Local prices, engine specs, performance, fuel economy data, reliability and safety listings for every car
sold in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait!
The Avalanche has been Chevy’s bread and butter for ages now, and so GM went all out on the redesign of this full-size hauler even though petrol prices are at an all-time high. The new-for-2008 Avalanche gets many upgrades throughout the vehicle, including a new platform and a better quality interior. A beefy new Vortec 5.3-litre V8 powers the Avalanche, with better fuel economy to boot. The aging Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission transfers power to the ground, either through the rear wheels or through all four wheels when 4WD is engaged. Features include the usual power features and three rows of seats. Power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals are standard on the higher models and optional on the base versions. Safety features include front, side and curtain airbags, as well as stability control and ABS brakes. On the road, the long-wheelbase Avalanche is smooth and stable in a straight line, hopeless in the corners and strong off the road. Rear passengers can enjoy an optional package that includes a DVD system with flip-down seven-inch colour monitor, six-disc in-dash audio player and Bose speakers. Versions include the Avalanche Z71 off-road package with lifted suspension and other accessories.
Competitors:
Ford Expedition
Nissan Patrol
Toyota Land Cruiser
Price Range
Dhs 155000 - 200000 (US$ 42200 -
54500)
Body Styles
4-door pickup
Weight (kg)
2638
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
5.3 V8 4WD
4A
310
454
14.0
9.4
172*
Good
Torque, cargo space, off-road ability
Bad
Oversized, fuel economy, body roll
Chevrolet Aveo
The Aveo was formerly known as the Kalos, a subcompact automobile built by GM Daewoo, a South Korean subsidiary of General Motors. The Aveo is based on Daewoo's latest small car platform and was originally styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro. For 2006, the Aveo, the smallest Chevy-badged car, underwent a number of changes that also gave the sedan a new face. Features in this economy car include advanced dual-stage frontal airbags with passenger sensing system, 13-inch or 14-inch steel wheels with bolt-on wheel covers on the base models or 14-inch alloy wheels on the top model, a retuned suspension with improved steering response and larger-diameter front stabilizer bar, tilting front seat headrests, revised interior fabrics, electronic throttle control and optional CD player. The Aveo comes in three trim lines, and available as a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback. All are powered by a 1.4-litre in-line four-cylinder, though the pre-facelift hatchback gets a weaker motor, and both come with a good five-speed manual that can be switched for an optional four-speed automatic.
The Australian-built Caprice has been redesigned from the ground up, but still remains one of the few affordable large sedans in the market. It offers a choice of two powertrains, namely the 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 and the Corvette-derived 6.0-litre V8. The Alloytec V6 is available on the LS and LTZ models along with the V8 engine as an option. The big V8 is standard on the sport-tuned SS and the luxury-tuned Royale. The Caprice continues to use a basic 4-speed electronic automatic transmission which includes an economy programme to ensure optimum fuel consumption and a power shift program to facilitate quick downshifting when required. The Royale has a chrome grille while the SS has a monochromatic paint job, whilst all models now have LED brake-lamps that increase in intensity depending upon the brake pressure applied. Available features include front and rear proximity sensors, optional twin DVD screens, satellite navigation, power features, a cloth or leather interior, and more. ABS brakes and traction control are also available throughout the range.
The Korean-built Captiva is the General's first proper entry into the softroader market, offering a choice of two powertrains, namely the 2.4-litre four-cylinder with manual or automatic, and the 3.2-litre V6 with automatic. Features include wheels from 16-inch up to 18-inch, turn signals integrated into its exterior mirrors and holes in the front fenders. Protective moldings and front-rear skid plates define its look. Generous interior dimensions offer decent cargo space and seating for as many as seven. Class-leading safety features include an optional rollover protection system, dual front airbags, optional traction control and standard ABS brakes. There is also hill descent control system to go down steep hills, which is an odd addition since the Captiva can be had in front-wheel-drive trim too, in addition to the all-wheel-drive model. Additional features, standard or optional, include an MP3-capable CD stereo with steering wheel controls and MP3 player inputs, parking sensors, sunroof and a trip computer.
Competitors:
Ford Escape
Hyundai Santa Fe
Toyota RAV-4
Price Range
Dhs 85000 - 108000 (US$
23000 - 29300)
Body Styles
5-door wagon
Weight (kg)
1655 - 1805
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
2.4 I4 FWD/4WD 3.2 V6 4WD
5M/5A 5A
136 230
220 297
8.9-10.4 11.5
11.5-12.5 8.8
183-185 204
Good
Price, roomy, V6 power, luggage space
Bad
Base engine power, front-wheel-drive model
Chevrolet Colorado
The Colorado is a range of light pickup trucks. This midsize pickup can be had with two bed options, only one petrol engine, and comes standard with rear-wheel-drive. The poor folks who get stuck with these at work will have to manage with a 5-speed manual gearbox, and for entertainment, we beileve there is a solid radio cassette player to play your classic tapes that you saved up since 1985. Available as a two-door single-cab or a four-door double-cab, four-wheel-drive is optional on the double cab only. Thankfully, amenities such as air-conditioning, dual front airbags, power steering, vinyl flooring, cloth bench seat and an ashtray are all standard. Upgrading to a higher trim level adds such luxuries as floor carpets, power windows, remote central locking, cloth bucket seats, chrome trimmings and body-colour door handles. Purely sold as a work truck here, the Colorado is actually marketed as a lifestyle truck in America, where it comes with cool colours, stylish trimmings, more luxuries and much bigger engines.
Competitors:
Mitsubishi L200
Nissan Pickup
Toyota Hilux
Price Range
Dhs 40000 - 70000 (US$ 10800 - 19000)
Body Styles
2-door pickup, 4-door pickup
Weight (kg)
1450 - 1880
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
2.4 I4 RWD/4WD
5M
128
207
12.0-12.8
14.0-16.0
155
Good
Utility, cargo capacity, manageable size
Bad
Ride quality, limited engine choices, slow
Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette C6 is the most capable Corvette ever. The LS2 V8 powerplant has grown to 6.2 litres for 2008, with power and torque that is killer at the track and useable in regular driving. The standard tranny is the Tremec T56 six-speed manual gearbox, while a new six-speed automatic with paddles is optional since 2007. Large 18-inch wheels at the front and 19-inch at the rear and exposed headlamps with fixed Xenon High-Intensity Discharge lamps now define the Corvette. Available as a hatchback coupe with a lift-off roof panel or as a convertible with a fabric soft-top and heated glass rear window, while a power top is also available, as are optional magnetic shocks and a two-mode exhaust. The new race-bred Corvette Z06 packs a massive 7.0-litre V8 engine, and comes in manual coupe form only, offering performance that rivals Ferrari. Even though its dimensions have shrunk, the C6 has as much room inside as the C5. The only letdown is the less-than-stellar interior, although GM makes up for it with gadgets such as keyless start and a heads-up display. We'd say America's favourite sports car is now as good as anything from Italy.
Competitors:
Aston Martin Vantage
Ferrari F430
Porsche 911
Price Range
Dhs 213000 - 300000 (US$ 57800 -
81500)
Body Styles
2-door coupe, 2-door convertible
Weight (kg)
1421 - 1451
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
6.2 V8 RWD 7.0 V8 RWD
6M/6A 6M
430 505
574 637
10.3-10.7 11.2
4.3-4.5 3.9
304 317
Good
Looks, power, handling, value for money
Bad
Simple interior, insurance, no spare tyre
Chevrolet CSV CR8
The CSV CR8 is a high-performance variation of the Lumina SS. It is simply a rebadged version of the Australian-built HSV supersedan, but using a "Chevrolet Special Vehicles" badge for the GCC region. Powered by a 6.0-litre LS2 engine sourced from the Corvette, the CR8 is one of the quickest sedans available today, but without the overblown German price tag. Standard features include a six-speed manual, rear-wheel-drive with limited-slip differential, 19-inch alloy wheels, full body kit with spoiler, two-tone leather interior, better brakes and other upgrades. Convenience and safety features include dual front and side-curtain airbags, stability and traction control, ABS brakes, CD/MP3 player with in-dash CD changer, Bluetooth phone, power windows and mirrors, cruise control, keyless entry and a basic a/c. Options include a rear-seat DVD player and a sunroof. It is a large and heavy car, while lacking the last bit of refinement that puts the Germans at the top of this class. But for the price, even if high at first glance, the CR8 is a performance bargain.
Competitors:
BMW 335i
Chrysler 300C SRT-8
Dodge Charger SRT-8
Price Range
Dhs 170000 - 180000 (US$ 46200 -
48900)
Body Styles
4-door sedan
Weight (kg)
1812
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
6.0 V8 RWD
6M
411
550
15.3
5.0
250*
Good
Looks, power, handling, space, value for money
Bad
Dull cabin styling, running costs, a bit too big
Chevrolet Epica
The Epica is Chevrolet's attempt at the lower end of the midsize car market, considering the Lumina is handling the slightly higher market that is occupied by the Accord and the Camry. Launched as part of a trio with the Aveo and the Optra for 2004, it is built by GM Daewoo in Korea on a front-wheel-drive platform. The car received a restyle for 2007 and maintains the traditional sedan three-box profile instead of being over-tall like the Camry, so it looks good from far away, though its details are derivative. The interior is fairly spacious considering its price. The cabin is well-designed with plenty of convenient storage spaces, while instruments and controls are well-placed. Two engines are on offer, namely a small 2.0-litre six-cylinder that works well but is fairly underpowered, and a 2.5-litre six-cylinder that has more power but only matches four-cylinder motors from Japanese midsizers. The optional four-speed automatic transmission is smooth, while a manual gearbox is also offered for that last bit of fuel efficiency. Front airbags and ABS brakes are available. The Epica competes well in a segment that only sees action from the Koreans.
The Lumina remains the only rear-wheel-drive sedan in the affordable midsize segment. The available 3.6-litre V6 and 6.0-litre V8 motors offer value no one can match. Built in Australia alongside the Caprice, it is brand new from the ground up, and comes in four-door trim only. The Lumina comes in four variants, namely the LS, LTZ, S and SS. The power for the LS, LTZ and body-kitted S comes from the Alloytec 3.6-litre V6 engine with an automatic transmission, while the 6.0-litre V8 does its work in the SS sedan with a choice of manual or automatic. The base LS and LTZ models fulfil the basic needs of a commuter car that doubles as a family vehicle, with decent space and adequate power, while the SS models merge muscle-car attitude with a traditional sedan. Available features, standard or optional depending on model, include an MP3-capable CD stereo, CD changer, stability control, ABS brakes, traction control, 16-inch, 17-inch or 18-inch wheels, comfort or sports suspension, trip computer, Bluetooth, cloth or leather upholstery, and various power features.
Competitors:
Dodge Charger
Infiniti G35
Toyota Aurion
Price Range
Dhs 85000 - 137000 (US$ 23000 - 37200)
Body Styles
4-door sedan
Weight (kg)
1690 - 1785
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
3.6 V6 RWD 6.0 V8 RWD
4A 6M/4A
240 360
330 530
10.9 14.3
7.9 5.4-5.9
250 250*
Good
Space, power, handling, ride
Bad
Outdated automatic, fuel economy
Chevrolet Optra
It is trying to be Chevrolet’s volume seller in the Middle East, but we have trouble spotting an Optra on the streets even though the car has been on the market for some time now. On paper at least, this car seems to have what it takes to go head-on with the opposition. Positioned in the lower compact segment, the Optra offers good value for money, selling in 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback and 5-door station wagon trims. Styled by Italians but barely showing it, the styling can best be described as interesting without being ambitious. The cabin is basic, but there are lots of storage spaces and space for five adults. Engine options include a 1.6-litre or a 1.8-litre four-cylinder unit. These are combined with a five-speed manual or four-speed auto transmission transmitting juice to the front wheels. While both engines have enough grunt for the segment, they fall short of leaders like the top Civic and Corolla models. Ride and handling are quite good, and bodes well for the Optra. All we ask for are better engines.
The Silverado range is Chevrolet's line of full-size pickup trucks, and covers everything from passenger pickups to big honking diesel monsters with six wheels and more. The Silverado pickup is the second-best selling vehicle in the United States, behind the Ford F-150 pickup truck, and it sells more trucks there than Toyota sells Camry cars. The Silverado 1500 light pickup truck is about the only vehicle that you can drive from this range without offending anyone around you, while the Silverado HD trucks should best be used if you work at a place that requires regular hauling. The light-duty trucks generally use the 1500 name, can tow up to 4700 kg and can carry 930 kg in their beds. They are available in three cab lengths, 2-door short cab, 3 or 4-door extended cab, and front-hinged 4-door crew cab. Three cargo beds are available, including a short box, a standard box, and a long box. The short box is only available with the extended or crew cab, and is the only option on the 4-door. Engines include a Vortec 4800 V8 and a Vortec 5300 V8. The Vortec 6000 V8 is available in the Heavy Duty models but not in the 1500 models, while the Z71 signifies an off-road package.
Competitors:
Dodge Ram
Ford F-150
Toyota Land Cruiser Pickup
Price Range
Dhs 120000 - 180000 (US$ 32700 - 49000)
Body Styles
2-door pickup, 4-door pickup, 2-door long pickup
Weight (kg)
2022 - 2441
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
4.8 V8 RWD/4WD 5.3 V8 RWD/4WD
4A 4A
295 315
413 458
14.2-14.7 13.4-14.2
9.0-9.5 8.4-8.9
172* 172*
Good
Utility, torque, cabin space, ride
Bad
Fuel economy, size, truck as fashion statement?
Chevrolet Spark
The Spark is a typical urban runabout based wholly on the Korean Daewoo Matiz, and is built in Korea too. It is a best seller in the supermini market, which is a market with few buyers in this region. The Spark is a great driver in town traffic with practicality and tight proportions offering just enough interior space for four inside a compact body. Its big windows and tight turning circle make it easy to park and cut through traffic, if you have the guts to cut in front of big 4WDs. The design tries to be cute, but unlike the Mini or the Beetle, this thing still looks like half a car. Inside, centre-mounted instruments greet you, as does cheap plastics. Depending on which of the upholstery fabrics and body colours is chosen, the displays have a blue, green or orange background. All interior mouldings and seating fabrics are robust but still cheap. It is powered by either a 0.8-litre three-cylinder or a 1.0-litre four-cylinder unit, and comes with a standard five-speed manual gearbox which features an all-new gearchange mechanism with damping for improved shift quality. A four-speed auto is optional. GM claims increased percentage of 'super steel' in the structure, but we'd still feel uncomfortable travelling in one of these.
Competitors:
Chery S11 QQ
Daihatsu Charade
Kia Picanto
Price Range
Dhs 34000 - 40000 (US$
9200 - 10800)
Body Styles
5-door hatchback
Weight (kg)
775 - 825
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
0.8 I3 FWD 1.0 I4 FWD
5M/4A 5M/4A
51 65
72 91
5.2-5.6 5.6-6.0
18.2-21.9 12.9-14.1
134-144 150-155
Good
Nimble, front space, ease of parking, fuel economy
Bad
Cheap interior, painfully slow, road non-presence
Chevrolet Tahoe / Suburban
The Tahoe has been Chevy’s bread and butter for ages now, and so GM went all out on the redesign of this full-size hauler even though petrol prices are at an all-time high. The Tahoe gets many upgrades throughout the vehicle, including a new platform and a better quality interior. A beefy new Vortec 5.3-litre V8 powers the Tahoe, with better fuel economy to boot. The aging Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission transfers power to the ground, either through the rear wheels or through all four wheels when 4WD is engaged. Features include the usual power features and three rows of seats. Power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals are standard on the higher models and optional on the base versions. New features also include power folding rear seats, among other things. On the road, the Tahoe is smooth and stable in a straight line, hopeless in the corners and strong off the road. The Suburban is the long-wheelbase version of the Tahoe, and offers more room in the back. Rear passengers can enjoy an optional package that includes a DVD system with flip-down seven-inch colour monitor, six-disc in-dash audio player and Bose speakers. New versions added later include the Tahoe Z71 off-road package with lifted suspension.
Competitors:
Ford Expedition
Nissan Patrol
Toyota Land Cruiser
Price Range
Dhs 144000 - 190000 (US$ 39100 -
51800)
Body Styles
5-door wagon, 5-door long wagon, 4-door pickup
Weight (kg)
2291 - 2629
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
5.3 V8 4WD
4A
320
460
14.0
9.0-9.5
172*
Good
Torque, space, value, off-road ability
Bad
Oversized, fuel economy, body roll
Chevrolet Trailblazer
The TrailBlazer is powerful and capable midsize off-road vehicle, which is just the right size to not be a pain on the roads. It has a rigid chassis, good off-road suspension, powerful brakes and a spacious enough interior to compete in this class. It is stable at high speeds, wobbly around curves, and comfortable over rough surfaces, while being quite capable off-road, thanks to a proper four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing. The TrailBlazer also comes in an EXT trim with an extended wheelbase that adds a third row seat. The TrailBlazer comes with a Vortec 4.2-litre inline six-cylinder engine that generates very respectable numbers, similar to the V8 motors of some competitors. And then there is 5.3-litre V8 engine that can be had as an option only on the EXT. The V8 is equipped with GM’s Displacement on Demand technology as standard which deactivates four cylinders under certain driving conditions to aid fuel efficiency, returning the full complement of power once the controller senses vehicle speed or load requires additional power. Both engines use a Hydra-Matic four-speed auto transmission.
Competitors:
Ford Explorer
Honda MR-V
Nissan Pathfinder
Price Range
Dhs 95000 - 127000 (US$ 25800 - 34500)
Body Styles
5-door wagon, 5-door long wagon
Weight (kg)
2084 - 2247
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
4.2 I6 4WD 5.3 V8 4WD
4A 4A
291 300
374 446
13.1-13.5 13.5
8.2-9.6 8.7
172* 172*
Good
Torque, large fuel tank, off-road ability
Bad
Cheap interior, fuel economy, body roll
Chevrolet Uplander
The Uplander is a new attempt by General Motors to conquer the world of minivan by offering something different. It is a minivan that tries to look a little like a 4WD, and hopes that people won't notice that it is indeed just a minivan. This new seven-passenger minivan is a front-driver that is about 90 percent minivan, and the other 10% could become a quasi-4WD with the optional Versatrak all-wheel-drive, but this option is apparently not offered here. GM is calling their new line a crossover sport van. Power comes from a 3.5-litre V6 powerplant, while interior features include fold-down second and third row seating, ceiling rail storage system with DVD and other entertainment features, along with a series of in-floor rear storage bins. The van still utilizes a walkthrough between seats and sliding doors for inner access, while the back has a lift-up tailgate. This van is effectively a replacement for the unloved Venture minivan, which few people knew even existed. The only Uplanders visible on the road seems to be airport taxi vehicles.
