The Motor Show is underway at the Trade Fair Grounds, in Naxxar, so here's a selection from some of our reviews to let readers know what we think of some of the cars they'll be seeing.
Peugeot 207
The turbo diesel (110 bhp) version had one major problem: you can't tell when you've turned the engine on. Honestly, I've heard more noise in a library. Peugeot has long been famed for the quality of its diesel engines, but this car takes refinement in the budget range to a new level. When you put your foot down, most diesels are screaming like babies that have been deprived of their dummy. But this is like a sleeping angel.
It accelerates remarkably well once in motion, though I would be wary of engines with less power. I found the gear shift a little on the sloppy side - though it's smooth - and there is no sixth gear, though bemoaning that in Malta would be like complaining that the car doesn't come with snow chains. Handling - a Peugeot strength - is decent, though I didn't have as much feel as I would like of what the front wheels were doing and the ride is pretty hard.
Land Rover Freelander II
Even though it still has a pretty boxy shape, the new Freelander still manages to look good on the outside. Inside, it also has all the Land Rover hallmarks of design: The sleeves from your granny's coat on the armrests and buttons on the dashboard that are big enough for a platypus to use, not to mention a few bits of recycled plastic bottles that are cleverly disguised as switches...
And you don't just hear the guts of the 2.2 turbo diesel engine; when you put your foot down, you can feel all 158bhp of them as it powers effortlessly on flat or inclined roads. It's not going to blow you away in terms of speed, but it provides as much as you'll ever need, with a pretty respectable 37mpg that will also keep a few quid in your pocket.
By far the best thing about this vehicle, however, is the supreme quality of its suspension - which can prove mighty useful when a whole dormitory of sleeping policemen are trying to slow you down.
BMW X5
The ever-competent 3.0 litre turbo diesel... has the most torque of all the engines available and more than enough power to keep everyone happy. But the one per cent who are willing and able to burn money and petrol (the combined cycle is just 20.1mpg) for a pure thrill of acceleration will be grinning for days on end with the 4.8 litre V8. It's faster out of the blocks than a number of sports cars (0-60mph takes just 6.1 seconds) and it goes round the Nurmburgring circuit nine seconds faster than its predecessor. That's enough time to watch the world's best sprinters run 100 metres.
Both models have the handling to match, with a mind-boggling array of computers to keep all four driven wheels firmly planted on the road through the tightest of bends... While its adaptive drive system, which annoyingly is an option, adjusts the suspension set-up to match the surface you happen to be on - lowering the car for smooth tarmac and lifting you to safety from the potholes.
Renault Clio
As I slammed the door shut of this 1.5 DCi (turbo diesel), I was waiting for the catch, and was pretty convinced I was right when I could barely hear the engine. But it makes up for in grunt what it lacks in roar... You'll be grateful for this at cruising speed, especially when you need to perform a quick overtaking manoeuvre on a dirt-filled truck that's moving with about as much purpose, and no less belligerence, as the allies' occupation of Iraq.
But its most impressive party trick is its nimble handling. The steering is weighted to offer you some feel of the car, though not quite enough to thrill, while at the same time making slow motion movements like parking effortless. The car clings to corners like a drunk to a lamppost and you always feel in control even if you've pushed it a little too hard. True, the ride can be a bit choppy, but... that can happen on Maltese roads no matter how much you're paying for a car.
Mazda MX5
When you sit in this car, all you need - the steering wheel and gearstick - is exactly where you want it to be and you feel you're controlling this machine's every rear-wheel driven motion. The chassis is as nimble as Olga Korbut in her heyday as a champion gymnast. Throw this car to the left, and then to the right, and it will still land on its feet with a perfect 10. It also comes with kit ranging from air-conditioning to a decent CD player, though it would take some really good music to match the throaty, tenor sound of the engine.
The 1.8 litre version is not the fastest car in the world - 0-60 takes 9.4 seconds - but the MX-5 was not built to be the fastest car in the world. It was built to be one of the most thrilling. For as many people as possible. You see, you don't have to have the driving skills of Michael Schumacher to experience the pleasant sensations from this car. You can be a dull civil servant with hardly any driving ability at all.
Audi TT
The roar of the delightful 2.0 engine as you put your foot down is like being in the arena with the tigers in Gladiator... This car is as responsive and quick as you will ever need... Audi also attaches a 3.2 litre engine to the TT, but my advice is don't waste your money on more registration tax. If you really want to feel like you're going faster, you can raise the rear spoiler by just pressing a button. It is cheaper, more practical and gives you something to do in traffic jams.
Handling on the TT is a joy too, partly due to the even distribution created by the manufacturer's bonding of light aluminium and steel. The flat bottomed leather steering wheel - a clever touch - also provides the driver a great feel of the car. You can sense the backend shifting gently mid-way through a bend at some speed, but the Audi is effortlessly in a straight line by the time you put your foot down to emerge from it - a great tonic for a stressful day. The ride is firm but well worth it... In short, this is a fantastic car.
Peugeot 207
The turbo diesel (110 bhp) version had one major problem: you can't tell when you've turned the engine on. Honestly, I've heard more noise in a library. Peugeot has long been famed for the quality of its diesel engines, but this car takes refinement in the budget range to a new level. When you put your foot down, most diesels are screaming like babies that have been deprived of their dummy. But this is like a sleeping angel.It accelerates remarkably well once in motion, though I would be wary of engines with less power. I found the gear shift a little on the sloppy side - though it's smooth - and there is no sixth gear, though bemoaning that in Malta would be like complaining that the car doesn't come with snow chains. Handling - a Peugeot strength - is decent, though I didn't have as much feel as I would like of what the front wheels were doing and the ride is pretty hard.
Land Rover Freelander II
Even though it still has a pretty boxy shape, the new Freelander still manages to look good on the outside. Inside, it also has all the Land Rover hallmarks of design: The sleeves from your granny's coat on the armrests and buttons on the dashboard that are big enough for a platypus to use, not to mention a few bits of recycled plastic bottles that are cleverly disguised as switches...And you don't just hear the guts of the 2.2 turbo diesel engine; when you put your foot down, you can feel all 158bhp of them as it powers effortlessly on flat or inclined roads. It's not going to blow you away in terms of speed, but it provides as much as you'll ever need, with a pretty respectable 37mpg that will also keep a few quid in your pocket.
By far the best thing about this vehicle, however, is the supreme quality of its suspension - which can prove mighty useful when a whole dormitory of sleeping policemen are trying to slow you down.
BMW X5
The ever-competent 3.0 litre turbo diesel... has the most torque of all the engines available and more than enough power to keep everyone happy. But the one per cent who are willing and able to burn money and petrol (the combined cycle is just 20.1mpg) for a pure thrill of acceleration will be grinning for days on end with the 4.8 litre V8. It's faster out of the blocks than a number of sports cars (0-60mph takes just 6.1 seconds) and it goes round the Nurmburgring circuit nine seconds faster than its predecessor. That's enough time to watch the world's best sprinters run 100 metres.Both models have the handling to match, with a mind-boggling array of computers to keep all four driven wheels firmly planted on the road through the tightest of bends... While its adaptive drive system, which annoyingly is an option, adjusts the suspension set-up to match the surface you happen to be on - lowering the car for smooth tarmac and lifting you to safety from the potholes.
Renault Clio
As I slammed the door shut of this 1.5 DCi (turbo diesel), I was waiting for the catch, and was pretty convinced I was right when I could barely hear the engine. But it makes up for in grunt what it lacks in roar... You'll be grateful for this at cruising speed, especially when you need to perform a quick overtaking manoeuvre on a dirt-filled truck that's moving with about as much purpose, and no less belligerence, as the allies' occupation of Iraq.But its most impressive party trick is its nimble handling. The steering is weighted to offer you some feel of the car, though not quite enough to thrill, while at the same time making slow motion movements like parking effortless. The car clings to corners like a drunk to a lamppost and you always feel in control even if you've pushed it a little too hard. True, the ride can be a bit choppy, but... that can happen on Maltese roads no matter how much you're paying for a car.
Mazda MX5
When you sit in this car, all you need - the steering wheel and gearstick - is exactly where you want it to be and you feel you're controlling this machine's every rear-wheel driven motion. The chassis is as nimble as Olga Korbut in her heyday as a champion gymnast. Throw this car to the left, and then to the right, and it will still land on its feet with a perfect 10. It also comes with kit ranging from air-conditioning to a decent CD player, though it would take some really good music to match the throaty, tenor sound of the engine.The 1.8 litre version is not the fastest car in the world - 0-60 takes 9.4 seconds - but the MX-5 was not built to be the fastest car in the world. It was built to be one of the most thrilling. For as many people as possible. You see, you don't have to have the driving skills of Michael Schumacher to experience the pleasant sensations from this car. You can be a dull civil servant with hardly any driving ability at all.
Audi TT
The roar of the delightful 2.0 engine as you put your foot down is like being in the arena with the tigers in Gladiator... This car is as responsive and quick as you will ever need... Audi also attaches a 3.2 litre engine to the TT, but my advice is don't waste your money on more registration tax. If you really want to feel like you're going faster, you can raise the rear spoiler by just pressing a button. It is cheaper, more practical and gives you something to do in traffic jams.Handling on the TT is a joy too, partly due to the even distribution created by the manufacturer's bonding of light aluminium and steel. The flat bottomed leather steering wheel - a clever touch - also provides the driver a great feel of the car. You can sense the backend shifting gently mid-way through a bend at some speed, but the Audi is effortlessly in a straight line by the time you put your foot down to emerge from it - a great tonic for a stressful day. The ride is firm but well worth it... In short, this is a fantastic car.