The entire existing Mini range has been facelifted for the 2011 model year, including the Convertible and the Clubman. Available from September in Europe, the changes relevant to the GCC are cosmetic only, as the petrol engines are carried over unchanged.
One of our readers, Nabeal Malik, spotted this 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS prototype filling up at a petrol station in Dubai. The next-generation CLS-Class has been spotted in Dubai before, undergoing hot-weather testing, but this time, it has distinctly less camouflage than before, as the final body styling has already been finalised.
The controversial J.D. Power and Associates 2010 U.S. Initial Quality Study is out. The study on American-market cars has been conducted annually for the past 24 years, and while not wholly accurate, it is an interesting look at the number of defects that show up in brand new cars. Lexus, Honda, Infiniti and Hyundai are expectedly on top of the listings, while Chevrolet and Nissan have seemingly placed above Toyota. Volkswagen and Land Rover take their usual spot at the bottom of the tally.
Few companies offer media drives of their all-new models in the UAE itself before they become available to consumers. And we don’t get invited to most of them because they are afraid of us. However, Fiat is making a comeback in the region, and they did invite us to their 2010 Bravo unveiling in Abu Dhabi, complete with a fleet of European-spec test cars for the event.
Fiat launched the compact 2010 Bravo hatchback in the UAE, marking its return to the GCC with its second model, after a gap of nearly a decade. Joining the Fiat 500, the Bravo was locally revealed at a press event held in Abu Dhabi.
As ridiculous as it sounds, BMW has released photos of their all-new 2011 X3 crossover prototype undergoing testing in full camouflage. The official ‘spy shots’ show a larger vehicle than the one being replaced, although still likely in the compact category.
Volkswagen has announced the world debut of its all-new 2011 VW Jetta, apparently as a unique design just for sale in North America, and complete with 1990s styling. The words “German engineering” are being thrown around a lot by marketing types, almost as if trying to hard to hide the fact that it will be built in Mexico. Reports suggest the new model underwent strict cost-cutting measures to make it more competitive price-wise.
Hennessey Performance has announced the delivery of the company’s first production-ready Venom GT supercar. Having left its UK production facility, the Chassis Number 01 Venom GT is headed to the UAE where it is to be delivered to its new owner by Hennessey’s exclusive Middle East distributor, Al DiMora of DiMora Motorcar.
The Belgian-built 2011 Ford Mondeo is claimed to have improved fuel economy, lower emissions and stronger performance thanks to a new EcoBoost petrol-injection turbo engine that is now available in Europe.
The Range Rover, one of the most significant vehicles in the history of motoring, will celebrate its 40th birthday on June 17, 2010. It was the world’s first vehicle as good on-road as off-road. The Range Rover was the first capable luxury 4×4 in its time and was a milestone in the development of the SUV.