Motoring October 2018

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IN THIS ISSUE: RENAULT COMMERCIAL RANGE - A COMPLETE RANGE OF VEHICLES FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS! | ABARTH CELEBRATES NEW GUINNESS WORLD RECORD WITH 124 SPIDER | TAXI! EXPERIENCE JAGUAR XE SV PROJECT 8 | HARD CELL ON SAFETY FROM HYUNDAI WITH THE NEXO | NEW 2018 MAZDA6 ACHIEVES 5 STAR EURO NCAP RATING | PORSCHE GB BRINGS 20 STUNNING RESTORATIONS TO NEC CLASSIC

The Malta Independent on Sunday. October 2018

Renault Commercial Range A complete range of vehicles for all your needs! also inside

Discover Dramatic Campania CAMPANIA VINEYARD SPOTLIGHT: TERREDORA



DISCOVER DRAMATIC

CAMPANIA

Sorrento

, IN SOUTHWESTERN ITALY, IS KNOWN FOR ITS DRAMATIC COASTLINE, ANCIENT RUINS AND DELICIOUS FOOD. NAPLES, THE REGIONAL CAPITAL, IS A BUSTLING CITY SET BETWEEN THE TOWERING MT. VESUVIUS AND THE DEEP BLUE WATERS OF THE BAY OF NAPLES. TO THE SOUTH, THE AMALFI COAST IS HOME TO PASTEL-HUED TOWNS SUCH AS SORRENTO, POSITANO, AND AMALFI, NESTLED BETWEEN CLIFFS AND THE SEA. TAKE A SPECTACULAR ROAD TRIP AND EXPLORE THE SORRENTO PENINSULA, DISCOVERING THE COAST OF ITALY AT YOUR OWN PACE, CRUISING ALONG SUNNY OCEAN-SIDE HIGHWAYS. CAMPNI

Galleria Umberto I, Naples

Naples Naples sits on the Bay of Naples, under Mount Vesuvius, the active volcano that destroyed nearby Pompeii. Dating to the 2nd millennium B.C., Naples has centuries of important art and architecture including the city's cathedral, the Duomo di San Gennaro, the lavish Royal Palace and Castel Nuovo, a 13th-century castle which houses the main city museum and offers some of the best views of Naples from its easily accessible roof. The Neapolitan National Gallery exhibits an internationally important collection of Baroque and Renaissance era paintings in a serene setting surrounded by a beautiful park. Hundreds of monumental churches and palazzos line the city streets. This is the place to try true Neapolitan pizza and mouthwatering Neapolitan baba.

Sorrento and Pompeii Sorrento is perched on cliffs that separate the town from its busy marinas, and is known for sweeping water views and Piazza Tasso, a cafe-lined square. The historic centre is a maze of narrow alleys and winding roads that's home to the Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th-century church with a tranquil cloister. Sorrento is a wonderful baseto explore Pompeii and the stunning surrounding countryside. Take a Pompeii

Pompeii

daytrip and stop in at the Puntacampanella Natural Reserve before you tour the Pompeii ruins. You'll find yourself immersed in archeological sites like the Temple of Apollo, Via dei Sepolcri, Forum Granary, and the notorious House of the Tragic Poet.

Amalfi The Amalfi Coast is a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline between the port city of Salerno and clifftop Sorrento, winding past grand villas, vineyards and cliffside lemon groves, dotted with small beaches and pastel-colored fishing villages. the town of Amalfi is set below steep cliffs on Italy’s southwest coast. Between the 9th and 11th centuries, it was the seat of a powerful maritime republic. Amafli's Arab-Norman Sant'Andrea cathedral at the heart of town, with its striped Byzantine facade, survives from this era while the Museo Arsenale Amalfi is a medieval shipyard-turned-exhibition space.

Amalfi Coast

streets and alleyways of the historical old town. Recent urban-regeneration programs centred on the historic neighbourhood feature a dramatic new ferry terminal designed by the late Zaha Hadid and a tree-lined seafront promenade which is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Salerno The conclusion of a trip along the Amalfi Coast road will bring you to the historic city of Salerno. Salerno's vibrant centro storico is packed with medieval churches sharing space with neighbourhood trattorias, neon-lit wine bars and tattoo parlours. Visit the medieval Duomo of Salerno and enjoy the ancient

Salerno October 2018 | motoring 03


CAMPANIA VINEYARD SPOTLIGHT

TERREDORA

Terredora vineyards

IS SITUATED NEAR THE VILLAGE OF MONTEFUSCO, RIGHT IN THE HEART OF CAMPANIA’S BEST WINE GROWING REGION WITH THE DENOMINATED AREAS OF TAURASI, AVELLINO (FIANO DI AVELLINO) AND TUFO (GRECO DI TUFO) ALL CLOSE BY. IT IS A BEAUTIFUL, MOUNTAINOUS AREA AND TERREDORA’S SUBSTANTIAL WINERY SITS ON A HILLSIDE LOOKING OUT OVER THE MOST FERTILE PART OF CAMPANIA.

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Mastroberardino family

erredora has climbed quickly to the pinnacle of Campania’s wine production since 1992. In fact, it has an intriguing short history, being the product of a split in the Mastroberardino family who have dominated the Campania wine scene for several generations. Walter Mastroberardino, with his children Paolo, Lucio and Daniela, went off and set up Terredora taking all the vineyards but leaving the cellars and the brand name behind. The result is that Terredora is the largest vineyard owner in Campania, with 180 hectares of vines. These are all within 15km of Montefusco, except one rented vineyard on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. Terredora Di Paolo is a continuation of the ancient story of Campania, its people and their passion for their land and their winemaking. For us the land is

Walter Mastroberardino

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Terredora vineyards 04 motoring | October 2018

Taurasi, 1998

central to our family. It represents our soul and the driving force behind the winery, which is why, year after year, we consider the harvest our greatest treasure. TERREDORA DI PAOLO has been on the forefront of the wine renaissance in Campania since 1978. This is a region that was famous for producing the best wines of the Roman Empire and Terredora Di Paolo is committed to re-establishing it to its former glory. They have been instrumental in reintroducing ancient grape varieties, promoting modern innovation and training the men and women who will be responsible for carrying their vision into the future. Today, with more than 120 hectares of vineyard land, Terredora Di Paolo is Campania’s largest wine producer and vineyard owner, with a worldwide reputation for the quality of its wines. Their commitment to excellence was proven in 1994 when they decided to vinify their own grapes. This decision

was prompted by their belief that great wine comes from the balance of natural resources: terrain, varieties used, climate and man’s ability to work with nature. The winery is nestled in the enchanting landscape of Serra in Montefusco, in Avellino province, which is the most hilly and mountainous among the 5 districts of Campania. Set on the ridge which divides the Sabato river valley from Calore, The winery is in Montefusco not by chance but due to the presence of its own estates in Santa Paolina, Montefusco, Montemiletto, Montefalcione, Lapio; neighbouring places which mark a sort of “wine route” among the 3 Irpinia’s Docg areas: Greco di Tufo, Taurasi e Fiano di Avellino. GRECO DI TUFO DOCG, LOGGIA DELLA SERRA, TERREDORA DIPAULO. A superb wine from Campania with almond and smoky aromas then succulent, sugary grapefruit in the mouth, but entirely dry. Greco is the grape, Tufo is the village situated in a mountainous area of volcanic soils. Plan a visit. Visit Terredora Winery: Via Serra s.n.c., Montefusco, Italy. Email: info@terredora.com Locally Terredora 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


ABARTH CELEBRATES NEW GUINNESS WORLD RECORD WITH 124 SPIDER

• ALASTAIR MOFFATT HAS CLAIMED THE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR THE ‘FASTEST FIGURE OF EIGHT, FIVE TIMES BETWEEN TWO CARS’ • NEW GUINNESS WORLD RECORD SET AT THE 2018 CHATEAU IMPNEY HILL CLIMB IN JULY • COMPLETELY STANDARD ABARTH 124 SPIDER USED IN RECORD ATTEMPT • ABARTH 124 SPIDER IS AVAILABLE FROM £199 PER MONTH ON A 2 YEAR PCH OFFER UNTIL THE END OF DECEMBER 2018

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barth is celebrating achieving a new Guinness World Record after one of its 124 spider models achieved the ‘fastest figure of eight, five times between two cars’ in 45.66 seconds. At the wheel of the completely standard car was worldrenowned stunt driver Alastair Moffatt.The record was set during the 2018 Chateau Impney Hill Climb in July this year, but has only now been officially recognised by the famous world record organisation. Alastair executed the astonishing manoeuvre of a figure of eight, sliding neatly between two other Abarth 124 spiders, five times in succession. The vehicle used had no modifications made to the engine, gearbox, chassis or brakes.The car’s electronic stability program

(ESP) was also turned off to allow the Abarth 124 spider to be controlled using the handbrake, and the tyre pressures were increased to compensate for the abrasiveness of the surface. Alastair, a Master Instructor at Stunt Drive UK, holds multiple Guinness World Records for precision driving including the ‘Tightest Reverse Parallel Park’ and ‘Tightest Single Parallel Park’.

Commenting on his achievement, he noted, “It’s wonderful to have set this record! Finding the right vehicle is increasingly important for these record attempts, so the light weight, agility and rear wheel drive of the Abarth 124 spider made it the perfect choice.” Gerry Southerington for Abarth UK commented, “We’re delighted that Alastair chose the Abarth

124 spider for this record attempt. Abarth have a long history of setting records in the past and it’s great to have added a new one. “We congratulate Alastair on his remarkable achievement. We don’t recommend that people attempt such amazing stunts in public, but it’s good to know that the Abarth 124 spider is incredibly maneuverable in the

hands of a trained professional.” The Abarth 124 spider is fitted with a 1.4 MultiAir Turbo 170hp engine reaching 62mph in 6.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 144mph while returning a combined cycle and emitting 148g/km CO2 for the manual. The 1.4 MultiAir Turbo engine has a combined cycle of 44.1mpg for the manual and 42.8mpg for the automatic.

TAXI! EXPERIENCE JAGUAR XE SV PROJECT 8, THE WORLD’S FASTEST SEDAN, ON THE NÜRBURGRING NORDSCHLEIFE isitors to the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany can now experience the thrill of the fastest production four-door car to lap the legendary circuit as the ultimate XE SV Project 8 with Track Pack becomes the latest Jaguar Race Taxi. Project 8 is the most extreme performance road-legal Jaguar ever, designed, engineered and hand-assembled by Special Vehicle Operations. In November 2017 the 600PS 5.0-litre supercharged V8 sedan beat some of the world’s fastest two-door coupes and supercars to set a record lap time of 7min 21.23sec. Thrill-seekers will get a full demonstration of Project 8’s exceptional performance and handling as Jaguar’s professional drivers take them on a lap of ‘The Green Hell’ at speeds in excess of 250km/h (155mph). Passengers will also experience g-forces of more than 1.3g around the 20.8km (12.9-mile), 73-turn circuit – up to 1.8g in the banked Karussell corner. Phil Talboys, Jaguar Land Rover European Engineering Operations Manager, said:“The XE SV Project 8 demonstrated its incredible mix of raw speed and dynamic precision by setting a Nürburgring

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Nordschleife lap record last year. Now, visitors to this sensational circuit – which played a pivotal role in the development of the ultimate Jaguar XE – will get the chance to experience the full track capability of the world’s fastest four-door sedan.” The Nürburgring Nordschleife was an essential part of the XE SV Project 8’s development process, with Jaguar’s team of engineers and drivers at the SV Development Centre, located at the circuit, honing the most trackfocused car Special Vehicle Operations has ever produced. The Jaguar XE, with its dynamic design and aluminium-intensive monocoque, forms the perfect

foundation for the enhanced performance of Project 8.Taking the already agile and responsive handling of the XE, extensive performance enhancements enable Project 8 to sprint from 060mph in 3.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 200mph. With world-class motorsport technology throughout, Project 8 has carbon fibre panels, adjustable aerodynamics, a unique suspension setup with adjustable

ride height and camber and is the first road car with F1-style ceramic wheel bearings. It’s also the first Jaguar with a dedicated Track Mode, which activates electronic calibration settings tailored to circuit use. The two-seat Track Packequipped Project 8 Race Taxi joins the 575PS four-seat XJR575 Race Taxi – the fastest and most powerful XJ in the luxury saloon’s 50-year history. October 2018 | motoring 05


HARD CELL ON SAFETY FROM HYUNDAI WITH NEW 2018 MAZDA6 THE NEXO EURO NCAP RELEASES THE SAFETY RATING OF SEVEN NEW CARS TODAY.

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he Hyundai NEXO is the first hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle that Euro NCAP has tested, and it is positive to see it achieving a maximum five star rating.

The fourth generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the Mazda 6 and Lexus ES all also achieve a maximum five stars. The Peugeot Rifter and its stablemates, the Citroën Berlingo and Opel Combo, achieve 4 stars. Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP said, “The fuel cell NEXO and hybrid ES point the way for future powertrains and Euro NCAP will work to ensure that safety performance as well as energy efficiency remains at the top of the manufacturers’ agenda. “This is a satisfying set of solid test results and we are pleased that cars continue to perform well in the AEB tests, including for pedestrians and cyclists. It is very welcome to see manufacturers rising to Euro NCAP’s challenge of effective vulnerable road user protection.”

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ACHIEVES 5 STAR EURO NCAP RATING • FIRST MAZDA TO ACHIEVE FIVE STARS IN LATEST 2018 EURO NCAP CRASH TEST RATINGS • WIDER RANGE OF I-ACTIVSENSE SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES AND IMPROVED PEDESTRIAN PROTECTION

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he new 2018 Mazda6 has been awarded the maximum five star rating by Euro NCAP in its latest series of tests. This is the first Mazda to achieve an overall five star rating under the new, more stringent 2018 Euro

NCAP crashworthiness ratings. Key to the new Mazda6's success is an increase in the rigidity of its impact-absorbing yet lightweight SKYACTIV-Body architecture, an even wider range of advanced iACTIVSENSE safety technologies to help drivers identify potential risks and reduce the likelihood of damage or injury, and an improved pedestrian protection performance. Of the four test categories involved in the Euro NCAP ratings - Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road User (pedestrian safety) and Safety Assist, the new Mazda6 bettered or equalled three out of four scores achieved by its predecessor in 2013. The new Mazda6's Adult Occupation score improved by 3% to an exceptional 95%, with maximum points scored for frontal impacts with a stationary car, and both side barrier and side pole impacts. The Child Occupant score rose by a significant 14% to 91%, with maximum points scored in both frontal and lateral impact

categories. A creditable 66% in Vulnerable Road User (pedestrian safety) matches that of the outgoing model, with the new Mazda6 scoring an impressive 73% in the Safety Assist category. Building on an already substantial spread of iACTIVSENSE safety features, the 2018 Mazda6 features an updated Mazda Cruise Control (MRCC), an improved Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) array, an Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) system, Mazda's auto-hold function and a 360° View Monitor. Pedestrian protection performance has also been enhanced by the adoption of an active bonnet design. Superior driving dynamics also contribute to the new Mazda6's five star Euro NCAP achievement, in the form of its linear, responsive and predictable acceleration, braking, handling and steering. By making the car easier to drive safely, such attributes further reduce the potential for accidents without compromising Mazda’s traditional fun-to-drive character.


PORSCHE GB BRINGS 20 STUNNING RESTORATIONS TO NEC CLASSIC AS PART OF 70TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL DISPLAY

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or enthusiasts of classic Porsches, this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, promises to be one of the most exciting yet thanks to the announcement of two special displays featuring 20 stunning restorations never seen before. The first display by Porsche Cars Great Britain, shown at Birmingham’s NEC from 9-11 November, features special edition models that were created to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the legendary German marque. Twenty special edition restorations were commissioned including ten examples of the first generation Boxster model, along with aircooled, water-cooled, and transaxle cars. The restorations were undertaken in conjunction with Porsche Centres and

TWENTY SPECIAL EDITION RESTORATIONS WERE COMMISSIONED INCLUDING TEN EXAMPLES OF THE FIRST GENERATION BOXSTER MODEL, ALONG WITH AIRCOOLED, WATERCOOLED, AND TRANSAXLE CARS. THE RESTORATIONS WERE UNDERTAKEN IN CONJUNCTION WITH PORSCHE CENTRES AND PORSCHE RECOMMENDED REPAIRERS.

Porsche Recommended Repairers. Featuring a bespoke interior and a ’70 years of Porsche’ commemorative plaque, each was also finished in ‘Liquid Metal’ silver paint that up to now had only been seen on the stunning Porsche 918 Spyder. The meticulous restorations used Porsche Classic Genuine Parts as well as accessories from the Porsche Classic range including navigation and vehicle tracking systems. The special edition restorations will be sold towards the end of this year and visitors are able to register their interest at the show. The second display celebrates the success of the ‘Restoracing’ competition that consisted of three rounds and six races at the Silverstone and Brands Hatch circuits. Having already held three successful restoration competitions for Porsche Centres, for 2018 it was decided to mark twenty years of the Porsche Boxster. Each centre was challenged to not only restore a ‘986’ Boxster S but to also prepare it to race specification. Each car was also to be finished in a livery inspired by Porsche’s racing history, from the Le Mans-winning ‘Salzburg’ livery to the famous ‘Pink Pig’. The cars were driven by a member of staff with no previous racing experience and the 2018 championship was won by Porsche Centre Bolton. Held in partnership with Porsche Club Great Britain the success of Restoracing will see a second series run in 2019. The Porsche stand will feature a grid display of Restoracing cars, providing a great opportunity to both inspect the much-admired Boxster model and talk to the people that restored and raced them. As if these displays aren’t enticing enough, Porsche is also bringing the ‘Project 70’ race car to the NEC. Based on a 1965 short-wheelbase 911 fitted with a 2.0-litre engine, the car was prepared and managed by the

four Porsche Classic Partners in conjunction with Road & Road Restorations, a Porsche Recommended Repairer. During

2018 the car was raced by legendary drivers including Richard Attwood, Derek Bell, and Anthony Reid and

appeared at events such as the Silverstone Classic, Le Mans Classic, and the Nurburgring’s Oldtimer Grand Prix.

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RENAULT COMMERCIAL RANGE A COMPLETE RANGE OF VEHICLES FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS!

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or more than a century, Renault has been developing, manufacturing and selling Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) to meet the needs of business customers all around the world.

Renault Kangoo

Renault has specifically designed the Kangoo Van with your needs in mind, whatever your business environment. Loading is made easy thanks to the low load threshold and with load volumes starting from 3.6m3. Need more space? The Kangoo Maxi Van comes with load volumes of up to 4.6m3! Need to get tools and a team to site? Look into the Kangoo Maxi Crew Van which boasts seating for 5 and still allows you to securely carry the tools you need for the job. Finally, the Kangoo Van Z.E. 33, being 100% electric features instant pulling power whilst also totally silent and has the added benefit of being eligible for the government electrical grant.

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Renault Trafic

The Trafic Van is available either as a panel van, a crew van or a passenger van. Business owners can choose between short or long wheelbases, low or high roof, glazed or panelled. Like the Kangoo, the Trafic boasts a low load threshold,

whilst load volumes are available from 5.2m3 to 8.6m3. If seating capacity is your main interest, the Trafic Passenger can carry up to 9 passengers.

Renault Master

As the name suggests, this is the largest van in the Renault

LCV range. With load volumes of up to 17m3 and payloads of up to 1,610kg, the Master helps you make efficient use of space. Our platform and chassis cab versions offer you versatility as they can be converted into a vast array of products: from motorhomes to horseboxes. The Renault Master

Passenger boasts seating for up to 17 people, and thus is the ultimate way to transport clients, employees or the family. For further information please visit www.autosales.com.mt or contact Auto Sales Ltd – Kind’s on 21433601.


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