We first tested the current iteration of the Lexus LX 570 when it debuted in 2008, alongside the Toyota Land Cruiser on which it is based. So when we were offered the 2011 Lexus LX 570 for a test-drive, we almost rejected it. But then we figured “why not.” Maybe something has changed. It turns out nothing has changed, although our tester was a more interesting vehicle than the one we drove before.
The 2011 Infiniti M was launched earlier last week in the UAE, and displayed for the first time at the 2010 Sharjah Auto Show. Just before its launch, we asked for a test-drive whenever possible, and surprisingly got an answer that we can have it that same weekend. And so, here is a look at the GCC-spec Infiniti M56 for the first time ever.
Better late than never. Launched late last year, we were offered a test-drive of the 2010 Land Rover LR4. The blocky 4×4 formerly known as LR3, and still affectionately known as the Discovery elsewhere, is now almost well-dressed enough to be called a Range Rover.
The Dodge Challenger SRT8 has been out in the UAE since last year. A facelifted version may already be on the way by the end of this year. And some nincompoop magazines had already ripped up the rear tyres on our tester. But hot damnit it is still an awesome car.
Just launched in the UAE, the Korean-built Renault Fluence is a new-for-2011 model that competes in the compact segment in terms of price, features, performance and general demeanour. It is a rather underwhelming car, as most cars are in this segment, but it has one ace up its sleeve. A longer-than-average wheelbase means it is more spacious than many others in the compact class.
Debuting in late 2008, the Hyundai Genesis was the car that’s supposed to highlight what the Korean manufacturer is capable of, in terms of competing head-on with luxury brands. There was a lot of hype surrounding this car when it was launched. We’ve finally made contact with Hyundai’s UAE dealer and managed to acquire one for a road test.
The updated Range Rover was launched sometime in the second half of last year, complete with new engines, a new interior and, externally, a new grille. We finally got a 2010 Supercharged for a road test, although ironically, not before the 2011 model has already been announced, with further changes. We also had to sign a contract saying we cannot take it off-road. So we didn’t.
The 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo has apparently been out for a while now, but this test vehicle is the first one I’ve ever seen on UAE roads. At a price point that competes directly with the handsome BMW X5, while looking like it does, it isn’t hard to see why it will remain rare. However, simply by its oddity does it stand out. When was the last time you bothered giving an X5 a second glance? You will definitely be staring at this one.
We’re one of the first people to test the all-new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour in the GCC. So fresh it is that this is the same opal-green car that was displayed at the Atlantis launch event less than a week ago, and it still has less than 400 km on the clock. We’ll have to say though, that the car isn’t really as revolting in person as it is in photos. In fact, we’d go as far as calling it “nice” in an oddball way.
As part of the “Tahoe Adventure Weekend,” where we hung out at the Le Meridien Al Aqah till last Sunday morning, we were each sent home to Dubai with a 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe to try out. I had picked the LTZ 4×4 model, and ended up keeping it right till this Thursday.