Mercedes-Benz has released details on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and the changes remain expectedly limited. The models on offer in the GCC include the G 500 and the new G 63 AMG and G 65 AMG models.
When we were hanging out at the 2012 Nissan Micra’s GCC launch in the UAE, we heard that almost every British expat has had seat-time in its predecessors dating back to the 1980s, sort of like how everyone here has some experience with the Toyota Yaris. It is interesting then, that Nissan chose to finally launch the fourth generation in the Middle East to do battle with, what else, the Toyota Yaris.
The Nurburgring racetrack in Germany may be overhyped, but anyone can actually pay the minimal entry fee and drive on that track, apparently with any kind of car. Someone thought it was a good idea to take their old Honda CR-V to drive on the legendary piece of tarmac. But he does more than just cruise casually.
The Volkswagen Passat CC V6 long-termer is no more with us, having gone back to VW Middle East. Unlike any of our previous borrowed long-term cars, this one will actually be missed. It was easily among the best all-round midsize sedans we’ve ever driven, if not the best.
According to the Abu Dhabi Police, owners of modified vehicles, even including those who’ve changed only their exhaust system, have been put on notice as part of a new “awareness campaign” that will crack down on aftermarket-tuned cars.
You might remember this car. It is the white 2012 Lexus IS 300 C convertible we picked up for testing last year on Eid Al-Adha. Back then it only had 20 km on the clock. Now it has 4640 km, properly run in, and it is our new long-termer for the next two months.
The Volkswagen Up! small city car won 2012 World Car of the Year, defeating the 2012 BMW 3-Series and the 2012 Porsche 911.
The results for the 2012 edition of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge are, with the racers finishing their final leg on Friday the 6th. At least the cars category held no surprises.
| The Good: – Solid offroading capability – Cabin space and features – Fairly comfortable ride |
The Bad: – Very expensive – Body-roll on sharp turns – Bit of a petrol addict |
Making its North American debut at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, Lexus revealed the all-new 2013 RX 350 F-Sport, a supposedly-sportier version of the upscale mommy-mobile.