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 long-overdue new Galant
actually replaces the old Galant and the Magna in the line-up. Still with
front-wheel-drive, it comes with two engines locally, namely the 2.4-litre
four-cylinder in the DE and ES, and new from 2008, the 3.8-litre V6 in the GTS.
The 2.4-litre has a four-speed automatic
transmission only, with optional Sportronic manual mode, while the 3.8-litre has
a five-speed automatic with Sportronic. The base model includes
variable intermittent wipers, power mirrors, 16-inch steel wheels with covers, cloth seats,
air conditioning, power windows, power locks with keyless entry and CD player
with four speakers. The higher models get bright interior accents, cruise
control, premium cloth seats, ABS brakes with EBD, and CD/MP3 player with six
speakers, along with 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels and an eight-way power
driver's seat. Options include fog lamps, special climate control console,
steering wheel with audio controls, power sunroof, leather-trimmed seats, and a
premium six-CD/MP3 player with eight speakers. Safety features include front,
curtain and
side airbags standard on all models.
Competitors:
Honda Accord
Nissan Altima
Toyota Camry
Price Range
Dhs 59500 -
85000 (US$
16100 - 23100)
Body Styles
4-door
sedan
Weight (kg)
1565 -
1659
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
2.4 I4 FWD
3.8 V6 FWD
4A
5A
160
230
213
339
8.9
10.4
11.5
8.2
208*
208*
Good
Competitive price,
space, ride, standard side airbags
Bad
Uninspired styling,
soft handling, slow base model
Mitsubishi Grandis
The Grandis is a slick minivan that offers buyers a genuine
three-row seating configuration to take the kids to school and pick up their
buddies at picnics on the weekend, but without the higher running costs
associated with a 4WD alternative thanks to their small 4-cylinder engines and
car-like demeanour. It is also interesting to note that this people mover forego
sliding rear doors in favour of a car-like 4-door configuration. The MPV is
kitted out with a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, and gets a standard
4-speed automatic with manual shift capability, transferring its engine power to
the ground via the front wheels. With seating for seven, standard safety
features include front airbags, though front side and curtain airbags are
optional. Also standard are ABS-assisted disc brakes, rear a/c and power windows
and mirrors. Options include such niceties as dual
sunroofs, leather, CD changer and more. Just be ready to be mistaken for a
professional van driver on the streets, even though the Grandis is far too good
to be a commercial vehicle.
Not quick, limited front
legroom, hard interior plastics
Mitsubishi L200
The new L200 offers versatility combined with a tough new
look that makes it seem more like a lifestyle vehicle than a commercial pickup.
It obviously is tough enough to be a commercial pickup. Available in two-wheel-drive form with a 2.4-litre petrol
engine or a 2.5-litre turbodiesel, or in four-wheel-drive form with the diesel engine only, it is an interesting proposition
on-road, and even off-road, if equipped. Only the five-speed manual is offered here. The spacious interior
places the L200 firmly in the midsize class, unlike the previous compact model. The L200 is an ideal choice for small to
medium type of business application. Choices in body styles include double
cab or single cab along with a variety of work and handling packages.
Mitsubishi's new L200 delivers good everyday performance, thanks to willing, if
somewhat weak, engines, ventilated
disc brakes at the front and drum rear brakes, and available ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. The
brakes, the rear axle, the steering gear and the chassis have all been substantially beefed
up for the new L200, while interior features include vinyl seats and a radio
cassette player.
Competitors:
Dodge Dakota
Nissan Pickup
Toyota Hilux
Price Range
Dhs 40000 -
70000 (US$ 10800 - 19000)
Body Styles
2-door
pickup, 4-door pickup
Weight (kg)
1695 - 1805
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
2.4 I4 RWD
2.5TD I4
RWD/4WD
5M
5M
145
136
219
314
10.0
8.2-8.6
11.0
14.0-14.6
180
167
Good
Value for money,
tough looks, fuel economy
Bad
Slow,
lumpy handling, no auto gearbox
Mitsubishi Lancer
The popular Lancer line-up uses three four-cylinder engines, namely a 1.3-litre and
a 1.6-litre in the basic models, and a 2.0-litre in the Ralliart Edition. The
1.3-litre has a choice of a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. The 1.6-litre has a choice of a manual or an
innovative CVT automatic. The 2.0-litre seems to come exclusively with an
automatic gearbox only. None of the engines are particularly sporting. Features,
either standard or optional, include driver's & front passenger's SRS dual
airbags, simple radio cassette player or a better radio cassette stereo with CD
changer and 4 speakers, tachometer, optional rear spoiler, steel wheels with
hubcaps or light alloy wheels, ABS with EBD, optional keyless entry system, and
a rear seat centre armrest with cup holders. The Ralliart Edition specifically adds a rear spoiler, 15-inch alloy wheels,
leather steering wheel, special interior trim, body kit and better brakes. All
cars have a cloth interior, with standard power windows and mirrors.
Competitors:
Ford Focus
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Cerato
Price Range
Dhs 33500 - 54500 (US$ 9100 - 14800)
Body Styles
4-door sedan
Weight (kg)
1080 -
1210
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
1.3 I4 FWD 1.6 I4
FWD 2.0 I4 FWD
5M/4A 5M/CVT 4A
81 97 123
120 138 173
6.5-7.0 6.8-7.0
8.7
13.7-14.5 12.5-13.0
12.0
165 175-181 192
Good
Price,
cabin features, fuel economy
Bad
Slow, average rear legroom
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX
The Lancer Evolution is different enough from the bargain
front-wheel-drive Lancer to be considered a completely different car. Powered by
a 2.0-litre turbocharged and intercooled engine, riding on a modified
all-wheel-drive platform, and putting power down through a six-speed manual
gearbox, the ninth generation of the Evo is a true sports car. All are fitted
with a special front fascia, a big rear wing, and a rear-window wiper, sports
seats and a few special interior features, though not much different from the
basic Lancer in terms on trim. The Evo comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and
grippy P235/45WR17 tyres. In addition to these features, the Evo IX gets an
active center differential switch and Brembo brakes with sport ABS and EBD, plus
convenience and safety features like power windows and mirrors, and dual
airbags. The all-wheel-drive system is computer-controlled to determine how much
power to send to each wheel in varying situations.
Competitors:
BMW M3
Infiniti G35
Renault Sport Megane
Price Range
Dhs 132500 - 145000 (US$ 24500 - 32600)
Body Styles
4-door sedan
Weight (kg)
1483
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
2.0TC I4 4WD
6M
286
391
11.8
5.5
251
Good
Extremely
fast for the money, handling, practical interior
Bad
Hard
ride, noisy, fuel economy, low-rent interior
Mitsubishi Nativa
The Nativa is an off-road capable 4WD that fits in an odd
spot between the Pajero and the Outlander. Powered by a 3.0-litre V6 mated to a
four-speed automatic, the Nativa is a dated design, but still a decent wagon.
Standard features for the low base price include AM/FM radio cassette player
with 4 speakers, driver's and front passenger's front airbags, part time 4WD
with synchronized front free-wheel differential, transfer protector, power
steering, power windows, central locking, power mirrors, alloy wheels, keyless
entry system and seating for five. Features available on higher models include
gauges for a thermometer, compass, oil pressure and voltage meter, faux wood
trim, front fog lights, CD player with 6 speakers, leather seats, sunroof,
limited slip differential, ABS with EBD, cruise control and more. The Nativa
rides on the older L200 pickup platform, and was discontinued in a number of
markets since 2004. However, few 4WDs are offered at this price that are
properly equipped to go off-road.
The previous Lancer will continue to be sold alongside this new Lancer. The new model comes with a choice of two four-cylinder engines, namely a 1.5-litre and a 2.0-litre. Both models come with a five-speed manual, while optionally, the smaller engine gets a four-speed automatic and the larger one gets a CVT auto transmission. Features in the most basic model includes a driver's airbag, CD player with 6 speakers, automatic a/c, keyless entry, 16-inch steel wheels with covers, power windows and even colour-coded bumpers. There are various trim levels right up to the top GT model which adds a sporting body kit, sunroof, adaptive headlights which turn with the steering wheel, fog lamps, rear spoiler, leather steering wheel with audio switches, Rockford Fosgate premium CD audio system with six-CD changer and 9 speakers, rear split seats with centre armrest, dual front airbags, colour-keyed power mirrors, ABS brakes with EBD and Brake Assist, 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, paddle-shifters with the CVT, and a full keyless operation system.
A better vehicle than the last model, the redesigned-for-2008 Outlander is based on the Lancer platform
and uses two engines this time around, namely a 2.4-litre four-cylinder mated to a CVT automatic, and a 3.0-litre V6 mated to a six-speed
automatic. The all-wheel-drive system distributes power as needed under various conditions and also with a 4WD Lock mode, but it does not have the equipment to be a
serious off-roader. Basic features include an AM/FM radio cassette player with a six-CD changer and 4
speakers, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, power steering, power windows, cloth upholstery, central locking, keyless entry, 16-inch alloy wheels and power mirrors. The
higher models can be optioned out with cruise control, 18-inch alloys, Rockford Fosgate stereo with 6-CD changer and 9
speakers, full keyless system, leather steering wheel with audio controls, rear
parking sensors, paddle shifters and faux leather seats. Only the five-seater
version is sold in the GCC.
Could be
quicker, off-road ability, no side airbags offered
Mitsubishi Pajero
The Pajero is a true off-roader, and a legend in its own
right. Powered by either a 3.0-litre V6 or a
3.8-litre V6 engine, it can only be had with an automatic transmission nowadays.
It received a massive facelift for 2007, and can be had in either three-door or five-door body styles. The standard
package includes ActiveTrac four-wheel-drive with
rear-wheel, full-time all-wheel and 4WD high and low range with locked centre
differential. The short-wheelbase three-door Pajero holds five passengers, while
the long-wheelbase model holds seven, with a third-row seat that can
be folded into a well in the cargo area floor, or removed entirely. Standard
features include an RV meter showing external temperature, time, date, compass,
pressure, altitude and maintenance intervals. Also standard are a radio cassette
player with 6 speakers, automatic a/c, front dual airbags, keyless entry, power
windows and mirrors, and alloy wheels. Higher models get a 6-disc CD changer,
fake wood interior trim, sunroof, front and rear automatic a/c, traction
control, ABS with EBD, cruise control, cool box and leather seats.
