Motoring March 2016

IN THIS ISSUE: THE NEW AUDI R18 | BUYING A USED CAR | NEW RENAULT SPORT F1 TEAM LIVERY | ALL-NEW KIA SPORTAGE | THE NEW MINI ONE D CLUBMAN GENEVA MOTORSHOW NEWS: FIAT AND OPEL ASTRA | TOYOTA C-HR | TEST DRIVE TOYOTA RAV4

The Malta Independent on Sunday. March 2016

NEW COMPACT SUV

HYUNDAI TUCSON

ALSO INSIDE Discover Veneto’s spectacular towns VENETO VINEYARD SPOTLIGHT>MASI

DISCOVER VENETO’S DIVERSE LANDSCAPE AND SPECTACULAR TOWNS Riviera del Brenta

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STRETCHING FROM THE ROCKY FOOTHILLS OF THE DOLOMITES TO THE FERTILE PO RIVER VALLEY AND LAGOONS OF VENICE, THE VENETO REGION HAS A DIVERSE GEOGRAPHY THAT MAKES IT A FASCINATING AREA TO DISCOVER. HERE YOU'LL FIND MEDIEVAL CASTLES AND MODERN SKIING RESORTS, FOOTHILLS DOTTED WITH CHARMING TOWNS AND LINED WITH PICTURESQUE WORLD-CLASS VINEYARDS. THE WHOLE AREA OF THE RIVER PO DELTA IS A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT OF EXCEPTIONAL NATURAL BEAUTY AND PERFECT FOR A DRIVING TRIP. eneto is bordered to the south east by the Adriatic, with its beaches, ports Venice and Padova, which contrast with the rolling countryside and vast stretch of Lago di Garda on the west, flanked by lemon and olive groves, and resorts and medieval towns.

The cookbook of Veneto cuisine dates back to medieval noble families who created world-class cuisine, made up of tasty and simple ingredients. The region’s cuisine offers unique flavours which vary according to the geographical area.The area of the Euganean Hills offers two seasons par excellence: spring and autumn - the best times of the year to enjoy dishes made with wild herbs, vegetables and mushrooms. The dishes in the lower area of the Veneto are based on fresh products such as rice, truffles, wild game, and pork.

The Eastern area reflects the influence of the nearby Riviera del Brenta and Venice.

Here dishes are based on fish from the lagoon, sea and river. A local speciality is horse meat. Polenta reigns on the tables in the upper area of the region, often side by side with dishes based on wild game and fowl, salted cod and radicchio. With a long and noble history, the local wines are also major players on tabletops.

The region is protected from the harsh northern European climate by the Alps, the foothills of which form the Veneto's northern extremes.These cooler climes are well-suited to white varieties like Garganega (the main grape for Soave wines), while the warmer Adriatic coastal plains, river valleys, and Garda Lake zone are the places where the renowned Valpolicella, Amarone and Bardolino DOC reds are produced.

TREVISO Despite comparisons with Venice, the lovely fortified city of Treviso has its own

RIVIERA DEL BRENTA The Brenta is a river that runs 108 miles from Trentino to The Adriatic Sea. In the 16th Century, as grand villas were being built along the river, there was a desire to prevent silt from collecting in the Venetian lagoon, and so two canals were constructed, bypassing the lagoon. The aristocracy that owned the villas on the Brenta would travel daily by boat to conduct their business along the canals. distinctive character.Treviso's balconied houses and porticoed streets are crisscrossed by picturesque canals and filled with beautiful medieval palaces.

city, with streets paved with marble.Verona is also well known as the setting for Shakespeare's timeless love story, Romeo and Juliet. In the center of Verona stands the 1st-century AD Roman amphitheater, Arena di Verona. It can hold about 30,000 spectators and is still used for opera performances between June and August.

Also not to be missed is Piazza Erbe with its colorful market.

PADOVA

VENICE Celebrated the world over for its splendid and varied architecture, home of elegant shops and cafes, Venice is comprised of a group of 117 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. It is located in the marshy Venetian Lagoon which stretches along the shoreline, between the mouths of the Po and the Piave rivers. Driving into Venice you can leave your car parked at one of the car parks in Piazzale Roma and then explore the city on foot, using the water buses (vaporetti) or a private water taxi.

Padova is well known for the frescoes by Giotto in its Scrovegni Chapel and the vast 13th-century Basilica of St. Anthony.The basilica, with its Byzantine-style domes and notable artworks, contains the namesake saint’s tomb. Padua's old town has arcaded streets and stylish cafes and restaurants.

Don't miss the big fruit and veg market in Piazza dell’Erbe with stall after stall piled high with fresh, fragrant produce, and the covered market, under the grand Palazzo della Ragione that has been selling prosciutto, wine, Italian cheeses, meats and fresh seafood and all manner of treats for over 800 years.

VERONA Verona, with its rich Roman and Etruscan past, is an aesthetically pleasing provincial

VICENZA Lying equal distant between Venice and Verona,Vicenza is set against a backdrop of mountains and is home of the great Palladio, a leading 16th-century architect, responsible for the city's great palazzi and countless villas in the countryside. Have a break at Pasticceria Soraru overlooking Piazza dei Signori for a cappucino and morning cornetto.

March 2016 | motoring 03

VENETO VINEYARD SPOTLIGHT:

MASI

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he Veneto has always been ideal for viticulture, thanks to the huge variety of historically recognised terroir sites. Masi has selected the best vineyard sites in foothill and hillside locations, paying particular attention to the development of single vineyard, or cru, wines.

Masi has lands in the best terroir sites of the Veneto regions with vineyards and historic estates. Since 1973, Masi has collaborated with the Conti Serego Alighieri family, descendants of the poet Dante, on their estates in Valpolicella. More recently, a partnership has been entered into with the Conti Bossi Fedrigotti family, who have always made wine with passion and skill in Trentino.

Expert winemaking in the Veneto has its roots in a traditional legacy of ideal vineyards, native grapes and traditional vinification techniques. Masi has always striven to develop these factors and has a particular expertise in the Appassimento technique, a traditional method used in the Veneto to concentrate aromas and tastes in a wine.

In this method the grapes are laid out on bamboo racks in drying lofts for the winter period before vinification. This is an ancient technique, in operation for centuries in the area, and employed in an innovative fashion by Masi Group to make modern wines from semi-dried grapes, above all, Amarone which Masi makes in the widest and most expertly produced range available globally.

MASI Campofiorin: Rich, smooth and velvety; very approachable and

THE HISTORY OF MASI IS THE HISTORY OF A FAMILY AND ITS VINEYARDS IN THE VENETO REGION. THE MASI NAME DERIVES FROM "VAIO DEI MASI", THE SMALL VALLEY IN VALPOLICELLA ACQUIRED BY THE BOSCAINI FAMILY AT THE END OF THE XVIII CENTURY. FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, SANDRO BOSCAINI HAS BEEN THE HEAD OF MASI AGRICOLA, A FAMILY WINERY FROM THE VENETO REGION IN ITALY. MASI WINERY IS KNOWN FOR CREATING THE “APPASSIMENTO” METHOD, USED FOR PRODUCING AMARONE, THEIR MOST SUCCESSFUL WINES. SANDRO BOSCAINI IS SO CLOSELY CONNECTED WITH THIS UNIQUE WINE THAT AUTHOR KATE SINGLETON DEDICATED A WHOLE BOOK CALLED ‘AMARONE: THE MAKING OF AN ITALIAN WINE PHENOMENON’ TO HIM, NICKNAMING BOSCAINI “MR. AMARONE”. versatile with food. This is Masi's original Supervenetian from 1964 recognised internationally as the creator of a new category for wines from the Veneto inspired by the technique of making Amarone.

Combining simplicity and grace with strength and majesty. Grape varieties: Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara.

BOOKING A WINE TOUR AT MASI. Masi Tenuta Canova, Via Delaini 1 – Loc. Sacro Cuor, 37017 Lazise,Verona.

GPS: 45.488734,10.771387 Wine Shop:

Sandro Boscaini 04 motoring | March 2016

open daily from 10.30am to 10pm.

Guided Tours: advance reservations are required. Tel: +39 045 7580239. email: canova@masi.it You can also stay at La Foresteria Serego Alighieri, a 14thcentury estate surrounded by the rolling hills of Valpolicella.The property is owned by descendants of the poet Dante Alighieri, who produce their own wine, olive oil and honey. Guests can visit the winery, and cooking courses are available on request.

The Foresteria is 20 km from Verona, and 13 km from Lazise on Lake Garda. Via

Giare 277 - Loc. Gargagnago, 37015 Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella,Verona.

GPS: 45.313219, 10.512906 Tel: +39 045 770 36 22 / 045 770 36 22. email: serego@seregoalighieri.it web: www.seregoalighieri.com Locally Masi 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

THE NEW

AUDI R18 AUDI’S STRONGEST AND MOST FUEL-EFFICIENT LMP1 RACE CAR

or the FIA World EnduranceChampionshi p (WEC) and the Le Mans 24 Hours, Audi is emphasizingfocal areas

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in the 2016 season: The Audi R18 that has beenredesigned from scratch has almost nothing in common anymore withits predecessor. It features a more

radical aerodynamics concept,including a new safety cell, its hybrid drive system is battery-operatedfor the first time, the V6 TDI engine has

been revised, and new systemsolutions have been added. As a result, Audi’s LMP1 sports car is avehicle that is more powerful and – once more

– clearly more efficientthan its predecessor. While the new R18 is Audi’s strongest race car todate, it consumes less fuel than any of the generations before it.

BUYING A USED CAR WHAT YOU NEED TO THINK ABOUT. RMF TECHNICAL DIRECTOR PAUL VELLA WRITES.

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uying a used car is a great way of cutting the cost of your driving as most new cars lose around 25% of their value in the first year.

But there are risks so it's important to take your time rather than rush into any deal, and to buy as far as possible with your head rather than your heart.

PITFALLS WHEN BUYING A USED CAR: BUDGET CAREFULLY Get insurance quotes and check car tax rates before signing on the bottom line, and remember to factor in the cost of any work that might be needed too.

If you're going to borrow money to buy the car it's a good idea to get loan quotes before you go out to view any cars. That way you'll know what you can afford and will be able to tell whether any finance a dealer offers you is good value or not.

06 motoring | March 2016

CLOCKING Clocking is the illegal practice of winding back the odometer on a high–mileage car to increase its apparent value and asking price.

Cloning Sometimes one car is given the identity of another by replacing the number plates with those from an almost identical vehicle – same make, model and colour.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK Check price guides and compare similar cars in the classifieds so you know as much as you can about the value of different cars to avoid being overcharged.

Don't view a car in the rain, in poor light or at night You won't be able to check the condition of the car properly if it's wet, water hides scratches, dents and other problems. Make sure you can see the vehicle clearly and from all angles.

Ask about service history Most cars require some work during the year so the owners of a car a few years old should have amassed quite a sheaf of garage bills for work or parts as well, records of regular servicing.

•If there's no history then ask why •Does it look like there might be a persistent fault that still may not have been fixed?

•Does the history tell a consistent story Is the present keeper the person selling you the car? If not, then why are they selling the car for someone else?

TEST DRIVE The test drive is your only opportunity to check the car's general mechanical condition and to find our for sure that it meets all your needs: •Is the driving position comfortable?

•Can you reach/operate all the controls easily?

•Do the child seats fit?

•Does the sports equipment or pushchair fit in the boot?

LOOK CAREFULLY Misaligned panels or mismatched colours on doors, bonnet and tailgate can indicate that the car has been repaired after a shunt. Traces of spray paint on door handles, window seals and mouldings can indicate repairs too.

If the engine bay looks like it has recently been powerwashed clean the owner could be trying to remove evidence of fluid leaks. A check under the bonnet after a lengthy test drive should reveal any problems.

IF YOU’RE GOING TO BORROW MONEY TO BUY THE CAR IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO GET LOAN QUOTES BEFORE YOU GO OUT TO VIEW ANY CARS. THAT WAY YOU’LL KNOW WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD AND WILL BE ABLE TO TELL WHETHER ANY FINANCE A DEALER OFFERS YOU IS GOOD VALUE OR NOT SEATS AND CARPETS

Seats and carpets can always be cleaned, or even replaced, but stains on internal fabric head–linings are impossible to remove completely.

If seat covers have been fitted, check underneath them for signs of damage. You can get seats

replaced but this can be very expensive, particularly if they contain electric motors or airbags.

DON'T BE PRESSURED INTO BUYING

There are always other vehicles out there so if this one doesn't feel right in any way it's time to walk away.Be wary of and don't be swayed by 'sob stories' like change of job, break-up of relationship, moving aboard, new baby on the way and so on. The bottom line is that you're buying a car to help yourself, not anyone else.

BEFORE YOU HAND OVER ANY MONEY •Agree collection/delivery arrangements •Confirm exactly what's included in the price •Confirm any work that the seller has agreed to do •Make sure you get a receipt showing vehicle details, price, terms of sale and the seller's details.

Make sure that the log book is signed and that there are no accumulated fines which have not been paid.

If you feel uneasy with the points listed RMF offers you a used car inspection and can guide you about the general view of road worthiness in the purchase of a used vehicle.

NEW RENAULT SPORT

FORMULA ONE TEAM LIVERY RIDES THE WAVES DOWN UNDER • RENAULT SPORT FORMULA ONE TEAM HAS UNVEILED ITS DEFINITIVE LIVERY FOR THE 2016 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. • THE TEAM DEBUTED ITS DISTINCTIVE YELLOW-GOLD AND BLACK COLOURS IN AN EVENT HOSTED IN DOCKLANDS, MELBOURNE, IN A HIGHLY UNIQUE WAY. THE R.S.16 WAS FIRST SEEN BY THE GUESTS AS IT LITERALLY SURFED THE WAVES AT BOAT HARBOUR PARK BEACH JUST OUTSIDE SYDNEY!

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enault Sport Formula One Team drivers Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer plus Australian pro surfer EllieJean Coffey undertook the shoot on Monday before the Australian Grand Prix. The car – a showcar for those concerned about whether it will dry out in time for Sunday’s race – was fixed to the 7.5m long board using bespoke harnesses. It was then towed out into the Pacific Ocean where it was unleashed to catch its first-ever waves.

Cyril Abiteboul, Managing Director of Renault Sport Racing, commented: “We had a new livery to unveil in Melbourne, but we wanted to do things a little differently. We’re in F1 to ultimately get lots of points on track, but also to get lots of attention off track, so we came up with this idea.To our knowledge it’s the first time an F1 car has ever surfed! It fits with the Australian theme, but moreover it aligns us with the spirit of adventure we see in the latest range of Renault products such as the Captur and Kadjar.

“The black and yellow Sirius colours themselves are naturally the corporate colours of Renault Sport, but also share the heritage of Renault Sport on track.The first-ever Renault F1 car, the RS01, hit the track in yellow and black in 1977 and this latest livery is a nod to this formidable car.To create much more tangible links between Renault Sport Cars and Renault Sport Racing, we have also used colours to showcase the matt white colour available on the Renault Clio R.S Trophy.

“Meanwhile we have added some contemporary touches to make the R.S.16 stand out. We have used metallic colours that will reflect the lights at the night races, the ‘diamond’ pattern at the rear of the car fits in with our new brand identity and the gold flashes signify we aim for the top.

“We are really happy with the new look of the car and hope you enjoy the video as much as we enjoyed making it!”

You can view the video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg1kj0E93JA&feature=youtu.be

March 2016 | motoring 07

SHARPER STYLED NEW RAV4 ADOPTS TOYOTA’S LATEST GOOD LOOKS TEXT AND PHOTOS BY JOHN PEEL.

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he Toyota RAV4 has been a popular SUV with owners heaping praise ever since it first went on sale in its first guise back in 1994. It was practical, rugged, looked good and above all had proven Toyota reliability. In many ways this latest version is no different, but it is a much bigger car than its three predecessors, making it more suitable for families and for the first time the RAV4 is also available as a petrol-electric hybrid.

With enough room for a family of five, including a large boot with a flat floor the RAV4 is hard to criticise and makes the average family hatchback look tiny, has lots of storage compartments and deep door pockets, too. All the instrument and switchgear is backlit in cool blue, adding to the sophistication and consistency of the cabin environment. The new dashboard comprises strong upper and lower beams, 08 motoring | March 2016

interrupted by a curved, metalfinished spar to frame the instrument binnacle, steering wheel and driver’s footwell. The design introduces high quality materials, including soft padding on many of the touch-points for driver and passengers, crisp trim finishes, new colours and more leather around the instrument panel. Yet strangely enough the car still comes with a traditional manual handbrake as opposed to the latest trend of electronic ones.

Outwardly the car looks very ‘modern Toyota’, but has lost something of the traditional RAV4. You can blame some of that on the now stretched proportions whilst the rear end in particular lacks a couple of trademark RAV4 cues such as the door-mounted spare wheel and the side-hinged rear door it mounted in years gone by.

Toyota says a roof-hinged hatchback makes more practical sense, and they are probably right, especially when one needs

WITH ENOUGH ROOM FOR A FAMILY OF FIVE, INCLUDING A LARGE BOOT WITH A FLAT FLOOR THE RAV4 IS HARD TO CRITICISE AND MAKES THE AVERAGE FAMILY HATCHBACK LOOK TINY, HAS LOTS OF STORAGE COMPARTMENTS AND DEEP DOOR POCKETS, TOO

rear access in tight car parks.

The RAV4’s size made it tricky to drive through our village narrow roads but on the plus side visibility is excellent, with a high driving position and huge windscreen giving a great view of the road. To give the driver this better forward view the front pillars have been moved further outwards, increasing the field of vision from the wheel and the pillars are thinner, too.

Entry level models are labelled ‘Active’ and still have a wide range of features like a 7” touchscreen and rear view camera. The ‘Business Edition’ adds front fog lamps, navigation and retractable mirrors amongst other features and further up the ladder we find the “Business Edition Plus’, the ‘Icon’, and the ‘Excel’ as the top model. The ‘Icon’ on test came with a 2.0Ltr diesel engine producing 143bhp and was a front wheel drive only model. Other engine options include a 2.0Ltr petrol + all wheel drive and the 2.5Ltr

Hybrid with a choice of FWD or AWD. All RAV4s come with seven airbags as standard, plus there’s an electronic stability control system to help you recover the car if it begins to skid. This all helped it to attain a maximum five-star rating from crash test organisation Euro NCAP. If space is your number one priority then the Toyota RAV4 is difficult to ignore on account of

its huge interior. The 2.0-litre diesel engine is also quite frugal, and it’s an easy car to drive. If mostly rugged flavour is what you are after you could well find something you like here. The new Toyota RAV4 has quality, practicality, mechanical refinement and decent value for money on its side, it is also definitely a more traditional kind of SUV in which a bit of rough still comes with the smooth.

March 2016 | motoring 09

ELEGANT DESIGN, ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES AND ENHANCED INTERIOR FOR ALL-NEW KIA SPORTAGE

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he all-new Kia Sportage – the fourth-generation of Kia’s globally-popular compact SUV – features an attractive, all-new interior and exterior design, a host of advanced new technology features and greater quality.

The new Kia Sportage compact SUV builds comprehensively on the success of the outgoing model, offering an innovative and sophisticated package to buyers in an increasingly competitive market.

The new-look interior features increased space and legroom, redesigned seats, and more practical features, that together with a range of technologies, improve comfort, convenience, connectivity and safety.

A range of new and updated engines and transmissions will result in enhanced efficiency and performance, while ride, handling and refinement are all improved.

The design of the new Sportage has been led by Kia’s European design studio in Frankfurt, Germany, and remains the brand’s bestselling model in Europe, with more than 105,000 sold across Europe in 2015, accounting for 27.4% of Kia sales.

For the first time, a new ‘GT Line’ specification is available to Sportage customers. Designed and engineered to appeal to those looking for a sportier driving experience from their Sportage, the GT Line specification delivers all the versatility of the standard Sportage while adding greater visual and dynamic appeal to those customers that desire it.

The Sportage’s all-new cabin boasts a high standard of material quality, with a far greater proportion of soft-touch materials and the use of cloth, leather and stitching creating a more upscale ambience. The result is an interior that majors on refinement and modern sophistication, with greater soundproofing measures adopted to reduce significantly the intrusion of exterior noise.

The new Sportage has a dual-height luggage floor, allowing taller items to fit into the boot and still remain hidden by the tonneau cover. It also features a new 10 motoring | March 2016

• NEW DESIGN AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES FOR FOURTH-GENERATION COMPACT SUV • MODERN LAYOUT AND GREATER REFINEMENT FOR HIGH QUALITY NEW CABIN • GREATER PASSENGER COMFORT WITH MORE SPACE AND LESS NOISE • THE SAFEST SPORTAGE YET, WITH A STRONGER BODY AND NEW ACTIVE SAFETY TECH • SMOOTHER, MORE REFINED RIDE AND GREATER HANDLING AGILITY • NEW TECHNOLOGIES INCLUDE WIRELESS PHONE CHARGING, CONNECTED SERVICES AND AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING

SAFETY, AS ALWAYS, IS A TOP PRIORITY FOR KIA, AND THE NEW SPORTAGE HAS BEEN ENGINEERED TO MEET THE TOUGHEST AND MOST DEMANDING CRASH SAFETY TESTS, THANKS TO AN EVEN STRONGER BODY SHELL, AIRBAGS FOR DRIVER, FRONT PASSENGER, FIRST ROW SIDE AIRBAGS, AND FIRST AND SECOND ROW CURTAIN AIRBAGS, AS WELL AS CHILD SAFETY FEATURES

under-floor tonneau cover storage area – unique in the class.

Safety, as always, is a top priority for Kia, and the new Sportage has been engineered to meet the toughest and most demanding crash safety tests, thanks to an even stronger body shell, airbags for driver, front passenger, first row side airbags, and first and second row curtain airbags, as well as child safety features. The car scored a maximum possible five-star safety rating in the Euro NCAP crash performance tests.

As before, the Sportage continues to be offered with a choice of front- and allwheel drive, with the revisions to suspension and steering, and the latest electronic driver aids, providing stable

handling and high levels of grip in all conditions.

The all-new Sportage is available with a choice of 16-, 17- or 19-inch aluminium alloy wheel designs, while the GT Line specification comes with a unique 19-inch wheel option as standard.

The 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is paired with a 160 watt sixspeaker audio system. A first for any car in the C-SUV segment, users will now be able to charge their phone without a wire connection.

When developing the new Sportage, engineers focussed on efficiency and driving performance, from the new vehicle’s various power units. Every engine in the range is compliant with the latest Euro 6 emission standard resulting in

cleaner exhaust emissions and lower fuel consumption. This has been achieved, not only without compromising on-road performance, but enhancing it, thus establishing a step forward in terms of fuel economy, performance and NVH over the outgoing Sportage and other C-SUV rivals.

The all-new Sportage offers buyers a wide choice of gasoline and diesel engines coupled to either six-speed manual or sixspeed automatic transmissions.

The gasoline engines available on the entry level Sportage LX is a 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine, producing 130bhp and 160.8 Nm torque, which through improved aerodynamic efficiency this engine promises lower emissions at 156g/km and fuel consumption of 6.7l/100km.

Meanwhile, the diesel engines range which account for the lion’s share of Sportage models sold in Europe will continue to offer the 113bhp 1.7-litre CRDi engine with manual transmission offering reduced emissions at 124g/km and a frugal consumption of 4.7l/100km. The significantly-upgraded 2.0-litre ‘R’ diesel power unit establishes a step forward in terms of fuel economy, performance and NVH over the outgoing Sportage and other C-SUV rivals.

The 2.0-litre turbodiesel is available with two power outputs – 134bhp with 373 Nm torque with emissions at 132 g/km and consumption 4.9L/100Km in manual transmission 2WD, and 182bhp with 400 Nm with emissions of 166g/km and consumption of 6.3l/km for the AWD Automatic. Both variants benefit from a 5 kg lighter engine block, up-to-date battery management system, continuously variable displacement oil pump and a new oil filter module.

The all-new Kia Sportage offers the company’s unique 7-year warranty as standard at a starting price of €22,900.

Now is the time to try the all-new Kia Sportage, for more information, send an email to kiasales@cil.com.mt, call on 2269 2120 or visit the website www.kia.com/mt or Facebook page Kia Motors Malta.

THE NEW MINI ONE D CLUBMAN F

• FLEET-FOCUSED MINI ONE D CLUBMAN LAUNCHED IN THE UK • CO2 EMISSIONS FROM 99G/KM, 74.3 MPG ON THE COMBINED CYCLE • EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH STANDARD SPECIFICATION INCLUDING MINI NAVIGATION, DAB, BLUETOOTH, CRUISE CONTROL, MINI CONNECTED AND MINI EXCITEMENT PACK (INCLUDING MINI LOGO PROJECTION ollowing the successful UK market launch of the MINI Clubman in October 2015, and the recent announcement of the MINI Clubman ALL4, MINI is adding a new model to the range – the MINI One D Clubman.

Retaining the high specification offered across the MINI Clubman range, including MINI Navigation, DAB, Bluetooth, Cruise control and MINI Connected on every car, the new MINI One D Clubman will be of particular interest to fleet and business customers, with this latest model emitting 99g/km* CO2 on the combined cycle. As such, company car drivers will benefit from a low BiK rate of 17% on the MINI One D Clubman in the 2015-16 tax year.

The car’s much-loved signature design feature – its split rear

doors – are retained on this model, while accessibility and everyday usability are further enhanced thanks to four fullsized side doors.The resulting car is a powerful fusion of sleek lines, innovative touches and first-rate materials with generous space for five occupants, excellent luggage capacity and classic MINI driving characteristics.

EFFICIENT POWERTRAIN FEATURING MINI TWINPOWER TURBO TECHNOLOGY The new MINI One D Clubman is powered by the latest generation three-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo diesel engine which meets EU6 exhaust emission standards.

With a peak output of 116hp generating 270NM of torque, the unit provides both excellent pulling power and efficiency.The top speed is 119mph. Fuel consumption averages an exceptional 74.3 mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 99 grams per kilometre (EU test cycle figures, dependent on tyre format selected).

A six-speed manual transmissions is standard on the MINI One D Clubman.This transmission is characterised by low weight, a high level of internal efficiency and outstanding shift comfort optimised with carbon fibre friction linings for the synchroniser rings. An optional six-speed Steptronic transmission is available, providing the driver with a high level of shift comfort.

The brand’s pioneering MINIMALISM technologies are fitted as standard on this new model, with shift point display, brake energy regeneration, active cooling air flaps and needs-oriented control of the fuel and coolant pump as well as other ancillary components.

SAFE BY DESIGN: A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF SAFETY FEATURES AS STANDARD In addition to the torsionally stiff, rigid and light-weight body structure, a complete set of standard safety features also contributes to the outstanding occupant protection of the new MINI One D Clubman.This extensive protection comprises of six airbags, 3-point automatic belts on all seats including belt tensioners and adaptive belt force limiters at the front, as well as ISOFIX child seat mountings at the rear.

A tyre pressure display for each individual wheel is also included as standard. Meanwhile, impact absorbers and precisely defined deformation zones ensure optimised pedestrian protection.

March 2016 | motoring 11

FIAT AT THE 2016 GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

FIAT HAS CHOSEN THE GENEVA MOTOR SHOW AS THE STAGE ON WHICH TO GIVE THE INTERNATIONAL PRESS A FIRST GLIMPSE OF THE COMPLETE TIPO FAMILY, WINNER OF THE RECENT PRESTIGIOUS AUTOBEST "BEST BUY CAR" AWARD FOR 2016. THE 4-DOOR SEDAN WAS IN FACT JOINED BY THE ALL-NEW 5-DOOR AND STATION WAGON VERSIONS.

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ince its world première at the Istanbul Motor Show in May 2015 and its presentation to the international press last November, the Fiat Tipo has collected the prestigious Autobest "Best Buy Car 2016" award, chosen by a jury of 26 journalists from the most authoritative European car magazines.

This accolade underlines the model's standout traits of design, quality, comfort and versatility and rewards an exceptional offering that is squarely focused on value for money, a crucial concept in Fiat's functional family strategy, as summed up by the slogan "You don't need much to get a lot".

The debut of the two new models at the Geneva Motor Show completes the Tipo line-up, which represents Fiat's return to the small car segment. It is a simple and comprehensive offering that targets the heart of the market with the Tipo 5-door and Tipo Station Wagon versions.

Further novelties included the new 124 Spider, which is already on pre-order in the main markets of the EMEA region, and a Show Car based on the Fullback pick-up, which was designed for drivers who love spending their free time in a dynamic and

12 motoring | March 2016

cool way.The 500 family will be out in force with the New 500 in the new "S" trim level, the 500X SUV, which continues to surge in popularity and sales volume, and the 500L, which is the market leader in its segment.

The star of the stand was the New Fiat 500, created to face future market challenges while remaining true to its own deep roots. Developed by the Fiat Style Centre, the city car has a refreshed exterior and interior design, which is unmistakably

500 and even more attractive. It has not grown in size but it is packed with more technology, engine versions and customisation ideas: the icon has evolved and further refined the features that have turned it into a masterpiece.

All FIAT cars have very diverse vocations and characters but share the same common matrix: the iconic 500.There is even room for the traditionally stylish and comfortable Panda, complete with a cameo from "Kung Fu Panda", a fun Show Car which will be auctioned to benefit Conservation International and preserve the habitat of the other

Panda.

Other models on display included the 500X sporting the off-road Cross Plus trim level and one showcasing the Lounge trim level features, two models that are leading the segment in terms of technology and safety systems.

Visitors to the Geneva Motor Show were also able to admire a 500L Trekking in the exclusive two-tone combination of matt

grey with matt black roof, part of the new S Pack, and the Beats hi-fi system.The S Pack – which is being unveiled at the show and will be available from April is unique in looks and features.

The FIAT Stand in Geneva used sophisticated symbolism and elegance to attract visitors.The theme of the installation is duality and the complementarity of opposing elements, as summarised by the Yin and Yang concept. In other words, mutually related elements that constantly alternate through changes in the state of equilibrium. In short, the stand represents the two functional and exciting worlds that characterise the Fiat brand.

On the white side, to the left of the stand, models were characterised by simplicity, functionality and convenience: the features that have always marked the Fiat brand. Even so, over the course of its history, Fiat has created thrilling vehicles that have become a fashion icon. “Value for money” and “Dolce vita”, typically Italian values, are both part of the brand's DNA. On the black side, to the right, FIAT exhibited those vehicles that embody seduction and ambition. From an architectural point of view, the underlying construction that defines the space looks like a fluid and harmonious structure with a contemporary edge.

OPEL ASTRA VOTED “CAR OF THE YEAR 2016” PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FROM LEADING AUTOMOTIVE JOURNALISTS PRESENTED AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

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he new Opel Astra is “Car of the Year 2016” and therefore the winner of the most renowned award in the industry.The 58-strong jury of automotive journalists from 22 European countries awarded the Astra a total of 309

points versus 294 for the Volvo XC90 and 202for the Mazda MX-5.

The “Car of the Year 2016” trophy was presented to Opel CEO Dr Karl-Thomas Neumann by COTY president Hakan Matson on the eve of the first press day at the 86th

Geneva International Motor Show.

The Astra emerged as the winner from a field of seven COTY finalists. More than 40 new cars, from sporty roadsters to premium limousines and sports utility vehicles, were among the original contenders.

“The new Astra represents the start of a new era at Opel and victory in this year’s ‘Car of the Year’ competition shows that we are on the right track,” said DrKarl-Thomas Neumann. “It is an honour for us to receive such a prestigious award from leading automotive journalists.”

Three new Opel models have been named “Car of the Year” in its last eight editions.The new Astra has already won international awards such as SAFETYBEST 2015 and the 2015 Golden Steering Wheel since its launch last fall. It also received the maximum five stars for its performance in the Euro NCAP crash test.

Both the five-door and the Sports Tourer variants of the new titleholder are based on a completely new lightweight vehicle architecture. Power is delivered exclusively by the newest-generation diesel and gasoline engines. Smartphone integration and the groundbreaking personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar enable ultra-modern connectivity.The Astra also continues Opel’s tradition of introducing features previously only known from higher segments into the compact segment, such as IntelliLux LED® matrix light.

The European Car of the Year award was founded in 1964.This year’s victory takes Opel’s total “Car of the Year” tally to five.The Opel Kadett E was the first car from Rüsselsheim to win the award in 1985.Two years later, the Omega A once again took the pan-European accolade. In recent years, Opel has come out on top twice – with the Insignia in 2009 and the Ampera in 2012.

Opel is represented in Malta by Cars International, Mdina Road Qormi. For more information or test-drive on any Opel car, send an email to opelsales@cil.com.mt or call 2269 2122. You can also visit opel.com.mt or the Facebook page Opel Malta.

March 2016 | motoring 13

TOYOTA C-HR

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MAKING ITS WORLD DEBUT AT THE 2016 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW, THE C-HR GIVES TOYOTA A NEW PRESENCE IN THE CROSSOVER MARKET. DESIGNED TO STAND OUT BOTH WITHIN THE TOYOTA LINE-UP AND IN ITS SEGMENT, IT REPRESENTS AKIO TOYODA’S DETERMINATION TO ALLOW GREATER STYLISTIC FREEDOM AND PROMOTE ENGINEERING CREATIVITY IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE EYECATCHING DESIGNS AND ENHANCED DRIVING PLEASURE. he unique character of the C-HR demonstrates the flexibility of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) for vehicle developers in the three key areas of design, powertrain and dynamics, allowing them to deliver a fresh take in the increasingly popular crossover segment.

As a result, the C-HR remains remarkably true to the general features of the concept-cars that attracted so much public attention at Paris in 2014 and Frankfurt in 2015.The coupe-like lines are a testimony to the resolve of its designers to create a style that stands out in the Toyota range, and to establish a new direction amongst mid-sized crossovers.

The C-HR also brings innovation to its segment through the introduction of a hybrid powertrain. Using Toyota’s very latest 1.8-litre hybrid system, the driving experience is matched to a level of efficiency previously unseen in the crossover segment.

A COUPE-LIKE DESIGN The C-HR introduces a distinctive styling featuring a body with a diamond architectural theme with wheel arches projecting prominently at all four corners to emphasise the new crossover’s strength and rigidity.The C-HR’s modulated structure combines the powerful lower body and raised ground clearance with the slim and sleek cabin profile of a coupe.

The front represents a further development of Toyota’s Under Priority and Keen Look design identity.The slender upper grille flows from the Toyota emblem into the sleek, aggressive wing extremities of the headlamp clusters and wraps fully around the front corners of the vehicle.

The lamp clusters incorporate full LED lighting with light guides and sequential turn signals, giving the C-HR its own unique visual signature. Below, the enhanced threedimensionality of the bumper that’s integrated with the wheel flairs and the

USING TOYOTA’S VERY LATEST 1.8-LITRE HYBRID SYSTEM, THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE IS MATCHED TO A LEVEL OF EFFICIENCY PREVIOUSLY UNSEEN IN THE CROSSOVER SEGMENT trapezoidal lower grille architecture reinforce the C-HR’s wide, firmly planted stance.

The movement of the blacked out rocker panel towards the front and rear wheel, along with the shoulder axis that runs through to the front and rear emphasize the fast-looking, “lift-up” feel of the thin

body.The C-HR’s coupe-like styling is further enhanced by disguised rear door handles integrated within the C pillar, and the powerful projection of the sweeping roofline into a large, skeletal frame rear spoiler.

To the rear, the strongly tapered cabin integrates the back door while securing luggage space.This contrasts with the pronounced flaring of the wheel arches to give the new crossover a wide and extremely powerful stance. Standing proud of the tapering body work, prominent rear light clusters may also be equipped with LED lamp technology to give the C-HR an equally expressive rear light visual signature.

This car is the result of a global cooperation between design centres on three continents and was managed by Project Chief Designer Kazuhiko Isawa.The original exterior design was created by Calty, the Toyota design studio in California.

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

TUCSON ADDS 1.7-LITRE HIGH-POWER DIESEL WITH 7-SPEED DCT TO LINE-UP • HYUNDAI’S BEST-SELLING TUCSON COMPACT SUV GAINS ADDITIONAL POWERTRAIN • AN EFFICIENT 1.7-LITRE DIESEL WITH SEVEN-SPEED DOUBLE CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (7DCT) AND FRONT WHEEL DRIVE WILL BE ADDED TO THE EXISTING FIVE POWERTRAINS • WITH A TOTAL OF TWO PETROL ENGINES AND NOW FOUR DIESEL OPTIONS THE TUCSON HAS ONE OF THE WIDEST POWERTRAIN RANGES IT ITS CLASS

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yundai’s All New Tucson compact SUV, introduced to the European market in late 2015, will now offer a sixth powertrain option for the Tucson. An efficient 1.7-litre diesel with seven-speed double clutch transmission (7DCT) will be added to attract even more customers.

The All-New Tucson is Hyundai Motor’s fastest-selling European model with more than 115,000 cars ordered in Europe.The powertrain range of the compact SUV already one of the widest in the segment - is now further extended with the addition of the dynamic 104 kW (141 PS) 1.7-litre turbo diesel engine. In combination with the efficient seven-speed double clutch transmission (7DCT) and front wheel drive it emits only 129 g of CO2 and consumes a moderate 4.9 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (combined). The turbo diesel engine provides a maximum

14 motoring | March 2016

FIVE STAR SAFETY

torque of 340 Nm over a wide rev range of 1,750 rpm to 2,500 rpm.

20% HIGHER FUEL EFFICIENCY Hyundai Motor’s in-house developed 7DCT system offers a choice between fully automatic operation and sequential manual gear changes, selected with the gear lever for greater driver involvement. The 7DCT provides 20% higher fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions compared to a six-speed automatic transmission. For further efficiency the new powertrain also comes with the Integrated Stop & Go (ISG) system as standard, which is also available for the 1.7-litre (low power), and the 2.0-litre standard-power diesel engines as well as the 1.6-litre petrol engine.

The Tucson is one of the safest vehicles in its segment and received the maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It benefits from a solid body structure featuring 51% of ultrahigh strength steel for improved torsional rigidity and impact resistance and a host of innovative passive and active safety features like Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition that stops the car automatically if a crash is predicted. The Tucson’s list of safety features also includes a Blind Spot Detection alerts the driver to approaching vehicles, Rear Cross Traffic Alert which scans a 180-degree area behind the vehicle alerting the driver if there is approaching cross-traffic and the Lane Keeping Assist System applying steering correction in case of unintended lane departure. Additionally the Active Hood cushions the impact shock in case of a frontal collision.

MADE IN EUROPE FOR EUROPE Hyundai Motor manufactures 100% of Tucson models sold in European markets at its facility in the Czech Republic – a key part of its commitment to the region.

Hyundai’s confidence in its European build quality means that every All-New Tucson will come with the company’s industry-leading Five Year Unlimited mileage Warranty as standard.