Issue 12 | Summer 2011
GOODWOOD - ANOTHER SUCCES STORY! THE NEW FORD FOCUS – NOW MORE THAN JUST A FAMILY CAR THE MERCEDES SLK – PASSION ON FOUR WHEELS
IMPORT IMPORTANCE
sizzling prices! Fluence
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€18,500 A/C, fog lights, Radio CD, remote central lock, power mirrors, power windows, 8 airbags, ABS + ESP/ASR, cruise control and much more.
Scenic at
€18,200 A/C, remote central lock, power windows, radio CD, airbags, ABS w/EBA and much more.
Benefit NOW from up to €2,000 reduction on the above models with the government scrappage scheme! Prices shown exclude scrappage scheme discounts. Terms and Conditions apply. Auto Sales Ltd - Kind’s, Mosta Road, Lija LJA 9011. www.renault.com.mt
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For more information or a test drive please call on 23311126/23311131
ISSUE 12 / SUMMER 2011
EDITOR’S NOTE
Fleur Balzan
PUBLISHERS b.Right new media Ltd. 19, Parish Street, St. Paul’s Bay, SPB 3361, Malta
The heat is most definitely on and we at Wheelspin are having a slight breather as we take a break from the TV programme. Well, maybe not much of a breather since the work continues on the next season to commence in October and the team is travelling to various events and media launches of new vehicles, collecting material to then bring to our viewers and readers.
EDITOR Fleur Balzan fbalzan@b.rightnewmedia.com
In the meantime, we are looking around us to see what motoring news is affecting us all locally! I say all and not just ‘us drivers’ as the current situations, be it road works, car safety, new bus system, and also the new Transport Malta tariffs, effect one and all. Unless that is, one never leaves his or her home!
CONTRIBUTORS Pierre Vella Gerald Fenech Mark Attard Jan Karl Farrugia Ben Glover
On this Wheelspin issue we also welcome a new member to our team, Ben Glover. Ben has recently moved to Malta having ‘wisely’ married a Maltese. Ben’s experience in motoring in his home country, the UK, is a huge gain for Wheelspin and having previously been a regular visitor to our islands, he is also very familiar with our road ways and history. It seemed right that his first article should be about bringing a car over to Malta from the UK since many locals have been doing just that, some with no idea of the pros and cons of such a venture. Safety is also high on Ben’s agenda, as on Wheelspin’s, therefore the article about the use of safety belts, also for back
GRAPHIC DESIGN Alexandra Pace info@alexandrapace.com
passengers, should be one to make us all think twice if we haven’t yet got into the habit of making sure our back passenger make use of safety belts! As already mentioned the Wheelspin team does not really stop the travelling. Pierre Vella has attended the
HAIR Cut Coiffeur
Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK earlier this month and here he is bringing his experience to you, the
MAKE UP Shasha
I, on the other hand have attended other happenings amongst them the media launch of the new BMW 1 series in
Wheelspin readers, about this extraordinary event which is heaven for any car enthusiast.
Germany. Some information of the car is available on the launch pages however a full test drive of the vehicle will be included on both our TV programme in October and on the ‘Autumn’ issue of the magazine. In the meantime,
ADVERTISING & SALES Fleur Balzan (+356) 2157 6154 / (+356) 9980 5763 PRE-PRESS & PRINTING Impressions Ltd., Marsa
on this publication I have written about the new 3rd generation Ford Focus as well as the striking Mercedes SLK which I have driven on our roads soon after their local launch. Two completely different cars which I most definitely enjoyed driving and which I hope you’ll enjoy reading about too. Therefore we now leave you to the reading and to the fabulous cars featured on this issue!!
Fleur 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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Renault Frendzy – Ahead of the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show features Page 10
Page 16
Page 30
Arriva, the Bus system most talked about. Or maybe not!
New Tariffs for number plates and fees by Transport Malta
Goodwood, another success story!
Page 13
Page 20
Import Importance
Have it with a gadget
Page 32 Time for a change
Page 29 Roadworks without advice
test drives
snippets
regulars
Page 7
Page 33
The Mercedes SLK
The Drifting championships
LAUNCHES The new cars to arrive in Malta
Page 23 The New Ford Focus
Page 26 The Porsche Monologues, Rants from Stuttgart and Beyond - Part 7
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Hi, Dear Fleur,
I am a fan of your magazine, even though I’m a female. I really enjoy reading it and wishing that most of the cars were mine. But lately, me and my husband decided that it’s time to change our 20 year car and, with the scrappage scheme it’s a very good idea. Going through your last issue which I got from POSTA branch at Zurrieq, we chose our future to be car, thanks to you from home and with no hassle.
Thanks to your articles and as well to the scrappage scheme offered by the government, I decided against buying a second hand car from abroad and instead I have ordered a new car from Malta. Prices for 2nd hand cars were attractive but I figured better something smaller and new instead of a car I do not know the history of. Your magazine is very informative and I just don’t miss a program as I love new cars and I always want to know what’s new in the market.
Thank you and keep it up! Miriam Lia Zurrieq
Silvio Naxxar Hi Wheelspin, Finally a magazine that does not copy what we already read on different web sites. Keep up the good work and please keep your articles original. Dear Fleur and team, What a splendid magazine you create, each issue is better than the one before. Lately I was deciding to change my car and with your hints I almost decided on one. I always look for your magazine when I go to Malta Post and I get an extra copy for my colleagues at work. We wish to congratulate you for Glen Vella’s song and keep up the good work. I look forward to watch your programmes each week and now that my boys are growing up, they love to watch it too. Usually I don’t interest myself in car magazines and programmes but yours are unique with your natural elegant look. Keep it up.
Karl Sliema
Hello Fleur, I am writing to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your article about the Geneva Motor Show on your last issue. I always look out to these shows to know what’s coming and now even more as I hope to change my car soon. The article is not only interesting but you make us readers feel as if we were present at the fair and touching these cars with our own hands. (I wish). I am looking forward to the next issue and will look out for it at my local petrol station, Manuel Luqa
Always yours, Rita Bonanno Zurrieq
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Write to us on wheelspin@b.rightnewmedia.com or Wheelspin P.O Box 24, St. Paul’s Bay and if your letter is featured you will receive Wheelspin merchandise such as the new Wheelspin Bag, flash drive, T-Shirts , caps and more.
SLK
the new Mercedes
Passion on four wheels!! by Fleur Balzan
I can remember when the Mercedes SLK was first introduced, when I was in my late teens or early 20’s, I had completely fallen in love with this car. I have a clear image in my mind of an aqua green model going around the Regional Road roundabout and I immediately told the friend with me in my car: ‘I want that car!’ I can remember saying these words for a few other cars after that day but this image has remained in my mind ever since and, although then I couldn’t afford it, my interest in the car has stayed with me throughout the years. When earlier on this summer, the car was
launched during a very pleasant evening in beautiful surroundings, I tried to get a glimpse of it ‘on stage.’ However, due to the many people trying to do the same, I didn’t dare get too close. So, as I tend to do on these occasions, I admired the contours and the details from afar knowing that, most likely, I would get to try out the car for myself without having to be hurried and without being watched over by the many people eager to sit in it! Yes, I can be that patient, but then I console myself knowing that sitting in a beautiful car is not enough for me. If I’m sitting in the driver’s seat, I need to be driving and with
a car like this, this feeling is more present than ever!! The day arrived and I arranged to collect the car from Kinds Autosales Ltd in Lija. It so happened that there were road works going on in Lija at the time and I must say, getting to the Autosales showroom proved to be quite impossible!
Detour after detour and I was about to give up but the red colour of the car kept coming to mind. So there I was thinking and trying to figure 7
out how I was to going to get there. It was then I remembered of the small narrow road from Attard which leads right to behind the Kinds showroom, so there I was, taking my car through this potholed road in order to spend some hours driving a dream vehicle in the scorching heat!! My only thought at the time was how I was going to return the vehicle after I had finished my test drive. No way was I going to take it through this road (if a car is not mine, I handle it with even more special care) but then, if the need arises, I would just have to keep it sometime longer!!
Few minutes after arriving at the showroom I was in this baby ready to go. My first thought was that, although the car I was to drive was red and utterly visible from everywhere, the inside is not loud at all. On the contrary, the dashboard is elegant, stylish and modern yet not fashionably modern if you get my gist. I like this in a car, even more so in a sports car as sometimes, by being too modern, there is a risk of the design becoming outdated too soon. Yet from the onset, the interior shows that this car will remain a true classic and whoever will be lucky enough to own one will drive it proudly for several, several years. So I managed to get past the road works in Lija, with the top closed I may add, to protect both the car and my lungs from the dust covering the area. The panoramic roof made sure I still felt the openness of the car. This roof switches to light or dark depending on one’s preference perfect for ‘open’ driving no matter what time of year or weather predictions. With such a car I needed to get on the longest, straight roads on the island. With my heart beating fast and my right foot itching to hit the gas pedal I was off
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without a care in the world knowing that, for a few hours, this car was all mine! I was sure that the adrenaline of driving it was going to keep me happy for the next few hours! The car I had for the afternoon had a seven speed automatic transmission, yet although ‘automatic’ is usually not my favourite, (by now wheelspin readers know this) I knew that with the different options of drive there wouldn’t be room for any complaining from my end!! This car promised top performance while still respecting the environment and though remaining ultra sporty, something the SLK is renowned for, the fuel didn’t seem to gobble down with any kind of driving. Mercedes Benz have actually improved the economy of this vehicle by over 25% and with a number of technological improvements, amongst them the ECO start/stop function, this vehicle is one of a kind!
This may be a compact roadster but the car feels like it is flying. No sooner do you hit the gas that you feel yourself go deeper into your seat, a feeling many drivers simply adore! The car feels weightless and yet the sturdiness is unique and the car remains completely in the control of the driver. This 3rd generation SLK has been introduced in four cylinder units and six cylinder engines from the Blue Efficiency family. CO2 emissions are exceptionally low for such a car, from 142g/km on the SLK 200, 144g/km on the SLK250 and 167g/km on the SLK 350 whilst the engines deliver from 182bhp, 204bhp and 302 bhp respectively. The smaller engine, the SLK 200 reaches 100km from standstill in 7 seconds whilst the SLK 350 reaches 100km in 5.6 seconds. The top speed for this largest V6 engine is 250 km/hr.
The car is full of the newest technology which increases the safety of the vehicle. Amongst its features are the Attention Assist, a drowsiness detection system, the Intelligent light system and the speed limit assist. You may think that I was so lost in the drive that I forgot to mention the looks of the vehicle. But then take a look at it, sigh deeply and appreciate! The car is strikingly beautiful, passionate to say the least, sexy, just slightly muscular and yet so, so elegant. The bonnet is long, with an upright radiator grille which features the prominent Mercedes badge and clearly defined headlamps. The passenger compartment is positioned at the far end of the car and the tail end is short. The profile of the vehicle has remained classic, literally timeless whether seen open or closed. Yes I did try out the car with the open hard top, how could I not? What can I say? I loved it even more than I did when I first spotted the 1st generation quite a few years ago!
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Arriva the bus system most talked about. Or maybe not!
The Maltese bus system in the past had always been a topic of conversation to come up on several occasions. We have heard tales about different happenings experienced by various people making use of them regularly. We’ve also had a song about them. So how did it go? Yes I remember: ‘The buses here are a bit of a joke, they’re old and green and make lots of smoke’. So they had eventually all been painted yellow but very little else changed and many of those driving those buses somehow felt that they were ‘kings of the road’ and had to remain that way. Now it had been a while since I personally made use of the public transport but nevertheless, the tales I heard from people making use of them were several. Most stories were similar. Some were quite funny about how the seats made funny noises and were as hard as rock, the driver kept loud music, with he himself singing
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to the tunes of Elvis and the suspension was way past its use by date and any trip was hazardous to anyone with a sensitive stomach. Others were more serious and at times, the irresponsible behaviour of one driver or another even made it to the courts, making news in Malta and beyond our shores! Now that doesn’t mean all drivers (or buses) were like that, far from it, but those are the stories the public remembered, unfortunately!
The most regular story I heard was that the drivers rarely bothered to give change to those travelling and one knew better than to ask for it unless, he/she wanted to be made to leave the bus! One particular friend of mine who’s half British and therefore very fair actually had the guts to ask for her ‘3c change’ in English and the bus driver, thinking she
could not understand, started swearing about her (unknowing to him) long gone mother in Maltese, indifferent to the many other passengers on board the bus. So what would you do in such cases? Report him? To who, or to what and what had one to gain in doing so? I most probably would not have taken that option either and therefore I fully agreed with my friend when she told me she shouted back at the guy, in Maltese, and gave him a piece of her mind. Knowing me, I would probably have done the same!
Well, so the public transport system is again being discussed by one and all, and the fact that it is new and the conversation is not always positive leaves one to think that change is not always for the better! Yet, love me or hate me, in this case I thoroughly disagree! I’ve heard many say that they would prefer to opt back to the previous rough attitude of the drivers
than have the system in place today and, although I understand their way of thinking and their frustration at the effect it’s having on their lives, their attitude may just be the aim of those who want the system to collapse in the first place.
Now, the chaos experienced in the past weeks is no joke especially to those relying on public transport on a daily basis, so what exactly could have gone so wrong with Arriva? The drivers not turning up for work was definitely a blow. Was this premeditated? It doesn’t take much to come to the conclusion that it may have been and this sort of attitude is nothing but sick! Here we are all striving to keep our jobs and companies trying hard to make ends meet without dismissing workers, sometimes at a personal cost to the directors, and some people decide that they are in a position to dictate with that care free attitude that has no place in any present workplace. What’s unfortunate is that what may have been the thought of a few reflected on the other hard working employees who wanted to get on with their work and earn a decent living for them and their families. Arriva had a bad start but many may have been the factors for this confusion. The fact that the system was not introduced gradually definitely did not help the situation. Had this been done, the company may have recognised certain things lacking in the new routes before they became a national problem. They may have adjusted them before introducing other new routes and more
problems in other locations. But did they have this option? Having followed the recent news about the new transport system and having spoken to many, many people who use public transport on a regular basis, one common complaint that came up was the duration of a trip which has doubled, if not tripled in certain cases. Certain locations, particularly the central ones also suffer from overcrowded buses which sometimes cannot take all the people waiting on the bus stop, whilst others, mainly the south, suffer from less frequent transport. So why is this? Many have complained that the new routes are the cause of this confusion and there are less buses going through more villages and therefore any trip is longer. So why were these routes not calculated before? Did Arriva not have the right figures of the people using public transport in the various locations? Or was it maybe the fact that not enough promotion was given to the newly introduced routes thus leaving passengers unaware that there were other optional routes to take to arrive at their destination? These problems go beyond being teething problems however I admire Arriva and their employees for doing their utmost to replace the drivers not turning up for work and to try to minimize the inconvenience to the public. It may take some time for the system to be completely’ hassle free’ and many are the changes the company would need to consider. These may range from, opting for some old routes or reviewing the new routes and maybe also increasing
the number of buses on the road at any one time. In the meantime, the public may have to opt to using personal transport, at least for a while, and if that is not possible they may have to tolerate and look at the positive side of things. And there are many positive things too! From the newer buses which are more comfortable, safe and clean to the environment and with the much longed for AC system, especially during this period, to the pleasant attitude of the drivers who, so far, no one has complained about. Now isn’t that a change, don’t you think? Once the system falls into place and the public gets used to the new routes and people stop complaining, Arriva should look at the employees that stayed on and supported it during this period and make sure they are rewarded in some way or another. And if the bus system is yet high on the topic of people’s conversations it will be for all the right reasons, though eventually, I believe, it will be another good thing that gets little mention. For in life we tend to do just that, rightfully complain about what we don’t like whilst wrongfully taking for granted the good that we’re so used to having around us every day of our lives!
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Import Importance by Ben Glover
I had seen the epic car ‘race’ challenges on TV shows in the UK, many involving high-powered super cars against planes, trains and hand made boats from tin cans. I never thought I would end up doing something similar! OK, so I did not have a Ferrari 458 Italia and Airbus 380 to play with. This was different as I was driving down from the UK to come live here in Malta. It doesn’t matter how much of a driver you are, the key is preparation. Endless meetings with my co-driver (many involved various pubs) made sure we were ready for anything. The car involved was a Vauxhall Astra Twin Top purchased from new in Portsmouth, Hampshire. (This was a tactical purchase due to the south coast city being an inter-continental ferry port). With its 1.9 CDTi engine averaging well over 55mpg combined, it was the perfect car to bring to live with me in Malta. Even before we set off the car was already loaded with the items required by law to
travel though the EU; First Aid kit, warning triangle, spare bulb kit, fire extinguisher etc. Thankfully I never had to use it, although I had heard stories of massive roadside fines for spot checks from the police, if one didn’t have the first aid kit on board. With the tolls being quite expensive no one wants that! Essentially we took a sat nav and a European road map with the completed stages of the route highlighted on it. The route planned would be through France via Paris, through the Alps and on into Italy where we would jump on a ferry from Livorno to Malta. Only a week before though, the Livorno ferry got cancelled so I decided to drive on to Sicily. Sounds straightforward right? It wasn’t, as you will read. The cheapest route I found was via Portsmouth – Le Havre, France (www. ldlines.co.uk) and although it was an overnight crossing it was fully booked. Already on a tight budget I only wished we had booked a cabin. Being over 6’ 7 and a
half tall whilst trying to sleep on a lounge seat is not fun! I actually think I shrunk a few inches. With an early start and two hours sleep I really didn’t feel ready for the trip. After the initial shock of holding up most of France and almost colliding with a lorry I realised I had never driven on the right hand side of the road before. With Le Havre to Paris programmed into the sat nav and with 150bhp on tap I was sure we would make Paris in under two hours. (Initially I had tried to programme in the full journey, however having Malta in the United States of America as our final destination it was clear we had to do this individually in stages). I had heard about the French toll roads, I never expected them to be so expensive! It is always handy to have at least €200 cash for this alone. They can vary from €8-20 depending on which roads you take. The alternatives are not worth thinking about if you want a quicker trip unless you like driving along farm tracks.
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Arriving in Paris in just over two hours we decided to get a quick coffee and of course, a picture by the Eiffel Tower. I had only ever seen it in the films and to be driving here was amazing. We worked on a two-hour driving shift each so we could meet the ferry at Pozallo, Sicily and so it was time to leave. If you thought driving here in Malta was hard work try getting out of Paris! After 90 minutes stuck on the auto route we eventually headed for the next destination: Chambéry.
world’s greatest places. White tabletop mountains and huge open roads were the reason my camera ran out of memory. Then, another highlight: the Mont Blanc tunnel. I’d seen footage on Youtube of Aston Martins travelling through 11,611m of tunnel windows down just to hear the noise of their V12 engines! Somehow trying to recreate this in a Vauxhall Astra diesel really isn’t the same! The plus side is that it knocks off 100km from France to Milan.
By the time we had arrived it was dark and the car had covered 569km. The 1.9 CDTi engine was swallowing these up nicely and with over 252 torque/lb it was making easy work of over-taking countless tractors and slow vehicles. Now, when stooping over for the night there is no point in booking anywhere in case you do not make it. We found a room for €50 (www.ibis.com) including breakfast. Ok, it was no five stars and the beds came as a double but hey, my friend and I had spent the best part of a day next to each other, a night wouldn’t hurt?! When we awoke the next morning, wow! We were surrounded by towering peaks which meant only one thing, the Alps. By now it was Saturday and we decided to push through the whole of Italy. On the map we had worked out that we’d have a lunch break in Livorno and so with sat nav programmed we headed off.
We’d reached Livorno at lunch time and decided how far we were going to go. I really wanted to drive through Rome as we had a bit of time. After some cold pasta and endless espressos we got back on the road. The route planned was to head along the main E45 auto route, yet we had missed the turning and ended up on the coast road for about 40km. It was a good job as the fuel tank by this point was low. Once at 1/4 of a tank we’d always refuel to the maximum. There is no point taking risks and playing ‘fuel station roulette’.
I cannot tell you how glad I was to be a passenger driving through one of the
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There is a saying, ‘When in Rome do as the Romans do’. Romans seem to do just one thing; be stuck in traffic! For two hours we attempted to get out of Rome and we were now behind schedule. By now it was dark and we were thinking of stopping somewhere for the night. Although it is best not to book hotels it is a good idea to find out where they are. Every little town we stopped at was fully booked until we found a place to stay in Cosenza.
It was then we would make the final push to Sicily before boarding the ferry from Pozzallo, arriving in Valletta late the same night. The Virtu ferry was only 90 minutes and for a car and two passengers in economy booked in advance was just over €110. (www.virtuferries.com). Seeing the familiar great harbour wall filled me with emotion as I looked back on the epic three days of travel. Leaving my homeland in a car packed with my whole life behind me as I drove over 1600 miles was something of an achievement. Would I do it again? Of course, next time I’ll take the Aston. When driving from the UK here are some hints: • Bringing in a car to Malta has restrictions. CHECK these before you buy. www.dca. gov.mt has all the info. Remember most cars from a dealer come with a warranty. This will NOT be valid when leaving the UK. • Never go alone and take plenty of cash with you for the tolls of Italy and France. That on top of food, drinks and fuel it gets expensive!
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New tariffs for number plates and fees by Transport Malta
more tax to pay for transport reform?
by Gerald Fenech
As the country continues to grapple with the Arriva public transport situation, many may have forgotten that Transport Malta decided to hike its fees for the issuing of new number plates and registrations. The new fee structure is as follows:
Administration Fees Description
Transactions carried out in 2010
Revision in Fee
Issuing of Driving License Photo Card
5,930
from €6 to €8
8,689
from €7 to €8
Issuing of Generic Registration Plates
24,000
from €30 to €35
Issuing of Personalized Registration Plates
19,000
from €60 to €100
Registration of vehicles
11,000
from €10 to €15
Printing of any document including registration certificate, road license, etc.
63,458
from €6 to €10
Inspection of used cars coming from the EU
4,771
from €35 to €50
Customised number plates
170
from €1165 to €1500
Admittedly some of the fee revisions are pretty minor with only a Euro or two differing from the old fees which were also in place for quite some time, some for over ten years.
the bank in the process. With 11,000 transactions issued in 2010, the obvious decrease in revenue will probably end up hurting Transport Malta’s pocket as people will now continue to plump for the standard plates which only went up from €30 to €35, a small increase. It is slightly mysterious on TM’s part to hike up one type of plate by over 60 per cent and others by a minimal 10 per cent but some will argue that this is justified to deter those who wish to show off.
Declaration for lost driving license, lost vehicle license disc, Registration Certificate, Number plates, and/or any other official document
However there are substantial increases in the number plates sector with the popular customised number plates rising from €1165 to a pretty staggering €1500. Admittedly those who can afford to pay for a customised plate will not really mind the extra cost but it still is a rather hefty increase. Also the printing of any document rises from €6 to €10 and with over 60,000 transactions carried out in 2010, that represents a susbtantial increase of income for TM of almost a quarter of a million Euro if last years levels are retained. Another substantial increase is the one allotted to the personalised number plates which go up from €60 to €100. This is a huge increase to a type of number plate which retains a certain sense of personalization but which does not break
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Inspection of used cars coming from the EU also took a hefty increase going up from €35 to €50 but this is not so much, while the registration of vehicles also went up by 50% but the end amount is only €15 anyway. In a statement, Transport Malta said that “the revision of fees will enable Transport Malta to be less dependent on Government subventions, and will also partly compensate for increases in driving license card production costs due to added security requirements imposed by EU Directives, and also additional security enhancements being made to
the annual circulation license disc, vehicle registration plates and vehicle registration certificates”. Transport Malta also said that the revision affects primarily those services which are considered non-essential, which include customized number plates and personalized number plates. This is due to the valuation system that was introduced by Transport Malta which enables customers to have a clear indication of the total cost of registration tax on any vehicle they intend to buy, before they commit to buying it. Interestingly though, TM is facilitating procedures for those who apply online. In line with Government policy to promote e-services, there will be no increases in fees where transactions are carried out online, thus making it cheaper for customers to transact online, where the services are available. So new car users and those who use TM’s services are urged to use the online system to beat the fee increase!
Main Corner, Showroom 2, Parish Street, Naxxar Tel: 2125 7400 - Mobile: 9933 0066 E-mail: newstyle@maltanet.net Website: www.newstylesdoors.com Showroom Opening Hours Mon to Fri: 09.00Hrs to 12.00 Hrs - 17.00Hrs to 20.00Hrs Sat: 09.00Hrs to 13.00 Hrs
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18/07/2011 10:26
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launches Mercedes SLK AMG –Just look at it!
Kinds Autosales Ltd recently held the launch of their newest sporty, spectacular number, the new Mercedes SLK. The car was unveiled during an event held at the Royal Malta Yacht Club in Ta’ Xbiex with beautiful views of the bastions surrounding the port, an ideal picturesque scene to present this beautiful car. The Mercedes SLK was presented in a stunning red colour which called to be seen and admired. The evening setting allowed the guests present to appreciate not only the beauty of the vehicle but also the atmosphere it creates thanks to the lights within the car itself. A full test drive of the Mercedes SLK may be read on this same issue.
New Ford Focus
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Mercedes Benz C Class Coupé
stunning and reliable
Expressive, dynamic coupé design
The much awaited new Ford Focus has reached our shores and Gasan Enterprises, local representatives of Ford, held the launch at the Old Power station near the Valletta Waterfront. Two cars were driven out of 40 feet containers and another in a bright yellow was unveiled whilst David Gasan, Managing Director at Gasan Enterprises introduced this vehicle saying: “The new Ford Focus is a clear demonstration that the ONE Ford strategy is providing global consumers with great products that harness the best of Ford Motor Company”. Guests and media present were entertained by Ira Losco throughout the evening. The appearance of the car has changed completely and the car seems more muscular and sporty. We at Wheelspin have tried out this vehicle and a full test drive may be read on other pages of this issue.
Mercedes Benz has also just launched another beauty, the Mercedes Benz C Class Coupé. The media launch was held at the Mercedes Benz Showroom in Lija on the 21st July 2011. With this vehicle, Mercedes Benz has entered a new market segment. This sporty two door vehicle is a compact classic coupe in a class of its own. It comes in a choice of five powerful direct-injection engines all offering the ECO start/stop function.
BMW Luncheon BMW (Malta) Ltd together with Muscats Motors Ltd, recently invited members of the press including the Wheelspin team for a Press conference during which details were given about the year ahead for the brand. During the press conference Konrad Baumgartner, Managing Director of BMW Malta spoke of the new models to be launched by BMW Group this year amongst them the new Mini Coupe and the new BMW 1 Series. During the press conference a special token was presented to Hugh Caruana for 48 years service to Muscats Motors and especially to the BMW brand. A luncheon then followed at the Villa Restaurant in St. Julian’s
International media launch - The new BMW Series 1 in Berlin The New BMW 1 Series will arrive in Malta later on this year, after its World debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show to be held in September. The Wheelspin team however was present at the media launch of this new vehicle held in Berlin in the last week of July. The second generation BMW 1 Series sees a number of improvements on the previous model with state-of-theart engine and suspension technology and improvements in fuel economy. The car has grown slightly in size so giving passengers more space.
Still the only rear wheel driven car in its class, the new BMW 1 Series improves on its predecessor, a car which has sold over a million units all over the world. The full test drive of the vehicle will be shown on the new Wheelspin TV season to start in October as well as on the Autumn issue of the magazine.
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gadget Have it with a
So now you have a car, maybe a new one or maybe a second hand one... from Asia or from Northern Europe... whatever the case now you would like to personalise it a bit and make yourself comfortable in it, no? How about some crazy gadgets to distinguish yourself? You name it ,you have it, these are just a few good ones.
within the precincts of the law, obviously! Having this particular device is an effective way to not seem rude in traffic or give your telephone number to the drivers you fancy. The exhaust flame thrower kit is a must have for all hot rods. The kit can make up to 20’ flames shoot out your exhaust on command. The main control box that
programmable wheels can display any image, logo, or text using the included software. Prices range from Eur 5,000 – 10,000 . The software included in the kit allows you to create your own images and send them to each wheel individually or all wheels at the same time as you drive! You can even pre-load up to six images into each wheel and program them to change
A Tesla coil car alarm is bound to be one of the most unique car gadgets you’ll ever see. It’s basically a more advanced type of car alarm system that you’re not likely to find on the average vehicle.
comes with this kit will control 1 spark plug and shoot some flame at the touch of a button. It is quite understandable that this gadget is for off road use only or at least I hope so!
automatically at the time intervals you select.
It’s a Tesla coil attached to the top of the vehicle that emits electrical force field when tampered with, trapping any potential thieves. ...”Look who we have here attached to my car!!..” An alert driver wristband is used to detect fatigue in the driver. When the driver is feeling fatigued, the band will begin vibrating – perfect for people who spend a lot of time on the road, as well as an excellent signal to pull over, grab a cup of coffee, or have a power nap. An LED car signal is a gadget you’re likely to notice on a few new cars until recently. When you accidentally pull out in front of someone or cut another driver off in traffic, it will signal the word “sorry”. It can also signal the word, “thank you” or be programmed with your own vocabulary,
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by Mark Attard
There used to be nothing more boring for the backseat passenger than staring at the headrest. These days it’s the most exciting. With LCD monitors and DVD players being installed in the headrest, the backseat is now the best seat in the car. Long gone are the days of rolling through the dial to find something you like. Satellite radio gives you whatever you want, whenever you want and many new car prices include this fantastic offer. Few gadgets are more tasty, or dangerous, than the sandwich maker. This portable sandwich press plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter and makes you a tasty sandwich in minutes. Let’s hope you’re smart enough to stop the car first. And at last but not least, (especially in price!!) cutting edge technology rims with built-in color LEDs projection! These fully
These gadgets are some of the most fun and innovative products on the market. They are all geared towards making your commute that much more enjoyable and do not affect your car insurance rates, at least to date. However the last gadget on the list, the rim screens, could somehow make maltese roads a bit more fun as well, given that most of the maltese drivers would long to actually show on screen what they have inside their minds at every given opportunity, can you imagine this scenario?!!
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Ford Focus the new
Now more than just a family car!! by Fleur Balzan
The third generation Ford Focus is finally here and we’re sure many have noticed one promotional model, in a bright yellow, lighting up our roads. I had the opportunity of keeping this vehicle for a few days, and was I glad to do so!!
the ‘old’ model with the new model and when it was time for another change to another Ford, I chose to keep this second generation model for me, so much is my trust in this car!!!
Since the first generation of the Ford Focus was introduced to the world, I believe way back in 1998, this was always one car I liked.
So now with the third generation also available to me, I could really appreciate the changes made to this model. All for the better, I may add, which must not have been easy on an already extremely good vehicle.
After it was introduced in Malta some time after its introduction in Europe, towards the beginning of our TV programme quite some years ago, this car remained at the top of my list of vehicles for various reasons, mainly for its comfort, safety and pleasant drive. So much so that it was the car I suggested to the one that will always remain the’ top’ man in my life, my father!!
The new generation is built on the previous version however it is a completely new car when it comes to looks! The waist line is broken twice, over the sides of the wheel arches at the front and at the rear which makes it more muscular with more of an aggressive look.
When the second generation followed, it seemed natural for my dad to replace
The car is actually wider than the previous model, something felt also when inside of the vehicle . The rear lights are different
continuing towards the side curve, whilst the front grille has also changed, sometimes giving the impression that the front bonnet may not be properly closed when in fact it is. This front grille is different in other ways too as its air shutters open and close accordingly for better cooling and optimum aerodynamics which then also increases on fuel economy.
The interior has continued to improve with the material used being of high quality making it look like a higher segment, more costly vehicle. The dashbord is elegant yet sporty with the AC vents set as vertical instead of horizontally, something which I thought looked stunning on this particular dashboard. The aluminium touches around the gadgets add to the sporty feel of the car and the same gadgets are so easy to use. Obviously, for me this may
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be due to the fact that I drive the previous model, although I do believe that Ford vehicles are built around the driver and therefore even those new to this vehicle would see it fit like a glove.
When it comes to the drive, what to me tops the reasons for choosing a vehicle, this car has improved tremendously. The model driven was the 1.6 Ti-VCT petrol emgine offering 105 bhp and does it drive you home happy!! The car is extremely responsive and agile and yet the handling is excellent as any other previous focus models which were already known to be amongst the best in their class for handling. As I had the car for a few days, it so happened that it also rained on one of them, which gave me the opportunity to try the car on wet roads which had already seen quite a little bit of sun and dirt on them. The result: The car handled the same as ever, brilliantly and never once does one feel unsafe whilst driving in this vehicle, a feeling which took me back to
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one of the main reasons why it was the car I suggested to my father quite a few years ago!!! Many improvements have been made on the focus, the multilink rear suspension and subframes have been completely redesigned and with the new variable power steering system one has more feedback at speed. And what about the new technology incorporated in this vehicle? Thanks to this ECOnetic technology , as Ford is calling it, the car offers very low CO2 emissions (136g/km on the petrol and as low as 109g/km on the diesel) and great fuel efficiency plus the car offers features that without a doubt the average driver will find very handy. These features include the park assist and the lane departure warning and lane recognition features which continue to add to the comfort and safety of the drive. Other features are the driver alert which recognises when a driver needs a break, and the adaptive cruise control with driver alert, for a more relaxed and easy drive. It really seems this car can do everything
itself with as little input from the driver as possible!! When you consider all this, it is no wonder that Ford is promoting this car with the slogan ‘Start more than a car’.
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Porsche monologues the
Rants from Stuttgart and beyond - Part 7 by Jan Karl Farrugia
Porsche all set to concur Le Mans in 2014 After an absence of 16 years since its last win, Porsche returns to Le Mans with a brand new, works-run LMP1, which newly developed racecar is scheduled to debut in 2014. Porsche is the most successful manufacturer in Le Mans, with 16 overall victories, the last one in 1998 with the Porsche 911 GT1. Matthias Müller, President of Porsche AG explained recently “Motorsport was always an essential part of the Porsche brand, so it was only a matter of time before we returned as a factory to the top league of racing. Porsche’s successes in Le Mans are unrivalled. We want to follow up on this with the 17th outright victory.”
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With the RS Spyder sports prototype that was run with great success from 2006 to 2008 by the factory-backed Penske Racing team in the USA and to 2010 by several privateers worldwide, Porsche has set the benchmark recently in the LMP2 category. With the RS Spyder, Porsche was the first manufacturer to run a high-revving race engine with direct fuel injection, DFI, setting new standards in performance and efficiency. Recently, with the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, a completely new drive technology for racing purposes was adopted which achieved a further considerable reduction in consumption.
developing new technologies and to continue on with the success of the Porsche RS Spyder. After the conclusion of our works-supported sports prototype programme in the American Le Mans Series we have kept up with the latest technological advances. Now we will begin with detailed research in order to evaluate the various concept alternatives for our new car. These obviously depend on how the regulations for the year 2014 look in detail. In principle, these regulations are interesting for us because the integration of our hybrid technology in the vehicle concept is one possible option.”
Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport, is already prepared for one of the most challenging development programmes in the company’s history. “We’re looking forward to the task of
Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood claimed the first overall victory for Porsche in 1970 with the legendary 917 short-tail. The 16th and by now last overall win was secured by Laurent Aiello, Stéphane
Ortelli and Allan McNish in 1998 with the 911 GT1. In the years 2008 and 2009, the Porsche RS Spyder sports prototype won the title in the LMP2 category.
Limited Edition: The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is entering the home straight. Limited to 600 vehicles, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 brings together in a road car all the attributes that have made the Porsche 911 GT3 a serial winner on the racetrack. The new model purveys thoroughbred motorsport technology to its innermost core. The flat engine’s crankshaft has been lifted unchanged from the 911 GT3 RSR racing car’s six cylinder engine and the forged pistons’ connecting rods are fashioned from titanium. The four-litre displacement sports engine, the biggest 911 model line engine ever, is also the most powerful naturally aspirated engine with 125 bhp per litre. It achieves its maximum power of 500 bhp at 8,250 revs. The engine delivers its maximum torque of 340 lb ft at 5,750 rpm. The GT3 RS 4.0 naturally offers breathtaking performance. The most eloquent figure: it makes it round the infamous Nürburgring track in 7.27 minutes. Available exclusively with a six-speed manual sports transmission, it accelerates ferociously to 62 mph from a standing start in 3.9 seconds, it’s gearing designed for the racing circuit, and it rockets to 124 mph in under 12 seconds. The RS 4.0’s outstanding dynamics are the fruit of meticulous development. In addition to using the suspension components typically encountered in motor racing, weight reduction is also of supreme importance. Equipped as standard with light weight components such as carbon fibre bucket seats, bonnet and front wings, plastic rear windows and even lightweight carpets, the two-seater’s ready-for-road weight is a mere 1,360 kgs with a full tank of fuel. At 2.72 kg/bhp, the GT3 RS 4.0’s power-to-weight ratio dips below the magical threshold of 3 kgs per bhp. The limited edition 911 is painted white as standard and emphasises its proximity to motor racing by its dynamic appearance. Trademark characteristics are the wide track, the low vehicle position, the large rear wing, the typical central twin tailpipe and the aerodynamically optimised body. The lateral front air deflection vanes, making their first appearance on a production Porsche, testify to the aerodynamic precision engineering.
They create increased downforce on the front axle and together with the steeply inclined rear wing bring the vehicle into aerodynamic equilibrium. As a result, at top speed, aerodynamic forces exert an additional 190 kg literally squeezing the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 onto the road. Sales started this July 2011.
Another monster all-wheel drive 911: The 408 bhp Carrera 4 GTS The 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé and Cabriolet will combine the 408 bhp top of the range engine from the Carrera GTS family with the intelligent, all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM). Driving dynamics are not the only source of attraction. Economics are as well. The new all-wheel 911s consume no more than the equivalent Carrera 4S version, the Coupé remains at a combined 25.7 mpg and the Cabriolet at a combined 25.2 mpg. Both models boast an even more comprehensive standard equipment package compared with the Carrera 4S models. The Carrera 4 GTS power unit has its origins in the 3.8-litre, six-cylinder Carrera S engine. A revamping of the intake duct added 23 bhp taking the power output to 408 bhp at 7,300 rpm. The special aspiration system not only improves peak power output but flexibility and power development as well thanks to a more generous torque curve in the lower and middle engine speed range. 236 lb ft kick in from as low as 1,500 rpm; the sixcylinder engine delivers its rated torque of 310 lb ft in the broad engine speed range from 4,200 rpm and 5,600 rpm. The sports exhaust system fitted as standard ensures a distinctly sporty sound. It provides the Carrera 4 GTS with an unmistakable acoustic signature and the rear view of its tail pipe with its unique black surface design lends it a unique character.
reflective stripe between the tail lights. What the Carrera GTS models have in common is the 911’s wide body, otherwise reserved for the all-wheel version of the 911s, and the rear axle track width that goes with it. In numerous other details as well the GTS models differ both visually and technically from the other Carrera models. They run on 19 inch RS Spyder wheels in black with central locking and gloss-lathed rim flanges fitted with 305/30 ZR 19 tyres on the rear axle. Visual features include the front apron with black painted spoiler lip and special side skirts, also in black. Driver and passenger are accommodated on sports seats in Alcantara which also wraps the steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake lever, door handles and door storage box lid. The 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé and Cabriolet also went on sale in July 2011.
Power unleashed: the Panamera Turbo S Porsche is substantially raising the bar in the full-bloodied gran turismo saloon category by a proverbial mile. The 4.8 litre twin turbo V8 delivers a colossal 550 bhp, 50 bhp more than the already very powerful engine in the Panamera Turbo. By the same token, the torque also increases to a road wrinkling 590 lb ft with the so-called overboost function. With the help of the new Launch Control system, this behemoth hits 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and will keep hammering its passengers comfortably to their seats right up to 191 mph. Despite the increased performance, fuel consumption remains at the moderate level of the Panamera Turbo at 25 mpg on the combined cycle when fitted with the 19 inch tyres.
At full power the Carrera 4 GTS Coupé sprints to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds, the Cabriolet in 4.8 seconds. The Carrera 4 GTS is fitted as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox however the PDK sevenspeed paddle shifter is also available. The PDK actually shaves an additional 0.2 seconds respectively off the acceleration times.
The increased performance can be attributed primarily to the improved turbochargers with titanium-aluminium turbine wheels and the modified engine control. The use of the innovative titaniumaluminium alloy reduces the weight of the turbine and compressor wheel. This results in a lower moment of inertia and thus in improved and more agile engine responsiveness.
Visually, the Carrera 4 GTS models with allwheel drive differ in points of detail from earlier variants with rear-wheel drive: the distinguishing characteristic of all models with all-wheel drive is the additional
The top-of-the-range Panamera expectedly boasts an extraordinarily comprehensive equipment level. It features PDCC (an active roll stabilisation system); PTV Plus (a variable torque split to the rear wheels);
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Servotronic steering system; Sport Chrono Package Turbo, which tunes the suspension and power unit, making them even sportier; and the sports exhaust system for an even more tear inducing engine sound. The sporty character of the new Panamera Turbo S is apparent not just in its performance but is also reflected on the exterior. The 20-inch Turbo II wheels, side skirts from the Porsche Exclusive range and the adaptive rear spoiler ensure a particularly sporty performance look. In the interior the fusion of exclusivity and sportiness is conveyed by the bicolour leather finish, including the new combination of black/cream. Deliveries of the world’s fastest sitting room started in July 2011.
Homage to the original Targa: the RUF Roadster
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World renowned Alois Ruf and his team were inspired to build the RUF Roadster from a 1967 Porsche Targa. This 911 was equipped with an integrated roll cage that combined the safety of a Coupé with the fresh air feeling of a convertible. The centrepiece of the roof could be removed and folded whilst the flexible plastic rear window could also be folded. The new RUF Roadster has an aerodynamically optimized lower rear window and two extremely light, removable roof pieces in carbon fibre. The rear window is made of a three-layer polyglass and includes an electric motor to keep the rear window tight. The Ruf Roadster may be driven completely closed, completely open, or with a closed roof and open rear window, or open roof and closed rear window. The Roadster is available with a 400 bhp six-cylinder boxer engine or as a Turbo
variant with providing a hairy 560 bhp. A six speed manual gearbox is standard However Porsche’s PDK can also be specified, as well as four-wheel drive. This RUF rides on 19 inch forged aluminium wheels. The base price for the Roadster with combustion engine starts at Euro 195,000 without tax. RUF even has a planned limited production of electric “eRUF” automobiles
road works without advice is this the way forward? by Gerald Fenech
Everybody agrees that our road network leaves a lot to be desired. What with the recent narrowing of roads into one lane carriageways and others which are no better than dirt tracks, the situation appears to have been accepted by all and sundry as rather inevitable. However, to be fair there have been some road rebuilding projects over the past years which have seen certain thoroughfares gain in quality no end. A good example is the Marsascala bypass which although was over budget (as usual) and took ages longer than its stipulated target date to be completed (again, as usual), the results are pretty admirable. Valletta Road, Zurrieq is another good example of a high quality road although again this took several weeks more than planned to complete. This brings me to the main topic of this article. Early in June, we were faced with a number of huge signs all over the main roads in the South indicating that Garibaldi Road and Council of Europe Road would be closed indefinitely for major roadworks on the two thoroughfares in question. Much needed, one would say but all of a sudden, chaos began to reign on the roads, even more chaos than we are currently used to in this country, and that’s saying something! Drivers who wished to proceed to the airport suddenly had no idea how to do so as the signs were not properly advertised. To add more grist to the mill of confusion, major roadworks were also started at Xatt l-Ghassara ta’
l-gheneb and the road behind the Marsa Racecourse so if one wished to proceed via the Qormi-Siggiewi roundabout to get to the airport, the traffic jams there were, and still are currentyly massive. It is a situation which begs belief at times. The works are part of a project, announced last month, of major road upgrading as part of the TEN-T Trans-European Transport Network. Other road works in the same project include Council of Europe Road, also in Luqa, Flagstone Wharf and Triq l-Ghassara tal-Gheneb in Marsa, Marfa Road from Mellieha to Cirkewwa and Mgarr Road, Gozo, between Xewkija and Victoria.
The works on Council of Europe and Garibaldi streets are projected to cost €10m and will be completed in a year, a spokesman for Transport Malta said. 85% of the cost of the projects will be forked out by the EU. The projects will include new utility services and boundary walls, landscaping, street furniture and safety features.
very little alternatives and hastily put up signage, confusion continues to reign supreme. The question one asks here is why do roadworks on such a massive scale seemingly spring up from the middle of nowhere? Is it too much to ask for proper plans to be drawn up beforehand, traffic management routes explained properly and clearly and a comprehenisve signage programme to be introduced which is easy to understand? It seems that with all its grandness and self aggrandizement, Transport Malta continues to take people for granted and believes that it can do what it likes and let the people lump it. It’s high time that such major projects are properly advised in the media and the relevant information is made available to the general public as soon as a project begins. Only this way will all the confusion which currently reigns supreme be avoided.
The roadworks in Triq l-Ghassara ta’ l-Gheneb have severely affected business at the Valletta Waterfront although again, this refurbishment was hugely overdue as the roads here resembled more of a war zone than a business district. However it is now obviously becoming increasingly difficult to access the Marsa area and with
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Goodwood words and images Pierre Vella
Well it has been another wonderful time at Goodwood. With due modesty, I do consider this event unique. Simply no adjective can fulfil the excitement, atmosphere and most of all the experience that comes across at Goodwood! This is not just an event. It is a never ending story of fun and enjoyment for everyone who has a passion for cars, where dreams can possibly come true. I have lost count of the number of times I have been to Goodwood, but the memoires are all there and I can never say that one event was replicated or ‘yes I have seen this before’.
Goodwood – Festival of Speed is not just an event that you attend and tick a box. Yes did it! It is an event that gives one the urge to think that next year: ‘I will try to return and tick the same box all over again with a different colour’. This year’s event marked quite a few anniversaries. The 50th year of the Jaguar E Type was one of them. This was celebrated with a variety of models with different configurations, from the lightweight built in 1968 to another lightweight low drag. However, Jaguar also brought over an array of Jaguars from the XJR12 7.0 litre V12 to the 1950 XK120. For sure during the three days spent at Goodwood, my main passion F1 had to take a bit of a second row with all the nostalgia that was around! Another anniversary was the hundred years of the Indy 500, quite a feat to celebrate especially when getting the cars that raced nearly a hundred years ago. Well not all but some exciting machines where on track being raced up the hill to the delight of the spectators. Besides machines some of the living legends where around to actually drive their own wining cars, Bobby Unser, Eddie Cheever, Parnelli Jones, Gil de Ferran, Dario Franchitti and Emerson Fittapaldi just to mention a few. This was like walking through a history book of the Indy 500! A sport so distant to us suddenly came within arm’s reach, with all those legends mingling with the crowds signing autographs and chatting about their exploits. Best of all was when the actual cars were raced up the hill, not actually Indy’s oval track, but 30
seeing these cars racing was a feat on its own. The amazement of the drivers was the knowledge that there was cheering coming from the spectators who were both young and old! This is why Goodwood is unique, where can you find such opportunities that allow you to come close to your heroes? Barriers seems to be a ‘no’ word! Just imagine the likes of WRC and F1 drivers rubbing shoulders with everyone. But the most spectacular was that after each run the cars all returned to their parking slots with spectators lining the route, each driver enjoying the moment by revving up the engine to the crowds delight. But this is not all! Goodwood offers a Forest stage where a mini rally took place. This year we saw an icon with the Mini Cooper and the 2011 WRC Mini Countryman contender, such a sight, plus the high powered Lancia Delta Integrale and the Audi Quattro. For sure motor bike enthusiasts were not left empty handed with one of this year’s stars being a limited edition MTT Street fighter helicopter turbine powered motorbike. Well Goodwood is a dream maker. We just skimmed the surface this time and, I am sure that there will be the opportunity of writing yet another contribution about Goodwood, apart from the picture album that is available. We hope that when we resume with our regular TV program we will be able to show a feature from Goodwood – Festival of Speed 2011 One final word of appreciation goes to the Earl of March who together with a fantastic group of people managed to stage such a powerful performance, every year coming up with an accolade of events that is second to none. We thank you and look forward to next year.
Another Success Story
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Time for a
change
by Ben Glover
I woke this morning thinking how clear the air now seems. Living off the Regional road in Swieqi I am not a stranger to the rude awakening of a ‘Cummins Turbo 340’ that is ‘Made in Heaven’. Don’t get me wrong I loved the old buses. However it was time to move on. And have you also noticed that our roads are getting a slow transformation? My workhorse, the aging Daewoo Racer normally loses a mirror or a camshaft on the way to the gym as it hits more holes than Tiger Woods in a golf cart. I quite like this ‘New Malta’. However, driving around I have seen something that shocks me right through to the core. It is something that I am actually really passionate about and saddens me every time I see it, yet I have been helpless to do anything, until now! I am talking about seatbelts. Since 1995 it has been compulsory for driver and front passenger to wear them and from 2004 it’s been compulsory for rear passengers to wear them too. In a country that is populated by more cars than citizens the results could be catastrophic if not fatal if this law is not adhered to. Some of the biggest culprits are 4x4 drivers. Now, I am a fan of SUV’s and offroaders, in fact when I win the lotto I’ll be the first to buy the new BMW X5 M. But don’t think because the bigger the car the safer it is. Of course, it will be a lot less of an impact for you, though maybe not so lucky for the car in front. Only last night a Mitsubishi Shogun pulled up outside my house with three children in the back not wearing any seatbelts. The wife had to stop me from walking out of my gate to have a word!! You may be thinking, ‘What right does he have to say what I can or cannot do?’ You are right. Please just remind yourself of this: in a crash at 48kph/30mph, if you are unrestrained, you will hit the front seat, and anyone in it, with a force of between 30 and 60 times your own body weight. Think about it! That’s at least one fullygrown elephant at a speed you think is not that quick. These could be our children hitting that seat. In a place where car journeys are short and the average speeds are 60 kph in places, and the roads are in a poor condition the next drive you take may not be so straight forward. I know some insurance companies are not paying out if you are injured in a car accident and were not wearing a seatbelt. Having closely worked with the Hampshire Police in the UK and being a volunteer with the Roads Policing Unit I have heard
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horror stories and seen the impact of not wearing a seatbelt! Having sat in the passenger seat of an unmarked police car on the UK’s motorways, most of the offenses committed were; 1) speeding, 2) speeding whilst on a mobile and 3) speeding without wearing a seatbelt. This carries heavy penalties and points on your license (in the UK). The insurance goes up and then you are unable to feed your children for at least a month as well as being divorced by your wife for being an idiot. OK, we do not have any motorways on the islands, however as previously mentioned even at just over 48kph the impact can be severe. My Daewoo Racer may be knocking on in years (and around the engine) yet it still has that ‘annoying’ noise that reminds me that I have no seatbelt on. Most modern cars have this only for the front passengers. Sadly the rear ones don’t! With the exception of the Citroen C4 Picasso. My wife used to sell these and so we had one at least once a month. A great car, and if you are not strapped in, the bong gets louder until you can pretty much not hear the world around you. My son will not, under any circumstances, let me drive my car until everyone in it is strapped in, and he’s only five. I hope the government’s Verona Charter promoting road safety through education continues to highlight this issue and that we can take this seriously. For me it seems to have all gone a bit quiet. Please forgive me, I do not want to sound like your father or plan a protest in the streets on this issue but surely if we are a ‘New Malta’ we owe it not just to ourselves but to those around us. Use seat belts and make sure those riding in the back use them too!
JDM drift allstars Images: Anastasia Zhukova
The first JDM Drift Allstars event was held in Malta recently. The event saw the transformation of the Ta’ Qali National Stadium parking lot into a drifting track and the event attracted not only motoring enthusiasts locally but also many enthusiasts who visited our country purposely. Event Organiser Adrian Figallo spoke of the importance of highlighting Malta as
an international Motor Sport venue whilst JDM Drift Allstars production Manager Paul McCarthy mentioned the importance of such events not only to attract foreign participants but also to promote local talent. The top 16 European drivers and other Maltese drivers participated in the week end event that was held between the 10th and the 12th of June 2011.
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The Peugeot 5O8 comes in a choice of petrol and diesel engines offering between 112 to 163 bhp. Amongst the features the car offers Bizone Air Conditioning Climate Control, Electronic Stability Programme and Traction Control ESP and ASR, Dynamic Stability Control CBC, Automatic headlamps and wipers, 17� Alloy wheels, electric front and rear windows, Cruise control with speed limiter, Rear parking aid, Electric folding door side mirrors, Bluetooth with audio streating, Peugeot connect USB Box, ABS, EBFD, EBA, Ultrasonic alarm, Front and side airbags, Curtain airbags for front and rear, Alarm and deadlocks, Welcome lights, Leather Multifunction steering wheel, Manual Seat controls with Electric Lumbar Support, and much more. The car may be viewed at Michael Attard Ltd. Tel: 21238854. Price starts from ₏28,300.
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www.peugeot.com.mt
E
legance
is a matter of detail
Combined fuel consumption 4.2 l/100 km
207 ACTIve PACK HDI SPeCIAL SeRIeS
Peugeot offers its special series 207 Active Pack HDI, equipped with WIP Bluetooth, 15’’ Alloy Wheels, Overtint Glass, Split Climate Control Air-condition, Automatic Lighting, Rain Sensor Wipers, Front and Rear Electric Windows and many other standard features. The 207 Active Pack HDI is a package that offers an Elegant, Affordable and Economical vehicle giving you comfort and driving pleasure at low cost. This model is within the parameters of the scrappage subsidy scheme recently announced by the Government for those persons eligible for the said scheme.
PEUGEOT
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Michael Attard Ltd. – National Road, Blata l-Bajda – T: 2123 8854 – M: 79 406 607 – E: sales@michaelattard.com