Motoring april 2015 by The Malta Independent

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The Malta Independent on Sunday • 26 April 2015

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The best cars 2015: Opel ADAM defends pole position • Opel ADAM wins mini car category for second year in a row • Over 112.000 readers of trade magazine auto motor und sportvoted he Opel ADAM is continuing to go from strength to strength. For the second year in a row, Opel’s individualisation champion won the Readers’ Choice Award of respected trade magazineauto motor und sport in the mini car category. The Opel ADAM received 29.8 percent of the votes and even managed to beat the 24.2 percent it received last year. “The ADAM is a real winner,” said Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Opel Group. “That is not just our opinion. 112,000 auto motor und sport readers from 15 countries and 130,000 customers from all around Europe who decided to buy our lifestyle car obviously

agree. And we have just added two new members to the ADAM family in the ADAM ROCKS and

the sporty ADAM S” According to the publisher Motor Presse Stuttgart, exactly

112,471 readers participated in the 39th edition of the Best Cars. They voted in 11 cate-

gories in both overall and import brand ranking, choosing from 386 models.

Prestigious design award for new Kia Sorento ia Motors continues to reel in awards for its outstanding design. Now the Kia Sorento, the brand’s flagship SUV, has received the prestigious ‘iF Design Award’ for the first time. The jury of the globallyrecognised design awards programme honoured the third generation of the Sorento, which goes on sale across Europe later on this year, with an award in the Product category. As well as awarding the car for the overall quality of its design, the jury rated the car on criteria such as finish, degree of innovation, environmental impact and safety. The all-new Kia Sorento is the seventh Kia model to secure an iF Design Award. In every year since

2010, at least one of the coveted awards has been scooped by Kia Motors, with previous winners from the brand including the Kia Venga, Sportage, Optima, Picanto, pro_cee’d and Soul. “I am very proud of this award for the Kia Sorento because it is recognition of the great advance in quality we have succeeded in achieving in this model,” said Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer of Kia Motors Corporation. “The Kia Sorento unites the classic poise of an SUV with a premium look and feel that is particularly tangible in the cabin. It offers the very highest design quality and excellent value for money. This is largely the achievement of our international

design teams – which is also why I am so delighted with this award.” The new Kia Sorento was developed by the Kia design team in Namyang, Korea, assisted by the Kia Design Centres in Frankfurt, Germany, and Irvine, California. The new Kia Sorento is a stylish and practical SUV with exceptional versatility and practicality. The smoother, swept-back profile and deeply sculpted surfaces give the Kia Sorento a lithe, elegant appearance. The spacious interior follows the horizontal lines of the overall design concept and delivers a luxurious look and feel with topquality materials throughout the cabin. The new Kia Sorento, which is available with five or seven seats, has a longer wheelbase and

provides more passenger room than its predecessor. The luggage area is larger, and thanks to the sliding, 60:40-split seat row it is even more versatile, holding up to 1,732 litres. High-tech specifications and a range of premium features, including the 360-degree Around View Monitor and smart parking system make it easy to manoeuvre and park. Buyers can also choose from the latest safety assistance systems, from lane departure warning to rear cross traffic alert and traffic sign recognition, through to adaptive cruise control. Since it was launched in 1953, the annual iF Design Award has become one of the world’s most important prizes for excellence in design. The award has its origins in

the Formgerechte Industrieerzeugnisse (Good Industrial Design) product shows initiated by the Hannover Messe, and is now one of the world’s largest design competitions. The iF Design Award is presented in five disciplines. In 2015, companies from 53 countries participated in the iF design awards programme, submitting 4,783 designs. The new Kia Sorento was honoured in the ‘Automobiles / Vehicles / Bikes’ category. Enter the Kia world by visiting Cars International, Mdina Road, Qormi. For more information or to book a test-drive send an email to kiasales@cil.com.mt, call on 2269 2120, visit the website www.kia.com/mt or Facebook page Kia Motors Malta.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 26 April 2015

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Muscats Motors launche Discovery Sport D

iscovery Sport’s progressive new design approach defines the new Discovery family with optimised volume, proportions and stance. Its design leadership combines with engineering integrity to result in a dynamic profile, the ultimate use of interior space and 5+2 seating configurability. “Our challenge has been to combine premium design with exceptional versatility; the two attributes must work in harmony,” said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer. “I’m proud to say we’ve achieved that; Discovery Sport’s dynamic design will resonate on an emotional level with consumers, and this vehicle is more versatile than any other premium compact SUV on the market.” This spirit of adventure is reflected in Discovery Sport’s interior, which has been designed with customers at its core. It

features high-quality materials and a strong vertical centre console graphic to reflect the premium design of the exterior, while the core Discovery value of versatility is evident everywhere.Storage solutions are integrated into the cabinand up to four 12V power points and six USB charging sockets can be specified for all three rows of seating, allowing multiple electronic devices to be charged simultaneously. A host of innovations have allowed Discovery Sport to introduce the versatility of 5+2 seating into the premium compact SUV class for the first time. An all-new multi-link rear axle not only provides engaging driving dynamics but it also provides ample and flexible cabin space behind the second row. Coupled with supple long-travel suspension, the innovative rear axle also ensures the Discovery Sport is comfortable, refined and rewarding to drive on-road, while retaining the breadth of all-terrain

capability for which Land Rover is world-renowned. In fact, with approach, departure and breakover angles of 25, 31 and 21 degrees respectively, Terrain Response® technology, and the ability to wade to 600mm, Discovery Sport offers classleading capability in all conditions. As with every new Land Rover, safety has been a key priority in the development of the new Discovery Sport, resulting in a first-in-class pedestrian airbag, autonomous emergency braking, and a state-of-the-art bodyshell featuring both ultra-high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium. This represents a fraction of the advanced equipment available in Discovery Sport, which also includes Head-Up Display, an allnew 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and tilt-andslide row-two seating for maximum interior configurability. “Not only does Discovery Sport mark the introduction of the first new member of our

expanding Discovery family, it also brings the versatility of 5+2 seating to the compact premium SUV market,” said Phil Popham, Jaguar Land Rover Group Marketing Director. “Discovery Sport’s versatility is a key differentiator. It is quite simply the most accomplished vehicle in its segment.” Discovery Sport will be produced at Land Rover’s awardwinning manufacturing facility at Halewood, Liverpool. The NEW Discovery Sport has just been launched at the newly refurbished Aftersales Area of Muscats Motors. The event was in cooperation with General Soft Drinks for Coca-Cola Zero and Adventure Camping Shop for North Face and Mountain Hard Wear. For further information or to book a test drive contact the Land Rover sales team at Muscats Motors, the official Land Rover dealership in Malta, on 23264584/5or email info@mml.mizzi.com.mt

Hyundai Motorsport continues new generation i20 WRC development • Hyundai Motorsport has recently carried out a four-day test in Spain with an upgraded version of the New Generation i20 WRC • Hyundai Motorsport confirms it will ramp up development of a five-door version of the New Generation i20 car in preparation for a full season of 2016 FIA World Rally Championship • The current Hyundai i20 WRC will run throughout the rest of the 2015 season he Hyundai Motorsport team has recently completed a four-day test of the New Generation i20 WRC car in the Spanish region of Almeria. The test marked the next important phase of development for the car, which will make its debut in the 2016 FIA World Rally Championship. The team’s test driver Kevin Abbring and his co-driver Sebastian Marshall were at the wheel of the New Generation i20 WRC together with Thierry Neuville and Nicolas Gilsoul. Work focused on engine and chassis development, as well as altitude testing with the latest iteration of the car, which has been upgraded compared to the version used in previous tests.

Hyundai Motorsport has established a detailed testing plan for the New Generation i20 WRC and had hoped to introduce the car later this season. However, there has been a change on the planned homologation of the New Generation i20 WRC due to production schedule. The team will now shift the target to debut the New Generation i20 WRC at the start of the 2016 FIA World Rally Championship at Rallye Monte-Carlo. In addition, a series of further upgrades will be introduced to the current Hyundai i20 WRCs in the remaining rallies of 2015 in a bid to help the team fight for podiums regularly in only its second season in the competitive World Rally Championship.

Team Principal Michel Nandan commented: “We had a very detailed week of testing planned in Spain recently, as we put an upgraded version of our New Generation i20 WRC through its paces in the Almeria region. Kevin and Thierry worked on engine and chassis development, as well as altitude tests, which will help us to

further develop the car as we move through 2015. We had hoped to introduce the new car later this season but unfortunately an issue with the homologation schedule related to production of the threedoor road version – will delay our programme. We have therefore opted to continue focus on the fivedoor version of the New Generation

i20 WRC which will compete at Rallye Monte-Carlo next year. This revised schedule gives us extra time to ensure the car is where we want it to be performance-wise. At the same time, the current Hyundai i20 WRC will undergo a number of important updates which we hope will keep us in the fight for podiums this.”

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 26 April 2015 • r e v i e w •

es the new Land Rover

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 26 April 2015

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Renault ZOE rated best EV in Auto Express Driver Power 2015 • ZOE debuts in owner survey in 5th place overall • ZOE rated 1st for running costs of all 200 entrants • Ease of driving commended with 2nd place overall finish • ZOE rated best EV – five places ahead of nearest electric rival

he 100% electric Renault ZOE supermini has been highly commended by owners in the Auto Express Driver Power 2015 survey out today finishing an impressive fifth overall out of 200 vehicles and rated as the best electric vehicle to own. Finishing five places above its nearest all-electric competitor, with a score of 92.87 per cent, the ZOE was also rated the best vehicle in this year’s survey for low running costs as well as second overall for ease of driving. ZOE, in its debut survey year, was ranked second, out of 43 vehicles, in the

competitive supermini category. The ZOE also scored well for Incar technology and performance with owners rating the car ninth and fifteenth respectively out of the 200 entrants. Commenting on the ZOE’s performance in the survey, Ben Fletcher, Renault UK Electric Vehicle Product Manager, said: “The Renault ZOE offers the recognized benefits of all-electric vehicles in an ultrastylish and highly-affordable package. It’s no wonder that owners are so delighted with their cars.” Steve Fowler, Auto Express Editor-in-chief said: “Breaking into the Driver Power top five is a

significant achievement for the Renault ZOE. Owners of electric cars clearly love their vehicles – and the ZOE, in particular, has a winning formula of low running costs and decent performance, plus it's very easy to drive, too.” The Auto Express Driver Power survey had its largest response ever in 2015 with 61,113 car owners, up 20 per cent on 2014, completing the comprehensive survey about their vehicle ownership experience. The Renault ZOE has won numerous awards since going on sale in 2013 including being named What Car? Magazine’s ‘Best Electric Car for under £20,000’ for the last

two consecutive years. ZOE is one of three all-electric Renault models including the innovative Twizy urban vehicle and the Kangoo Z.E. Van. A new longerrange version of ZOE, with a new Renault-developed motor, was announced at this year’s Geneva Motor Show which will bring a best-in-class official range of 149 miles when it joins the ZOE line-up in May. Sales in the UK of Renault’s electric models were up 90 per cent in 2014 to 1,286 vehicles and continued this strong growth in the first three months of 2015 with sales up 148 per cent to 401 vehicles.

Zach Zammit to compete at Prescott Hill Climb UK he former Maltese National Hill Climb Champion, Zach Zammit, will be competing at the

opening round of the 2015 British Speed Hill Climb Championship to be held at Prescott UK. With the support of family and friends, Zach is going to be the first

Maltese driver ever to take part in a British Speed Hill Climb Championship which will be held between 25th and 26th April with his brand new race car, an Empire chassis 1400cc Suzuki Hayabusa engine. Prescott, is based just outside of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, is home to one of the world's most prestigious motor racing venues. Set in 60 acres of glorious Cotswold countryside, the estate not only

provides a beautiful setting for a range of classic car and bike weekends, but also hosts major motor racing championships.The just over 1KM course rises over 200 feet via short straights, fast and slow corners and a breathtaking hairpin, with the fastest modern racing cars completing the course in an exciting 36 seconds. Zach's race car is built to Maltese technical regulation’s, therefore it will be 85kg heavier than the British

vehicles of same class and will be carrying the smallest engine in its class, as the British rules do not have a minimum weight. Zach’s target is to finish all four runs at Prescott while getting to know his new race car so that he can prepare himself better for the following weekend’s hill climb at Shelsley Walsh UK on the 2nd/3rd May. Malta Motorsport Federation and Island Car Club wish Zach Zammit the best of luck!

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 26 April 2015 • r e v i e w •

SEAT Leon scores double whammy in Auto Express Driver Power 2015 survey • SEAT Leon collects two awards in Auto Express Driver Power 2015 survey: ‘Best Compact Family Car’ and ‘Best InCar Tech’ • SEAT Leon ranked impressive 4th overall EAT’s high-selling Leon is certainly no stranger to award wins, particularly those bearing an Auto Express magazine engraving. Now, the sporty Spanish marque’s best-seller is celebrating two of its finest to date, having collected ‘Best Compact Family Car’ and ‘Best In-Car Tech’ in this year’s Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. Sending the Leon family awards tally into double figures for the last 12 months alone, the five-door hatch posted a mighty 92.89% through an unbeatable combination of equipment levels, quality and style, to hold off a series of challengers in the hard fought ‘Compact Family Car’ category, including the Peugeot 308 and Volvo V40. Fittingly, given SEAT’s ‘Technology to Enjoy’ strapline, it came out on top for InCar Tech too, no doubt in part due to the Technology Pack (including full LED headlight pack, navigation system and DAB radio), which many owners have enjoyed free of charge in recent times. Steve Fowler, Editor-in-chief of Auto Express, said: “The SEAT Leon is a serial Auto Express Award winner and it seems owners feel the same way. Not only has it beaten some strong competition to top the compact family class, thanks to a fine blend of good performance mixed with affordable running costs, the tech on offer has also been well above owners’ expectations.” Commenting on its latest awards haul, SEAT UK’s Director, Richard Harrison, said, “We’ve won ‘Best Compact Family Car’ from Auto Express two years in a row, so we were hoping Leon would be in with a good chance. It’s always a pleasure to win awards, but they’re just that little bit sweeter when it’s real owners who vote your cars to be the best. Clearly, our top-seller has the substance to back up its style and I’m delighted that those who live with the Leon every day love it as much as they do.”