The best new cars at Tips to keep your car in the Geneva auto show good shape this summer PAGE 04 WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH 2019 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT PAGE 7

Hannah Elliott Bloomberg This company is turning $27,000 he this year was characterized by what might as well have been alien life forms. There cars into $1m collectibles wasn’t much room to nav- igate between the $2 Tmillion electric cars in carbon fiber exoskeletons and $3 million jet-pro- pelled bugs designed to break 300 mph. But those who paid attention to more mundane matters were rewarded by a stylish Brit sitting quietly in the center of it all-”mundane” being a relative term. The £520,000 ($685,000) Speed- back GTs on display from David Brown Automotive are hand-built odes to times past. Open their doors, elegant and long like a woman’s glove, and encounter such sundry pleasures as burled-wal- nut steering wheels, tartan interiors, hand-braided saddle-leather accents, picnic sets of enamel crockery, and sil- ver plated tools ingeniously folded into car rally of his own and facing disap- steering, disc brakes, and adequate sound years, depending on how prominent the twin LED headlamps set in dark hatchback trunks. The ruby-red Speed- pointment with the performance and systems. So Brown partnered with design- buyer is, or how close she or he is with ceramic and brushed chrome, and a back GT sitting at the center of the reliability of the Ferrari Daytona he bor- ers from Land Rover and employed 40 company founder Rob Dickinson, former cockpit made to look like a classic jet display was a dead ringer for a Jaguar rowed for the occasion. builders to debut the first Speedback GT. lead singer of a British rock band, Cath- plane, complete with antique tanned Jane Birkin would have driven-at least, “The steering was heavy, the brakes For context on the work involved, erine Wheel. leather seats and detailed broguing. from the front. From the back, it looked by any standard poor, and it was woe- prices on the discontinued XKR hovered Business is good for Brown, too. Where the rear seats would be, a like a svelte Aston Martin. fully underpowered,” Brown said of the in the $90,000 range new; used ones can Sales have increased every year, to eight bespoke luggage set is custom-fit to You could be forgiven for guessing Daytona at the time. “It was also very be found now for $27,000 to $47,500 on Speedbacks sold in 2018, according to store. The cockpit includes satellite it’s a remake of either. The cars are built uncomfortable.” Autotrader. Brown representatives say a representative manning the Geneva connectivity, Bluetooth, parking sen- using an original chassis, transmission, He was forced to abandon the rally each Speedback build takes about 8,000 stand. Peter Haynes, a spokesman for sors, and surround sound from Bowers and suspension from a Jaguar XKR-that’s after just two days, on account of the car hours over nine to 10 months. DBA, says the shop has capacity for five & Wilkins. In short, it’s like the other the one featured in Die Another Day-with getting stuck in second gear. Brown is hardly the first small-batch to 10 Speedbacks annually. GTs but more extra. a custom-built aluminum body styled to The experience got him thinking about builder to make modern jewels out of Brown will only ever make a total And while its V8 engine covers 60 look like an Aston Martin DB5. That’s the how much more fun, driving-wise, it vintage cars. Many of them seem to be of 10 Silverstone Editions; depending mph in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed one 007 drove in Goldfinger. would be to combine the style of those located in California. Singer Vehicle on options, pricing can hit $1 million. of 155 mph-not exactly world record David Brown, the eponymous beautiful cars from the late 1960s and Design is perhaps the best-known at the The 601-horsepower two-seater amps stats-it’ll be just as rare and coveted founder of the Silverstone, England- early ‘70s with contemporary power and moment. Singer models have become up the standard Speedback with enamel as those million-dollar hypercars. By based manufacturer, started selling them technology that modern drivers expect - hugely popular with collectors. Wait badging along its svelte front and sides, the end of the show, it had nearly sold in 2014 after finishing a vintage motor things such as air conditioning, power times can range from a year to three a signature grille, 20-inch alloy wheels, out.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dr. Khalid M Al-Shafi

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR SUPPLEMENT EDITOR ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR DESIGN Mohammed Salim Mohamed Pramod Prabhakaran Muhammad Shammas Abraham Augusthy 02 WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH 2019

and is equipped with the latest Direct Injection 4-Stroke Gasoline Engine Superior Version (D-4S) and Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide Luxurious and (VVT-iW) systems to achieve top-notch power performance, environmental performance, and fuel efficiency. The VVT-iW system helps the car to ensure dynamic 2019 high torque in all engine speed ranges and enable the Atkinson cycle to be used. The engine is also mated to an all-new eight-speed automatic trans- mission that merges smooth, precise Toyota Avalon gear selection throughout the RPM range with an alacrity for fuel efficiency and on-demand power. Its revised logic control better matches with vehicle speed, engine speed, and torque hits Qatar roads engagement, and facilitates poised downshifts. Striking a smooth connection between a stylish design, exquisite luxury, and greater convenience and comfort, the all-new Avalon’s cabin is accentuated with a range of advanced features, including an enhanced in- vehicle 9-inch multimedia display, a 10-inch colored and adjustable head-up display (HUD), wireless charging system for smartphones, ambient illumination, dual-zone automatic air conditioning system, 14-speaker JBL surround sound system, multi-adjustable power and ventilated front seats, as well as 60:40 split folding re As with any other Toyota model, safety remains a top priority for the 2019 Avalon. The all-new vehicle’s foolproof safety system is complemented with Toyota Safety Sense, an advanced safety technology package that includes Pre- Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar elivering on its promise to lights into a single harmonious, fluid Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure introduce class-leading form. Alert (LDA), and Automatic High Beam vehicles that meet and Adding to its many class-leading (AHB). In addition, the car features a exceed customer expec- features, the 2019 Avalon draws upon comprehensive array of safety features tations, Toyota has Toyota’s New Global Architecture to protect its occupants, such as 10 SRS unveiledD the all-new 2019 Avalon (TNGA) platform, which represents an airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), midsize premium sedan in the Middle entirely new strategy to the way the Traction Control (TRC), Anti-lock East. Delivering an authentic driving company designs, engineers, and Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake- experience that harmonizes with its packages its vehicles, providing a com- force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist stunning design and elegant luxury, the fortable and stable ride with superior (BA), Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with fifth generation of the brand’s flagship handling characteristics. While Brake Hold function, Blind Spot Monitor vehicle is set to redefine its class. retaining Toyota’s traditional values of (BSM), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Underpinned by a Toyota New superlative build quality and safety, the and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Global Architecture (TNGA) platform unique platform injects a fun driving among many others. and powered and enhanced by a new experience that plays on all the senses. Available in eight distinctive fuel-efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine and a In addition, the new multi-link rear exterior colors, the all-new Avalon host of comfort and safety features that suspension allows for the enhancement allows customers to express their indi- are complimented by Toyota Safety of many performance attributes, such viduality. Two newly-developed colors, Sense, the 2019 Toyota Avalon as a wider rear track, lower center of Slate Gray and Blackish Brown, further embodies consumers’ overarching gravity, and an aggressive stance. express a premium feel with a sporty desire for high-caliber, design-centric, Drivers can also adjust Avalon’s ride atmosphere. On the other hand, the and technologically-savvy modes of feel with the simple depression of a interior comes in a total of three color attainable and premium button – Normal mode prioritizes schemes and with the choice of wood transportation. ³%DI<9C85HD5B9?B=1;5C1@?G5B6E<CD1D5=5>D?>D85šǞ875>5B1D9?> comfort, while Sport emphasizes han- or hydrographic ornamentation “Throughout development, we F1C49CD9>7E9C812<5@5BC?>1<9DI dling with tauter, highly responsive depending on the grade. Furthermore, focused on the all-new Avalon being footing without diminishing Avalon’s the 2019 Avalon has been rearmed with authentic and exhilarating,” said Randy ³=?D9?>1<1>4C5>CE1<@5B6?B=1>35?6D85=94 C9J5@B5=9E=C541> celebrated ride suppleness. a newly-developed 17-inch alloy wheel. Stephens, chief engineer of the 2019 ³Ŭ C@5541ED?=1D93DB1>C=9CC9?> Complementing the all-new An 18-inch alloy wheel, finished in Toyota Avalon. “One of the key com- ³4F1>354ťŨ C@51;5B CEBB?E>4C?E>4CICD5= Avalon’s daring looks is a thrilling drive bright super chrome paint pursuing ponents in getting there was the new personality imbued by a new 3.5-liter both a large impression and a high- platform and suspension. These under- ³>>?F1D9F5651DEB5C1>4CICD5=CD?5>81>35@1CC5>75BC165DI V6 engine, which produces a maximum class feeling, has also been made pinnings allow us to provide an une- output of 298 hp and 356 Nm of torque available. qualed foundation to deliver the per- formance that matches the styling and Representative, Middle East and North image. A design philosophy of ‘Tech- the technology while offering a fine Africa Representative Office, Toyota nical Beauty’ permeates through the blend of luxury and sportiness in the Motor Corporation, said: “We are excited Avalon’s body lines and cabin land- premium mid-size sedan segment.” to launch the all-new Avalon in the scapes. ‘Technical,’ which aligns with “We really focused on bringing as region, presenting our customers with Authenticity, represents purpose and much innovation to Avalon as possible. an attainable premium mid-size sedan performance - the tangible elements of On many different fronts — from ride, that features a daring design paired with the sedan’s style. ‘Beauty,’ which aligns to handling, to technology, to safety and a highly spacious, comfortable interior with Exhilaration, represents onlookers’ more — this new generation really does experience with an abundance of out- emotional reaction to Avalon’s stretched take the brand to the next level. It offers standing advanced features.” lines and sleek silhouette. luxury. Now, more than ever, it has Miyamoto added: “The vehicle tops Donning a cutting-edge design, the sporty performance. But mostly, it its segment with its dynamic per- all-new Avalon expresses its distin- delivers an authentic driving expe- formance, comprehensive safety fea- guishable personality, while embodying rience. We cannot wait to put it in the tures and engineering excellence – Toyota’s next-generation ‘Under Pri- hands of our customers,” added reflecting the aspirations of consumers ority’ brand identity – a direction that Stephens. in the region. We would like to extend prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency, Yugo Miyamoto, Chief our gratitude to our valued customers cooling, and pedestrian protection. for their continued support and inspi- Stunning all-LED slim projector head- ration, which continue to motivate us lights speak to its sportiness and ele- Striking a smooth to develop ever-better cars that exceed gance. They complement the front end’s their expectations.” design, highlighting the aluminum connection Since its debut in 1994 and subse- hood’s longitudinal lines and light- quent evolution over four generations, weight build; the wide, modern grilles between a stylish the Avalon has come to be embraced by built for air-slicing sleekness; tangential design, exquisite people around the world for its ride vents at its lower portion crafted for quality, comfortable and roomy interior the effective direction of passing air luxury, and greater space, as well as its high level of Quality, across the front tires and along the Durability, and Reliability (QDR). The car Avalon’s muscular sides and the door convenience and has established a strong presence in the handles that coincide with its profile’s premium mid-size sedan segment – both bold character line. Simple horizontal comfort, the all- in the Middle East and globally – with character lines slice across the new Avalon’s cabin total sales surpassing 1.5 million units. backside, at the top, center, and lower A host of progressive design ele- portions. The all-new Avalon’s width, is accentuated ments cocoons Avalon’s long, low-slung in effect, is highlighted substantially by TNGA musculature. Its expressive looks this distinct sectioning. Connected LED with a range of diligently reflect the mixture of all- tail lamps shaped in a three-dimen- encompassing, performance-focused sional, ‘aero fin’ style differentiate the advanced features personality, the invigorating driver landscape from the current iteration. experience, and a premium, spacious They integrate backup, stop, and turn WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH 2019 03 Domasco brings all-new Honda HR-V to Qatar

oha Marketing Services enhanced by a new interpretation of Company (Domasco) the “flying wing” rendered in dark recently launched the All chrome and extending over the new New HR-V in Qatar. The projector-style headlights. Under the Domasco officials at the launch ceremony. HR-V marks the chrome band the grille opening has Dpresence of an entry level SUV from been restyled to emphasize a wide the Honda Range and this 5-seater look, and the fog light housings have vehicle will be available across all GCC been enlarged to help give HR-V a youthful vibe with unique styling designed to configure in lots of useful efficiency, achieving 16.9 km/l, on a Countries and North Africa. The Honda more aggressive stance. Also, in the touches. The intuitively designed HR-V ways to increase its carrying capacity. tank of fuel. The HR-V is front-wheel HR-V has been positioned as a fun and front is a sporty front bumper that cockpit ensures that everything is The HR-V, like the Jazz, also has the drive, driven by a 7-speed fully-auto- sporty SUV which has been designed gives it an elegant yet rugged look. In where you need it. The elegant dash- feature of the 60:40 split rear seat. matic CVT (Continuously Variable for life. the rear, Taillights with Integrated LED board includes the very latest tech- These ingenious 60:40 split seats can Transmission). With the CVT trans- “The Honda HR-V is engineered Light Bars give the HR-V a distinctive, nology, it’s incredibly easy to under- dive down to the floor, making a large mission, you have the ability to drive to match its owner’s pace of life. sporty look. New to the SUV-B stand and use. Beige Fabric (DX and space truly vast, or tip up to allow for the car in a relaxed, automatic mode Catering to different lifestyles and segment is the Panoramic Sunroof, in LX Grade) and Beige Leather (EX sideways loading of awkward objects or you can change gear using the preferences, the sporty and compact the EX grade, making the HR-V feel Grade) gives the interior of the HR-V like a bicycle. With the new stay- racing car-inspired, steering wheel- SUV is designed for a dynamic driving like a large sporty SUV ready for the a premium comfort feel. spring mechanism for the hatch, it’s mounted paddle shifters (On EX Grade experience in the city.” said Faisal next adventure. A centrally-mounted fuel tank now easier than ever to access HR-V’s only). At full throttle, the CVT now fea- Sharif, the Managing Director at provides the HR-V with a huge boot cargo space of 1456 liters. tures revised shift mapping that, under Domasco. Interior Styling and our novel 2nd – Row Magic Seats Some of the other features are a hard acceleration, more closely The new HR-V offers the best of are further evidence of smart thinking. 6.8-inch Display Audio with Touch- resembles the stepped gear changes both worlds by blending the beautiful The All New HR-V boasts of a The 2nd - Row Magic Seats are screen (LX and EX Grades) with USB of a conventional fixed-gear trans- lines of a coupé with the practical and HDMI ports that allows you to mission. This “stepped” feel gives space and toughness of an SUV, thus connect your smart phone and use its HR-V a more familiar feel during creating a car that can keep pace with features such as playing your favorite acceleration, while also helping to your life, wherever it takes you. music and using the phone book to reduce interior noise levels. Addi- “The new generation of auto- make calls to your contacts. A Multi- tionally, HR-V’s CVT uses a more mobile customers are looking for a function steering wheel puts the audio refined and natural feeling ride that will match their lifestyles and and cruise controls at your fingertips engagement, staying at lower revs we’re delivering exactly that, along making it a driver friendly interface. more often. with our top of the class after-sale Customers can purchase the new services that exceed our customers’ Powertrain HR-V at the showroom located on expectations,” Sharif said. Khalifa street near National mosque The HR-V has spirited engine per- and TV intersection. Showrooms are Exterior Styling formance matched with low running open Saturday to Thursday from 8am costs. It features a responsive 140hp until 8pm and on Friday from 4pm to The All New HR-V receives @6500rpm and a torque of 172 N-m 8pm. exterior styling that expands its appeal @ 4300 rpm on a 1.8L i-VTEC petrol For more information visit www. to the millennials. The grille is engine which maximizes economy and honda.com.qa 04 05 The best new cars at the Geneva auto show

Bugatti La Voiture Noire

Ferrari F8 Tributo

Hannah Elliott Jesko combines 1,280 horsepower (or 1,600 horse- headlights, big round tail lights, and updated aero- , Ferrari, Bugatti and Lamborghini that  Aston Martin Vanquish Vision Concept It’s the latest of many concepts and “visions” the Bloomberg power when fueled on biofuel, as customers may Brands like Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce, dynamics. Better yet, it has an exciting clear engine attract the world’s wealthiest connoisseurs. Only As Aston Martin’s first mid-engined supercar, recently-public automaker has debuted, though few choose) with a new nine-speed transmission and Lamborghini and Ferrari delivered next-generation cover on that mid-mounted engine. 150 of them will be made; half are already sold. Pro- the Vanquish Vision Concept joins the likes of Fer- of them have yet to make it to full production. Exact a top speed of 300 miles per hour, the company Performance numbers are roughly the same as duction begins in 2020. Pricing starts at $2.2 rari’s new F8 Tributo as gorgeous high-performance MSRP has yet to be announced, as do many engine week of Geneva Motor Show has proved says. Inside is a cabin for two with creature com- and upgraded models of surefire hits: The Vanquish before, with 720 horsepower and 568 pound-feet million. vehicles sold for what will be highly expensive prices. and performance specs, but it will contain an alu- nothing if not glamourous. And, like the forts like parking cameras, infotainment, and of torque that get it to 60mph in 2.9 seconds. Top minum chassis and the same Formula 1-inspired V6 lady serving $40 hamburgers at a road- power-automatic seats. (These are big luxury gets Concept, the Cullinan SUV, the Huracan Evo Spyder, speed is expected to be well over 200mph-after all, engine found in the AM-RB 003 turbo-hybrid. A pro- side diner put it, “Life in Geneva is for a car so focused on basic speed.) Look for it to and the F8 Tributo, respectively. the 488 Pista can do 211mph without breaking a duction version may be debuted by early next year. expensive.” She might have been talk- start production in 2021. sweat. Pricing has yet to be announced, but deliv- Aing about the burgers, but the statement applies to eries begin early next year.  Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder the cars here, too. Amid a flurry of quirky electric  Hispano Suiza Carmen concepts and people-movers from primarily Euro- it still promises top-end performance, reliable elec- transmission with rear-wheel drive. Pininfarina Battista The 630-horsepower Huracan Evo Spyder con- pean brands, big-brand names in the hypercar Based on the 1938 Hispano-Suiza H6C Dubon- tric power, and an unconventional design-all built Plus, it boasts 600 horsepower and a 200mph tinues the excellent Huracan line with a 631bhp world-Koenigsegg, Bugatti-have produced multi- net Xenia, and named in honor of the granddaughter in Barcelona, Spain. Look for production of the top speed. It’s all very extreme-legal to drive on This is the first production model from the newly 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine and a million-dollar production-ready cars to bolster their of Damián Mateu, the founder of Hispano-Suiza, Carmen to start in June 2020. Nineteen of them the street but made for the track. Ginetta, which is formed Automobili Pininfarina, the car-making entity 0-62mph time in 3.1 seconds (that’s just 0.2 sec street cred. the Carmen is an all-electric car that has more than will be made. based in Leeds, England, says it will build 20 of that shares branding with the classic design house slower than the hard-top model). Top speeds are Meanwhile, storied brands like Aston Martin 1,000 horsepower and a $1.7 million (1.5 million them in 2020. founded in 1930. It’s named after the company the same between the coupe and spyder version as and Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini and Ferrari deliv- euros) price tag. Ginetta Akula founder, Battista “Pinin” Farina, and packs a wal- well, at 202mph. The main difference here is that ered next-generation and upgraded models of While its numbers aren’t stellar compared to  Ferrari F8 Tributo lop: All-electric with zero emissions; 1,900 the Huracan Evo Spyder comes with a power auto- surefire hits: The Vanquish Concept, the Cullinan the super-electric car debuted by Pininfarina, it Not very reserved for a car made by an old Brit- horsepower, 0-60mph in less than two seconds, and matic top that deploys in 17 seconds. SUV, the Huracan Evo Spyder, and the F8 Tributo, will still do 0-to-60mph in just under three sec- ish company, the $532,000 Ginetta Akula screams This is the new mid-engine V8 from Ferrari, able to charge to 80 percent in 40 minutes on a With myriad traction and stability controls respectively. onds, with a top speed of 155mph. With 503bhp for attention at any angle. Its V8 engine is mounted replacing the stellar 488 GTB and 458 Italia mod- supercharger outlet. including a rear-wheel steering, all-wheel-drive And two newcomers with long histories-Pin- and a range of roughly 250 miles on one charge, in the middle of the car and paired with a six-speed els. Among its subtle new styling cues are fresh Look for it to join the crew of hypercars from system and adaptive dampers, plus multiple drive infarina and Hispano-Suiza-joined the fray as well, modes for street, sport or track, the new drop-top each bringing electric supercars costing roughly Ginetta Akula Lambo promises the kind of extreme driving thrill $2 million and a lot of patience before they are that only an old Italian exotic brand can give. It’s actually built. Of course, Audi, BMW, Mercedes- nearly a dying breed. Benz and Porsche were there too, in full force. Most of theirs even dipped below the six-figure mark. In short, where the auto shows in Detroit, New York and Los Angeles have felt shallow and empty lately, Geneva was anything but. Here is a look at the most interesting things we saw. Koenigsegg Jesko is  Bugatti La Voiture Noire already sold out Difficult for non-French speakers to say, the name simply means “The Black Car” in French. It’s The Koenigsegg Jesko is already sold out. Just weeks after the meant to be a modern take on the Bugatti 57 SC company unveiled its new super coupe at the Geneva Motor Atlantic from the mid 1930s. (Fashion designer Show, customers and certain dealers quickly snapped up all Ralph Lauren has famously owned one or two.) 125 build slots, each vehicle at a cost of around €2.5 million. Only one of the new ones was made, and yes, According to Koenigsegg, the company sold 83 Jesko’s it’s been sold, reportedly to Ferdinand Piech, the even before the car hit the show stand. And just five days after former CEO of Volkswagen Group. It’s valued at its unveiling in Geneva, Koenigsegg received deposits for the more than €16 million, or $18 million, with a base 42 build slots that remained unsold. price of $12.5 million. “The new Koenigsegg Jesko is the highest volume produc- tion run we’ve ever planned,” CEO Christian Von Koenigsegg  Koenigsegg Jesko Hispano Suiza Carmen said in a statement. “For it to have sold out within days of its Koenigsegg Jesko unveiling is both humbling and a wonderful testament to the Named after the beloved father of Koenigsegg outstanding crew we have at Koenigsegg.” founder and CEO, Christian von Koenigsegg, the 06 WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH 2019 New Mazda CX3: A smart and stylish crossover

azda CX3, the smartest, most stylish hazards, and pre-crash safety technologies, which help to crossover with premium design and avert collisions or reduce their severity in situations where advanced technology is now on display they cannot be avoided. at the state-of-the-art Mazda showroom Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), Active Driving located in Fereej Al Nasr which is open 7 Display, Blind Spot Monitoring System (BSM) Rear Cross Mdays a week from 9 am to 9 pm except on Fridays when Traffic Alert (RCTA) - each of these, combined with the showroom is open during evening hours. National Mazda’s SKYACTIV body and chassis, are all working Car Company (NCC), the sole agent for Mazda vehicles together to instill confidence and safety into drivers and in Qatar, has added “flexi offers” to create more value passengers. to the premium 2WD and AWD models. High grade version of CX-3 comes equipped with Sathish Nair, Marketing & Sales Manager for Mazda stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors, auto- Qatar said: “There’s never been a compact cross over dimming Interior Rear-View Mirror, premium leather that can move you like the New CX3. Moving into the seats, a seven-inch MAZDA CONNECT touchscreen info- next generation premium positioning of Mazda, the tainment system with voice commands, GPS Navigation, compact yet spacious SUV combines technology, quality Bluetooth phone connectivity for phone and audio and craftsmanship with Mazda’s passion for building streaming, a USB input, smart keyless entry, push-button human centric cars, delivering enhanced capability and start, Bose® Sound System with 7-speakers among a city-friendly size. It will be a sensation among the vibrant long list of other friendly features. and trendy younger population in Qatar.” Natural agility comes from SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY Flexi Offers: More Value, More Benefits along with outstanding fuel economy and eco-friend- liness. MZD Connect Infotainment System, now equipped Mazda’s Flexi-Offers campaign provides value with Apple Car Play and Android Auto Integration, brings added benefits such as extended unlimited KM war- your online world along for the ride while i-ACTIVSENSE ranty, comprehensive insurance, service, registration integrates intelligent safety (and peace of mind you need). etc. on select models over and above the very attractive All CX-3 models come standard with a punchy, 146 and competitive prices. Flexi Offers campaign allows HP (197 Nm of torque) SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine the customers to make their choice of the model from paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, fea- a wide range and select either “Free 1 Year Compre- turing Sport mode. Power is routed to either the front hensive Insurance” or “Free 1 Year / 20,000 Km Service wheels or through all four with i-ACTIV all-wheel drive. (whichever comes first) along with the assured Available with Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE Technology, CX-3 benefits. uses active safety technologies that support safe driving by For more information, visit Mazda showroom, call helping the driver to recognize potential 44435965/44417859 or visit www.mazda-qatar.com WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH 2019 07

increase, but it limits what the engi- neers can do to “tune” the tyre.

The black art of black rubber Tuning tyres comes down to forging a series of compromises between con- flicting forces to get the ride and per- formance balance ideal for your new model. Here are some examples: Stiffer sidewalls create better performance What because the tyre deforms less in corners and under acceleration and braking. That creates the kind of crisp control responses you expect in a . Stiffer tyres also transmit more are bump energy into the chassis, which makes for a harsher ride. Larger tyres have a bigger “contact patch,” the vital link between the car and Mother Earth. The bigger the contact patch, the more run-flat grip you have and the better the car turns, accelerates and brakes. But it also generates more noise, cuts fuel economy and has worse sloppy- weather traction. Softer rubber com- pounds in the tread provide better grip, tyres? but they wear out more quickly. Car engineers are accustomed to juggling these trade-offs to get the ride and handling they want. With run-flats, it’s a whole new world. The stiffer sidewalls of a run-flat Another less apparent but very century of designing cars around con- carried by the tyre’s beefy sidewalls – mean smaller contact patches and BY AARON ROBINSON important reason: The ongoing war for ventional pneumatic tyres, engineers the rubber between the wheel and the more bump-energy transmission. space under the car. Increasingly understand how a traditional tyre grips, tread that bears the tyre brand and size Indeed, the first run-flat tyres were he nuisance of slow leaks popular amenities such as fold-flat how it responds to acceleration and info – when the air is lost. These side- cited for their low grip and harsh ride. and the danger of high- seats and all-wheel drive are causing cornering forces, and how it transmits walls are comprised of thick layers of As demand for run-flats has increased, speed blowouts are what a crowding problem below the car’s bump energy to the suspension. rubber reinforced with extra cord. the car industry is becoming smarter self-sealing and run-flat floor. Extra driveshafts, wells for folded They know how to extract about how to adapt the technology. tyres have been fighting seats, the fuel tank – there isn’t room maximum performance, ride comfort The good and the bad For starters, the tyre makers are for more than two for everything. and durability by juggling tyre size, devising better rubber formulas that Tdecades. Engineers are salivating over the tread design, rubber compound, struc- All three strategies have their pros reduce the ride penalty caused by the As far back as the late 1970s, Pirelli huge hole consumed by the spare tyre. tural stiffness and air pressures. and cons: reinforced sidewalls. The automakers was equipping the Lamborghini Get rid of the spare, jack and associated Run-flat tyres limit what the engi- Self-sealing tyres don’t require have also started tuning their suspen- LM002, a monster sport-utility with tools and you not only free up a ton of neers can do with some of these special wheels or reinforced sidewalls, sions specifically for run-flats. One the V-12 engine, with a giant self- space, you also trim both the vehicle’s parameters, making their job tougher. but the lining isn’t foolproof and, if it tweak is relaxing the “durometer,” or sealing tyre called the Scorpion BK. In weight and its cost. Types of run-flat tyres fails, the car must stop in a safe manner. stiffness of the suspension bushings, to recent years, the race to develop better With such incentives, the spare tyre The tyre-within-a-tyre lets engi- help cushion impacts that would be and more affordable run-flat tyres has could be an endangered species. You The air in an inflated tyre is what neers specify exactly the tyre profile better absorbed by a conventional tyre. intensified. must have noticed how the spare has supports the vehicle’s weight. To make they want while assuring that you can All of the major tyre companies, already shrunk on most passenger a tyre that can hold up the car after it still drive after the blowout, but it What does it all mean? including Michelin, Bridgestone/Fire- vehicles from a full-size copy of the has been punctured, the tyre com- requires a special wheel rim. If you had stone, Goodyear, and of course, Pirelli, road tyres to a tiny “doughnut” – panies have adopted three basic a set of such tyres, those 20-inch If your car didn’t come with run- offer some kind of tyre that can run usually a high-pressure pneumatic or strategies: chrome wire wheels you have been flats originally, proceed with caution. without air for a limited distance. No a solid-rubber ring, almost small 1. The self-sealing tyre. The tyre shopping for are out. Run-flats work best with suspensions spare tyre necessary. If you suffer a enough to slide down the slot of a carcass includes a flexible liner under The special rim also adds “un- that are designed for them from the puncture, these tyres won’t leave you vending machine. the tread that can plug small holes sprung weight,” or weight not sup- outset. stranded on the freeway shoulder. They created by nails, rocks or other sharp ported by the suspension. Gains in un- You may find the ride too stiff for can get you a bit farther down the road Tough tyre tech objects. sprung weight are the worst kind from your liking. If the new car you are – up to 100 miles in some cases. 2. Tyre-within-a-tyre. It’s a hard a vehicle dynamics standpoint, dispro- shopping for has run-flats, forget the The automakers think this is a Though increasingly popular, airless rubber ring bonded to the wheel that portionately affecting the handling and negative press you have read in the dandy idea and have included run-flat tyres remain a huge engineering chal- can support the car’s weight in case the ride. past. Run-flat technology has rolled a tyres on their option sheets. lenge. Here’s why: Tyres are the single outer tyre loses air. The stiff-sidewall method, the most long way since the early days, and it’s One big reason for the trend is the most important factor in determining 3. Reinforced sidewall or self- common doesn’t require a special rim going to continue. danger of freeway-speed blowouts. how a car rides and handles. After a supporting tyres. The car’s weight is and minimizes the un-sprung weight Source: Mobiloil.com

he warmer months present some chal- the manual because sometimes that information lenges to personal transportation and is on the inside of the fuel door or the door jamb maintenance, but this list will help us all for the driver’s door), treads should be free of Thave a summer we can enjoy. Here are stones, stray nails and the like, and all four should some tips to keeping your car -- and its passengers be in good condition. Good condition means no -- in good shape this summer. cracks, no uneven wear (this might be caused by a suspension problem) and plenty of tread depth. 1. Coolant System The spare obviously needs to be usable, too. Keeping cool is paramount, not just for our- selves but also for our cars. In addition to checking 8. Dashboard Sunshade the level of coolant fluid in your car, go the extra For those times when you’re not driving, but mile and inspect the state of the hoses and the the car is still out in the sun, a cover that goes in coolant reservoir. Keep an eye out for leaks, espe- the windshield will protect the dashboard against cially at joints and connection points, such as ultraviolet rays and help the cabin stay a little where a hose connects to the engine block. Also, cooler. Some even have solar panels to keep the squeeze the hoses (when the engine is cool) every battery charged. Consider shades for the rear side once in a while to make sure they feel firm and windows, too, as they’ll provide some protection not excessively squishy or soft. for the kids. This also helps prevent areas such as the rear seats and dashboard from fading over 2. Engine Belts time. There is usually a serpentine belt that runs Summer car care tips between the alternator, the fan and several other 9. Clean the Car components. It can deteriorate, become loose, Those long, balmy evenings when the sun is start to squeal, and sometimes just break for no a huge, orange orb hanging low in a pinky-blue apparent reason. It needs to be in good condition sky sound blissful. But they can also be a hazard, and at the right amount of tension. If you see Check oil, brake, power-steering and wind- Have a qualified mechanic fix the leak before especially when your car’s windshield is dirty. cracks in the belt or small pieces missing, it’s time shield-washer fluids regularly. These liquids never paying to have the air-conditioning system Even from the inside, that haze will diffuse the to replace the belt. stop being used and consumed. Speaking of brake recharged. light and make things hard to see. That grime has fluid, how do the brakes on your car feel in a tendency to build up over a long period, so we 3. Wipers general? Are they lacking in bite? Feeling a bit 6. Air Filter don’t really notice it. Things look much sharper Yes, it’s summer, but it’s probably going to rain spongy? If so, new pads and a system bleed might Now might be a good time to buy a new one after your car has had a good wash, though. at some point. Worn wipers create nasty streaks be required. This is the kind of maintenance you or take the current one out and give it a cleaning. Keeping the exterior clean also protects the across the windshield and can affect your vision should have your mechanic or dealership take Many modern cars also have pollen filters or cabin paintwork from the sun’s rays, as well as any while driving. Replacing them doesn’t cost much, care of. filtration systems, so take a look at those, too. damage caused by birds and insects. Finish off the but it can be a fiddly operation. If you’re in the Sometimes these cabin filters are easy to change cleaning with a good-quality wax. Car care makes habit of taking your car in for oil changes, ask 5. Air-Conditioning System yourself. Like everything else mentioned here: financial sense in the long run. them about the wipers, too. Sometimes a deal- Air-conditioning is a summer essential. If the When in doubt, consult a qualified technician. ership will sell you the wipers and install them for system hasn’t been working properly but wasn’t 10. Driver and Passengers free. really a pressing issue over the winter, now’s the 7. Tyres It’s hot out there. Make sure everyone’s time to get serious. If it’s an older system, then Tyres really need to be checked regularly all hydrated. If a scheduled service is coming up, think 4. Other Essential Fluids leaking Freon into the atmosphere is not good. year round. Pressures must be correct (consult about getting it done before a long drive.