There were quite a few mini-4x4s around before the Renault Duster popped up in our market and actually proved that these things can sell with the right kind of marketing. Ford is hoping to replicate the Duster’s success with the Ecosport, their very own little SUV.
Dubai Police have officially revealed their latest addition to their fleet, the McLaren MP4-12C.
Arabian Automobiles, one of the UAE’s Nissan dealers, has announced the arrival of the 2014 Nissan Patrol Pickup with an optional accessory package that will only be offered by them.
An unexpected bonus from attending the Maserati Trofeo races in Abu Dhabi a week ago was netting a closer look at this — the Maserati MC12 Corsa. And you wouldn’t believe how rare it is.
Electric cars have yet to make an impact in the Gulf. The first one to pop in, the limited-range Fisker Karma, stalled before it even got started, although it was more due to a little thing called bankruptcy rather than any market dynamics here. The Lexus “performance” hybrids haven’t done well either, with their high prices and lack of real performance gains. And Nissan keeps showing the Leaf in public, but cannot apparently make it adjust to our weather. But the one electric car the rest of the world is excited about isn’t even offered in the UAE. That’s the Tesla Model S.
This week’s motoring news round-up includes one of Nissan’s UAE dealers winning an aftersales service award, Valvoline launching a GCC-spec engine oil, the Porsche GT3’s Dubai race conclusion, and Bridgestone’s new air-free tyre.
Hot on the heels of the first edition of the hugely successful Jumeirah Cruisin’ was the second show, held last Friday afternoon at the Biker’s Cafe. Attendance was by invite only, making for an exclusive event comprising a rich collection of exotic supercars, classic metal and superb custom bikes. For spectators, there were no entry restrictions.
When we went to the 2014 Toyota Corolla launch event in Dubai, the last thing we expected to see was the original 1966 model. The fully-restored E10-generation coupe is a far cry from the Corolla of today, but in some ways, represents what the Corolla has been all about for nearly the past five decades.
What kind of people buy Toyota Corollas? Maybe the kind who walk into a showroom and the first thing they ask is “does it come with an automatic?” Maybe the kind who has a great job in the GCC and still keeps asking “how will I survive these high petrol prices?” Or maybe the kind whose first question to a Jaguar sports-car owner is “what’s the resale value?”
If you thought Swedish car brand Saab was dead and gone, think again. The Saab 9-3 is back, with a little help from the Chinese.