It’s amazing that the previous-generation Renault Koleos ran for almost a decade with only minor changes. In the fast-paced crossover segment, that’s an eternity. However, it looks like the new model was worth the wait, as the Koleos seems to be reaching for the stars in the entry-level luxury segment now.
The Honda Accord got a major frontal facelift for 2016 in America, and it took a year to come here as a 2017 model. Now that they’re here, we took a spin in both the V6 and I4 versions to see if the changes are more than skin-deep.
The Chevrolet Malibu burst onto the local midsize sedan scene back in 2010 after being absent for almost a decade. I still remember it because we trundled around in one for a month and actually enjoyed it, as it drove like a car that was aiming higher than it needed to, with excellent handling, two-tone interiors, a huge wheelbase and luxury-grade ride quality. Unfortunately its lifespan was cut short as it was replaced by an inferior product with a shorter-wheelbase Opel chassis, longer overhangs and much less character, although we never actually drove it. Now the new generation is here,
The Lexus LX 570 is nearing the end of its lifecycle. If previous generations are anything to go by, there should be an all-new LX every 10 years, so the next-generation model is theoretically due by 2018. So it was a surprise that Toyota gave both the Land Cruiser and the LX 570 a major makeover for 2016, after a couple of minor facelifts since the current generation’s 2008 debut.
Soon enough, you’d be able to rent cars on a hourly basis in Dubai, as per a new resolution issued by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.
Infiniti raised a few eyebrows when they suddenly launched a 400 hp version of the Infiniti Q50. Featuring an all-new turbocharged motor, the Japanese premium carmaker finally had something to brag about when pitched against the Germans, all of whom have had boosted engines for a decade already. We were invited to try out the Infiniti Q50 S Red Sport 400, as it’s called, at the Dubai Autodrome for the GCC launch.
Our Nissan Patrol LE went in for its first “free” service recently, after the 1000 km break-in period. While we were booking the dealer appointment in Dubai, the lady on the phone started upselling certain accessories to us. Normally we avoid upsells, but she just happened to be offering exactly what we were after.
When we first heard that Jaguar was going to do their own SUV, we didn’t think it made much sense, considering the carmaker’s other half is dedicated to only building SUVs, including crossovers. It then got a name which made even less sense. Then we saw it in the flesh, and it looked like it could be an interesting vehicle. Our writer Gautam drove it overseas, but we finally got to look at one up close and personal ourselves.
After Hyundai officially announced last year that they will make Genesis a separate luxury brand, the G90 takes its place as the Korean manufacturer’s flagship sedan. Assigned with the tough task of taking on the established premium German carmakers, the G90 has to deliver on the necessary components of a luxury car, which for the most part it does.
Our 2007 Honda S2000 went in for “40k” major service last week. Our car has less than 25,000 km on the clock, but a year had passed since the last service. Also, the car was grounded for a while as the brake lights were stuck on permanently, so we had to disconnect the battery when parked. Here are the dealer expenses nowadays.