2011 Volvo S60 T6
| The Good: – Outstanding styling – Tech and safety features – Power, ride and handling |
The Bad: – Average rear legroom – Simplistic interior styling – Lacks gear paddle-shifters |
| The Good: – Outstanding styling – Tech and safety features – Power, ride and handling |
The Bad: – Average rear legroom – Simplistic interior styling – Lacks gear paddle-shifters |
From the 1st of January 2011, the Dubai RTA will start writing off the vehicles if their registration has not been renewed for two years. The rules kicks in after a 3-month grace period that expires at the end of 2010.
One look through our archives and you’ll realise how many times we drove the latest-generation Honda Accord when it launched back in 2008. Come 2011, and we’re at it again. Right after driving the facelifted V6 coupe, we picked up this optioned-up 2.4-litre sedan, and it of course feels familiar.
Ten months after its global premiere in the UAE during the recession, the much-hyped 2010 Nissan Patrol is being hailed as a sales success by Arabian Automobiles, Nissan dealer for Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, exceeding the company’s original sales volume projections.
Looks like we’re possibly the first people in the UAE to review the updated 2011 Honda Accord V6 Coupe, just in time for the first days of the rainy season. The car isn’t all that different from the one that debuted two years ago, but it is still a satisfying drive and gets some much-needed tech.
Renault’s Middle East outfit has been releasing all sorts of “foreign” cars in the GCC market, such as the Logan from Romania and the Safrane from Korea, over the last few years, so much so that only a couple of models remained truly French. However, after a brief absence, the French-built third-generation Megane has finally reached the UAE, apparently going on sale quietly in November.
The recalls were piling in hard and fast during this year. While we kept up with most of the ones which could’ve potentially affected car owners in the Middle East, we simply stopped keeping track around two months ago, because it became interminably boring writing up repetitive “recall” stories. However, we have a duty to at least highlight the ones which could matter, so here is a rundown of all the recalls in the last 60 days, most issued in the U.S. but which may also affect some GCC-spec cars. Consult your local dealer.
While the 2012 Hyundai Accent sedan debuted at different auto shows around the world, including the 2010 Abu Dhabi Motor Show, China is playing host to the debut of the 2012 Hyundai Verna 5-door, essentially a hatchback version of the new Accent.
The Hyundai Azera, a competent full-size front-wheel-drive sedan that fits in between the Genesis and the Sonata, is going in for a full redesign, and it’s going to be good.
Nissan and Mitsubishi has announced that the two companies agreed to “expand their current scope of co-operation towards new projects that will further strengthen mutual competitiveness.” Apparently this deal will lead to a new Nissan model provided by Mitsubishi.