May 2013

A MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT WITH TIMES OF MALTA

MAY 6, 2013 ISSUE 61

MOTORING & LEISURE

New cars

Renault Clio MODEL TEST-DRIVE:

FIAT 500L KIA CARENS

02 PAQPAQ MoToRING & LEISuRE EDITORIAL

ISSUE 61 May 6, 2013

www.paqpaq.tv Write to Paqpaq, with your contact details or send an e-mail as detailed below.

PUBLISHER Paqpaq Productions 296, St Paul Street, Valletta VLT 1213 Tel: 7955 9955 E-mail: [email protected] PRODUCTION allied Newspapers Limited, Valletta For advertising, call 2559 4704 or e-mail: [email protected] PRINTING Progress Press Limited, Mriehel. © 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole, or in part, without written permission of the publishers, is prohibited.

FRONT COVER Ivan Grech, face of the new Renault Clio. Page 9.

IF I HAD A SAY… Tonio Darmanin’s manifesto for safer roads and better driving. cause accidents through their careless actions. apart from observation of regulations, we should try to improve the level of good manners on our roads. The laissez faire attitude adopted by many increases frustration and can easily create reactions that will result in accidents. Driving at a snail’s pace on the outer lane of a busy road could be just as dangerous as driving too fast.

Supervision and enforcement

very new government is elected on the basis that the ideas it presented to the electorate made sense and will improve the overall situation in the country once implemented. a new government will have to take strategic decisions that might not be immediately popular but will result in the long-term common good. Based on the experience gained from years of doing what I do, I wish to put forward some ideas on how certain aspects of transportation and mobility in Malta and Gozo can be improved. The views are not presented in any particular order and many can be implemented simultaneously since most are intrinsically linked.

E

Road safety and education This is an area that needs particular attention. The first important step should be a more professional approach to training new drivers and re-educating existing ones. The focus should be on all road users including motorcyclists, pedal cyclists, horse-drawn vehicle handlers, public transport drivers and pedestrians who can easily

observation of rules and regulations is a top priority and an increased police presence on our roads will definitely help. The approach should be firm but fair with education as the main scope and action taken where necessary. I will give a couple of examples to make my point. Wearing a seatbelt on the rear seat of the car is a legal obligation but how many people actually wear it? and how many times do we see young children free to roam while the car is in motion or possibly sitting on the front seat without being strapped?

that are still in a dire state. apart from this, very soon the new roads will need scheduled maintenance if they are to last. General signage also needs to be reviewed, either because it is too scarce or in some cases, too frequent.

Commercial vehicles The commercial fleet needs to be gradually upgraded with newer, safer and cleaner vehicles. The present system pushes companies to buy used (and often abused) vehicles. This needs to change and an incentive scheme should be put in place to encourage the replacement

of vehicles. My choice would have been for a larger number of smaller, faster, more economical and therefore more practical vehicles causing less confusion and obstruction on the roads. admittedly, the initial cost might have been higher but in the long term, the overall system would have worked much more efficiently. There seems to be a situation of two weights and two measures. While arriva deservedly get all the flak, I cannot but comment on the other buses on our roads. The tourist buses, mostly open-tops, seem to do as they please with impunity. Driving out of Valletta in the morning from

Taxation

Road maintenance Better educated road users will automatically create fewer hazards. Being a daily motorcycle rider, the number of times I have to avoid patches of fuel, debris lying on the road or falling off the back of trucks that have been incorrectly loaded and secured is shameful. on the other hand, the general level of maintenance of our roads is in serious need of an overhaul. The quality of road repairs, timing, signage and planning all need to be improved. although numerous roads have been reconstructed, there are many

increased popularity of motorcycles and scooters will surely alleviate the volume of traffic, parking problems and pollution. Safer roads and more education will make riding motorbikes safer and better preparation of new riders will also help. Certain anomalies need to be addressed. The main one is the fact that a 16-year-old can fit an engine on a bicycle at home and ride it legally but the same 16-year-old cannot buy and ride a production moped with adequate wheels, brakes, lights and all that renders it much safer for road use. There are a number of other anomalies that need to be clarified and a clear stand taken.

“BETTER EDUCATED ROAD USERS WILL AUTOMATICALLY CREATE FEWER HAZARDS” of old vehicles with new ones. The introduction of VRT testing on commercial vehicles, including government vehicles, is necessary.

Public transport I will not comment on the arriva situation. However, I must admit that one decision that baffled me, and many others like me, was the choice

the Grand Harbour area is impossible as is driving along The Strand in Sliema where they generally stop dead in the middle of the road. also, are there any controls on the emission from these vehicles?

Motorcycling This could be a partial solution to traffic congestion on our roads. The

I feel that if the new car and bike registration tax is completely removed, the overall situation would improve tremendously. although we were assured that Malta would not become a dumping ground for vehicles discarded by motorists in other countries, this is exactly what has happened. Cheaper new cars will bring down the average fleet age that has spiralled upwards. anomalies such as a system that encourages a person to buy vehicles that have high mileage because you pay less tax on them need to be changed immediately. also the fact that registration tax is charged across the board, even on safety equipment in a new vehicle, has resulted in cars being stripped out of electronic stability and additional airbags to keep the purchase price down. obviously one has to find a way of making up for the lost revenue and to sustain a healthy second-hand

PAQPAQ MoToRING & LEISuRE 03 NEWS market. Some suggestions include an increase in the taxation on fuel whereby you get a more just userpays situation and this will definitely encourage people to consider the most economical and therefore clean vehicles. an increasing circulation tax or one tied to the mileage covered per year are other options.

Alternative energy Malta is the ideal place for the sensible use of electric vehicles. The two limitations are the autonomy per charge and the cost of electricity. Given our small size, it would be very rare that a full charge will not be sufficient for a full day’s use. Regarding costs, if an infrastructural cost is mitigated from Eu funds to provide a number of strategically located solar-powered charging stations, one can effectively drive for free.

Leisure one must acknowledge the serious passion many Maltese have for cars and motorcycles and in many cases these represent a hobby rather than a means of transport. Due consideration needs to be given and the development of a motorsport facility followed through.

Safety at sea This deserves a study in its own right but as an avid boating and diving enthusiast, the approach to safety should go far beyond a few half-hearted television ads during the boating season. These are a few personal thoughts that I have expressed, together with others, during the five years that this publication has been in existence. Some recommendations have been implemented but others, unfortunately, have fallen on deaf ears. This editorial is being posted on Facebook – Tonio Darmanin Paqpaq – where we invite you to comment on the issues raised. also feel free to e-mail us your thoughts and opinions on [email protected] ○

COMPETITION Now that the Formula 1 season is heating up, you can win a Red Bull Formula 1 cap. To win, all you need to do is answer the following question correctly:

What are the Sonax Display Cleaner Wipes ideal for? Send your answers to [email protected]. The first two correct answers that we receive win a Red Bull Formula 1 cap each. Terms and conditions apply.

Premium efficiency LExuS HaS unveiled the all-new GS 300h at the Shanghai Motor Show. Thanks to its outstanding environmental performance and its engine displacement positioned right at the heart of its segment, the new GS 300h will play a key role in expanding the brand’s segment share, with a special focus on corporate fleets. The new GS

300h will be launched by the end of 2013 in various global markets. The GS 300h is a front engine rear-wheel drive premium sedan equipped with a two-motor full hybrid system featuring a 2.5l 4-cylin-

der atkinson cycle petrol engine with a D-4S direct injection technology. With Co2 emissions targeted at below 110g/km, this powertrain is one of the most efficient in its class. The GS 300h is equipped with an

extended range of advanced safety features, adding up on the existing package already available on the GS line up. New features include a redesigned full-colour head-up display and rear cross traffic alert function, alarming the driver in case of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking spot. The Lexus GS range now includes the GS 300h, the GS 450h, the GS 250, the GS 350 and the GS 350 aWD. Launched in the spring of 2012, the model’s total global sales achieved 47,787 units last year, almost six times more than in 2011. ○

04 PAQPAQ MoTorInG & LeISure NEWS

Make mine with ice

Cars on show For the third consecutive year, the Bay Arena Modified Car Show is taking place from Friday, May 24 to Sunday, May 26. Coinciding with the launch of Fast & Furious 6 at the eden Cinemas, this event is a great treat for all car enthusiasts. Featuring over 85 different cars, the Bay Arena will showcase both American cars, including the Dukes of hazzard General Lee and Dodge Charger Daytona, as well as various modified cars. Presented by ray Auto Dealer and supported by Kuki and Source-r Auto Styling, patrons are in for a fantastic weekend. entrance fee is just €3. For

those watching the much-anticipated blockbuster Fast & Furious 6 or any other movie at the eden Cinemas, entrance is free. For more information visit www.bayarena.com.mt ○

The encounTer of the 16 top ice hockey nations from May 3-19, 2013 will mark the 21st time that Škoda has supported the IIhF Ice hockey World championship as the official main sponsor. The new Škoda octavia combi plays an integral role in this year’s championships in Sweden and Finland and a world championship fleet consisting of 45 Škoda vehicles will be exclusively deployed in Stockholm and helsinki. once again, Škoda is sending a clear message at one of the world’s most important sporting events. The czech car manufacturer has been supporting the IIhF Ice hockey World championships since 1992, out of which 21 years as official main sponsor, thus making Škoda’s

commitment the longest main sponsorship in the history of sports world championships. This longterm partnership has even been officially acknowledged as a Guinness World record. The Škoda logo in the centre of the ice rink has long been a symbol of the IIhF Ice hockey World championship. Furthermore, the Škoda brand is visible on the helmets and jerseys of the czech, Slovakian and norwegian teams. Attention will also be drawn to the new octavia hatchback and octavia combi directly at the ice rinks of the Stockholm and helsinki arenas. Škoda is even providing an entertainment programme around the areas in Stockholm and helsinki. ○

Strong growth AT The Shanghai Auto Show, Peugeot has shown its youngest and widest range in its history in china, including roland Garros models, the onyx concept car, and unique technological know-how with the Peugeot hybrid Air. The Shanghai Auto Show takes place at a time when Peugeot’s sales in china are growing strongly. During the first quarter of 2013, Peugeot invoiced more than 72,000 cars, an increase of 31 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2012, in an overall market up 18 per cent in the same period, establishing a new historic record in china. With the three-box 308, 408, 508 and 3008 launched in January 2013, Peugeot now has the most modern and the widest range ever offered in china. This modern range of vehicles produced in china is completed by an imported range that has also been very successful in the country, with a tripling of sales since the start of the year, carried by the success of the 4008 SuV and the rcZ coupé.

At the end of the year, the new Peugeot 301, presented as a preview in Shanghai, will be added to the Peugeot range in the very strategic M segment, which represents more than 50 per cent of the chinese market. The 301 delivers Peugeot’s promise by having a high level of quality, the distinctiveness of refined design, care over details and a stimulating and rewarding driving experience, following the example of every Peugeot, whatever its level in the range. In china, the range is now also strengthened by the e-power strategy introduced last year. Peugeot is also presenting a technological breakthrough with hybrid Air, an original drive train associating petrol and compressed air in a fullhybrid solution. All of the vehicles presented at the Shanghai Auto Show are core models in Peugeot’s range and contribute towards the continuous development of the dealer network, which will cover 80 per cent of the chinese territory by the end of the year. ○

PAQPAQ Motoring & Leisure 05 TEST-DRIVE

FIAT 500L

THE BIG SISTER IS IN TOWN Fiat has launched the 500L, a bigger version of the iconic model. Paqpaq thinks big.

settings to cater for different combinations of loads and passengers. the cabin is airy and stylish – in certain aspects, it recalls that of the Fiat Panda, with its minimalist, 1950s-style charm.

W

hen we were asked to testdrive the Fiat 500L, our first thoughts were, “ok, this is going to be interesting.” We had driven the 500 in turin for its launch and were hooked on its cute looks and fun drive. But this is the big sister and so it must combine cute looks with family-friendly practicality. As a first attempt at translating the 500’s design language to a larger car, the 500L is definitely successful. Key elements such as the front lights and grille are very similar, while the rest of the car feels very much like a blown up 500 to accommodate and create space. Cars such as the 500L are bought by young families who need something a bit roomier than their existing car. Fiat hopes the same will apply to the 500L – this means that existing 500 owners can opt for its bigger sister rather than moving to another brand. However, Fiat admits that the 500L is equally likely to appeal to empty-nesters – older buyers whose children have moved out and who prefer the raised driving position and easier access it provides. As well as its higher seats, the 500L has large windows and tall, wide door openings that give it a degree of MPV practicality. the 60/40-split rear seat slides and tumbles while the boot floor has three height

“THE RIDE IS FIRM, BUT NOT UNCOMFORTABLE, AND AS A COMPROMISE BETWEEN FAMILYFRIENDLY COMFORT AND DRIVER APPEAL IT WORKS PRETTY WELL”

of the three engines (two petrol, one diesel) available, our test drive was on the 1.4 petrol version. the car delivers a pleasant drive and the power to carry the load it is expected to. For a car that’s relatively tall and narrow, the 500L handles well, with remarkably little body lean and excellent grip. the ride is firm, but not uncomfortable, and as a compromise between familyfriendly comfort and driver appeal it works pretty well. the steering is light, but not overly so. it’s good enough to drive, but the 500L is also practical to satisfy potential owners. there’s vast rear legroom and an almostflat floor, while rear headroom is plenty. What is impressive is the sunlight in the cabin. Lots of it! the glass in the front pillars gives that extra light which adds to the feel good factor. the interior layout is stylish, very typical of italian design and adding this to the comfort, passengers get a very enjoyable ride. the car comes with a list of standard features that is too long to list here. Worth mentioning are the City function, which gives the car a lighter steering and easier movement when parking, and the vehicle dynamic control. the 500L has a generous load space which ranges from 343 to 1,310 litres. the 500L also scores high in safety – in fact, it has a five-star euro nCAP rating. Moreover, it has the usual personalisation options, with contrasting colours for the roof and wheels. the 500L should appeal to young and not so young families, but definitely to the family that places great emphasis on style. it’s one of the more appealing compact MPVs around, with distinctive looks, efficient engines and great driver appeal. ○

06 PAQPAQ Motoring & LEisurE DUEL

Middle of the road For Europeans, American cars are unsophisticated and only fast in a straight line. Across the pond, they think European cars lack oomph. But now, it seems that there’s a car we both like, says Jeff Nguyen.

DODGE DART.

FORD FOCUS ST.

ven though i’m a north American car enthusiast, i’ve always reserved my highest praises for European makes and models. Maybe this is why i’ve always been fascinated by the opinions, interactions and differences between the American and European automotive industries – when Fiat bought Chrysler, for instance, i was beside myself. i’m even more interested in the stereotypes that cars themselves seem to engender and even embrace. For example, if you ask a European auto buff about American muscle cars, you’re likely to hear something like: “they’re fun, speedy and powerful, but only in a straight line. there’s no nuance, no precision, and no sophistication. What a waste of fuel. such a one-note wonder.” of course, when one compares American muscle cars – think Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger – with European racing cars, this turns out to be one stereotype that’s actually, objectively, undeniably true. But not just for cars – one could argue that American car designers, executives, even customers are a little too obsessed with

E

speed and power, sometimes to the detriment of safety and practicality. none of this is to say that European carmakers are beyond critique. the American opinion of European vehicles – puny, under-powered, lacking in thrust – is, comparatively speaking, true as well, at least in general. But times are changing. And to prove it, there’s a relatively new type of car (well, new to us in north America) that’s closing the gap between American and European aesthetics. the city/sportscar – embodied by the VW golf gti, Mini Cooper s and Fiat 500 Abarth – used to be a distinctly continental phenomenon. But a rapid succession of new American entries – like the Dodge Dart rt, Ford Focus st and Chevrolet sonic rs – has made it a globally viable type, one that’s starting to chip away at our old ways of thinking while at the same time giving us new lines, features, and technologies to obsess about. in general, the VW, Mini, and Fiat all feature superior safety, manoeuvrability and fuel economy features. But their American counterparts are making up the difference with brilliant new tricks like rear-view cameras, automatic parallel parking and

“THERE’S A RELATIVELY NEW TYPE OF CAR THAT’S CLOSING THE GAP BETWEEN AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN AESTHETICS” European makers, usually the world’s most rich and refined in terms of design, would do well to stay a step ahead of Ford in particular. While the American company seems to lack the taste, heritage and sense of glamour to go full-on luxe, its very American flair for duplication has led to a 2013 fleet reminiscent of

CHEVROLET SONIC RS.

high-tech mapping capabilities that (to me at least) seem appropriated from European – and to a lesser extent Asian – luxury cars.

cut-rate, dumbed-down Aston Martins – thrillingly attractive and buyable if not the least bit original or innovative. right now, in the world of the city/sportscar, certain stereotypes still seem justified. American makers are at least a decade away from duplicating the VW’s diesel option, the Mini’s precision and handling, and the Fiat’s super-charged thrill ride. And Europe’s comparative resistance to lifestyle-technology integration at middle price points is starting to feel like more of a glaring problem. that said, what makes the city/ sportscar category so incredibly fascinating is that every region’s entries seem to be moving somewhere in unison: a pod-shaped urban chariot that’s sexy, speedy, riveting, responsible, and (most of all) young. ○ Jeff Nguyen is an artist, designer, illustrator and photographer. A lifelong car enthusiast, he’s the owner of one of only 1,200 VW Fahrenheit GTIs ever made. Jeff lives and works in the Toronto area with frequent visits to Detroit.

PAQPAQ Motoring & Leisure 07 TEST-DRIVE

KIA CARENS

“MAKING AN MPV ATTRACTIVE IS AS EASY AS MAKING AN ELEPHANT LOOK SEXY”

Out with the old… …and in with the new Kia Carens. Tonio Darmanin takes it out for a spin on the streets of Monte-Carlo.

K

ia is the fastest growing mainstream car manufacturer in europe. this success is fuelled by the introduction of a new product range. in fact, over the past 22 months Kia has revised 75 per cent of its vehicles including the new Picanto, rio, the Cee’d range also featuring the Cee’d sport, optima, sorento and as of recently the new Carens. in fact the Carens not only replaces the outgoing model with the same name but also pushes the sedona, the last remaining old-school Kia, out of the scene, leaving the dealers with a full range of goodlooking, practical and relevant models to present to their ever-increasing customer base. A major contributor to this quiet revolution has been Peter schreyer, recruited from Audi after having designed some important models including the Audi tt, and who is the person with overall responsibility for the design of this new range of vehicles. He possibly left the Carens to the end because making an MPV attractive is as easy as making an elephant look sexy. Yet schreyer somehow approached the task philosophically and tried to package the functionality

and versatility that are at the basis of this type of vehicle into a sleeker, more sculptured shell. Although the Carens won’t feature in the list of the 10 most beautiful cars in the world, it is probably the most attractive proposition in its segment. Kia has long recognised that it is difficult for somebody to buy a vehicle that they do not like and hence is making an effort to make each and every model appealing and therefore desirable. For instance, the tiger nose front grille, daytime running lights and sculptured profile all add to the overall cool looks that the new Carens boasts.

At 4.5 metres, the new Carens is actually shorter than the outgoing model but it is also narrower and lower, possibly the lowest in its category, giving it a sleeker appearance. on the other hand, the car actually claims a bigger wheelbase and a cab-forward design with the base of the A-pillar positioned directly above the centreline of the front wheel. this addresses the main benefit that customers will be looking for in the vehicle by creating substantially more usable space inside. First of all, the Carens offers anything between one and seven seats, and Kia

has used the experience gained from the sorento to enhance practicality and accessibility. the set-up is extremely versatile and all seven seats are easy to get in, with the back two being relatively comfortable. the doors open wide and there are loads of storage options including under-seat and under-floor, apart from the armrest, door and obviously the glove compartment. With all seats (including passenger) down, the loading space is an amazing 1,650 litres. the seven seats come in handy for families with more than three children, situations where parents or grandparents regularly join family outings, and in the increasing circumstances where the couple each have their own children and additional seating is required. What never ceases to amaze me is the effort Kia is making with every new model. the quality, design, comfort and ergonomics are second to none and the cars are packed with gadgetry – either standard or optional – that you would never expect to find in cars of the same segment. in the Carens, for instance, you can specify heated seats both in the front and middle row, a heated steering as well as ventilated front seats. Cruise control and electronic stability are standard but you can also opt for lane departure warning, rear view camera with the screen conve-

niently incorporated in the rear-view mirror, and even smart park assist. engine options include a 1.7 diesel developing 115 or 136bhp or two petrol units with the 1.6 litre engine pushing 135bhp and the 2 litre 166bhp. out of the two diesels which i see as more relevant for the local market, the smaller unit is essentially sufficient for driving in Malta and will save you precious litres of fuel. the car comes with a standard six-speed manual gearbox and the automatic option is available only in combination with the more powerful petrol or diesel engines. A special steering system has been developed that improves straightline stability and reduces the problems normally caused by strong side gusts. it goes from lock to lock in 2.7 turns and has three settings – normal, sport and comfort. the car oozes confidence and is easy to handle in all circumstances. even the suspension is balanced to cater for the potential variation in weight being carried and never becomes either too stiff or too bouncy. i thoroughly enjoyed driving the car in the hills surrounding MonteCarlo but was equally comfortable and entertained stuck in traffic on the way to the streets that once a year host the Formula 1 race, a must when i am in the area. one always tends to conclude any Kia test drive with two important considerations. First is the level of safety, which is fundamental in a family car – this is guaranteed thanks to a five-star euro ncap rating. secondly is Kia’s unique selling proposition, being the only brand that offers a seven-year manufacturer’s warranty on all its vehicles. ○

08 PAQPAQ MotorInG & leIsUre NEWS

A fantastic deal Cars InternatIonal limited, sole importer for opel in Malta, is offering the opel Corsa for the not-to-missed price of just €11,400. Being one of the most popular cars in its segment, the

opel Corsa impresses not just with its sleek design and sheer comfort, but also with the numerous awards for quality and safety – it’s German precision meets sculptural artistry.

For just €169 a month, you can drive off in a new opel Corsa, equipped with a 1.2 16V petrol engine, air conditioning, electric windows, central lock and much more. With a fuel consumption of just 5.5 litres per 100km, the opel Corsa looks good and is also economical. that is not all. on top of this fantastic deal, opel also offers you the opel five-year warranty package – that’s another reason to buy the opel of your dreams now. so what are you waiting for? stop thinking and start driving the opel Corsa. For more information, visit the opel showroom in Mdina road, Qormi or call the opel sales team on 2269 2122. You can also like the opel Malta page on Facebook to access more details about this offer. ○

A new SUV era at the 2013 shanghai auto show, Volkswagen gave the public a spectacular glimpse of the future in presenting the world premiere of the CrossBlue Coupé. the CrossBlue Coupé is powered by a plug-in hybrid system that is as fuel-efficient as it is sporty. a V6 turbo direct petrol injection engine works together with two electric motors. When the car’s full power potential is utilised, the sUV becomes a sports car – it accelerates to 100km/h in a mere 5.9 seconds. Despite its impressive dynamic performance, the CrossBlue Coupé has a combined fuel consumption of

just 3.0l/100km. even in hybrid mode fuel consumption (sub-cycle with discharged battery powered by just the tsI drive), the sUV – which is nearly 4.9 metres in length – consumes just 6.9l/100km of fuel. this value enables a theoretical range of around 1,190 kilometres (considering a fuel tank capacity of 80 litres) before the car needs to be refuelled. this Volkswagen, equipped with five comfortable seats and a boot that can hold up to 1,101 litres of luggage, depending on the configuration, belongs to the sUV avant-garde, both technically and visually. ○

Drama on wheels hyundai Motor Company has unveiled exterior renderings of the hnD-9, its latest luxury sports coupé concept, at the 2013 seoul Motor show. the hnD-9 represents an evolution of hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design philosophy. the ninth concept model developed by hyundai Motor Group’s r&D Centre in namyang, Korea, the hnD-9 features sophisticated details in every design element, reinforcing a premium look. In particular, the hnD-9, with its dramatic long hood and wheelbase, is a modern reinterpretation of the elegant image of a classic premium sports coupe. Fluidic yet sleek

character lines that stretch from headlamp to trunk, voluminous, powerful car body and a striking, wide hexagonal-shaped radiator grille underscore the high performance image of the concept. Furthermore, butterfly doors, spiral-shaped lines connected to the headlamp, silver coating, dual twin muffler and uniquely designed head and rear lamps give the car a futuristic look. as a rear-wheel drive, high-performance sports coupé concept, the hnD-9 is equipped with 3.3-litre turbo GDi engine and eight-speed auto transmission. ○

PAQPAQ MoToRInG & LEISuRE 09 NEW CARS / PREVIEW

French flair on the sister island Paqpaq drives the new Renault Clio in Gozo. he new Renault Clio was launched in Malta a few days ago and Paqpaq was given the opportunity to take the car up to Gozo for a weekend test-drive courtesy of Autosales.

T

Two days of driving and experiencing the Clio were pure pleasure. This was a great initiative by Autosales, who managed to create a launch event that was equal to the ones we usually experience abroad. Moreover, we got to rub shoulders

ALL IN THE FAMILY Sport Utility Vehicles are becoming an increasingly popular car segment, with offerings that are spacious, sporty and fun to drive. Paqpaq has driven the Ford Kuga, Honda CRV, Mazda CX-5 and Chevrolet Captiva and will be publishing a comparative testdrive in the June issue. Watch this space.

with local talent as Autosales announced that Ivan Grech from the popular band Winter Moods will be the local face for Renault this year. The Clio is a supermini that, originally launched in 1990, is currently in its fourth generation. The Clio has en-

joyed substantial critical and commercial success, being consistently one of Europe’s top selling cars since its launch. The Clio is also largely credited with restoring Renault’s reputation and stature after some difficult years in the second half of the 1980s. The Clio is only one of two cars, the other being the Volkswagen Golf, to have been voted European Car of the Year twice, in 1991 and in 2006. The Clio was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in June 1990, with

sales in France and the rest of the continent starting soon after – sales in Britain and Malta started in March 1991. The Clio largely replaced the ageing Renault 5. Since then there have been four versions of the Clio, with every version being a massive success – we’re sure that the one just launched will be as successful. We’re not going to talk about the drive in this issue as we will be doing this in a full-blown test-drive in the next issue of Paqpaq. ○

10 PAQPAQ MOTORING & LEISuRE POLE POSITION

A driver and a gentleman Tonio Darmanin remembers the greatest of them all. ne cannot write about Formula 1 at this time of the year and not pay tribute to possibly the greatest driver of all times, Ayrton Senna, who on May 1, 1994 died tragically at the age of 34 in a horrific accident during the San Marino GP. Despite the tragedy, Senna’s death, just a day after Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger met the same fate during qualifying, actually marked an important turning point in Formula 1 history. His was the last fatal accident as to date, no other Formula 1 driver has lost his life on track – this achievement has mainly been attributed to a friend of Senna who was also the person who attended to the driver after the accident and tried desperately to save his life. Sid Watkins was the head of neurosurgery at the London Hospital but, shortly before Senna’s tragedy, was commissioned by Bernie Ecclestone to make the sport safer and reduce the possibility of drivers being injured or killed during Formula 1 races. Watkins had become a personal friend of Ayrton and one of the few people the driver

O

trusted and confided in. Following Ratzenberger’s death the previous day, Senna was deeply moved and during a subsequent conversation, the latter actually recommended Senna retire from racing, to which the Brazilian driver responded that racing was his life. Incidentally an Austrian flag was found in his racing suit as he intended to wave it at the end of the race as a sign of solidarity with his deceased colleague. Watkins went on to dedicate his every effort to implement effective safety measures which included modifications to the circuits themselves, allowing greater run-off areas and removing boundary walls like the one Senna crashed into at over 135mph. Numerous measures were and are still being implemented on the cars themselves to render them safer in the case of an accident. Watkins continued to be involved in developing Formula 1 safety programmes until 2012, shortly before he passed away. One aspect of Senna’s character was his relentless drive to go faster and win every race. He would not distinguish between drivers from competing teams or teammates – this was

THE LATE AYRTON SENNA.

“WHAT DOES SURPRISE IS WHEN A TOP DRIVER LIKE VETTEL DISOBEYS ORDERS AND TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE SITUATION” most evident when his long-term rival Alain Prost landed a seat alongside Senna at McLaren. The two’s antagonism reached its height in the 1989 and 1990 seasons, when they were actually ramming each other, and themselves, out of a number of races. Given all his shortcomings, it is a fact that although there are drivers who won many more races and championships in their careers, the charismatic Senna, with his uniquely forceful driving style, is perceived by many as the greatest driver ever. Drawing a parallel between the team rivalry in Senna’s era and the power struggles

we are witnessing in today’s races, one should not be surprised that this actually takes place. Team principals are very conscious of this fact and, given that the last thing they want to see is their drivers involved in skirmishes between themselves, often issue team orders during the race to avoid such situations. What does surprise is when a top driver like Vettel disobeys orders and takes advantage of the situation to outsmart his teammate and gain personal advantage. Few were surprised at Webber’s reaction and comments. In my view, being a champion is as much about winning races as it is about being a gentleman. ○

PAQPAQ MOTORIng & LEISURE 11 INTERVIEW PHOTOS BY CHRIS SANT FOURNIER

A STUDY IN SPEED Is the University of Malta Racing Team up to the Formula SAE challenge, asks Andrea Faye Christians. group of Maltese university students from various faculties are currently collaborating together to participate in the Formula SAE. For this international challenge, teams from universities all over the world have been given the challenge of designing, building and ultimately racing their own Formula-style car. For the competition – which is set to take place at Silverstone circuit in July 2014 – the teams will attempt to score a maximum of 1,000 points in a series of static and dynamic events staged over three days. The main challenge is to create a financially viable car within precise specifications for engine and power. The gauntlet has been thrown and it is certainly an ambitious one but the students that form the University of Malta Racing Team are confident they are up to it. In total there are 150 students involved in some way or another. A core group of 35 are directly involved in designing and building the vehicle and in running the organisation. From these a further eight core leaders have been selected and are charged with the task of leading a particular section or of undertaking other roles such as secretary, treasurer and PRO. The work on the vehicle is divided into four principal categories – engine, power train, fabrication and chassis. The specifications for each section are precise. The engine has to be an inline four-cylinder motorcycle engine with a maximum displacement of 610cc or 0.61 – the University team has already selected a Honda engine. The team also has the task to design the intake and exhaust system – for this, a material that is lightweight, able to withstand high temperatures and isn’t too expensive has to be chosen. Another specification set by the competition is a restricted air intake – this will obviously have an impact on the power output of the engine. As a result the team must strive to design a system with as few imperfections as possible. When it comes to the chassis the rules dictate that certain parts have to be covered by a body, such as round the front, but that the car must be open-wheeled. Despite the added weight there are aerodynamic advantages to be gained from this but the fabrication material must fulfil the rigidity and weight criteria while also being financially viable – fibreglass and carbon fibre are the most likely candidates. Again the fabrication team must liaise closely with other core departments to work

A

towards an optimum result and also have the added task of actually building a workshop. Fortunately, the workshop is already being built and the University of Malta is providing all the necessary tools. The drive train system mainly consists of the differential, gearbox and shifting system. Here the differential will need to maximise the agility of the car as the test track has many short and tight bends. When it comes to the gearbox, the choice is between a lever and a paddle system. Again, the best compromise between cost, weight and efficiency for the driver must be sought. For the chassis, a balance between weight, rigidity, strength and affordability is needed and a material called chromoly has emerged as the best contender to use for construction. The 13-inch wheels will have top quality tyres while the car will have an independent suspension system on each wheel – this should improve handling on tight bends. One thing is for sure – the vehicle will be put through its paces in everything from presentation and costs to performance in various environments that include autocross and endurance.

“WE AIM TO CREATE A KNOWLEDGE BANK THAT FUTURE STUDENTS WILL HOPEFULLY BUILD ON YEAR AFTER YEAR”

The budget, at just over €30,000, is a modest sum when considering the amount of work involved. Also, although other teams had built a vehicle in 2005 and 2006 as a separate undertaking, this is the first time that Malta is participating in a worldwide competition of such prestige. The University of Malta Racing Team will be pitching its car against 120 teams from other countries with many that already have an established track record in building such vehicles.

The students, however, are philosophical about it and relatively unfazed by what lies ahead. Vice president Jean Paul Sultana says that the aim is to set a foundation on which to build for the future. “We aim to create a knowledge bank that future students will hopefully build on year after year.” As the first generation of students participating in this competition, they don’t appear to be intimidated by the more experienced teams they

are up against. Rather, when asked about the biggest challenges facing them, I’m surprised that they are not worried about the construction and design side of things but are more concerned that they can raise the money needed. “What we are doing has generated a great deal of interest in the business sector but it’s difficult to translate this interest into sponsorship deals,” says Dennis Dalli, president and engine team leader. “We already

have some sponsors on board but we need more.” Leonard Agius, who is reading for a business degree, handles the administration and public relations of the project. “We have various sponsorship packages available and are confident we will get there,” he says. “The more backing we get, the better it is as this project can definitely put Malta on the map for the future.” A number of foreign companies have already shown interest – this include Ferrari sponsor SKF as well as a number of local companies including Cycle World, Print It and Storm Design. The Faculty of Engineering also has made its facilities available to the team. A number of local enthusiasts have also given the team their support and shared their knowledge. What impresses me most though is the team’s level of commitment. When I ask how many hours they are prepared to dedicate over and above their normal curricular activities to make this happen, the students’ answer is a convincing yes. However, they are realistic about their goals for the first year and don’t actually expect to win – however, they are definitely in pursuit of the title for best newcomer. Around the world the Maltese have a reputation for being a tenacious people, successful at whatever they set their minds on. I can’t help feeling that these students are likely to be no exception to that rule. ○

12 PAQPAQ MoToRing & leiSuRe NEWS

Wipe and away WiTh Sonax Display Cleaner Wipes, the neuburg car care specialist presents a new, practical product. nowadays there is at least one display in almost every car – be it the navigator monitor, the integrated

television or just the screens of mobile phones and cameras. in particular, computer-like monitors are real dust magnets – touchscreens are also extremely practical, but fingerprints are a problem.

Vulnerable surfaces require special cleaning products to prevent scratches and damage. neither the paper towel from the kitchen roll nor cheap domestic detergents are recommended as these may contain alcohol which attacks the coatings. The solution is the new Sonax Display Cleaner Wipes made of microfibres in a practical sachet for onceonly use. The wipe has a special liquid detergent formulated for fast and convenient cleaning of vulnerable surfaces. Thanks to the cleaning emulsion contained in the microfibre cloth, the dirt is dissolved and the particles absorbed – the gentle cleaning action is streak-free and thorough. The product removes very large amounts of dirt when it is repeatedly turned over. This also makes the wipe ideal to use on a home computer or television set. Sonax products are exclusively distributed by Kemimport limited. For more information call on 2149 2212. ○

An iconic milestone The one millionth Fiat 500 produced in Poland has rolled off the Fiat auto Poland production line at the Tychy factory. This iconic model, launched in 2007, is marketed in 83 countries around the world. in addition to Poland, since 2011 the Fiat 500 has also been produced at the Mexican factory in Toluca, thus bringing total production to 1,100,000 units. Destined for the italian market, the record-breaking example is a powerful white 135 hP abarth 500 1.4 which, like all those produced so far, represents an almost unique piece, thanks to the thousands of possible combinations of versions, colours, trims, engines, fuel systems and equipment. of the more than one million units produced it is difficult to find two identical Fiat 500s. To confirm the wide range of

customisations, the number 999,999 Fiat 500 produced by the Polish factory is a 95 hP S version 1.3 MultiJet, in red, for an italian customer, while number 1,000,001 is a light blue Fiat 500C, lounge trim level, equipped with the 69 hP 1.2. it will be delivered to a german customer. Tychy’s prestigious milestone, achieved in just five years and nine months from launch, marks another page in the story of Fiat 500, an all-italian invention that has won over the public and international critics, as demonstrated by more than 40 international awards. a true icon of italian style, the Fiat 500 was recently revamped with the 2013 range, introducing new body colours, new versions such as Colour Therapy, and other style details which enhance the fun-loving spirit of the car. ○

Great race Mille Miglia, held between May 1619, is one of the highlights in the calendar of classic car enthusiasts the world over. alongside other vintage models, Mercedes-Benz Classic will once again be at the starting line this year with the legendary 300 SlR. Mercedes-Benz and Mille Miglia are inextricably linked. Second place in 1952 for Karl Kling behind the wheel of a 300 Sl racing car symbolised the successful return of the Mercedes-Benz brand to the international racing stage. Memories of the legendary victory of Rudolf Caracciola also come to mind – together with his co-driver Wilhelm Sebastian, the Mercedes-Benz driver became the first non-italian to win the Mille Miglia in his SSKl model in april 1931. in 1955, Stirling Moss and his co-driver Denis Jenkinson won the Mille Miglia with a 300 SlR. They completed the course in the fastest ever time of 10 hours, seven minutes and 48 seconds. Today, the Mille Miglia is promoted as a test of endurance, stretching from the northern italian town of Brescia to Rome and back. along the 1,000-mile course, a number of challenges await the participants. The rules state that only vehicle models which were part of the original race line-up (1927 to 1957) are permitted to take part. This year, there will be four famous faces representing MercedesBenz Classic: former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard will drive a 300 SlR while Karl Wendlinger and Jochen Mass will team up in a 300 Sl. Bernd Mayländer, the current driver of the official Formula 1 safety car, will also start in a 300 Sl. For this year’s edition, a record number of participants has been reached with 400 vehicles given the go ahead to take part. ○