Cancelled a while ago in the GCC due to poor sales, the Jeep Compass is back for 2011 in the U.S. with styling cues coming directly from the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. Coupled with interior refinements, upgraded steering and suspension, slightly-redone rear and a new face, the 2011 Compass may still be based on the Dodge Caliber platform, but now comes with an offroad-capable “Trail Rated” optional all-wheel-drive system.
Ford has revealed a new supermini hatchback in the GCC, with the launch of the Ford Figo at the 2010 Riyadh Motor Show in Saudi Arabia.
The 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe is probably the most eye-catching car built by the General’s luxury arm since the tail-finned chrome barges of the 1960s. The fact that we snagged the V-series version of the coupe simply adds flame to the proverbial fire. The story is that we skipped the Lebanon launch event for the CTS Coupe in September, so we were promised an early look at the car when it became available for tests here. We suspect that, after losing two CTS-V sedans to retarded journalists, GM is a bit wary of handing over their expensive hypercar to amateurs now,
Back in 2008, Ford has released their full-size Five Hundred in the GCC, and it was a nicer alternative to the classic Crown Victoria. While it had potential, the dull exterior and interior were a let down. However, for 2010, Ford redressed the Volvo-based platform, and renamed it the Taurus. So what is the new Taurus? Just a redesigned Five Hundred? I purchased a 2010 Taurus SEL in Riyadh this summer, so let’s find out.
Lincoln, Ford’s oft-forgotten luxury division, displayed their latest models at the 2010 Abu Dhabi Motor Show at the Ford stand itself. While the focus is on the MKX this year, Lincoln also quietly launched the 2011 MKT crossover in the GCC, essentially a completely-redone version of the Ford Flex.
Last week we picked up a 2011 Lexus RX 350 for a couple of days to see what updates the crossover has received for the new model year, as well as to have a comfortable ride to travel to the Abu Dhabi Motor Show, an hour-and-a-half drive from the centre of Dubai. On the day we returned the Lexus, we also received a 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe for only a day. There won’t be any of our quirky comparison tests, but there will be ‘first drive’ stories soon on both these cars.
Ford Racing, the racing performance arm of the American carmaker, has revealed two race-ready versions of the 2011 Ford Mustang. Seemingly catering to two different crowds, the first release if the Mustang Boss 302S for the racetrack, and the second is the Mustang Cobra Jet for the drag strip. Neither of these cars will be found at your local dealer.
The first photos of the 2011 Chrysler 300C has hit the web, and it looks to be a simplistic facelift of the existing model, although mechanical and interior changes are more substantial.
General Motors Middle East has announced that they will be revealed three new 4×4 models at the 2010 Abu Dhabi Motor Show, namely the 2011 GMC Acadia Denali trim package, the all-new 2011 GMC Terrain, and the facelifted 2011 Chevrolet Captiva.
It’s always nice when a manufacturer gives us a test car for a reasonable amount of time. Mazda gives cars for only a day. Porsche gives cars for a ridiculous 6 hours. And Aston Martin asks for your date of birth. So we boycotted those companies in terms of test-drive coverage. Ford is variable, depending on what’s available. The 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 seemed to be available. And they gave it to us for nearly a week.