out there right now!
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THE LUXURIOUS RANGE ROVER VELAR Another vehicle we were anxious to drive this season is the Range Rover Velar that we have been eyeing at different motor shows for a while now. This model fills a gap between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. This is another SUV model by the brand that is very attractive and easily recognizable as Land Rover. The model driven was the SE R Dynamic with touches of black around the car, the grille, the air vents, the pillars, the skid pads and panoramic roof all in black which is a beautiful contrast, especially on the white vehicle driven by us. The black piano finish continues in the interior of the vehicle, around the centre console as well as the steering wheel. This compliments the rest of the beautiful interior including the not one, but two 10” touch screens. One is situated on the dashboard giving Navigation features etc and the other slightly lower giving other car information such as drive info, control of the heated seats and more. There is also a 12” TFT screen behind the steering wheel
making sure that the driver has all the necessary information at all time.
at all times but it is also sporty adding to the thrill of the drive.
The car is pure luxury offering ample space for all occupants and utter comfort
In fact the drive of the AWD 3 litre diesel, with an 8 speed automatic gearbox and producing 300bhp was simply bliss. Obviously the car offers different drives in Comfort, ECO, Normal, Dynamic and one may also choose the kind of terrain to travel on, whether it’s sand, snow, rocks etc, adjusting the air suspension depending on the terrain. Obviously such a car is packed with different technology to make our lives more comfortable and our drives safer too. Amongst the features are emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot assist, pedestrian detection, 360 degree parking aid and much, much more. Definitely Sporty Luxury at its very best.
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THE NEW SEAT IBIZA Many will remember the SEAT Ibizas of the past. Always very good B Segment vehicles, something that hasn’t changed! However, when one looks at the new Ibiza and the package it offers, it is difficult to believe that this is still a vehicle in the B Segment. This is simply because this fifth generation Ibiza offers so, so much more in the car of today. The car is built on the new MQB AO platform of the VW group, a platform that is smaller and lighter resulting in the car being lighter and with a longer wheelbase and therefore offering more space within the vehicle itself. Although still recognizable as the SEAT Ibiza, the car has changed with a beautiful face and striking sidelines. The interior is well equipped and attractive also thanks to the piano finish touches and the screen practically forms part of the dashboard itself. The drive of the 1 litre TSI producing 115 bhp we drove was very satisfying on the road. It feels solid and accelerates well with a soft suspension offering a beautifully comfortable ride. Amongst the different features it offers are the emergency city braking, reversing camera, park assist, tiredness recognition, voice recognition, keyless entry and start stop system. The SEAT Ibiza has already received a number of awards and without a doubt these awards will continue being received as this is surely one of the best package City Cars of this time!
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As we come to write this, it is very obvious that by now all drivers are aware of the newly introduced Penalty Points System, a system that effects our driving licence if we make some driving contravention or other. Some unfortunately may already have experienced the meaning of this system but what do we make of it and how may we contribute to make it better? by Fleur Balzan I must say that, on the whole this is a system that has been welcomed by one and all because, even if some may complain, deep down we all recognise that it was needed to safeguard the safety of all of us on the road. Like it or hate it, it is a system that may go a long way to reduce traffic accidents and worse, traffic fatalities. Soon as it came in effect, we at Wheelspin did a feature on our TV programme to give more details of how the system works but over the past weeks and months, we have been listening to you, our viewers and readers to identify aspects of the system that are not so clear to the public. We have also tried to look into certain parts of the system which we feel may have been done better. Probably one of the most common amongst the hundreds of questions received is, ‘what happens if someone else driving a car registered in your name gets a fine whilst over speeding or other’? Unfortunately most believed that penalty points would be added to the owner’s licence but we can assure you that is not the case. I have read countless posts on social media replying, quite wrongly, to some question about this, increasing the worry for those whose car is driven by others or those who have more than one car registered in their name for business or private requirements. We can confirm to those out there in this situation that one may fill in a form stating who was driving at the time of the contravention and the penalty points therefore would be added to the driver's licence and not to the owner's. Another issue that received several comments and complaints is being caught over-speeding at a speed camera. This contravention automatically adds 3 penalty points irrelevant of how many kilometres one may have exceeded the speed limit by. On this issue we dare say that things could have been done better. How can it be right to get 3 penalty points added when over-
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speeding by 2 or even 10km/h yet get the same amount of points if over-speeding by 50 or even 100km/h? In this scenario we would recommend that penalty points be added on a scale. Our suggestion would be: 1 penalty point for up to 10km/h, 2 penalty points for up to 20km/h and 3 penalty points for 30km/h. Over speeding by over 50km/h would then result in even 6 penalty points being added. After all, we want our roads safer not slower than they already are! The Penalty Points System was certainly a deterrent when it comes to drinking and driving, especially over the festive season and this is a blessing for one and all. Yet can we say the same with the use of mobile phones that are also a prime cause of road accidents? Probably not to the extent intended! Unfortunately we still see many using their phones whilst driving, especially on village roads or outskirt roads where wardens or police officers are not always present. Maybe there should be a change in the way contraventions are recognized and any individual should be allowed to present some dash cam footage or image to the authorities if this shows a contravention by another driver. It may definitely raise some eyebrows with some that still feel they can break the law, but it would most certainly prevent more people from risking if they know that it would only take another driver to spot their contravention and not just a member of some authority or other! We are anxious to hear what you think about this Penalty Points System and how you think it may be improved. If you have any ideas let us know by writing to us on wheelspin@b.rightnewmedia.com
CITROËN C3 AIRCROSS LONG TERM TEST DRIVE by Fleur Balzan
If there is a segment that is growing in popularity at a very fast rate, it is by far the SUV and crossover segment. With every programme broadcast we receive several correspondence from viewers asking about one car or another and without a doubt, right now, the majority are asking about crossovers and which of the models available, we would highly recommend. Of course we would have to have driven the cars for us to endorse. So what’s better than driving a car for several weeks or months to discover all that it may offer to all us drivers? Definitely a test drive the way all test drives should be! Our latest long-term test drive is the new Citroën C3 Aircross, Compact SUV/Crossover, a car we were definitely anxious to discover both because of it’s stunning looks and the overall package it offers. So far, after just over two months sharing our days with this baby, I must say we are utterly pleased! Obviously the first thing to catch one’s eye when it comes to the Citroën C3 Aircross is its looks. The car is striking with a choice of colour combinations that just makes everyone turn their heads when it passes on the street. Our long-term test drive has a stunning beige/champagne colour with touches of bright orange around the lights, the side mirrors and the roof racks and on the corner window by the C Pillars. The interior features the same colour scheme, beige seats with a touch of orange, also featured on the dashboard together with the black piano finish on the steering wheel and around the touch screen. An attractive combination of colours that at the same time is easy on the mind, allowing for tranquil driving at all times. When it comes to the drive, the model being driven is the 1.6 litre BlueHDI FLAIR producing no less than 120bhp and with a 6 speed manual gearbox. The engine is extremely good for this size
vehicle, offering great acceleration and the handling is also good offering a drive that feels secure at all times, also at faster speeds. The electronic stability control offers excellent grip on any road whilst the suspension also offers a comfortable drive made even better when the car is loaded. One thing that newer cars are excelling in are the features being introduced, features that offer that additional luxury feel to most cars, besides greater security. Such features on the C3 Aircross include the keyless entry allowing one to access the car without removing the key from one’s bag or pocket as well as the start/stop system. When it comes to security, the lane departure warning keeps one alert at all times. On the other hand constantly experiencing the blind spot detection system on local roads makes us feel that no car in Malta should go without this system nowadays. This feature recognises vehicles that are at an area not easily detected by the normal eye and this, I admit, has alerted us to many motorcycles trying to overtake from the left. Goes to show why certain negligent driving may be the cause of many a traffic accident! When it comes to economy and after two months and nearly 2000km on the clock, we have reached the 6.3 litres per 100km. Not bad at all when one considers the use of the climate control at all times and the driving in traffic we cannot seem to avoid lately. However we know these figures may improve the longer we keep the vehicle. The Citroën C3 Aircross will keep us company for a few more weeks so feel free to stop us and discover it with us if you spot us on the road. Otherwise one can see the various features about it shown on our TV programme over the past weeks, features one may see again through a link on our facebook page.
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AUTOSPORT IS INTERNATIONAL AT BIRMINGHAM by Pierre P. Vella
Many are those that once the festive season is over, allow gloom to rule. It’s back to the normal routine, getting the decorations neatly packed and thinking about the long wait to next Christmas. There are a few of us however who are always glad that the mince pies have been exhausted and the Christmas tree is packed away. It’s not that we hate Christmas but for us January means we are days away from the first European Motorsport event in Europe. The event, Autosport International, kick-starts the motorsport season for all petrol heads! I remember way back in 1997 when I first visited the event and it blew my mind. In a positive way! It was my first opportunity to interview a Formula 1 driver, Ferrari’s Eddie Irvine who was enjoying his time at Maranello with a certain teammate by the name of Michael Schumacher. Another iconic event at the show then was a unique item exhibition of the late legendary Aryton Senna, whose demise was still very fresh. But then did his unexpected departure from this world ever go stale? Along the years popularity has been on the increase for the show. One factor
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that points this out is that on our outward flight from Malta to Birmingham, there are always many local familiar faces and friends, all with the same passion for cars. Birmingham can be very cold on the second week of January and this year was no exception, however once you step inside the exhibition halls, the radiant enthusiasm that embraces the visitor is just indescribable. Massive halls depicting all that makes up motorsport and this year was no exception.
is new within the motorsport industry, chatting with the very best discussing new products, new techniques and upcoming products. One thing that I was very much intrigued by was garage furniture which ironically could easily be the pride of a home kitchen, an inspiration on how garages can be turned to a top notch location resembling more an assembly workshop of either Maserati or Rolls Royce. Definitely the price of the kitchen, oops garage furniture is not cheap but the end result was just incredible.
As is customary the first two days are a showcase of top-notch engineering. Top companies are on hand to illustrate what
Next on my agenda was the LIVE Action Show where again the roaring sounds of superfast cars in a confined
FEATURE • Autosport is International at Birmingham by Pierre P. Vella
space is just the best concert that all petrol heads attend and appreciate. Star of the show was Billy Monger, the young aspiring motor racer who dramatically lost both legs during an open seater race. I was fortunate of meeting this very inspiring boy at Silverstone and one thing that impressed me was that even though he suffered such a traumatic accident, his enthusiasm towards motorsport is bigger than ever. At the Autosport International, Billy was back on his feet, chatting with everyone and discussing his future in motor sport. Together with two of my friends we had a very interesting chat with Billy. Such an inspiration to everyone when, a disability can become a determination if addressed correctly. What impressed me at this 2018 edition, was that one major objective of the show was giving a second chance to individuals who have passed through a bad patch. An excellent initiative put together by some of the very best in the scene. This is an excellent platform to a second try in life. It is mainly being addressed to ex military personnel who suffered an injury, whether it is physical or mental. Ironically Billy Monger has turned out to be their number one ambassador clearly illustrating that life is what we all make of it! Every one’s objective has to be success; this can be illustrated in various ways and fashion. Well done whoever came up with this idea, once more clearly demonstrating that Autosport International has become the pinnacle of innovation on all platforms! Meeting personalities is not short at the show. Besides the dedicated areas where all can meet up with their heroes;
personalities are bumped into whilst going around enjoying the show. This year’s star attraction was ex F1 champion Nigel Mansell. During the weekend, the British Lion heart gave time for autographs plus talking about his time in Formula 1 and he also spoke about his views about the future of the sport. Saturday was also auction day with an array of very interesting models, from a yellow Ferrari F40 LM version to a Lamborghini tractor. Again here there are opportunities for everyone to acquire that desired model though it all depends on how fat one’s credit card balance is. I always find it rather difficult to leave the fair empty handed, as long as that something can fit in my luggage, be it parts from F1 cars to very interesting books. This year I opted for my annual F1 book that has been collected since 1979 where Ferrari had triumphed their F1 championship with South African Jody Scheckter. Over the years I witnesses some extraordinary events from F1 team
launches to ex F1 driver Alex Zanardi signing for Williams. This year there was another showstopper, with all the teams from the WRC present with the team’s cars and drivers. Finally having applauded this year’s show, a definite mention has to be the careers section. This was a dedicated area taken up by universities specialising in all aspects of motor sport. Meeting students on their stands gives a different dimension to university participation. I can just imagine someone keen on motor sport and what it would mean to him/her to be given the opportunity to learn and study something that is ones passion. It is a great opportunity and is not limited to UK students; we have two Maltese who took their studies at one of these Universities a few years back, both are working within the motor sport industry, one working with one of the top F1 teams. Autosport International is not just a show but a compendium of opportunities, from just the normal enthusiasts, to someone who wants to pursue his studies or else acquiring a dream car. It is also the first motorsport show to kick start the year and a great opportunity for the dead period when motor sport seems to go into hibernation. Looking forward to next year that will definitely promise to be innovative and highly entertaining! Autosport International, the place at heart for all petrol heads and individuals who want to make a career from something that is their passion.
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Positive this, positive that! How can we all be positive when we have a Monday in the week? These days a healthy mind and wellbeing are buzzwords that will pop up all through 2018. Though this is not a bad thing. Our daily increased pressures of life are vastly piled on thanks to the onslaught of social media and digital engagement. Taking that selfie from the beach or in front of the mirror before a night out is something some of us may feel is essential in order to get the most likes and to be popular. All these 'pressures' all add up and actually they can affect us in other ways, including in our driving. Let me explain more.
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FEATURE • Positive Mental Driving by Ben Glover
My good friend, Lloydie, is bang into this mind programming. He is a positive mind coach and has many clients on his books that he Facetimes regularly to make sure they are doing 'well' at life. He helps run a radio station and looks after a team of on-air presenters to use special broadcasting techniques, not only to gain more of their audience figures but to be positive in their preparation to produce a good radio show. He is a big fan of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). This is the practice of understanding how people organise their thinking, feeling, language and behavior to produce the results they do. NLP provides people with a methodology to model outstanding performances achieved by geniuses and leaders in their field. A key element of NLP is that we form our unique internal mental maps of the world as a product of the way we filter and perceive information absorbed, through our five senses, from the world around us. Heavy! You probably don't know this but car sales people often use this process when closing a deal on the car with phrases such as, 'You like the car, you like the way it performs' or 'I have the best offer for you!', etc. Now, probably like you, I've always been a massive sceptic when it comes to all this 'mind' business, and I would be the first to kick it all into the bin and hammer the lid down with the same rivet gun used on the Titanic (OK, that did not have a happy ending, but you get the analogy). Imagine the day, we decided to meet over a hot coffee, when he suggested I pick him up from work. Now, I like this guy, we get on really well and I have no issue with him sharing the same space in my car. There are some people I wouldn't even open the door to, so he was privileged. On entering my car Lloydie was already smashing out the NLP on me, firing off a sentence aiming to trigger a response, 'I have had a nightmare of a day...'. You cannot help but respond to this! As the conversation went on, I was aware that we were in the car park and that my frustration was building trying to find a parking space, the last thing I wanted was to be 'coached' into a positive mind in order to find one. But you know what? There is a way for this. Following a face palm on myself I decided
to throw caution to the wind and give it a go. Having lived for many years in the parking mecca nightmare that is Sliema what was the worst that could happen? I duly accepted his challenge. I was to visualize a space, think positive thoughts about it and go there. And there it was. A space in a packed parking lot! No, this was just a fluke, a one off. It couldn't possibly work! For fear of losing my precious space I decided not to give it a go again and Lloydie's smug face was already burning the side of mine with a, 'I told you so' that I was not going to give him the satisfaction of recognising! I would try it again, and this time I would challenge myself by attempting to park in Paceville, at the weekend.
The clubbing and drinking hot spot was not a million miles away from where I worked at the time and I had the fall back of a parking space, underground in a hotel if I needed it. Not to be outdone by the oneoff parking space moment I would try and find a space in one of the side roads. It was past midnight, I was due to play a gig and there was nowhere to park. I found myself circling more times than a Boeing 737 attempting to land at Heathrow airport. Then I tried the 'positive mental parking' technique. I visualized the space in my head, and my word, there it was, in the middle of the night, wide open like a barn door. In fact, it was so wide you could have parked the 737 in there. But this was Paceville and
I was not prepared to leave my precious car parked outside as too many times before I have had the pleasure of scraping off pizza or pastizzi from the bonnet on my return. So I headed back to the safety and cover of the underground car park‌ which was full. But I found a space. OK, so this PMA probably does work. It got me thinking, what if we could apply this to our driving every day? And not just through wanting to find a parking space. Adopting this attitude may reduce the pressure of everyday life or just getting from A-B, because driving around here can sometimes be a challenge. It gets hot, the traffic isn't moving and tempers are flaring. We have all been there.
That said, when we do get cut up by that driver who has no idea how lane control works, instead of getting angry about it perhaps we need to learn to just simply let it go. I'm not sure how this will happen but I'll see if I can get Lloydie to hold a group session here in Malta sometime. Then we may see road traffic accidents reduced, less crime on our roads and people actually waving at us to say sorry instead of swearing. Hopefully! Perhaps, if we all became healthier in mind when behind the wheel, we would actually get somewhere!
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LAUNCHES THE RENAULT MEGANE GRAND COUPÉ Recently launched by Kind’s Autosales Ltd is the new vehicle from Renault, the Megane Grand Coupé. Although featuring the name ‘Grand Coupé’, this is actually the newest sedan model replacing the popular Renault Fluence. The Grand Coupé is built on the Megane hatchback with similarities on both the face and the rear lights. It is extremely spacious with an attractive interior that gives the car a very executive look. The Renault Megane Grand Coupé may be viewed at the Reanult Kind’s Autosales Showroom in Lija.
THE HYUNDAI KONA Korean brand Hyundai, now locally represented by Motors Inc has just launched its new crossover vehicle by the name of KONA. The car was unveiled during an event held at the Hyundai Showroom in Valley Road B’Kara as it was introduced to the media and Hyundai clients. Colourful, compact yet spacious, the Hyundai Kona joins the growing segment that is increasing in popularity by the day. The Hyundai KONA may be seen at the Hyundai showroom in Msida.
THE ALFA ROMEO STELVIO Alfa Romeo has introduced their newest vehicle, their first SUV that goes by the name of Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Launched during a Media event at the Marsa Sport Club, this newest vehicle introduces the brand to a segment that is achieving great success right now, both locally and abroad. With recognizable Italian styling, the Alfa Stelvio may be viewed at the Motors Inc, Alfa Romeo showroom in Psaila Street B’Kara.
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by Anjelika Balzan Ruggier
The Mercedes AMG GTR (topgear.com)
What’s more exciting than getting to experience the feel of driving fast or even watching fast cars at a racing track? The adrenaline rush when you press the gas? Although not everyone may be as car enthusiastic as I am, it definitely gives me a thrill whenever I get to be around super fast cars. To me, watching fast cars driving so blazing fast immediately draws my attention and I feel that excitement building up. It surely gives me chills and I can’t help but recognise the beauty of these cars, and not only the esthetical beauty! One of the most addicting things about these fast cars is the noise they make when the exhaust baffles open up, making huge sounds and spitting flames. Waaaa-pow, waaa-powww. It’s almost impossible to keep a frown on your face. I swear I could listen to it all day! As you may have realised, I have a love for all kinds of luxury sport cars. Any brand, you name it. I love to talk about all sorts of models. Whether it is the Ferrari 812 Superfast or Ferrari LaFerrari, the Bugatti Chiron, Lamborghini Huracan or Reventon, the Jaguar F-Type, Lexus LC 500, McLaren 720S, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Mercedes SLC, the Bentley Continental GT, Ford Mustang GT, Aston Martin DB11 or Vanquish and Maserati GranTurismo, (I can keep going on). I look up different high performance beasts, randomly looking for pictures over the internet just to look at the beauty of each car and basically get lost in time. Literally losing myself in a world of my own! I would however drive any kind of car and feel like a little kid with a new toy every time I am just seated in one. In reality
all kind of cars attract my eye and I will explore the lines in great detail. However, I do have some personal favourites. The Mercedes AMG GTR is definitely at the top 5 of my preferred list, yet my all time favourite is without doubt the Nissan Skyline GTR R35. I think the Skyline GTR is the definition of what a supercar can be, a magnificent performance car. There are a few things that most will look at when looking at the various fast cars in today’s market. The most obvious being their power specs, engine and transmission options, where it sits in a legacy line or how quickly it can accelerate from zero to 60 mph.
If you are a speed lover as much as I am, then you will worship the Skyline GTR because this beast is sure to smash the 3.0-second - zero to 60 mph barrier. There is so much to like about the fast lane! Whether it is watching the cars at a racing track or on the big screen, or having a sports car of your own. Just being able to listen to the sound of that powerful roaring engine, the growl that's desirable in a sports car, like the roar of an aggressive lion, is magnificent, as is the beauty and the looks of the sports car itself.
The Nissan Skyline GTR R35 (ilovegermanstyle.net)
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For most of us driving is much more of an ordinary task to get us from point A to B. Whether it is getting to work, picking up family and friends or driving into town and back. We very rarely get to experience the thrill of driving a car to its full potential. In order to gain more enjoyment from driving, why not investigate some of the most beautiful and scenic drives in your local area, or even better, get yourself overland in our neighbouring island and experience the different roads we lack locally? This way, you get to create new experiences behind the wheel that will thrill and excite you, without having to break the speed limit. In fact, you may find yourself stopping more often than you might expect as you take in the view. I am sure I am not alone in thinking this but the countless aspects of driving, whether through a narrow, twisty country road, or on a wide road of fast moving traffic, or even a karting track, are in themselves exciting and deeply satisfying ventures. Having said that, a day at a racing track is a great way of getting to experience life in the fast lane without compromising your own, or anyone else’s safety. There are many ways to get a thrill behind the wheel without breaking the law. Try to enjoy the act of driving, not
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for its speed, but for what it represents, the freedom of the open road. Funnily enough, many people find the act of driving to be a complete chore, a misery to be endured or even a deadly necessity that they have to deal with. I found myself in a conversation with someone who simply did not understand how any aspect of driving could be considered as fun, and it kind of blew my mind. He didn't understand what could make a car fun to drive, because he never had fun in a car before. To him, the idea of paying attention to the sound of the road seemed entirely stressful, and a curvy, technical road was like playing Russian roulette. No matter how I explained my love for driving, he just didn't understand. The act of having fun while driving didn't exist within his world, and I don't think it ever will. Though, it is not just about having fun while being behind the wheel, driving alone in an empty and traffic free road helps clear the mind and, at least in my case, gets my mind off things which I would otherwise be
thinking too much about. This by simply focusing on the road ahead of you! Maybe I am lucky that, because of my sport training, I get to drive at the very early hours of the day when the roads are tranquil. There it is, another reason to wake up early! We all want to drive a car that makes us in a way feel good and safe behind the wheel. Thanks to today’s advanced technology, ABS, Electronic stability control, hill assist and other technologies such as navigation, reverse camera, voice control, sensors, park assist, lane departure warnings, blind spot detection and other technologies which are increasing every day, this has never been so much a reality as it is today. We are moving fast towards autonomous driving but let us still appreciate the thrill of the drive. For me that thrill is the slight resistance on the accelerator pedal, the bounce back of the clutch, the thunk of the gear shifting, and the purring of an engine. Pure driving in its simplest form yet made safer thanks to the choice of cars we have on the road today!
What, to you, is a good friend? The person who is always there for you in a crisis? Someone who won't judge and will point you in the right direction? Someone who won't let you down? Definitely that reliable someone who you can depend on when needed! In actual fact, I have probably described your car. by Ben Glover
If, like me, you are fully attached emotionally to your car then we probably find ourselves talking daily to it. You see, for me, a car is not just a machine — it is a living, breathing thing. There are so many emotions that we go through when in our machines, it is no wonder they are such a big part of our lives. For heaven's sake, all my cars have had names! Our cars take us to work every day, helping us earn the lifestyle that we so
desire. And during that short time, we laugh, we cry, we shout at that crazy driver who has no idea how a roundabout works. Our cars carry a lot! When my father passed away in 2003, I was in the UK and 220 miles from home. As soon as my sister called me I knew instantly something was up. I have no idea why but I knew something was wrong with my dad and then the words I was dreading to hear. I had to make it back home. My car, at the
time, was an Opel/Vauxhall Astra CoupĂŠ with a 2.2 petrol engine. In true petrol head fashion, I had it lowered, body kitted and engine tuned to about 170 BHP. It was nothing but trouble mechanically but on that lonely drive to the west country of England it didn't miss a beat. Yes, I probably exceeded the speed limit at times through glazed eyes but it carried me to my sister's house. As soon as I got to her door I just ran out, door wide-open, engine still running to give her the biggest cuddle I had in me. I do
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FEATURE• Your Best Mate by Ben Glover
not remember any of that journey, through country roads and down motorways but the fact is my 'best friend' was there for me and took me home. Two days later at his funeral, in the same car, she took me and my sister to say goodbye at the graveside. When I had paid my respects, my family had laid on a wake at his favorite RAF social club. I simply got back into the car and went back to work the next day. This is not because I was being disrespectful to my own father, it was my coping mechanism, to travel along the roads that I once did as a kid. To relive the memories caught when it was just my sister, our dad and I! We did not often see him and so time was precious and at a premium. My car was my escapism, the car I used to pick my dad up in when he came to see me, that would take us out for that pub lunch or coffee. And there lies the reason. When the time came to say goodbye to her and trade in for a new model I was so upset I had to have a day off work (sackable offence these days, please don't try this as an excuse). On the flip side, I have had a lot of fun in all my cars. When I passed my test back in the pre-historic 1990s,
my mum put me on the insurance for her Renault 5. It was the TC Rio model (came with a sunroof) and was pretty basic. I ripped out the stock stereo, fitted a cool 'pull out' cassette unit and hi-fi speakers in the boot. They were so big my mum was not happy when it came to the weekly supermarket shop. That said, around that time, I started to recognise girls and wanted to show off when I hit the beach. Having a set of wheels, some big tunes and equally big speakers were all the mating call I needed. I felt like I was Michael Knight… in a Renault. That was the car I grew up in. Then, when I was ready to move away from home, I got a job and the dark cloud of finance grabbed me. I bought the newest car I could, an Opel/Vauxhall Corsa SXi. Again, lowered it, tuned it, and, quite frankly, ruined it. (The thought now of a very tall person inside such a small car was rather like Peter Crouch inside a gokart, but it was mine). At the same garage I bought it from, I met a girl, fell in love straightaway with her and then she had to move away. She didn't have a car so I simply gave my SXi to her. What was I thinking?
on all pers t y r e v e fa ther lik t now o a h r g s u a o w h ar The t small c a h o-kart, c g u s a e e d d i i s ins rouch in C r e t e P mine. s a w t i but
Looking back, I was in a strange place, I was unware of being broken hearted so young, in love and naive. When I got the car back, she left a card on the front seat, without seeing me face to face, and dumped me. The car didn't stay in my life for long. I've had VW Golf GTIs (roughly seven, I still have two of them) as I cannot get myself out of the 90s — I mean, they were the best years of my life. I bought projects that I couldn't finish and had to send them away on the back of a flatbed lorry to scrap yards. I've had cars I have lived in after a relationship breakdown, ones that have carried me all over the UK in order to keep some money flowing in. It's been the 'ambulance' when I have had to witness accidents or take my wife to hospital and my heart has been broken after a couple of minor shunts and disagreements with curbs. But none have come close to the car I had a love/hate relationship with. My Opel Astra Twin Top Convertible Coupé. My most expensive purchase when it has come to cars, I felt I had truly arrived in life when I owned a convertible. There is nothing better than feeling the wind through your hair and the heater turned up full (the UK's weather is not Malta's). The wife only let me have the car as long as a pushchair could fit in the boot. I had whittled down, from a list of about twenty cars on my bucket list, to about five. I started high end with a Mercedes GL 4x4 to the then handsome looking Ford Focus ST. Do you know how much aggro it was going from dealership to dealership, with a pushchair, just to see if it would fit in the boot? Then to add insult to injury, the first day of me taking my son home from the maternity unit, in my brand new registered car, the interior was well and truly christened as he was sick all down the exclusive upholstery I had ordered. He is 12 years old now and I still feel the need to remind him. When I got married in Malta, it was the same year that I was made redundant. It was time for a change. The decision to move to our humble rock was a whirlwind one, nonetheless un-regrettable. I remember so well the day I packed up the Astra to the
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FEATURE• Your Best Mate by Ben Glover
roof line with my possessions and wound my way through France, along the Italian coast before finally arriving in Sicily. After
three days travelling, the final push to the island was an epic trail of un-expectations, driving on the 'wrong' side of the road and
trying to keep it all British with my driving style, forgetting how bad some Italian and French drivers are.
My entire life belongings were in this one car behind me and it had carried me to another chapter in my life.
On arriving to the final destination of Portomaso I burst into tears; my entire life belongings were in this one car behind me and it had carried me to another chapter in my life, one that was completely unknown and, if I'm honest, quite scary. Looking back on the 1,600 mile journey through steep mountain hills, low valley roads and the flattest of terrain I really had come a long way. And all in one car! We have since parted ways but I often see her out and about in Malta; she has a new owner now and is enjoying her life in the sun. The best of highs and the lowest of lows have all happened in my car and probably yours. I chat to it and I sometimes take my anger out on it, especially if it breaks down or when a car part won't fit. It is a place to go to when things get tough. And you know what? I wouldn't want to share them with anything or anyone else!
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SPOT INFO
The new Volkswagen Polo Bigger and better than ever before, the charismatic new Polo is designed to meet the challenges of the modern world. The technical highlights in the Polo include assistance features such as “Front Assist” with Pedestrian Monitoring, the optional “Blind Spot” sensor as well as the optional “Park Assist” system. The interior of the Polo has also been upgraded: it now has storage compartment for inductive smartphone charging as well as new infotainment systems with up to 20.3 cm (8 inches) displays. Striking a perfect balance between design and function, the new Polo is ready to order from Continental Cars Ltd., Testaferrata Street, Ta’Xbiex. Price starting from € 12,700 including Scrappage Scheme.
DAKAR 2018 - A third consecutive win for Peugeot After 8,793 km of dunes, mountain passes, rocky tracks and assorted hazards through Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, Sainz and Cruz gave the PEUGEOT 3008DKR Maxi a magnificent victory on the 40th Dakar Rally. This third consecutive success for PEUGEOT on the world’s most demanding rally mirrors the success of the PEUGEOT 3008 SUV, voted ‘Car of the Year’ in 2017.
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Following a demanding endurance test, PEUGEOT won 7 of 13 stages and demonstrated remarkable reliability and optimal performance from the engines despite the altitude and extreme conditions, reaching Cordoba 43min40s before their rivals. PEUGEOT’s impressive record, 7 wins from 8 participations!
1987 Victory (205T16) 1988 Victory (205T16) 1989 One-two (405T16) 1990 One-two-three (2x 405T16), (205T16) 2016 Victory (2008DKR) 2017 One-two-three (3008DKR) 2018 Victory (3008DKR Maxi) www.peugeot.com.mt
SPOT INFO
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 market lunch for another, a stroll on the beach to soak up the winter sun, a good dose of shopping, 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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