Life in the fast lane - Motor Fair sneak peek
The annual motor fair is fast approaching and this year it will be a somewhat emotional show as it is the last one to be held at Naxxar. Before the doors open to the public in just over three weeks' time, I thought of anticipating some of the...
The annual motor fair is fast approaching and this year it will be a somewhat emotional show as it is the last one to be held at Naxxar. Before the doors open to the public in just over three weeks' time, I thought of anticipating some of the attractions one can expect to see in this year's edition.
The Roomster is a leisure activity vehicle, or mini MPV from Skoda. It is the first car since the Volkswagen Group's takeover of the brand that is not based on an existing Volkswagen platform but shares components with the previous Skoda Octavia and the current Fabia.
Volvo's C30 is a new, small family or compact luxury car that is based on Ford C1 platform which it shares with S40, V50 and C70, but also with the Ford Focus and the Mazda 3. It is a three-door, four-seater hatchback that has been specifically designed for the youth market and to try to attract first-time Volvo buyers.
Kia Motors will be launching the much awaited Ceed, which has been designed and is being manufactured here in Europe. Kia are aiming to compete head on with the Golf, the Focus and the Astra and this new offering boasts a host of innovations, including a revolutionary seven-year warranty.
Another new contender in this segment is the Toyota Auris, which is the replacement of the Corolla, the world's greatest ever selling vehicle. Toyota's intention was to try to move away from the blandish perception of the Corolla and come up with something more upbeat and stylish, aimed specifically at the European customer and at the same time retaining the quality factor.
We can anticipate two new arrivals from BMW. We will be seeing for the first time in Malta the all new X5 with further improved performance and driving dynamics. The second new model on show will be the 3 Series Convertible which marks BMW's entry - albeit late - into the retractable hard top arena. However, it was worth the wait as the precision and styling of the mechanism is quite spectacular and this is combined with a well-proportioned and fantastic-looking model that, as usual, sets the benchmark.
Following the success of the Xsara Picasso, Citroen will be displaying the new model based on the C4 platform. Great styling effort has been made with an emphasis on interior light and the result is a model that feels very grown up and offers a new dimension to the driver and passengers as well as the option of seven seats.
The much-awaited Freelander 2 from Land Rover has been recently launched on the local market and will be on display at this year's fair. We see a great improvement in styling and new levels of luxury and comfort. The new Freelander 2 is extremely competent both on and off road.
Peugoet were the first brand to truly commercialise the Coupe/Cabriolet concept and following the great success achieved by the 206cc we will now be able to appreciate the 207cc. A stylish and dynamic design that makes the car look great both open and closed, it will surely attract lots of attention.
Last year we saw the launch of the Alfa Brera and this year I am anticipating that we will see the long-awaited Spyder version. Described by Top Gear as the "the sexiest car money can buy" I am sure that this model, undoubtedly in the striking Alfa Romeo red, will pull the crowds, if not to buy, at least to admire and fantasise.
The Roomster is a leisure activity vehicle, or mini MPV from Skoda. It is the first car since the Volkswagen Group's takeover of the brand that is not based on an existing Volkswagen platform but shares components with the previous Skoda Octavia and the current Fabia.
Volvo's C30 is a new, small family or compact luxury car that is based on Ford C1 platform which it shares with S40, V50 and C70, but also with the Ford Focus and the Mazda 3. It is a three-door, four-seater hatchback that has been specifically designed for the youth market and to try to attract first-time Volvo buyers.
Kia Motors will be launching the much awaited Ceed, which has been designed and is being manufactured here in Europe. Kia are aiming to compete head on with the Golf, the Focus and the Astra and this new offering boasts a host of innovations, including a revolutionary seven-year warranty.
Another new contender in this segment is the Toyota Auris, which is the replacement of the Corolla, the world's greatest ever selling vehicle. Toyota's intention was to try to move away from the blandish perception of the Corolla and come up with something more upbeat and stylish, aimed specifically at the European customer and at the same time retaining the quality factor.
We can anticipate two new arrivals from BMW. We will be seeing for the first time in Malta the all new X5 with further improved performance and driving dynamics. The second new model on show will be the 3 Series Convertible which marks BMW's entry - albeit late - into the retractable hard top arena. However, it was worth the wait as the precision and styling of the mechanism is quite spectacular and this is combined with a well-proportioned and fantastic-looking model that, as usual, sets the benchmark.
Following the success of the Xsara Picasso, Citroen will be displaying the new model based on the C4 platform. Great styling effort has been made with an emphasis on interior light and the result is a model that feels very grown up and offers a new dimension to the driver and passengers as well as the option of seven seats.
The much-awaited Freelander 2 from Land Rover has been recently launched on the local market and will be on display at this year's fair. We see a great improvement in styling and new levels of luxury and comfort. The new Freelander 2 is extremely competent both on and off road.
Peugoet were the first brand to truly commercialise the Coupe/Cabriolet concept and following the great success achieved by the 206cc we will now be able to appreciate the 207cc. A stylish and dynamic design that makes the car look great both open and closed, it will surely attract lots of attention.
Last year we saw the launch of the Alfa Brera and this year I am anticipating that we will see the long-awaited Spyder version. Described by Top Gear as the "the sexiest car money can buy" I am sure that this model, undoubtedly in the striking Alfa Romeo red, will pull the crowds, if not to buy, at least to admire and fantasise.