Motoring May 2018

IN THIS ISSUE: THE NEW A-CLASS | HONDA REVEALS CIVIC TYPE R PICKUP TRU THE FERRARI SP38, THE NEW CREATION | KIA UNVEILS NEW SPORTAGE | VOLKSWAGEN R POWERS PASSENGER RIDES

The Malta Independent on Sunday. May 2018

THEJUST NEW A CLASS LIKE YOU also inside

Discover Colossal CHILE

CHILE VINEYARD SPOTLIGHT: 35ยบ SOUTH

COLOSSAL CHILE CHILE STRETCHES ALONG SOUTH AMERICA'S WESTERN EDGE, WITH MORE THAN 6,000KM OF PACIFIC COASTLINE. ITS CAPITAL SANTIAGO SITS IN A VALLEY SURROUNDED BY THE ANDES AND CHILEAN COAST RANGE MOUNTAINS. CHILE IS NATURE ON A COLOSSAL SCALE, BUT TRAVEL HERE IS SURPRISINGLY EASY AND PERFECT FOR A MOTOR TRIP. HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS TO DREAM ABOUT.

ATACAMA DESERT AND ALTIPLANO Atacama is the driest desert on Earth and recent scientific studies demonstrated that the soil in the region is about 25-30 million years old. The Atacama landscape is characterized by highlands, volcanoes, salt lakes, lagoons, hot springs, strange rock formations and sand dunes.

Famous natural landmarks include Licancabur Volcano, Valle de la Luna, the Tatio Geysers and the Atacama Salt Flat.

Atacama also has a lot of indigenous culture and preColombian archaeological relics which have been perfectly preserved by the dryness and minerals. Its brilliant, clear sky makes Atacama a famous place for star gazing.

LA SERENA, BEACHES AND ASTRONOMY Beaches, bays and islands are some of the many attractions in La Serena, an ideal place to practice outdoor activities and sports, such as fly fishing and surfing. The are also beautiful beaches like Tongoy, Morrillos, Las Tacas, Guanaqueros, Totoralillo, Peñuelas and La Herradura. There are special places as well, where protected areas are the home of a varied flora and fauna such as the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve. The area is also home to Las Campanas Astronomy Observatory and La Silla Astronomy Observatory.

EASTER ISLAND The Easter Island appeared in the Pacific Ocean due to the constant activity of three volcanoes: Maunga Terevaca, Poike and Rano Kau. It has 180 kilometers of extension and possesses different archaeological attractions.

LAKES AND VOLCANOES DISTRICT

San Pedro de Atacama

La Serena

This destination is characterized by its singular flora and fauna, the mountains and the modern ski centers. The area includes the Conguillo and Tolhuaca National

Patagonia

Parks and the Malleco, China Muerta and Alto Bio Bio National Reserves. You can also find the Tolhuaca, Llaima and Lonquimay volcanoes and the Bio Bio river; as well as the Conguillio and Malleco lagoons.

VALPARAÍSO, SANTIAGO AND VINEYARDS Valparaiso is the main commercial port in the country, meanwhile Viña del Mar is the tourist capital of Chile.They feature beautiful beaches, bays, museums, national monuments, with incredible colourful architecture that combines old and modern times.

Santiago is the main urban centre of the Metropolitan region and the country's capital. Farellones is located a few kilometres northeast of Santiago and it's the perfect place to practice snow sports in one of the best ski centres in South America.This region is also home to a series of

Easter Island

valleys with wonderful vineyards, including Casablanca Valley – thanks to its favourable conditions, the wines produced here have a high quality known all over the world; Colchagua Valley – with a wine route, where you can visit vineyards, wine cellars and enjoy wines samples; Curico Valley with a Wine Journey Circuit exploring various vineyards; and Maule Valley.

NORTH PATAGONIA AND BLACK FOREST One of the most beautiful areas in the country, because of their natural attractions and good weather conditions. This region is perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. With a variety of cities, small towns, National Reserves, rivers and lakes with marvellous landscapes.

SOUTH PATAGONIA AND TORRES DEL PAINE One of the most incredible places to visit in Chile. The journey starts in Puerto Natales, where the visitor can enjoy its seashore, its former cattle ranches and the mountains behind it. With popular attractions including Torres del Paine and Bernardo O´Higgins National Parks, as well as the Cueva del Milodon Natural Monument. There's amazing topography: mountains, fjords, channels, glaciers and lakes, which make Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park a singular and beautiful place to visit.

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CHILE VINEYARD SPOTLIGHT

35º South

TWO CENTURIES HAVE PASSED SINCE THE CORREA ALBANO BROTHERS, FOUNDERS OF VIÑA SAN PEDRO, BEGAN THEIR WORLDWIDE QUEST FOR A UNIQUE LOCATION TO PRODUCE QUALITY WINES. AT THE LATITUDE OF 35º SOUTH (35º SUR), THEY FOUND WHAT THEY WERE LOOKING FOR, VALLEYS WITH THE IDEAL CLIMATE AND SOIL FOR WINEMAKING. IN CHILE, THE 35º LATITUDE PASSES THROUGH THE CITY OF MOLINA, WHERE THE FOUNDERS OF VIÑA SAN PEDRO WERE INSPIRED TO INSTALL THEIR FIRST WINERY AND CENTURY-OLD WINE CELLAR. THE RESULT OF THIS LONG HISTORY IS A RESERVA WINE MADE FROM THE BEST THAT CHILE'S CENTRAL VALLEY HAS TO OFFER, WITH PENETRATING AROMAS AND INTENSE FLAVORS THAT EMBODY THE SPIRIT OF SAN PEDRO'S FOUNDERS TO CRAFT QUALITY WINES. VIÑA SAN PEDRO HAS OVER 2,500 HECTARES IN CHILE'S WINEMAKING REGION, INCLUDING ONE OF THE MOST EXTENSIVE VINEYARDS IN SOUTH AMERICA, OUR 1,200-HECTARE VINEYARD IN THE CURICÓ VALLEY. 35°South took its name from the geographical coordinates where San Pedro’s main vineyards are located, at the San Pedro Molina Estate, deep in the Curicó Valley. 35°South is an innovative, modern and sophisticated wine which aim is to accompany consumers along the path they travel across through their achievements, and while facing their next challenges.

Almost half million cases a year of 35°South wines are exported. A meticulous selection of the finest grapes, the use of small tanks, aging in carefully selected French and American oak barrels, and exhaustive enological work guarantee the quality of every 35 South wine.

MIGUEL RENCORET

Viña San Pedro's winemaking team is led by experts in the field with extensive winemaking experience. This is reflected in the quality of the wines that reach our customers.

Miguel Rencoret is Chief Winemaker for Viña San

Miguel Rencoret

Today Miguel is responsible for the Varietal and Reserva vineyards, located in the Central Valley, as well as Viña San Pedro's organic vineyards at the foot of the Andes Mountains in Alto de Cachapoal.

Pedro's Varietal and 35°South Reserva ranges, as well as the winery's organic projects. He has worked extensively at renowned wineries both in Chile and the US, at Robert Mondavi Winery. In 2001, he was named Chief Winemaker at Viña Santa Helena, a subsidiary of the VSPT Wine Group.

HIGHLIGHTS

CABERNET SAUVIGNON. Aroma: Intense ripe red fruit aromas, with cassis and vanilla notes. Palate: On the palate a very concentrated wine, with sweet and elegant tannins, and a nice persistent finish. Pairing: Meats such as steak and duck, excellent companion for ripe cheeses.

CARMENÈRE. Aroma: Very intense in the nose, with aromas to chocolate and sweet spices, interlaced with fresh fruit notes. Palate: Full bodied and sweet tannins on the palate, with a soft and very pleasant finish. Pairing: Spicy dishes, such as Risotto, Paella, and ripe cheeses.

MERLOT. Aroma: Spicy and fruity aromas in combination deliver a full character wine. Palate: Very concentrated on the palate, along a great softness and a long final persistence. Pairing: Pastas and pizza, but also, Parma ham and soft cheeses.

Plan a visit.Visit 35°South Winery: Email: cmorabi@vspt.cl Locally 35°South Wines are imported by Attard and Co and available from Sistina Wine & Co.,The Strand Gzira.

Opening hours: 10am till late.

WEB: www.sistinawineco.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/sistinawineco TEL: 2131 4161

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HONDA REVEALS CIVIC TYPE R PICKUP TRUCK CONCEPT AT SMMT TEST DAY • CREATED BY THE TEAM BEHIND SYNCHRO MOTORSPORT AT THE SWINDON FACTORY • POTENTIALLY ONE OF THE FASTEST PICKUP TRUCKS ON UK ROADS • NO PLANS TO PUT CONCEPT INTO PRODUCTION

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onda UK has stolen the show at the annual SMMT Test Day this year by showcasing a Civic Type R Pickup Truck concept, almost a year after the launch of the standard road car.

Built by a specialist team from the Product Engineering department at the Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) factory in Swindon and codenamed ‘Project P’, the Civic Type R Pickup Truck has been modified and developed from the standard road car to create potentially one of the fastest pickup trucks on UK roads.

To create the Project P concept, the team used a preproduction version and adapted

the design rearwards from the Cpillars of the car, with sweeping lines from the roofline to the back hiding a flatbed loading area in the centre of the car where the rear seats and boot space would normally be.

Finished in Rallye Red, the concept retains the iconic rear wing associated with both the FK2 and FK8 Civic Type R, which, in a clever piece of engineering, is movable to allow direct and unfettered access to the rear of the truck.

Using the same powertrain, suspension and gearbox as the standard road car, it is estimated

Project P will complete the 062mph sprint in under six seconds and reach a top speed of over 165mph. It also possesses the same driving modes of comfort, Sport and +R, Project P offering both ride comfort as well as a unique racing capability on track.

Alyn James, project lead, commented: “We have a special projects division at the factory in Swindon and this project was a fantastic opportunity for the team to show just what their creative minds could do. The passion that our engineers have for Honda is shown in our latest

creation and we are even considering taking it to the Nurburgring to see if we can take the record for the fastest front wheel drive pickup truck!”

Phil Webb, head of car at Honda UK, added: “This Civic Type R Pickup Truck concept by the special team at our Swindonbased plant demonstrates the passion and commitment of the team there – going above and beyond outside working hours to deliver the final product. There are no plans to put this in to production but we will be using it to transport our lawn and garden products as and when required!”

HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM OF ROAD RAGE

TIPS FROM IAM ROADSMART

e have all come across road rage at some point in our driving lives. When it happens, it can leave you feeling intimidated and scared. But with a bit of planning you can prevent the situation altogether. Richard Gladman, head of driving and riding standards, provides a few top tips about how to avoid being a victim of road rage, and what to do if it escalates.

• If there’s conflict between two parties, there’s a likely chance you’ve both played a part. This doesn’t mean you should react. Try to take yourself away from the problem – let the other driver go on ahead. Even if you feel wronged, letting the other party go will make no difference to the rest of your day • Is someone being confrontational or aggressive? If so, don’t make eye contact and don’t react visibly. Try not to think about them so that the incident doesn’t affect you afterwards • If the other party is still being aggressive to you and you are in fear of your own safety, call the police • If the other party approaches you in your car, can you drive away safely? If you can, consider doing so. But don’t

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rush off and drive like the getaway driver in a film, or if you think the other driver is going to chase you • Do you have a passenger who can film any behaviour on a mobile phone? This will help in terms of evidence.

Remember to include the registration number of the other vehicle involved

• Don’t open your door, don’t open your windows fully and don’t start or get provoked into an argument • If you were at fault, admit it and apologise. It may be enough to diffuse the situation quickly. And do not do anything that can be interpreted as retaliation. Even if you weren’t at fault,

is the argument really worth it?

Hopefully by now the matter is over and you are driving away. Do acknowledge that this incident will have affected your behaviour. If you feel upset or emotional pull over and get some fresh air or walk around if you need to before resuming your journey.

Find some distraction like listening to the radio – move your mind deliberately onto something else – deliberately driving well would be a good example – but don’t dwell on the incident.

Richard said: “Road rage does not affect everyone every day. If you’re finding it is happening very often, you might want to think about how you engage with other road users.

“Unlike pedestrians walking towards each other; who can easily get a feel of what the other person will do, where they might go or the mood they’re in, you have no such opportunities cocooned in your car.”

He concluded: “No-one need experience road rage, but it us up to each of us to ensure it stays that way.

“So it is important not to be antagonistic or obstructive, perhaps making a person already having a bad day boil over.”

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THE FERRARI SP38, THE NEW CREATION FROM THE ONE-OFF PROGRAMME he Ferrari SP38, the latest offspring from Ferrari’s One-Off programme, has been unveiled at Fiorano where, after the ceremonial handover to one of Ferrari’s most dedicated customers, the car was immediately put through its paces in a series of hot laps.

Designed by the Ferrari Design Centre on the chassis and

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running gear of the 488 GTB, this unique car reflects the specific vision of a client with a deep passion for racing. The result is a model that can be driven both on road and on track, while at the same time expressing all the beauty and innovation inherent in Ferrari’s road cars.

The all-new bodywork, in a newly conceived three-layer

metallic red, marks a radical departure from the language aesthetic of the donor car. The twin-turbo, twin-intercooler setup of the award-winning 488 GTB inspired the team to reference the mighty F40 as an icon from which to instruct the project’s general direction.

Compared to the 488 chassis, the visual mass of SP38 appears concentrated over the rear

wheels as the wedge design sharply stretches towards the front. In plan view, the strongly tapered nose expands towards muscular wheelarches, giving the car potency and agility. Specific inset headlights were designed to be as thin as possible, with the mandatory DRL (daytime running lights) units relocated to add character and functionality to a slim bumper lip reminiscent of the 308 GTB. On the side, the defining air scoop of the 488 GTB is completely concealed where the sheet metal folds in on itself from the low beltline on the door and into the rear wheelarch and three-quarter light.

The effect is dramatic, as it reinforces the importance of the rear volume while, at the same time, maintaining the air

flow to the intercoolers at the base of the side window. The dynamic styling continues over the engine cover, which sheds its rear glass and is treated as a flip-up assembly in carbon fibre with shutlines slashing the flanks in a gesture directly reminiscent of the F40’s. Three transversal slats slash across the engine cover to evacuate engine heat, and the smooth integration of a substantial rear spoiler is a hint at the famous rear wing of the F40. The trailing edge of the spoiler links seamlessly with the wing and with the aerodynamic diffuser at the bottom, to create a suggestive frame surrounding the tail volume and a full Tailor Made cabin trim puts the finished touches on this truly special Ferrari.

KIA UNVEILS NEW SPORTAGE WITH DIESEL MILD-HYBRID POWERTRAIN • UPDATED INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DESIGN FOR UK AND GLOBAL BEST-SELLER • REVISED POWERTRAIN LINE-UP INCLUDES ECODYNAMICS+ 2.0-LITRE DIESEL MILD-HYBRID AND EFFICIENT NEW 1.6-LITRE ‘U3’ DIESEL • ECODYNAMICS+ POWERTRAIN REDUCES CO2 EMISSIONS BY UP TO FOUR PER CENT UNDER WLTP • NEW TECHNOLOGIES INCLUDE UPGRADED INFOTAINMENT AND ACTIVE DRIVER AIDS • ON-SALE IN EUROPE DURING Q3 2018

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ia Motors has revealed the New Kia Sportage, introducing a range of enhancements to the brand’s UK, European and global best-seller.

The new model pairs an updated exterior and interior design with new safety and infotainment technologies. Powertrains are also fully-compliant with future emissions standards.

The Sportage’s advanced new EcoDynamic+ 48V diesel mildhybrid powertrain is the first to be launched as part of the

brand’s global powertrain electrification strategy. Kia is the first manufacturer to offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and 48-volt mild-hybrid technology across its full model line-up. Kia will launch 16 advanced powertrain vehicles by 2025, including five new hybrids, five plug-in hybrids, five batteryelectric vehicles and, in 2020, a new fuel-cell electric vehicle.

Kia sold more than 131,000 examples of the Sportage in 2017, representing a quarter of the brand’s total European sales.

In the UK, the Sportage

continues to be the brand’s biggest seller with 39,683 delivered to customers in 2017, making up over a third of UK sales last year. Updates to the Sportage range also include modifications to ‘GT-Line’ models.

European customer deliveries of the new model will start during Q3 2018.

UPGRADED POWERTRAINS INCLUDE NEW ECODYNAMICS+ DIESEL MILDHYBRID

The Sportage now offers a wider range of engines, including Kia’s new ‘EcoDynamics+’ 2.0litre ‘R’ diesel mild-hybrid powertrain. EcoDynamics+ supplements acceleration with power from a 48-volt battery, and extends engine ‘off time’ with a new Mild-Hybrid StarterGenerator unit. It can reduce CO2 emissions by up to four per cent on the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).

The Sportage’s existing 1.7litre CRDi (Common-Rail Direct injection) diesel engine has been replaced with Kia’s efficient new 1.6-litre ‘U3’ CRDi engine, the cleanest diesel engine Kia has ever made. The new 1.6-litre diesel engine produces 115 or 136ps, with higher-powered models available with all-wheel drive and seven-speed doubleclutch transmission.

All powertrains are now fully compliant with the Euro 6d TEMP emissions standards.

UPDATES TO ATTRACTIVE KIA SUV DESIGN

Improvements to the Sportage’s sporty exterior design include new front and rear bumpers, as well as redesigned front and rear lamps and new 16-, 17- and 19inch alloy wheel designs. Options include chrome sill trim and metallic skid plates, and five new paint colours.

‘GT-Line’ models are equipped with a gloss black hot-stamped radiator grille, a gloss black and silver skid plate, and dark chrome

inserts on the side sills and rear tailgate. The GTLine’s unique 19-inch alloy wheels have been redesigned, and all models are fitted with a dual exhaust rear valance and revised ‘ice cube’ LED fog lamp designs.

The newly-refined cabin features a new steering wheel and revised instrument cluster, as well as new black-and-grey twotone upholstery. ‘GT-Line’ models are available with new black-andgrey two-tone leather seats, or optional black leather with red accents.

SMART SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES AND NEW INFOTAINMENT SYSTEMS The new Sportage adopts Kia’s latest advanced driving assistance systems, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop&Go, an Around View Monitor for easier parking manoeuvres, and Driver Attention Warning, to combat fatigue and inattentiveness at the wheel. European customers have a choice of Kia’s new infotainment systems: a 7.0-inch touchscreen, or a new ‘frameless’ 8.0-inch infotainment system.

VOLKSWAGEN R POWERS PASSENGER RIDES AT SPEEDMACHINE VOLKSWAGEN R IS ANNOUNCING A POWERFUL PARTNERSHIP WITH IMG TO SHOWCASE THE BRAND’S PERFORMANCE R RANGE AT THE SPEEDMACHINE FESTIVAL AT SILVERSTONE THIS WEEKEND – 25-27 MAY. he agreement offers event-goers the unique opportunity to experience the iconic track with an adrenalinepumping passenger ride in the award-winning Golf R alongside a professional racing driver.

Volkswagen R is the inspiration for the Polo R Supercar, which will be seen competing at Cooper Tires World RX of Great Britain at Silverstone in the hands of defending champion Johan Kristoffersson and motorsport legend Petter Solberg.

To celebrate the manufacturer’s success in World RX, Volkswagen R will take pride of place at Speedmachine with a display of its models, and the opportunity to meet both Kristoffersson and Solberg.

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Attendees will also have the chance to get a racer’s eyeview of the famed Silverstone national circuit from the passenger seat of a Golf R, which packs a huge 310 PS and 400 Nm of torque to reach 062mph in just 4.6 seconds.

This is achieved through its use of race-bred technology, including a seven-speed dualclutch (DSG) gearbox, 4MOTION four-wheel drive and pioneering launch control start.

“Volkswagen R is excited to be a key partner in the Speedmachine festival,” commented Executive Director for Volkswagen R, Jost Capito.

“We look forward to connecting with the fans, showcasing our products and offering F1 circuit thrill rides in the iconic Golf R to the visitors

of the festival.”

World RX Managing Director for IMG, Paul Bellamy said: “Volkswagen R brings the best of the firm’s racing technology and experience – honed through its decades of motorsport success – to the road, which makes Speedmachine the perfect partner to demonstrate its

range.

“We’re sure event-goers will be inspired by Volkswagen’s rallycross performances to lap up the opportunity of discovering Volkswagen R on the Silverstone Circuit itself.”

In addition to the enthralling action on-track at Silverstone over the World RX of Great Britain weekend,

Speedmachine's packed entertainment bill ensures there will be something for each event-goer to enjoy.

This includes headline live music from the likes of Dizzee Rascal, Lethal Bizzle and Ministry of Sound, plus esports, drifting, iconic car displays and the very best street food.

May 2018 | motoring 07

THE NEW A-CLASS THE GREAT THING ABOUT THE NEW A-CLASS ISN’T JUST THE MBUX – MERCEDES-BENZ USER EXPERIENCE, OR THE MANY PERSONALISATION OPTIONS – IT’S GETTING TO KNOW A CAR THAT GETS TO KNOW YOU.

EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR The new A-Class has the looks. Clear lines and clean surfaces give it its elegant sportiness. Get as personal as you want with the new A-Class.

MBUX – MERCEDES-BENZ USER EXPERIENCE The new A-Class hasn't reinvented driving. But it has reinvented the way it feels: with MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience including Natural Voice Control, you

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can talk to your car like you would to a friend. "Hey Mercedes" – two words are enough for the new A-Class to listen and – even better – it does what you ask.

Thanks to the new revolutionary voice control, many functions can be controlled simply by your voice, ranging from the radio to climate control.

connects you to everything that's important to you.

We’re all connected to something and the new AClass is no different – it’s connected to you. Thanks to the Mercedes me smartphone app, you can take your car wherever you go – even when you’re not on the road.

CONNECTIVITY

SAFETY & ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS

What’s so special about the new A-Class’ innovative connectivity? Its simplicity. When it works so well you don't even notice it. Because it independently

The new A-Class has its eyes almost everywhere. So you are always in control, even in tricky situations. And you get to your destination safe and sound.