30

COVERstory |

2015 Kia SorentoFirst drive of Gen III in Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

8New cars @ Oman Motor ShowThin industry participation, interesting cars

44 38

cover story30-37 2015 kia sorento

oman and regional news6-14 key automotive dealers launch new models at oman motor show, new cars in oman: 2015 Bmw X6, 2015 isuzu muv, Gen iii 2015 kia sorento, 2015 renault captur. impressive sales start for all-new nissan X-trail, al JenaiBi showcases ‘X’ power in sultanate, nissan sets new world twin car drift record in uae, GoinG stronG: nissan and motorsports, lamBorGhini holds first middle east accademia in duBai, mercedes-Benz eXtensively upGrades the cls for 2015, all-new 2015 volvo v40 arrives in reGion, limited production Bentley mulsanne maJestic showcased, new me hQ for Bentley motors, mitsuBishi paJero adventure held in oman, safety campaiGn in oman, Juma al maJid Group launch reGion’s first diGital studio for hyundai

2014 automan coty16-20 shorlisted candidates announced

brandwatch22-26 russian rouBle collapse trouBles GloBal automakers,airBaGs could have eXpiry date soon, Busy year for amG ahead, nissan Gt-r anniversary edition announced, spyker declared Bankrupt, hyundai’s new infotainment system to appear in my 2016 models, first new scramBler from ducati comes off the production line, leXus trademarks new model names,ferrari fXX k production sold out, aston martin’s new Bond car revealed, mG to sell reBodied korando? ford considerinG performance suB Brand? mclaren launches new mso defined customization proGram, maserati marks centenary with 50,000th unit at GruGliasco plant, renault-donGfenG proGressinG well,JaGuar land rover reveals its ‘360 virtual urBan windscreen’, lamBorGhini and pirelli create special edition aventador lp 700-4

international news 28-29 2015 detroit auto show teaser

special 10 suv preview feature56-57 audi Q758-59 Bmw X660-61 honda hr-v62-63 land rover discovery sport64-65 leXus nX66-67 lincoln naviGator68-69 mazda cX-370-71 mercedes-Benz Gle72-73 renault captur74-75 volvo Xc90

first drives38-43 2015 infiniti QX80 44-49 2015 ssyanGyonG korando50-55 2015 lincoln mkc

motorsports76-79 reGional motorsports, Gulf 12 hr, 2014 moto Gp in pictures

chicane80 to Geolocate or stay hidden?

NEXT ISSUE2015

bmw X6

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our January issue always brings with it a look at what we expect to be in store for the automotive industry and how it will effect us here. this year is no different in that we really have a lot to speculate on.

For starters, what do you think will be the likely outcome of the imbroglio that Russia finds itself in? they have already annexed crimea from the ukraine and are being blamed for all the problems in ukraine’s east. sanctions are in place and the rouble has almost halved in value although the almost coincidental drop in the price of crude oil has also triggered part of that dramatic fall.

what does that spell for the automotive industry in russia other than a very troubled year ahead? the huge untapped potential of this part of the Brics economies may well be off the commercial map for the year.

china, on the other hand is chugging along quite nicely although that shouldn’t be mistaken as actually showing any growth. But then we are speaking about an economy that has consistently shown at least a 10% growth through the past decade and is set to be the world’s largest economy by all measures. so a slow down could just mean that growth dips to 5% or 6% instead of the near double digits. But the world’s largest automotive market doesn’t seem to be in any danger of losing that tag, especially with the drop in the price of crude oil translating into more affordable motoring in consumer countries.

the united states itself remains largely healthy and seems to be sustaining its rebound from the dark depths of the financial collapse. Lower oil prices works in their favour although some oil companies may get hit due to the greater expense of fracking against normal oil drilling. as the us moves towards being a net supplier to the world, we also have to factor in that it continues to be the magnet for global money. car sales will grow, unless something really bad happens to topple the apple cart.

Our home market is actually the one that’s the most difficult to read. Lower oil prices affect the producer states in the short term, but almost all the investment in to the states is of a medium term or long term nature. new roads, ports, airports, bridges, universities and cities need a long lead-time and are usually financed over decades. How this will be affected by a short-term dip in revenues will vary state by state and will depend on their reserves as well as future earning potential.

one should expect the local market to grow, even if the rate of growth takes a hit. that would fit in very nicely with the expectations of an automotive industry that hasn’t quite forgotten the tribulations of five years back.

editor-in-chiefMohammad Al taie

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Following its public debut at the Oman Motor Show, Renault’s new urban-centric crossover, the Captur was formally launched at the brand’s Qurum showroom. The Captur Concept was first shown at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and the production version made its debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show and started to be marketed in France

during April 2013 with other markets in 2014. Mechanically, the Captur is based on the fourth generation Clio [Renault/Nissan B platform] and incorporates design themes/ lines from the Captur Concept. The production car also as part of Renault’s renovated design strategy developed by Laurens van den Acker and it is the second of six concept cars showing Renaults future design directions.The flowing lines highlight its distinctive proportions, while its large wheels, generous ground clearance, wide tracks and steeply raked, forward-set windscreen form a unique blend of MPV, SUV and hatchback, conceived and

made reality by Renault. Renault Captur lends itself perfectly to an extensive personalisation programme, too. With its many permutations of two-tone bodywork, wheel colours, light and dark interior trims, upholstery fabrics and graphic motifs. The Captur is designed to accommodate various powertrains ranging from 890cc 3-cylinder to 1,496cc four-cylinder. All variants get double clutch 6-speed automatic transmission. The markets of Oman will get a turbocharged 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine producing 120hp and 190Nm of torque. Two trim levels will be offered and prices will start from OMR7,000-8,000.

Captur launched in UAEArabian Automobiles Renault, the flagship company of AW Rostamani Group and the exclusive dealer of Renault in Dubai and the Northern Emirates also launched Renault’s first urban crossover. “Arabian Automobiles Renault is very excited about the Captur joining our exciting product line-up,” said Ashish Goel, general manager at Arabian Automobiles Renault. In UAE, prices for the Captur start from AED 57,900 for the most basic PE model, AED 62,900 for the SE mid-range model and AED 67,900 for the top of the range LE model.

Renault Captur officially arrives in Oman

Impressive sales start for all-new Nissan X-TrailAn X-Trail sold for every 48 minutes and in 40 days since it was launched dealerships across GCC recorded total sales of 441 units within the first 15 days, 1,226 units were sold within the first 40 days. In Qatar a total of 22.6% market share has been recorded for the All-New X-Trail, outselling its competitors during the first full month of sales. The X-Trail also remained the segment leader in the UAE amongst its competitors, attaining a total of 12 per cent market share, according to Nissan. Samir Cherfan, managing director, Nissan Middle East said: “With the launch of the all-new X-Trail, our fundamental ambition is to achieve superiority against our competitors, and these outstanding sales results are a clear testament to that. The Nissan X-Trail is currently the leader in its segment and we look forward to maintaining this position.”

Bridgestone Middle East and Africa FZE, with the support of Robert Bosch Middle East FZE, have launched its latest public awareness initiative -- Bridgestone Safety Station campaign -- in Oman. The programme is designed to enhance road and vehicle safety awareness, encourages and educates drivers, reminding them to check their vehicles before hitting the road and make sure that their cars and tyres are properly maintained and ready for the journey. The Safety Station was located in the Leisure Court area of Muscat City Centre and ran for two days in December.

Safety awareness campaign in Oman

6 JAN 2015

OTE Group and Isuzu Motors International Operations base in Thailand launched their Isuzu Mu-X, a new seven seater SUV for the markets in the Sultanate. This tough-as-nails family SUV is mechanically based on the D-Max pick-up which means it gets a truck-like ladder-frame chassis. Dimensionally, the MU-X stands at 4,825mm in length, 1,860mm in width [without mirrors] and 1,830mm in height on a 2,845mm wheelbase. These figures have allowed Isuzu to offer the cabin with three rows of seats - the rear pair both split-folding - and what Isuzu calls an abundance of storage areas. Stylistically, the tall, flared and boxy MU-X resembles GM’s Colorado

[also co-developed in Thailand] twin, albeit with a unique Isuzu nose design and colour palette, as well as a straighter profile line. Only the bonnet and front door are shared with the D-Max. The SUV will be powered by a single turbocharged diesel 2.5-litre engine. The proven five-speed automatic Aisin unit is mated to this engine which produces 136PS at 3,400 rpm and 320Nm of torque from 1,800 to 2,800 rpm. Sequential shift function is also provided by the transmission and Isuzu says that while its transmissions have fewer ratios than most rivals, it also sets them up to have wider ratios, and allows them to ride the diesel’s torque curve.

Isuzu’s first new SUV in Oman

BMW’s official retailer in the region Al Jenaibi took the opportunity to get media and invitees familiar with the ‘X’ family by offering them to drive various models ranging from the entry level X1, X3, X4, X5 and just introduced X6. The drive event saw participants take out the cars in convoy towards Al Amerat, looping via the new Yiti connector [which offered some stunning scenic spots] and finally heading back to the starting point at Grand Hyatt Hotel. All drivers were able to drive the various models during driver change stops. The ‘X’ – M-badged models were not part of this drive routine.

Al Jenaibi Automobiles launched the redesigned for 2015 BMW X6 in Muscat last month. Although it looks much the same as last year’s model, the sheet metal is, in fact, new and this luxury crossover is slightly longer, taller and wider. Its updated interior includes standard five-passenger seating, a much-needed increase in room for rear passengers and a wealth of the latest electronic features. The Oman market will be served with two powertrain choices – a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 producing 306hp and a bigger 450hp V8.

Al Jenaibi showcases ‘X’ power in Sultanate

BMW X6 arrives in Oman

7JAN 2015

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Key automotive dealers launch new models at Oman Motor Show

8 JAN 2015

The recently concluded edition of Oman’s motor show saw some interesting unveils by authorized dealerships besides slightly more representation than earlier editions. Key reveals came from Lexus with the RC-F and RC models, while Ford managed to get their hands on the soon-to-arrive all-new Mustang. Ford’s premium luxury brand Lincoln had both the all-new MKC crossover and new full-size Navigator. Volkwagen’s stand was small, but it did have some interesting cars like the Golf R. Renault took the opportunity to introduce its newest addition – the Captur crossover SUV besides some localized trimmed editions of current models. Nissan’s key highlight was the new X-Trail and also localized trimmed editions of current models. Infiniti also had a sizable presence. Mitsubishi was also in full form with its full line-up. On the after-care/accessories side it was Sayarti and V-Kool that had a big presence along with some other suppliers of Tyres and off-road accessories. Premium luxury and some mainstream brands were conspicuous with their absence.

9JAN 2015

Kia Motors launched its third generation Sorento SUV for the region in Jordon last month. The incoming model arrives in the region’s markets in 2015 with a new stylized design, a choice of two petrol engines, five- or seven-seat versions with two drive systems and a host of upgraded and new features. Marginally longer, wider and lower than the outgoing edition,

the exterior styling of the global model was led by Kia’s Namyang design studio in Korea, with significant input from the brand’s Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California design studios. In our markets, the new Sorento will compete with the likes Ford Edge/Explorer, GMC Terrain and Jeep Cherokee. [See first drive report elsewhere in the magazine]

Volvo Car Middle East & North Africa announced that the all-new V40 T5 sport 2015 is now available with Drive-E Engine. The all-new V40 takes the brand’s hatchback car to a new level, combining style, intelligence and safety technologies. The car’s profile is inspired by Volvo’s human-centric “Designed Around You” strategy. Volvo claims that this V40 is one of the most intelligent and safest cars in the world. The V40 T5 Sport comes with ‘City Safety’ collision avoidance technology, Sensus connect, Adaptive Digital display, Dynamic Stability Traction control, Rear Parking Sensors, Cruise Control and Dual Zone Electronic Climate Control. Volvo says the car’s systems can also support optional features like Park Assist Pilot, Lane Keeping Aid, Pedestrian Airbag, Enhanced Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Alert, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection. Additionally, some of the driver convenience features including the Road Sign Information, Adaptive Cruise Control & Distance Alert, Active High Beam and Driver Alert Control are a few of the many features found in the car.The V40 has been introduced in the UAE and is offered with two different engines: T4 and T5. The T4 is a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine delivering 180hp while the T5 sport Drive-E engine is 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged delivering 245hp. The T5 is equipped with 8-speed automatic transmission and the 2015 T5 also comes standard with paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel. The V40 T5 is fitted with 17 inch alloy wheels.

Gen III 2015 Kia Sorento launched in region

All-new 2015 Volvo V40 arrives in region

10 JAN 2015

New ME HQ for Bentley Motors

Bentley Emirates has revealed the first of only five Bentley Mulsanne Majestic models exclusively reserved for the UAE. The limited edition Mulsanne was unveiled by Bentley Motors Middle East and Al Habtoor Motors at the British Embassy in Dubai, to an audience of VIP clients and media. The ultra-exclusive Mulsanne Majestic takes Bentley’s flagship Mulsanne, the pinnacle in luxurious, handmade grand touring, to the next level and is the ultimate statement in exclusivity for Bentley connoisseurs in the Middle East. Only 15 models of the Mulsanne Majestic have been hand crafted

by Bentley’s Mulliner division in Crewe and all are reserved for customers in the Middle East. Five models are dedicated to customers in Saudi Arabia, five in the United Arab Emirates and five in Qatar. The UAE model comes in Quartz White paintwork, while the interior is trimmed with a Linen main and Beluga as the secondary hide colour. It also features unique 21in Mulliner branded five spoke alloy wheels, specifically designed for the Majestic. Alongside the wheels are special ‘Majestic’ badges mounted on the front wheel arches.

General Automotive Company (GAC), the official distributors for Mitsubishi in Oman has successfully completed three rounds of its locally-developed customer-oriented annual desert adventure. Popularly known among Pajero owners as the ‘Team Pajero Adventure’, each round consists of a day and a half or more worth of time involvement. From Mitsubshi’s showroom, registered attendees drove into the heart of Oman’s breathtaking desert scenario for a weekend of fun and genuine driving adventure in their Pajeros. Commenting on the Desert Adventure, Rajesh Sharma, the national marketing manager of GAC said: “In addition to being a fun trip for the entire family to enjoy, these annual ‘Team Pajero’ events provides a great opportunity to give owners a real-world driving experience in challenging off-road conditions in a safe and secure environment. The trips were once again a great success in 2014, with every participant providing us with positive feedback and expressing their intentions to join us once again next year.” Participants were supervised and followed the Marshalls in convoy format towards Wahiba Sands. Once at the Al Raha Camp, the drivers are offered specialized desert driving training and safety tips and subsequently encouraged to drive over dunes. After these off-road sessions, participants head towards the camp to witness stunning sunset followed by dinner and entertainment.

Three rounds of Pajero Adventure held in Oman

Limited production Bentley Mulsanne Majestic

Bentley Motors has announced that the Middle East is now home to its new headquarters for operations across the Middle East, Africa, India and Asia Pacific (MEAI & Asia Pac.). The announcement marks a significant commitment to the region from the ultra-luxury automotive manufacturer and highlights the importance of the Middle East to the brand’s continuous success. Neil Wilford, Bentley Motors’ Regional Manager, Middle East, Africa and India, said: “2014 is a pivotal year for Bentley Motors Middle East, Africa and India. While this region has played an integral part in our global business for many years, the move to centralise all operations for these key markets to Dubai, makes a big statement. Our team is set to grow significantly before the New Year and will continue to expand in to the beginning of 2015. These developments highlight just how important this region is to our business and we look forward to spearheading the next chapter of success from our new home within the region.”

11JAN 2015

Till last month, the world record for twin car simultaneous drifting [according to Guinness World Records] was 24km. That record

was broken by two silver stock Nissan 370Zs at a modified parking lot behind Dubai’s Global Village. The feat, supported by Nissan Middle East saw a new Guinness World Records title for the longest twin vehicle drift being achieved. The two Z cars piloted by ProDrift drivers -- world champion James Deane and regional champion Ahmad Dahan – who drifted the cars in tandem around the track without stopping for 28.52km. One of the cars spun out midway during the first attempt but the second attempt proved worthwhile as here it was when The Guinness World Record was set.It was a befitting start for launch of the “Nissan 370Z Drift Experience” programme. This localised programme will offer drivers the opportunity to learn and perfect the art of car drifting. “Nissan 370Z Drift Experience” is a partnership between Nissan Middle East and the Prodrift Academy, which is carried out using Nissan 370Zs alongside the Prodrift Academy’s professional drift instructors in a safe and controlled environment.Samir Cherfan, Managing Director, Nissan Middle East, said: “With today’s

NISSAN sets new world twin car drift record in UAE

12 JAN 2015

For nearly 80 years, Nissan has been pushing the boundaries of innovation within the Motorsports industry. Ever since its grassroots the Datsun NL-75 won at the Japanese Tamagawa Speedway in 1936, Nissan has developed some of the most recognized racing cars to have ever graced the track. Nissan’s global recognition came later in 1964 when it showcased its first ‘Skyline GT’ in Germany, which then went on to overtake a Porsche in one lap during the Japan Grand Prix. It was at this point the industry and the world began to start recognizing that Nissan’s innovation and technology was on par with the rest of the western world. With the world now watching, Nissan subsequently launched the legendary ‘Skyline GT-R’ in 1969, which was a pioneer in racing automotive technology. In fact much of the DNA from the Skyline GT-R has been carried on to the present day GT-R.It wasn’t long before Nissan had developed its signature turbo charged engine in 1979 and upon realizing that it was possible to boost sales through competitive motorsports, launched NISMO for the first time in 1984. Since then the company has broken records and developed some of the fastest racing cars ever built. In the region, Nissan Middle East has shined in motorsports through the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge with the Patrol by sponsoring Emil Kneisser who achieved great results, the successful yearly GT Academy initiative and now the latest addition of the Nissan 370Z Drift Experience.

accomplishment of setting a new Guinness World Records title, we have proven again the strength of our vehicles by adding another Guinness World Records record to our list. The Nissan Z is a very popular car in the drifting scene and this new record is yet another proof on the ability of this car to make drifting look so easy.” “Nissan has a strong focus on motorsports in the Middle East. Since safety is our priority at Nissan, we have partnered with the Prodrift Academy to provide a legal and safe platform for drifting fanatics in the region.” Cherfan added.The drifting fever was evolved back in 2009, when the first regional drifting competition was launched. Over the years, this has significantly grown to be one of the most awaited events across the Middle East, with attendance exceeding 15,000 per country. Mohammad Al Falasi, managing director of the Prodrift Academy commented: “Drifting has been a very popular sport among young people in the region and we are extremely proud to be able to develop this sport further among the fans in a safe and authorized environment, thanks to Nissan Middle East. Our professional instructors are dedicated to transforming young talents into world class performers with the help of the iconic Nissan Z due to its controlling power.”

Going strong: NISSAN and MOTORSPORTS

13JAN 2015

Automobili Lamborghini held its first driving academy in the Middle East this week. The Lamborghini Accademia, a one-day track driving course organized by Lamborghini’s in-house Squadra Corse motorsport department, was held at Dubai Autodrome. During the three-day event, 20 Lamborghini owners each day were welcomed at the FIA circuit and, following a briefing and theory session, spent more than four hours on track driving both the V12 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 and the latest V10 model, the Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4. Comprehensive instruction in a variety of exercises was given by the team of Italian pro-drivers who were Lamborghini owners were invited from the Italian super sports car marque’s ten dealerships throughout the region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. Some international clients, in the UAE for last weekend’s Formula One race, also bought spaces for the Accademia. “The Middle East is a very important region for Lamborghini,” said Christian Mastro, Head of Europe, Middle East and Africa for Automobili Lamborghini, “and our clients appreciate the opportunity to enjoy Lamborghini cars on track while also learning driving techniques to best appreciate the dynamic performance of our model range.”

Juma Al Majid Group, the sole distributor of Hyundai Motors in the UAE has taken a lead on its competitors with the launch of the Hyundai DigitalStudio, the first fully digitalised car showroom in the Middle East. The Hyundai DigitalStudio was launched to bring all the features of a car showroom into one small space and to cater for those who are increasingly expecting to browse products and services digitally. Located in the Hyundai Deira Showroom, the facility enables customers to browse Hyundai cars conveniently, comparing models, colours, pricing and features. It also allows them to view finance deals and other special offers.The customised software used was developed by Juma Al Majid IT, its décor designed by Juma Al Majid Interiors and its technology consumer electronics partners Samsung Gulf. Juma Al Majid Group has based its new Hyundai virtual showroom on projections that large retail outlets for automotive brands will decrease in popularity as a reviewing facility for customers. The company forecasts that the trend towards digital applications is one that will grow exponentially, ultimately leading to more sales, particularly in a region that has one of the highest technology penetration rates in the world.

Mercedes-Benz has extensively revised its E-Class based four-door CLS Coupé and Shooting Brake which is now in its second generation. The design of the car now features a honed front section and upgraded interior gets handcrafted detailing. Besides cosmetics, the revised CLS also brings ground-breaking technical innovations to the road. The futuristic MULTIBEAM LED headlamps open up new dimensions in lighting systems. High-performance, precision LED modules automatically provide the best possible illumination, whatever the road and traffic conditions. Cutting-edge technology on-board also includes the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, new, powerful engines, intelligently networked driver assistance and safety systems as well as a progressive multimedia system with internet. The AMG variant CLS 63 AMG Coupé now comes with up to 585hp on tap. The revisited car will also get the new turbocharged V6 petrol engine [CLS 400] with a 3.5-litre displacement. Thanks to cutting edge technology applications, its output and torque at low engine speeds sets new standards in the segment according to Mercedes. Compared to its predecessor with a naturally aspirated engine it produces 20 kW more with 245 kW and torque increases by 110Nm to 480 Nm and is available in the wide engine speed range of 1,200 to 4,000 rpm. The CLS 500 with 300 kW (408 hp) and up to 600 Nm of torque leads the field in the power output ratings. Four instead of the previous two models will be available in future with permanent all-wheel drive. Newcomers include the CLS 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC and the CLS 400 4MATIC. The revised CLS Coupé is now available with pricing starts from US$86,700.

Lamborghini holds first Middle East Accademia in Dubai

Juma Al Majid Group launch region’s first DigitalStudio for Hyundai

Mercedes-Benz extensively upgrades the CLS for 2015

14 JAN 2015

16 JAN 201516 JAN 2015

Pro: The Thailand made entry level sedan version of the Mirage hatchback boasts unique design from the back doors rearwards and is an accomplished basic city car.

Pro: Redesigned from ground up, the MG6 is quite a contemporary car with many interesting features.

Pro: Redesigned for 2014, Mazda3 is also the first to incorporate the full suite of Mazda’s Skyactiv Technology, aimed at reducing mass and optimizing powertrain efficiency to maximize fuel economy.

Cons: In the past, the Mirage has had a very complicated marketing history.

Cons: The British brand with Chinese ownership still has to catch up with modern powertrain technologies.

Cons: no sports version offered.

Thirty six cars represented in 13 categories [excluding Best Debut] are among the shortlisted candidates for the Car of the Year 2014 award. The final vote and counting will determine the single winner in their respective categories. The final results will be revealed in Automan’s February 2015 issue.

The shortlisted nominees

17JAN 2015 17JAN 2015

Pro: Ford has ensured that the US-built Fusion is a competitive family sedan that can make a bold statement with attractive design, features and handling.

Pro: The technical partnership with Daimler especially in the entry-level powertrain department has widened the scope and reach.

Pro: With evolved ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design, Hyundai has loaded the car will class leading features and better handling qualities.

Pro: Fully redesigned with styling in line with the bigger models, the powertrain focus is fuel economy and frugality. Hence it makes the grade a good urban car.

Pro: All the key features from the top-of-the-line S-Class have been replicated for this model.

Pro: A perennial best-seller in the mid-size sedan market, the Accord had everything in its favour till now.

Pro: Hyundai have painstakenly upgraded the car on the line of its bigger models in an attempt to push it into the luxury category.

Pro: Downsizing at its best without compromise in performance or features.

Pro: Audi broke the entry-level price barrier with this model with brilliant packaging.

Cons: Competition in the segment is extremely fierce and MyFord Touch has earned its share of criticism from users.

Cons: Styling isn’t the strongest point of this car.

Cons: Hyundai want to promote the car as more than entry lux in the shortest possible time.

Cons: The car doesn’t offer quite as many high-tech features as competition.

Cons: It’s not the entry-level model at the price point customers were previously comfortable with.

Cons: The Accord isn’t exactly a pillar of class-busting style and we are not sure why Honda opted for CVT transmission for ME markets where fuel efficiency is not a key purchase criterion.

Cons: The value-for-money ‘luxury’ tag needs to be relooked thoroughly.

Cons: It will create serious sibling rivalry – especially with the 12-cylinder variants.

Cons: Commercial success has potential to cannibalise sales of other models in the Group’s line-up.

18 JAN 201518 JAN 2015

Pro: Downsizing to a V6 along with a new entry level price point boosts the brand’s affordability quotient.

Pro: The magic of turbocharging and direct injection has also caught the fancy of the Prancing Horse after quarter of a century.

Pro: Perfect blend of technology, performance and design.

Pro: Cadillac’s top-of-the-line XTS has helped redefine America’s luxury automaker’s image to quite an extent.

Pro: Jaguar’s return to the field with this car is more than just paying homage to its illustrious peers.

Pro: More of a marketing ploy, but a befitting tribute in its anniversary year.

Pro: In the game of super variant’s, nothing comes close to Modena’s track focused designed car with dual character.

Pro: AMG proved that it could do wonders even with a tiny 2.0-litre four-cylinder set-up.

Pro: Proven MQB platform with jaw dropping performance from top variants.

Cons: A low volume producing company transforming itself into a volume player could jeopardize its exclusivity.

Cons: Could lead to downsized models in future.

Cons: Long waiting list.

Cons: Impressive gains still short of German premium brand rivals’ packages.

Cons: Entry level pricing still restrictive.

Cons: Joins the list of limited production editions.

Cons: Pricy proposition.

Cons: Success will encourage a few more ‘me-toos’

Cons: Styling somewhat controversial but attempts to reconnect with first generation icon.

19JAN 2015 19JAN 2015

Pro: With the current refresh, Kia has got its lifestyle aspirations in place.

Pro: Generation III now moves a few levels higher in design, content and handling.

Pro: Geely’s association with Bertone has helped create a decent looking car with nice features.

Pro: New generation is considerably improved.

Pro: Trying to establish itself as benchmark for mid-size SUVs.

Pro: SsangYong has refreshed the Korando inside and out and enhanced its driving refinement.

Pro: New model signifies new direction for the brand.

Pro: Feature rich with genuine luxury and on- off-road performance and handling to match.

Pro: New X-Trail crossover is designed with corporate identity in mind and its feature pack reflects impressive strides.

Cons: Still behind MINI’s iconic brand image.

Cons: Overpricing will jeopardize its sales.

Cons: Using old powertrain set-ups isn’t the outright success formula.

Cons: Pricing point will ensure low volume sales.

Cons: New front end styling is controversial.

Cons: Has to compete with a lot of models in the class/segment.

Cons: Pricing point excess will ensure low volume sales.

Cons: May appear over engineered for the segment.

Cons: It may outclass its own siblings.

20 JAN 201520 JAN 2015

Pro: GMC has put in a lot of hard work in order to keep up with the pace in the segment with its focused approach.

Pro: Entry level sedan comes with capabilities matching German and Japanese premium opposition.

Pro: Extensively refined luxury, features and capabilities.

Pro: Also revisited by GM and now moves a few levels higher in design, content and handling.

Pro: New model signifies new direction for the brand.

Pro: Generation III facelift has come with the right dose of kit and efficiency and wide variant spread.

Pro: The sports car maker’s first compact SUV comes with top class engineering.

Pro: AMG proved that it could do wonders even with a tiny 2.0-litre four-cylinder set-up.

Pro: The sports car maker’s first compact SUV comes with top class engineering.

Cons: Competition is tough and will keep the segment on its toes.

Cons: Lack of variants offered.

Cons: Few competitive models in segment also with high benchmark standards.

Cons: Overpricing will jeopardize its sales.Premium SUV

Cons: Pricing point excess will ensure low volume sales.

Cons: Can hold on its own, but faces stiff competition from both outside and within.

Cons: Has potential to cannibalise sales.

Cons: Success will encourage a few more ‘me-toos’.

Cons: Has potential to cannibalise sales.

21JAN 2015

Russian rouble collapse troubles global automakersAs the Russian rouble collapsed on sanctions and tumbling oil prices in 2014, the fallout has had bizarre effects on the global auto industry. While Russians are buying up luxury goods including expensive cars, profits for sellers have tumbled as the currency has depreciated so much that it has taken the sheen off from most of these transactions.As a result, several carmakers are temporarily withholding deliveries until

the currency situation stabilizes. According to Bloomberg, General Motors stopped sales on December 16 with no set date to start again. Audi did the same thing but with the intention to resume once it has adjusted model pricing. Jaguar Land Rover terminated business until December 19 to see how things changed. Toyota is increasing its pricing, as well, but keeping business open at the same time. Some automakers have subtly been

reacting to the slumping Russian auto market all year. The moves have included Volkswagen cutting production by 30,000 units from its factory in Kaluga. Ford also got rid of 950 workers from two plants due to low demand. Some analysts have even speculated that the contracting industry and possibility of lower import duties into the country could cause companies to end their manufacturing in Russia completely.

Busy year for AMG ahead

MG to sell rebodied Korando?

At the recent media event in Barcelona, Spain, Mercedes-Benz executives disclosed the brand’s model rollout plans for next year which will kick off with the AMG Sport line-up. The 2015 model rollout plan will kick off with AMG Sport line-up debut in January with the C450 and GLE450 Coupe, followed in March by the market launch of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, CLA Shooting Brake, C-Class Plug-in Hybrid and AMG GT. The 4MATIC-equipped V-Class

will go on sale in April when Mercedes-Benz will roll out the Smart ForTwo Cabriolet and higher-powered versions prepared by Brabus. June will be an interesting month as this is when Mercedes-Benz will introduce the GLC [formerly known as GLK] and the GLE & GLE Coupe [the outgoing ML]. Meanwhile, the facelifted A-Class will be out in September while the C-Class Coupe is programmed for a November launch.

Yes, this is true in the world of automotive rebadging. Tentatively called GTS, the compact soft-roader is being designed to substantially increase MG’s share of the Chinese new car market. As expected, the GTS bears more than a passing resemblance to the CS concept that debuted at last year’s Shanghai Motor Show but its front end is closer to that of the Golf-sized MG5 hatchback and its overhangs are longer. The concept has lost several inches of ground clearance, its LED headlamps and its oversized rims in its transition to a regular-production vehicle. MG’s top

brass has previously revealed that the crossover will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that will send 200hp and 213 lb-ft. of torque to all four wheels via either a manual or an automatic transmission. Entry-level models in some markets will get a 135hp 1.5-litre four-cylinder. MG’s first crossover will land in showrooms across China next spring and it will likely be added to automaker’s lineup in England shortly after. England-bound models will be assembled from complete knock-down (CKD) kits in MG’s historic Longbridge factory.

22 JAN 2015

Six months ago, Ducati announced their all-new Scrambler project and now the brand’s Borgo Panigale plant is in the news. This comes 40 years after the last Ducati Scrambler rolled off the line back in the ‘70s.For Ducati, the Ducati Scrambler means the birth of a new brand, a new approach to the motorcycling world that looks beyond performance and technology to encompass freedom of expression, fun and shared positivity. Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding

said:“This first bike is particularly meaningful to us.With its ‘Land of Joy’ theme, the Ducati Scrambler brand will be bringing a breath of fresh air and fun to dealerships and will provide a great product that combines modernity with heritage in a way never before seen in the motorcycle industry, a fact that fills us with enormous satisfaction and pride.”

The District Court of Midden-Nederland, at the request of the administrator, converted the moratorium of payment, granted to Spyker N.V. and its wholly owned subsidiaries Spyker Automobielen B.V. and Spyker Events & Branding B.V. (collectively “Spyker” or the “Company”) on December 2nd, last, to bankruptcy. The cause for this conversion was that the committed bridge funding did unfortunately not reach the company in time. The administrator will continue his work but now as receiver.Victor R. Muller, Founder and Chief Executive Officer said: “None of the ambitions we had when we founded Spyker 15 years ago, has vanished as a result of today’s events. In 2000 we set out to establish a super sports car business from scratch with a global distribution and we achieved that. Over the years we undertook some daring ventures that left their marks on the company which in turn contributed to today’s demise.

GT-R Anniversary edition announcedNissan has announced details of its Limited-Edition “45th Anniversary” Nissan GT-R will go on sale in early February. The roll out will be held in conjunction with the release of the 2015 model year GT-R. Based on the 2015 Nissan GT-R, which features ride quality that has been specially tuned to exhibit a more mature, better refined feel than its predecessors, the “45th Anniversary” will come with a special paint color, “Silica Brass” – the same trademark color as the Skyline GT-R M-Spec (R34 Type),

which was touted as the “a GT-R that satisfies the mature driver” when it was released in 2001. The Limited-Edition 45th Anniversary GT-R, available only in the Premium Edition trim level, will feature an exclusive emblem on the lower part of the interior center cluster and an exclusive model plate number in the engine compartment.The GT-R’s legacy continues as the ultimate “GT” (Grand Tourer), armed with a comfortable ride, a high level of refinement and benchmark fit

and finish; while its world-class high performance embodies the “R” in its name (Racing technology). Thus, its “multi performance” character allows the driver to enjoy the full depths of the GT-R’s capabilities, whether navigating corners of a winding mountain road, simply cruising on the open highway or even running errands on neighborhood streets. Nissan will be accepting orders from the region for the Limited-Edition 45th Anniversary model on a first-come, first-serve basis, starting in early January.

First new scrambler from Ducati comes off the production line

Spyker declared bankrupt

Since its release in 2007, the Nissan GT-R has been recognized as the world’s foremost high performance super sports car, which embodies Nissan’s commitment to “innovation that excites” like no other.Automan’s take

23JAN 2015

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Aston Martin’s new Bond car revealed Ferrari FXX K production sold out

Lexus trademarks new model names

Aston Martin and London-based EON Productions have teamed up to introduce a new limited-edition sports car dubbed DB10. Roughly the same size as a V8 Vantage DB10, the star car has been designed specifically to star in Spectre, the 24th film in the iconic James Bond franchise. Aston’s film car gets an evolutionary design characterized by headlamps that are sharper and thinner, a larger rendition of the automaker’s trademarked radiator grille and a lower nose. A series of small holes drilled through the hood presumably help cool the mill that lies underneath. Besides appearing in the flick, Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer has said that a limited run of 10 cars will be produced. More information about the Aston Martin DB10 will be published over the next few weeks it should have its public unveil at the Geneva Motor Show next March.

When Ferrari took the wraps off its new FXX K track machine in Abu Dhabi last month, it conspicuously left out some key details. However, the Ferrari FXX K is all about big numbers, so it should come as no surprise that Maranello’s latest hyper-car comes with a price tag that stretches well into the seven-figure range is already sold out.Boasting a track-tuned aero package, massive wheels and brakes, and an updated hybrid drivetrain rated at 1,035hp and a whopping $2.7mn price tag for its range-topper. The only number associated with the FXX K that isn’t astronomically large is its planned production run. Ferrari will produce just 32 examples of the FXX K, ensuring the car’s position as a genuinely exclusive hyper-car. In terms of performance, according to Ferrari marketing chief

Nicola Boari, the FXX K will lap the company’s Fiorano test track in 1mn 14sec. That would make it five seconds faster than the LaFerrari, a solid second ahead of the 599XX Evoluzione and two seconds faster than the original FXX. However it seems to fall short of the eight- to nine-second gap those previous XX derivatives opened up over the road-going models on which they in turn were based. So it seems, for the time being at least, that the 1:11.9 lap time recorded by the 333 SP – an open-cockpit sports prototype from the late 1990s – will remain for now the fastest car this side of an F1 racer ever to lap the circuit. The outright record stands at under 56secs and belongs to Michael Schumacher in the ten-cylinder F2004 he drove to his seventh and final world championship.

Toyota has trademarked two model names for the Lexus brand and these are the “LC 500” and “LC 500h”. Industry watchers presume these to be reserved for a flagship grand tourer. The LC takes its name from the LF-LC Concept, which was previously thought to augur a revival of the SC, the stylish sports coupe introduced in 1992. However, it appears that the luxury 2+2 will now launch a new nameplate altogether. The LC is also the likely answer to the much-speculated “successor” for the Lexus LFA. While not a “second-generation” of the supercar per se, it will occupy a halo position in the Lexus lineup. Instead of a V10, the LC is expected to utilize a version of the Lexus RC F’s 5.0-litre 467hp V8. The “500h” appears to confirm a hybrid version as well. The exact powertrain for that model is unknown, though it could be a version of the 5.0-litre V8 hybrid found in the LS 600h.

24 JAN 2015

Maserati marks centenary with 50,000th unit at Grugliasco plant

Takata president resigns amidst airbag recalls

McLaren launches new MSO Defined customization program

Maserati is celebrated its centenary in 2014, but if that wasn’t enough of a milestone, the Trident marque has reached another, completing its 50,000th unit at its plant in Grugliasco.But for Maserati and the Grugliasco plant, it’s an awful lot as this particular plant was acquired not long ago from the failed Bertone coachbuilding. It just kicked off production barely two years ago in January 2013 and handles assembly of the Quattroporte and Ghibli – Maserati’s top sellers, but hardly what you’d call “volume models” by any means. The landmark 50,000th vehicle was a Quattroporte S Q4 in dark grey with a red and black interior, bound for the US market.

Non-Japanese Swiss Stefan Stocker who joined Takata early in 2013 after a career at Bosch as president assuming the role from Shigehisa Takada, the founder’s grandson [who remained the company’s chairman and CEO] is reportedly stepping down from the top job and returning control of the company to Takada-san, whose family still holds controlling interest in the company. Meanwhile, Japanese carmakers are mulling the idea of introducing expiry dates for airbags, the head of the country’s auto industrial body has revealed, after millions of cars around the world were recalled due to the risk their airbags could deploy with excessive explosive power, spraying potentially-fatal shrapnel. “I think the debate may as well

occur eventually on whether (airbags) should be replaced after several years,” said Fumihiko Ike, chairman of Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, at a press conference. “We have already started the talks unofficially,” said Ike, who is also the chairman of Honda Motor.Millions of vehicles produced by some of the world’s biggest automakers, including Honda, Toyota and General Motors, have already been recalled due to the risk their airbags could deploy with excessive explosive power, spraying potentially-fatal shrapnel.Amid worries that maker Takata still does not know the root cause of the problem, the finger of suspicion is pointing at a gradual deterioration, rather than a manufacturing fault.

McLaren is quickly building up its business model with not just production cars but also things beyond. This aspect indicates that the brand is looking at ideas for customers who want to set their Britain-built supercar apart from other. And this is where McLaren Special Operations [MSO] division offers a range of personalization options comes in. MSO has so far demonstrated its capabilities with a series of customized demonstrators based on the 12C, 650S and even the P1. But to give its upper-crust clients a more focused idea of the possibilities in store, Woking has now compartmentalized MSO’s activities into five areas.The first is the new MSO Defined catalogue which offers buyers of the 650S and the new Asian-market 625C

a full assortment of enhancements, including upgraded aero bits, carbon-fiber components and interior trim packages to make each supercar more unique. There’s even an F1-inspired instrument cluster with shift lights available.Those interested in ordering entirely unique paint, leather and trim options (as 20 percent of 650S buyers and 95 per cent of P1 customers have opted to date) will find what they need in the MSO Bespoke program, while limited-run models will be handled by MSO Limited. MSO Heritage will handle anything related to past models like the McLaren F1 and Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, while the McLaren P1 GTR will be handled by MSO Programmes.

25JAN 2015

Lamborghini and Pirelli create special edition

Jaguar Land Rover reveals its ‘360 Virtual Urban Windscreen’

Lamborghini has announced production of an exclusive new special series, the Aventador LP 700-4 Pirelli Edition, created to celebrate the long and ongoing history of collaboration with prestigious Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli. The partnership began back in 1963, the year the House of the Raging Bull was established, and since then all Lamborghini cars have been equipped with Pirelli tyres. The two firms share not only their Italian origins but also, and above all, a constant quest for technological innovation. The new Aventador Pirelli Edition, available in Coupé and Roadster versions, will be produced in a special series and is available to order now from dealers, for delivery early summer 2015.The super sports car maintains all its technical features like the carbon fiber monocoque, the V12 engine, pushrod suspensions and the permanent all-wheel drive. The special Pirelli series is enhanced by exclusive equipment specifically designed by the Lamborghini Centro Stile.The exterior sports a two-tone colour scheme in two options. The first is matte black for the roof, the pillars, the rearview mirrors, the engine hood, and the front, rear, side and moving air intakes, in contrast with six glossy finishes for the rest of the body (Giallo Spica, Rosso Mars,

Bianco Isis, Nero Aldebaran, Grigio Liqueo, and Grigio Ater). The second option is glossy black for the upper parts of the car and the air intakes, in contrast with four matte finishes for the rest of the exterior (Bianco Canopus, Nero Nemesis, Grigio Adamas, and Grigio Titans).Another distinctive element of the body is a thin red stripe that runs along the roof and the engine hood, the rearview mirrors, and the outer profiles of the air intakes, a stylistic feature designed to evoke the unmistakable Pirelli branding. The Pirelli logo, once again in red, is visible at the start of the two roof lines and on the tyres. Standard equipment for the exterior also includes the transparent engine hood, the engine compartment in carbon, glossy black Dione 20/21in rims, P Zero tyre with red logo and red calipers (yellow only in the case of the Rosso Mars exterior). The interiors of the Aventador Pirelli Edition are upholstered with black Alcantara with red contrast stitching. The red stripe on the body is also repeated on the inside, running along the interior ceiling and the seats, which feature the Lamborghini and Pirelli crests embroidered in red. Leather inserts adorn the door panels and the seat sides. And finally, to underscore its exclusiveness, each car will have a ‘’Pirelli special series’’ plaque inside.

Jaguar Land Rover has launched a research project to develop technologies that will offer drivers a 360o view out of their vehicle, uninterrupted by the pillars that support the roof. A screen would be embedded in the surface of each pillar inside the car and would take a live video feed from cameras covering the angles outside the car usually obscured in the blind spots created by the A, B and C-pillars. Pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles would be visible all around the car – and by combining the transparent pillars with an advanced high quality Heads-Up display, the movement of other road users could be highlighted to the driver with an on-screen halo moving across the car’s virtual windscreen. When the driver indicates to change direction, when they move their head to look over their shoulder during an overtake manoeuvre, or as the vehicle approaches a junction, the system would automatically make the left or right-hand side pillars transparent.Dr Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Our ultimate

aim is to reduce road accidents and enhance the urban driving experience. The Jaguar Land Rover research team is developing this technology to improve visibility and to give the driver with the right information at the right time. If we can keep the driver’s eyes on the road ahead and present information in a non-distracting way, we can help drivers make better decisions in the most demanding and congested driving environments.” The full potential for the 360 Virtual Urban Windscreen would be delivered by connecting the virtual windscreen to the Cloud. By connecting the car to roadside infrastructure and businesses in the urban landscape, the Virtual Urban Windscreen could present information ranging from petrol station prices to the number of parking spaces available, so drivers won’t have to look for this information themselves. The connected car could also enhance navigation by advising the driver to turn left or right at more visible landmarks, such as pubs or shops, rather than just road signs or street names.

26 JAN 2015

2015 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Automakers have started trickling in bits and pieces of information about their forthcoming cars in various ways – from teasers to full blown details. Here’s a sampler of what to expect

The production version of the highly anticipated Acura NSX supercar, successor to the legendary original NSX, will make its world debut and this model will reflect the production design and specifications of the mid-engine Acura supercar that is slated to launch in 2015. To celebrate the impending debut of NSX, Acura released a 30-second teaser video that gives an early glimpse of the production car and the sound of its three-motor, twin-turbocharged Sport Hybrid power unit. “The next-generation NSX will deliver a ‘new sports experience’ true to its heritage and to the supercar concept that originally gave rise to the name NSX,” said Mike Accavitti, Acura division senior vice president and general manager. “The NSX will serve as the ultimate expression of Acura performance that is fueling a reenergised brand.” The NSX is being developed by a global team of engineers led by the company’s North American R&D operations in Raymond, Ohio, with design led by the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, CA. The Acura NSX will be produced exclusively at the new Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Infiniti’s agenda includes showcasing its premium sports coupe concept that will be tagged as the Q60. The car’s teasers suggest muscular crease lines [revealed in the silhouette of the Q60 Concept image] with pure, well-defined contours, making the concept’s intentions easy to understand at first glance. Overall proportions and full-sized wheels placed out at the corners of Q60 Concept make an unmistakable design statement and add to the exhilaration of the performance coupe. This latest concept builds upon the design language seen on recent Infiniti concept cars, foreshadowing the strong visual consistency to be a key ingredient of products in the future Infiniti line-up.

The North American International Auto Show is right around the corner and a new report is indicating Volkswagen will use the event to unveil a new crossover concept. According to sources, the concept will be a five-passenger variant of the company’s seven-seat crossover that will be built in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Little else is known about the concept but sources have said it will likely spawn a production model in 2016 or 2017.

Lexus has formally announced plans to introduce a new F model line-up and will debut them at the North American International Auto Show. Although, the company kept details secret but they did release two teaser images which show the car will have an aggressive front fascia with a mesh spindle grille that is flanked by large air intakes and LED headlamps. Also visible was the carbon fibre trim and alloy wheels that are backed up by a high-performance braking system. Lexus didn’t have much to say about the car itself but they described it as a “track-ready” model that will “broaden the Lexus brand’s high performance showroom.

After three years of intensive development work Honda is set to reveal this next-generation supercar. It may be recalled that an Acura NSX concept model made its debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, where Honda Motors president & CEO Takanobu Ito announced that development of a next-generation NSX would launch in three years, led by an American R&D team and produced at a state-of-the-art new plant in Ohio.Au

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With the new Q7, Audi is setting standards in the premium SUV segment with innovation. The incoming Q7 will be built on a new chassis and will lose 325kg as it has been dimensionally reconfigured. Breaking the trend, it is smaller than before. At the same time, it promises to be the most spacious car in its segment with substantially more interior room for passengers and luggage. Its innovative assistance and infotainment systems take the SUV to the front of the pack. The efficient engines consume 26 per cent less fuel on average.

Jaguar never had a viable candidate in the compact sedan segment and the all-new XE is expected to make its presence felt in the US. The XE launches the British brand into direct competition with aggressive sport sedans like the BMW 3-series and Cadillac ATS. It’s a tough market, but success is vital to Jag’s global growth plan. The XE is one of the first tests of the Indian Tata Group’s ability to develop a luxury car without former Jag owner Ford’s help.

Volvo’s mid-sized XC90 was one of the most popular European SUVs in the US when it debuted. It’s almost 12 years now and we all know that Volvo’s product development went into crawl mode when Ford sold the Swedish brand to a Chinese company. Volvo is getting back on its feet, and the all-new XC90 is key to winning back safety-conscious family buyers who are Volvo’s core audience.

The Honda FCV Concept will make its North American debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show on Jan. 12. Continuing more than a decade of Honda leadership in the area of fuel cell vehicle (FCV) technology, the Honda FCV Concept showcases the styling evolution of Honda’s next fuel-cell vehicle, anticipated to launch in the U.S., following its introduction in Japan, which is scheduled to occur by March 2016.As the next progression in Honda’s dynamic FCV styling, the Honda FCV Concept features a low and wide aerodynamic body with clean character

lines. The interior strives to achieve harmony between man and machine by taking advantage of new powertrain packaging efficiencies delivering even greater passenger space than the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle, including seating for up to five people.The Honda FCV Concept made its world debut in Japan on Nov. 17, 2014, followed by an announcement that Honda will provide FirstElement Fuel with $13.8 million in financial assistance to build additional hydrogen refueling stations throughout the state of California in an effort to support the wider introduction of fuel-cell vehicles.

Cadillac executives have reportedly confirmed plans to introduce the 2016 CTS-V at the show weeks before the actual reveal. The high-performance car will have an aggressive front fascia with a revised grille, bulging bonnet, a rear diffuser and a four-tailpipe exhaust system - among other things. Cadillac has been relatively tight-lipped about performance specifications but the CTS-V is expected to use a detuned version of the Corvette Z06 a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine that pumps out 650bhp and 880Nm of torque.

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Trucks are big business in the US and Toyota wasted no time in releasing the first teaser image of the 2016 Tacoma, ahead of its formal US debut. The teaser image didn’t reveal much but does suggest vertical taillamps and a body-coloured rear bumper with plastic cladding. As expected, Toyota kept key details a closely guarded secret. Toyota claims the redesigned model will “once again set the benchmark for midsize pickup performance.” The company also says the 2016 Tacoma will have “new, rugged tech” which will give it more off-road prowess than ever before.

29JAN 2015

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PRIMEDFOR ADVENTUREKia Motors presented its much evolved third generation 2015 Sorento SUV in Jordan with a lot of promises. Automan attended the ride and drive event last month and returned impressed

2015 Kia Sorento

Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: supplied and author

30 JAN 2015

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32 JAN 2015

Kia Motors took of the covers off its long-awaited third-generation Sorento SUV for the Middle East at the Kempinski Dead Sea

Resort in Jordan last month. The detailed presentation revealed a dimensionally revisited and more efficient version of the brand’s popular family five/seven passenger car. Kia Motors revealed the new Sorento in South Korea in August 28, 2014, follwong which it had its European debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show and the US debut of the car took place at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.The new Sorento will arrive in Middle East showrooms in the first quarter of this year [2015] and will be offered in five- and seven-seat configurations with choice of two powertrain options. Unlike, the first generation Sorento which had ladder-based chassis, the incoming Sorento will continue with the second generation’s unibody construction on a platform that’s also shared with the Carnival MPV.The key focus in the new arrival is improvement in perceived quality and overall refined attitude. At first glance if one considers the two outgoing generations, then it is clear that the design as evolved somewhat conservatively. While, the overall profile remains similar to the outgoing car, besides some styling

tweaks, the matured look of the new Sorento can mostly be attributed to its increased length (+95mm to 4,780 mm), reduced height (-15mm to 1,685mm) and extra width (+5mm to 1,890 mm). The bulky appearance of the outgoing model is now gone and since the Sorento is one of Kia’s top global models, the responsibility of the car’s exterior styling was shared by Kia’s Namyang design studio in Korea, with inputs from the brand’s Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California design studios.In profile, the new model retains the previous Sorento’s design DNA which ensured that the car was good-looking, nicely detailed in a well-proportioned set-up. The best part of the effort in the new car is that Kia’s design team didn’t try to reinvent something radical or go overboard on mimicking carlike shapes or worse, borrow themes from luxury yachts etc. As a result, the score is familiar with things like the pseudo clamshell bonnet and the wide D-pillar. But, it is the new detailing that adds to the key equation of stance. Since the roofline is lowered, the waistline appears higher and the swept-back rear treatment gives the car a more dramatic presence. Detailing regards to the jewellery has been well attended all around. The visual drama begins up

front with a revised grille, lamps and valance. The face of the new Sorento now incorporates wider horizontally placed wrap-around headlamps and larger redesigned fog-lamps. The most important feature is the more upright ‘tiger-nose’ grille. The distinctive three-dimensional diamond pattern, as we know first featured on the 2013 Kia Cross GT concept and now is a signature detail.Kia has introduced new laser welding manufacturing techniques which help the weld lines appear seamless. And this has brought in two key facts: first build quality perception has improved considerably, and secondly it has allowed designers to introduce new creative design elements. The result is mostly seen in the rear of the car which now features more prominent ‘shoulders’ and a highly sculpted registration plate surround and horizontal LED fired tail lamps.In terms of accommodation, overall view, comfort and convenience features, egress and ingress points – these have been carried over as they needed no major reworking. The cabin has been revisited with improvement in specific touch and feel points and that means upgraded materials, fit and finishes. While, in general, the build quality and materials feel richer, some of the practical aspects

33JAN 2015

could have been improved. For example, the second-row folding mechanism doesn’t operate with any particular smoothness and variants available with panoramic sunroof can impinge on headroom [roofline is 15mm lower] for taller second-row occupants. The third row is strictly a kid zone, but for short drives, it can accommodate adults. Cargo space in seven seater models has been increased from 515 litres to 605 litres [660 litres in 5-seater models]. An under floor storage compartment and integrated net have been added to the feature pack.The car’s instrument panel combines both analogue and digital set-ups. The speedometer is digital and also combines the information centre. All data comes

in white back lit lettering and it can be difficult to focus on specific information while driving. A suggestion would have been to introduce colour separation or include a heads-up display which is getting quite popular these days due to its practical benefits. Other mod cons include push button stop and start and interesting the CD player has been discontinued in favour of USB and auxiliary inputs. Power points have also been provided and the usual array of storage places are there.Unlike a few manufacturers that have focused on drastic weight saving measures by using lightweight materials or downsizing powertrains, the Sorento hasn’t fallen into that trap. Instead structural engineers have focused on

There are some changes in way the car’s core structure has been reinforced for improved torsional rigidy. The CUV also appears sleeker and lower, thanks to some dimensional changes

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methods to improve NVH and safety instead by using high tech applications. The re-profiled body now includes the use of high-tensile steel in its construction in core areas.Powertrains for the region are carried over from the outgoing model and we would reckon that most Sorento drivers will want to leap instinctively for the top-of-the-line normally aspirated 272hp 3.3-litre V6 engine. But there’s a four-cylinder 172hp 2.4-litre available as entry model. The car will be available in 2WD or AWD configurations with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Kia uses ‘Dynamax’ all-wheel-drive hardware developed by Magna Powertrain, part of Magna International. It is claimed to be superior than most other AWD systems in the market and here’s why: the Dynamax system continuously monitors driving conditions and anticipates AWD system requirements, compared to other AWD systems which can only react to conditions after they occur. Dynamax’s intelligent control unit continuously analyzes data from the vehicle controller, and through a multi-plate clutch, the coupling system is fully controllable via an electro-hydraulic actuation system. The Dynamax system behaviour therefore is completely

transparent to the driver and hence the character of the car is predictable.The car’s front McPherson independent struts, coil springs and shock absorbers have been intelligently mounted on subframes. The rear set-up is also subframe mounted and uses independent double wishbones, coil springs and gas shocks. For a crossover, this kit is quite competent. Our wish list would have added driver-selectable settings. However, the car does offer the driver to choose from normal and Eco driving modes. These modes are mainly to do with engine management and fuel efficiencies.On the safety front, buyers of the new Sorento will be able to choose from a wealth of ‘active’ safety technologies - depending on market. Available systems will include: ASCC (Adaptive Smart Cruise Control); LDWS (Lane Departure Warning System), which emits an audible alert when the driver strays from the chosen lane without using indicators; FCW (Front Collision Warning); BSD (Blind-Spot Detection); LCA (Lane Change Assist); RCTA (Rear Cross-Traffic Alert), which warns against other cars driving behind the Sorento in car parks; and SLIF (Speed Limit Information Function), which displays the speed limit in the driver’s

instrument cluster based on cameras detecting roadside signs.

Driving impressionsKia invited us to visit Jordon to sample its new Sorento in what they feel is the CUV’s ideal playground. The idea was good as Jordon offers a fascinating range of driving conditions. Although, the day-long driving event for the group followed the typical convoy procedures, the event organizers responsible for the route ensured that there was an adequate and balanced mix of on-road driving on flats and mountain roads, urban and rural areas, besides cross country off-road trails. Dune bashing wasn’t included in the programme, and we think this was done deliberately bearing in mind the mix of drivers participating in the event. One of the nice things about this car is the way it handles in different terrain. In Jordan we were exposed to several hundred kilometers of asphalt and off-road trails. Our fully-loaded test car’s AWD appears to be very well engineered and one thing that impresses is the way the 1,803kg car’s unintended over- or understeer tendencies are controlled irrespective of terrain and driving conditions. The weight from the

electric motor driven power steering is surprisingly spot on, not to light or heavy. It’s no secret that in the past, the steering numbness was historically associated with Hyundai-Kia products. Well, the good news is that quite a bit of engineering effort has gone in to rectifying this malady. The feedback to driver’s inputs is significantly better and fast. The car’s turn-in qualities [2.87 turns lock-to-lock] well thought of with the city user in mind. When it drives, it feels smaller, too, with around-town agility more like a compact SUV more than a mid-sized SUV.Even with full load of passengers, the driving character appears stress free and chassis very well composed. Since the ride is set for comfort, chassis rolling tendencies are very quickly controlled and hardly felt by occupants. While for some drivers 272hp at 6,400rp, may sound a tad on the lower side, but it is the top class torque delivery of 318Nm at 5,300rpm which ensures that this car isn’t a slouch either. One of the advantages of having independent subframes to mount suspension hardware is that it spreads high chassis loads over a wide area of relatively thin sheet metal in the car’s

monocoque body shell, and in return isolate vibration and harshness from the rest of the body. As a result, this car not only exhibits silky ride qualities, but also top class cabin insulation from road/wind noise or road imperfections. Although the Sorento is considered as a crossover, it actually has some off-roading capabilities. Several elements point to this -- [our top spec tester] was riding on 19in wheels shod with 235/60 rubber. We also noted the ground clearance at 185mm and approach angle of 16.9˚ and departure angle of 21˚. This aspect assured us that the car can go off-road without damaging its underbelly. Interesting aerodynamic tweaks [usually reserved for sports SAVs] include a widened lower valance with embedded skid plate. Besides these, the availability of a smart lockable all wheel drive system wraps up the package.Although the car is devoid of driver selectable lo/high ranges as in 4x4s, drivers do get some control in the car’s handling by locking the differentials by activating ‘4WD Lock’ mode. So, instead of letting the sensors getting confused with split torque distribution, driver’s can ensure

evenly spread torque between front and rear wheels especially when driving over low traction surfaces like sand or in some cases snow. The system ensures the driver can dial in better traction and even more predictable handling in such surfaces and also around corners.That’s not all. The car’s Advanced Traction Cornering Control (ATCC) further aids handling by transferring torque to the wheels with the most grip. If the system detects understeer, ATCC is activated before the Electronic Stability Control system, providing more torque to the outer rear wheel and braking the inner rear wheel under cornering.

VerdictWith the third generation Sorento, Kia has taken the model to higher levels without losing its core value proposition. The new Sorento continues as a genuine content rich and capable vehicle and it offers great value for the investment. Punters looking for a family crossover will find the new Sorento well within reach in terms of financial outlay, style, quality, and overall capabilities.

Sorento History

The first generation Kia Sorento was a traditional body-on-frame SUV. It was very capable off-road, with an automatic four-wheel drive system featuring low range gearing. A sport package was available for the LX base model which added a 5-speed manual transmission, fog lamps, alloy wheels, step bars, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a roof rack and remote keyless entry. Depending on markets, Sorentos also came with dual front airbags and dual side-curtain airbags in the front and rear. The 4x4 system was a shift-on-the-fly knob located usually on the lower panel to the left of the steering column. Three modes were available: Two-Wheel Drive, Four-High, and Four-Low. The 2007 the SUV received powertrain upgrades. This was the time when the transition from the 3.5-litre Sigma to the modern 3.8-litre Lambda engine took place. This helped almost double the car’s towing ability and output boost.

Gen I [2002-2009]

36 JAN 2015

The second generation brought in a raft of changes including the transition from ladder chassis to crossover architecture. The car was built in South Korea and USA and Kia’s new corporate grille, known as the ‘Tiger Nose’ adorned the model series for the first time. A four-cylinder engine was introduced and was transversely placed. All-independent suspension was introduced. The change in body construction as well as the loss of a low-ratio transfer case means it weighs 212kg less than Gen I. Significant performance and fuel economy gains were achieved.

Kia Motors revealed the new Sorento in South Korea in 2014 followed by European and US debut in the same year. The incoming model shares a platform with the 2015 Kia Carnival/Sedona MPV, and will share the same basic interior design, seating five or seven passengers, depending on configuration. In the US, the Sorento will continue to be produced at the West Point, Georgia, assembly plant. Both V6 3.3-litre and 2.4-litre engines are carried over.

Gen III [2015- ]

Gen II [2009-2015]

37JAN 2015

TAKINGINFINITE PATHSThe QX80 sits in a zone between performance and lifestyle and to mirror this Infiniti held a media event in the Sultanate that took us from the heights of Jabal Akhdar to the sands and along the coast

Author: Raj Warrior

38 JAN 2015

39JAN 2015

Infiniti’s QX80 is their full size SUV that pretty much picks up the gauntlet as laid down by the Y62 platform Nissan Patrol and takes it ahead. However

for that you have to understand that the Y62 platform itself was the culmination of putting together the wishlist of buyers in the GCC region for what they would like to see in a SUV. So we got features like hydraulic body motion control and a full-featured four-wheel drive system with a degree of refinement that already blurs the boundaries between Nissan and its luxury Infiniti marque.Again, the nature of full-sized SUVs is such that any complete refurbishment or redesign usually happens with a 7 to 10 year cycle. It just doesn’t pay to change too fast. But this year’s model does bring with it a refreshing touch up job that takes care of some elements of the car’s styling around the front and rear ends. In fact the rear has now been tweaked so that it looks more horizontal while the front grille now takes us back to the original beaded look of theFX50 when it was launched.Over the past year, Infiniti has been on a bit of a charge. For starters there was the entire nomenclature change that saw its cars becoming Q somethings while the crossovers and SUVs became tagged QXs. Then their link up with Daimler in terms of developing new platforms and engines

also took off with the replacement of the G series coming out as the Q50. Along with the launch of this sedan, we also saw Infiniti launch production grade drive by wire, an entirely new infotainment architecture and upgraded hybrid drive systems. But all of these are slated for the completely changed model line-up, not the QX80 refresh.We had been informed about Infiniti’s plan to drive up to Jabal Akhdar. In fact, the author is guilty of actually influencing the regional Infiniti team to have a look at Oman and particularly the mountains of the Eastern Hajar range as a destination. And we understood that there was to be wadi and desert drives as well.The programme set off from the parking lot of Muscat International Airport. Flown in media and some local journalists teamed up two to a car and set off in a convoy that followed the highway down towards Nizwa. Deviating off at Birkat Al Mouz, we hit the police check post at the base of the mountain before climbing steeply towards the peaks.Our destination for the evening was the brand new Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel, which has been set up by Omran (a government company tasked with developing tourism infrastructure) and Asia’s renowned hotel chain Alila. Built on the edge of the Saiq plateau, the hotel offers a truly five star and

out of this world experience and is on the bucket list of the author for a future visit.The next morning, after an early breakfast and a briefing session the drive back to the base of the Jabal Akhdar range began. This was the only time that we were actually asked to engage low range on the gearbox, as it is a mandatory requirement of the police. And we’ve read about too many accidents that came about as the result of overheated brakes on these slopes. So low range and some tight convoy driving later and we were back on the highway only to take a diversion off to the north of Izki to follow secondary roads and some rather scenic though dry wadis till we hit wadi Tayyin for a coffee stop.After that there was a bit of wadi driving that took us through pools of water allowing for some rather dramatic splash shots. Driving in from the north we hit Bidiyah only to cross the old Sur highway and drive into the sands for our lunch stop at the Desert Sands resort. This was the only sand driving that we actually did, although it was daunting to the novice. No tyre deflation, no low gear, just a crossover from tarmac onto sand and staying at 80kmph all the way to the resort.That actually brings to mind the outing we organised for the local dealership a couple of years ago on the Bowsher sands where we did almost the same thing, no deflation

40 JAN 2015

41JAN 2015

42 JAN 2015

and rare use of the low range. Despite having a tamer version of the Patrol’s acclaimed 4WD system and a softer response on the hydraulic body motion control, the sand capabilities of the QX80 (then the QX56) were easy to demonstrate. The trick finally in the heavy QX is to ensure that constant momentum is maintained and that no hard braking manoeuvre is done on sand.After a sumptuous lunch at the resort, we were driven down to the police and civil defence station at Al kamil to rendezvous with police helicopters for the ride back to the Muscat airport. As if to add icing to a rather luxurious and dare we say lifestyle-oriented weekend the choppers flew us over to the coast close to Tiwi and then hugged the coast at almost wave top height all the way into Muscat.So what do we say about the event? It was just

An integrated LED DRL and a newly speckled grille, reminiscent of the old FX one, make the QX80 visibly different for the new year

about the most memorable one we have ever been on and the surprise factor was that it was so close to home. Add to that the fact the almost every visitor to Oman found the surreal landscape and pristine beauty so enchanting that they are making plans to come back on a visit and then throw in a level of hospitality by Infiniti that far exceeds the already high levels at the Alila Jabal Akhdar.As for the QX80 itself, this event is was never intended to be a challenge. The facelift brings the QX80 into a new year with some added attraction, a new colour and an extra choice of colours. But then you already know if you are a customer for this gentle giant well before you hit the showrooms.

43JAN 2015

2014 SsangYong Korando

KOREAN R O d E OThe first car to be released as part of South Korean car manufacturer

SsangYong’s revised line-up is the fourth generation Korando

crossover SUV. Automan checks out this car in the Sultanate to

ascertain its potential in helping the brand to rekindle its prospects

Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photographs: Elvis John Ferrao

44 JAN 2015

45JAN 2015

If you take an average commercial life cycle of 7 years for a car, then in a span of 40 years one could expect 5-6 generations of a model hitting

the markets. However, this didn’t happen with South Korea’s fourth largest car manufacturer Ssangyong which has been in business of making SUVs and cars since 1954 [it started operations as two separate entities and amalgamated them in 1963]. In the interim period the company had technical association with Mercedes, saw many ups and downs and in January 2009, after recording a whopping $75.42mn loss, the company was put into receivership. Two years later, 2011, the company was taken over by cash-rich India-based Mahindra group. Mahindra’s cash injection and new direction has given a new lifeline to the ailing company.The Korando name for a compact SUV first appeared 1983 and even holds the title of “Korea’s longest-surviving brand” in Guinness Book of World Records.The first generation Korando started production in 1974 through a technical cooperation with AMC (American Motor Company). In 1983, the second generation of Korando was developed based on the accumulated knowledge and experience of importing and producing Jeep models. Ssang Yong

introduced various versions and in 1996, Mercedes Benz’s diesel engine technology was adopted and Korando went through a full model change into its third generation.For the fourth generation all-new Korando [2nd for crossover], the idea was to build a brand new global model from ground up. It was to sport a trendy design, utilize efficient technologies, offer comfortable interiors, capabilities and also be confident of taking on competition, both domestic and foreign head on.

So, the idea was taken further with engineering and design consideration together. As always, the starting point was a sketch by Fabrizio Giugiaro, styling director of Italdesign-Giugiaro. Giugiaro’s signature is evident in the way the proportions have been assigned on the given platform in this car as Giugiaro’s believes strongly in this aspect. “Proportion is number one. Good taste. To invent is good, but you either have good taste or you don’t,” said the designer when he presented the concept Korando for the first time in 2010 at the Busan International Motor Show and Geneva. In both locations, the concept got enthusiastic approval from audiences and media and was quickly greenlighted for production.Ssangyong began production of the new third generation Korando in late 2010 in several of its production facilities around the globe. Unlike the previous two iterations which used modified truck chassis, the new arrival adopts lighter unibody car based architecture. Keeping competition in mind, especially popular South Korean global models like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, it gets a slightly longer wheelbase which stands at 2,650mm. On the styling front, Giugiaro

The elegant and most stylish SUV from Ssangyong comes as a result of a collaborative effort between the manufacturer and Europe-based design house Giorgetto Giugiaro

46 JAN 2015

seems to have been inspired by the popularity of “Gangnam style” and has incorporated some of these design details in the 4,410mm long, 1,830mm wide and 1,675mm tall car.For a five seater crossover SUV, the profile is strong and it retains most of the design features as shown in the original concept with some minor revisions for its mid-cycle update. The car’s face radiates strong character with angular headlamps which complement the car’s six-point mesh radiator grille. Bold elements include large air intakes and chrome trim. Wheel arches are typical of a SUV. Overall, the car has decent stance even when stationary. Sheet metal exhibits strong character lines which also unseen to us that aid in torsional rigidity of the unibody construction.Attention to detail in the cabin is also worth noting. Middle East versions benefit from the upgraded kit which starts with a sculptured soft-touch dashboard that replaces the hard plastic version from the previous model and the centre console’s new layout is modern and uncluttered now. Ssangyong says there is a new audio system and with updated air-vent styling. The hip points for egress and ingress are designed with convenience in mind and the layout according to Ssangyong takes a lot of inspiration from the art of Zen. Despite it being positioned as a global model, the interior does reflect its Oriental connection which blends moderation and subtlety. The dashboard layout seems to inspired by the outstretched wings of a dancing crane, is amazingly elegant and the instrument panel, with two large

dials separated by a digital display, is simple and intelligible. With Korando’s interior, designers have succeeded in maximizing space, comfort and practicality in a high quality, driver-centric cabin. The advantage of the car’s wheelbase means there’s plenty of space inside. Lots of head and keg room for three adults in the back, and the rear seats recline for added comfort. Reach and rake adjustment on the steering wheel means it’s easy for the driver to get comfortable at the wheel. Instrumentation is conventional gauges and the six-speaker CD audio system has MP3, USB and Bluetooth audio streaming with remote controls on the steering wheel. A quirk of the SsangYong design in a well-appointed cabin is that the indicator and wiper stalks are angled very much at a 10 and 2 position behind the steering wheel. For a car at the entry level of the pricing scale in its segment, the interior is a fairly cosseted place.In terms of practicality, there’s a lot to look forward to at the rear, especially cargo space. The Korando can claim rightfully to have one of the biggest boot compartments in the compact crossover class. At 486 litres, it has more than 70 litres more boot space than say the Nissan Qashqai. However, one detail SsangYong’s interior designer have missed relates to not providing a sliding function to the reclining rear seats. Life could have been a bit more convenient! It’s good to see a vehicle where styling hasn’t compromised the practicality – thanks to wide rear doors that make getting in or out easy.The Korando for our markets is powered

by a normally-aspirated 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. In this set-up it produces 149PS at 6,000rpm and 197Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.As part of the feature pack, SsangYong has equipped the Korando with a world-class lineup of electronic driver aids including Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Active Rollover Protection (ARP), hill-start assist and traction control. Suspension is the usual MacPherson strut front/independent rear and the set-up is biased for comfort. Safety features include dual airbags and ABS. Keeping the car connected to the roads are 225/60 tyres on 17in rims. Driving impressions The occupants in the car get a good all around view and on the move the new Korando is a comfortable to drive as its four cylinder engine offers decent linear acceleration and plenty of torque on demand. In normal city driving, for a car at the lower end of the pricing scale in its segment, the interior is a fairly cosseted place with muted engine and very little external road/wind noise filters into the cabin. However, when pushed hard, the car can be noisy briefly till the engine finds its sweet spot. The transmission gearing appears to be well-spaced and despite the proliferation of ‘so-called fuel efficient continuous variable transmissions [CVT], this set-up is equally efficient. Although we didn’t calculate the mileage figures, SsangYong claims a combined average fuel consumption of 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle and we are sure to be close to it. When it comes

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48 JAN 2015

to handling this is not a sports car by any means, and it shouldn’t be driven like one, either. The car’s suspension is set for comfort and on asphalt it is good in absorbing imperfections. However, the trade-off is that in faster manoeuvres, especially cornering, there’s a roll tendency. One nice thing from the old school is the hydraulically assisted rack and pinion set-up. The feel, weight and feedback from steering is really pleasing as it is direct. There’s no evidence of that artificial feeling from those new electric steering set-ups offered in the name of efficiency. The brakes are decent too in their performance with 298mm ventilated discs on the front and 262mm solid discs on the rear. We noted no fading on

repeated applications. We agree after spending time with the car that the handling abilities of this all-wheel drive car is more than adequate for regular city and light off-roading duties, thanks to its 180mm ground clearance and AWD locking feature.

VerdictNew platform, new design, new engines and “Gangnam style” are the key elements that define the new Korando. The facelifted version is a marked improvement over the outgoing model, with more standard features and refinement across the board – from the exterior styling and cabin quality and feel, to the engine and chassis.

Fabrizio Giugiaro, styling director of Italdesign-Giugiaro presented the Korando concept for the first time in 2010 at the Busan International Motor Show and Geneva

49JAN 2015

50 JAN 2015

THIS CROSSOVER SIGNALS A MAKEOVER

Lincoln has brought its small SUV contender to the market at a critical time for the positioning of the brand as a standalone

Luxury marque.

Author: Raj Warrior Photography: Elvis John Ferrao

51JAN 2015

52 JAN 2015

Perhaps it is very timely that we look back on 2014 as a year of transformation. It is well beyond the purview of this

article to look at global change points, but we definitely can look at what it means for Lincoln. In fact a few years after we interviewed regional bosses about the seeming lack of direction for a potent luxury player, this year has seen the brand visibly hived off into a separate unit tasked with pushing the luxury segment over a bigger global footprint.It is a plan that seems so logical that we outside observers have been calling for it for years. Thankfully, Ford bigwigs have made it happen.The issue that Ford Motor Company and now the Lincoln Motor Company (as it is known as since 2012, a sign of its progress) had was one of recognising and chasing the markets. Growth in new areas around the globe has worked well for the prescient German luxury marques. In most cases they had boots on the ground well ahead of the surge in demand for their products. For fellow American company General Motors, Buick was a brand that settled into what would have been an ideal slot for Mercury.2014, as we noted earlier, saw the beginnings of the change. Lincoln brought out a whole new architecture for its interiors, including the idea to use push button controls for its electronically triggered gearbox, with the push buttons moved to the dashboard.

And then it took this to the next level when its unique exterior treatment began to grow more differentiated as it took common base platforms and made them Lincolns.The MKC is in many ways the best thing that could have happened to the brand. Our take on the car is that in many markets around the world, the MKC will be the face of the brand, defining it far better than the size and swagger of the Navigator. Of course, here in the GCC it may be size that finally matters, but that is certainly an assessment that should be kept for the future.It really isn’t too hard to visualise the structure of the latest generation Escape under the skin of the MKC. There is no negative at all there – the use of Ford’s global C1 compact platform brings with it the assurance of the Europe-centric ride and handling characteristics developed around the Focus. The platform’s virtues are so self evident that the third generation of the Escape was switched to this platform, with the European version selling as the Kuga.To some extent, this rationalisation of platforms brings with it the danger of perception overlap, but that is something that the MKC avoids.

DesignThis ability to stand out begins from the way in which the Lincoln design DNA has been grafted onto the platform. The grille takes the swept wings feel of MKZ and MKS and marries it with a

light signature profiled headlight unit on either side that seem like appropriate wingtips. A vertical patch that carries the Lincoln badge sets out the centre of the grille. The lower half of the fascia carries an inverse treatment, with black intakes, twin DRLs and a peek of the underbody guard. Interestingly the fender indicators have been moved to the frontal parts of the wheel arches.Along the profile of the MKC, there has been a concerted attempt attempt to project a very German feel. Just the right amount of chrome frames the glass areas, the should line changes from a prominence at the front and rear to almost non-existent at the B-pillar (hence communicating width) while the indentation along the hipline takes away from the height of the car, giving it a more hatchback like character.The rear of the car is just as interesting in the way the inverted wings of the taillights stretch across the width of the car and wraparound the edges with the large bracketed space thus provided being used to spell out the brand name. The use of LEDs has made the light signature so much clearer and the dark lower plastics with the integral runner guard and prominent exhaust tips all continue the European hatchback feel. InteriorsAs we mentioned earlier, the new Lincoln design DNA is characterised as much by the completely rethought interiors as it is by the catchy outer skin. It is very

53JAN 2015

visible that significant benchmarking has been done with German luxury cars. For the first time a Lincoln driver will not feel out of place in a Mercedes-Benz or BMW and vice versa. The designers have taken leather, brushed aluminium, dark soft-feel plastic and wood and laid them out in ideal proportions. We have little hesitation in saying that the design of this dashboard is one of the best we have seen in the class, complete with a Lincoln wheel that is perfectly sized unlike the huge ship like wheels of previous cars. The three-spoked wheel also has a brushed metal U shaped insert on the lower arm.Moving the gear controls to the dashboard has freed up the centre hump, laying out enough slots to accommodate cups, mobile phones and a generous armrest with storage. The console descends with an overlap, sharply inclined so that most controls seem closer than usual. And again, there seems to have been a conscious move to adopt the European norm of physical controls for all audio and air-conditioning functions. This is based on the preference of German drivers for something that they can feel rather than have to take their eyes off the road to acknowledge, admittedly

The MKC takes Lincoln into new territory with a very European premium feel partnered with a class-defining cabin, exquisite detailing and the very best fit and finish that the brand has ever produced

connected to the high speeds that they reach.The best feature of the console has got to be the way in which the wood surfaces integrate with the rich feel of the swept back metal and plastic. The sweep of the dash catches the light and tempts you to run your hands over the joints. Fit and finish are impeccable, something we haven’t been able to say about a Lincoln for years.The leather-clad seats are also very premium in feel, with no connection at all to the Lincoln sagginess of yore. There is ample shoulder and back support with a firm squab. Even the rear seats feel like they belong in a hot hatch.The electronic interface is also worth talking about. Voice recognition is among the best in class, way better than we’ve had even with something as famous as Siri. Even the base Select grade offers this with an 8” high-resolution touch screen monitor and the standard 9-speaker + subwoofer system. If you take the higher Reserve grade then you additionally get the GCC wide navigation and your audio system is upgraded to a 14 speaker + subwoofer combo that is THX II branded. Added to that – there’s a panoramic roof for you to see the stars.

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EngineLincoln, along with most of Ford seems to be taking engine downsizing really seriously. Even in the US, the MKC makes do with a 2.0-litre and 2.3-litre Ecoboost engines. There is no likelihood that we will ever see a V6 in the compact category unless there is a performance angle thrown in. In that light, the 2.0-litre Ecoboost engine is a discovery. 240 horsepower peaks out at a rather high 5,500 rpm, but is mated well with a healthy 366Nm of torque in the mid-range. It’s made possible by the whole-hearted adaptation of turbo-charging.The six-speed gearbox is more than enough for the engine. The top two gears are well out in overdrive territory,

while the lower set allow for quick acceleration from standstill and a rather peppy feel at the wheels. Throw in Torque Vectoring and you get a quick handling package that actually seems to relish even the corners despite its centre of gravity. Partly this is because of the quickness of the electric power assisted steering as well as the torque vectoring. But the feel is kept firm without being bouncy by the variable damping. Here it isn’t a matter of hard and soft rebound – there seems to be a real variance justifying the continuous tag that the CCD carries. The EPAS also factors in a variance in the effort needed matching well with the undercarriage.

VerdictBetween the handy all-wheel drive, hill start assist, electronic brakes, torque vectoring and the turbo charging, the MKC provides for a handy small SUV. Then you get the unmistakeable styling, the class-leading interiors and the packed entertainment system and you have a car that defies its size to take the battle straight over to the Q3 and Q5 as much as it takes on the X1 and X3. It is by all measures the best product that Lincoln has put out in a long time. Now it remains to be seen whether Lincoln can push this new generation of market bending thought into its larger SUV line-up. If it does that, it certainly deserves a hat tip from all of us.

55JAN 2015

56 JAN 2015

Since market introduction in 2011, Audi’s entry level Q3 SUVs model and its derivatives have held on to their ground. With competition moving up the benchmark, the time is ripe for Audi to offer a refreshed package Author: Chandan B Mallik

Market indicators suggest that the entry-level SUV segment is where a lot of action will be seen in the coming years. The

premium segment is currently dominated by the German trio of Audi/BMW/Mercedes-Benz and some Asian brands like Lexus. And within the German brands, currently the Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG is the talking point. Now, Audi wants to ensure that its representative for the segment, the Q3 and its performance variant the RS Q3 are now up to the task.So, what has been the game plan? Well, two areas – design and engineering innovation seem to have been the two focal points that have dictated what has gone into these models for their respective refreshes.The first exercise begins with the design, more specifically cosmetics. As a result, the

most obvious Q3 change in the exterior cosmetics is the new grille which narrows down more sharply at the top and gets a thicker silver edging that extends like a pair of flaps and fuses into the redesigned headlamps. It’s a neat trick which are essentially continues with the same shape, but with wider reflective edges that give them a narrower and more purposeful look. The front bumper also has been touched. It now sports a cleaner, more angular look in the Q3, but the RS Q3 has earned the biggest changes. The aggressively designed functional grille of the RS Q3 comes with dominating air ducts at the outer edges with thick silver inserts and the lower central intake receiving silver trim and inset with large quattro lettering as first seen on the RS6 and RS7. At the rear there’s tweaked taillamps, and the RS Q3 also gains

2015 Audi Q3/RS Q3

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57JAN 2015

silver end caps for the roof spoiler. Seven refreshed alloy wheel styles alter the side-on view, three new colours join the palette and the interior remains virtually unchanged apart from some extra trim highlights and an improved cargo area cover. Audi has also said that it will introduce new S line sport and S line interior packs plus an ‘exclusive’ personalisation option to mix and match various interior and exterior trim collections for the Q3s.On the performance front, engineering efficiency means increase in outputs along with improved fuel consumption and emissions. The entry-level 1.4-litre petrol with front-wheel drive versions of the Q3 set-ups remain unchanged at 110kW and

250Nm. But Audi has introduced cylinder-on-demand technology, which shuts down two cylinders when the engine is operating under moderate load, means fuel consumption has dropped from 6.2L/100km to 5.8L/100km. Going up to the 2.0-litre petrol with all-wheel-drive, the lower output version jumps from 125kW and 280Nm to 132kW/320Nm while fuel use decreases more than 15 per cent from 7.7L/100km to 6.5L/100km. But most significant is the Q3 line-up is improved engine efficiency and power, with all five non-RS engines also making meaningful gains in their respective departments.The biggest gain, as expected is reserved for the RS Q3 as it has the Merc AMG in

sight. The RS Q3’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo-petrol engine has been cranked up to produce 250kW of power and 450Nm of torque [15kW down on the GLA45 but enabling Audi to equal the AMG’s 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.8 seconds, a four-tenth improvement]. This means in theory that the revisited RS Q3 produces even more power and torque in the supercar-baiting 265kW/465Nm TT RS Plus! The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission borrowed from the S1 hot hatch for quattro all-wheel-drive variants is also updated as well as the larger rear brake discs, lighter front brakes on the RS, two-stage electronic stability control for on and off-road driving and automatic trailer detection.

57JAN 2015

58 JAN 2015

As the segment heats up globally, BMW Group is hoping that its second-generation 2015 X6 SAV will continue the sales success of the original

Author: Chandan B Mallik

BMW hit a virtual gold mine with the X6 SAV after it was launched in 2008 as an extension the X5 line-up. At the time, the segment

was virtually an unexplored territory. The Coupe styled SUV [although reckoned by many as a styling controversy at the time] was a surprise business hit for the German carmaker. With over 260,000 units sold worldwide, BMW’s one innovative gamble/strategy has returned handsome dividends. While, BMW has enjoyed a head start over its domestic rivals [at the time there was no competition], however, in the past few years the market dynamics

for this niche segment have changed with the arrival of new players.Still playing on the lines of sporty lifestyle vs utilitarian activity, BMW introduced its second generation X6 in most markets in 2014 with subtle changes and enriched content. The incoming X6 is 32mm longer than the first-generation car, with height and width almost unchanged. The once controversial SUV-meets-coupe styling looks for this car has been enhanced with sharper lines and a wider trademark kidney grille stretches out to meet redesigned headlamps. The car will ride on 20in light alloys with low profile tyres. As a

2015 BMW X6

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59JAN 2015

result, the stance and overall profile of the car is more assertive than before.All variants gain adaptive LED headlamps, a new larger 10.25in screen and ConnectedDrive safety features including lane departure, collision and pedestrian warning. The X6 will be offered with two turbocharged petrol engines. The xDrive35i, which is the entry level model gets its 306hp from a bi-turbo 3.0-litre V6 and the top-of-the-line xDrive50i will be powered by a forced-fed 450hp 4.4-litre V8. Both engines are mated to 8-speed transmissions and BMW’s all-wheel drive systems. The all-wheel drive allows fully

variable torque split between the front and rear axles.On the convenience side, cargo space has been increased by 75 litres which means 580 litres is available with the seats up and 1,525 litres with them folded. Other top end features include leather upholstery, front and rear parking sensors, electric and heated front sports seats, keyless start, rain-sensing wipers and lights, and satellite navigation. New standard features include Driving Assistant Plus with full braking function and active cruise control, automatic parking, keyless access and four-zone climate control. BMW also

offers adaptive suspension packages for these models.On the performance side, BMW has also reduced fuel consumption across the range, which also includes idle-stop and an Eco Pro efficiency mode. The twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine in the xDrive50i has been given 30kW and 50Nm more grunt and is capable of hurling the SUV from 0-100km/h 0.6sec faster at 4.8secs. Fuel consumption has been reduced 22 per cent from 12.5L/100km to 9.7L/100km. An upgraded eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and launch control is standard across the range.

59JAN 2015

Honda revives the HR-V nameplate as an all-new crossover with help from the Jazz/Fit platform Author: Chandan B Mallik

Honda Motors has been looking at adding new models to its existing SUV/crossover line-up and the carmaker has found

an appropriate slot for a new product to slot between the Fit/Jazz and the larger Honda CR-V crossover. The concept for this car was presented in Japan in 2013 as the Vezel [for Japan Domestic Market JDM] and the production version for export or non-Japanese markets will be known as the HR-V. The abbreviation HR-V, according to Honda’s HR-V history website, officially stands for Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle. The design of Honda Vezel/HR-V is based on Honda “Urban SUV Concept”. The production model of the crossover was unveiled at the 2014 Los Angeles

International Auto Show. It blends the styling of a coupe, the toughness, space and utility of a SUV and the quality of a Honda in one sporty, personal and versatile multi-dimensional vehicle.Honda take advantage of the emerging trends in the segment and has produced a car which come with dynamic yet refined exterior styling, fun-to-drive performance, class-leading fuel economy ratings and unmatched interior spaciousness and cabin versatility.Utilizing a new global platform of the Fit/Jazz hatchback, the crossover boasts of having one of the most spacious and versatile cabins in its class. It continues with the hatchback’s centre-mounted fuel tank and reconfigurable second-row “Magic Seat”. With 100.1 cu. ft. of

2016 Honda HR-V

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passenger volume and 58.8 cu. ft. of cargo volume with the second row seats down, the HR-V has space to rival some competitors’ mid-size SUV offerings.The HR-V is expected to share the Fit’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, rated at 130hp and matched to a continuously variable transmission. Markets like the US will get the HR-V fitted with a 1.8-litre SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC valvetrain [same as Civic] producing a peak 138hp at 6,500 rpm and 127 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,300rpm. A hybrid version will also be available and the car will be offered in front-wheel and all-wheel

drive versions. The hybrid version is equipped with Honda’s next-generation sport hybrid i-DCD system that combines a 130hp/156Nm from a 1.5-litre direct injection engine with a 30hp/160 Nm coming from an electric motor.Honda will sell the HR-V with full complement of active and passive safety features.The car’s collision safety performance incorporates Honda’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) front body structure, designed to more efficiently absorb and disperse the energy from a frontal collision. Standard safety and

driver-assistive features include four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist; Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control; an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror; a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, driver and front passenger SmartVent™ side airbags and side-curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions; and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The HR-V is anticipated to earn top collision safety ratings from the NHTSA (5-Star Overall Vehicle Score) and IIHS (Top Safety Pick).

61JAN 2015

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a compact sport utility which replaces the Land Rover Freelander (or LR2) in a revised Land Rover range of vehicles with Discovery joining Range Rover as a sub-brand Author: Chandan B Mallik

First shown at the 2014 New York International Auto Show and then fully revealed in Paris before the Mondiale, the incoming Land Rover

Discovery Sport is on a double mission. At Los Angeles, Land Rover Design Director Gerry McGovern formally announced the arrival of the Land Rover Discovery Sport and its positioning as the first new model in the enlarged Discovery family. The new Discovery sub-brand will be focused on leisure vehicles and will feature two models initially -- the compact Discovery Sport and the larger Discovery (which is sold as the LR4 in North America and Middle East).The Discovery Sport is based on the Land Rover LR-MS platform, also shared with the Range Rover Evoque which itself is

derived from the Ford EUCD platform, but with 90 per cent of components redesigned from scratch to meet Land Rover’s specific demands, primarily related to off-road use.In its design and profile, it features a dynamic, new design language that steers away from the sharp-edged shapes of the Evoque by adopting softer surfaces which combined with the flush, minimal shut lines, lend a clean and modern look while maintaining the brand’s DNA. The traditional Discovery silhouette has been revised in a sportier, more aerodynamic and refined way. Even with its compact footprint [shorter by an inch vs Audi Q5], the car is able to provide seven-passenger seating in a “5+2” configuration. Land Rover completely redesigned the rear suspension

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compared to the Evoque in order to include the Discovery’s optional third-row seating. The front overhangs are short and wheels pushed to the corners.Inside the cabin, the vertical dashboard [as opposed to the Evoque’s horizontal design] hosts the Discovery’s controls on a vertical column, which the designers have decreed will be a key differentiator between the two “brands.” The car gets and updated infotainment system which supports InControl Apps function and enables it to replicate apps found on Apple and Android smartphones, including music streaming and navigation.The car will be powered by a range of four cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

In its first production year, four cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 240hp the four cylinder 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine, producing either 150hp or 190hp will be used and in 2015, the new range of Jaguar Land Rover’s new Ingenium engine line will be introduced. The Ingenium family is a range of modular four cylinder turbocharged engines of 2.0-litre capacity, built around individual 500cc cylinder displacement. The Discovery Sport will be sold with either a 9–speed ZF 9-HP automatic transmission or a 6–speed Getrag manual gearbox, both of which are currently available on the Range Rover Evoque. Two different all wheel drive systems will

be available -- the standard system being the fifth generation Haldex system from BorgWarner, with the new Land Rover Active Driveline all wheel drive system being an option. Unlike regular 4x4s, there is no low range transfer box with either all wheel drive system. To counter this limitation, the automatic transmission features a special very low ratio first gear which is only used when the vehicle is off-road or otherwise needed, for on-road use, the vehicle will normally start in second gear. The Discovery Sport will also be available as a two wheel front wheel drive version. There’s only one four-door body style but three different trim levels available.

63JAN 2015

64 JAN 2015

Toyota’s global premium luxury brand Lexus created the luxury-utility crossover category with the original midsized RX model in 1998. Now, Lexus does it again with the soon-to-arrive NX SUV Author: Chandan B Mallik

The fourth SUV model from Lexus, the all-new NX officially debuted at the 2014 Beijing auto show. In terms of positioning, the Toyota

RAV4-sized NX is the smallest model in the Lexus utility-vehicle lineup, slotting in below the RX350 and is expected to take on the likes of BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK among others. The production version has been released in select markets and will eventually reach our region sooner or later.Mechanically, the incoming SUV is based on the architecture of the new IS sedan. It uses high tensile strength sheet steel

combined with aluminium. Following in the design tracks of the new-generation GS and IS sedan, the 2015 NX brings dramatic design to a segment usually full of non-inspiring boxy offerings. The NX can claim to be the boldest interpretation yet of the signature Lexus spindle grille and L-finesse design. However, the overall styling has been toned down considerably from the LF-NX concept that Lexus showed in Frankfurt in 2013. The design uses lot of angular surface treatments and comes with a full assortment of cutting edge LED head and tail lamps, Of course, the huge Lexus

2015 Lexus NX

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65JAN 2015

spindle grille is all there. The car’s cabin is bristling with new, onboard, standard and available technology, including a Lexus-first Wireless Charging Tray for compatible phones and devices; the new Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) with a touch pad; and a comprehensive Multi-information Display that features a Lexus-first G-Force meter and even a boost gauge.The Lexus NX will be available in two versions -- NX 200t and NX 300h hybrid. The former comes with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, while the latter comes equipped with an

intelligent electric all-wheel drive system that provides extra grip just when the driver needs it. Light and compact, the clever technology also avoids the weight, packaging, emissions and fuel consumption penalties associated with larger, mechanical AWD systems.Called E-Four, the system uses an additional electric motor to drive the rear axle, providing more grip and better vehicle control on slippery surfaces. The front axle is propelled by power from the hybrid petrol engine or electric motor, or both in combination.E-Four works intelligently, varying the

amount of drive torque to the rear wheels in line with driving dynamics and road conditions, to secure just the right level of stability when pulling away or accelerating in low-grip conditions. As operation is automatic, the driver doesn’t have to think about engaging AWD. Both NX models offer their own version of pro-active all-weather drive (AWD). Featured for the first time in a Lexus SUV, Drive Mode Select allows you to choose between different modes [Normal, Eco and Sport] to suit different driving conditions or driving styles. Lexus will also offer the NX with a F Sport version also.

65JAN 2015

Lincoln recently introduced its new 2015 Navigator full-sized SUV, which now offers a fresh interpretation of a classic vehicle Author: Chandan B Mallik

It’s no secret that in the US, Lincoln’s biggest market, the luxury brand of Ford Motor has been one of the brands responsible for defining the

key elements that are supposed to go in a full-size luxury sport utility segment. The Navigator was wildly popular the moment it hit the streets in the late 1990s in the US and spent more than a decade as one of the top-selling vehicles in the segment. Featuring seating for up to eight passengers, luxury cues typically reserved for sedans and cargo space and towing capacity to haul virtually anything, Navigator set the full-size luxury SUV standard.It was at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, the first public viewing of the new 2015 Lincoln

Navigator took place. The SUV was also displayed at the brand’s stand at the Oman Motor Show in December 2014. While retaining the same profile and two body lengths, the refreshed detailing falls in line with the new design philosophy which Lincoln has adopted. As a result, exterior design sees the reintroduction of Lincoln’s iconic split-wing grille. The sleeker front end includes a newly designed bonnet, a power up/down tailgate, jewel-like light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, as well as high-intensity discharge (HID) adaptive headlamps with LED accents.The SUV gets standard 20in machined aluminum wheels, while Reserve Package vehicles are equipped with

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larger 22in polished aluminum wheels. Reserve Package Navigators also offer optional chrome-accented running boards. As with current-generation models, the 2015 Lincoln Navigator will be available in standard-length (207.4in) and extended-length (222.3in) versions. Interior enhancements include luxurious leather and additional customer-focused technologies. An updated cabin extends ultra-luxurious leather to all three rows of seats as well as to the armrests, central console and transmission shifter. The latest SYNC® with MyLincoln Touch™ driver connectivity system is standard now.

The biggest news, however, is under the bonnet. The 5.4-litre V8 that has powered Navigator for years is replaced with more powerful and fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine. The twin turbocharged 3.5-litre direct injection engine delivers at least 370hp and 430 lb.-ft. of torque, according to preliminary test data. Final numbers will be available closer to production. The said EcoBoost is also projected to deliver best-in-class towing abilities. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Lincoln’s SelectShift. The vehicle is available in both four-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive configurations.

The available Control Trac Four-Wheel-Drive system enhances traction on slippery surfaces, helps improve handling on dry roads and enables off-road capability. Driver mod cons include electric power steering, Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) suspension system which also allows the driver to customize the ride of the vehicle by selecting one of three different control modes: Normal, Sport and Comfort. Other features include load leveling and hill start assist. Production of the 2015 Lincoln Navigator takes place at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, USA.

67JAN 2015

Resurgent Mazda revealed its fifth model for the line-up, the all-new CX-3 SUV in a special event on the eve of the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show

Author: Chandan B Mallik

Mazda expects its all-new CX-3 crossover compact SUV to be a conquest model when it is launched

in markets this year. The reason for this confidence is understandable as Mazda thinks that there’s still potential in this highly competitive market for a package that offers the right combination of price, features, design and engineering.In terms of positioning, it will sit below Mazda’s CX-5 mid-sized in the SUV. Mechanically, it is based on new Mazda2. While, Mazda’s approach into

the segment is relatively late with most major players already competing with established products, but Mazda is ever so confident with its popular range-defining ‘Kodo’ design and an innovative package derived from meticulous research of the competition which now includes the likes of the Hyundai ix35, Mitsubishi ASX, Chevrolet Trax, Nissan Juke, Ford EcoSport and a host of other rivals from around the globe in the flourishing sub-compact SUV segment. The segment will heat up even more with the arrival of Honda’s Jazz-based

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HR-V and Renault’s Clio-based Captur.Mazda also says that it has spared no effort in ensuring that the car arrives with promised credentials. This means that is will sport the brand’s award-winning SKYACTIV technology along with a stylish KODO – Soul of Motion design language and SKYACTIV-chassis which helps the cat to delivers a faithful response, reassuring confidence and greatly enhanced levels of comfort thanks to thoroughly revised suspension and steering. The CX-3 adopts Mazda’s SKYACTIV-Body, which achieves high

levels of performance in three seemingly contradictory areas: collision safety, weight reduction and rigidity. The layout of the car’s architecture combines effective positioning of high-tensile steel and optimised cross-sectional shapes to produce a lightweight body with high rigidity and positive damping characteristics.European models will have a choice of three engines: the petrol SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre in two power versions and the new SKYACTIV-D 1.5-litre clean diesel. Six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic and

SKYACTIV-MT manual transmissions will be offered either in front-wheel drive format or with Mazda’s new-generation all-wheel drive system. The Middle East markets will sell petrol variants only.The car will also feature Mazda’s latest i-ACTIVSENSE active safety systems as well as passive protection systems inspired from its lightweight yet stiff SKYACTIV-body design. Suited to the needs of a modern market, it also offers a generous infotainment package including the MZD Connect in-car connectivity system.

69JAN 2015

After pondering for years, Mercedes finally unveils its BMW X6 fighter, the GLE Coupe Author: Chandan B Mallik

Mercedes’ move into the segment is relatively late by industry standards as key rival BMW has just launched

its second generation SAV last month in the region. Better late, than never seems to be the adage as the facelifted ML large SUV-based [due in 2015], the GLE Coupe prepares for market entry. The German tristar brand formally revealed its BMW X6 fighter, the GLE Coupe, a few weeks ahead of its Detroit motor show unveiling this month.The GLE is being built on the same third-generation SUV platform as the current ML in Alabama, USA alongside the GLE

wagon. The arrival of the GLE also comes with several pointers as to where the brand is heading in terms of product placement, design among others.The key design element defining the GLE is the sloped-backed roofline, which is a first for the brand. At the same time, industry watchers believe that this new profile also previews a possible makeover for the ML-Class SUV that will not only share the new look but also the GLE badge under Mercedes’ new naming system when it arrives around same time as the coupe.As expected, Mercedes-Benz will position the GLE Coupe as having sporty character

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typical of a coupe with the robust characteristics of an SUV. Depending on markets, several powertrain options will be offered and the deal includes six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines, including an AMG flagship in the form of the 270kW/520Nm bi-turbo 3.0-litre V6 GLE 450 AMG Coupe. However, Mercedes sources say a four-cylinder diesel is also possible, but unlike the current ML, there is no mention of an AMG V8 variant till now. 4Matic all-wheel drive and nine-speed automatic transmission will be standard on all variants. The entry level petrol model is the GLE400, loaded with

a 245kW/480Nm version of the bi-turbo V6. The GLE will get multi-mode Dynamic Select system offers a range of driving modes, from comfort to sports (with Sports+ on the AMG variant). The 4Matic all-wheel-drive system puts the grunt to the tarmac via a 40:60 bias to the rear on

the AMG version, but 50:50 on the less powerful variants. Apart from AMG body styling packages, the sportiest GLE Coupe will ride on 21in wheels with 315/40 tyres at the rear. AMG variants will be offered air suspension as standard, while it will be optional on other variants. Mercedes claims the five-seat interior of the GLE has the widest back seat in its class, along with the biggest – “world record for coupes” – luggage space of 1,650 litres. And given the high torque figures, towing capacity is a claimed 3,500kg. Eleven paint finishes will be available, with seven of those metallic.

The arrival of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe will extend the ML-Class SUV line-up from mid-2015

71JAN 2015

Ingenious and practical innovations are core values of Renault’s stylish new crossover, which brings welcome fresh thinking to the B-segment Author: Chandan B Mallik

The Captur Concept was first shown at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and the production version made its debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor

Show and started to be marketed in France during April 2013 with other markets in 2014. Mechanically, the Captur is based on the fourth generation Clio [Renault/Nissan B platform] and incorporates design themes/ lines from the Captur Concept. The production car also as part of Renault’s renovated design strategy developed by Laurens van den Acker and it is the second of six concept cars showing Renaults future design directions.The flowing lines highlight its distinctive

proportions, while its large wheels, generous ground clearance, wide tracks and steeply raked, forward-set windscreen form a unique blend of MPV, SUV and hatchback, conceived and made reality by Renault. Renault Captur lends itself perfectly to an extensive personalisation programme, too. With its many permutations of two-tone bodywork, wheel colours, light and dark interior trims, upholstery fabrics and graphic motifs. The Captur is designed to accommodate various powertrains ranging from 890cc 3-cylinder to 1,496cc four-cylinder. All variants get double clutch 6-speed automatic transmission. The markets of Oman will get a turbocharged

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1.2-litre four-cylinder engine producing 120hp and 190Nm of torque.Since the car is more of a lifestyle-oriented product, the design team have ensured that the Captur’s personalisation programme stands out through its simplicity, scope and high quality. Depending on markets, the availability of two-tone livery provides additional scope to select contrasting colours for the roof and the rest of the body. Meanwhile, two innovative smart ideas [claimed to be unique in the market] include a patented ‘Zip Collection’ removable, zipped seat covers (depending on version) and a large ‘Easy Life’ drawer instead of the traditional glove box (not available with

right hand drive). On a more general level, the car is designed to make these useful and pleasing features accessible to a broader audience in the B segment.The chassis settings are fine-tuned and factor in its centre of gravity which is slightly higher than that of a hatchback. Roll stiffness has been distributed precisely between front and rear in order to ensure a balanced ride and minimal body roll. The dampers have been calibrated to deliver responsive dynamic handling, safety and comfort. The electric, variable-rate power steering is direct (2.7 turns of the wheel lock to lock) and should be pleasant to use in and about town as it is precise on country roads.

Renault Captur brings together the best of three worlds, namely the MPV, SUV and family hatchback. It also embodies one of Renault’s greatest ambitions: to make innovation an affordable reality for all.

73JAN 2015

Volvo’s all-new XC90 SUV is a few weeks away from global production deliveries and promises to be the most efficient and luxurious model the carmaker has ever built. And the R-Design version is expected to add more spice

Author: Chandan B Mallik

Volvo returns to the mid-sized SUV game after 12 years with the soon-to-arrive all-new XC90. Three years in the making and part of a

US$11bn investment programme, the new XC90 marks the beginning of a new chapter in Volvo’s history. The new car heralds the brands future design direction and takes the best of new technologies while optimising its new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) technology.The incoming three-row seven seat model will be the first of the brand’s new cars to carry the company’s new more prominent iron trademark, which has the iconic arrow elegantly aligned with the diagonal slash across the grille. Together with the T-shaped “Thor’s Hammer” DRL lights, the iron mark introduces an entirely new, distinctive and

confident face for Volvo’s forthcoming generation of cars. The car’s larger bonnet with its new topography, the waistline and the sharpened shoulders connecting with the tattoo-like, new rear lights are other important design signatures that will be mirrored across the range.The Volvo XC90’s interior is the most luxurious to have been designed for a Volvo. The most striking feature is a tablet-like touch screen control console, which forms the heart of an all-new in-car control system. This system is virtually button free and represents an entirely new way for drivers to control their car and access a range of Internet-based products and services. It also helps create an interior that is modern, spacious and uncluttered. Volvo has promised more connectivity and easier

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(voice) control than ever, but while Apple CarPlay and Android support is possible, the first cars will hit the showrooms before Google or Apple can finish their development. That software will make its way to the car’s brain later as a free upgrade.Since the new XC90 is designed to be a global model, it will be offered with a range of powertrains. All XC90s will feature Volvo’s 8-speed Geartronic transmission and the line-up will include two petrol engines: a turbocharged, supercharged 320hp T6, producing 400Nm of torque and a turbocharged 254hp T5, producing

350Nm of torque. The top-of-the-line model will be the XC90 Twin Engine, a plug-in hybrid which combines the more powerful petrol engine at the front with an electric motor at the rear to produce 400 hp and 640 nm of torque. Two diesels will also be offered.The optional air suspension has five settings while ground clearance is 10.5in in off-road mode. The whole car is 275 pounds lighter than the current XC90, and even the T8 remains a seven-seater since its battery is integrated into the structure. It will also do approximately 40km using only electric power.Volvo will introduce a host of safety

technologies in the XC90 and it will also be the first car in the world with technology that features automatic braking. If the driver turns in front of an oncoming car the car will stop without driver intervention. City Safety becomes the umbrella name for all of Volvo Cars’ auto brake functions, which are standard equipment in the all-new XC90. It now covers vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians in front of the car, day and night.Volvo has also released the first images of the R-Design version of the all new XC90, aimed at buyers looking for a head-turner that radiates a truly sporty and dynamic look.

75JAN 2015

2014 Gulf 12 Hours round-upThe unique nature of the Gulf 12-Hours is that the race is suspended at the six-hour mark and resumes under lights at 6.00pm effectively making it two, 6-hour sprint races. Part one of the 2014 Gulf 12 Hours has been run with six hours of racing completed, bringing out the chequered flag that ushers the cars into Parc Ferme and it was the AF Corse Ferrari 458 GT3 driven by Steve Wyatt, Michele Rugolo and Davide Rigon which currently sits in first place. Here’s a snapshot of the key highlights from the highly charged event.

The half way mark of the opening six-hour stint in the 2014 Gulf 12 Hours at Abu

Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit was reached and impressively it’s the McLaren 650S making its world competition debut. The 650S GT3 secured a hard-fought podium finish at the 2014 Gulf 12 Hour endurance race at Yas Marina Circuit over the weekend, signing off a successful and competitive year for McLaren GT. The works factory-run effort entered two cars as part of the final stages of the intensive development programme for the 650S GT3, bringing both cars home after a gruelling 12 hours of hard racing, finishing 3rd and 12th overall. This first competitive outing underlines the performance and reliability of the latest GT model from McLaren ahead of a wider racing schedule in 2015.The works driver line-up of Rob Bell (GB), Kevin Estre (FR) and Alvaro Parente (PT) showed

a glimpse of the 650S GT3’s potential during the three phase qualifying session, securing pole position against a highly competitive and experienced grid. This result echoed the success of the 12C GT3, which scored a pole position on its debut at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in 2011.Split in to two separate six hour endurance races, the Gulf 12 Hour is a true test of endurance for each car, driver and team taking part. The McLaren GT works driver line-up of #59 traded the top three places throughout the duration of both six hours events, with each of the works drivers among the quickest during each stint. As the chequered flag fell after six hours, #59 lay in 3rdwhile #60 was 9th in the Pro-Am class, 18th overall.Having battled for 2nd place during the middle period of the race, Bell regained the lead going into the final two hours,

to set up a grandstand finish. The closing stages saw Estre retake the lead after being consistently the quickest man on the track. As he pitted, the top three were separated by less than a minute and, as Parente strapped himself in, the only safety car period of the race ensured that the final 30 minutes would be nail-biting for each team. With the clock ticking down, the Portuguese driver chased down the leaders, making his way past back markers who were involved in their own battles lower down the field, and brought the #59 home after 315 laps, just 5.741s behind the race winner.Pro-Am trio of Peter Kox (NL), Nico Pronk (NL) and Gilles Vannelet (FR) showed consistently strong pace throughout both races in the silver, red and black #60, working their way back up the standings after a routine pitstop saw the car rolled into

the garage for precautionary checks during the opening race. Despite losing ground to the other cars in the Pro-Am class, the car then ran faultlessly for all three drivers, recovering well to claim 9th in class, and P12 overall.Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive said: “A pole position and podium finish is a great end to the 2014 season, and really strong way to start the competitive life of the 650S GT3. As with the 650S road car, the focus during the development programme for the 650S GT3 has been improving all areas of driver engagement and refinement, with the true performance accessible to a wider range of abilities for drivers at any level on the grid. This result is true testament to the team, both at the race and back here in Woking, with the cars proving reliable and competitive in both the Pro and Pro-Am categories”.

McLaren GT Signed off the 650S GT3 development programme

Regional Motorsports

76 JAN 2015

TRD 86 Cup Farhan Al Bastaki makes formal racing debut

Audi R8 LMS Cup Khaled Al Qubaisi and Saeed Al Mehairi now on board

Emirati racing driver Farhan Al Bastakimade his debut at the

first round of the TRD 86 Cup held in December 2014 at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The recently introduced TRD 86 Cup series consists of 12 races taking place in six weekends. The first of took place between 11-13 December 2014 and all 12 races will take place at

Yas Marina Circuit, with the full support of Toyota and Al Futtaim who jointly announced the launch of Toyota Racing Development (TRD) for the first time in the region. Round Two will take place from 29-30 January 2015, Round Three from 12-13 March, Round Four from 19-20 March, and Rounds Five and Six from 9-11 April 2015.

Audi Middle East and Abu Dhabi Racing have announced the debut

of Khaled Al Qubaisi and Saeed Al Mehairi at the Audi R8 LMS Cup in Abu Dhabi. The team was officially announced at a press conference at Yas Marina Circuit last month. The first Audi one-make sprint race series in the world has its home base in China and has been held in South Korea, Malaysia, China, Japan and now for the first time in the UAE. The final rounds 11 and 12 were held in Abu Dhabi on December 12-13, alongside the Gulf

12 Hours race.Khaled Al Qubaisi has a permanent place in the motor racing record books as the first Emirati driver to be part of a team achieving outright victory in the Dunlop 24 Hours of Dubai. In addition to this, Al Qubaisi is the first Emirati Arab to make history in circuit racing as he braved the 2014 World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) for a complete season. Al Qubaisi became the first Emirati driver to finish the legendary 24hrs of Le Mans in 2nd place in LMGTE AM Class in 2014.

Students from the Petroleum Institute (PI) in UAE will represent their country in the inaugural Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge. The public launch follows the unveiling of the car byH.E. Abdulla Nasser Al Suwaidi, director general of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and chairman of PI, at a ceremony attended by the PI Governing Board members and sponsors, Japan Oil Development Co, Total, SunPower and Michelin.PI students will battle against international entries from Japan, United States, Middle East, Australia and Europe. This is the first time the UAE has entered the competition, which for almost three decades, has showcased the technology and speed of cars powered only by solar energy.The PI team is backed by the UAE’s leading motor-sports heroes. Sheikh Khalid bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and Khaled Al Qubaisi who will act as ambassadors and advisors to the team throughout the competition– from qualification and time trials to the chequered flag.Qualifications and time trials will take place January 15 at Yas Marina Circuit. The next day, cars will speed through the heart of the capital and head toward Abu Dhabi’s desert terrain and cover 1,200km. During the final leg of the challenge,January 19, teams will drive back to the city centre, crossing the finish line at the First Gulf Bank Arena.The Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge will be part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week [January 17-24, 2015].

Solar Car ChallengeUAE to compete for first time

77JAN 2015

MotoGP 2014: Thrills, spills and celebrations

Here are a selection of memorable moments - thrills, spills and celebrations - captured on camera during the 2014 MotoGP season. We feature action from the first eight rounds of the year, in chronological order.Photographs: courtesy Gold and Goose

1 Qatar MotoGP

2 Austin MotoGP

3 Argentina MotoGP

5 French MotoGP

8 Dutch TT

MotoGP

78 JAN 2015

Round 1 Qatar MotoGP• Bradley Smith starts the new season with a

bang in practice• Cal Crutchlow hard on the power during his

Ducati grand prix debut• Valentino Rossi takes the fight to reigning

champion Marc Marquez, losing by just 0.259s

Round 2 Austin MotoGP • An emotional Colin Edwards announces he will

retire at the end of the season• Jorge Lorenzo makes a massive jump start,

continuing a disastrous start to the year• Marc Marquez dominates the race• Cal Crutchlow pushes his Ducati back to the pits

after a technical problem. He suffered a tyre problem and then broken hand in the race

• Andrea Dovizioso holds off Stefan Bradl for Ducati’s first podium since 2012

Round 3 Argentina MotoGP• Marc Marquez makes it three-in-a-row, winning

by 1.8s from team-mate Dani Pedrosa• Marc Marquez slides his way around MotoGP’s

first official laps at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit

Round 4 Spanish MotoGP• Dani Pedrosa slides his Repsol Honda• With the Open class Honda lacking power,

rookie Scott Redding made up as much time as possible on the brakes

• Valentino Rossi was impressed with the Yamaha’s acceleration throughout the year

• Valentino Rossi celebrates second placs• Marc Marquez waves a leg during the last lap,

on his way to win number four• Honda, Yamaha and Ducati battle at the front in

the early race laps• Danilo Petrucci’s ART engine has enough

Round 5 French MotoGP• Marc Marquez raises his unbeaten run to five• Rookie Pol Espargaro celebrates his first front

row start with brother and Open class leader Aleix Espargaro

• Nicky Hayden falls on the opening lap after contact from Andrea Iannone

• Marc Marquez’s ability to find grip on the kerbs is one of his key attributes

• Mattia Pasini makes his feelings known to Ricky Cardus after they clash in the race

Round 6 Italian MotoGP• Marc Marquez and Repsol Honda continue their

unstoppable run• Jorge Lorenzo is a victory contender for the

first time in 2014, fighting Marc Marquez to the chequered flag

• A delighted Valentino Rossi celebrates his first Mugello podium since 2009

• Thomas Luthi isn’t so lucky and falls behind Takaaki Nakagam

• Home hero Valentino Rossi was disappointed to qualify just tenth on the grid

Round 7 Catalunya MotoGP• Stefan Bradl has the best seat in the house as

Marc Marquez, Valentino Rossi, Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo put on an amazing battle for victory

• Jorge Lorenzo at full lean• Fellow rookie Pol Espargaro goes impossibly

low

Round 8 Dutch TT• Marc Marquez was the first to leap directly

from one bike to another when swapping onto his spare machine during a race - as would be needed on a wet-dry race day at Assen

4 Spanish MotoGP

6 Italian MotoGP

7 Catalunya MotoGP

79JAN 2015

80 JAN 2015

The other day I noticed that a post of mine showed up on Facebook complete with a geotag that put my location down to an area of Muscat. Now that’s where home is, but on the other hand that incident reminded me that we are increasingly leaving a digital trail of our lives as we interact with one another. In effect a timeline is building up where people outside your immediate circle are able to look into your life and see you as you age, by the series of selfies you post, see your haunts and professions and even retrace you r steps around the world. What do you do? As soon as you get your latest mobile phone, do you stick in the SIM and then promptly turn off location information? Or do we leave it switched on so that apps and services can let us know where we are, communicate our location to the cloud and in turn offer us deals and services that are just around the corner or in the same building? After all it makes sense to communicate a flash sale to a person standing on the pavement rather than someone a thousand kilometres away. By nature, I am a private person, so I tend to default to a secure sense of staying hidden. My chat interfaces stay hidden; I try to keep geolocation off and at the risk of missing that to-die-for offer I even stay out of active Bluetooth pinging. But that’s me. Perhaps it’s driven by the fact that I have a spouse who begins her phone calls with “where are you?” rather than “how are you?’ Perhaps it’s because I travel so much and so often that my contacts too seem to increasingly ask “are you in Oman or travelling?” But is that true of the public at large? Everyone knows by now that you can be located to within a couple of metres through your mobile phone’s signal. Add to that the rest of the chip enabled devices we carry around, including bankcards, ID cards, licences and so and almost any RFID sensor can tag you. And don’t forget the cameras that are almost everywhere, from your laptop to security units around your office. It is almost impossible to fall off the grid without divesting yourself of technology. The day isn’t very far when every car manufactured will have to be enabled with a geolocator. Hopefully that will also include every aeroplane – something that we would recognise as necessary and timely considering the missing MH370 flight and an almost identical window of not knowing surrounding the Air Asia disaster till they finally found it at the bottom of the sea. Of course, the technology exists. We have all heard of how the engines of MH370 kept communicating with a remote server though the airplane itself didn’t. Satellites, receiving stations on the ground and in fact the spread of cell phone towers all over the world make for a rather interconnected one. A whole business exists around providing IVMS solutions for vehicle fleet owners and this allows businesses to track, prioritise and streamline processes. They also let you know exactly where your stolen vehicle is headed to – even convicts on parole can be tracked. So, does it remain a moral question or one of need? Do we need to be located? An elderly relative with memory issues may actually convince you that it’s better to be locatable than off the grid. A tag is a tag, whether it’s a phone number carried on a bracelet or a GPS location tag. Ask yourself then, do you want to be found? Would you like your caller to know where you are as soon as the call is put through? Are you out playing hooky from school, work or your marriage and would rather lie through your eyeteeth than let anyone know? Or would you rather be in the shoes of a Lebanese journalist on a visit to Jordan’s Dead Sea resort who found that his lovely selfie showed up to his friends as being in Israel?

To GeolocaTe orsTay hidden?

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Raj Warrior is editor of Automan and has been in the thick of the Automotive journalism field from the past 15 years.