Motoring JUNE 2015 by The Malta Independent

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The Malta Independent on Sunday • 28 June 2015

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Toyota Mobility Foundation teams up with New Cities Foundation he New Cities Foundation today launched the "Connected Mobility Initiative", with support from the Toyota Mobility Foundation, to address the critical need for metropolises worldwide to enable the efficient and viable movement of people. The Initiative will produce a set of case-based recommendations that will be made available to cities around the world. The New Cities Foundation has appointed mobility expert Greg Lindsay as Senior Fellow to lead the Initiativ from 2015-16. Urban mobility is evolving rapidly in a world where one million people move to cities every week. Change is also being driven by other factors such as technological innovations, increased constraints on energy use, deep changes in the structure of urban economies, shifting lifestyles, and new ideas about urban design. Aging and inadequate urban transport systems have negative social and economic repercussions. For example, the local economies of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo lose close to US$ 50 billion each year from traffic congestion each.1 In the United States, 42 per cent of major

urban highway systems remai congested, costing the nation's economy an estimated US$ 101 billion in wasted time and fuel annually.2 In addition, the use of public transport varies dramatically across different regions. Only 1.5 per cent of residents in Dallas use public transportation to commute to

work, compared with 30 per cent of New Yorkers and 62 per cent of Singaporeans. The Connected Mobility Initiative will produce an in-depth report outlining key insights and recommendations on the future of mobility for private and public sector stakeholders in different cities worldwide. A strong focus

will be placed upon public sectorled innovation around connected transportation, with the aim of distilling lessons for public sector officials, technology vendors, and citizens alike. The report will also examine trends in personal mobility, with a focus on the elderly and people with disabilities.

Over the next 12 months, Lindsay will share his insights into the future of urban mobility at New Cities Foundation global events including the New Cities Summit in Jakarta (June 9-11, 2015) and Cities on the Move, a one-day cross-sector gathering in London (October 14, 2015), as well as events by other leading organizations. Greg Lindsay, Senior Fellow of the New Cities Foundation, said: "I'm delighted to work with the New Cities Foundation in exploring the future of urban mobility. The smart phone is becoming as significant a technology in transportation as the car. Now that Uber, Lyft, Ola, GrabTaxi, Didi Dache and others have demonstrated the potential of mobility-on-demand, the next step will be to integrate multiple modes of urban transport through information. How that happens and who owns it_will it be a public good, or privately provisioned?_will have a tremendous impact on cities in the years to come." For more information on Toyota and its products visit the Toyota showroom situated in Mdina Road Zebbug log on the Toyota Malta Facebook page or call on 2269 4000.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 28 June 2015 • r e v i e w •

308 GTi by PEUGEOT SPORT: the ultimate hot hatch ver since PEUGEOT unveiled the 308, its more athletic counterpart had been keenly awaited, with its promise of an unparalleled driving experience. It was a tall order: design the most radical model in the range for a particularly demanding set of customers. Rising to that challenge required a development team who were all on the same page, with the same passion for performance. So PEUGEOT brought in the experts: PEUGEOT SPORT engineers with a wealth of international expertise in the field. The "308 GTi by PEUGEOT SPORT" offers drivers the ultimate ride, featuring a 1.6L THP S&S engine available in two versions – 270 hp and 250 hp – with Torsen® limitedslip differential, chassis tuning and PEUGEOT i-Cockpit. What is more, the 1.6L THP S&S power plant is the most efficient in its category, capping CO2 at 139 g/km, or 6.0 L/100km. Since the launch of the legendary 205 GTi, PEUGEOT has sold its sportier models to more than 800,000 satisfied customers: the 309 GTi, the 405 Mi16, the 306 S16… the 208 GTi, the RCZ R and now the new PEUGEOT 308 GTi

by PEUGEOT SPORT. The new "308 GTi by PEUGEOT SPORT" carries the name of the team responsible for its development. It packs a 1.6L THP S&S engine that comes in two versions: 184 kW (250 hp) and 200 kW (270 hp). The Euro6 Stop&Start power plant caps CO2 emissions at just 139 g/km (6.0 L/100 km). The 308 GTi 270 sets a new record for power-to-weight ratio in its segment, at just 4.46 kg per unit of horsepower, and does 0-100 kph in a mere 6.0 seconds, covering 1,000 metres from a standing start in 25.3 seconds. The 308 GTi 270 is equipped with Torsen® limited-slip differential technology and 19’’ Carbone 19 alloys shod with Michelin Super Sport tyres. It has 380 mm discs in the front with red PEUGEOT SPORT calipers and 268 mm counterparts in the rear. With availability varying according to country, the 308 GTi 250 goes from 0 to 100 kph in 6.2 seconds and covers 1,000 metres from a standing start in 25.6 seconds, thanks to a power-to-weight ratio of just 4.82 kg/hp. The 308 GTi

boasts powerful, exclusive styling: it sits 11 millimetres lower to the ground with a brand-new front and rear design. The interior feels just as sporty. The Coupe Franche separation-line design exclusive to the 308 GTi 270 contrasts the new, explosive Ultimate Red with Perla Nera Black. There are a total of six colours available in the 308 GTi range: Ultimate Red, Magnetic Blue, Perla Nera Black, Artense Grey, Pearlescent White and Hurricane Grey. Driver-adjusted chassis, power-packed engine, tailpipe tone, PEUGEOT i-Cockpit, Driver Sport Pack, bucket seats... It's a triumphant turnout! The Ultimate Red and Perla Nera Black pairing seem to have been split by a surgeon's scalpel, such is the contrast between the two. Dubbed the Coupe Franche, this combination of colours ably captures the nature of the new 308 GTi by PEUGEOT SPORT: in a word, sharp. The PEUGEOT 308 is inherently sleek and clean, and the highend version needs no artifice to show its pedigree. The PEUGEOT 308 GTi asserts a style imbued with simplicity but which is impressively effective.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 28 June 2015

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Kia enjoys record quarterly European sales ia Motors Europe achieved the highest first quarter sales in the company’s history, with year-to-date growth of 7.4%, according to the latest data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. During the first three months of 2015, Kia posted sales of 96,092, the highest quarterly figure ever recorded by the Korean brand in Europe. Compared to the same period in 2014, this represents growth of 7.4%. Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe, commented: “The first three months of the year have seen Kia’s strongest ever quarterly sales, and we’re delighted that the company is maintaining a pattern of strong, sustainable growth. Our high quality, high value products continue to appeal to an increasing numbers of car buyers.” Though the Kia Sportage is now entering its fourth full year of production, the car enjoyed its best ever monthly sales in March, with 12,596 vehicles sold across Europe – over 400 per day. The Sportage found 27,796 European buyers throughout Q1 this year, representing sales growth of 18% for the brand’s important bestselling model. The current version of the Sportage was updated in 2014 with a range of visual and dynamic enhancements. Kia’s first quarter growth has also

Attrans is Malta’s leading international transport operator been driven by rising sales of the all-new Kia Soul, which only recently went on-sale across Europe, as well as the recently upgraded Venga. The cee’d remains the brand’s second best-selling model in Europe behind the Sportage, and continues to appeal to customers thanks to its classy design, high quality interior, efficient range of engines and practical nature. All models in Kia’s European lineup continue to be sold with the brand’s unique 7-year warranty. 56% of the cars delivered by Kia to customers in Europe were also made in Europe at the brand’s modern production facility in Žilina, Slovakia. 54,200 cars produced in Žilina have been sold across Europe this year, consisting

of the Kia Sportage, cee’d model family and Venga. Having started production in 2006, Kia’s European manufacturing facility recently produced its two millionth car – a high-powered Deluxe White’ Kia pro_cee’d GT, destined for a buyer in Belgium. The UK retained its place as Kia Motors’ number one market in Europe, with 22,265 cars sold in the first quarter of 2015 and its highest ever sales month in March (15,017 units). Kia also celebrated a record-breaking month in Spain, with the 4,961 units sold in March a best-ever result – contributing to a national total of 11,513 units for the first quarter. Germany was Kia’s second best-performing market from January to March, with 12,451 units sold.

ince 1976 and under the guidance of its founder Philip Attard, Attrans has established itself as the transport company on the island. Our operation is based on a 25,000 square metre site in Zebbug – Malta, which houses our main offices, workshops, parking and warehousing facilities. One of our lesser known service is a weekly car transportation service catering for all four wheeled vehicles. Attrans imports and exports a car transporter, which can comfortably hold up to 10 vehicles of different shapes and sizes. Other than that, we also provide transport solutions for 2 wheeled vehicles. For the past few years, Attrans has developed a strong bond with a UK based agent which boasts a 7.4 acre warehousing

facility, centrally located in the UK on the outskirts of Northampton. A team of experienced supervisors work around the clock to ensure continuity of service, whilst keeping the site, safe and secure. Besides the general haulage of vehicles to Malta, Attrans also offers customers the option for a trusted outsourced inspector to fully examine the vehicles, inside and out, as well as the facility to insure the vehicles as they make their way down to Malta. Last but not least Attrans also offers the added service of picking up a vehicle from anywhere in the UK. All in the hope of leaving our customer fully satisfied and with their mind at rest. For further information and quotes, kindly email us on autos@attrans.com and we will answer your query within 24 hours.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 28 June 2015

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JEEP MALTA unveils new website ahead of Jeep Renegade arrival • Over 21,600 Jeep Renegades sold since model launch in September 2014 head of the imminent launch of the new JEEP Renegade in the coming days, UCIM Co Ltd agents for Jeep in Malta is unveiling its brand new website – www.jeepmalta.com – a more dynamic, visual and easy to navigate site where all customer information is available online including images, model specifications, news and all that concerns the adventurous world of JEEP. Visitors to the site in fact, will find out how the site is very intuitive with all the information being presented in a structured and organised manner. Francesca Mamo, Managing Director of UCIM Co Ltd, official importers of JEEP in Malta said “the new website embraces and reflects the innovative spirit of JEEP. Our website, together with all our revamped social media platforms, is built with cuttingedge technology that permits us to engage with our customers. With the new images and dynamic appeal of the site, we feel people will be excited to visit us

online over and over again.” Launching JEEP’s new website for Malta runs parallel with the spirit of the new JEEP Renegade which is expected to be in the showroom imminently.

“The timing is rather interesting. We are launching the new website to reach out to more people and more effectively in the same way that we’re expecting the new JEEP Renegade to appeal

to a wider customer base due to it being the most accessible JEEP model on the market,” added Francesca Mamo. Figures released by JEEP in fact, show how in the first three

months of this year, JEEP grew by 98% compared to the same period last year. This success was achieved not only thanks the performance of models like the Wrangler which increased by 30,3% or the continued success of the Jeep Cherokee but mostly thanks to the all new JEEP Renegade which is the newest vehicle in the Jeep line up. The new Renegade in fact, is now among the top sellers in its segment, and is leading the success of the Jeep brand in the EMEA region. From its launch, which dates back to September 2014, a total of 21,600 Renegade have been sold, with March alone totalling 5,523 registrations. In markets like Italy, Renegade was the second best-selling car in its segment (while being the thirdbest selling in Q1). Renegade is also currently being launched in the right-hand drive countries, like the UK, with 1,174 registrations in just over one month from launch and will soon be on sale in South Africa, as well as Middle East, historically key markets for the Jeep brand. “All the specifications of the JEEP Renegade, just like with the other models namely the JEEP Wrangler, the JEEP Compass and the JEEP Cherokee are all available on www.jeep-malta.com,” concluded Francesca Mamo.

Two exciting concepts set to wow crowds at GTI International event head of the imminent launch of the new JEEP Renegade in the coming days, UCIM Co Ltd agents for Jeep in Malta is unveiling its brand new website – www.jeepmalta.com – a more dynamic,

visual and easy to navigate site where all customer information is available online including images, model specifications, news and all that concerns the adventurous world of JEEP. Visitors to the site in fact, will find out how the site is very intuitive with all the information

being presented in a structured and organised manner. Francesca Mamo, Managing Director of UCIM Co Ltd, official importers of JEEP in Malta said “the new website embraces and reflects the innovative spirit of JEEP. Our website, together with all our revamped social media platforms, is built with cuttingedge technology that permits us to engage with our customers. With the new images and dynamic appeal of the site, we feel people will be excited to visit us online over and over again.” Launching JEEP’s new website for Malta runs parallel with the spirit of the new JEEP Renegade which is expected to be in the showroom imminently. “The timing is rather interesting. We are launching the new website to reach out to more people and more effectively in the same way that we’re expecting the new JEEP Renegade to appeal to a wider customer base due to it being the most accessible JEEP model on the market,” added Francesca Mamo. Figures released by JEEP in fact, show how in the first three months of this year, JEEP grew by 98% compared to the same period last year. This success was

achieved not only thanks the performance of models like the Wrangler which increased by 30,3% or the continued success of the Jeep Cherokee but mostly thanks to the all new JEEP Renegade which is the newest vehicle in the Jeep line up. The new Renegade in fact, is now among the top sellers in its segment, and is leading the success of the Jeep brand in the EMEA region. From its launch, which dates back to September 2014, a total of 21,600 Renegade have been sold, with March alone totalling 5,523 registrations. In markets like Italy, Renegade was

the second best-selling car in its segment (while being the thirdbest selling in Q1). Renegade is also currently being launched in the right-hand drive countries, like the UK, with 1,174 registrations in just over one month from launch and will soon be on sale in South Africa, as well as Middle East, historically key markets for the Jeep brand. “All the specifications of the JEEP Renegade, just like with the other models namely the JEEP Wrangler, the JEEP Compass and the JEEP Cherokee are all available on www.jeep-malta.com,” concluded Francesca Mamo.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 28 June 2015

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Fiat 500X – a crossover combining style and substance Text and pictures by John Peel t was almost inevitable that a crossover would eventually be joining the growing Fiat 500 family. The 500 line is a fashionled product, and compact crossovers are the sector of the moment. It is actually not that compact but not large enough to prove an inconvenience in our daily struggle sourcing parking slots.

Fiat’s foray into this niche meant that a certain amount of substance was essential to accompany the style and this is where the Fiat and Jeep merger (amongst other brands) reaps it benefits. The 500X shares not only its platform with the charismatic Jeep Renegade but also an optional four-wheel drive system and a nine-speed automatic gearbox. The cabin quality is perhaps the best Fiat has ever produced, and you can sense

there’s been real attention paid to its engineering. Looks wise some people will be no doubt view the 500X as a 500 that has been pumped full of steroids. In fact this in itself only enhances its overall appeal and converts the 500’s ‘sweet’ look into a more muscular, 5-door SUV, with plenty of chrome trimmings may I add. The silhouette and much of the detailing echoes the smaller (2007) original. The 500X is offered with a choice of ‘urban’ (Pop, Pop Star and Lounge trim levels) and ‘offroad’ (Cross and Cross Plus). Unlike its non-identical Jeep Renegade twin I did not spot a little 1980’s Panda 4x4 climbing the windscreen, one gets the traditional coloured dash of other 500 models, seats with round headrests, a part-digital dial cluster and the genuine impression that a lot of attention to detail went through the design process. The car I was handed over was a Pop Star version (front wheel drive) with a very lively 1.6lt diesel mutlijet engine (118bhp) delivering all the performance most buyers will ever need. All versions come with a ‘Drive Mood’ selector, basically Fiat’s version to the Alfa Romeo DNA switch, giving you a choice of Normal, Sport and Allweather driving modes – the latter becoming Traction on off-road variants. The 500X trades a touch of ride comfort for keen cornering capability. It leans, yes, but always feels in control and is overall a lovely car for a spirited drive at speed. The ride is not uncomfortable but can feel hard over our poorly surfaced back roads. Overall very few complaints, in fact quite positively surprised. I like the 500-like interior yet this is

more upmarket and the car has a solid feel to it throughout. The car comes equipped with an Uconnect TomTom-powered satnav system allowing you to keep up to date with social networks on the move and features DAB radio. Five adults fit comfortably inside the 500X and the 350-litre boot will swallow

plenty of shopping. Standard equipment on higher specced models also includes autonomous braking, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring. Fiat has taken a serious look at itself and the competition, and produced something that feels well made, neat and tidy to drive, and looks distinctively stylish.