Cool Wheels 2010

OCTOBER 2010

SUPPLEMENT

BEFORE YOU BUY A NEW CAR. There are four things you must consider: affordability, needs vs. wants, vehicle, maintenance and spare parts.

Some points to consider are: s Will you need a bank loan? s Will the money come from your savings? s What will the monthly payments be on the amount borrowed, including the interest charges? s What are the contract conditions and penalty fees?

Don’t forget the cost of the licensing and insurance fee.

In Bermuda, the size of the vehicle determines what class it will be. Class size runs from A to H, with A being the smallest and H being the largest.The larger the vehicle the more you pay for the annual licensing fee.

You must know how much you can spend before you can determine what you can afford. You don’t want to get stuck making vehicle payments that will leave you scrounging for rent money for three or four years.

Next, decide what the most important needs for the vehicle are.

COOL WHEELS

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF THE BERMUDA SUN

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OCTOBER 8, 2010

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Inside this supplement Versatile Tepee for family or business Pages 2-3 Sporty and roomy Tiggo is ideal family car Page 4 Smooth riding in comfortable Optra Page 5 No nonsense Aveo is reliable and comfortable Page 6 What you need to know before you buy Page 7 Take the stress out of dumping your old car Page 8 New Mini Countryman has off-road option Page 9 Sporty Peugeot 207 catches the eye Page 11 New showroom to meet market gap Pages 12-13 Enthusiasts come together in new club Page 13 Sporty hatchback ideal for island’s roads Pages 14-15 Spacious Mini truck ideal for trades Page 16 Individual plates for that personal touch Page 17 Battery-driven scooters a viable option Pages 18-19 Peugeot bikes on display at Wheels Pages 20-21 Staff ensure that bike is right for you Pages 22-23 Impressive range of bikes at Cycle Care Pages 24-25 High tech Fiat 500 is a head turner Pages 26-27 Smart and safe: The new Fiat Punto Pages 28-29 Kymco models on display at new showroom Page 30 Much more to Oleander than bike rentals Page 32

Bermuda Sun 19 Elliott Street, Hamilton, Bermuda HM 10 Tel 295-3902 Fax 292-5597 E-mail feedback@bermudasun.bm This special supplement is produced and published by Bermuda Sun Limited and printed in Bermuda by Island Press Limited.

Publisher Randy French President Lisa Beauchamp Editorial Sirkka Huish, Simon Jones Layout Jack Garstang Advertising Sales Carlita Burgess (Deputy Advertising Manager), Olga French, Diane Gilbert, Claire James Creative Services Gerri Saltus, Christina White, Colby Medeiros, Shay Ford Circulation & Distribution Nick Tavares

The Bermuda Sun publishes twice weekly and is a subsidiary of MediaHouse Limited. We are members of the Inland Press Association, International Newspaper Marketing Association and the Newspaper Association of America. We are located at: 19 Elliott Street, Hamilton HM 10; P.O. Box HM 1241, Hamilton HM FX Tel: 295-3902 Fax: 292-5597. Visit our website: www.bermudasun.bm

2 ■ OCTOBER 8, 2010

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Versatile Tepee for family and business

BY SIMON JONES sjones@bermudasun.bm

There are not many cars that can double as a family carrier and a worker’s van – but the Peugeot Tepee seems to have a foot in both camps.

It would be equally at home with mom, dad, three children and Monty the dog sitting in it heading for a day on the beach as it would be with strips of plywood and building materials piled up in the vast trunk.

It is a big beast of a car with copious amounts of storage space dotted throughout the front, back and rear.

And it is probably fair to say that when Peugeot designed the Tepee it was with the family in mind.

However in a country like Bermuda this vehicle’s versatility could be its trump card and give it the edge

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

PEUGEOT TEPEE: With so much space the Tepee can double as a family carrier and van. over its competitors. The Tepee is bulky and block-

like to look at. It has a square front and a large

nose. As a private vehicle this five-door machine is classified as a class H car.

Its 1.6-litre engine gives it plenty of power and pace.

And for a car of its size it is remarkably easy to manoeuvre, drive and park.

This is obviously helped by the Tepee’s power steering and high driver position, which gives you a clear, unobstructed view of the road, In fact you are a good foot or so higher than most other cars on the road.

The manual gearbox, which is right in the centre of the middle dashboard, also provides you with a little extra bite as you go up and down the gears.

The fact that this car only comes in manual may be seen by some as a drawback.

But it is also a perk, as manual cars tend to deal better with the day-to-day wear and tear on the gearbox and this manual cars tend to last longer.

The Tepee is full of accessories and features, which demonstrate that at heart this car is all about fun and activity.

It is perfectly suited to a family who love leisure activities and water sports

THE BERMUDA SUN

with its sliding back doors and overhead rail for extra storage.

The inside of the Tepee boasts an impressive stereo system four speakers and USB sockets.

There are plenty of cup holders dotted around the interior, which comes in a variety of colours and patterns.

The steering wheel can be adjusted to suit the driver’s desire and comes with no less than four paddles attached to it.

The two traditional ones control lights, indicators and windscreen wipers.

While the two extra ones give you easy hand access to the stereo controls and the cruise control function.

The Tepee also comes with front electric windows — while the rear windows are simple push-out ones.

It is fitted with a central display that details the date, time and temperature outside.

So while the cars impressive air conditioning system keeps you nice and cool

COOL WHEELS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Peugeot Tepee Continental Motors North Shore Road, Devonshire Price: Starts at $38,000 Class: H

inside — you can see just how hot it is outside.

This Peugeot also boasts remote adjustable wing mirrors and remote central locking.

The Tepee is one of the safest cars around at the moment and uses some of the latest technology. It comes equipped with driver and passenger air bags as well as anti-lock braking system.

All the seats are fitted with three point seat belts.

The front seat belts are also adjustable to suit the occupant.

There is a warning light that comes on and an alert alarm that sounds when the driver’s seat belt is not fastened. And all the seat backs and headrests have

been designed to move with the body in a collision, which limits the impact on the body.

Keeping a car the size of the Tepee at the cutting edge of safety technology is no mean feat. But the huge volume of space there is in this car has to be seen to be believed. There is a huge trunk, which opens like a hatchback and boasts a vast emptiness of space to fit suitcases, shopping and pushchairs with more room to spare.

Three adults could comfortable fit in the back seat and there are little storage compartments all over the vehicle.

From the super-sized glove box to the ceiling storage units there is bags of space all over the car. There are even “secret” storage compartments just behind the front seats in the floor.

Venetia Stirling from Continental Motors says she thinks the Tepee will be popular with a wide variety of people.

She added: “I would say

OCTOBER 8, 2010 ■ 3

this was a multi-purpose car. It is a good family car which has a lot of space for children and all the bags you need when you have a family. But you can also easily use it as a work car if you have a small business.

“All the seats fold down and stand up to give you a huge space at the back of the car that would make a good work area.

“The Peugeot Tepee is a very versatile car that can be used by all sorts of people in different jobs.

“I think all the safety features that this car possesses will make it popular with families — and it is perfect for families who enjoy the outdoor life and water sports.”

The Peugeot Tepee is now available to buy from Continental Motors on North Shore Road, Devonshire and starts at $38,000.

Choosing the car itself is only the beginning however as you also get a choice of wheels and trims, colours and interior finishes. ■

4 ■ OCTOBER 8, 2010

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Sporty and roomy Tiggo is ideal family car ■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

CHERY TIGGO: This Class H vehicle is currently on sale at $35,000.

BY SIMON JONES sjones@bermudasun.bm

If you are looking for a family SUV at a bargain price the Chery Tiggo could be just the car for you.

This massive people carrier boasts a powerful 2-litre engine, which runs on unleaded gasoline.

And it has bags of space throughout the vehicle for all the family and their belongings.

When you look at the crisp cream interior and the modern accessories that the Tiggo’s comes with the price is likely to be quite a surprise — in a good way that will put a smile on your face.

This 2010 model is currently on sale for $35,000 at Technics Auto Centre on Waller’s Point Road in St. David’s.

The Tiggo has been classified as a class H vehicle in Bermuda and so will set you back a fair amount to licence.

But the price that it is on sale for more than outweighs any licence fee that you have to pay once a year.

This sporty utility vehicle comes with a five-speed automatic gearbox, which makes driving it a very simple task.

The Tiggo’s excellent power steering system means that you glide easily

Chery Tiggo Technics Auto Centre Waller’s Point Road, St. David’s Price: Starts at $35,000 Class: H around corners and bends.

And despite the fact that this is a big and bulky car it is surprisingly easy to park and manoeuvre in tight spaces.

It possesses a sophisticated braking system, which combines front and rear disc brakes as well as the Anti-lock Braking System to ensure that bringing the Tiggo to a stop is an even and easy process.

This Chery also boasts aluminium alloy wheels and has the spare wheel mounted on the back of the vehicle.

The cream coloured interior gives the Tiggo a sophisticated feel that will appeal to corporate buyers.

It is also extremely well cooled by a powerful airconditioning system and it has back and front electric windows.

You will find a single CD player in the central dashboard with a four-speaker system in the doors and MP3 interface.

The volume controls for the stereo are conveniently

located on the steering wheel as well as the central dashboard.

The Chery Tiggo comes with keyless entry and a central lock system for added security.

It also has dual air bags in the front seat and childproof locks on all of the doors.

But the real trump card of the Tiggo is in the amount of space it offers you.

The back seats fold up completely while the trunk opens out sideways to leave a vast space for fitting all sorts of objects.

Whether it is pedal bikes, heavy bags, sports equipment or beach gear there is plenty of room for it in the back of the Tiggo.

And if for some reason there is not enough space in the car to fit all your stuff then you can always strap surfboards and other water sports gear onto the roof rack.

Sitting behind the wheel of the Tiggo is an uplifting experience. The high driver’s position gives you a great view of the road as you are above the rest of the traffic.

The large windscreen also provides a panoramic view of the landscape around you as you drive.

There are also a few added luxuries on offer in this SUV such as arm rests

in the front seat and cup holders to hold your morning coffee.

Calvin Iris from Technics Auto Centre said the Tiggo is a very comfortable vehicle to drive.

He said: “This is one of the two roomiest vehicles on the road in Bermuda in my view.

“It’s a very smooth drive and the Tiggo feels light to move. It has good acceleration from a standing start and it is also a very quiet vehicle to drive in.”

Mr. Iris added: “Space is a key factor with this car.

“It offers you all sorts of options — you can either just use the open out of the trunk or you can roll the back seats up to give you even more space.

“The Tiggo definitely suits a family — there is room for two car seats in the back. When they come in people like the look of this car — we have only got three left in stock at the moment but will be getting a new batch in soon.

“This is also a right hand drive car — and I think this is something which is important to stress to people in Bermuda.” ■

TO FIND out more about this vehicle you can pop into the Technics Auto Centre’s office in Southside or call 297-5006.

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OCTOBER 8, 2010 ■ 5

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

CHEVROLET OPTRA: This comfortable, smooth riding car has plenty of space for children.

Smooth riding in comfortable Optra

BY SIMON JONES sjones@bermudasun.bm

The Chevrolet Optra is a driver’s dream.

It may not be dazzling to look at — and you probably would not bat an eyelid if you saw it driving down the road.

But you have to see this car from the inside and when it is in motion to fully appreciate what a great piece on engineering it is.

The Optra takes “smooth driving” to another level.

It is quiet and calm regardless of whether it is tackling steep hills in the back of Pembroke or sharp bends in town.

It literally seems to hug the ground and go about its business with the minimum of fuss and effort.

This Chevy does not have any fancy trimmings or extravagant luxuries but what it does have in spades is driver comfort and sheer “drivability”.

The driving position gives you a great view of the road.

And while its shape and size is not a head turner it looks robust and sturdy.

This is a car that ticks all the boxes for a safe family saloon. It comes with power steering as standard, which

makes manoeuvring this class G vehicle in tight spaces as easy as it can be.

And its 1.6-litre engine is nicely controlled by an automatic gearbox that shifts smoothly up and down the gears.

The front bucket seats make for a comfortable driving position, which is added to by the front seat armrests.

The more you sit in it the more you realize that this is a car that has been designed with the driver very much in mind.

Comfort It would also be perfect for long drives across the states of the U.S. because it is so comfortable and smooth.

The Optra’s accessories are relatively simple.

It comes with keyless entry, CD player and an efficient air conditioning system.

Electric windows are standard in the back as well as the front while the headrests through out this car can be adjusted.

Chevrolet cars have always prided themselves on space and this five-door vehicle is no exception to that rule.

There is plenty of storage

Chevrolet Optra Rayclan Chevrolet Addendum Lane, Pembroke Price: Starts at $25,500 Class: G

space throughout the Optra whether it is found in little side compartments in the front or the huge trunk.

The back seats also fold down neatly to give you added space if it is needed to transport large objects or suitcases.

You will also find a fullsize spare wheel in the ample trunk of this Chevrolet.

The Optra comes with a dark felt interior and silver trims, which gives the car a clean and crisp finish.

Judy Rollins from Rayclan Chevrolet says she believes the Optra is one of the smoothest cars on the road in Bermuda.

And she said the amount of space in the vehicle made it a great buy.

She said: “This is one of the nicest cars to drive on the roads in Bermuda — it is just so smooth it makes driving it a really nice experience.

“The fact that you have a lot of space in the trunk

and the back — and the option of folding the back seats down — is very important to many people.

“It feels like a luxurious car to drive because it is so smooth over the bumps in the road.

“The Optra is very much a family car and there is plenty of space in the back seats for children.

There is also lots of space in the trunk to fit golf clubs or suitcases — depending on what your fancy is.

“I really think the Optra is a handsome looking car but it is also very practical too.

“That gives it universal appeal to families and couples — and another thing with Chevrolet is you get a reliable vehicle that is easy to maintain.”

The Optra is currently on sale at Rayclan Chevrolet in Addendum Lane, Pembroke and will set you back $25,500.

It comes with a threeyear warranty for peace of mind.

The Optra comes in a range of colours including galaxy white, denim blue, dark turquoise, pearl black, red rock, imperial blue, mint green, mélange beige, poly silver metallic, super red and sunset orange. ■

6 ■ OCTOBER 8, 2010

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No nonsense Aveo is reliable and comfortable

BY SIMON JONES

sjones@bermudasun.bm

There is nothing soft about the Chevrolet Aveo — well maybe apart from the plush cream-coloured interior.

The solid-looking Aveo is a no nonsense vehicle with a chrome grill that seems to grin at fellow road-users ominously.

But it is not just the raw power of its 1.5 litre engine and its robust shape that make it appealing to motorists.

The simplicity of what is going on inside the car ensures it is both a safe as well as a sensible purchase.

This class D Chevy comes with a four-speed automatic gearbox that shifts smoothly up and down the scale as the car adjusts to the various terrains that it comes up against.

The Aveo seems to glide just slightly above the road and negotiates bumpy stretches and sharp corners with ease.

The ABS systems and power front disc brakes complemented by rear drum brakes ensures swift and sharp stopping.

And there is nothing jerky about the braking process as you bring this Chevrolet to a stand still.

In fact one of the most endearing features of this machine is how safe you feel when you are behind the wheel.

It is the kind of car you would feel perfectly happy driving around your most precious cargo in — that is your family.

It comes with rear doors child locks to keep the little ones safe as you concentrate on your job of driving.

And side impact beams that run across the front and rear doors mean this car stands up well in a nasty collision.

The beams are very much proof that this is a sturdy as well as an impressively safe motor vehicle.

The Aveo comes with all the features you would expect of a modern car like power steering and a four-

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

CHEVROLET AVEO: This reliable car starts at $26,000 and comes with a three-year warranty. speed air conditioning system.

But there is no wasted glamour to this car — it is simple and effective — which is what you would expect of any American Chevy.

It sports front and back electric windows, which can all be controlled by the driver’s right hand.

It has a keyless entry and the remote locking system ensures maximum security for your car when you are not behind the wheel.

The stereo system is simple but effective and it is also iPod compatible so you can plug your Nano in and play your favourite albums.

The central console is small and unassuming — and there is a little digital clock just where the dashboard meets the windscreen.

The windscreen itself is large and high and gives the driver a great view of the road and the surroundings.

There are very few blindspots when you parallel park or reverse around corners.

This Chevrolet has excellent internal lighting so you are not left scrambling around looking for your front door keys when you arrive home in the dark.

The driver’s dashboard is straightforward and

Chevrolet Aveo Rayclan Chevrolet Addendum Lane, Pembroke Price: Starts at $26,000 Class: D informative. But warning lights that spring up telling you when you have left the door ajar, the brake fluid is running low, you need to fill up with gas or check your oil pressure are also useful additions to this car.

Mud flaps, manually adjustable wing mirrors and cup holders are also added extras that you can expect to find in the Aveo.

While the steering wheel can also be adjusted up and down to give you the most comfortable driving position.

The Chevy Aveo may look a bit of a bruiser from the outside with its front chrome grill and body colour bumpers.

This is a big five-door machine that boasts plenty of space in the back as well as a very decent sized trunk.

But the finish of the interior nicely balances its robust structure.

The cream-coloured fabric of the seats combines with the internal bodywork’s flashes of black and silver give the car a clean and

almost luxurious feel.

Judy Rollin from Rayclan Chevrolet says the Aveo’s size and internal space makes it the ideal family car.

She added: “This is a very reliable and comfortable car. There is plenty of space inside too — which makes it a good family vehicle.

“The seats go down in the back to give you even more space — so if you are picking up someone from the airport there is lots of space to fit in all the baggage.

“There is also plenty of space for the golf clubs in the trunk and baby seats in the back.

“The keyless entry and cream interior are new features which give Aveo a modern and crisp feel.

“The Aveo suits all kinds of people — families, couples and single people.

“It’s just a very safe and convenient kind of vehicle.”

The Chevrolet Aveo is currently on sale at Rayclan Chevrolet in Addendum Lane South in Pembroke.

The Aveo starts at a very reasonable $26,000 and comes with a three-year warranty.

Rayclan is also running a special promotion at the moment where they will throw in a free eight-gig iPod Nano when you buy the Aveo. ■

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OCTOBER 8, 2010 ■ 7

What you need to know before you buy

BY HONEY ADAMS There are few things more exciting than buying a new car, but before you buy your new vehicle take the time to learn what you need to know to make the process easier.

Buyers should take into account affordability, needs versus wants, vehicle maintenance and spare parts.

Will you need a bank loan or will the money come from your savings?

What will the monthly payments be on the amount borrowed, including the interest charges?

These are all very important points to consider before you buy your new car.

In order to reduce the likelihood of being dissatisfied with a purchase, consider the following tips before buying a vehicle.

■ Factor in the cost of the vehicle’s down payment, monthly payments, interest, licence and insurance fees, vehicle servicing and potential repairs to your budget.

■ Review the contract conditions and penalty fees.

■ Review the warranty conditions of the vehicle.

■ Review the after-care service of the dealership you are considering purchasing the vehicle from.

There is no Bermuda law that states a dealership has to have spare parts.

However, contracts with manufacturers have a clause that states they have to provide after-sales service for the vehicles they have sold.

■ Review performance and maintenance ratings on the vehicle.

■ Ask the dealership if the vehicle you are interested in has been damaged in transit.

■ Ask if rust-proofing is extra and what terms and conditions surround it.

■ If the vehicle is a return to stock item.

■ The maintenance return on the vehicle.

■ The manufacturing date of the vehicle. Consumers consider the purchase of a vehicle to be their second largest expenditure, and therefore they demand value for their money.

Some are prepared to pay whatever the market demands in order to acquire a vehicle, even though price may not equal quality.

The office of Consumer Affairs has published a helpful brochure on buying a new car.

For additional pertinent information, please download the brochure from our web site, www.ca.gov.bm and read it carefully before purchasing a new car.

Once you have bought a vehicle, follow these guidelines for maintenance services: ■ Carefully read the owner's manual and refer to

it frequently for service information. Neglecting even simple routine maintenance such as changing the oil, can lead to poor use of fuel or costly breakdowns. It may also invalidate your warranty; ■ Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule in the owner's manual.

Most mechanics recommend a full service or maintenance service at a licenced repair facility twice a year or every six months.

Don't postpone the problems until the day before the warranty expires; ■ Ask if there is a charge for diagnostic work. If your car requires major repairs, get a written quote for the cost of the job, not an estimate.

The quote should include the parts needed, and the anticipated labour

charge. The parts should be classified as new, reconditioned/rebuilt or salvaged.

Also inquire if there will be a charge for the quote if you decide to have the work done elsewhere.

If additional work needs to be done that was not included in the quote, the mechanic should contact you for approval before starting the additional repairs; ■ Carefully examine the car before it leaves the garage and get a completed repair order sheet, describing all the work that was performed and the detailed costs. ■

HONEY ADAMS is the education officer for the office of Consumer Affairs within the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation’s Department of Human Affairs.

8 ■ OCTOBER 8, 2010

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Take the stress out of dumping your old car

BY SIRKKA HUISH shuish@bermudasun.bm

Is it time to say out with the old and in with the new?

Do you need to quickly dump your old car to make room for your new set of wheels?

If your car has come to the end of its natural life, the staff at Parts Express are ready to do all the hard work for you. They will take your unwanted vehicle off your hands without delay and legally declare it a write-off.

The new business prides itself on its promise of a same day collection service.

As long as you phone them before 10am, staff will come to your home or place of work “anywhere on the island” and pick up your old vehicle that same day.

But they don’t just collect and legally dump unwanted cars, they also put into the

practice the phrase ‘one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.’ They carefully strip every car then sell on the second-hand car parts.

Parts Exchange can be found in the Mills Creek area of Pembroke, underneath its sister company Auto Express, which focuses on auto and mechanical repairs.

The family business, which was only set up at the start of this year, is owned

by Sherry Pacheco and run by her son Matthew Pacheco.

Mr. Pacheco, who is the manager at Parts Express, said business was really picking up now that they’d “got their name out there.”

He said: “We collect the cars and strip them on site.

All it takes is one phone call to us.

“This is a new, quick way to get cars off your hands.

We do all the hard work for people. We make it easy for them.”

Parts Express will collect “all types of makes and models” at a cost of $500 to $800, depending on the condition and location of the car. They use the services of a local pick-up truck, and then strip the cars at their Pembroke site before taking what’s left of the vehicles to the dump, near the L.F. Wade International Airport, to be crushed.

They also pay the fee to legally write-off the car; this means each vehicle being individually examined and a write-off certificate issued by the Transport Control Department (TCD).

Details such as the chassis, engine and registration plate numbers are recorded so that assessment numbers can be freed up and allocated to other cars.

Parts The company then sells on “every car part imaginable” from doors and engines to windscreen wipers and brake pads, to name just a few. The company is happy to sell on all the car parts they have, which solely depends on what cars they have recently brought in.

They are currently seeing an intake of from about 10 to 15 cars a month.

Recent models Mr. Pacheco said the secondhand parts weren’t older or in a poor condition as he’s seen plenty of 2010, 2009, 2008 models being scrapped because they have been involved in accidents or deemed unrepairable by mechanics.

He said some people also opted to dump their vehicles if they have expensive to fix engine or gearbox problems.

Mr. Pacheco said people scrapping cars was becoming “more common” because of the high cost of car maintenance and repairs in Bermuda.

He said: “The secondhand parts business is all about saving people a little bit of money. Car parts are expensive and everyone knows it, so no-one can argue with saving some dollars here and there.

Large stock “It also saves people the hassle of waiting for spare parts as we take things directly from cars so we have everything in stock.

“It’s been going good.

People really seem real happy that we are available to help them about. We sell just about every car part you’d want to get your hands on.” ■

FOR MORE information visit Parts Express at 5 Addendum Lane, Pembroke. Alternatively you can call them at 296-6169 or email partsexpress6169@ hotmail.com

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OCTOBER 8, 2010 ■ 9

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

BIGGEST EVER MINI: The Mini Countryman is expected to be available from Ultimate Motors, Church Street, Hamilton, later this month. Call 292-0893 or visit www.bermudamotors.bm for more details.

New Mini Countryman has off-road option SUBMITTED BY ULTIMATE MOTORS Heard about the Mini that became a Maxi? Meet the Mini Countryman, the latest addition to the Mini stable.

It’s also the biggest Mini ever produced and the first with optional ALL4 fourwheel drive. In fact it’s not so much a 4x4 as a 4x4x4 since it’s also the first Mini to come with four doors.

There’s comfortably room for five people or — if you fold down the rear seats and pop open the compartment under the trunk floor — there’s 41.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

That’s more than the Mini Clubman, until now the longest Mini in the range, which has 32.8 cubic feet.

As the name suggests, the Countryman is aimed at a different audience than the iconic two-door original designed by Alec Issigonis that symbolised swinging London in the 1960s.

Michael Butler, general

Mini Countryman Ultimate Motors Church Street, East Hamilton Price: Price on application Class: E manager of Ultimate Motors, said: “This is the Mini many people have been waiting for. They would love to buy a Mini but haven’t because the size of the regular models just wasn’t practical, or they’re previous Mini owners who have simply outgrown the car as they’ve got older and had families.

“The Countryman combines the quality design, style and performance you expect from a Mini but with more space. It really does offer the best of both worlds.”

He added that the more spacious Countryman would appeal to families as well as single owners or couples.

“It’s ideal for families who need to ferry children

— and their friends — to school and all their activities and the extra space is versatile enough to take a couple of bikes, diving gear, and so on.”

The Countryman may be bigger than its predecessors — it’s almost six inches taller than the standard Mini Cooper and almost a foot longer — it retains the character and performance you find in the Mini Cooper.

It still has that exciting go-kart style handling and the basic six-speed manual Countryman can whip from 0-60 mph in about 7.5 seconds with a top speed of 133 mph.

It’s efficient to run, giving up to 44.8 mpg in normal driving conditions and low C02 emissions of 146g/km.

As with all Minis, there are plenty of optional extras to customise your car.

For example, you can choose from a range of extras for the aluminium centre rail that runs through the centre of the

cabin, such as cup holders, armrests, storage boxes and docks for your iPod or iPhone, which operate through an integrated display that enables you to scroll through your favourite playlist, make hands-free phone calls via Bluetooth or send that urgent text message.

The U.K. Sunday Times is among the many publications that have given the Countryman a firm thumbs up. “The fact that this isn’t a 4x4 in the traditional sense is unlikely to worry anyone,” they reported after test-driving it earlier this year.

“Arguably it is the best of both worlds: the economy of a small, front-wheel-drive hatchback nicely balanced by the presence, status and added security of an offroader.

Is there a car that better meets the demands of today’s young, image-conscious suburban couple? If there is, we don’t know of it.” ■

10 ■ OCTOBER 8, 2010

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OCTOBER 8, 2010 ■ 11

Sporty Peugeot 207 catches the eye

BY SIMON JONES sjones@bermudasun.bm

It is extremely difficult to put your finger on what the best feature of the Peugeot 207 hatchback.

It could be its looks — the sleek curves of the bodywork and its natural sporty style is eye catching to say the least.

It could be down to its plush interior — the luxurious black leather makes for a cool and comfortable drive.

Or it could simply be because this is a nippy little machine that is great fun to take out for a quick spin around the block.

Whatever way you look at it the 207 hatchback ticks a lot of boxes and you would have to look very hard indeed to find any faults with it.

This four-door vehicle boasts a 1.4 litre engine that packs a serious punch. It is swift on the open road and quick off the mark.

The 207 takes the corners very well and this Peugeot is both smooth and quiet over the tarmac.

It offers you the option of automatic gear changes or the tiptronic system — and with this comes no clutch.

Whichever one you decide to choose the gear changes are swift and barely noticeable.

And despite your initial thoughts the tiptronic system is fairly easy to master and quite a bit of fun once you have the hang of it.

The 207 hatchback is a class E vehicle and so it will not set you back too much to licence on your annual visit to TCD. It comes with a black sporty steering wheel and the traditional Peugeot four paddles. The paddles operate the indicators, lights, windscreen wipers, cruise control and the stereo.

The driver’s dashboard is simple and good looking — the black combined well with the chrome plated circles.

While the 207 sports an

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

PEUGEOT 207: This four-door hatchback come with dual controlled air conditioning. impressive stereo system with excellent sound quality.

There are also iPod and MP3 connections hidden away in the air-conditioned glove box so you can choose between CDs, radio or your own music.

One of the best features of this Peugeot is the dual controlled air conditioning service.

The driver and the passenger control their own airflow and can increase or decrease the temperature in their section of by a quick twist of a switch.

The armrests and large windscreen make for a comfortable driving position that affords you a great view of the road and the surrounding scenery.

While the central dash area details the date, time and temperature for your convenience.

This hatchback has four electric windows, which can all be controlled by the driver’s right hand console.

It also has a rather nifty set of wing mirrors.

When you lock the car the wing mirrors neatly fold inwards so that passing cars or mindless vandals will not knock them off. For a hatchback the Peugeot 207 boasts a considerable amount of foot space as well

Peugeot 207 Continental Motors North Shore Road, Devonshire Price: Starts at $34,000 Class: E as room in the trunk. It does not feel cramped to drive — and even when you are sat in the back of the car it feels spacious and roomy.

This is the kind of car that would suit a small family — there is plenty of space for car seats in the back.

While the trunk is surprisingly deep and offers plenty of space to get your shopping home or take your picnic and beach gear down to Horseshoe Bay. Finally the Peugeot 207 hatchback is an extremely safe and secure car.

Not only does it look robust and sturdy — it has the advantage of front seat airbags and the traditional Anti-lock Braking System.

Furthermore, when you drive away the reassuring click of the central locking means that everyone is safely secured in the car and children will not be able to open the back door when you are not looking.

Venetia Stirling from Continental Motors described the Peugeot 207 hatchback as an eyecatching car.

And she believes it suits everyone from business people to small families.

She said: “This can be a small family car because it is surprisingly spacious.

“It suits both men and women equally because it is a smart looking car that is fun to drive.

“It has a lovely leather interior that really gives this car the edge over some of the other hatchbacks on the market at the moment.

“I think a lot of people like the leather because it looks great and gives the car a sophisticated feeling.

“One of the best features it offers is the dual controlled air conditioning — so you control your own temperature when you sit in the front.”

The Peugeot 207 is available at Continental Motors on North Shore Road, Devonshire.

The car starts at a price of $34,000 but you can chose to upgrade certain features on the vehicle and this will up the price slightly.

There is also a range of brazen colours to choose from when you make the decision to buy a 207. ■

12 ■ OCTOBER 8, 2010

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THE BERMUDA SUN

New showroom to meet market gap

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

JEEP PATRIOT: This model is proving very popular with 35 Patriots ordered in advance to customers’ specifications.

BY SIRKKA HUISH shuish@bermudasun.bm

Bermuda’s newest showroom has now thrown open its doors to offer islanders two new top-of-the range vehicles.

The much-anticipated Prestige Autos Ltd. opened for business at the start of this month to “meet the gap in the market” for highclass and well-equipped vehicles.

It is the first time that the Jeep Compass and the Dodge Caliber, which are both H class vehicles, have been on sale in Bermuda.

The vehicles, which are 2011 models, are right-hand drives made specifically for Bermuda’s market.

Richard Davidge and Joseph Rebelo teamed up as business partners to open up the new car dealership in Woodlands Road, Pembroke. It is a new company, but will share premises with its sister companies Eurocar, selling Renault vehicles, and Executive Autos, selling Mercedes Benz.

Negotiations to open the car dealership have been taking place for about a year after the two men heard the company, which owns the distribution

‘It is a new company, but will share premises with its sister companies Eurocar, selling Renault vehicles, and Executive Autos, selling Mercedes Benz.’ rights, was looking to put the vehicles on the market in Bermuda.

The proposed summer opening of the showroom was delayed for a few months because the vehicles had not arrived. But the cars were expected to arrive in Bermuda last week with the grand opening planned to take place last weekend.

Mr. Davidge, who is president of Eurocar Ltd. and Executive Autos Ltd., said: “We have the new dealership, these are totally new vehicles for Bermuda.

“We’re glad that we are finally putting things in motion. We are happy to be up and running. This is a new generation of vehicle, this is the next step for us.”

Mr. Rebelo, president of JNT Ltd., which imports and sells Suzuki bikes, said: “We’re ecstatic about this

new company. The market trend in Bermuda is definitely towards the SUV so we can see major potential in the Jeep.

“We can really see these vehicles doing well in Bermuda; they are just what people are looking for.

Most Bermudians like to have well-equipped vehicles and these are top-of-theline.”

Interest for the new vehicles has already been high with 35 Jeep Patriots and five Dodge Caliber’s being ordered by people in advance. All the vehicles have been made to order.

Mr. Davidge said he was pleased that news had spread quickly about “a different kind of vehicle” coming to the island.

He said: “We secured sales almost straight away, before we had opened,

before we’d even got the vehicles. Bermudians liked the look of the cars and they are still selling very quickly.

“They are mostly being bought by families who are looking for large, spacious vehicles. The vehicles are like nothing they have seen before.

“There has been a bit of a delay with the order but most people will just be glad to see their vehicles. I know we will be pleased to see the order come in.”

Technicians and sale representatives have received full training in the new vehicles and a full service and warranty guarantee will be offered with new purchases.

The Jeep Patriot is described as having a “rugged, off-road feel.” It has a sporty look and comes with a leather interior, heated front seats, and the front passenger seat can be folded down completely.

It has a 2.4 litre engine, a four-wheel drive with lock mode, an electronic stability programme and an antitheft engine immobilizer. It also has power mirrors, remote locking, tilt steering, 17-in alloy wheels and body coloured bumpers.

The standard price is $48,000, rising to $52,500 with the Boston sound system and automatic airconditioning.

The Dodge Caliber from the Chrysler Group is a fullsize hatchback, but is spacious enough to be called a station wagon. It will predominantly suit large families, although it may also appeal to a younger market as it can be “accessorized.”

It is an automatic with a two-litre engine, plus airconditioning, an electronic stability programme and ABS brakes. There are also power mirrors, power door locks and 17-in alloy wheels.

But it’s this vehicle’s little touches that make all the difference, including chilled drinks storage, illuminated cup holder rings and an interior light that doubles

THE BERMUDA SUN

COOL WHEELS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

DODGE CALIBER: This full-size hatchback is spacious enough to be called a station wagon. as a removable torch. The standard price for the Dodge Caliber is $38,500 with additional extras such as leather seats, Boston sound system and automatic air-conditioning.

Then from January next year, a third type of vehicle will be available at Prestige Autos. The Jeep Compass is described as a limited edition ‘crossover’ which is “fully specked out with all the bells and whistles.”

It is said to have a “city type look and feel to it.” Its

Jeep Patriot Price: Starts at $48,000 Class: H

Dodge Caliber Price: Starts at $38,500 Class: H Prestige Autos Woodlands Road, Pembroke

highlights include a 2.4-litre engine, leather interior, a radio with in-dash CD and

it is iPod ready. It also has as much as 61.8 cubic feet of storage space and an electronic vehicle information centre displaying vital statistics.

Mr. Davidge said: “The car market hasn’t slowed down. Bermudians love their cars.

“If they’ve got the money for it, they will buy it.”

Next-door’s Executive Autos, which opened in late 2007, continues to sell four types of Mercedes. The three models in stock are

OCTOBER 8, 2010 ■ 13

the A-Class, B-Class and CLC Sports Coup, while the SLK hardtop convertible is only available on special order.

The A-Class starts at $52,000 with the other models upwards from this amount. All Mercedes Benz vehicles come with an eightyear warranty on the bodywork. The Eurocar showroom has recently brought in the DFM, which is a stick shift Chinese model described as a “reasonably priced people carrier with eight seats”.

This vehicle is said to “fill a void as other larger cars have disappeared from the market” and would be best suited for large families or small businesses.

The DFM is on the market for $21,500.

Interested customers are invited to go along to the new showroom of Prestige Autos in Woodlands Road, Pembroke, to see the new vehicles for themselves and to take them for a test drive.

For more information call 278-3535. ■

14 ■ OCTOBER 8, 2010

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THE BERMUDA SUN

Enthusiasts come together in new club

BY SIRKKA HUISH shuish@bermudasun.bm

Motor enthusiasts now have the chance to put their heads together to share their knowledge and passion for life on the road.

Whether you have a love of cars, bikes or trucks, you are invited to get to know like-minded people by signing up for the Team Oni Racing Club.

The members-only club is a new way to encourage Bermuda residents with the same interests to make friends rather than become enemies.

The idea is that members will come together and help one another to customize their vehicles instead of competing against each other for bragging rights.

The club is the brainchild of self-confessed motor enthusiasts Jamie Lovell who is working hard to share his passion with others throughout Bermuda.

Mr. Lovell said: “This club is all about motor enthusiasts coming together.

“It’s about community support, being there for one another and helping each other.

“Things can be very competitive when it comes to customizing cars, there’s a lot of animosity out there. It can be ‘look at what I have done, I’m the best, I’m number one.’

“But I want this club to change all that, people should be talking to each other and sharing their information and ideas.

“It’s a fun club with many layers to it and lots of benefits for its members.”

Mr. Lovell set up Team Oni Racing Club (TORC) about four years ago when he moved back to his home island of Bermuda, saying: “it’s just grown and grown over the years”. He says he is now ready to “go public” with the details of the club in a bid to increase membership numbers.

Mr. Lovell describes the club as “Bermuda’s first

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

COOL RIDE: Jamie Lovell, who set up Team Oni Racing Club, drives a Honda Coupe, pictured above. high performance car, truck and bike club” which specializes in “optimizing new innovation”.

The club already has about 50 members who pay an annual fee to get their hands on “the rewards, incentives and advantages”.

Mr. Lovell said: “The idea started with me just talking to friends. Now that it’s growing and starting to take off, I’m getting more and more serious about it.

“I can see the great potential in this club and would love to see more people getting involved. It’s open to all motor enthusiasts of all ages from any profession, men and women.”

Mr. Lovell wants the club to become a support group with people bringing different skills to the table.

Consultations and advice sessions will then be held between members to “spread the word” on the latest trends.

Regular social gettogethers and ‘show-offs’ are also planned with members being encouraged to work closely with similar clubs across the world.

Members will also be able to take part in a rent-a-ride programme where they can hire each other’s vehicles for events or photo shoots.

The club’s website also

‘Consultations and advice sessions will then be held between members to “spread the word” on the latest trends.’ offers a discount online store and members can send in photos of their vehicles for the ‘ride of the month’ competition.

The online profile of your vehicle could also earn you sponsorship and prizes.

Mr. Lovell bought his first car, a Mitsubishi Eclipse, when he was aged 21 simply because “it looked nice”. It then suddenly dawned on

him that “what he knew about bikes was also relevant to cars”.

Mr. Lovell then moved to Detroit, which is known as the motor capital of America, because of the high number of cars that are built there.

He started to study aviation, which should have been a four-year course, but Mr. Lovell “changed

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

LOOKING THE PART: Whether you have two or four wheels, the Team Oni Racing Club is open to you as it aims to bring together all motorist enthusiasts.

THE BERMUDA SUN

vehicles” and decided he loved cars more than aeroplanes.

He got a job as a soccer coach, but customizing cars, racing and going to car shows with the Team Mechanics Racing Club became his first love.

Mr. Lovell said: “Growing up in Bermuda I knew a lot about customizing bikes; then realized that it was the same basics involved in customizing cars.

“That was it, I was hooked.”

Mr. Lovell, 35, now drives a Honda Coupe and works full-time as the marketing events manager at Port O’Call restaurant.

But he spends all his free time running the Team Oni Racing Club as well as customizing bikes and cars.

He said: “My hobby does take up a lot of my free time but I think it is worth it.”

Mr. Lovell believes there’s a huge market for customizing vehicles in Bermuda, as “Bermudians always want the best they can get.”

COOL WHEELS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

UNDER THE BONNET: Checking your engine regularly will improve performance according to Mr. Lovell.

He said: “Cars are a serious business here. People see them as a way people can represent themselves, they can express themselves through their favourite colours or favourite styles.

“People do everything they can for their cars.

They take care of their

cars.” Mr. Lovell appreciates why people love to customize their vehicles with new wheels, sounds systems, lighting, different interior styles and new paintwork.

But he fears people concentrate so much on improving the look of their

OCTOBER 8, 2010 ■ 15

vehicles that they forget about the mechanical side of things.

Mr. Lovell said: “Bermudians really need to start taking care of their engines a bit more. Those things you don’t immediately admire in a vehicle matter just as much.

“A few engine checks here and there will make a car more responsive. It will make your car respond safer and faster.”

To join the club the annual membership is $100 for bike owners and $200 for car or truck owners.

The membership fee is waived if you buy something on the website for over $1,000.

For further information about Team Oni Racing Club go to www.oniracing.com The website is currently under construction but is continually being added to

by Mr. Lovell.

Alternatively you can e-mail Mr. Lovell at oniracing@transact.bm or call him on 517-9713. ■

16 ■ OCTOBER 8, 2010

COOL WHEELS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

THE BERMUDA SUN

Spacious Mini truck ideal for trades

BY SIMON JONES sjones@bermudasun.bm

Mini trucks can set you back a small fortune.

And if you are just starting up a small landscaping firm or plumbing business you probably cannot afford to shell out tens of thousands on a fancy truck after all of your other expenses.

So the new Hafei Minyi king cabin mini truck could be the answer to all your professional prayers.

It is simple and spacious.

And right now it is on sale at Technics Auto Centre in St. David’s for just $17,000.

The Hafei Minyi is an old school kind of a truck.

It is fitted with a cassette player so it might be time to dig out some of your old tapes from the 1990s.

And there is no airconditioning system in the vehicle — there is just a heater, which blows warm air.

But most tradesmen and labourers are hardy characters so I doubt whether they would mind driving around with the windows down and the wind blowing through the cab of the truck.

And on the plus side air conditioning can often take its toll on your fuel bill at the end of the month.

What you have got in the front cab of this mini truck are the essentials and very little else.

It is fitted with two seats, a steering wheel, a manual gear stick with five forward gears; a very basic dashboard, which details speed, water temperature and fuel level and three foot pedals.

The front windows are opened and closed manually.

While almost the entire structure of the interior of the cab is made from a hard grey plastic which is both durable and simple.

The Hafei Minyi mini truck is a right hand drive vehicle, which will come as a welcome relief to many drivers in Bermuda.

It is a very economical machine that runs on

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

NO FRILLS: The new Hafei Minyi is designed to be both efficient and economical.

‘The Hafei Minyi mini truck is a right hand drive vehicle, which will come as a welcome relief to many drivers in Bermuda.’

Hafei Minyi Technics Auto Centre Waller’s Point Road, St. David’s Price: Starts at $17,000 unleaded gasoline. The 1.1-litre engine is nifty and very capable of carrying around a full load of rubble or construction equipment in the back.

It is also in a rather unique place — instead of being under the boot of the

vehicle it is under the seats.

This mini truck is about simplicity and space at a price that is affordable.

There is extra storage in the cab behind the seats to put tools as well as other work equipment.

The back of the truck is spacious and reasonably deep.

The sides are removable so you can get large objects on board easily while the tail end folds down.

Calvin Iris from Technics Auto Centre says the Hafei

mini truck is the ideal vehicle for manual tradesmen.

He said: “This kind of mini truck is for landscapers and plumbers and other professions of that nature.

“There is lots of storage space throughout the front cab.

“It is very simply designed to ensure it is both efficient and economical.

“I think the price is also a big factor with the Hafei Minyi king cabin mini truck.

“You get a lot of space and a good truck for a very good price.”

If you want to take a look at the Hafei mini truck you can take a trip down to Technics Auto Centre on Waller’s Point Road, Southside, St. David’s.

Or you can visit their website at www.technics autoltd.com to see what other vehicles they have on sale at the moment. ■

THE BERMUDA SUN

COOL WHEELS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

OCTOBER 8, 2010 ■ 17

Individual plates for that personal touch

BY SIRKKA HUISH

shuish@bermudasun.bm

Want a personalized licence plate?

When it comes to deciding what you want it to say, the choice is yours but you need to take note of the following Ministry of Transport guidelines: ■ No personalized plate can begin with LP, IN, HA, HB, HC, CS, FHL, SP, XT, LXT, CLC, CM, LD, SPCM, M, TT, LT, IT, HT, BT, FT, AT, T, GP, PWAB, BPBA, TR, and be directly followed by numbers.

■ Personalised plates must not appeal to any indecent, sexual or obscene interpretation.

■ Personalised plates must not be morally, ethically, racially, or in any other manner offensive to good taste.

■ Personalised plates shall not have the identical or similar characters as any other personalized plate previously issued by the TC.D. ■ The Ministry of Transport reserves the right to recall personalized plates if they are deemed to be unacceptable.

Do you want to stand out from the crowd by adding that little personal touch to your set of wheels?

You can do just that if you ‘get personal’ and spruce up your car with a personalised licence plate that will make you the envy of whoever is driving behind you.

It probably doesn’t occur to many people that you don’t have to keep the licence number that is allocated to your car. What’s more it is quite a quick and simple process to order a personalised licence plate and transfer it to your car.

You just need to work out what eye-catching letters or numbers you want to opt for, then head to the Transport Control Department (TC.D) so they can take care of the necessary formalities and paperwork.

You can let your imagination run wild by requesting

■ ISTOCK IMAGE

STAMP YOUR individuality on your car with personalized plates. anything from names and initials to birth dates. If you put your thinking cap on you can mix it up with a combination of letters and words, or even use numbers which resemble letters like 3 instead of an E. There are also plenty of websites available to help you come up with clever and creative ideas for personalized plates.

The possibilities are only bounded by the limitations put in place by TCD. There are rigid rules as to the format that the licence plates must conform. Under no circumstances should you try to do it yourself and display a non-standard licence plate, as the size, colour and reflectivity of plates have to meet regulation specifications, as do the font style, size and spacing.

The process starts with the filling out of a personalized licence plate application form, which is available at the TCD on North Street. The applicant’s current vehicle licence or a photocopy of the document must accompany the application form.

You are allowed up to four choices as to what you want on your personalized licence plate, although most people tend to only opt for one or two requests.

The choice of personalized plate is entirely up to the owner but all requests must be: 1. Letters only (a minimum of two), or 2: A combination of letters and number(s) amounting to no more than six characters. It’s worth not-

ing that a space counts as a character and dashes or any other symbol or punctuation mark are not permitted.

Personalized licence plates are allowed at the discretion of the registration section of TCD so if something is not deemed suitable then it will not be accepted.

An applicant will simply be told that they will have to come up with another request, without any reason being given.

Although “every attempt will be made to accommodate an applicant’s request, however the Ministry of Transport reserves the right to deny any application”.

Rules Licence plates are not allowed to be indecent or obscene, racist or offensive and for copyright purposes makes of cars such as Honda or BMW are not allowed. A new personalized plate will also not be issued if it has identical or similar characters as another personalized plate in use in Bermuda.

Sandra Robinson, administration accounts officer at TCD, said: “We get quite a lot of requests for personalized licence plates.

“It’s not unusual to see cars driving around Bermuda with personalized licence plates. It’s a chance to add a personal touch to your car and it tends to be a guy thing.

“People can choose whatever they want, within reason. It has to be between two and six characters,

which doesn’t leave people much room to play with. We just have to make sure noone else is using them and there are no profanities included.”

Mrs. Robinson said she had seen people “asking for all sorts of things”, adding that: “It really does depend on the individual.”

However, the most common requests are people’s names, in full and abbreviations, and nicknames. But some people request their girlfriend’s name, a pet’s name or something like a famous race car or Formula One driver.

Mrs. Robinson said: “We do turn some requests down, but it seldom happens. If we tell a person they have to use their second choice, they usually understand completely.

People always quickly come up with alternatives.”

Once satisfied with a request, TCD places the order for the personalized licence plates with a specialist company in Nova Scotia who make the licence plates.

The licence plates take an average of about two weeks to be made up but to save in postage TCD usually place orders when they have at least five applications. This means that orders are often only placed once a month.

It is important to mention that personalized licence plates will only be accepted for private cars. They cannot be made for bikes, trucks or any other vehicle on Bermuda’s roads.

To get your hands on a personalized plate, there is an initial payment as well as an annual payment. The initial fee is currently $112.50 and the annual fee thereafter is $73.50. ■

FOR MORE information on personalised licence plates visit the TCD website at www.gov.bm or www. etdc.gov.bm Alternatively, you can phone the TCD’s main switchboard on 292-1271. TCD in North Street is open from Monday to Friday, 8am-4:30pm.

18 ■ OCTOBER 8, 2010

COOL WHEELS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

THE BERMUDA SUN

Battery-driven scooters a viable option

BY SIRKKA HUISH shuish@bermudasun.bm

Here is your chance to help the environment and your wallet by investing in some new wheels that run on battery power.

Imagine simply having to plug in and recharge your bike at home rather than having the hassle and expense of any more trips to the gas station.

Your gas-guzzling days will be over with an electric scooter which is environmentally friendly with zero emissions from exhaust gases Electric scooters have lower maintenance costs to save you money and play a large part in helping to reduce air and noise pollution.

“It just all makes sense,” says Michael Burke who sells electric scooters through his business The Greenhouse Bermuda.

He has spent the last 18 months selling electricpowered scooters and pedal cycles saying, “The new type of transportation is perfect for Bermuda’s unique environment”.

Mr. Burke said: “At the moment, it is a hard sell as many people still don’t consider energy savings as a way of reducing their costs.

“Bermudians don’t like change — they like to stick to what they know.

“Selling electric bikes is about changing people’s mindsets, but it will come soon, it has to.”

Mr. Burke believes there are now more than 50 electric scooters on Bermuda’s roads with those who have made the change “saying nothing but good things”.

He said: “These electric bikes make a difference to the environment. I’d ask people to think about that.

“We have to embrace this new technology, which is now being used all over the world. We have to accept that it’s going to happen whether we like it or not.

“Technology is not the enemy, as long as it is the right technology. Bermuda

‘Selling electric bikes is about changing people’s mindsets, but it will come soon, it has to.’

MICHAEL BURKE shouldn’t be left behind. We should be the leaders, showing others how it is done.”

Electric scooters looks pretty much like a conventional petrol-driven scooter and can just about handle the same road conditions.

The Greenhouse Bermuda currently sells the E Max 90 model.

Electric scooters are most welcome because of today’s high gasoline prices. The real difference is seen when it’s time to ‘refuel’ as electric power is said to be approximately 25 per cent the price of gasoline power.

Battery power has improved to make it a practical mode of transport. The batteries, for a range of up to 150 km, take up to five hours to charge and the bikes can reach a top speed of 100 km/h.

The Italian designed bike also comes in a range of colours. Bermuda even has a battery exchange programme where depleted batteries can be exchanged for fully charged ones.

Mr. Burke said: “Unfortunately, many people think of electric vehicles then draw a blank.

They just don’t understand how they work.

“But they are so simple to use. You just have to remember to plug them in to charge them up, then off you go.”

The Bermuda Sun’s very own James Whittaker testdrove an electric scooter

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

E MAX 90: The Greenhouse Bermuda currently sells the E Max 90 model, which has recently been reduced in price to $2,900. last year saying he would definitely be up for making the switch. He said: “It’s good for the environment, saves running costs and can easily complete most of Bermuda’s journeys.”

The electric scooters have recently been reduced in price to $2,900, which Mr. Burke calls “an inexpensive price considering how much you are saving in the long run”.

Mr. Burke says he’s always been “environmentally conscious” and has had a lifelong passion for sustainable development.

He is well known as the owner operator of Blue Hole Divers and is also an active member of the Greenrock charity.

The Greenhouse Bermuda also specializes in electric pedal bikes which are said to be great fun — you can pretend to pedal then show off to other road users with your unexpected speed. You can simply turn the throttle

then glide away, so even though you may resemble a tortoise, you will have the speed of a hare.

The bikes, which are called Urban Movers, look like a fairly standard pedal bike with a frame-mounted battery tucked away so it’s not in your way.

Electric pedal bikes come with a lithium battery that takes two to five hours to charge on or off the bike.

They are currently selling for about $1,500.

Mr. Burke said he had seen mostly men buying the electric scooters, while the ladies were opting for the electric pedal cycles.

The Greenhouse Bermuda does not have a showroom but Mr. Burke says he has a quantity of both electric scooters and electric pedal bikes in stock. The scooters come with a six month or 6,000 mile warranty.

However, Mr. Burke is keen to stress that the scooters do have their limi-

THE BERMUDA SUN

tations so “they are not for everyone”.

This is why he goes through a questionnaire with every potential client to “make sure they buy what is best for them”.

For example, the bikes are quite heavy so they may not be suitable for smaller-built people. The bikes are also obviously reliant on battery power so probably won’t be for you “if you live in Somerset and want to get to Smith’s and back every day”.

The bikes are also built differently to normal bikes so “you can’t go up and down Knapton Hill four times a day” — you can’t push the speed limit too far and you have to remember to hit the ‘booster’ button on hills.

Free test drives are offered to those who are interested so people can get the feel of an electric bike before parting with their cash.

Mr. Burke can also bring in electric cars to Bermuda, if the need ever arises. He

COOL WHEELS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

OCTOBER 8, 2010 ■ 19

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

URBAN MOVER: This looks like a fairly standard pedal bike but it is power-driven and has a framemounted battery tucked away.

has been driving an electric car himself since the beginning of May, saying they “are perfect for Bermuda with no pollution”.

He said: “It’s great, I love driving it, but you do get lots of funny looks. It’s made out of aluminium and

fibre glass so people do stop and stare.” The company also offers energy audits to help you save money on your energy bills, solar receptor surveys and sells energy-saving light bulbs and other eco-friendly products. ■

FOR FULL details of what’s on offer go to www.thegreenhousebermuda .bm Orders can also be made online. Alternatively you can phone Mr. Burke directly on 505-1762 or e-mail him on Michael@thegreenhouse bermuda.com

20 ■ OCTOBER 8, 2010

COOL WHEELS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

THE BERMUDA SUN

■ PHOTO BY SIRKKHA HUISH

NEW SHOWROOM: Wheels Cycles can now showcase the full Peugeot model range it has for sale.

Peugeot bikes on display at Wheels

BY SIRKKA HUISH shuish@bermudasun.bm

If you need a little help deciding on a new bike, Wheels Cycles can now offer you a bigger and better showroom full of inspiration.

The bike shop has created a new showroom space to give potential buyers the chance to see “exactly what’s on offer”.

What was a storeroom at the back of the shop on the corner of Dundonald Street and Washington Street is now a bright and airy showroom with floor to ceiling windows.

Wheels Cycles, which started business in 1970, is the island’s authorized dealership of Peugeot bikes with a wide selection of up to 10 models in stock. There are new bikes arriving all the time, with the next shipment due to arrive at the store at the end of October or early November.

The additional showroom space can fit about 20 bikes,

with two of each model on display. It means people have more room to sit on the bikes and get a feel for them before taking them for a test ride.

One of the most popular bikes on sale at Wheels Cycles is the Peugeot LXR 125 which is said to put safety and security over flashy mod-cons.

The bike has smooth curves and a sharp shape while remaining functional.

It has a single-cylinder fourstroke liquid cooling engine, plenty of underseat storage, front and back disc brakes and a big wheel size of 16 ins will give you a stable grip.

Features It doesn’t have a kick start, but it has side and centre stands with an engine kill switch on its side stand. It has a basic analog instrument panel with a digital clock and one of its more unusual features is that there is an electric seat opener button

on the light switch. It also has a wind deflector at the front and there is plenty of room for a passenger on the back, plus retractable passenger footrests.

This bike comes in ink blue and dark grey with matching top boxes of 35 litres and the cost is $4,395.

The current special offer for buyers of this bike is a free lock, a one-year warranty and 20 per cent of all accessories. Jebrie Hill, sales supervisor and assistant manager, said: “We’ve had this model in since late 2009 and it’s selling pretty good.

“People compare it to the Sym HD, it’s kind of similar. It’s particularly good for those who are taller, people 5ft 4ins and up would feel more sturdy on this bike.

“It’s fair in price, and the people who have bought it seem to love it. We’ve had no complaints whatsoever.”

Ms Hill said she liked the feel of riding the bike herself. “It’s a pretty smooth ride. It picks up really quickly and is easy to handle.”

Another good seller available at Wheels Cycles is the Sum-Up 125, which can be described as smart, speedy and safe. It looks the part with a sturdy and secure frame with a four-stroke aircooled single cylinder engine that gives you good acceleration.

There are 13-in wheels, a six-litre fuel tank, electric and kick start starting systems and a stylish chrome trim on the dashboard.

This bike has plenty of underseat storage, engine kill switches on the side stand and on the high/low beam lights, and it is one of the few scooters that comes with hazard lights, just like a car.

This bike is available in two colours: black and ink blue and sells for $3,195. It’s a conservative bike that would suit all ages and, for as long as stocks last, the Sum Up comes with a free 29-litre top box, a lock and a helmet. The top box can be upgraded to a bigger size if the difference is paid.

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Ms Hill, who has worked at Wheels Cycles for about three years, said: “We also got this model in 2009 and it’s been selling really well.

It’s a really smooth bike to ride. It’s a really comfortable seat and the underseat storage is fantastic.”

The new bikes, which are due to arrive at Wheels Cycles in about a month’s time, include the Tweet 50cc and 125cc and the Vivacity 3.

And if you get to the showroom quickly, you may still be able to get your hands on the last couple of Vivacity 50cc bikes, which they are selling off before the new model comes in.

This is a basic bike with a simple design. It has a twostroke engine with a kickstart and an automatic start and 12-in wheels.

This bike is perfect for ladies and is the model the company uses for its fleet of rental bikes. The price is $2,795.

Wheels Cycles also offers scooter rentals at competitive prices, paid for by the day, week or month. The

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SUM-UP 125 AND LXR 125: These two models are among Wheels Cycles’ best sellers. single or double seat Peugeot models are available with third party insurance, complete instructions and safety tips.

If you are looking for something a little cheaper, the company also regularly sells off its ex-rental bikes for as little as $500.

The sales and service department tries to meet all your bike needs. This includes the sale of helmets from $40, locks, cycle covers from $60, rain gear from $45, 29-, 35- and 45-litre top boxes and baskets. Push

bikes are also sold at Wheels Cycles. The company’s mission statement is: “To supply Bermuda with the best services at the fairest possible prices.” ■

FOR MORE information check out the Wheels Cycles website at www.wheelscycles. com or e-mail info@wheels. bm or sales@wheels.bm For 13 Dundonald Street call 295-0112, for the Front Street, Hamilton, branch, call 2922245 and for the Grotto Bay Beach Hotel branch call 2932378.

OCTOBER 8, 2010 ■ 21

22 ■ OCTOBER 8, 2010

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Staff ensure that bike is right for you

BY SIRKKA HUISH shuish@bermudasun.bm

If you are thinking of heading to World Distributors to buy a new bike, you’ll need to be ready to answer some questions.

It’s not that the staff are being pokey, but they pride themselves on ensuring that their customers buy the bike that is right for them.

For that to happen they need to quiz potential buyers on what sort of bike they are looking for, what they will be using their bike for and if they will be regularly carrying passengers.

Eugene Bothello, president of World Distributors, said: “Buying a bike really depends on an individual’s need.

“We can’t make the decision for someone, but we spend time asking them questions so we can try to meet their needs.

“We have to find out what type of bike they would be comfortable with. When it comes to bikes it’s not one size fits all. A bike has to match a person’s height and weight “And if they are going to be doubling up on a regular basis, they will need a bike with a longer seat for extra room.

“All these things matter.

We never want to knowingly sell someone the wrong type of bike.”

World Distributors is the island’s only authorised distributor of Yamaha bikes and the showroom can be found on North Street in Hamilton. The company has been in business for more than 50 years.

They sell the “the full range of models” of the most popular 50cc to 150cc scooters, plus step-through bikes and the bigger, more powerful motorbikes with gears.

Mr. Bothello said with “all the stopping and starting” while riding in Bermuda’s traffic, scooters remained the most popular sellers for them.

He said: “Only the

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

CYGNUS X125: Considered a ‘business-orientated’ bike and is popular with mature riders. die-hard gear enthusiasts will go for gears — everyone else will stick to the automatics because of the island’s driving conditions.”

The biggest sellers at World Distributors include the Yamaha Cygnus X125cc and the Yamaha Nouvo 115cc.

The Yamaha Cygnus X 125cc is said to be “very business orientated” as it’s a bike that remains popular with Bermuda’s “more mature market of business workers”.

It is said to be “nothing like your traditional scooter” as it’s a stylish, large capacity bike.

It’s fuel-efficient and comes with the fuel tank at the front, so there is enough space under the seat for a full-face helmet.

The bike has a fuelinjected four-stroke engine

with an electric and kickstart. Mr. Bothello added that it was also a “very comfy bike to ride”.

This bikes sells for $4,900 and comes in three colours: black, silver and white.

In contrast the Yamaha Nouvo 115cc is said to be a big wheel scooter that remains very popular among all age ranges.

The colours that are currently available are blue, black and pearl white and it will set you back about $4,500.

Mia 125cc World Distributors also sell the new Mia 125cc which is described as a “lady’s style smaller scooter” which comes in a range of eye-catching colours.

This bike, which is known for its standout styling, has a water-cooled engine and

14-in wheels and sells for $4,600 on the road.

All bikes are already in stock, so they’ll be no waiting around for your new purchase, and they come with Bermuda’s standard six month or 6,000 miles warranty.

World Distributors is also currently giving away a free helmet, lock and rain suit with the purchase of every new bike.

Mr. Bothello said customers always seemed appreciative of the rain suit “as it’s a necessity with Bermuda’s changing weather.”

He said: “It’s always worth coming in to look at what we have for what prices as we are always running different special offers.

Our deals change all the time.”

Mr. Bothello would also

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like to take the opportunity to urge everyone on Bermuda’s roads to “drive defensively” in order to stay safe.

He said: “Traffic on our road is increasing and bike riders have a role to play in keeping our roads safe.

“People are driving closer together and at higher speeds, so everyone needs to be aware of what’s going on around them.”

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OCTOBER 8, 2010 ■ 23

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

YAMAHA NOUVO: This 115cc ‘big wheel scooter’ remains popular with riders of all ages.

Full service World Distributors calls itself a “full service facility” as there is a repair workshop on site with six full-time mechanics.

They offer an island-wide same-day pick-up service for bikes and can carry out your annual TCD annual inspections for you.

They also offer a same day flat tyre service and mechanics can also customize bikes “as much as you like” by carrying out paint jobs or adding custom made wheels.

All types of bike accessories, such as helmets,

luggage boxes of different sizes and locks can also be bought at the same location. ■

TO FIND out more about

what is on offer at World Distributors, call into the showroom at 32 North Street, Hamilton, just opposite the Transport Control Department (TCD).

Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. You can also phone 295-2329 or email wdlbda@logic.bm

24 ■ OCTOBER 8, 2010

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■ PHOTO BY SIRKKHA HUISH

TAKE YOUR PICK: Cycle Care has an impressive range of accessories at their showroom on Serpentine Road, Pembroke.

Impressive range of models at Cycle Care

BY SIRKKA HUISH shuish@bermudasun.bm

Cycle Care offers you so much more than just a place to go to purchase a new bike.

The business on Serpentine Road, Pembroke, prides itself on being a one-stop shop for all things bike related.

From repairing your broken down bike and customizing your paintwork to teaching beginners how to ride, staff have it all covered.

“We just about do it all,” said Fernando Oliveira, Cycle Care’s general manager.

He said: “We have a great location, close to town. We have the showroom upstairs and do the repairs downstairs.

“We also sell a full range of accessories.”

Cycle Care, which has

been in business for 15 years, has a total of 16 “friendly and experienced” staff.

The business sells “a whole range” of bikes made

by Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Sym and Polini.

With a total of 27 models up for grabs, Mr. Oliveira says they have a type of bike suitable for everyone.

At any given time they normally have about 400 bikes in stock, so there’s no need to wait around for your new purchase.

Mr. Oliveira, who has been working at Cycle Care for three years, said they had about 40 per cent of the market of new bike sales in Bermuda.

He said: “Everyone is into scooters as they are most practical.

“But gear bikes appeal to motorbike enthusiasts who want to enjoy their ride.

These bikes can put the fun

back into riding, Bermuda is such a beautiful spot and people can go for long rides to relax.”

The Sym HD Evo 125cc has been one of Cycle Care’s biggest sellers for the last two years. It has been nicknamed ‘the Darth Vadar’ bike for its stylish black bodywork.

The powerful four-stroke motor with dual-shock system means this bike provides a “smooth, controlled and reliable” ride. It also has a lightweight frame making it easy to handle and park.

Well priced The bike has a front and rear disc brake system, sports suspension and 16 in wheels. Mr. Oliveira says the bike “sells itself” at $2,1900.

The Kawasaki KLX 150cc is a crossover gear bike which can be used for

on-road and off-road riding.

The four-gear semi-automatic enables riders to enjoy the hand-clutch free ride. It has a sturdy aluminium frame, sports suspension and an electric start.

The bike comes in white, black, blue and green and prices range from $5,200 to $5,600.

Other bikes up for sale include the fuel-injected four-stroke Yamaha Vixion, the lightweight and easy to park 110cc Honda Scoopy with a fuel injected fourstroke engine and the Sym Jet Sport, a 50cc with a streamline sport design and powerful acceleration.

All bikes sold come with six month or 6,000 mile warranty and Cycle Care offers the first service free. Test drives are also available if you’re not sure about what bike to buy.

Mr. Oliveira also believes it’s important to make sure

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■ PHOTO BY SIRKKHA HUISH

KAWASAKI KLX: This 150cc is a crossover gear bike which has the advantage of being used for on-road and off-road riding. people are riding their bikes safely, so he also offers a free introductory riding course. Cycle Care is the only bike dealership that offers this.

He says he takes the time to “show people everything they need to know to be safe”.

He offers information and instruction, before people are given a riding experience in a controlled setting.

About 300 people have taken the seminar in its first year, including teenagers who are getting their first bikes and expatriates who have never ridden bikes before.

Cycle Care has also been renting out bikes for about six months calling the new side of the business “a natural progression”.

They only have a handful of bikes and are purposely targeting locals rather than tourists.

Further, they offer rentals to those people who are having their bikes repaired or those who are on the island for a short-term basis.

The rental bikes, which all have lock boxes, are Sym Jet Sport X and Sym DD 50.

Mr. Oliveira described them as “very good bikes, which

are well maintained”. They also plan to sell off ex rental bikes once a year for about $800 to $1,200 each.

Cycle Care also sells “every accessory imaginable”. The accessories shop has its own entrance, right next to the entrance to Bull’s Head car park.

They are the only authorised dealer of Nolan helmets in Bermuda, which range in price from $60 to $245. Helmets with the builtin Bluetooth headpiece speaker are also sold — this is a safe alternative to cellphone users, which doesn’t block out surrounding noise.

Other accessories on sale include bike covers, child seats, oil, lubricant, to name but a few. Lock boxes by Sym and Kappa are sold in 29, 33, 40 and 42 litre sizes.

Mr. Oliveira said: “there’s nothing that you would need that we don’t sell.

We’ve got every bike accessory that is sold in Bermuda.”

The repair workshop has seven bays and they offer a same day service — for any of the makes and models that they sell.

Mechanics also have the added benefit of the latest

Dyno-Max 2000 software, which measures the diagnostics and emissions of a bike. Similar to the technology used at T.C.D., mechanics can put a bike “in full

OCTOBER 8, 2010 ■ 25

throttle then watch it perform.” The mechanics also have the specialist knowledge to repair racing bikes as many of them race themselves.

Cycle Care also has a selection of customized bikes on display to show what can be done to bikes.

This can include new spray designs or chrome added.

Mr. Oliveira said: “We can customize every bike as much or as little as the owner wants. Whatever people want to spend, we do it all.”

Cycle Care’s motto is: “Our name says it, our service proves it.”

To find out more pop into Cycle Care at 49 Serpentine Road, Pembroke (right on the Par La Ville roundabout, opposite Bermy Cuisine) or call 295-0003.

Cycle Care is open from 9am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 3pm on Saturday.

The service department is open from 8am to 5:30pm from Monday to Friday.

And for those with technology at their fingertips, e-mail info@cyclecare.bm or log onto the website at www.cyclecare.bm ■

■ PHOTO BY SIRKKHA HUISH

BEST SELLER: Fernando Oliveira, Cycle Care’s general manager, stands with the very popular Sym HD Evo 125cc.

26 ■ OCTOBER 8, 2010

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FIAT 500: A sporty looking car that appeals to both sexes and has installed the Blue and Me ‘nfotainment’ system.

High tech Fiat 500 is a head turner

BY SIMON JONES sjones@bermudasun.bm

The Fiat 500 is a sporty little number that is a bundle of fun to drive.

It is curvaceous, compact and is guaranteed to catch the eye of anyone who sees it gliding down the road.

The circular theme inside and outside the vehicle gives the 500 a touch of the toy car quality.

But there is nothing immature about the performance or the technology this perky little car boasts.

If anyone knows about cars it is the guys who work in gas stations.

And the Fiat 500 received a rousing reception when we drove in to fill up the tank with gas — which cost $60 for a full tank, just in case you were wondering.

“Good looking car that”

said one of the attendants as we pulled in.

“How much does a car like this cost?” enquired another as he started pumping the unleaded gas into the 1.3-litre engine.

This class B car was a big hit with guys at the gas station.

And it will be a big hit with people looking to save a few dollars along the way.

The fact it is a class B vehicle will save you hundreds at TCD. Added to that is the fact it is an economical engine. There is no gas guzzling here.

The Fiat 500 is a nifty machine that can shift.

It has excellent acceleration from a standing start but also cruises smoothly once you have got up to speed.

Its automatic gearbox

takes the hassle out of changing gears — and the gear changes are swift and seamless.

This Fiat also boasts the city power steering function, which makes driving in heavy traffic a doddle and takes the pain out of reversing around corners and parallel parking.

Cruise control is an optional added extra — but on the roads of Bermuda it does not really make much of a difference.

Despite its size the Fiat 500 is robust and durable.

It sports remote central locking for added safety and the anti-lock braking system.

It also comes with front and side airbags for the driver and front seat passenger.

Perhaps one of the most

exciting and innovative features of the Fiat 500 is the Blue and Me ‘infotainment’ system.

This effectively transforms your car into a working office.

You can plug your laptop into the car to get work done or connect your iPod into the car’s stereo system to play your favourite music.

To find out more about the Blue and Me system you can visit Fiat’s website at www.fiat.com The Fiat 500 also boasts all the modern features you would expect of a new European car. The stereo and CD player can be controlled from buttons on the steering wheel.

Its air-conditioning system takes less than a minute to cool a car that

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has been baking in the midday sun to perfect driving temperature.

The car also has rear wipers, power wing mirrors and cup holders.

There are electric front windows — although the windows in the back do not open — as well as an adjustable steering wheel, which moves up and down.

There is no doubt about it — the Fiat 500 is a snazzylooking sports car that catches people’s attention.

There are circles wherever you look on this car, whether it is inside or outside.

The driver’s dashboard is made up of a huge oval speedometer, which is chrome plated and imposing.

The headrests, headlights and even the door handles all boast the same circular theme. The sporty nature of the car is compounded by the rear spoiler, large exhaust, and chrome inserts you find on the central dash.

The interior front pan-

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Fiat 500 Bermuda Motors Church Street, Hamilton Price: Starts at $35,950 Class: B

elling of the car also matches the exterior colour, which is a nice touch too.

If there was a minor draw back to this car it would be in the space department.

Although it must be said that you do not really notice it when you are driving along the road.

It is after all a three-door hatch back — and that means the back seats are going to be a little cramped.

But having said that there is plenty of leg space and headroom in the front.

And the bucket boot is capable of holding all manner of objects depending on whether you are taking a trip to the beach or simply going shopping.

The glove box on the Fiat 500 is a simple empty space

by the passenger’s knees and there are not a lot of other compartments to store valuables.

Fred Thompson from Bermuda Motors on Church Street said the car is full of surprises.

He added: “This is a highly intelligent car with all sorts of cutting edge technology.

“The computer system and Blue and Me tells you all sorts of things about the performance of the car like fuel consumption.

Technology “But is also like a walk-in office where you can plug your laptop in and do work from if you need to.

“A lot of people will be surprised by just how much technology there is operating in this car and just what you can do in it.”

Joe Decoute from Bermuda Motors described the Fiat 500’s performance as “top class”.

He said: “This is considered to be a sportsman’s car — but I think it is just as

OCTOBER 8, 2010 ■ 27

appealing to men as it is to women. “I think anyone would be attracted to a car like this because it looks great.

“It suits young couples or single men and women because it is a great way to get about.

“But it would also make a good second car for a family.

“I think one of the best qualities of this car is that it is just great fun to drive.”

The Fiat 500 is now on sale at Bermuda Motors in Church Street, Hamilton, and comes with a two-year warranty.

The car starts at a modest $35,950 and can be upgraded depending on what extra features you want.

It comes in a range of colours — although I thought it looked great in white.

A complete list of the colours includes bossa nova white, New Orleans blue, break beat grey, cha cha cha Azure, funk white, crossover black, tropicalia yellow, pasodoble red and electro clash grey. ■

28 ■ OCTOBER 8, 2010

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FIAT PUNTO: The smooth riding Punto has a 1.4-litre engine, which provides decent acceleration on the flat and over hills.

Smart and safe: The new Fiat Punto

BY SIMON JONES sjones@bermudasun.bm

Sitting behind the wheel of the new Fiat Punto is a little bit like driving in your own little bubble.

It is nice and smooth over the bumps, extremely comfortable on the corners and reassuringly easy on the ears.

As you drive along in the heat of the day with the air conditioning on you can barely hear the hustle and bustle of the streets outside.

The car’s compact and robust design makes it feel safe as well smart.

And the added extras like electric windows and keyless entry give this class E vehicle an air of luxury as well as sophistication.

The Fiat Punto boasts a sturdy 1.4-litre engine which gives it good acceleration on the flat as well as when tackling hills.

It seems to glide along the

Bermudian terrain gently and with minimum fuss.

The vehicle also gives the driver plenty of options when it comes to driving pleasure.

It comes with a cruise control function where you can set your speed and just let the car do all the work.

It does not matter how hard you push down the pedal — you will not exceed the set speed.

The Punto is of course a European car so it comes with power steering and the rather nifty ‘city’ driving option.

By pressing the ‘city’ button on the central dashboard you move seamlessly into a state where the Punto is even easier to manoeuvre around busy city settings and traffic queues. The power steering makes driving easy enough already but City allows you to park with the flick of a wrist and with minimum effort. It is an

Fiat Punto Bermuda Motors Church Street, Hamilton Price: Starts at $29,000 Class: E added luxury that gives this car that little something special.

As well as the city option you can choose your gear set up, too.

Choice The Punto is tiptronic — so drivers can chose between leaving it to the car to change up and down the gears automatically or slip the gear stick into the tiptronic mode and nudge their way up and down the gears.

It is actually remarkably easy to get used to the tiptronic function and you can shift between both functions while you are driving.

Whatever function you choose the gear changes are very smooth and a display in the dashboard lets you know just which one of the four forward gears you are in as you drive along.

The Punto’s chassis and suspension boasts cutting edge technology and this means that the car takes speed bumps and uneven roads in its stride.

This robust little Fiat is full of quirky little functions that add to the stylish image it portrays.

Electric windows in the front and alloy wheels come as standard. You can also choose to add back seat electric windows.

The Punto sports a tasteful factory tint on its windows and a nice sound system.

The CD player includes an iPod power point so you can play all your favourite tunes while driving around.

There are speakers in all

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four doors and stereo controls on the steering wheel to make it easy to operate.

The air-conditioning system is quick and effective and makes driving in the hottest of climates a breeze.

There are cup holders to put your drink in while you drive as well as remote wing mirrors.

Dashboard The driver’s dashboard comes in chrome and black and details speed, revs, fuel level and water temperature.

A functional central dash display provides you with information such as date, time and outdoor temperature.

A large front windscreen gives the driver good visibility, while an adjustable steering wheel moves up, down, in and out to give you the most comfortable driving position.

The Fiat Punto is a safe and secure vehicle but it also boasts plenty of space.

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‘This robust little Fiat is full of quirky little functions that add to the stylish image it portrays.’

It comes with driver and passenger airbags and two remote keys, which operate the central locking system.

A novel alarm system is triggered when thieving hands reach in through the windows while the keys are in the ignition.

The Punto’s trunk is deep and spacious — it also contains a spare wheel with jack set, While the back seats — which are split 60-40 — fold down to give you even more room to fit bigger and more awkward shaped objects in the back.

This five-door hatchback comes with a decent sized glove box and adjustable

head rests in the back seat.

There are also three seatbelts in the back to cater for a blossoming family.

Joe Decoute from Bermuda Motors said: “This is the perfect family car with plenty of space for three or four people.

“The city power steering option is also a great little extra for driving around town.

“It takes a lot of the hassle out of city driving but it also makes parallel parking a whole lot easier.

“The Punto has got everything you need when it comes to the added extras like electric windows, iPod connections and cruise

OCTOBER 8, 2010 ■ 29

control. There is also plenty of space inside the car.

“Fiat is a very reliable brand and that makes it a sound investment.”

Mr. Decoute added: “This is a really great car to drive too — it is quiet and smooth over the road. It is very much like being in a bubble.

“In many ways this vehicle drives like a stick shift because it has very good acceleration through the gears.”

The Fiat Punto is available from Bermuda Motors on Church Street in Hamilton and costs from $29,000.

Bermuda Motors is currently offering a two-year warranty when you buy a Punto.

The Fiat Punto comes in a range of 10 colours with exotic names.

They include rock ‘n roll blue, exotica red, new wave blue, bolero red, underground grey, crossover black, psychedelic azure, jungle grey, chemical grey and New Orleans blue. ■

30 ■ OCTOBER 8, 2010

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Kymco models on display at new showroom SUBMITTED BY KYMCO BERMUDA When you spend as much time on your bike as Bermudians do, you need a ride that is comfortable, reliable and a bike that performs as well in heavy city traffic as it does on the open road.

Kymco consistently produces stylish, value-formoney bikes that are perfect for our roads and conditions.

Now they have added three more exciting fourstroke models to their impressive range of scooters — the updated People GTi 125cc and the brand new Super 8 50cc and 150cc.

All three bikes are now available for the first time in Bermuda from Kymco Bermuda — and you can check them out, along with the rest of the exciting Kymco range, at Kymco Bermuda’s new showroom, opening on Washington Lane in the heart of Hamilton later this month.

The new-look People GTi is the third generation of the popular model.

You get the smooth ride and responsive control you expect from a People and its brand new EFI fuel-injected engine delivers powerful performance (up to 7500 rpm horsepower) and better fuel economy.

The GTi is built around a unique twin-bone design, high-tension chassis that provides extra stability and the high-powered front and rear disk brakes will bring you to a safer stop.

Also included are extras such as an iPod/iPhone charger and matching rear box.

The new Kymco Super 8 scooters really stand out in a crowd thanks to their sports bike styling and distinctive graphics.

Not only do they look good but their light, agile handling makes them fun to ride.

“The 50cc especially is one of the best entry-level scooters on the market,” said Steve Holloway, manager of Kymco

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

UPDATED: The People GTi 125cc available at Kymco Bermuda on Washington Lane in October.

Bermuda. “It’s light and easy for first-time riders to handle — perfect for navigating city traffic or Bermuda’s narrow roads.”

The Super 8 is powered by Kymco’s latest generation of four-stroke air-cooled engines, which makes it a highly fuel-efficient scooter — you will get about 100 miles per gallon — as well as producing low-level carbon emissions.

Other features include: powerful front disc and rear drum brakes, electric and kick-start, automatic choke, lockable under seat storage box for helmet, shopping or waterproofs, steering lock, rear carrier and centre and side stands.

You can check out the People GTi and the Super 8 at Kymco Bermuda and also browse a great selection of accessories and clothing, too.

In stock will be helmets and bike boxes from Givi, LeoVince mufflers, bike covers, locks and security systems from leading U.K. motorcycle security firm Oxford Essential Rider Equipment.

There are also high

performance rain suits, leggings and overshoes by frog toggs for boating, fishing and golf as well as for bike riders.

“Not only are frog toggs extremely high quality products,” said Mr. Holloway. “But with a line of rain suits called Horny Toadz, they’re just made for Bermuda!

“We’ve designed the store to appeal to a wide range of

people. It’s going to be a one-stop shop for bikes and accessories but we also want to offer customers related products that fit in with their lifestyle and activities off the road.” ■

KYMCO BIKES are available from Kymco Bermuda at Church Street and Washington Lane, Hamilton.

Call 295-0500 or visit www.kymco.bm

■ PHOTO SUPPLIED

ROAD APPEAL: The new Kymco Super 8 has sports bike styling and distinctive graphics.

THE BERMUDA SUN

COOL WHEELS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

OCTOBER 8, 2010 ■ 31

32 ■ OCTOBER 8, 2010

COOL WHEELS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

THE BERMUDA SUN

Much more to Oleander than bike rentals

BY SIRKKA HUISH shuish@bermudasun.bm

Don’t just think of Oleander Cycles as the place where hordes of tourists head to get around the island on two wheels.

The business may well be best known as a rental shop, but it also should not be overlooked as a seller of stylish and economical bikes.

Oleander Cycles, which has eight branches across the island, sells both new and secondhand rental bikes “for all those looking for reliable bikes at decent prices”.

Eric Trott, assistant general manager of Oleander Cycles, said: “We sell a good range of bikes.

“We sell off ex-rental bikes after so many years, which are always good value for money.

“We also sell a pretty good range of new bikes.”

Ex-rental bikes are sold to the general public after about three or four years on the island’s roads.

They are sold on at the bargain price of somewhere between $500 and $1,000 depending on the condition and mileage.

A one-month warranty on the engine is also given. You can then expect to pay approximately $300 to get the bike insured and on the road.

Oleander sells up to 200 rental bikes a year with anything from 10,000 to 30,000 miles on their speedometer.

They are the TGB 303 and the PGO Ligero, which are both 50cc models.

Mr. Trott said: “We have been dealing with these companies for years and have a good relationship with them.

“We know they are reliable bikes and stand up pretty well on Bermuda’s roads.”

The ex-rental bikes tend to appeal to new teenage riders or expatriates who “don’t want to invest a lot of money” as they know will only be on the island for a

■ PHOTOS SUPPLIED

PGO LIGERO: This 50cc bike has proved reliable on Bermuda roads which makes it an ideal rental bike. year or two. Mr. Trott said: “The best thing about buying an ex-rental bike is that we have all the spare parts in stock.

“You also know that the bikes have been regularly serviced and well maintained.

“Sometimes when you buy a secondhand bike, you don’t know the history of the bike and you end up finding out that no one sells the spare parts.”

If you are looking for a brand new bike, Oleander sells the same sorts of makes and models.

The 150cc TGB 303 starts at about $3,000. The PGO T-Rex 150cc will set you back about $3,700 and the PGO Ligero 150cc, PGO Libra 50cc or 150cc and the X-Hot 50cc are about $4,100.

The PGO Ligero is a small and light bike that is easy to handle, while the PGO TRex (which is Oleander’s best seller) has a four-stroke engine, a 6.7 litre fuel tank and plenty of leg and storage space.

New bikes bought from Oleander come with sixmonth or 6,000 mile warranty, which is standard throughout Bermuda. Mr. Trott said: “We pretty much

sell something for everyone.

We try to match bikes up with the right people. The size and weight of a bike is important, so is a person’s riding experience.

“The Ligero, for example, is a lighter bike with a small frame, while we have

bigger, more powerful bikes which would be better used as double-seaters.

Then there are the kids who want to go for the fancier looking bikes.”

Oleander Cycles has been in business for about 40 years. Its main showroom is in Valley Road, Paget, with smaller branches at locations including Gorham Road, Hamilton; Middle Road, Southampton; York Street, St. George’s and Dockyard.

Branches are open seven days a week and they currently have about 800 rental bikes on the road, as well as offering an islandwide pick-up and delivery service.

Accessories for sale include helmets made by Zeus that range in price from $60 to $225, baskets, top boxes from $140 to $300, security locks, tinted and plain visors, bungee chords and many other spare parts. ■

TO FIND out more about Oleander Cycles, call them on 236-BIKE (236-2453) or visit the website at www.oleandercycles.bm

PGO T-REX: This model is Oleander Cycles best seller and the 150cc model sells for around $3,700.