Behind The Scenes

So we got a 2009 BMW X6 and went offroad

by Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury. March 1, 2009.

After ages spent on the waiting list, we finally got our hands on a BMW X6. The version home-delivered to us also happened to be the xDrive50i version, powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, if we remember correctly. BMW’s new naming convention is too confusing. Either way, we managed to park it right next to some random X5, so the differences between the two models became all the more clearer. And thus began our test of the loved/hated X6, both on-road and off-road.

So we got a refreshed Peugeot 407

by Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury. February 28, 2009.

The last time we drove a Peugeot 407, it was 2005, and it was our second ever official test car. It was a 2.0-litre version, and while we didn’t do performance tests back then, it didn’t take a rocket-scientist to figure out that it was a slow car. Fast-forward to 2009, and the 407 has received a tiny facelift, and this time we got a 2.2-litre version. It really is a better car.

So we got a Chevrolet Traverse

by Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury. February 27, 2009.

So we got a brand-spanking-new 2009 Chevrolet Traverse from the General. We were told that we were at the top of the list for this one, although seeing many of these on the streets beforehand suggests otherwise. Either way, I knew it was going to be a good-looking vehicle. It really looks like a premium-branded vehicle, appearing much more classy than bulldogs like the Audi Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz GL, none of which will ever realistically touch a grain of sand. It looked good enough for my PR guy to start leaving drool-stains on the bonnet.

So we got an offroad-ready Hummer H3T

by Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury. February 24, 2009.

Apparently we are among the first people to test-drive the Hummer H3T in the UAE. I drove it all over Dubai on the first morning, which involved embarrassing parallel parking incidents. Anyway, I had decided to do a proper off-road test on another day, and handed over the truck to my PR guy. He promptly returned it to me the next day, with a broken alloy wheel, a sandy interior, and a number of disabled electronics. Never let amateurs go camping with your 4X4.

First drive: Porsche 911, Cayman & Cayenne on track

by Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury. February 15, 2009.

The Porsche World Roadshow is a 10-day event that is held in various cities around the world, usually reserved for Porsche customers, and usually for a fee. The Dubai stopover was from February 4th to the 14th this year. Attending the event itself involves a single day of various activities held from 9 am to 4 pm, using the latest Porsche machinery at the Dubai Autodrome. One of these days was reserved for the media, and I was invited for the first time.

So we got an Infiniti FX50 S

by Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury. February 10, 2009.

When Lexus first came out, it was nothing more than a cheaper copy of a Mercedes-Benz when it came to looks. Still, Lexus is now known as the dullest luxury brand in the market, and a substandard attempt at taking on the Europeans. And now, a new generation of Infiniti models, while still building their brand, have already managed to surpass ever-desperate German stylists in terms of looks. It is hard to believe that the uncreative Japanese have beaten the Germans at their own game. And the Infiniti FX50 is the crowning glory of that achievement.

So we got a Bentley Flying Spur Speed

by Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury. February 8, 2009.

Another day, another Bentley. This time it is the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed. At Dhs 950,000, it costs more than I’ll make in a decade, but apparently, it is cheaper by Dhs 200,000 in the last 6 months due to the weak British Pound.

So we got a Ford Focus Sport

by Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury. February 7, 2009.

I’ve driven three Focii in two years now, all hatchbacks, and its handling never fails to impress. This time, I got handed a Ford Focus Sport. While it did have upgrades compared to the ones I drove before, it sadly didn’t add any performance bits whatsoever.

First drive: 2009 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport off-road

by Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury. February 6, 2009.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport was launched in Dubai at a quick media event where its off-road abilities were showcased. First shown at Moscow Auto Show last year, this new midsize model is really the replacement for the aging Nativa, and is based on the L200 pickup.

First drive: 2009 Volvo XC60 on track

by Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury. January 30, 2009.

The 2009 Volvo XC60 is a new crossover SUV that the Ford-owned Swedish company thinks will raise regional Volvo sells by an unrealistic 30%. The GCC version was launched in Dubai a few days ago, and Volvo gave the press a taste of the XC60’s capabilities at the Dubai Autodrome on January 28. They certainly had an impressive line-up of events planned.

Behind The Scenes

So we got a 2009 BMW X6 and went offroad

So we got a refreshed Peugeot 407

So we got a Chevrolet Traverse

So we got an offroad-ready Hummer H3T

First drive: Porsche 911, Cayman & Cayenne on track

So we got an Infiniti FX50 S

So we got a Bentley Flying Spur Speed

So we got a Ford Focus Sport

First drive: 2009 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport off-road

First drive: 2009 Volvo XC60 on track

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