MOTORING March 2015 by The Malta Independent

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The Malta Independent on Sunday • 29 March 2015

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Nürburgring plays host to exclusive event for Civic Type R fans • Honda fans invited to Nürburgring to celebrate release of all-new Civic Type R • First time an FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) race will be held at famed circuit • Opportunity to get hands on with the all new Civic Type R, visit pit lane, meet the drivers, and a chance to take their own car on the circuit. o celebrate the launch of the all-new Honda Civic Type R at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, Civic Type R fans and owners are invited to attend an unmissable race weekend at Germany’s famous Nürburgring – a circuit at which the new Type R recently set the lap record for a front-wheel drive hot hatch. Honda is offering Type R owners and fans the opportunity to attend the historic ADAC Zurich 24-hour sports car race from 15-17 May, which will feature for the first time ever a round of the FIA WTCC, as part of a jam packed weekend of around-theclock racing,

Held on the punishing 25 kilometre long combined Nordschleife and Grand Prix circuit, fans will cheer on Team Castrol Honda drivers Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro as they vie for victory on one of racing’s most hallowed stretches of racetrack. This one-of-a-kind event will allow Type R fans the opportunity

to purchase a three-day package for €175 per person, which includes a VIP entrance ticket to the race with paddock access, camping accommodation in a souvenir tent, all food and drink throughout the weekend, a handson encounter with the new Civic Type R, a tour of the garage, and chance to meet the drivers at a

special Q&A session. A lucky few will also be able to follow in their heroes' racing line by taking their Civic on a lap around the circuit before the 24 hour race gets under way. For more information, or to purchase a three-day package, log onto www.typeR-nurburgring.honda-expe-

rience.com. Registration is now open. The all-new Civic Type R, dubbed the ‘race car for the road’, was unveiled earlier this month at the Geneva Motor Show in front of a crowd that included McLarenHonda F1 driver Jenson Button, and WTCC driver Tarquini. To relive the evening, visit http://www.redline.global/itstime.

Hyundai i10 awarded ‘Training Car of the Year 2015’ by Driving Instructors Association McLaren launches its Sports Series in New York with 570S Coupe cLaren has announced that the first model to be launched in its Sports Series family will be called the 570S Coupé. This V8 powered, carbon fibre structured two seater will show its beautiful yet aerodynamically optimised form for the first time in less than a week when it debuts at the 115th New York International Auto Show. With the launch of the first Sports Series derivative, the 570S Coupe, McLaren will be displaying its three tier model strategy together in New York for the first time globally. Every Sports Series model will share its DNA with the Super Series and Ultimate Series that sit above it in the McLaren hierarchy. A pure

McLaren, offering class-leading levels of performance, coupled with optimised handling characteristics and driving dynamics, the 570S Coupé marks the first time McLaren has offered its pioneering and race-derived technologies in the sports car segment. In line with the naming convention begun with the 650S, the number 570 gives away the power output of this first McLaren Sports Series model: 570PS, which equates to 562 in hp. Further details and images of the McLaren 570S Coupé will be announced next week ahead of the global reveal which will take place at the McLaren Automotive press conference in New York at 14.55 EST (19.55 GMT), Wednesday 1 April 2015, Stand 704, Level 3.

he Hyundai i10 has been named ‘Training Car of the Year 2015’ by a panel of experts from the Driving Instructors Association, continuing the bestselling model’s winning streak. The i10 beat stiff competition from models in the segment above to claim the prestigious title, thanks to its high quality interior, generous equipment levels and affordability. DIA chief executive Carly Brookfield said: “Congratulations to Hyundai for winning the Top Car: Training Car of the Year 2015. As professional drivers, the car chosen is of vital importance to their work - not just for driving but also as a business asset.” Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor UK, commented: “Thanks to its low running costs, it’s no surprise that the i10 is so popular among driving instructors. Combined with its low insurance rating, i10 also makes an incredibly affordable first car once the driving test has been passed!” Simon Miller, editor of Driving Instructor magazine commented:

“Although this may be a surprising choice to some, the excellent value of the Hyundai, coupled with its handling and ride, makes it a sensible buy from a business perspective.” Since going on sale in January 2014, the Hyundai i10 has continued to receive recognition for its unbeatable value, driveability and stylish design – having recently been awarded What Car? magazine’s ‘Best City Car’ for the second year in a row.

Furthermore, Hyundai has recently announced the addition of Premium SE to the i10 model range, further boosting its appeal to customers in the UK. The new model features equipment usually found in the segment above, including heated seats, heated steering wheel and a panoramic sunroof. In 2014, Hyundai became the first Korean manufacturer to sell 25,000 units of one model in a year – thanks to i10.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 29 March 2015

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The new Passat is “Car of the Year 2015” • Coveted honour as Europe’s “Car of the Year” goes to the eighth generation of the best-seller urope’s “Car of the Year 2015” is a Volkswagen: the new Passat wins the prestigious award, which is presented every year by the international “Car of the Year” jury. The winner was announced on the afternoon before the Geneva International Motor Show. “We are extremely proud of this accolade,” explained Prof. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, at the prize-giving ceremony in Geneva. “In the new Passat we have again succeeded in developing a car that sets the standards for its class in terms of technology and quality. This honour is a tremendous confirmation for the work of our engineers, designers and the entire team. The new Passat shows that the Volkswagen brand has the right answers to the challenges of our time.”

Heinz-Jakob Neusser, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for the Development Division, received the award for the new Passat: “We are delighted by the honour of “Car of the Year 2015”. This accolade has a very special significance for us because it is awarded by independent international trade journalists. In addition, the honour is known to have a high standing for our customers.” One of the oldest and most well-known awards in Europe, “Car of the Year” has been honouring the best new releases in the car industry every year since 1964. The jury, consisting of 58 European motoring journalists from 22 countries, had nominated seven candidates ahead of the final. In the preceding months, these candidates had undergone detailed testing, comparisons and evaluations based on criteria such as economy, comfort, safety, driving characteristics, functionality, design and technical progress. In the 52nd edition of the traditional competition, the new Passat clearly triumphed over its six rivals in the final with a total score of 340 points. Two current Volkswagen models have

already received the coveted award in the recent past, namely the Polo in 2010 and the Golf in 2013. In addition to the “Golden Steering Wheel 2014” and “Auto Trophy 2014”, the top position as “Car of the Year” was preceded by several accolades at home and abroad. The new Passat, in all its versions, is one of the most successful mid-class cars in the world and with 1.1 million units (in 2014) one of the highestvolume series of the Volkswagen Group worldwide. Now in its eighth generation, the best-seller is regarded as one of the most innovative cars in its class. Thanks to advanced engineering methods, it was possible to introduce a significantly more dynamic design (including lower body, longer wheelbase, larger wheels). Despite the unaltered length in the interior dimensions, the new Passat has still expanded considerably. At the same time the latest technologies have been added: they include systems such as Active Info Display (a completely digital instrument cluster), extendable head-up display, and also systems such as an appbased Rear Seat Entertainment for tablets, Front Assist with City

Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring as well as three further global firsts: Emergency Assist (vehicle stops in emergency), Trailer Assist (assisted manoeuvring with a trailer) and Traffic Jam Assist. The new Passat is available with ten direct injection turbocharged petrol and diesel engines which cover a power range from 88 kW / 120 PS to 206 kW / 280 PS. The Passat GTE* – the first Passat to feature a plug-in hybrid drive – will arrive at dealerships beginning in late summer of this year. The 1.4-litre TSI engine develops a power of 115 kW / 156 PS; the electric motor produces 85 kW / 115 PS, while the maximum torque of the plug-in hybrid drive system is 400 Newton metres. Its power and torque are utilised in an extremely eco-friendly and efficient way. The car’s NEDC fuel consumption (for hybrid vehicles) is less than 2.0 l/100 km and 13.0 kWh/100 km; these values equate to CO2 emissions of less than 45 g/km. In combination with the TSI, this results in a driving range of over 1,000 kilometres with a full 50litre tank and fully charged battery.

Prof. Martin Winterkorn and Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neusser with the award for the new Passat on the afternoon before the Geneva International Motor Show

HOP! & DS 3: when the air and the ground unite to celebrate the French regions The French HOP! Airline and the DS Brand have teamed up to personalise one of HOP!’s aircraft in the colours of France’s regions. An event that follows the nationwide launch of the “Regions” editions of the DS 3 two months ago. No matter where you’re going, feel proud of where you come from with HOP! and DS3 Together, HOP! and DS 3 have decked out an aircraft in the colours of France’s regions. The result is a CRJ 1000 aircraft operated by HOP! that has been customised with the emblems of the French regions. A video depicting the personalisation of the fuselage is available on the HOP! and DS web sites. The aircraft carrying the DS 3’s colours is ready for take-off! HOP!’s passengers can already travel on board this plane. The communications video was produced by the Les Gaulois agency, which was behind the teaming up of the two brands.

http://www.citroen.fr/vehiculesneufs/ds/ds-3-regions.html

Numerous joint communications actions to follow! Starting in March, HOP!’s passengers will receive their local dailies free of charge from DS for 1 month in the HOP! application “Le Kiosque”. A broad communications campaign will be rolled out in the

main regional airports (Orly, Lyon, Nantes, Toulouse, Bordeaux and Strasbourg) to promote the DS 3. In March, the headrests in Hop!’s aircraft will be decked out in the colours of France’s regions, matching those available in the DS 3 roof customisation operation. Hélène Abraham, Deputy Director General of Sales at

HOP!, declared: “This original and close-fitting combination of two means of transport highlights our shared paradigm of expression: our regions. More than ever before, two French companies, HOP! and DS, are expressing their national pride through this exceptional partnership!” Arnaud Ribault, DS’s Worldwide Director of Sales and Marketing

explained: “DS, our range-topping automotive brand, born in France, is proud of this partnership, which is in keeping with our innovative approach to communications. And this partnership also reflects well on our products, because our DS cars are technological objects that have always drawn inspiration from the aerospace industry.”

HOP! in a few figures • An intensive schedule, with 510 daily flights and 129 destinations • A modern fleet of 93 aircraft with between 48 and 100 seats www.driveDS.com www.facebook.com/citroenmalta www.citroen.com.mt

‘The better way to work’

FIAT Professional launches the Nuovo Doblò Cargo arlier this month, FIAT Professional presented the Nuovo Doblò Cargo, the fourth generation of the Fiat Professional model, which is now more functional and driving more performance and value. These were in fact the main guidelines that allowed Fiat Professional to design a vehicle at the top of its class in terms of performance, functional characteristics, load capacity, productivity, fuel economy and low running costs. Fresh from its world début at the 2014 Hanover Motor Show, the Nuovo Doblò Cargo is now available to the wider public with a completely updated interior and exterior design reflecting classic car-like specifications. To get an idea, take a look at the ultramodern distinctive front end, the bigger front grille and the many new components (bumpers, bonnet, headlights and tail-light clusters). “For FIAT Professional, taking care of customers also means designing and building the right vehicles to meet their professional ambitions. This segment is a very dynamic one and FIAT Professional’s success is based on its ability to be responsive to these constantly changing needs,” explains Francesca Mamo from UCIM Co Ltd, official representatives of FIAT Professional in Malta.

“In Malta, the FIAT Professional brand enjoys a very strong presence due to its versatility and adaptability to various sizes of business operations. The smaller models are ideal for those companies who are looking for a vehicle or even a fleet of vehicles that translate to high efficiencies in fuel and running costs. The larger models are also very popular thanks to their sturdy and versatile nature, bringing more value to a business’ investment,” added Francesca Mamo. A number of interesting and very practical enhancements have been carried out on the new model

namely a comprehensive update also for the passenger compartment, with new dashboard, fabrics, steering wheel, instrument panel graphics and door panels. Likewise, the functionality-driven configuration is visible in a series of specific ergonomic solutions, from the multifunction front bench seat for driver and two passengers, the quieter interior, the new infotainment and navigation sytems and the gateway device. Also, as in the previous generation the Nuovo Doblò Cargo’s load capacity and volume are both at the top of the category.

The new Nuovo Doblò Cargo’s performance has also been enhanced with improved torque response during city driving (up to 40%) and with the inclusion of the Bi-link independent rear suspension (exclusive contents for the segment) to ensure the best handling and driving comfort in its class. The range also extends to include the new “EcoJet” version – equipped with the 90 hp Multijet II 1.3 or 105 hp Multijet II 1.6 – which combines reduced running costs and low fuel consumption (improvement of up to 15%). Depending on the market, the range is composed of 4 bodies

(Cargo, Combi, WorkUp and Load platform), 2 roof heights and 2 wheelbases. Power is provided by a choice of six turbodiesel engines – MultiJet II 1.3 (75 and 90 hp), Multijet II 1.6 (100 and 105 hp), 90 hp Multijet II 1.6 with robotised gearbox and 135 hp Multijet 2.0 – plus three petrol engines: 95 hp 1.4, 120 hp TurboJet 1.4 and 120 hp TurboJet 1.4 bi-fuel (petrol/natural gas). The offering is the broadest in the segment, with versions and solutions from vans to special vehicles and versions converted for specific applications. Confirming its status of a winning model (Doblò has been chosen by more than 1.4 million customers since 2000), the Nuovo Doblò Cargo aims to consolidate its leadership in this market sector, which accounts for 25% of all light commercial vehicles in Europe. It is manufactured in Turkey in the Tofaş plant in Bursa, one of the best automotive industrial sites in the world, as confirmed by the award of a World Class Manufacturing gold medal. Sold in more than 80 countries worldwide, the Nuovo Doblò Cargo is a “global” vehicle – just like the Nuovo Ducato – destined to bring more growth in the light commercial vehicles sector. With more functions, more performance and more value, the Nuovo Doblò Cargo is “the better way of working”.

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 29 March 2015

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C-Class and SUVs bring Mercedes-Benz record sales in February

ercedes-Benz remains on its course of success.The Stuttgart-based company sold 120,270 vehicles in February, thus topping the record high level of the previous year’s month by 14.6%. “Mercedes-Benz posted another sales record in February.The success is due in particular to the C-Class, our SUVs and our compact cars. We have never before sold so many C-Class Sedans and Estates as well as SUVs and compact cars in the first two months of the year”, said Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales. In Europe, a total of 50,550 customers took over their new Mercedes-Benz (+17.1%), including 17,494 vehicles for customers in Germany, the largest European

market for Mercedes-Benz (+5.8%). In its home market, the Stuttgart-based company is the market leader among the premium manufacturers for February. In the UK, the second-largest European market of Mercedes-Benz, unit sales of the previous year’s month were topped by 19.5% in February. Other European markets like Poland (+92.5%), Spain (+39.6%), Sweden (+34.9%) and Belgium (+36.5%) made a sustainable contribution to the market share gains of Mercedes-Benz in the premium segment with their growth rates. In the NAFTA region, MercedesBenz posted a new record in February with 26,747 vehicles sold (+6.3%). Sales records were achieved in the USA as well as in Canada and Mexico. February sales in the USA totaled 23,616 units (+4.5%). Per February, MercedesBenz is the market leader among

the premium manufacturers in the USA. February sales in the Asia-Pacific region rose by 15.5% to 37,992 units. Sales in China reached a new record of 19,979 units (+13.6%) in February, in Japan, a record high level of 5,240 units was achieved (+3.6%). Mercedes-Benz is thus maintaining its market leadership among the premium importers in Japan. In Russia, Mercedes-Benz posted sales growth of 16.5% in February and achieved a new sales record. The demand for Mercedes-Benz compact cars continues to develop positively: In February, 35,159 customers opted for a compact car. Thus, the sales record of the previous year’s month was topped by 6,948 units (+24.6%).The first vehicles of the fifth member of the compact car family of MercedesBenz, the CLA Shooting Brake, will

arrive at the dealers on March 28. As in January, the C-Class Sedan and Estate posted particular high sales growth in February at 66.6%. The C-Class Sedan was the segment leader in both January and February. In the first two months, a total of 63,878 customers took over their new C-Class Sedan or Estate (+59.1%). Customer deliveries of these model series have never been so high in the first two months of the year. The E-Class Sedan posted particular high growth in its largest sales market China, where sales were up 16% compared to the previous year’s month. In the context of the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures the long-term quality of vehicles after a three-year holding period, the E-Class and GLK were the chosen winners in their segments in the USA in 2015.

The S-Class is still the best-selling luxury sedan in the world with another sales record of 15,024 units since the beginning of the year (+4.2%). In February, China was the biggest sales market for the sedan with a sales increase of 16.8%. The SUVs were especially popular in February (+31.1%).The G-Class, the prime father of all SUVs, posted growth of 17.6% and thus a new sales record in February.The nearseries show car Mercedes-Benz G 500 4x4² celebrated its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. February sales of the new smart models increased by 12.7% to 8,303 units. Particular high growth rates were posted in the two biggest markets: In Germany, 33% more smart models were sold than in the previous year’s month, and unit sales in Italy were up by 45.3%.

New Toyota 1.2 Turbo engine launched in Europe he 1.2T, an all-new direct injection turbo-charged petrol engine, makes its global debut in the popular Auris. It belongs to the range of 14 new engines

that Toyota will launch globally. In April of last year, Toyota announced its plans to introduce a series of newly-developed, highly fuel efficient engines, applying several combustion and

loss-reduction technologies that until then had been reserved for hybrid engines. The new 4cylinder 1.2T engine is the second engine from this family to come to Europe under the Toyota brand, after the 3-cylinder 1.0 engine that went on sale in AYGO and Yaris last year. Like the 1.0, the 1.2T uses advanced technologies that allow the engine to change from the Otto-cycle to the Atkinson cycle under low loads, vertical vortex high tumble air flow intake ports, an exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder-head and advanced heat management. To this, the 1.2T adds a direct injection system, as well as a watercooled turbo and heatexchanger. Furthermore, the VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing – intelligent) system known from the 1.0, is upgraded to a VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing intelligent Wide) system, which allows even more flexibility in the valve-timing. The combination of these technologies results in outstanding performance and efficiency. For a displacement of 1197cc, the engine delivers 116 DIN hp (85kW) and a constant torque of 185Nm between 1500 and 4000 rpm.

Better performance for lower consumption The key to achieving outstanding fuel consumption without compromising performance, is to apply a higher compression. But generally, as the compression increases, so does the risk of uncontrolled combustion, also known as knocking. The 1.2T’s high compression ratio of 10:1 was made possible thanks to the adoption of a series of key technologies that improve control

over the combustion process. That way, the risk of knocking could be avoided. Direct injection contributes as well, as it helps to dissipate the heat in the combustion chamber. And the charge air passes through the intercooler, which uses an independent low temperature cooling circuit. For more information, please contact: Jonathan Cremona, Marketing Manager – Toyota Malta T: +356 2269 4106, E-mail: jonathan.cremona@toyota.com.mt

The Malta Independent on Sunday • 29 March 2015

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Hybrid tyre concept brings out the best in hybrid crossover and SUVs Inspired by motorcycle rubber, Falken shows how future tyres could meet hybrid SUV driver’s challenging demands for both extended range and dynamic handling novel tyre that features different tread areas could point the way to how drivers can enjoy both sporty handling and efficiency for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) SUVs. To date, engineers have struggled to develop tyres that offer low rolling resistance to increase the car’s range whilst offering sharp, sporty dynamics expected by sporty SUV drivers. Debuting this month on Mitsubishi’s Concept XR-PHEV II small SUV, powered by a new PHEV system, the outer third of Falken’s concept tyre comprises a primarily low rolling resistance slick surface with intelligently placed water dispersion grooves that prevent hydroplaning and also enhance wet road grip. To offer better grip under hard cornering, the inner third of the tyre features a curved (like a motorcycle) surface that comes in greater contact with the road

whilst the car is being pushed harder. “Consumers want to have the best range with a hybrid but aren’t prepared to sacrifice an ‘involving’ driving experience with sporting dynamics,” says Matt Smith, Falken’s UK Director. “A new type of tyre is needed and this concept highlights how Falken could help SUV drivers to achieve efficiency without sacrificing a sportier driving experience.”

No production date has been set for the novel tyre but Falken believes that such bespoke tyre technology is the way tyre design will progress. “Tyres play a critical role in the way a vehicle drives and stops,” adds Smith. “Expect to see more bespoke tyres to extract the best all round performance for a car.” Earlier this month Falken announced it now produces a bespoke version of its tyres for the new Volkswagen Passat.

About Falken Tyre Europe The Falken Tyre Europe GmbH is the European affiliate of the Japanese tyre manufacturer Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., with about 23,000 employees the sixth largest tyre manufacturer worldwide. From its location in Offenbach/Main, the company markets and sells a complete tyre por tfolio for passenger

cars, trucks, pick-ups and SUVs as original equipment and for the entire European retrofitting market. All Falken products comply with the ISO standards 9001 and 14001. Developed and tested in the world’s most demanding racing series, the Falken tyres provide the maximum of individual driving enjoyment – at outstanding value for money. Fur ther information under : http://www.falken-europe.com