The most popular cars, distinguishable designs and the most attractive prices: these are the ingredients of the Motor Fair, which has become by tradition a feast of automotive exposition. This kaleidoscope of trends and new products attracts thousands of visitors. The exhibition, at the Trade Fair Grounds, in Naxxar, is open between today and Sunday. Malcolm J. Naudi reports on a number of models that caught his eye.
Vittoriosa launch for BMW 3 Series
Caraffa Stores at the Vittoriosa Waterfront provided an imposing backdrop for the launch of the new BMW 3 Series saloon.
It was also the first official outing for Lennard Pal, managing director of BMW Malta, a local company set up by BMW in Germany to import its cars to Malta. Muscats Motors of Gzira will continue to be the local agents.
It has been 30 years since the first BMW 3 Series first made its international debut and last year this model range represented 44 per cent of BMW's 1.2 million worldwide sales.
The fifth-generation 3 Series has innovations in terms of motoring comfort, design, engine and suspension. Starting prices are Lm18,500 for the 318i and Lm22,500 for the 320d - both with six-speed manual transmissions.
Benefiting from the additional gear, the closer gear ratios, as well as the larger increment between the smallest and largest gear, the driver can shift gears at exactly the right point for a smooth, ongoing surge of engine power. The new BMW 3 Series is more dynamic, accelerates faster, and offers an even higher top speed - all this is on less fuel than before.
A new feature in the midrange segment is that the driver, benefiting from the comfort start function, just has to briefly press the starter button to fire the engine. Everything else is automatic, all processes continuing by themselves until the engine is running smoothly.
For the first time in the midrange segment, the customer has the choice of BMW Active Steering in the six-cylinder models as an option. The big advantage of this modern concept is a more direct steering transmission ratio at low speeds and a more indirect ratio at high speeds, providing the ideal solution to the old conflict of interests with a conventional steering between agility, stability, and motoring comfort.
Saloon comfort in a coupé
Autosales Limited have launched the new Mercedes-Benz CLS-class coupé, a car the makers say combines the elegance and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and practicality of a saloon.
Passengers in the rear have two comfortable single seats and enjoy generous freedom of movement.
Both engines available for the CLS-Class exhibit "effortless and exemplary torque characteristics, providing the best possible conditions for dynamic driving pleasure".
A newly developed V6 engine has an output of 272 bhp and delivers a maximum torque of 350 Newton metres from a mere 2,400 rpm. The lively V6 harmonises with the new 7G-Tronic, seven-speed automatic transmission, which is standard equipment.
The CLS 350 consumes 10.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.
Standard features in the six-cylinder coupé include thermatic automatic climate control, a stereo radio, speed sensitive power steering, a leather-covered steering wheel, 17-inch light alloy wheels and 245/45 R 17 wide-base tyres.
The 5.0-litre V8 engine in the CLS 500 has an output of 306 bhp and 460 Newton metres of torque. It accelerates from standstill to 100 km/hr in 6.1 seconds. The fuel consumption is 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres.
The additional standard equipment in the CLS 500 (as compared with the CLS 350) includes airmatic DC air suspension, thermotronic luxury climate control and 18-inch light alloy wheels with 245/40 R 18 wide-base tyres.
Stationwagon makes its debut
Tata's Indica range is enhanced with the first local viewing of the Indigo SW at the Motor Fair.
Two engine versions are available, a 1.4-litre 82 bhp diesel with turbo and intercooler, and for the first time, a 1.4-litre petrol with multi-point fuel injection.
Standard equipment includes leather seats, two airbags, air-conditioning, ABS, alloy wheels, roof rails, a fully galvanised body and three three-point seatbelts on the rear seat.
The styling includes chrome touches, colour-coded bumpers and door mirrors, and split rear light covers - so you don't need to change the whole unit in case of a knock.
Prices are Lm6,200 for the diesel and Lm5,800 for the petrol version.
Touch of Italian class
That Italian touch stands out in the Fiat stand which Ryan Buttigieg, marketing manager at UCIM Co. Ltd, local Fiat agents, said is "completely devoted to our well-informed and demanding customers, who are always one step ahead of everyone else".
"We have used clear, immediate language to attract their attention. And our fresh-looking stand reaches out in a warm embrace made up of colours, music and designs."
The symbol of this new communication could only be a heart: a strong, spontaneous sign that is inscribed on the walls of the stand.
The warm, colourful Fiat display envisages a sense of fun and friendliness. It is not just cold technical descriptions of the cars that customers require, but an experience, the thrill of Italian style.
UCIM Co. Ltd embraces Fiat's self-declared mission to offer well styled, practical cars that are accessible to all; cars packed with creative, clever solutions for a better quality of everyday life.
The focus on the Fiat stand zooms on the services offer by UCIM Co. Ltd. The commitment for after sales is of top priority. For this purpose, UCIM is introducing the Service Menu for all Fiat owners, allowing them to account for their vehicles' servicing needs easily and cost effectively. In addition, there are great offers on all accessories to allow owners to personalise their pride and joy.
New model wins accolades
The new Skoda Octavia, being launched at the Motor Fair in Naxxar, continues the success story of the Czech carmaker.
In the past 12 years since being acquired by the Volkswagen Group, it has transformed itself into an industry leader in terms of vehicle quality and innovative design.
The new Octavia has already received numerous accolades, including the Golden Steering Wheel in Germany and the UK's What Car? Car of the Year 2005 in the small family car category.
Based on the latest VW Golf chassis, the Octavia's generous proportions give it more interior space than many cars in its class, plus a huge boot.
In terms of safety, the new model is equipped with front and side airbags, ABS brakes and ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard.
There are five engines available, including 1.4- and 1.6-petrol models as well as 1.9- and 2.0-litre turbodiesels. There is also a 1.6-litre FSI petrol model that uses direct fuel injection to improve economy, emissions and refinement.
There are two trim levels - Ambiente and Elegance - with features such as air-conditioning, CD player, electric windows and central locking as standard on all models. Prices start at Lm9,990. Test drives can be booked at local agents Frank Borda Limited on 2133-1620 or by visiting their offices at Gala Centre, Testaferrata Street, Msida.
Chevrolet is market leader
According to statistics issued by the Licensing and Traffic Directorate of the Malta Transport Authority, as at the end of last month, Chevrolet's market share in Malta stood at 12.39 per cent of the total passenger vehicles market, making Chevrolet the local market leader.
Brian Attard, sales manager of local agents Mira Motor Sales Ltd, part of the Zammit Group of Companies, said: "This is a remarkable achievement for a brand that has only been present on the local market for the last 15 months.
"During this time we have worked hard to establish Chevrolet as a sought-for brand on the local market and to promote the values that a Chevy vehicle embraces."
This is in line with Chevrolet's global growth strategy for the new range of small, compact and midsize vehicles throughout Europe, beginning last January, including the new Matiz, Kalos, Lacetti and Nubira, positioned as an affordable entry-level brand for developed markets, and a volume mainstream brand for emerging markets.