Suddenly on sale now in Dubai and the UAE is the refreshed 2009 Kia Optima, with a facelifted exterior, and “a new engine that provides more power and better fuel economy.” The 2009 Optima midsizer is also supposedly larger than its predecessors, but we have doubts about that, along with questions over the engine specs.
The Toyota Prius has become a fashion icon around the world for those who want to appear environmentally-conscious. It was the world’s first mass-produced four-door hybrid, powered by a petrol engine mated to an electric engine that recharged itself through regenerative braking technology. The current generation of the Prius is most recognisable, and Toyota has chosen to keep its existing shape for the 2010 model, while updating some styling, tech and interior details.
Our buddies at AutoMiddleEast report that the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse will hit the streets of Dubai soon. In fact, their editor has gone on a press trip to Japan for a drive on a track, as Mitsubishi secretly starts promoting the Eclipse as well as the Lancer Ralliart before their imminent GCC launch.
At a recent press conference, Nissan and Al Dahana have announced the establishment of a joint venture company called Nissan Gulf FZCO (NGF), to “enhance Nissan’s marketing and sales strategy in key GCC markets and introduce a fully fledged financial services platform through all Middle East and North African countries.” Nissan Gulf plans to sell 160,000 vehicles a year by 2012, in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Bahrain. These four markets will represent more than 40 percent of Nissan sales in the region by 2012.
Just when you thought that nothing can defeat Godzilla, problems start to arise from within itself. The insanely-capable Nissan GT-R, already on sale in the United States officially, is being undone by transmission failures, according to the American Nissan GT-R Owners Club. A member of the club says his GT-R suffered from odd noises, and took it in for servicing. Nissan USA told him it needs a new automanual gearbox for US$ 20,000, and it won’t be covered under warranty.
The 2010 Mazda 3 is due to be unveiled on November 19 at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. However, the internet beats all else again, and first images of the new car are out in the open.
The Mitsubishi Colt disappeared from GCC markets almost a decade ago due to poor sales. But it continued with new iterations in other markets, including Europe. The latest 2009 version is out, but it isn’t exactly the prettiest.
It’s been in the works for years, but Toyota has finally got off their lazy asses and built it. The Lexus IS convertible just debuted at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. Called the IS 250 C, it features a folding metal top and revised overall dimensions.
To be shown at the upcoming CEATAC show in Japan, Nissan has developed a system designed for cars that could automatically avoid collisions, using ideas garnered from the natural abilities of bees.
Toyota’s Dubai-based dealers have already started slapping on photos of the 2009 Toyota Fortuner in vague magazine ads. Toyota doesn’t advertise with us, but they didn’t send us any details about the new model either, so I had to figure out what’s new with this cheap truck.