Motoring June 2018 by The Malta Independent

IN THIS ISSUE: LAMBORGHINI URUS ‘SUPER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE’ AT SALON PRIVÉ - 2018 MITSUBISHI SHOGUN SPORT BMW TAKES TOP HONOURS AT THE TOW CAR AWARDS 2018 - VOLKSWAGEN’S FLAGSHIP SUV - VOLVO LAUNCHES NEW S60 SPORTS SALOON FUSO CANTER: THE BEST SELLING DAIMLER TRUCK

The Malta Independent on Sunday. June 2018

FUSO CANTER THE BEST SELLING DAIMLER TRUCK also inside

Discover Dramatic TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE TRENTO VINEYARD SPOTLIGHT: CAVIT

DISCOVER DRAMATIC TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE BORDERING SWITZERLAND AND AUSTRIA, IN THE NORTH OF ITALY, TRENIO ALTO ADIGE INCLUDES TWO MAIN AREAS, ONE AROUND TRENTO (TRENTINO) AND ONE AROUND BOLZANO (SOUTH TYROL, IN ITALIAN ALTO ADIGE). THE REGION IS KNOWN FOR MEDIEVAL CASTLES SUCH AS SCHLOSS TIROL, CASTEL RONCOLO AND CASTEL D'APPIANO. IT ENCOMPASSES PART OF THE DOLOMITES, A SECTION OF THE ITALIAN ALPS KNOWN FOR RUGGED LIMESTONE PEAKS. TRENTO, THE REGION'S CAPITAL, HAS RENAISSANCE PALACES WITH FRESCOED FACADES.

f you are a mountain-goer, this is the region to visit, both in winter and in summer, because its mountains offer visitors awe-inspiring views

Trento Buonconsiglio Castle

year-round. Pale di San Martino and stunning valleys such as Fassa, Gardena and Fiemme will enchant you with a great variety of landscapes including snowy

The Vajolet towers are six summits in the Dolomites in Val di Fassa

A second stop is Bolzano, the “Gateway to the Dolomites” and symbol of the fusion of Latin and Germanic cultures, as can be seen in the Gothic cathedral. Other important places not to miss include Rovereto, with its museums, castles, the St. Colombiano Hermitage, the great “bell of peace” and the MART Museum, the new modern art hub, and Riva del Garda, with the Pretorio Palace and its austere yet elegant 13th-Century fortress, the Rocca.

Province of Bolzano, South Tyrol

peaks, green meadows, woods, lakes and freezing streams. The most striking natural feature are the Dolomites, the very essence of the region. The Dolomites are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer an unforgettable experience for ski and winter sports lovers. This region is in fact famous for its picturesque ski resorts including Madonna di Campiglio, San Martino di Castrozza, Moena, Levico, and Canazei. Italy's north also boasts beautiful spa centres, such as Merano and Comano. Beautiful

towns and cities can be visited, especially those that overlook Garda Lake (such as Riva del Garda), or Rovereto and Bressanone. Moreover, this region houses incredible artistic treasures, monuments and architectural works that combine Gothic from Austria with Italian Renaissance. The route to discover this region starts in Trento, known as the meeting place of the Ecumenical Council (1545-1563); the city boasts a Lombard Romanesque cathedral and the Buonconsiglio Castle.

FOOD AND DRINKS This region's cuisine can satisfy anybody's appetite with its rich dishes made with the local product. This is the source for speck from Alto Adige, (South Tyrol) followed by lucanica, a pork sausage, and Grana from Trentino. Polenta is a wellknown dish, usually served with cheese, meat, sausages or mushrooms while canederli or strangolapreti are served as first courses. This region also has a great tradition when it comes to wines including Pinot, Traminer, Teroldego and Spumante wines.

Trento June 2018 | motoring 03

TRENTO VINEYARD SPOTLIGHT:

Cavit

A LEADING NAME IN THE ITALIAN WINE INDUSTRY, CAVIT IS AN EXEMPLARY CONSORTIUM OF COOPERATIVES. LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE TRENTINO REGION, IN RAVINA, TRENTO, CAVIT BRINGS TOGETHER TEN COOPERATIVE WINERIES CONNECTED TO OVER 4,500 GROWERS SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE AREA. IN THE COURSE OF ALMOST SEVENTY YEARS, THE TRENTINO COMPANY HAS DEVELOPED REMARKABLE EXPERTISE, CREATING AN OUTSTANDING MODEL OF COOPERATION IN THE INDUSTRY, WHICH COMBINES CRAFTSMANSHIP, ORGANIZATION, RESPECT FOR TRADITION, TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION, SUSTAINABILITY AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH.

CAVIT’S HISTORY: THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

Cavit’s history began in 1950 when several wine-growers collaborated to promote traditional Trentino wine. This consortium of cooperative wineries gave rise to the large company that everyone knows today. The consortium’s primary goal was to support the associated wineries, to promote high-quality Trentino wine and to supply constant training and daily assistance to wine-growers in order to direct them towards the most advanced farming methods. Later, in 1957, the consortium decided to market the wines more widely, acquiring a winery to effectively meet the now varied needs of its associates. In 1964 the current headquarters in Ravina di Trento were built and since then Cavit has become a reference point for the wine production in Trentino. Cavit offers a range of wines that incorporates all the varieties of Trentino’s winemaking heritage: from Chardonnay to Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Müller Thurgau, Pinot Nero, Marzemino and the TRENTODOC sparkling wines made using the classic method, just to name a few of the region’s most typical wines. Trentino’s wine production is renowned in Italy and abroad for its unique variety of landscapes, which reflect the diversity of its soil, ecosystems and microclimates: from the mild temperatures of Lake Garda to the Alpine climate of the Dolomites, from the rolling plains of the Valle dell’Adige to the majestic mountains of Brenta. Consequently, the region’s wines are highly varied and have a unique character. Cavit’s network of 4,500 winegrowers, which each have an average of 1.2 hectares, is the basis of a production system supported by impeccable management.

CAVIT: WINEMAKING BECOMES AN ART

Cavit, which is leading the way in viticulture and in the effective management of crops and harvesting, also boasts exceptional wineries, in which it achieves the maximum expression of winemaking expertise. The company combines high-quality wine with the experience of a team composed of some of the most skilled, highly-regarded winemakers in the industry, who have a deep knowledge of the Trentino region and its precious grape varieties. The task of selecting the best cuvées and barrels has its roots in olfactory historical memory and in personal skills developed over the years with dedication and application, along with a thorough understanding of the different fruits of the area.

BOTTEGA VINAI: THE PRIDE OF THE WINERY

Cavit offers a very wide range of wines and sparkling wines, designed for the most varied occasions: from products created to bring the pleasure of good wine to the table every day to sparkling wines and wines for special occasions: a toast, a happy hour or a special dinner. Cavit’s Bottega Vinai line offers a wide, comprehensive range of the region’s wines, all strictly DOC. From Lagrein Dunkel to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot alla Nosiola, Marzemino, Sauvignon Blanc, Schiava Gentile and others, Bottega Vinai offers high-quality, sophisticated local wines. BOTTEGA VINAI GEWÜRZTRAMINER. GRAPE VARIETY 100% Gewürztraminer. The vineyards are located in the hilly area of Valle dei Laghi, Vallagarina and Valle dell’Adige. Food pairing: Starter dishes based on fish, vegetable first course dishes and second course white meat dishes. BOTTEGA VINAI PINOT GRIGIO. GRAPE VARIETY 100% Pinot Grigio. The vineyards are located in Roveré della Luna and Valle dei Laghi north of Lake Garda. Food pairing: Non-spicy fish soups, seafood risottos, baked fish, cold white meats.

Cavit winemakers team (left to right): Andrea Faustini, Anselmo Martini, Guido Mattiello, Fabrizio Marinconz e Paolo Turra 04 motoring | June 2018

Plan a visit. Visit Enoteca di Cavit (wine shop), Via del Ponte, 33 - 38123 Trento. Tel. 0461 381791. Locally Cavit 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

LAMBORGHINI URUS ‘SUPER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE’ AT SALON PRIVÉ

alon Privé’s 2018 newcar line-up will include the Lamborghini Urus Super SUV. First unveiled in December 2017 at the company’s headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese, the car made its public debut at Geneva motor show earlier this year. With benchmarking power, performance and driving dynamics, the Urus has created a niche within the luxury SUV segment. Producing 650 hp and 850 Nm

of torque (available at just 2,250 rpm) from its twin turbo 4.0 V8, the Urus accelerates to 62 mph in only 3.6 seconds. Sporting a top speed of 190 mph and the best weight-to-power ratio, the Lamborghini Urus is the fastest SUV available. It’s equally at home on the race track and offroad, as it is driving around town or on long distance journeys. Salon Privé is the UK’s most prestigious automotive event – a boutique Garden Party famed for attracting the world’s most

exotic manufacturers who congregate on the stunning lawns of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire from 30th August – 1st September. Frequented by collectors and buyers of such machinery, it has become part of the premium car-owners’ summer events calendar. “The UK is an extremely important market for Lamborghini,” said Andrea Baldi, CEO of Lamborghini EMEA. “The launch of the Urus has further consolidated

the strength of the brand worldwide and here in Britain, with a significant order bank and more than 70% of Urus clients being newcomers to the marque. Salon Privé is a perfect platform for Lamborghini to showcase both Urus as well as super sports models Huracán and Aventador.” The Huracán Performante Spyder and Aventador S Roadster on display alongside the Urus are the latest incarnations of the two super sports car model lines in Lamborghini’s stable. Launched

earlier this year at Geneva motor show, the Huracán Performante Spyder features a 5.2 litre V10 engine producing 640 hp at a screaming 8,000 rpm. Acceleration to 62 mph is achieved in just 3.1 seconds and unusually for an open-top version, it matches the top speed of its coupe stablemate at 202 mph. Its V12 brother, the Aventador S Roadster produces 740 hp which is enough to propel it to 62 mph in 3.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 217 mph.

2018 MITSUBISHI SHOGUN SPORT he new Mitsubishi Shogun Sport is the most advanced and capable full-size SUV ever produced by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC). Engineered for customers who need their 4X4 to have a real depth of abilities, Mitsubishi Motors’ new offroad flagship delivers not only distinctive styling; ample interior space and high levels of luxury, it also provides genuine offroad performance and advanced safety technologies as well as Mitsubishi Motors’ legendary toughness and reliability.

ensure precise chassis and steering control and reduce body roll through corners. There’s a quicker steering rack to improve responsiveness and reduce the number of turns required lock-to-lock, and the power assistance has been calibrated to reduce steering effort at low speeds while providing greater feedback at higher speeds. In addition, its turning circle is just 11.2 metres, impressive for a vehicle of this size and a useful feature on the UK’s narrow roads. The rear suspension comprises a multilink arrangement with coil springs while the mount points and the structure of the lateral rod mounts have been engineered to offer excellent stability in a straight line and during cornering.

BOLD DESIGN

The Mitsubishi Shogun Sport immediately stands out thanks to its bold exterior design, distinctive rear styling and chunky, muscular features. Its imposing front end is dominated by Mitsubishi Motors’ striking new “Dynamic Shield” front fascia and enhanced with chrome grille bars and powerful LED headlamp/DRL clusters. As well as giving the Mitsubishi Shogun Sport an unmistakable presence, the front has been specially honed to reduce aerodynamics, thereby reducing fuel consumption and noise, as well reduce the amount of splash-over created when wading. For example, air dams are positioned ahead of the front tyres to reduce air resistance and lift, while the A-pillars are rounded and flush with the glass. From the side, the Shogun Sport is sharply contoured by a crease that punctuates the front wing and rear quarter panel, emphasizing the muscular nature of the squared off wheel arches, while rear wings taper inward at the rear to

REFINEMENT

smoothen airflow and lower drag. The rear design is both purposeful and stylish with an elevated rear valance to aid ground clearance and LED rear tail lights that have a distinctive vertical design. The integrated roof rails, sill trim and side steps reinforce the Shogun Sport’s all-purpose versatility while the whole design is finished off perfectly with diamond-cut, 18-inch alloy wheels with contrasting black gloss elements. The Mitsubishi Shogun Sport is available in three metallic shades (Deep Bronze, Atlantic Grey and Sterling Silver), two pearlescent finishes (Imperial Red and, on

Shogun Sport 4 only, Cosmos Black) as well as one solid paint (Polar White).

DRIVING DYNAMICS

The Mitsubishi Shogun Sport has been engineered to deliver a superb driving experience regardless of the terrain. It fuses the legendary off-road ability that is synonymous with Mitsubishi Motors, with punchy on-road performance and effortless handling that makes even the most routine drives a real pleasure for the driver. Up front, the Mitsubishi Shogun Sport is equipped with a double-wishbone, coil sprung suspension with an anti-roll bar to

In addition to its sharp dynamics, the Shogun Sport also offers high levels of refinement and comfort. A large proportion of high-tensile steel has been used in the body, making it both lighter and more rigid, while a stiffened front end structure and the use of larger body mounts has reduced the amount of vibration transmitted to the body. The addition of extra sound insulation and sound absorbing materials, as well as vibration damping material in strategic areas, achieves a significant reduction in overall NVH. In addition, front and rear damper rates have been calibrated for ride comfort and the wheel-and-tyre package carefully chosen to provide the best balance of aesthetics, handling and ride comfort. June 2018 | motoring 05

BMW TAKES TOP HONOURS AT THE TOW CAR AWARDS 2018 • BMW AWARDED THE ‘OVERALL WINNER’ TITLE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE TOW CAR AWARDS 2018 • THE BMW 520D XDRIVE TOURING SCOOPS CATEGORY WIN AND THE TOP AWARD

MW has taken the ‘overall winner’ title for the first time in the Tow Car Awards 2018. The BMW 520d xDrive Touring was voted as the clear winner by experts from What Car? and Practical Caravan magazines and The Camping and Caravanning Club.

After facing a gruelling set of tests, the BMW 520d xDrive Touring was voted as the best overall car for towing and beat

some tough competition in the 1700-1899kg weight class. It was also assessed for value for money, ride comfort, running

costs, refinement and passenger space along with practicality for carrying camping or holiday luggage.

Chris Brownridge, BMW Group UK Sales Director, said: “To be awarded as overall winner of Britain's biggest and best tow car test programme is a real honour. We are hugely grateful to all the judges from Practical Caravan, What Car?, and the Camping and Caravanning Club for putting the BMW 5 Series Touring ahead of the hundreds of cars they tested this year. We are delighted that it is now recognsed as the perfect car for towing a caravan or trailer and for the driver who wants it all.” David Motton, tow car editor for Practical Caravan Magazine, described the BMW as a “clear winner” and went on to say: “When it comes to pulling a caravan confidently and securely, the BMW 5 Series has few peers. There wasn’t a single one of towing tests in which the BMW showed any sign of weakness.”

ORDER BOOKS OPEN FOR TOUAREG: VOLKSWAGEN’S FLAGSHIP SUV Volkswagen is proud to open order books for its new flagship SUV – the third generation Touareg – which heads the brand’s youthful product line-up as a paragon of technology, fine design, comfort and driving excellence. Boasting the latest assistance systems, some of them appearing for the first time in a Volkswagen, the Touareg also offers the option of the new Innovision Cockpit which comprises an intuitive digital operating, information, communication and entertainment unit that can be fully personalised. The 2018 Touareg is the latest milestone in the largest product offensive in Volkswagen’s brand history. The global SUV range, led by the new car, now consists of the new T-Roc, the Tiguan, the new Tiguan Allspace, the new Atlas (USA) and its new sister model Teramont (China). Meanwhile the T-Cross compact SUV – shown in concept form as the T-Cross Breeze – is also due to make its global debut in 2018. A zero emission model has already been decided upon, too, in the shape of the I.D. CROZZ – the first fully electric SUV from Volkswagen. It will be launched in 2020. Debuting with efficient and potent V6 turbocharged engines the Touareg comes with an eight-speed automatic Tiptronic gearbox and 4MOTION allwheel drive. In the UK, the car will initially be offered with a 286 PS 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel unit or, from the autumn, a 231 PS version of the same engine. A 340 PS 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine will be available to order in the UK in late 2018, with deliveries of that powertrain beginning in 2019. The new third generation Touareg is equipped with per06 motoring | June 2018

manent all-wheel drive (4MOTION) mated to an eightgear automatic Tiptronic gearbox with ‘shift by wire’ functionality. A centre differential lock with asymmetric dynamic torque distribution acts as a transfer box for the flow of forces between the front and rear axle. A maximum of 70 per cent of the drive force reaches the front axle and up to 80 per cent can be sent to the rear axle. Offered here in three comprehensively specified trims: SEL, RLine and new R-Line Tech, the five-seat Touareg sits on the Volkswagen Group’s modular longitudinal matrix (MLB). Wider and longer than before, the luxurious new SUV’s dimensions are 4,878 mm long (+77 mm); 2,193 mm wide (including wing mirrors, +44 mm) and

1,702 mm high (-7 mm). Together these create significantly more dynamic proportions and, allied to all-new styling, endow the Touareg with an imposing yet lithe style. The five-door, five-seat Touareg offers a 1,051 mm load length and maximum load capacity of 810 litres (seats up) or 1,800 litres (seats down). Kerb weight is 2,070 kg for the launch car. Comfort, space and grace New technology aligns with conventional premium car values of space and cosseting comfort inside the new Touareg, too. The car’s optional electrically adjustable front seats, for instance, offer a new, pneumatic massage function with no fewer than eight programs available. The intensity of the massage

functions can be continuously adjusted via individual air cushions. The car’s flexibility is demonstrated by the flexible rear seat system. The position of the rear seats can be shifted by 160 mm fore/aft to create more space in the rear if required. Meanwhile the angle adjustment of the rear seat backrests is also variable in three stages, and by up to 21 degrees. Natural light comes in through the optionally available panoramic sliding roof – the largest yet offered by Volkswagen. The transparent roof section is 1,270 mm long and 825 mm wide (inner dimensions), and the front half can be continuously opened and electrically moved back by almost half a metre (495 mm) and raised.

Meanwhile night driving is now more pleasant than ever thanks to a newly developed optional LED ambient light system. Using the ambient light, the atmosphere on board the Touareg can be personalised via 30 different light colours whose brightness can be adjusted. Welcoming the arrival of the new Touareg to Volkswagen Retailers nationwide Alison Jones, Director of Volkswagen UK, said: “The new Touareg signals yet another important development in Volkswagen’s growing SUV line-up. “Our suite of new models, headed by Touareg, arrives on the market as SUV sales continue to accelerate in the UK and I’m confident our new flagship model will make a big impact here.”

VOLVO CARS LAUNCHES NEW S60 SPORTS SALOON – THE FIRST VOLVO CAR MADE IN THE USA

olvo Cars, the premium car maker, today revealed the new S60 mid-size premium sports saloon at the company’s first US manufacturing plant in Charleston, South Carolina. The new Charleston plant is officially inaugurated today. The combined car launch and factory opening reinforce Volvo Cars’ commitment to the US, an important market for the company and its new premium sports saloon. The new S60 is the first Volvo car made in the US. “The new S60 is one of the most exciting Volvo cars we’ve ever made,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars. “It is a true driver’s car that gives us a strong position in the US and China saloon markets, creating more growth opportunities for Volvo Cars.” The new S60 is the first Volvo car to be sold without a diesel offer, signalling the company’s industry-leading commitment to electrification and a long-term future beyond the traditional combustion engine. In 2017, Volvo Cars was the first global car maker to announce its strategy that from 2019 all new models will be electrified. Two turbocharged and supercharged plug-in hybrid petrol engines will be available in the new S60: Volvo’s T6 Twin Engine AWD plug-in hybrid that generates a combined 340hp, and the award-winning T8 Twin Engine AWD plug-in hybrid that delivers 400hp*. Volvo’s proven T5 and T6 petrol engines will be available at launch in selected markets. In a first for the segment, customers can access the new S60 via Volvo Cars’ new premium subscription service, Care by Volvo, which offers car access

with no down payment via a monthly flat-fee subscription rather than ownership. Care by Volvo makes having a car as transparent, easy and hassle-free as having a phone. “The active chassis and drive modes deliver excellent control and an engaged performance that makes this a driver’s car,” said Henrik Green, Senior Vice President for Research and Development at Volvo Cars. “It also brings the acclaimed technology from our 90 series and other 60 series cars into this segment, making it one of the best sports saloons on the market.” The new S60 shares Volvo Cars’ own Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, safety technology and infotainment system with the new V60 premium mid-size estate, launched earlier this year, as well as the top-of-the-line 90 series cars and award-winning XC60, all of which have achieved industry-leading safety ratings. This makes the new S60 one of the safest cars on the road. The City Safety with Autobrake technology assists the driver in avoiding potential collisions, and is the only system on the market to recognise pedestrians, cyclists and large animals. In a world first for the mid-size saloon segment, City Safety now also engages auto braking to mitigate oncoming collisions. The optional Pilot Assist system – which supports the driver with steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked roads up to 80mph – has been upgraded with improved cornering performance. The S60 also includes Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation and other steering-assistance systems. The optional Cross Traffic Alert with

autobrake further enhances safety for people inside and outside the car. Volvo Cars’ Sensus Connect infotainment system is fully compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 4G, and keeps drivers connected at all times. The intuitive control is a tablet-style touchscreen inter-

face that combines car functions, navigation, connected services and in-car entertainment apps. Electrified versions of the new S60 also offer a performance handling upgrade called Polestar Engineered – developed by Volvo Cars’ electric performance arm, Polestar.

Polestar Engineered is available exclusively on the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid and is a complete offer that upgrades the car’s wheels, brakes, suspension and engine control unit, boosting the S60 T8’s combined output to 415hp*. #newS60 *US specification.

June 2018 | motoring 07

FUSO CANTER THE BEST SELLING DAIMLER TRUCK

The Canter is one of the most popular choices for business owners worldwide due to its durability and cost efficiency. Its high demand can also be attributed to its abundant carrying capacity and broad range of vehicle weights, though the Canter offers even more than that.

DUONIC TECHNOLOGY & COMFORT

Fuso consolidated its technical leadership in the light truck segment with Duonic, the first dual-clutch transmission for trucks. In conjunction with extended

08 motoring | June 2018

service intervals, an increased payload and much lower maintenance costs, the Fuso Canter is more economical than ever before. The chassis of the 3.5-tonne variant features independent suspension on the front axle for the first time. The heavier models now have an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), available as an option. The driver’s cab has been redesigned inside and out, now offering even greater operating comfort.

FUSO CANTER 4X4

The Fuso Canter 4x4 capabilities are simply ideal for Maltese “roads”. It is

the perfect choice for businesses which operate away from surfaced roads, for example on construction sites, agricultural fields, or in the energy / water supply sector. With that said its two-metre width means that it can also negotiate narrow openings easily – a must for local infrastructure. The all-wheel drive can be engaged and disengaged on the move and therefore offers good fuel efficiency. The traditional, practical strengths of the Canter truck remain unchanged: good manoeuvrability, space-saving cab-over-engine layout, rugged design,

unobtrusive positioning of the shift lever in the instrument panel, enhanced safety thanks to the strong cab design and the lower brake wear as a result of the standard engine brake. The Fuso Canter is adaptable, with over 50 body variations to pick from, to any business’ needs. For further information you can visit Kind’s – Auto Sales Ltd, contact 21433601 or visit www.kinds.com.mt