The Y61-generation Nissan Patrol, still on sale in select markets including the UAE after the new Y62-generation came out in 2010, is getting a second life in the GCC, even as it is being phased out elsewhere. There will now be a top trim level called the Nissan Patrol Super Safari in the Middle East.
This may sound a bit ridiculous initially, but Nissan Middle East has just announced a new concept to “revolutionise the way vehicles are evaluated for desert performance.” Developed by Nissan engineers over the past two years, Desert Camel Power uses a “scientifically proven formula to determine, in an accurately measurable and reproducible way, how a given vehicle will perform in typical desert off-road conditions.” It’s been a while since we graduated from engineering school, so we’ll just publish the specifics as told by Nissan.
Nissan invited us to a “surprise” launch event in Dubai, only telling us that it will be a crossover of some sort. That crossover turned out to be the 2018 Nissan Kicks. The more surprising news was that it will replace the Juke crossover and the Tiida hatchback in the carmaker’s GCC line-up, even though these cars will continue to be on sale in other markets such as Lebanon and Jordan.
Arguably, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class reached its peak back in the 1980s, when it wasn’t even called the E-Class. Comprising of models such as the all-rounder 300E, the handbuilt-by-Porsche 500E and the aftermarket-tuned AMG Hammer among others, the German carmaker’s W124-generation sedan was iconic. Unfortunately, right after this model was discontinued in 1995 after an 11-year run, Mercedes-Benz entered an era of confused designs and cost-cutting measures that didn’t subside until more than a decade later. Now, four generations later, there is an all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but does it have what it takes to become an icon again?
Six months had passed since the first free service at 1000 km, so we took in our 2014 Nissan Patrol LE for its first paid service at the Dubai dealer.
Jaguar has announced changes to their 2018 F-Pace, XE and XF models, including a new “Ingenium” 4-cylinder engine for all three models. It replaces the older 4-cylinder Ecoboost-derived turbo motor that was bummed off of Ford and did duty in the base XE, the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Range Rover Evoque. Expect the latter two to get the new engine soon.
The Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) has announced that they will ban import, insurance and registration of used cars that are “grossly damaged” from May 1, a senior official said on Tuesday.
| The Good: – Sharp styling inside and out – Cabin tech and features – Reasonably smooth ride |
The Bad: – Pricey with options – Some ergonomics issues – No low-range gearing |
The Chevrolet Tahoe got updated features for 2017, including front active aero shutters for better aerodynamics on the highway, optional Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking and standard cooled/heated front seats. There is also this Midnight Edition package available now in UAE, KSA and other GCC countries.
| The Good: – Fastest SUV in the world – Cabin trim and features – Ride and handling |
The Bad: – A little bit expensive – Not as spacious as expected – Limited offroad ability |