Motoring June 2014 by The Malta Independent

• r e v i e w •

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 29 June 2014

• r e v i e w •

Made to measure classic car insurance now available locally wning a classic car or motorcycle is undoubtedly a labour of love. Many would have spent countless hours restoring these vehicles to their former glory, and still dedicate a lot of time to lovingly cleaning, polishing, tuning and making sure that their prized possessionsare well preserved. It is indeed a great pleasure when visiting the many shows and exhibitions not only to admire the resplendent vehicles but also to hear the owners talk about them and listening to the interesting stories about their origins and history. Compared to this, talking about classic car insurance may sound boring and uninteresting. Yet, many of these cars are very valuable and like any other asset they need to be protected against the unexpected. The GasanMamo Collector’s Vehicle policy has been designed to offer maximum protection to owners with the minimum of fuss. The policy offers flexible premiums based on the miles driven per year and guarantees the value insured in the event of a total loss. It includes automatic coverage during car shows and when participating in club events. Best of all, if you own more than one vintage or classic car, you will only pay a premium for one car, if you agree to be the only insured driver on all the vehicles. There are varied types of coverage available, from the minimum required by law (Third

Party Liability) to Comprehensive. The premium rates charged for the Collector’s car policy reflect the care and attention with

which owners treat vintage and classic cars. They are therefore substantially lower than those charged for daily use vehicles. If the worst happens, and you

need to have your car repaired, GasanMamo have access to specialists who can direct you to capable repairers and can source rare and difficult to find

replacement parts. For more information contact GasanMamo on 21345123 or via the website: www.gasanmamo.com

Look out for the new Opel Cascada here’s a new stylish grown-up coming on the block. Next wednesday, Cars International will unveil the new Opel Cascada Cabrio and Cosmo in both manual and automatic transmission. The Cascada has an elongated silhouette and a high-quality soft

top. It is a midsize convertible not only by its size but also by its allure and the premium technologies and features it offers. The Cascada takes you back to the most intense automotive experiences. With its broad stance and a flowing continuity of sculptured shapes that is typical for Opel, the

Cascada design reflects the classic and timeless elegance of the “Grandes Routières” of a bygone and glamorous age. With the top down for open-air drives, the Cascada has a perfectly clean profile: behind the fast and gracefully raked A-pillar, no roof top cover or visible rollover protection disturbs the silhouette. Below this clarity and to add some drama, the subtle Opel blade on the lower body side is mirrored in

its upper part by a sharp crease that swings upward to the rear end, into the wraparound rear lights. The gently upswept waistline is highlighted by a horizontal chrome strip that elegantly sweeps around the cockpit, fluidly and elegantly marking the boundary between the roof top and the body. “Most convertibles look good with the top down, but many seem clumsy with their roof up.

Thanks to its high-quality, aerodynamically clean soft top with a perfect, seamless profile, the Opel Cascada also cuts a fine figure when closed,” says Malcolm Ward, Director Exterior Design. From thursday, have a look and book a test-drive by visiting Opel in Mdina Road, Qormi, sending an email to opelsales@cil.com.mt or calling 2269 2122. Visit opel.com.mt or Facebook page Opel Malta.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 29 June 2014

• r e v i e w •

New Peugeot Boxer: New qualities at the service of business users major player in the commercial vehicle market in Europe with a very full range, Peugeot continues the renewal of its model range with the new Peugeot Boxer.

Robustness Tested over more than 4 million kilometres (over 2 million miles) and proven under extreme conditions, the quality, robustness

and durability of the new Peugeot Boxer are also expressed through a resolutely modern design in the brand’s style.

Low running costs Including lowest fuel consumption figures in the market, as well as competitive service contracts, ensuring peace of mind in use. The wide range of bodies and load capacities – equal to the best in the segment, associated with modern equipment designed for business users, make everyday life and driving simple on board the new Peugeot Boxer. Much more than a means of transport, the new Peugeot Boxer is an essential part of business efficiency. Available at Michael Attard Ltd, National Road, Blata l-Bajda. www.peugeot.com.mt

DS3 and DS3 Cabrio featuring new light signature now available for order he DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio with the new light signature are now available for order. With upgrades including new lights, new, advanced performance engines, Active City Brake technology and new personalisation options, both vehicles are demonstrating even more character. Overturning established codes once more, the DS3 and DS3 Cabrio are now available with an array of new features:

New Headlights • Combining LED & Xenon modules with new sequential indicators – A world first.

New Euro 6 Engines • Diesel range now includes the BlueHDi 120, combining performance, efficiency (94g/km of CO2) and fuel efficiency (3.6l/100 km). • Petrol range now includes, the e-VTi 82 ETG PureTech family engine.

New equipment • Active City Brake, an automatic braking system that avoids lowspeed collisions. • Reversing camera, coupled to the eMyWay navigation system.

New personalisation options • A new body colour, Pearlescent White • A new upholstery option with

Dinamica Délice Grey cloth • New 17” diamondcut black or grey alloy wheels. The above are standard or optional, depending on finish. Starting from €16,450, the DS 3 & DS 3 Cabrio are available from Michael Attard Ltd, Citroen showroom, Mdina Road, Attard. See the video on www.facebook.com/CitroenMalta

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 29 June 2014

• r e v i e w •

Open Week at Alfa Romeo showroom to welcome the New Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2014

Mercedes-Benz C-Class is top family car in the What Car? – JD Power Survey ince its official debut in 2010, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta has conquered minds and hearts for its sheer beauty and sporting attitude that more than ever, reflect Alfa Romeo’s classic legacy. Over 212,000 units have been ordered worldwide. Now, the much awaited new version of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2014, with its augmented looks, more refined style and a strengthened onboard experience through more technological content, is in Malta. To welcome the new model, an Open Week is being held at the Alfa Romeo showroom in Valley Road Msida between the 2nd and the 8th July where the public is being invited to view the newly arrived Alfa Giulietta 2014 models. The Giulietta’s starting price is of €22,900. The Giulietta 2014 comes in three new liveries that enhance the dynamic lines of a model that is a blend of sportiness and elegance. A new front grille,

chrome-plated fog lights frames and three new alloy wheels (16'', 17'', 18'') highlight its overall sporting profile. More detailed interiors and high quality materials enhance driving comfort making the Giulietta MY

2014 even quieter and more enjoyable to drive.The luggage compartment, with a width of 1023 mm and a maximum capacity of 350 litres is in line with that of its main rivals. The Giulietta's exceptional

efficiency is confirmed by the excellent performance to consumption ratio thanks to the latest-generation Alfa TCT twin dry clutch automatic transmission that works in either all-automatic or sequential mode and ensures

greater efficiency and driving comfort. The onboard communication experience has also been strengthened with the innovative Uconnect multimedia device available with a 5" or 6.5" touchscreen which includes satellite navigation system and voice commands, phone call management and an innovative Audio Streaming system that reproduces music files and web radio stations directly from a smartphone in streaming via Bluetooth on the UConnect device. When it comes to safety, the Giulietta 2014 remains one of the safest cars in its category. In addition to the undisputed dynamic features of the model, all versions fit plenty of standard equipment, such as six airbags, ESP, three-point seat belts with double pretensioner, anti-whiplash system and third load line for excellent passenger compartment protection.The Giulietta earned five stars in crash tests according to

the stricter parameters introduced by Euro NCAP from its launch, scoring 97% for adult passenger protection, one of the highest scores in the category. The Open Week will also feature the recently revamped Alfa Romeo MiTo 2014 which will be offered at a starting price of €15,950. The Alfa Rome MiTo 2014 features a new chrome-plated grille, Anthracite Grey colour and burnished front light cluster finish, new 0.9 Turbo TwinAir 105 HP with consumption and CO2 levels leading the way in the segment, new Uconnect system with 5" colour touchscreen and navigation system also available, as well as new interiors featuring four upholstery combinations and three brand-new dashboards to get an even more sophisticated look. Visit the Alfa Romeo showrrom in Valley Road Msida between the 2nd and 8th July to view the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Alfa Romeo MiTo and to benefit from the very accessbile prices on these truly special models.

Malta Formula Racing presents team in Valletta alta Formula Racing in collaboration with the Malta Motorsport Federation and Valletta Local Council presented the Malta Formula Racing team to the public and distinguished guests in various events held in Malta’s capital city, Valletta. The team truck along with the drivers and one of the two racing cars were greeted with enthusiasm by the public and Motorsport enthusiasts at City Gate, most of them taking the chance to take some photos or collect a signed poster by both drivers. Particular interest from the public was evident towards the brand new Tatuus Formula 4 T014 car which was transported to Malta thanks to Sullivan Maritime

and Grimaldi Lines. Malta Formula Racing’s drivers Zack Dante and Keith Camilleri were joined by Former F1 driver Rupert Keegan. Later in the evening, a reception was held at the historical Hastings Garden, with breath-taking views of Marsamxett Harbour, which complimented perfectly the official unveiling of the red and white racing car and team. The first Maltese driver who made it to the Formula Racing category, Keith Camilleri, received particular attention during the event. Keith was joined by his team mate, Zack Dante who was also more than happy to meet with intrigued members of the public. The event, hosted by F1 expert Pierre Vella, saw the race car being unveiled by Dante and

Camilleri themselves in the presence of Malta Formula Racing team members namely: Serena Antonucci Tarolla-Mariani, Danilo

Rossi, Roberto Venieri and Marco Ubaldi. Tonio Cini, the president of the Malta Motorsport Federation said that this is a

dream coming true, which truly signifies that foreigners are interested in investing in Malta. He wished the team ever success for this new experience in Formula 4 category. Hon Chris Agius, Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport, expressed his support towards this venture, as it is opening new opportunities for youngsters involved in Motorsport. Hon Agius was also joined by Interior Minister Emmanuel Mallia who talked about the fact that he was a previous official for a Motorsport association and this venture reminds him of his old dream which now become a reality thanks to the determination of key members of the team and the Federation.

Hon. Mallia and Hon. Agius wished the team, Zack and Keith all the success for their coming races, while reaffirming the government’s determination to develop a racing circuit in Malta, which will help Maltese Motorsport flourish. Hon. Minister Mallia, and Hon Agius, were also joined by the opposition’s spokesman for Youth and Sport Hon. Robert Cutajar. Clayton Mizzi, who is participating and presently leading the Sicilian National Karting Championship, presented Keith Camilleri with part of his sponsorship funds in a commendable act of generosity to support Camilleri in his ongoing struggle to collect the necessary sponsors to secure his seat with Malta Formula Racing Team.

ercedes-Benz has risen up the rankings in the latest What Car? / JD Power ownership satisfaction survey - claiming third place overall and scooping the top family car position with the C-Class. Mercedes-Benz featured prominently in a survey taking in the views of over 15,000 owners of cars registered between January 2011 and December 2012 and covering

27 different car brands. Focusing on a diverse range of attributes, from reliability and quality to comfort, performance and economy, the survey is the most detailed and comprehensive of its kind. The C-Class finished in fourth place, making it the UK’s most satisfying family car, according to the owners surveyed by JD Power and What Car? Particular praise focused on its efficient and powerful range of engines, the comfort features and its

styling. Gary Savage, CEO of Mercedes-Benz UK Limited, said: ‘Winning the family car class is an achievement we’re proud of – not least because it’s possibly the most demanding segment of them all. Our customers rightly depend on their Mercedes-Benz and our dealers work hard to exceed expectations and make the ownership experience as enjoyable and reliable as the cars themselves. Likewise, our engineers and

designers go to extraordinary lengths to ensure our cars meet the exacting standards of safety, comfort, versatility and quality expected of any Mercedes-Benz relied on to carry families day in, day out.’ Launched in 2007, the 204 series C-Class accounted for over 165,000 registrations in the UK and 2.4 million registrations globally, making it the most popular single model in the Mercedes-Benz range during this time.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 29 June 2014

• r e v i e w •

Volkswagen reveals 503 PS Woerthersee GTI Roadster concept olkswagen is turning the virtual world into reality this weekend, as it presents the GTI Roadster concept at the famous Woerthersee GTI meeting in

Austria. The GTI Roadster was originally created as a purely electronic car, to feature in the Sony PlayStation® 3 classic, Gran Turismo 6 (GT6). The result of cooperation between Volkswagen and Sony Computer Entertainment, the GTI Roadster is the work of three young Volkswagen designers, winners of an in-house competition to design a vehicle to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Gran Turismo game. Unconstrained by the constraints of production models – for example feasibility and price – designers Malte Hammerbeck, Domen Rucigaj and Guillermo Mignot came up with a winning design that was selected by Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design for the Volkswagen Brand, and Kazunori Yamauchi of Sony Computer Entertainment, the creator of the Gran Turismo series. The virtual car was unveiled on 26 May, and just days later,Volkswagen is presenting it made real, at the annual gathering of GTI fans on the shores of Woerthersee, which runs from 18-31 May. The GTI Roadster draws on last year’s Woerthersee car, the Design Vision GTI, but with an even more extreme design. Its 2,494 mm wheelbase is 137 mm shorter than that of the production Golf GTI, and also shorter than the wheelbase of the Design Vision GTI. The GTI Roadster’s minimal height (1,090 mm) and extreme width (1,894 mm) versus its overall length (4,158 mm) help create jawdropping proportions. Power for the two-seat GTI Roadster comes from a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo TSI engine that produces 503 PS, and maximum torque of 560 Nm between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. Some 500 Nm of torque is available from just 2,000 rpm. Power is delivered via a sevenspeed DSG gearbox and 4MOTION fourwheel drive, helping to propel the 1,420 kg GTI Roadster from zero to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds, and on to a top speed of 190 mph. Stopping power is suitably prodigious, thanks

to ceramic brakes that nestle behind 8.5 J x 20-inch wheels with 235/35 tyres at the front and 9.5 J x 20-inch wheels with 275/30 tyres at the rear. The exterior of the car is painted a new

colour, called Gran Turismo Red, which is designed to make the GTI Roadster look fast, even when it is standing still. The interior features black- and anthracite-coloured sections, contrasted by classic GTI red on the

stitching and also on the five-point safety harnesses. While there are no plans for production, players of GT6 will be able to download the virtual GTI Roadster from mid-June.

The Ferrari F12berlinetta wins the ADI Compasso d’Oro award for design he Ferrari F12berlinetta has been awarded the Compasso d’Oro (Golden Compass), one of the oldest and most prestigious international design accolades. Accepting the award on behalf of Ferrari in the Officine Ansaldo exhibition hall in Milan last night was Ferrari’s Senior Vice President of Design, Flavio Manzoni. In presenting the award, the ADI design jury praised the F12berlinetta for its flowing, dynamic forms that use innovative aerodynamic solutions in a true marriage of technology and aesthetics. Designed by Ferrari’s Styling Centre in collaboration with Pininfarina, the F12berlinetta is the most powerful, highperformance Ferrari road car ever built and epitomises the perfect balance between maximum aerodynamic efficiency and the elegant proportions typical of Ferrari’s front-engined V12 cars.

This important accolade is not the first for Ferrari. In 2001 Luca di Montezemolo received the Compasso d’Oro for the company’s achievements as an innovative industrial and engineering reality. Ferrari was praised for its incessant technological research and its universally-acclaimed aesthetic excellence which is the result of an entrepreneurial culture which puts the requirement of the people who work at the factory, and the working environment in general, at the heart of all developments. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Compasso d’Oro which was instituted to recognise and promote Italian design excellence. The award ceremony is held every three years by an international jury of designers, specialists, historians and journalists, and just 20 awards are assigned to those products that, in the previous three years, have been judged to exemplify Italian creativity and expertise.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 29 June 2014 • r e v i e w •

PEUGEOT MUSIC anytime, anywhere Discover, share and exchange PEUGEOT’s values through the world of music, via smartphone, tablet, in a car or in a PEUGEOT showroom. ith PEUGEOT MUSIC, the brand aims to attract customers and strengthen the links with them through the emotion and sharing of a musical experience, as well as reaching a younger customer base. PEUGEOT MUSIC is a unique and international musical programme, which offers to everyone, wherever they are, on any type of computer, tablet or smartphone, the benefits of the PEUGEOT musical world.

www.peugeotmusic.com This digital platform comprises a website dedicated to selected local and international artists, an internet radio station and an on-line community devoted to PEUGEOT MUSIC. MBM Music, a big name in international music agencies, was chosen by PEUGEOT. A specialist in musical design and architecture for the great luxury brands, it was able to interpret PEUGEOT’s values and express them in music, uniquely expressing the brand’s DNA.

An international & connected sound The PEUGEOT MUSIC Internet radio station offers users a customized soundtrack

for their lives through PEUGEOT. Members will be able to interact with the website and benefit from exclusive content, discover new talent, live concerts, interviews with artists. The PEUGEOT internet radio station will also be accessible wherever the brand has a presence: showrooms, motor shows, as well as in PEUGEOT vehicles, starting with the new PEUGEOT 108, via the Mirror Screen system. Follow www.facebook.com/PeugeotMalta to discover music talent from Malta and the rest of the world!