Autoguide Issue 4 - E-Version on www.autotradermalta.com

CARS, BIKES & EVERYTHING ON WHEELS

APRIL 2011 ISSUE 04

EDITORIAL

One of the most pleasurable aspects of my work on Autoguide is choosing the routes for the road tests that in my opinion, most suit each particular car tested and then selecting the location at which to take the pictures. I say pleasurable because it gives me and my colleague Malcolm Naudi the chance to roam about the island, exploring places which we either have never seen before or which we have not visited for some years (and calling it work) and in the case of our in-house photographer Matthew it is, more often than not, places that are completely new to him such as Chadwick Lakes where we took pictures of the BMW X3 last issue. On these drives we discover hidden corners of the island and in my case at least, commit them to memory in order to revisit at later dates. Unfortunately this pleasure is marred by the fact that no matter where we find ourselves

we inevitably have to clean up the area before we can take pictures.

Our island is tiny but enjoys levels of natural and architectural beauty out of all proportion to its size, so why on earth do we find it impossible to treat our islands with respect?

As we conduct our test drives it is amazing to see the levels of litter and environmental abuse which still pervade our highways and byways and I can't help but wonder how things could be if the warden system was even half as fierce with litter louts as it is with motorists. This Easter time is the perfect season to get out there and enjoy the invigorating Spring days - please do so with care.

It is a disappointment that the much anticipated Valletta Grand Prix 2011 has had to be postponed due to the current Valletta upgrading works having an impact upon the course, I am sure like me , you are looking forward to the re-scheduled event in the early Autumn, we at Autoguide will bring you details in due course.

03

A LOOK AT WHAT WE WILL BE DRIVING IN THE FUTURE

CONTENTS 17 KERS or Curse?

Getting revved up at this F1 season's new tech

33 the big drift European Championship hosted in Malta

39 overland trip Michael Fenech recalls a special drive across Europe

For now Easter greetings and safe driving to you all.

Last issues' competition winners were: Alex Agius Cesareo who won Sonax Car Care Products & car wash voucher and Alan Bonnici who won a radio controlled Ferrari Enzo replica. Both winners have been notified.

Editor Mike Dimbleby Technical Advisor Malcom J Naudi Creative Director Mark Portelli Art Director Germán Perujo Design & Production Kevin Barun, Germán Perujo, Alan Cachia, Matthew Debono Photography Matthew Debono Advertising Alberto Serra (Sales Manager) - 7944 7447 Email: a.serra@eslmalta.com Published by Executive Services Ltd. 183/2 Constitution Street, Mosta. Tel: 2142 2171/2/3 Email: autoguide@eslmalta.com Autoguide enjoys a circulation in excess of 40,000 distributed with The Sunday Times.

While making every effort to satisfy our clients and readers, Executive Services Ltd. cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions in advertising or editorials.

This issue we have a fantastic Segway scenic tour voucher from our friends at Segway (Malta) Ltd. plus a pair of high quality Camel Active Shoes for outstanding style and comfort (worth €95). For your chance to win this pair of super prizes answer the question below and send to autoguide@eslmalta. com by May 9th 2011.The winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries received.

Question : Where was this month's Autoguide front cover picture taken? a) Cirkewwa b) Dingli c) Msida

We have this fantastic radio-controlled replica of the Ferrari Enzo, courtesy of Ferrari Fragrances up for grabs. For your chance to win this just answer this question: In which year was Ferrari Scuderia founded? a) 1920 b) 1929 c) 1937 Send you answer before May 9th 2011 to autoguide@eslmalta.com The winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries received.

WWW.AUTOTRADERMALTA.COM autoguide APRIL 2011 | 01

concept cars

On the adventure trail

compiled by Malcolm J. Naudi

The second stage of the human lifecycle, that of two people exploring the world around them, is embodied in the Renault Captur.

This follows the first, falling in love, shown in Frankfurt in 2009 – the two-seater DeZir. Captur defines the simple, sensuous and warm style that will be progressively extended to future Renault car designs. In its proportions and fluid curves, Captur evokes movement and lightness, yet at the same time displaying powerful and muscular all-terrain cues.

The centrepiece of Captur’s frontal design is a large Renault logo, set vertically against a dark surface so as to stand out as clearly as possible.

Substantial, matt-finished wings reinforce the design’s visual strength.

LEDs relay the direction indicator signal in a wave effect running the whole length of the vehicle.

Captur is a practical, versatile vehicle.

It is fitted with a hard convertible top which, once removed, reveals a carbon fibre framework. It can thus transform itself from a coupé to a convertible, from an urban vehicle to an off-roader, while its overall sporty appeal is reinforced by its butterfly doors and big tyres fitted to 22-inch black and white rims.

With its bodywork finished in a spicy shade of orange, Captur takes its cue from the red championed

by DeZir. This colour appears in a variety of different shades on materials both inside and outside the vehicle. The orange theme has been carried over to the cabin, which also features fluorescent highlights picked out by a constant stream of light.

The interior of Captur is designed to be both welcoming and occupant friendly. The impression of lightness is dominant here, too, with the front seats attached to the centre console as if

suspended in mid air. The passenger compartment is restrained and pure, with no superfluous equipment.

Innovative, ingenious materials have been employed, allowing the designers to play with light and optical effects. The centre console, door casings and dashboard are formed using a translucent material rather like a second skin. At the front of the cabin, this includes a glimpse of the high-tech fibre ropes, luminescent in places, which have been used for most of the passenger compartment.

Captur uses the Energy dCi 160 twin-turbo engine concept, developed from the new Energy dCi 130 that will eventually replace the 1.9 dCi. Downsizing is a key element in Renault’s strategy to meet its declared objective of being Europe’s leading automaker for low CO2 emissions. The range of electric vehicles will run alongside internal-combustion engined models that combine performance

with reduced fuel consumption.

The Energy dCi 160 twin-turbo produces 160 hp from a capacity of 1.6 litres – that’s a specific power output of 100 hp per litre. Peak torque (pulling power, of 380 Nm) is available from as low as 1,750 rpm, giving powerful acceleration from low revs, as well as refined performance under all driving conditions. Paired with a dual clutch EDC gearbox, this driveline promises genuinely enjoyable driving with CO2 emissions of less than 99 g per kilometre.

Captur’s performance is further enhanced by the RX2®, a novel system that improves traction at low speeds. Should one of the two driven wheels lose traction, this entirely new mechanical selflocking differential transfers all or part of the engine’s torque to the wheel with the most grip. Driving on slippery roads and tracks thus remains smooth and effortless.

The Visio-System, an innovation that uses a forward-facing camera mounted at the top of the windscreen to provide driver-assistance functions, also makes its debut. The new technology can embed synthesised images into real-time images of the road ahead displayed on a central screen following the principle of augmented reality.

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 03

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concept cars

Delivering excitement The exciting Swift S-CONCEPT is in line with Suzuki’s brand philosophy of delivering excitement. It aims to create a stylish sport compact with premium performance.

The design follows the theme of ”more sporty and exciting” and is reflected in its stylish appearance with bold, accentuated bodywork design and rear roof spoiler.

The Swift S-CONCEPT’s body is 30 mm lower and 60 mm wider than that of the standard Swift and has such a strong visual presence that it doesn’t seem as compact as it actually is.

Dynamic-looking front and rear bumpers and a big rear spoiler evoke high levels of acceleration and power, and 18-inch wheels give a sense of solidity and stability. The headlamps and rear combination lamps have exclusive

Suzuki Swift S-CONCEPT designs with high-tech accents.

Suzuki’s sporty DNA is reflected in a unique Lightning Pearl Yellow body that looks different from varying angles, communicating intensity, depth and excitement

– one of Suzuki’s core values.

The bespoke yellow, black, and dark grey metallic colour scheme for both the exterior and interior were inspired by an athlete’s running shoes.

For the interior, the steering wheel and instrument cluster have exclusive designs with Recaro Sport styled seats in the front, and parts of the centre console are made of carbon fibre.

Microbus spirit revived Volkswagen Bulli

Volkswagen unveiled an all-new concept, the ‘Bulli’, at the Geneva Motor Show, a development of the Microbus concept, which made its debut ten years ago. More compact than the 2001 concept, the new Bulli is powered by an electric motor and fitted with six seats and infotainment control via iPad. It is front engined and front-wheel drive.

On a 2,620 mm wheelbase – slightly longer than that of a Golf (2,580 mm) – the new Bulli is 3,990 mm long, 1,750 mm wide and 1,700 mm high. In relation to its width it has

a wide track (1,500 mm front and rear), and very short overhangs.

Its kerb weight is 1,450 kg.

This includes the weight of the energy source: a 40 kWh lithiumion battery, which is concealed in the sandwiched floor behind the sills and powers the Bulli’s electric motor. This engine produces 115 PS of power and 260 Nm of torque (pulling power). The theoretical driving range is up to 300 km.

With this electric motor, the new Bulli can accelerate to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds and go on

to an electronically limited top speed of 140 km/h. The concept could also accommodate, as an alternative power source, one of Volkswagen’s efficient petrol and diesel direct injection engines.

Inside the Bulli has six seats: three on a front bench seat (which can be split and folded) and three on the rear bench which can be folded flat to maximise load space – or turn into a bed in the true spirit of the iconic campervan. When all six seats are occupied, a 370-litre load space is available; with seats folded, the cargo capacity of the 1,800 mm-long interior increases to 1,600 litres.

A removable iPad in the centre console serves as a multifunction touchscreen. There is no tachometer, centre console or gear lever. The latter is replaced by a rotary switch to the right of the driver, which is used to select forward and reverse gears. A push button in the same switch is used to activate and switch off the motor. Another rotary switch to the left of the driver is used to control the lighting functions.

The VW Bulli concept has two-tone paint, a distinctive ‘V’ on the bonnet and 18-inch alloy wheels with stylised chrome hubcaps

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 5

A Daimler brand

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For more information visit www.mercedes-benz.com.mt

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news

autoguide update

Autoguide gives you 3 pages of the latest news and views from the motoring world

Citroën C4 launched Muscats Motors unveiled the all-new Citroën C4 before the local motoring media last month at the Radisson Blu Resort Hotel & Spa, Golden Sands.

Compared to the current generation, the new C4 has grown in dimensions, adding 50 mm in length, 20 mm in width, and 30 mm in height. It also comes with a new exterior design: more aggressive headlights, a bolder grille, additional chrome accent, a roof-mounted spoiler, a classier rear bumper and modern tail lights.

The C4 is available with Citroën’s new micro-hybrid e-HDi powertrains, which feature the latest generation Stop & Start system that helps deliver CO2 emissions as low as 109 g/km at launch – and 99 g/ km on future models. Next to it there will be the usual turbocharged petrol and HDi diesel engines.

Personal comfort in the new C4 can be tailored to suit individual requirements with users able to adjust the colour of the driver’s instrument display, select their ‘polyphonic’ sound alerts, finely adjust the intensity of the air-conditioning and immerse themselves in the rich surround-

sound of the new audio system.

Some models come with a new massage function on the front seats.

Alongside existing range technologies, such as EGS (Electronic Gearbox System), hill start assist, automatic electric parking brake, Lane Departure Warning System and Xenon dual-function directional headlamps, the new C4 is available with convenient, useful new technologies – some of which

are unique to the segment.

These include a new blind-spot monitoring system, the cornering light function, cruise control and speed-limiter with road speed memory settings, and an innovative new service called eTouch.

As well as offering on-board emergency assistance, Citroën’s eTouch system enables drivers to monitor their driving patterns and fuel consumption, and receive

advice on how to improve their fuel economy. The system also allows drivers to consult their vehicle’s technical status and monitor any necessary maintenance or servicing requirements.

The starting price of the new C4 is €16,990 for a 1.4 petrol model. Specifications include airconditioning, power steering, alloy wheels, four airbags, ESP, ABS, radio CD and remote central locking.

Latest SsangYong Korando in Malta Local SsangYong importer Michael Attard Ltd of Blata l-Bajda has taken delivery of the latest Korando model,

dubbed a classy utility vehicle.

Designed with input from Giorgetto Giugiaro, the new Korando is powered by a 2.0-litre 181 bhp

diesel engine giving 360 Nm of torque (pulling power) at 2,0003,000 rpm and returning a combined fuel consumption of 7.5 litres/100 km. CO2 emissions are 157 g/ km for the six-speed manual (199 g/km for the automatic).

Built on a new platform, the Korando embodies the company’s design philosophy, ‘Premium, Robust, and Specialty’. Standard features including six airbags, ESP with emergency brake assist, automatic active headrests, climate

control air-conditioning, hill start assist, active roll over protection and emergency stop signal, speed adjustable electronic power steering, cruise control, leather steering wheel, electrochromatic rear view mirror, front fog lamps, heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity, rear glass overtint, rear parking aid and roof rails.

The Korando retails from €28,800 and it is covered with a threeyear manufacturer’s warranty.

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 7

news

Euro NCAP testing plug-in electric vehicles Euro NCAP has carried out its first test of a fully electric car.

The results were published along with those for six new vehicles.

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV achieved a creditable four-star rating, showing that safety does not need to be compromised in zeroemissions vehicles. The i-MiEV shares its rating with its twin models, the Citroën C-Zero and Peugeot iOn, which have the same design and safety equipment.

Dr Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP’s Secretary General, said: ”We recognise the efforts made by Mitsubishi to demonstrate that plug-in battery powered cars can be as safe as others. It shows that a future 5-star accolade for EVs is not unthinkable.

Whether produced by established car manufacturers or by new players

on the market, consumers should expect to get electric vehicles that meet the same safety standards as conventional vehicles.’

Euro NCAP tests plug-in electric vehicles with live batteries and the cars are exposed to the same test conditions as the other cars in the programme. Special attention is given to post-crash battery integrity and the proper functioning of the battery cut-off switch that isolates the high-voltage battery in the event of a crash.

To test these cars in a safe manner, extra precautions are taken before, during and after testing: the tests can only be performed at laboratories with specially trained personnel; service plugs are removed during vehicle preparation and extra fire-fighting

FRONTAL IMPACT OF MITSUBISHI I-MIEV measures are taken to ensure the safety of laboratory personnel and equipment. No electrical or fire hazards were detected during the testing of the i-MiEV. The other vehicles tested were the small off-road 4x4 Dacia Duster which, with an overall rating of 3 stars, failed to impress Euro NCAP. Scoring only 28% in pedestrian protection and 29% for safety assist, the Duster performs well below the latest level of safety performance demonstrated by other new cars on the European

market. It is disappointing that a mother company like Renault does not give safety the same priority in Dacia cars as it does in cars sold under its own brand.

In contrast, the Mitsubishi ASX and the Nissan Juke achieved the coveted 5-star overall rating. Euro NCAP also gave 5 stars to the small MPV Hyundai ix20, twin of the Kia Venga tested in 2010. Both cars have identical safety equipment and interior fittings, and are expected to perform identically. Further details are on www.euroncap.com.

Porsche to build new ‘Cajun’ in Leipzig The newest vehicle in the Porsche range, with the project designation ‘Cajun’, will be manufactured at the Porsche factory in Leipzig, Germany, the supervisory board has decided.

At least a thousand new jobs are to be created in Leipzig, and additional new jobs at Porsche in Zuffenhausen and Weissach. Subject to approval by the authorities, construction work

at the 400-hectare site is scheduled to begin later this year. ”During the production of the Cayenne and the Panamera, our Leipzig plant has impressively proved that it can produce premium vehicles of highest quality,” said Matthias Müller, chairman of the Porsche AG board of management. ”The decision in favour of this location is proof of our

trust in the skills and qualifications of our Leipzig associates, and at the same time another contribution to the economic advancement of the region.” Uwe Hück, chairman of the group works council, said: ”We had tough but fair negotiations. The employees’ representatives have always been convinced that it is worthwhile to make the ‘Cajun’ at our

Saxony plant. At the end of the day, the high flexibility and productivity of our colleagues has convinced the management board and the supervisory board to produce the ‘Cajun’ in Leipzig.”

With the efficient and agile ‘Cajun’, Porsche is extending its SUV segment, which is in high demand all over the world.

Toyota in Microsoft joint venture Toyota and Microsoft announced a partnership earlier this month to build a new vehicle telecommunications platform that manages the energy efficiency of electric cars.

Above: the Toyota showroom in Mdina Road, Zebbug – Toyota is teaming up with Microsoft to develop a new telecommunications platform for vehicles using cloud computing

08 | APRIL 2011 autoguide

Steve Ballmer, Microsoft chief executive, said the platform would be built using cloud computing, in which tasks are performed remotely, allowing for broader integration of

information between the customer’s car, home and mobile device. ”The cloud enables a new speed of application development (and) a new scalability to more countries, more markets,” he said.

Using the new platform, drivers will be able to turn the heat on in their car from their phone, check the battery power remotely and make

sure the car charges during off-peak times when demand is low and electricity least expensive. The two companies said they would invest Y1bn (€8.2 million) in Toyota Media Services, a subsidiary of Toyota, to develop the platform using Microsoft Windows Azure. The services will be available in 2012 in Toyota’s electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, but is expected eventually to reach 170 countries.

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OFF VAL ERS ID END TILL MAY OF 201 1

news

Mercedes-Benz is top Consumer Superbrand Mercedes-Benz has been crowned the UK’s number one Consumer Superbrand for 2011, toppling last year’s winner Microsoft, which has dropped to sixth place. This is the first time in five years that the top spot has not been claimed by either Microsoft or Google. The number two spot goes to luxury watch brand Rolex, which placed in the same position last year, while the BBC has come in third position, having placed in the top five for the past five years.

The annual Consumer Superbrands results follow a robust research process administered independently

by The Centre for Brand Analysis, which analysed the views of over 2,000 members of the British public.

The annual Consumer Superbrands survey, now in its 12th year, has become a key barometer of the strength of brands across a wide variety of sectors.

Eight of the top ten Consumer Superbrands remain the same as last year including British Airways, which despite a very challenging year still retains its place in the hearts of the British public.

Stephen Cheliotis, Chairman of the

Expert Council and CEO, The Centre for Brand Analysis, comments: ”Mercedes-Benz has had a consistently strong performance over the past five years, having been in the top ten since 2006, so it’s great to see the brand finally come out on top, especially in their 125th anniversary year. This year’s Superbrands 500 features a combination of consistency and volatility, although as ever, those at the top tend to be more consistent performers.”

Wilfried Steffen, President and CEO

Mercedes-Benz UK, adds: ”Winning the Superbrands survey is very special for Mercedes-Benz, and I am delighted that we’ve achieved the coveted number one spot in our 125th year. Everybody in the company is absolutely committed to delivering exceptional levels of customer service, and this survey result shows that these efforts are paying off.”

Concurrent with this survey Superbrands also published the 2011 Business Superbrands listing, which was topped by Rolls-Royce Group.

2011 top 10 Consumer Superbrands Rank 2011 Top 10 1 Mercedes-Benz 2 Rolex 3 BBC 4 Coca-Cola 5 Google 6 Microsoft 7 BMW 8 British Airways 9 Apple 10 Jaguar

Fiat tops CO2 reduction rankings for fourth successive year Fiat continues to set new standards in carbon dioxide reduction, after both the Fiat brand and Fiat Group recorded Europe’s lowest volume

weighted CO2 emissions, according to JATO Dynamics, the world's leading automotive consultancy and research firm. Fiat Automobiles

logged a CO2 average of 123.1 g/ km (4.7 g/km less than the 2009 average), placing it top of all brands for the fourth year running, and well ahead of the European target of 130 g/km, due to be met in 2015.

Fiat also ranked first among the motor groups with 125.9 g/km, an improvement of 5 g/km on last year.

The figure takes into account all Fiat’s brands, including the Ferrari supercars and Maserati’s high performance luxury vehicles.

This eco-friendly achievement is the result of a long-term Fiat strategy based on a two-pronged approach: implementing technological

solutions aimed at containing consumption and emissions, and raising the awareness of motorists to spur a more responsible, eco-compatible use of their cars.

Fiat’s MultiAir, MultiJet and TwinAir engines are all part of that strategy, along with initiatives such as alternative fuels (CNG Natural Power and LPG Easy Power), Start&Stop; electronic gearshift management (Dualogic robotised transmission), electronic traction management (Traction Plus) and Fiat’s eco:Drive, the in-car software which analyses driver behaviour and suggests ways to improve it.

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 11

regular

words by Vanessa MacDonald When she heard about my trip to Sweden to survive three days in Arctic conditions, a friend of mine quipped that I could have stayed in her freezer and paid a lot less. She had a point. Why would you actually pay – and use up valuable leave – to go to a place where the only creature comfort is the polystyrene loo seat and the temperature is actually way colder than your freezer…?

By now, most people in Malta will have heard about the SPCA’s Arctic Challenge… Well, I went on the same trip but a week before they did. This posed the first challenge: Going on my own to join a group of complete strangers – nine men, as it turned out.

We spent three days in a cabin, with no electricity or water – you had to melt snow for cooking and washing water, keep a wood stove stocked up to keep warm, and trudge 100 m through waist-deep flurries of snow to get to the loo – basically a shed plonked over a hole in the ground (with a polystyrene loo seat as it is the only material warm enough to actually sit on), which no amount of framed pictures and potted plants could make any warmer or any less smelly. And getting there involved a good 10 minutes of getting kitted out in coat, scarf, gloves, boots and overboots. Think about that when you need to pee at 3 a.m. And think about how hard it is to get warm again when you get back to the sleeping bag…

The next three days were spent

out in the survival zone: a night in a tent, a night under a shelter made of stacked up tree branches (about as much protection as wearing a string vest) and the last night in a cave carved out of a mound of snow – which we had to shovel.

Just thinking about shoveling all that snow is enough to raise blisters… But we also had to find dead trees, chop them down, drag them to wherever our base was for the night, cut them into fire-sized pieces and get a fire going which we would then stoke up through the day and night. Erm, did I mention that you first had to clear out an area for the fire – which involved shoveling, yes, more snow?

Why do people do things like this?

Why push yourself out of your comfort zone? Why not use your hard-earned cash to pay for luxury and pampering, rather than to spend a week without a bathroom or shower, sleeping on the hard and icy ground, and having to shovel snow and cut wood?

I love to sightsee, to wander round the lanes in old towns and to go to museums. In Raftalven, I saw trees, lots and lots of trees.

And when I choose where to go on holiday, the food is right up there on the list. In Raftalven, we cooked our own food in the cabin and survived on what passes as food in military rations when out (you had to read the contents printed on the foil packages because it was otherwise impossible to guess what you were

supposed to be eating). Oh, and the thrill of dressing up on holiday, going out at night, to the theatre, to dance. In Raftalven, I wore 2 sets of nondescript thermal underwear (sometimes both at the same time) – which I could only change by wriggling around in my very tight sleeping bag – and not because of modesty but because I would otherwise have frozen. Even the wet wipes - which were my only form of hygiene - froze solid.

Mobile batteries do not like -31 degree temperatures and reception was patchy anyway so off that went.

And all of a sudden, it all becomes about you and the moment, about total depravation. The day is about surviving, eating, keeping warm.

Entertainment is about talking to people, playing cards, drinking herbal teas, and laughing, all by candlelight, with the expedition leader Nigel able to talk the hind leg off a donkey, with

Photos: Studley, Graham Lewis, Vanessa MacDonald

Back to basics

enough stories to last through the long, dark winter.

Going to the loo in the middle of the night is about the cold but it is also about pausing to experience the deep silence and to gaze at the falling snow, which reflects the bright moonlight and looks like glitter, and at the huge sky studded with stars.

Stripped of our status symbols, people are somehow more open, less guarded. I made friends there that will be a part of my life for a long time. Lying in my sleeping bag under the tree branches, unable to sleep because my feet were so cold, I gazed for hours at the burning logs, hearing the rhythmic snoring of my lads (OK, so apparently I snore too), amazed that I had set myself this challenge and was actually there.

We raced snowmobiles round a track at the top of a mountain.

We let a team of huskies pull us on sleds through narrow forest paths. We skied cross-country and snow-shoed. We went ice-fishing.

And we made snow angels, the men made patterns in the snow with their pee for us to find the next day, we threw each other into the snow and had snowball fights, and we had moose barbecue. And on the last night, we heated up a hot tub and scalded ourselves – our first wash in a week – before rolling around in the snow, screaming.

I have never laughed as much. I have never felt such a sense of peace, or of achievement.

Would I rather have had clean towels, 100 channels on the TV, a minibar and toilet paper folded into an utterly useless ”V”? Not for a moment.

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 13

first edition

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rmf road safety tips

A set of new wheels RMF Technical Director Paul Vella gives his advice on buying and selling a car, whether new or used. identify any visual problems and check the overall condition.

BUYING NEW The decision on which new car to buy is often based on choosing a model that you like and one that is within your budget. The more you can afford to pay, the faster and more luxurious the car usually is. Yet it pays to stop and think about what your actual motoring needs are first.

Before looks, go for the best fit, so that you will be actually comfortable, alert, can avoid driving-induced tiredness and pain, and be fully satisfied with your purchase.

Your unique needs Don’t just go for a car’s looks, go for how well it suits your height, weight, build and your motoring needs. Most manufacturers cater for different needs, featuring recreational vehicles, family saloons and sports models, so you are bound to find one suited to your requirements.

Always take advantage of testdrives where possible. Driving different cars will help you experience the latest technology and to compare driving manoeuvrability, visibility and comfort.

Check that the car enables you to have good visibility. If you do a lot of driving during the day, particularly in built-up areas, consider an automatic transmission and airconditioning. Backache sufferers should look for a car with a soft ride

and one that is not too low on the ground. If you intend going abroad with your car, I suggest that you choose a car that has adequate power and plenty of boot space.

Money matters Put your money into buying the safest car you can afford.

Front airbags are good, with side airbags even better.

Fuel consumption is another consideration. Diesel vehicles are efficient and still do more to the litre as compared with the same power of a petrol engine. Choosing a vehicle with low CO2 emissions, will contribute to a greener environment and also benefit from low licensing fees. Also consider choosing a car that carries the maximum warranty.

BUYING A USED CAR A second-hand car needs to fit all the requirements you would consider for a new one. Don’t be lured into getting a car that seems to be a good bargain but which may not be safe, requires expensive work and which may not fit your driving needs.

When buying a used car there is always an inherent risk, but there are things you can do to reduce that risk. A used car should always be inspected by an independent, professional garage who will verify that it is structurally safe,

Things to look out for: • Up-to-date road licence • Engine and chassis number match logbook details (It is very important that buyers check the log book details, such as the chassis number, engine number, colour, registration number, VIN number and number of passengers.

If you carry more passengers than stated on the log book, they will not be covered by your insurance.)

• Inspect undercarriage and mechanical worthiness • Engine checked for faults • Current market value • Verify that any repairs have been carried out correctly.

Hidden expenses You must know what you are paying for, but also whether there are any other expenses that might crop up at the next VRT. If the vehicle needs attention, do you know how much it’s going to cost to bring it SELLING YOUR CAR Be totally honest in your dealings with potential buyers. You are obliged to tell the buyer about any defects or encourage them to get professional advice.

How much?

The most common question is: ”How much should I ask for my car?” Check the market value first with your insurance agent and bear that in mind in relation to the car’s condition and appearance, both internal and external. You should easily be able to determine a fair selling price.

Check the fine print When selling a personally owned vehicle, the procedure is straightforward: the vendor signs

to a roadworthy state? This is why looks and price should not be the determining factors. RMF offers second-hand vehicle inspections FREE OF CHARGE to its members.

Buying a used car from abroad If you are buying a car from the UK, it is safer to buy one that is manufacturer approved and which comes with a guarantee.

These vehicles may cost slightly more, but they would have been checked according to a checklist and the car manufacturer has a reputation, which it strives to uphold.

Buying from a dealer rather than an individual will give you some leverage in the event of a defect being discovered. Always ask for the proper documentation, especially the service history book. If buying a Japanese car, you should be presented with the VCA certificate, which ensures that the vehicle is compliant with EU standards and the JEVIC, which certifies that the mileage is legitimate. It is very important to have these legal documents in hand. the log book in the presence of a witness. You will need a photocopy of the buyer’s and seller’s identity cards. Look at the vehicle’s log book to check any restrictions on the sale of the vehicle by the ADT. Vehicles purchased jointly by married couples would need both spouses’ signatures when selling.

Cars bought on hire purchase agreement need a cancellation form from the agent to say that there are no standing debts on the car. If it is a company vehicle, get a copy of the list of company directors from the MFSA and a signed declaration of authorisation from all directors that they find no objection to transferring the vehicle to the new buyer, or a declaration on a company letterhead signed by the company secretary.

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 15

Formula 1

KERS or no Curse

Š Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool

words by Vroom

The F1 2011 season rolled out a string of variables that few were those within the F1 fraternity expected to be so interesting.

2010 was the year when refuelling was abolished, a reduction in aerodynamics effects and a moveable front spoiler, teams were rushing around the rear of the car with a complex diffuser having been inherited from the winning 2009 Brawn GP car. This year was yet another transitory year with the reintroduction of KERS (kinetic energy recovery system), a new tyre supplier who had been away for around twenty years, a rear movable spoiler know as drag reduction system (why so complicated) and a bunch of rookie drivers coupled up with twenty Grand Prix then relegated to 19 after the unexpected peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unrest in Bahrain.

The first away races are always significant, because it gives a clear

indication who has performed well in their pre season work, however unlike previous years; the first so called away races are just a start to the season awaiting the return to Europe for amendments to take effect. Not this year, all teams had upgrades from one race to the other, teams like Mclaren having unpainted items, Toro Rosso loosing parts, ending up on a following Sauber causing the onboard extinguisher to take off. The 2011 season has started off as a roller coaster for the top teams with Red Bull sending a clear message that winning the 2010 championship was no fluke.

The RB7 has been performing well with Sebastian Vettel showing a sense of maturing in only his 23 years marching the team forward in the hopeful quest of conquering yet another championship, however like 2009, Red Bull are struggling with their KERS unit, this generates a lot of heat and needs a specific cooling

system to retain temperatures, now knowing Adrian Newey, he has this tendency of working around a tight fit and this might be one of the problems attained to their KERS not being so productive, hoping that this will not be their curse of not retaining their leadership. Definitely the rest of

the pack are not there to number up the grid. Definitely a plus sign goes to the rookies (new drivers that have joined the series, with Sergio Perez in the Ferrari Sauber being the most promising, Paul di Resta seated in Force India is giving his team mate Adrian Sutil a run for his money.

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 17

Formula 1

Back on track, with new tyre supplier Pirelli have shown that the Italian team is here to provide spectacle but with reservations, we have seen a multitude of pit stops, but was it entertaining or mind boggling, pit stops are interesting and create an interesting variable but I feel that these will become a must do attitude with the rate of degradation of the tyres. One of the assets that teams will have to try to acquire is the driver’s style of driving and making the car adapt to the tyres from start to end of the GP. The cars are on the starting grid fully laden with petrol.

Weight distribution is crucial at this moment as the front tends to roll up, creating under steer as the front will

© Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool

Jerome d’Ambrosio in the HRT is also adapting himself even though he is driving an underdeveloped car.

Gone are the days that rookies were car crashers and drivers carrying money luggage. Not that they do not because most of them are there because they have brought along a healthy sponsor look at Pastor Maldonado in the Williams replacing a promising Nico Hulkenberg, but I guess this was always the rule.

Having said that these boys are proving their worth, these cannot be compared to the likes of Lewis Hamilton who entered the circus in a competitive car and was challenging for the championship in year one.

These drivers are fighting for points in cars that normally winning a point is equivalent to winning the championship.

tend to lift with the rear tyres losing their rubber rapidly, gradually weight distribution will improve but so will the settings of the front spoilers will need adjustment. This is being constantly being reviewed during the numerous pit stops.

Another issue are marbles, a term referred to the rubber deposits that depart from the tyres during racing and end up on the borders of the racing line. This is an issue for concern as drivers having a wide track like Sepang will rethink to move away from the racing line, fearing they will gather this rubber debris which will definitely

condition the tyre’s braking and turning properties at the upcoming corner. So it is a case that Pirelli are creating a spectacle yet creating a restriction. Definitely having been heaved with a mountain of criticism, the Italian team has performed about its expectations, up to now we have not seen tyres being shredded all across the track, however having said this, the tyre marbles have to be addressed.

Maybe the safety car will be deployed to clear the track from these rubber marbles, a possible variable similar to what Bernie Ecclestone requested to having a

programmed wet track. With all this hindsight, definitely this year F1 GP season will be made up of winners and losers, great what did you expect but this year will be witnessed by a stint of drivers and there is the possibility that a good percentage of teams will be earning classification points to the benefit of who will be leading the championship, will it be Vettel, Hamilton or Alonso. Definitely this year will not be a so much of an obvious who will win especially if the competition continues to heat up now that the European races are commencing, resulting in further developments and more new aero parts on the cars.

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 19

The Feelings words by Mike Dimbleby photos by Matthew Debono Malcolm arrived to pick Matthew our pictures man and I from our offices in Mosta. As I stepped out of the door I was confronted by a surprise – the Nissan Juke. When I say surprise I don’t mean that I was anticipating another car, the unexpected element was in how very different the Juke is and its attractiveness, to me at least, lies in this remarkable vehicle’s differences.

It is such a breath of fresh air to see a car manufacturer go for it and take the risk of designing and building a car that dares to be something beyond the ordinary. To say that I was impressed by the interior and equipment levels of the Juke , would be understating it – I was truly bowled over and had to constantly remind myself that this was a motor car priced at less than €20,000 on

the road. The Juke envelopes the driver, with its high waist, giving the impression more of a lower-slung roadster than a mini SUV. Everything that a driver in the second decade of the 21st Century could want by way of entertainment, info and gadgets are there in the Juke, with the super duper Nissan Dynamic Control System leading the way. This control system has

Sunglasses courtesy of Optika

TESTED

NISSAN JUKE

a totally cool colour display screen which can be easily switched to tell the driver how good he is being (Eco Mode) where I could actually see the fuel consumption, to Dynamic Mode, where the Juke’s performance was so enhanced and exciting, I didn’t dare let my eyes drift to the graphics on screen.

We took the Juke through Sliema and St Julian’s area, stopping to take our pictures at The Point in Tigné where it proved to be more of a head turner than some cars we have tested at over three times the price.

The Juke’s performance matched its looks, delivering pleasant surprises throughout our road test. Despite the fact that it sits higher off the road, there is no significant roll when cornering, the steering has an excellent feel of control and the acceleration through the very smooth, sporty gearbox is impressive. We had the 1.6 petrol version on test, which is nippy enough to satisfy even my acceleration addiction.

The Juke is a special vehicle , it has the confidence of its convictions and I for one am convinced that it is going to be a hit here in Malta where we tend to take our fun seriously.

The Facts words by Malcolm J. Naudi Created at Nissan Design Europe, in London, and refined at Nissan’s Design Centre in Japan, the supermini (B segment) Nissan Juke crossover is certain to turn heads wherever it goes. The lower portion of Juke is pure SUV, with chunky wheels, wide tyres, extended ground clearance and a robust stance.

The top portion is unadulterated sports car, with a high waistline, slim visor-like side glass graphics and a coupé-style falling roofline. The coupé effect is further underlined by rear doors which have their handles ‘hidden’ in the door frame.

Inside, the sports car theme continues with a driver-focused cabin dominated by a motorcycle fuel tank-inspired centre console

20 | APRIL 2011 autoguide

design. Finished in a distinctive high gloss colour, the ‘bike’ console adds a sense of fun to the car. Practicality is assured by the rear-opening hatch and versatile luggage area with hidden storage spaces.

The Juke is available in Malta in a choice of two trim levels and two engines, a 118 bhp 1.6-litre petrol and a 111 bhp 1.5 dCi Diesel. The petrol version has 158 Nm of torque (pulling power) at 4,000 rpm, returning combined consumption of 6.4 litres/100 km (44.1 mpg) and 139 g/km of CO2; the Diesel has 240 Nm of torque at 1,700 rpm, returning combined consumption of 5.1 litres/100 km (55.4 mpg) and 134 g/km of CO2 The entry level model has power

steering, remote central locking, ABS with EBD, ESP, sports seats, four airbags, electric windows all round, electric mirrors, air-conditioning, radio CD and auxiliary jack, an antitheft pack and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The higher specification model on test also had auto air-conditioning, 17-inch alloys, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, leather steering wheel and gear knob, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, fog lamps and cruise control with speed limiter. It also features another world first for the small car segment – Nissan Dynamic Control System: a central command and display module like no other.

This allows the driver to alter dynamic drive settings and

easily control functions, such as climate control. What’s more, the system adopts different displays, colours and functions depending on the mode selected by the driver, adding a sports mode for perkier performance and an eco mode for best consumption.

Starting price: €18,770.

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motors in the movies

The king of cool... the hottest car chase! words by MICHAEL SPITERI

On the streets of San Francisco, a showdown between two rival American legends took place.

Last January, film-director Peter Yates passed away. He was 81.

Among the recognition he received for his work during his 60-year career, there are two academy award nominations, for Breaking Away in 1979 and for The Dresser in 1983. Still, his legacy rests most on the 1968 police thriller/drama Bullitt, more precisely, on one scene, a ten-minute-long breathtaking car chase, an epic duel involving a Ford Mustang and a Dodge Charger.

The film concerns Lieutenant Frank Bullitt (Steve Mc Queen), a strongminded policeman who sets out to uncover the truth behind a witness assassination. His investigation leads to the progenitor of all highspeed fictional pursuits. It starts with two hit-men, who are driving a 1968 triple black Dodge Charger R/T, tailing Bullitt in his highland green, fastback 1968 Ford Mustang GT. The latter, wise to the lowlifes’

game, performs a clever U-turn, followed by a quick right-turn to re-appear in the hit-men’s rear view mirror. The pursued becomes the pursuer, the music stops and what remains is an electrifying symphony of screeching tires and roaring engines. Two Mustangs and two Chargers were required to film the seminal sequence, the first in history to include close-up shots of the drivers. It took three weeks to be completed and a camera car had to be built upon the chassis of a Corvette for high speed shots.

On the streets of San Francisco, a showdown between two rival American legends took place.

The Mustang inspired the birth of the Pony Car concept, that is: low price, stylised, small-bodied vehicles powered by performance-oriented engines. It was a project developed by engineer and designer Lee Iacocca at the Ford Motor Company. The filmmakers chose it because it was

a sportscar an honest lawman could truly afford.

However, due to the severity of the stunts involved, veteran car driver Max Balchowsky was hired to increase the Mustangs’ robustness.

The shock absorbers along with the corresponding supports and cross members were heavily reinforced.

A custom shock tower brace was fabricated to strengthen the engine bay. And, the factory standard tyre/ rim combo was replaced with GR70 on 15x7 American Torque Thrust to achieve a more unyielding look; the car had to be the natural extension of Bullitt’s determination. Also, the aggressive 390 cubic inch, 6.4-litre V8 engine that, paired with a four-speed manual transmission was already a remarkable source of power, was tuned up for further dynamism.

Even at inception, the Dodge Charger was intended as a serious competitor to the mightily successful

Mustang Fastback. Unlike its adversary, the Charger is not a Pony Car. It is a Muscle Car. Muscle Cars are also low priced, stylised vehicles powered by performance-oriented engines, but they are larger in size than Pony Cars. The original Charger was produced by Dodge for the Chrysler Corporation; the 1968 R/T (Road and Track) version was a huge sales hit. Its aesthetically pleasing double-diamond design body by Richard Sias referred to as coke-bottle, houses a 375-bhp 440-cid four-barrel Magnum V-8 engine paired with a four-speed transmission. For the film, the Chargers underwent basically the same modifications as the Mustangs except for the engines that were left intact because they were already powerful enough.

So, what makes this particular chase so influential?

Mainly two things, first,

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 23

motors in the movies

The epic duel between titans that ends with a tremendous explosion with blazing fires in a gas station has etched itself in film history. unprecedented for the time, the film crew was committed to achieve a heightened degree of realism. During its realisation, real high speed driving took place. Peter Yates had planned the sequences at 75-80 mph (120-130 km/h) but an average speed of 110 mph (175 km/h) was ultimately reached. Every day letters were placed in mail boxes describing the routes to be closed for filming and Steve Mc Queen did most of the stunts himself. Second, it was the first time a chase scene was treated as an important part in a dramatic sense and, as such, integrated within the story narrative.

The characterisation of Frank Bullitt demanded it; the actor’s work involved adopting the mannerisms and body language of a police officer as much as learning car handling.

The audiences expected such a gritty protagonist to possess resolute driving prowess.

The epic duel between titans that ends with a tremendous explosion with blazing fires in a gas station has etched itself in film history. With a solid plot, interesting characters,

Weapon have emulated and built upon. But, is it a blessing or a curse to be forever associated with something so brilliant it overshadows everything else?

and Steve Mc Queen's magnetic screen presence, Peter Yates sparked the maverick-cop genre that films like Dirty Harry, The French Connection and Lethal

Facts • In 2007, Bullitt was deemed as culturally significant; the Library of Congress chose to preserve it within the United States Film Registry.

• The Ford Motor Company has issued a special edition Mustang version named Bullitt twice, in 2001 and 2008.

• Frank P. Keller collected the academy award for Best Film Editing for his work on the chase scene.

• A Volkswagen Beetle can be observed several times during the chase and the Charger looses a total of 6 hubcaps.

• Steve Mc Queen was a very skilled driver.

He even considered switching careers to professional racing.

• The actor wanted to, but never managed to own the Ford Mustang he drove in Bullitt.

• Rumour has it that, during the stunts, the Chargers proved to be more durable than the Mustangs.

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road test

TESTED Volvo S60 D3

The Feelings words by Mike Dimbleby photos by Matthew Debono It looks good, it feels good and it drives even better….can this sleek, stylish and shapely saloon possibly be a Volvo?

Well yes it can and in a word the Volvo S60 is SENSATIONAL. Very soon after picking this vehicle up, I was quite determined to make this road test last as long as possible and I certainly didn’t want to hand it over to Malcolm when his turn to drive it came around.

Upon first taking to the driver’s seat, I felt enveloped by comfort and security which are attributes that have always been enjoyed

by Volvo drivers but in the S60 it is all done so very stylishly. With enough interior gizmos to satisfy

even a gadget addict such as I, the S60 has set its chic foot into the next decade of motoring.

My favourite device is the Automatic Braking System which first of all warns you if a pedestrian steps in front of you and then, if you ignore the warning, brakes the car for you. I wanted to go hunting errant pedestrians to test it out but Malcolm wouldn’t let me!

The driving experience of the S60 is a process of pure seduction. I drove it from Mosta to Cirkewwa, and to be honest really put it to the test, the harder I pushed it the better it responded and the curves and bends of the coast road were treated with complete disdain by this elegant

machine. As many people have, I had a certain mental image of Volvo motor cars; these preconceptions evaporated within the first twenty minutes of the test drive.

The shape and style of the S60 are both smooth and confidence inspiring.

The line is elegant and the interior is super comfortable and spacious (our photographer Matthew gave it 5 stars for rear seat comfort and headroom and he stands at 6 feet tall) .

But the real thrill of driving the S60 comes from what lies under the bonnet. The D3 has lots and lots of power gathered by the 163 hp power pack which is backed up

by a system of traction control and hydraulic braking which is far too sophisticated for me to really understand (see Malcolm’s section) but what I do know is the fact that it all works in the most impressive way. In particular I enjoyed the amalgamation of all of the tried and tested values of Volvo with sleek, sporty handling which together give me such a pleasurable driving experience that Malcolm had to get the photographer to help him get me out of the driver’s seat.

Would I buy a Volvo S60?

In answer to that I can quite honestly say that I would be happy if this was the last car I ever drove.

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 27

road test

The Facts words by Malcolm J. Naudi Since making its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010, which I attended, the Volvo S60 has brought with it a more dynamic, sportier image to this venerable brand. Yet apart from its exterior and interior appeal, which Mike has discussed comprehensively, it is beneath the skin that this coupé-looking executive saloon also comes into its own.

Thanks to the all-new advanced, self-adjusting FOUR-C active chassis, the S60 has a more refined ride and gives the driver better control with a steering gear ratio that is 10% faster. The steering column’s thicker tubing and stiffer bushes have increased torsional rigidity by 100%. This also contributes to the increased feeling of direct contact with the wheels and the road.

The front spring struts have thicker pistons compared with the sports chassis in the Volvo S80. The resultant 47% increase of stiffness means that the body structure is better able to absorb lateral loads, with the mounting stiffness increased by 50%. The springs themselves are shorter and stiffer than before. The damper mountings at the rear are made of polyurethane instead of rubber to provide better balance between comfort and dynamic control.

The S60 is the first saloon on the market with Volvo’s Advanced Stability Control. The Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) has a number of sophisticated features to improve driving pleasure and safety. With a new roll sensor, it’s possible to identify any skidding tendency at a very early stage. This means that the anti-skid system can step in earlier and with greater precision.

Corner Traction Control, a further refinement of the DSTC, is a new feature that uses torque vectoring so the car takes corners more smoothly. A highly advanced braking system, incorporating groundbreaking Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake technology, further enhance the feeling of safety when driving the S60.

Among the braking features are Ready Alert Brakes, which predict emergency braking, Hydraulic Brake Assist, which optimises the ABS for shorter braking distances, Optimised Hydraulic Brakes, which amplify braking ability, and Fading Brake Support, gradually building brake pressure during long, hard braking.

The S60 is also equipped with an electronic parking brake as standard.

Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake consists of a newly developed radar unit integrated into the car’s

grille, a camera fitted in front of the interior rear-view mirror, and a central control unit. The radar’s task is to detect any object in front of the car and to determine the distance to it. The camera determines what type of object it is.

The newly developed dual-mode radar’s much wider field of vision ensures that pedestrians about to step onto the roadway can be detected early on. The camera has higher resolution than the previousgeneration auto brake which makes it possible to detect the pedestrian’s pattern of movement. The full auto brake part of the technology also responds to vehicles in front

that are at a standstill or that are moving in the same direction as the car fitted with the system.

The S60 features the same City Safety technology found in the XC60, reducing or even entirely avoiding low-speed rear-end impacts at speeds up to 29 km/h (18 mph).

Power comes through a newly developed 2.0-litre in-line fivecylinder D3 engine producing 163 hp and a massive 400 Nm of torque (pulling power), accelerating to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and going on to a top speed of 216 km/h with the automatic transmission (221 km/h with the manual). Combined cycle consumption is 5.9 litres/100 km (5.3 for the manual) with CO2 emissions of 154 g/km (139 for the manual).

The exceptionally well equipped S60 comes with leather seats, power sunroof, rear window sunblind, power seats (with driver’s memory function for seat and mirrors), navigation through a colour display, personal security communicator with keyless drive, blind spot information system (BLISS), active bending Xenon headlights, park assist front and rear with camera, dual tone sports steering wheel, Driver Alert system, and a high performance multimedia kit including DAB radio and DVD player with eight speakers.

Price of model on test: €59,400.

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 29

road test

TESTED Lexus IS 250C

The Feelings

The Facts

words by Mike Dimbleby photos by Matthew Debono

words by Malcolm J. Naudi

I am a lifelong fan of convertibles, so it was good news when I was told that Malcom and I would be taking out the Lexus IS 250C for a test drive. The chosen time was one of those perfect spring days in Malta when the temperature was hovering at around 17 ˚C and the sun was shining without being sweltering. So seconds after getting into the Lexus the button was pressed to convert this attractive saloon car into its sporty alter ego. When I say seconds, I mean it. The whole roof stowage operation takes just around 20 seconds and open top driving pleasure can begin. Can a four-seater convertible be classed as a sports car? Purists will tell you ”No” but in my opinion if the roof is down and the ride feels sporty, then you are in a sports car. The fact that the Lexus engineers have ingeniously combined many of the comforts of a saloon into the body of a convertible, giving surprisingly high levels of comfort without massively compromising the performance, is a huge achievement. The ride is smooth, responsive and exciting while lacking the turbulence and wind noise associated with sports

cars. The automatic gearbox provides an easy shift while changing to paddle mode sports it up. The sound from the engine while accelerating is that throaty roar which always pleases my ear.

Quality, cornering, acceleration and comfort are all excellent. Inside the Lexus is really a comfort zone. The level of equipment is extremely impressive, including a first class sound system, an excellent new parking camera with display screen and seats which feel as if they were made to measure. We put it through its paces around town in Sliema where I was not surprised to find turning heads, garnering looks of admiration.

If I owned the Lexus IS 250C I would want to live a little further from the office to savour the cruising pleasure that automatically comes with this totally cool car.

Is it a pure sports car? Well strictly speaking no but it certainly is a classy convertible the price of which represents excellent value for money, safe, comfortable driving pleasure put together in a very sporty package.

Roof folding mechanisms for soft top and hard top coupé cabrios are now available on many models, so a new entrant has to more than stand out. The Lexus IS 250C has been engineered to achieve excellent aerodynamics, torsional rigidity, NVH levels and safety performance with both the roof up and down.

The lightweight roof can be opened and closed in 20 seconds and, with the roof down, although a large part of the boot is taken up, still leaves a class-leading load space of 235 litres (583 litres with the roof up). The 204 bhp 2.5-litre V6 engine with a six-speed automatic gearbox and paddle controls is the same as that on the IS 250 saloon.

Maximum torque is 252 Nm at 4,800 rpm with acceleration to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds, impressive considering the gross vehicle weight of 2,075 kg. The IS 250C is 4,635 mm long on a 2,730 mm wheelbase, 1,800 mm wide and 1,415 mm high. The drag coefficient (Cd) is an impressive 0.29 (compared to 0.27 for the saloon) and combined consumption 9.3 litres/100 km (30.4 mpg).

Despite its close relationship to the saloon, the IS 250C only shares a handful of body parts: the bonnet, headlamps, door handles and door

mirrors. All other body panels have been redesigned to harmonise with the convertible’s folding roof.

The IS 250C shares the saloon’s high levels of interior luxury and practical innovation, with a number of bespoke technical revisions to ensure the on-board comfort and entertainment systems work effectively when driving in convertible mode.

The low profile front sports seats are heated and ventilated and have a new arched frame with an integral seatbelt guide. Extra comfort for top-down driving is provided by additional heating pads at shoulder height, increased heater capacity and greater ventilation airflow.

Lexus engineers focused on reducing wind turbulence and generating the most comfortable airflow characteristics for occupants when the roof is lowered. The angle of the windscreen and the highly detailed design of its top edge make a major contribution to the exceptionally low wind turbulence those on board experience around the face, shoulders and thighs, even without the optional rear seat wind deflector in place.

Price of model on test: €65,000.

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 31

motorsport

Malta to host European drifting championship

Malta - The Big Drift, is the title of the third round of the JDM Allstars European Drift Series, being held from 10-12 June at the National Stadium, Taâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Qali. According to the local organisers, the Malta Drifting Association, this is the first time that a European motorsport championship is being held in Malta. autoguide APRIL 2011 | 33

motorsport

The weekend event starts with free practice on Friday from 6-10 p.m., qualifications on Saturday from 4-11 p.m. and the finals on Sunday from noon to 9.30 p.m. with the top 16 European drifters from the UK, Ireland, Holland, France, Poland, Germany and Italy expected to compete, plus other European drivers to be confirmed at a later date.

Local drivers can also compete for an Amateur Cup with free practice on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and the finals on Sunday.

There will be an exhibition of local motorsport and modified cars, drift stunt shows on Saturday and Sunday by Team Maximum Lock, a trade village and an after party with all the drivers. Team Maximum Lock, set up last year, races three Nissan Skylines and held its first show last May. They will be performing with their new car image and stunts.

As George Muscat, president of the Malta Drifting Association, explained, the cars are judged on their entry speed, vehicle angle, clipping points, smoke, show and neatness.

During Saturday qualifications and the Sunday finals spectators will experience the twin drift sessions where the two cars competing for points will chase and follow, with the following car trying to get as close as possible to the leader. The event, which has various sponsors including the Kunsill Malta għallIsport (KMS) and visitmalta.com, is being covered on Motors TV, which has a reach of 55 million viewers in 20 million households across Europe.

Drifting is the fastest growing form of motorsports in Europe.

As Adrian Figallo, secretary of the Malta Drifting Association, explained, this is a type of motorsport that is most within reach since a car can be bought for as little as €5,000, a

truly souped up model can be had for €35,000 and the cars that compete in the United States cost around $100,000 (€69,000).

Drifting started in Japan in the late 1970s with Kunimitsu Takahashia, a motorcycling legend turned driver who developed many drifting techniques. Then in the 1980s Keiichi Tsuchiya got bored of series races and started drifting. He has become known as the ‘drift king’. Tsuchiya is credited with developing several drifting techniques widely used by professional drivers today.

KEIICHI TSUCHIYA

Unlike most professional drivers who come from wealthy families or have previous racing experience in other motorsports, Tsuchiya earned his reputation and honed his drift skills from illegal underground street races. He in fact had his license suspended for illegal street racing not long after he began his

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 35

motorsport professional racing career in the amateur Fuji Freshman racing series.

He continued his racing career in the Japanese Formula 3 Series, Japanese Touring Car Championship and Super Touring car championship class. According to driftjapan.com, throughout his career, Tsuchiya made a name for himself driving, and drifting of course, a Nissan Skyline GT-R, Nissan Silvia, Honda Civic, Honda NSX, Toyota GT-One, and perhaps his favourite car the Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno or ”HachiRoku” in Japanese, which translates literally to ”eight six.”

JDM Allstars 2011 calendar Round

Venue

Dates

1

Teesside Autodrome, England

25 April

2

Sunderland, England

14-15 May

3

Malta

10-12 June

4

Anneau Du Rhin, France

24-25 June

5

Donington Park, England

15-17 July

6

Wembley, England

16-17 September

7

Poznan, Poland

TBC 23-24 Sept or 1-2 October

Photos: Malta Drifting Association

The Malta Drifting Association was set up last November and currently has 28 individual members out of which 23 are drivers. ”Drifting is all about practice, not so much top end power and tuning. You just need to get into the car and do it, improving on your technique and precision every time,” Muscat said. For tickets and more information visit www.jdmallstarsmalta.com.

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 37

driving abroad

A leisurely trip in a 500SL MICHAEL FENECH recalls a relaxing overland trip with his late father Charles, who passed away in January, driving down a brand new Mercedes-Benz 500SL from the factory in Stuttgart September is an ideal time to travel overland. The weather is still quite nice and certainly cooler than Malta. Many schools in Europe have started by then and families with young children have got into their ‘winter’ routine, meaning the roads are markedly less busy.

So when on 18 September, 2002, I set off with my father, we planned to combine our drive with a leisurely holiday. We arrived in Stuttgart in the evening after flying via Frankfurt and the next morning we were collected from our hotel and taken to the Mercedes-Benz factory, which produced one car every three seconds, or 2,000 units a day.

We were handed over the car and, after the pre-delivery inspection, were taken on a tour of the plant, which was really impressive. By late morning we left the factory and drove 186 km to Innsbruck arriving at around 4 p.m. We stopped at the Penz Hotel and, like all the others we stayed at en route, it came with parking.

The following morning we took a cable car to the North Park, did some sightseeing – I was struck by the old houses with their golden

rooftops – and in the afternoon we drove 300 km to Lucerne. We got caught in the early evening traffic and did not arrive at the Baslertor Hotel before 7.30 p.m.

We walked around the town both in the evening and the following morning, visiting the local market, and by late morning left for Geneva, 190 km away. The water fountain in the lake is impressive and after an overnight at the Montana Hotel, we left at 8.30 a.m. the following day for Genoa, via Chamonix and the Mont Blanc Tunnel.

We just stopped for lunch in Genoa and by 2 p.m. left for Rome, via Florence. The Italian capital was quite hectic, especially Piazza del Popolo and the Grande Raccolto Anulare, and we eventually got to the Hotel Farnese in Via del Corso at around 7 p.m.

Next morning we toured the city, including St Peter’s Basilica and the Coliseum, and in the afternoon left for Naples via Salerno and the Amalfi Coast, arriving at the Baia Hotel at 7.15 p.m.

The next stop the following day was Messina where we got the 4 p.m. ferry and headed for Taormina, arriving at the Hotel Mediterraneo at 7 p.m.

So far, we had travelled 2,991 km and the car had worked like clockwork. I was quite conservative in my driving for the first 2,000 km, giving it a bit of time to settle in but after Genoa I opened the throttle a few times and the car responded wonderfully.

After Messina we put the roof down and it was amazing how there was no back wind in the cockpit at all. I even put my finger

above the windscreen and felt as if it was going to be blown off to appreciate how well the wind was deflected away from the cockpit.

The handling was impressive and the cornering speeds – as in any luxury car of this calibre, speed can be deceptive. You have to be careful because you will not feel you are going as fast as the speedo is recording.

On the last day of the trip we did some shopping in Taormina and at noon drove down to Pozzallo, arriving at around 2.30 p.m. Since we had plenty of time for the evening ferry, we drove to Scoglitti for a late lunch at Sakalleo and then drove back to Pozzallo at 5.30 to wait for the 10 p.m. ferry.

It was a good thing we got there in plenty of time since the Italian Customs authorities gave us a hard time to allow us to board the ferry, although we had a power of attorney from local importers Kind’s. Still those were pre-EU days and after several faxes were exchanged, they accepted that we were the car’s legitimate owners and we were allowed to board the ferry for Malta.

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 39

road test

TESTED Alfa Romeo Giulietta The Feelings

words by Mike Dimbleby photos by Matthew Debono Pace, passion and performance with an unmistakably Italian feel – the latest version of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is now with us and for anyone who loves driving with a bit of an edge and a lot of attitude, that can only be good news.

We took the Giulietta on quite an arduous run out to Zurrieq, which you probably have already worked out, meant we drove it on the Ħal Far-Luqa road, on which, I am happy to report, the Giulietta really showed us what it can achieve in terms of raw speed. However it was on the winding roads and curves around Qrendi and Siggiewi that the Giulietta really impressed me.

The electronics package includes

a truly impressive control system which incorporates these switches which allow the driver (in this case lucky little me ) to not only change the car’s performance but change its character too! To discover what I mean then you just have to try the Giulietta out and flip the switch from Normal to Dynamic – it instantly changes from Berbatov to Rooney after scoring a hat trick!

In this setting the whole driving experience was transformed and strangely enough, so was I, as my personality seemed to synchronise with the transformation of the car’s performance - for a while Malcolm and AutoGuide photographer were very quiet as I tried to work out how

high my adrenaline levels could be pushed by the Giulietta. Then after some wild throttle and cornering action, a switch back to Normal mode brought us all down to a more sedate pace. This really is a car with personality – several personalities actually, and all impressive.

I haven’t said much about lines and interior because they are every bit as ”Alfa” as we have come to expect. The price is reasonable when considering the whole Giulietta experience which is a car for Car Lovers and a capacity to tackle not only any road conditions but also any mood you happen to be in.

and the VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) system, incorporating ABS, ASR, EBD and Brake Assistant, with Hill Holder, fitted as standard across the range.

There is a choice of five new turbo engines, three petrol and two diesel – all Euro 5 emissions compliant.

The entry level model is powered by a 120 bhp 1.4-litre petrol, although the 1.6-litre diesel, costing just €200 more, with 105 bhp has 320 Nm of torque (pulling power), almost at par with the 235 bhp range-topping 1750 TBi with 340 Nm of torque. The other two engines are a 1.4 MultiAir and a 2.0-litre JTD, both with 170 bhp.

The Alfa Giulietta is 4,351 mm long (on a 2,634-mm wheelbase), 1,798 mm wide (excluding door mirrors) and 1,465 mm high.

Standard equipment on the entry level Turismo includes six airbags for driver, passenger, side and door

windows, Alfa Romeo DNA (vehicle dynamic control switch, with a choice of three settings, Normal, Dynamic and All-Weather), multifunction display and trip computer, LED daytime running lights, rear cluster LED lights, Start & Stop technology, electronic key with remote central locking and boot release, manual air-conditioning, front and rear electric windows, height-adjustable driver’s seat, radio with CD/MP3 player and six speakers, 16-inch steel wheels on 205/55 R16 tyres, body coloured bumpers and door mirrors and a rear spoiler.

There are three other trim levels: Lusso, Veloce and the classic Quadrifoglio Verde (clover leaf) for the 1750 TBi with lots of extra kit thrown in, apart from a long list of options.

The Facts words by Malcolm J. Naudi It is more than half a century after the Alfa Giulietta caught the public imagination with its sporty appeal, attractive looks and accessible pricing. The latest incarnation combines Italian styling with advanced engineering and sophisticated technical solutions to enable this

model to meet the needs of all customers in the highly competitive lower medium (C) segment.

Apart from boasting impeccable safety credentials, it enables each customer to adapt the car’s performance to their individual requirements thanks to the Electronic Q2 limited slip differential

Starting price: €24,500.

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 41

road test

Sunglasses courtesy of Optika

TESTED Volkswagen CrossPolo

The Feelings

The Facts

words by Mike Dimbleby photos by Matthew Debono

words by Malcolm J. Naudi

The CrossPolo is one of those cars that makes me wish I was young again. The bright red model which we tested seemed to be loaded with all those boy racer bits that I longed for in my late teens, which added to the overall beefed up, lifted up, more aggressive look of this VW favourite that will make it a huge hit in the age group that it targets.

All of the usual solidity and quality which comes as standard on any vehicle turned out by VW are there in evidence in the CrossPolo, plus all of the kit you could possibly imagine to make this a cool car.

On the road the drive is firm and the engine responsive. We took it along the coast road and down

What started out as a special edition with a run of just 5,000 units has now developed into the fourth version of the Volkswagen Polo, the CrossPolo.

Along with the base Polo version, the BlueMotion and the GTI versions ensure wide appeal across the top end of the supermini (B) segment.

The outstanding feature of the CrossPolo is its ride height: 15 mm higher than the other three Polo versions, which converts into easier access and more capacious storage – up to 952 litres with the rear 60:40 bench folded down.

There is a choice of petrol and TDI diesel engines, with the model on test being powered by an 85 bhp 1.4i petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. This four-cylinder 16-valve engine boasts 132 Nm of torque (pulling power) at 3,800 rpm and 143 g of CO2 from its Euro 5 engine with a combined cycle consumption of 6.1 litres/100 km.

Standard features include striking exterior and interior design details, including silver touches below the front and rear bumpers, silver

to St Julian’s with a little detour to Bahar ic-Caghaq to see what it was like when the going became a little rougher and it responded well to all conditions. The 17” inch wheels and low profile tyres are not only good looking but can really handle the varying conditions presented on our test drive. We had the entry level 1.4 version as our test car which while delivering a good drive, left us wondering what the more powerful 1.6 could offer.

But the looks of the CrossPolo will most certainly be the big attraction of this model, this car just screams out YOUNG, FUNKY AND FUN.

coloured door mirrors and anodised roof rails, which can support a weight of up to 75 kg. There is CrossPolo labelling both on the rear doors and the front seat backrests – seats are in two-tone fabrics with a special, rugged inlay for greater durability.

There are 17-inch alloy wheels on 214/40 profiles, tyre pressure monitoring, front fog lamps, extra body padding to avoid those awkward car park knocks and scratches, remote central locking, power windows front and rear, front driver and passenger airbags (with deactivation), combined front curtain and side airbags, and leather covering for steering wheel, handbrake and gear lever. Inside you have air-conditioning with a cooling system in the glove compartment, a chrome package with nice attention to detail, drawers under the front seats, CD/MP3 player with six speakers and auxiliary jack, pedals in aluminium appearance and an antilock braking system (ABS).

Starting price: €17,990.

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 43

promotional news

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2010 best year ever for Skoda Auto Czech marque Škoda witnessed its best-ever sales result in 2010. Not satisfied with this feat, the manufacturer plans to double these sales by just 2018.

Reflecting this ambition Škoda showed the face of its future model with the new VisionD concept in Geneva last month.

The VisionD design study, which

shows the basic lines that will influence all the brand’s future vehicles and shows a refined aesthetic, which could even bring its products a more premium segment of the market. This new concept car reflects the firm’s new design language.

Apart from the new VisionD, Skoda also showed the company’s new

logo, which is meant to inspire freshness and precision. According to the company, the newbie design boasts clearly defined shapes and a great sense of detail. This whole new design concept is to be rolled out to all aspects of the brand’s communications, including dealerships and showrooms, to help widely implement the new style.

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road test

Amg magic

Guest reviewer Maurice Gruppetta drove a Mercedes CLS 63 AMG from Calais to Malta... What were his impressions?

words by Maurice Gruppetta photos by Matthew Debono Massive. That’s the word.

When walking up to this Merc, you get the idea straight away that it is impressive. You stop, you look at the beautiful design, a four-door, four-seater coupé; the stance is gorgeous, up front a distinctive snout, a curved low roofline flowing into a tapered boot.

All the specs are massive, 4,915 mm long, 2,059 mm wide including mirrors. To tug all its weight, 2,370 kg to be precise, a mighty 514 bhp is available. Torque, a seriously healthy 465 lbs/ft. Each engine carries a signed name plate of the individual engineer responsible for assembling it. All the power comes from 6.3

litres of V8 muscle, enough to tow a small house. It does, however cough out CO2 at 345 g/km Fuel consumption goes along with this theme, urban at 12.5 mpg, tickling the right pedal might get a lucky 19 per gallon. Calais to Pozzallo sucks up just over €700.

The new CLS 63 AMG will get the 5.5 Twin turbo V8 because of the constant battle against CO2 emissions, but until then, this CLS is normally aspirated. O-100 km/hr is reached in 4.5 seconds and who knows how fast it can go if it didn’t have the 250 km/hr speed limiter.

This is definitely super car territory in a sports saloon, making it a welcome achievement; sports car

excitement in an executive package.

After walking round and admiring the sleek, unique design as one does when mesmerised, it’s time to check out the interior. Once seated, you plug in the remote (yes you don’t insert a key on a Merc) which in turn, releases the electric steering lock. Then, motors galore come into play, all synchronised to a preset memory, steering, seats and mirrors adjust accordingly with three memories available. The seats look and feel like they are made for high speed cross continent journeys for four adults but headroom is compromised in the back. A large boot at 495 litres makes sure you don’t leave anything behind.

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 49

road test

AMG magic is present throughout the car and not just in the wheels or styling.

Build is superb and everything around you feels like quality with luxury everywhere. Nappa leather helps keep you comfy; as always, this makes it look special too.

Anything you need is achieved from seat adjustment to headrest repositioning. The steering is still large as is the usual Mercedes fashion but that does little to ruin what is a very nicely conceived and beautifully executed cabin. A lovely wraparound cosiness gives it a unique distinguished character.

Start up, no fuss here, rev counter jumps up and settles smoothly as does the engine. Quite a masterpiece really, the engine; sonorous and effortlessly powerful in any rev range, reaching aggressive at full throttle.

This is a big car with a big engine based on the E Class platform but it is sportier and more dynamic.

It’s all the electronics that keep everything in place but, make no mistake, this is really rewarding to press on; blisteringly fast flashing into three figure speeds in a matter

of seconds. Automatics are the way to go on Mercs. Seamingless gear change is slick in auto. Switch to paddles and it gets more personal; flick down, it’s in fighter mode, flick up and power just keeps thrusting forward. Kick down is accompanied by a furiously flashing traction control light until the rubber really bites into the ground. This is where that silly smile emerges, soon becoming laughter of excitement at the tremendous developing power.

Shooting down the motorway with V8 thunder under the bonnet is most probably any enthusiast's prayer being answered, especially when home is on an island 17 miles long!

So when the time comes to slam the right foot down with a slab of tarmac going on forever, this is defintiely, absolutely the place to experience that V8 orchestra commencing from a deep growl that turns into an exciting symphony. Acceleration is constant whether the needle is at two or three digit speeds as is the solid feel of German engineering.

Ease off the pedal as everything around you becomes a blur; this is quick in a new dimension.

AMG magic is present throughout the car and not just in the wheels or styling. Steering is weighty and not overpowered with the feel of handling a large car but gives control over behaviour in the bends. Brakes can keep up with whatever driving style chosen; urgency to a halt depends on the big pedal’s feedback with millimeter precision. Combine these with the tuned marriage between the chassis and suspension and this gives an enjoyable agility; always composed and balanced.

After experiencing a CLS 320 Cdi, it certainly has the emphasis on control; the diesel version is for comfort cruising in style; the AMG version is for bragging with your mates when you get there!

After the thunder provided by this excellent piece of machinery, there is one conclusion: the CLS 63 AMG is an accomplished super saloon or, as it is marketed ‘Coupé’ .

autoguide APRIL 2011 | 51

classifieds

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52 | APRIL 2011 autoguide

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www.peugeot.com.mt

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