158 Automan October Issue 2014

158
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now, the regions Best Automotive Resource
OCT 2014 Issue no 158
2015 Jaguar XE | Audi TT | Nissan X-Trail | 2015 Hyundai Sonata | 2015 Infiniti Q50 | VW Beetle | Hyundai Sonata | Honda Accord | Geely Emgrand X7 | Motorsports
cover story
24-29 2015 Audi TT/TTS

30-35 2015 nissan x-trail
2015 Audi TT
Third generation allnew sports coupe has a

spirited story to tell
NEXT ISSUE
Oman and regional news
2015 Gen II
Porsche cayenne
6-10 2015 nissan X-trail regional and

dealer launch, 2015 ferrari california
T, 2015 rolls-royce ghost series ii, 2015
infiniti qx70 elite sport, porsche lifestyle
collection, kyoto products introduced
in oman by suhail bahawan automobiles
& snippets
exclusive world premiere

14-17 2015 Jaguar XE
24
brandwatch
12-18 Ferrari president Montezemelo
quits, Cadillac to change naming system

, 2015 Volvo XC90 First Edition sold out!
Geely teases new sedan, Special GT-R
download for GT Academy entrants,
New GM CEO upbeat about India, GMC
Sierras new dress code: Carbon Edition,
Mercedes-Benz to optimize platform
management, New Jaguar Heritage
workshop opens in UK, New Nissan design
studio in Brazil, Andy Palmer quits Nissan
to join Aston Martin as CEO
COVERstory |
14
2015 Jaguar XE
No expenses spared in the years most

impressive global unveil in London
International news spotlight
20-23 2014 Paris Motor Show curtain

raiser,Top ten iconic cars at Goodwood
Revival 2014, Sir Jacky Stewart honoured,
classic Jaguars at Le Mans parade
First drives
30
36
50
74
36-41 2015 hyundai sonata

42-45 2015 honda accord
46-49 2014 Geely Emgrand X7
50-53 2015 VW Beetle
54-57 2015 Infiniti Q50
random pick
58-59 2015 chrysler 300c
previews
60-63 jaguar xe
64-66 Land Rover Discovery Sport
68-69 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
70-71 toyota camry
72-73 Kia Sorento
74-75 mazda mx-5
MOTORSPORTS
76-79 F1 singapore GP race report,

regional motorsports, ktm returns in the
region
Chicane
80 What happens when brands have to

face product failures? Our editor looks
beyond the iphone 6 saga
editor-in-chief
Mohammad Al Taie
AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING

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2014
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September has been extraordinarily busy. Historically it tends to be quite hectic, what with
the advent of the new model year across Europe and the end of the summer break. After
switching off and relaxing for August (something we havent yet mastered here in Oman
despite the skyrocketing temperatures) the new roll-outs make sure that everyone is alert
for the mayhem of the year end.
Motorshow season has also kicked in with the biennial Paris show leading off. This year
we expect some interesting debuts, especially from the French manufacturers who have
had a rather tough time recently. Peugeot is the one we really worry about, does its have
the long-term strategy and holding power to go truly global and self-sufficient.
Jaguar has in the meantime brought out its smaller XE sedan against the backdrop of
London and its cultural icons. Our team were there for the global unveil of a car that is set
to reset the entry point into the brand. At the same time, we you have to remember that
the XE isnt the endgame there we have indicated a couple of years ago that both the
XE and XD would come in and we will have to see how much smaller they can make the
platform to accommodate the new entry point.
In the meantime aluminium is making further inroads into production processes around
the world, largely as a result of stable prices and better production techniques. We are
seeing it in the XE, the new TT (where almost all the hang-on parts are in the white metal)
the star of this months cover and many other cars that are placed in the twenty five
thousand dollar plus category.
Unfortunately both the interesting 2+2 cars that we feature this month are above that
price bracket the TT and the Beetle have their own unique takes on the Volkswagen
groups MQB platform and both weave their magic with variously boosted 2.0-litre inline
4-cylinder engines. After a certain point, you really stop thinking of them as too dissimilar,
that is until you get in the TTS and let loose.
But enough of reminiscing about great drives weve had. Keep your eyes open over the
next few months of 2014 as manufacturers rush to squeeze in their 2015 model year cars
into the market before the New Year. We have a good clutch of models in the pipeline.
Now, Automan is available in bookshops in

the United Arab Emirates too! Get your copy
or let us know which outlets you would like
to see us in
Oman & region
Ferrari California T
news
Muscats Grand Hyatt hotel played host

to an entertainment filled media-cumcustomer event for the launch of the
Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II. Clad in a subtle
re-design, the flowing yacht lines and
powerful flanks hint at the cars inherent
dynamism, whilst traditional Rolls-Royce
DNA is expressed in the elevated prow,
large uninterrupted surfaces, long bonnet
and short overhang. Re-sculpted headlamps
with unbroken daytime running lights
framing give the car its distinct visual
signature from the front. New surprise
feature is the optional monogrammed
stainless-steel fuel-filler cap.
Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II
Infiniti QX 70
Raj Kumar Karuppusamy - Director of Aftersales
and Trading at Arabian Automobiles, Michel
Ayat CEO Arabian Automobiles, Salah Yamout
Director of Sales and Marketing Arabian
Automobiles at the UAE launch of the X-Trail
Nissan X-Trail
| www.automan.me | OCT 2014
While Nissan Middle East was

busy with the regional launch of
the new X-Trail in Salalah, Oman,
regional dealers were busy with their
respective market introductions.
Arabian Automobiles, officially
launched the new X-Trail on
September 18, a day after the Oman
dealer reveal in Dubai. The new Nissan
X-Trail has been designed to excel in
the areas that crossover buyers desire
most progressive exterior styling,
interior flexibility and roominess,
safety features, and outstanding
performance. In UAE, it will be offered
from AED 78,000. The vehicle is now
available across most Middle East
showrooms. See first drive impressions
in this issue of Automan.
Middle East has introduced the

Infiniti QX70S Elite Sport in the region
which combines sports-car style and
performance with SUV stance and
toughness. The all-wheel-drive car is
powered by a 329hp 3.7-litre V6 petrol
engine. And as part of a social media
competition, participants at the launch
event in Kuwait and fans on Facebook
were encouraged to demonstrate their
journalism skills and record their reviews
about the QX70S Elite Sport.
The first all-new turbocharged model

from the Prancing Horse brand, the
California T was introduced at Al Fardans
branded showroom in Muscat. It is a car
brimming with innovation that will more
than meet the expectations of discerning
clients for whom fun behind the wheel
is a priority, but who also demand a
sumptuously comfortable Grand Tourer
they can use every day. The California T
is a brilliant expression of Ferraris sporty
DNA, while its retractable hard top and
2+ configuration amongst other features
make it supremely versatile.
Suhail Bahwan
Automobiles introduces
Kyoto branded products
Kyoto Japan Tyre Group will be
represented by Oman-based Suhail
Bahwan Automobiles. Last month, the
Japanese brand unveiled their exclusive
range of tyres, sealed maintenance-free
automotive batteries and professional
lubricants. Kyoto Japan produces a full
range of radial and high performance
tyres, including truck and bus, light
truck, 44, SUV, passenger, off-the-road,
mining and other specialty tyres, as well
as a family of maintenance-free batteries
made in Italy. It also has a full range of
specialty lubricants made in Holland and
professional performance additives made
in France.
The new Steve McQueen royal

blue baseball cap featuring the
legendary actors autograph,
AED179.
Hussam Baghdadi, General Manager Arabian

Automobiles Infiniti presents winner Ahmad Kaboul
with the key to a brand new Infiniti Q50 3.5L Hybrid
The bestselling Unisex Aviator

sunglasses from the Martini Racing
Collection with anti-reflective
coating, AED862.
Porsches number one fan unisex

motif white t-shirt, based on an
original 1989 poster, AED199.
Popular Martini Racing flip flops

with the Porsche logo embossed on
sole, AED255.
New accessories from

Porsche Drivers Selection
range
The 2014 Porsche Drivers Selection range

has been further expanded and continues
to reflect the functional, timeless and
purist designs that Porsche innovations
are known for. Porsche Drivers Selection
products are available at the Porsche
Centres located in Dubai, Sharjah and
Fujairah or at www.porsche.com/shop.
Porsche Drivers Selection has now
expanded its Masterpieces Collection
with an exclusive rim wall clock. Like
all products in the collection, the wall
clock is also made from a genuine
sports car part: a 20-inch Porsche
911 turbo rim. The clock is made in
Germany.
OCT 2014 | www.automan.me |
Automans
take
news
The signs of a crack in professional

relationship have been obvious over the
past six months and its was becoming clear
each day that all was not so well at the
top executive end at Ferrari. Last month,
the final straw broke and Luca Cordero di
Montezemolo effectively put an end to his
23-year career with the Prancing Horse,
stepping down as chairman of Ferrari.
It may be recalled that Montezemolo was
appointed as President of Ferrari in 1991
by Fiat Chairman Gianni Agnelli after the
company started to struggle finding its way
forward following Enzo Ferraris death in
1988.
Montezemolo strongly believed in the
brands exclusivity and capped production
of Ferraris production output to 7,000 units.
During his tenure, he was able to transform
Ferrari into a highly profitable enterprise
besides achieving immense success in
motorsports. Montezemolo capably justified
Agnellis decision by winning the Formula 1
Championship again nine years later after
a 21-year cold streak. Scuderia Ferrari took
five consecutive F1 titles with Michael
Schumacher while the brands revenue went
up tenfold and sales more than tripled.
brandwatch
Ferrari president quits
Despite these achievements, things

started souring after Montezemolo
reported clashed with Fiat Chrysler
CEO Sergio Marchionne over issues
including Ferraris future business
strategy. Marchionne wants to convert
the Prancing Horse into a luxury
brand that can compete more with
Lamborghini in terms of sales and be
more involved with Fiat Chryslers
products and technologies as opposed
to being mostly independent as it is

today. With Montezemolos departure,
Sergio Marchionne steps into the role.
Discussions over Ferraris future and its
racing potential led to misunderstandings
which became clearly visible over. I want
to thank Luca for all he has done for Fiat,
for Ferrari and for me personally, said
Marchionne. Ferrari is now American,
which represents the end of an era, said
Montezemolo.
But in spite of the Ferrari F1 teams lackluster performance in 2014 season, Montezemolos successes at Ferrari
are indisputable. During his time the brand has boosted revenue tenfold and more than tripled their sales. It
remains one of the most valuable brands in the world.
New CEO for Aston Martin appointed
General Motors CEO Mary Barra recently

concluded a three-day fact-finding visit to
India. As part of the high-profile visit Ms
Barra also met with Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi and key stakeholders
throughout the country. India represents
a great opportunity for Chevrolet, Barra
said. With a relatively small vehicle
population and rapidly growing, young
middle class, India is expected to become
one of the worlds three largest markets
by 2020. Ms Barra was accompanied by
Tim Solso, non-executive chairman of the
GM Board of Directors; Stefan Jacoby,
executive vice president and president,
GM International; Chuck Stevens, GM
executive vice president and chief financial
officer; and, Arvind Saxena, GM India
president and managing director, visited
GM facilities and met with employees,
suppliers and government leaders.
GM is working to better understand
the Indian market so we can give Indian
8
| www.automan.me | OCT 2014
customers what they deserve safe, highquality Chevrolet vehicles with exceptional
designs that exceed expectations. GM
has invested about $1 billion in India to
date. Its Talegaon and Halol facilities can
produce more than 280,000 vehicles per
year. The GM Technical Center-India is
carrying out local and global engineering
projects, and GM Indias growing lineup
of Chevrolet models is sold through the
companys nationwide dealer network.
During her visit to the Talegaon
manufacturing facility in Pune, Barra
participated in the celebration of the
production of the first Chevrolet vehicle, a
bright red Beat for export. Vehicles initially
will be exported to Chile starting later this
year. GM remains open to the long-term
prospects for India and its automotive
industry, said Jacoby. However, we
are going in with our eyes wide open to
ensure that our investment is good for
India and good for General Motors.
Automans
take
Mary Barra was appointed CEO
to replace Dan Akerson and
she began her new job on Jan
15, 2014. Barra is expected to
successfully lead the company
that has made nearly $20bn
dollars since emerging out of
bankruptcy in 2010. Because of her
vast experience and leadership as
Senior Vice President, GM was able
to gain traction from the cars and
trucks she helped developed. Even
though GM has done well, Barra
will face a challenge in winning
over buyers from the international
markets such as India and South
America.
Automans
take
New GM CEO upbeat about India
British sports car maker Aston Martin has

been sort of headless since Dr Ulrich Bez
stepped down from the chief executive
office at the end of last year. Bez currently
serves as non-executive chairman in a
semi-retired ambassadorial capacity. Now
the top vacancy has been filled with the
arrival of Briton Andrew Palmer. Palmer
is an old hand from Nissan-Renault
Alliance where he has served for over two
decades. Most recently he was serving
as executive vice president of the entire
group and was also chairman of the Infiniti
brand. Palmer follows the footsteps
of Carlos Tavares, who recently left
Renault to run Peugeot, and joins Aston
Martin as its new CEO. Palmer started his
professional career in 1979 aged 16, as
an apprentice at Automotive Products
Limited (UK). In 1986 he joined Austin
Rover to eventually become Transmissions
Chief Engineer of Rover Group. Palmer

joined Nissan in 1991 and was based in
Japan for the past 13 years.
It may be recalled that Aston Martin
had announced in May that it was
investing 500m into the companys next
generation of high-performance cars while
expanding its manufacturing facilities
in Gaydon, Warwickshire. This comes as
part of its long-term strategy to become
the number-one British luxury sports car
brand. Part of this strategy involves a
partnership forged in December last year
with Daimler AG, which for now involves
supply of V8 engines from Mercedes-AMG
but will extend to electric and electronic
components and, potentially, could lead
to vehicle development as the two groups
investigate additional areas of cooperation in the future.
Nissans loss is Aston Martins gain. Palmer returns to Britain to lead the hallowed sports-luxury marque after 13 years
in Japan and more than two decades with Nissan. The 51-year-old executive held global responsibility for sales, product
and corporate planning, programme management, market intelligence, marketing communications, vehicle information
technology and, importantly in the context of the Aston appointment, the Infiniti luxury brand.
OCT 2014 | www.automan.me |
New Jaguar Heritage

workshop opens in UK
Owners of classic Jaguar motorcars
around the world can rejoice with the fact
that they can now have their precious
possessions maintained or restored by
Jaguar Heritage, the automotive brands
specialist service set-up at the Browns
Lane facility in Coventry.
The UK-based workshop is the same
facility in which the six new Lightweight
E-type period competition cars will
be built. Jaguar Heritage will offer
warrantied servicing and restoration of
Jaguars classic models. Led by Martyn
Hollingsworth, a third-generation Jaguar
employee, Jaguar Heritage craftsmen have
unique skills set, which is now available to
owners of classic Jaguars. Customers will
be able to visit while work is in progress
on their vehicles and, upon completion,
they can obtain both a photographic
record of the work carried out and a
Jaguar approved service logbook. The
Jaguar Heritage workshop can collect and
deliver vehicles for service or restoration
from any location in the UK or, in the case
of overseas customers, any UK airport or
seaport.
dress
GMC Sierras newition
code: Carbon Ed
10 | www.automan.me | OCT 2014
The 2015 GMC Carbon

Edition, which will be
available at dealers this fall
will add distinctive style to
the current mix. Based on
the 2015 Sierra 1500 pickup, the Carbon Edition is
offered in three different
versions, allowing customers
to hand-select the truck
best suited to their lifestyle.
First is the striking Sierra
Carbon 22 Edition, offered
on both Sierra SLE doubleand crew cab models, adds
distinctive graphics that
echo its name. Two carbon
fibre appearance graphics
emphasize strong forms
in the Sierras hood, while
another graphic dresses up
the tailgate panel. Additional
exterior touches include a
black painted grille, along
with body-colored door
handles and mirror caps.
The Carbon 22 Edition also
incorporates four-inch black
tubular side assist steps
and unique 22in black alloy
wheels.
The second Carbon 20

Edition is offered only as
a Sierra SLE double cab,
incorporates the same
painted grille and carbon
fiber appearance accents
as the Carbon Edition, and
rides on distinctive 20in lloy
wheels. The standard Sierra
Carbon Edition also builds
off the standard Sierra 1500
double cab model with
many of the same cues used
on the Carbon 22 and 20
Edition models. The Carbon
Edition shares its black
painted grille, carbon fibre
graphics and body-coloured
trim with other Carbon
Edition variants, and also
includes additional standard
content. All Sierra Carbon
Editions are available with
two- or four-wheel drive. A
4.3-litre EcoTec3 V6 engine
is standard equipment, and
delivers 285hp and 305 lb-ft
of torque, and EPA highway
ratings up to 24 mpg. A
355-horsepower,
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2015 Volvo XC90 First

Edition sold out!
At the record of one car every seven

minutes, Volvo has sold all 1,927 units
of the First Edition Gen II all-new 2015
XC90 on line in 47 hours without a single
test drive. The First Edition XC90 will be
recognised by the Onyx Black paintwork,
eight-spoke 21in Inscription package
wheels and subtle badging. Seating is
upholstered in Amber nappa leather and
the dashboard is Charcoal leather with
Walnut inlays.
Geely teases new sedan
Chinese automaker Geely has

released the first images of its new
flagship sedan, the GC9, ahead of its
Guangzhou Auto Show debut, which
takes place next month. The GC9
has been penned by Geelys chief
of design, Briton Peter Horbury,
also former design head at Volvo.
The car is based on the 2013 Geely
KC Concept shown at the Shanghai
Auto Show and Geely claims that
it will be its most ambitious vehicle
to date in terms of design, safety,
technology, and driving dynamics.
OCT 2014 | www.automan.me | 11
Whats in a name?
J
Cadillac to change naming system
ohan de
Nysschen,
the exInfiniti executive
and new
president of
Cadillac seems
to prefer changing a vehicles naming
nomenclature for apparently commercial
reasons. At Infiniti, Nysschen renamed
that luxury brands line-up, each beginning
with Q or QX and now he wants to do the
same for GMs luxury brand Cadillac.
Nysschen recommends the brands new
flagship model to abandon the familiar
three-letter designation which is currently
enjoyed by every other model in the range
(Escalade is the exception) and adopt an
alpha-numeric title instead. As a result
of this move, the soon-to-arrive LTS,
Cadillacs top-end model will henceforth
be known as the CT6.
According to Cadillacs press release,
familiar lettering like CT would be

used for car models, with the number
indicating the relative size and position
of the cars in the hierarchy of Cadillac
models. As we expand the portfolio, we
can assist consumers in placing the cars
within a structure, as they compare cars
both within our showroom and across
Expert Opinion
I had a really interesting
conversation with the
new Cadillac marketing
manager. I think hes got
the right idea and as I told
him before, Ive heard this
all before the need for
consistency and continuity
for Cadillac. They got a
start with Art & Science
in the late 90s but then
shifted gears. Again. And
he acknowledges this is a
10-year journey. Lets see
if they stay the course
Michelle Krebs
Senior Analyst, AutoTrader.com
Director, Automotive Relations,
Cox Automotive
the market generally, explained Uwe

Ellinghaus, Cadillacs chief marketing
officer.
However, industry watchers particularly
in the US, arent too impressed with
this measure. AutoTrader.com senior
analyst and US auto industry expert
Michelle Krebs says: Really will renaming
cars make a difference? I dont think
so. Lincolns MK naming system totally
confuses people. I think whats happening
is Johan is shaking things up to make it
clear theres a new guy in charge and
things are changing. Well see if the
changes are effective.
On a cautionary note, Ellinghaus adds:
However, this will be an evolutionary
process we will only change a products
name when the product itself is
redesigned or an all-new model is created,
as in this instance. This also means that
the ATS, CTS and XTS likely wont be
renamed for a few years.
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t had all the trappings of a

Hollywood flick -- action and drama
in the form of new Jaguar car
dramatically delivered to Earls Court
by helicopter and high-speed landing
craft down the Thames, then escorted
by 1960s Mark II Jaguar Police cars,
celebrity stage performances in a
two-hour musical extravaganza to an
audience of 3,000 invitees from around
the world. Touted as the car launch of
the year, it wasnt just a multimillion
pound splurge on techno-creativity,
but a clear message of how Indias
Tata Motors-owned Jaguar is moving
forward with its ambitious volume
programme with the all-new 2015 XE, its
newest smallest sedan till date.
On the morning of the unveil, selected
media were invited for a detailed
technical brief about the car which
include details about its architecture,
powertrains and connectivity features
that will be initially offered at launch
and also some details about the
investments made for this project.
By any measure 2.0bn is quite a sum
these days which Jaguar has invested
for this key project and also includes
a brand new engine manufacturing
facility in the UK. The new factory will
produce the state-of-the-art Ingenium
family of highly efficient four-cylinder
turbocharged petrol and diesel engines
for the XE.
The XE will be available in early 2015
is destined to become Jaguars global
volume entry ticket in the entry luxury
segment with a modest sticker price

of 27,000.00 [approximately OMR
16,769.00] for the UK market. With such
affordability, Jaguar is directly targeting
the sports sedan segment with the XE
range, which is currently dominated by
the three German brands namely Audi,
BMW and Mercedes-Benz besides some
Asian brands.
Earls Court, one of Londons famous
exhibition centres has witnessed the
launch of at least 14 Jaguar cars in its
chequered history since 1935 and it
was also a befitting venue for the XE
unveil. Outside, there was a word
cloud sculpture of the XE which Jaguar
design has collaborated with a range
of creative experts across the fields
of computer aided design, graphic
artwork, stage design and metal work
to design a word cloud representation
of the new XE consisting of 95 words
using seven languages including French,
German, Spanish, Italian, English,
Russian and Mandarin.
Inside, the venue was an impressive
display of ten heritage models ranging
from the ubiquitous 2.5-litre SS100,
3.8-litre Mark II sedan, XK120 open
top two-seater, 3.8-litre E-Type Series
I, 4.2-litre XJS TWR racing car among
other historic machines.
Actor John Hannah narrated through
the stage performances Jaguars past,
present and future, while crooner
Emeli Sand premiered her crowd
sourced Jaguar FEEL XE track Feels
Like, performing live from the middle
of the Thames as well at the venue. Other

performers included The Kaiser Chiefs,
Eliza Doolittle and members from the
Royal Ballet.
Stars spotted in the audience included
Stella McCartney, David Gandy, Jos
Mourinho, Laura Whitmore, Ruben
Cortada, Sam Riley, Sienna Guillory, Steve
Redgrave, Brian Johnson, Gary Lineker and
Sir Stirling Moss.
After the dramatic entry, Jaguars design
director Ian Callum presented the new
car to the audience and described it as a
breakthrough moment and an attainable
Jaguar. The XE will take the brand to a
whole new group of customers around the
world. Customers who want performance,
customers who love driving, and of course
customers who want efficiency, said
Callum.
Londons famous
exhibition venue, Earls
Court was chosen for
Jaguars official launch
party, where the new
XE sedan arrived via
a helicopter trip over
the British capital, a
Thames barge river
trip and with a 1960s
Jaguar Mark II police
car escort
At launch, two variants will be on offer. For

Europe and other diesel driven markets,
the XE will be available with a new
turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel four-cylinder
capable of producing 161 hp and 289 Lbsft of torque. It will also be the cleanest
car from Jaguar with exhaust CO2 levels
of 99gm/km and superb fuel efficiency.
With this new family of diesel engines, in
terms of efficiency, the XE already has the
edge over Audis A4 2.0 TDI (4.8L/100km)
and BMWs 320d (4.5L/100km).For petrol
dominated markets like the Middle East,
the flagship XE S will be offered with the
3.0-litre V6 from the F-Type. As expected,
this variant will get the S badging and will
have performance capabilities to match
models like BMWs 335i or the Audi S4.
Common to all XE variants will be a revised
version of the ZF eight-speed automatic
transmission, while diesels models will be
also be offered with a six-speed manual
gearbox as an option. More details of the
XE range powertrains will be revealed at
its first official public outing at the Paris
motor show this month.
and Fiat 500X. Therell be a host

of next-generation reveals, too.
Volvos latest XC90, Jaguars
new XE sedan, the Gen II Audi
R8 and the new Mazda MX-5
are some of the key entries.
We take a look at some of the
automotive teasers from last
month that were trickled in to
build up the usual hype.
Citron
Infiniti
Infiniti released first images of the QX70

S Design limited edition, a bespoke
model that will be offered in selected
European markets with sales starting
immediately after the Paris Motor
Show. The premium SUV comes with a
SsangYong
Mitsubishi
Two years after the premiere of the
Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicle
at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Mitsubishi
Motors Corporation (MMC) has chosen
the Paris venue to unveil another PHEV
model the Outlander PHEV Concept-S.
The concept is a special version of the
Outlander PHEV production model and
takes Sporty and Sophisticated as
the theme for its design. This expresses
the unique combination of spirited 4x4
performance from its twin-motor PHEV
system, soothing and silent running, with
superior on-road performance.
Suzuki
Suzuki has been busy in its traditional
stronghold markets like India where it has
just introduced its all-new Ciaz sedan, the
carmaker has planned the global premiere
of its all-new five door Vitara. The Vitara
marks the return of the famous badge
first used by Suzuki more than 25 years
ago, also on a small SUV. The new Vitara
is the production model based on the iV-4
concept; which was first exhibited at the
Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013. The all-new
Vitara will be available with intelligent four
wheel drivewith petrol and diesel engines
that offer low CO2 emissions as well as
outstanding fuel economy in the sector.
The French automaker is on a brand

building drive with particular focus on its
newly created luxury DS sub brand. The
Paris venue will serve as the platform
for the car maker to highlight how it
plans to take this exercise forward.
However, bits and pieces of information
were being fed prior to Paris. Ahead
of the public debut at the 2014 Paris
Motor Show, Citron unveiled the
Divine DS Concept which is a compact
4-door vehicle that was developed
and designed at the companys design
studio in Paris. The Divine DS combines

the DS trademark exterior styling
cues and refinement with a distinctive
interior inspired by haute couture. The
cabin was developed with a particular
focus on customer personalization
referred to as Hyper-typage. It
features three interchangeable interior
ambiences, each with its own original
and unique style. The car is powered by
270bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged directinjection petrol engine.
more luxury appearance thanks to the

dark chrome, used for the radiator grille, fog
lights surrounds, side air vents, side sills and
rear number plate surrounds. The S Design
also features a set of matching black 21in
alloy wheels and smoked headlamps.
SsangYong has announced it will

unveil two near production ready
concepts, the XIV-Air and XIVAdventure. Both concepts are
based on the brands development
philosophy ofRobust, Specialty
and Premium and design theme of
Nature born 3 Motion. The XIV
(eXciting user-Interface Vehicle) is
a B-segment SUV series that has
been already shown at previous
international motor shows over
the past four years, the first time
beginning at the IAA Frankfurt in
2011. XIV-Air and XIV-Adventure are
powered by either a 1.6-litre gasoline
or diesel engine that meet Euro 6
emission standards.
For 2014, a number

of highly anticipated
all-new production
models are expected
to debut, including
the Mercedes-Benz
AMG GT, Jaguar XE
and Fiat 500X. There
will be a host of nextgeneration reveals,
too. Volvos latest
XC90, Jaguars new
XE sedan, the Gen II
Audi R8 and the new
Mazda MX-5 are some
of the key entries
Lamborghini
Italian supercar brand Lamborghini has

also been teasing a sleek car for Paris.
A glimpse at the white-on-black line
drawing that accompanied the teaser
suggested a fastback which could also be
a 2+2. Speculation is ripe that the brand
is looking at the four-door segment too.
Whatever, the picture will
be clearer at the show on Day One.
Peugeot
Peugeot will unveil a restyled, European
version of the Exalt Concept which was
first introduced at the Beijing Show
in April. The restyled Exalt Concept
maintains the distinctive body finish of the
original Exalt which was a combination
of bare metal and a shark skin-inspired
texture. The tailgate now features a
new pantograph openinh mechanism,
which allows maximum opening
while needing less space externally.
It provides easy access to the HYbrid-
kick, an electric scooter stowed below

the boot floor. The Exalt proportions
are defined by a low stance, with wide
tracks and powerfully rounded wheel
arches. The surface treatment combines
flat surfaces and straight-cut lines to
balance aggressiveness and softness. The
powertrain is the same of the original Exalt
Concept a plug-in system combining a
1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric
drive system, with seven driving modes
and a total output of 340hp.
Meanwhile, Peugeot has also revealed some

details of the Quartz Concept crossover
SUV. For the brand, this concept is intended
to test water with a new vision for the
crossover segment at the 2014 Paris Motor
Show. This next generation SUV blends
dazzling design with innovative materials.
Like the Exalt Concept, the Quartz uses
a plug-in hybrid drive train comprising a
1.6-litre petrol engine supplemented by two
electric motors.
Toyota
Toyota will be among the many

automakers with new wares to show. And
ahead of its official debut, Toyota has been
teasing a new concept SUV called the
C-HR. This would be Toyotas first foray
in the ultra-compact SUV segment with
a boldly coupe styled concept which also
represents a significant change in design
direction for the brand.
Spotlight
As expected, global automakers have

been busy teasing audiences with
forthcoming production models and
concepts prior to this months elite
motorshow. Automan looks at some
of the cars that are expected to grab
headlines in the French capital
he year 2014 actually

started off slow for
the motoring industry
and a flurry of activity in the
third quarter seems to offset
the lack of pace. For the 2014
edition of Paris Motor Show, a
number of highly anticipated
all-new production models are
expected to debut, including the
Mercedes AMG GT, Jaguar XE
news
Curtain raiser 2014 Paris Mondial
Jaguar D-type A staggering 20 D-types will be racing in

the Lavant Cup, with a record 33 examples parading on
the Goodwood circuit to celebrate 60 years of this iconic
Jaguar race-winning car.
Spotlight
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An ultra-rare 1953 Cunningham C4R will bring some

American glamour and excitement to this years Freddie
March Memorial Trophy race.
Maserati 250 F The rare sight of 11 racing 250 Fs in the

Richmond Trophy is set to stir the soul of any enthusiast,
with a total of 16 examples parading to mark the first 100
years since the revered Maserati marque was founded.
The trend-setting Ford Mustang celebrates its 50th

anniversary this year, and to capture the event, 18 examples
will battle in a special Shelby Cup race, racing wheel-towheel with contemporary American muscle.
Sir Jackie Stewarts 1969 F1 Championship-winning MatraCosworth MS80 will form part of a tribute to this versatile
and talent Caledonian World Champion, along side Ford
Escorts, BRMs and Grand Prix Tyrrells.
The Versatile V8 will be the theme for this years Earls

Court Concours display, including around 25 exceptional
V8-powered passenger cars, including this pioneering rearengined 1946 Tatra T87.
The Manx Norton is THE iconic British racing motorcycle. An

example contested the Isle of Man TT from 1907 right through
to the 1970s. A total of six will take part in the Barry Sheene
Memorial Trophy, named after Britains late two-time 500cc world
champion. Included among them is an example of the legendary
featherbed chassis, to be raced by US legend Kevin Schwantz.
Four racing examples of the lusty Ferrari 250 GT SWB/C

will be competing in the must see two-driver Royal
Automobile Club TT Celebration race, along with other
desirable and exceedingly valuable cars from Aston Martin,
Jaguar, Lotus and others.
The wonderful 1959 Aston Martin DBR1 makes a welcome

racing return to Goodwood for the exciting Sussex Trophy
race.
Pre-War racing thrills are guaranteed on the Goodwood

Trophy, with this thundering 1935 ERA A-Type R4A
competing against other ERAs, Bugattis, Aston Martins and
other great 1930s racers.
Sir Jackie Stewart

honoured
ir Jackie Stewart was honoured

as the Goodwood Revival paid
tribute to the three- time Formula
1 World Champion. The stature of the
motorsport luminaries, such as Sir Stirling
Moss and John Surtees, present as 24
cars from Sir Jackies career lined up on
the grid, was testament to the regard
in which he is held. Lord March recalled
how his grandfather, Freddie, ninth Duke
of Richmond, had pointed out a young
Jackie Stewart to him as a future world
champion.
Sir Jackie himself led the parade away in
Tyrrell 006, the Cosworth Ford-engined car
in which he secured his 1973 title. Surtees
gave chase in an ex-Team Surtees Lola T70
similar that which Sir Jackie had driven
for him in 1965. The variety that followed
them indicated the Scots versatility and
the way in which grand prix drivers of the
1960s and 1970s would compete in more
than one race at an international event.
Notable was the Cooper-BMC Formula 3
machine in which Sir Jackie first proved
Le Mans 24-hours
Jaguars paraded
he Jaguar D-type, a winner of the Le

Mans 24-hours three years in a row in
the 1950s, was celebrated on Saturday
at the Goodwood Revival. Thirty examples
of Malcolm Sayers memorable design took
part in a mouth-watering parade, the largest
gathering of such cars in history. Their
numbers included the former works car
that won at Le Mans in 1955, driven by Mike
Hawthorn and Ivor Bueb, and the ex-Ecurie
Ecosse victor in 1957, a year in which D-types
himself during a test session here at

Goodwood in 1964. It was driven today by
his son Mark. Goodwood was a significant
circuit during Stewarts early career for he
was to become joint-lap record holder with
his fellow great Scot, Jim Clark in 1965.
Grand Prix winner Mark Weber was
among the other drivers, piloting the
Matra-Cosworth MS80 in which Sir Jackie
had won his first F1 title in 1969. Richard
Attwood, Le Mans winner in 1970, was at
the wheel of a BRM similar to that with
which Sir Jackie took his first F1 win, while
out on track was also the Lola-Ford with

which he led the Indy 500 as a rookie.
Ken Tyrrell, who was so significant in
Sir Jackie Stewarts career, was also
remembered as Adam drove the first of his
grandfathers Formula One creations.
Sir Jackie Stewart said: The Goodwood
Revival is one of the great events of the
year and its a great honour to have this
kind of celebration put together by Lord
March. It was at Goodwood where I first
drove a single-seater 50 years ago, and it
changed my career.
took five of the top six places there.

Jaguars insatiable test driver, Norman
Dewis, now in his nineties, was, in 1954, the
first to drive a D-type, the prototype, OVC
501. He showed his continuing enthusiasm
by taking part in the parade. The car, still
owned by Jaguar, was another of the
D-types present today.
Many of the cars that had taken part in the
parade then competed in a 25-minute race,
held exclusively for D-types and their exotic
road going equivalents, the XKSSs. The
contest, which included Le Mans winners
Derek Bell and Andy Wallace, was won by
serial Goodwood victor Gary Pearson in his
1955 long-nose version. One of the most

beautiful cars I have driven, remarked Bell,
who was racing a D-type for only the second
time.
Arguably, one of the most attractive racers
ever built, the aeronautically inspired D-type
helped cement Jaguars reputation as a
leading sportscar manufacturer.
Their iconic status makes them an ideal
model to be commemorated at Goodwood,
a circuit where they competed in so many
battles during the 1950s. They will be back
on Sunday to bring back memories of those
days for the sell-out crowd.
Extraordinarily
PotenTT
Audis third generation TT has been revealed to the worlds

automotive media at a drive event in Marbella. Does it have
what it takes to take itself to the next level?
Author: Raj Warrior | Photographs: Supplied
he Audi TT has been one of the most

iconic cars for the brand. Yes, the R8
came in over its head and has now
become the halo car for the brand. But
it wasnt always so well before the RS
versions threw up the dust in our eyes in
was the role of the TT to communicate the
difference of the brand. For you couldnt
mistake it as any other car on the planet.
It admittedly had a bit of the roundness
of the reborn Beetle, as it had shades of
Toyotas MR2 in it character. But which
other small 2+2 was it like?
Peter Schreyers iconic contribution,
the one that is best associated with the
designer, is on the 8N platform that was
spawned by J Mays from the Avus Quattro
concept. It was shown to the world as a
concept at the Frankfurt show of 1995
and carried the name TT, but launched as
a 1998-year car. The connect to a small,
quick handling environment is ensconced
in its name, paying homage to the Isle of
Man TT (Tourist Trophy). You would have
to be a bike rider or a lover of nimble
roadsters to understand and the TT hit
that evocative chord immediately. Built
on the then Golf platform (the MkIV) it
had the provenance of a tight chassis
and quick changing manual gearbox. The
automatic transmission that joined it later
on was no ordinary one it was the time
of the first commercial application of
Audis quick shifting DSG and the Golf, A3
and TT all got it at roughly the same time.
The second generation grew up in a
way. Now using the groups A5 platform,
under designer Walter DSilva, the Typ
8J exhibited the maturity of Audis love
affair with aluminium (courtesy the A2 and
A8), with liberal use of the white metal to
reduce weight. The car was also longer
and wider than before.
Now, another 8 years later, it seems
almost matter of fact that we get the third
generation. So what is it to be? A further
growth over generation two? Or do we
get a car that better encapsulates the
generational changes in powertrains and
control systems? Or will we remain floored
by the second gen TT-RS as the best mini
R8 around?
There is no escaping the allure that the
TT holds. Part of it is connected with the
shape and profile of the car so much so
that there was a clear design directive to
connect back to generation 1 in terms of
identity. But take a look at the car and
the one name that comes across is the
R8 and to some extent the R18 e-tron
Quattro especially in the treatment of the

headlights and taillights. But that doesnt
mean that the car hasnt grown its
wheelbase has now gone up by 37mm
to 2505mm (for context remember that
the gen 1 wheelbase was 2422mm) and
an overall length of 4177mm. The coup
version thats launched now has an
overall height of 1353mm that makes
the car look sleeker than ever before just
by sheer proportions. Add in the styling
and you couldnt ask for a more beautiful
interpretation of Volkswagens new MQB
platform. (Its labelled the Typ 8S).
For starters, the grille has about the most
aggressive treatment yet on any Audi.
Strong horizontal lines emphasise breadth
while the clever use of signature LED
piping and optional LED headlamps make
the car instantly identifiable. At the tail,
the strong rear light arrangement sits on
top of twin pipes that have been brought
in much closer (and on the TTS have two
sets of two outlets). We almost expected
to see the pipes in the centre, but
apparently the styling bosses preferred
the offset. Anyway, the outlets come from
a common plenum just ahead of them.
Interior styling is also more aggressive.
There was reference to two aircraft
elements to symbolise some sort of
inherent speed the offset cockpit sits
behind a dashboard that Audi engineers
think of as wing-like in shape and the airconditioning nozzles look like miniature jet
engine nacelles. Actually they are not so
small the larger surface area could be as
useful in a larger volume sedan.
But the large circles also hide a good
new feature the central boss on all
the louvers now has a small digital
readout and toggle switch with rotary
knob adjuster for various temperature
functions. And the three central units
have toggle switches between them for
windscreen heater functions. In one fell
swoop this frees up a lot of the centre
console (especially with the large tunnel
rising up to intersect).
To most ends, there is no centre console
anymore. The a/c controls are hived
off, and all thats left is a series of piano
switches for traction control, hazards and
the like. So where is the entertainment
and navigation console? Unlike their A3,
Audi has eschewed the use of the rise
up or fixed tablet format and now have
moved all of these functions onto the
instrument panel. Some of the control
piano switches are still there, bordering
the MMI selector. Here too you can get

either normal selector or one with the
touch interface on top.
But the display acreage has all moved
right ahead. Now lets see, where did we
recently see this? Ah yes the Lamborghini
Huracan has it. The idea is simple if
you really want a distilled drivers car the
only way is to keep the drivers attention
bang ahead. This is done by using an
Nvidia powered hi-res display in place
of the IP, with a series of selectable
and customisable display variants. By
toggling through the list you can get
the traditional speedo and tacho pairing
with a small multi-info area that shows
navigation data or trip computer or even
music tracks. Or you can get the two dials
small and all the other data in the larger
space in between. Optionally, in sports
mode or as standard in the TTS you can
start off with a single large tach sitting in
front of you. The beauty of the system
is that 95% of scenarios are taken care
off by just scrolling through. If you really
want to individualise you can. Most of
the instantly needed controls are on the
steering wheel and a bored passenger can
still flip through the music choices with
some degree of visibility of the IP available

at the passenger end.
Weve been calling this a 2+2, but as
everyone knows, yould only put an adult
in the rear if you really didnt like them. In
the third gen you get a smidgen of extra
legroom but if you really want someone in
there, both the front seats still need to be
at a compromise.
But you stop thinking about the seats at
the rear when you are sitting in a TTS on
the Ascari track. While we drove both
variants up and down the village roads
around the track, the track itself is TTS
territory although we have a doubt that
the regular brakes werent quite up to
hard track use. The driving circuit featured
a lopped off section (which had all the
tight turns) kept aside for beauty shots
and video and we had to come in to the
laps on every round, to take instructions
and switch settings. One feels that this
was a devise to let the brakes cool down.
However, taking the TTS out on the Ascari
(even a chopped up one) track can only
be beaten by taking the Huracan on the
Ascari. At least it seems like that to us,
having done both in a few months. Take
the chassis setting into sports mode and
you feel the magnetic setting of the cars

suspension tighten up response and yes,
like one of their engineers said at the
presentation the car can drift if
you switch off the traction control and
say pretty please. Even without that you
never feel the latent understeer that the
previous generation had and the Quattro
is now so beautifully forgiving that you
can let the car slide, slip and recover in less
than a heartbeat.
In the region the TT will come with two
2.0-litre I4 TFSI engines one for the stock
TT and one for the TTS. The TTS engine
gives 286bhp and a superb flat torque
curve that peaks at 380Nm while the
smaller boost of the stock engine delivers
230bhp at a slightly smaller 370Nm of
torque. As you can see by the output
tuning of the turbos, the character of the
cars is spot on.
You have to remember too that at launch
the car is only offered as a coup with
a six-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox
(manual doesnt come to the region).
We checked with the chassis experts
and confirmed that the main reason for
choosing the six-speed was its lower
weight. The final car is around 20kgs
Using the Nvidia Tegra powered drivers

display, the TT is able to tune itself to the
environment in which the driver finds
himself. For instance, when the car is
being used as a regular commuter and
the navigation has to take precedence,
the system allows you to present the map
as the primary element, complete with

google satellite overlay powered by your
3G or 4G connection.
For driving on roads that do not require
interaction with the map, you can put the
display back in the standard mode, where
both speed and engine rev are tracked.
At the very top end, as standard in the

TTS and with the sport mode chassis
setting in the normal TT, you can opt for
a tachometer centric display that puts
everything else secondary.
However, everything can still be accessed
by the flick of a switch!
The main challenge in making the chassis more

interesting to drive was to lower the weight while
using Audis new generation quattro, magnetically
controlled damping and the smallest use yet of the
MQB platform.
Weight-distribution is surprisingly neutral, while
the use of high and ultra-high strength steel on
the cage has bettered the twist resistance. As you
can see, now the TT uses generous amounts of
aluminium.
The longer, wider and sleeker TT has a Cd of only
0.29 that adds to its fuel-efficiency.
lighter than before despite being bigger

in all departments. The manual geared
version is all of 50kgs lighter, but again we
wont get that in the region.
Almost all hang on elements are now
aluminium, with the use of ultra-high
strength steels on the passenger cage.
Now the 3rd generation TT is certainly
more than a sum of its improvements. It
gets to 200 without a hiccup and you can
feel that it still has power left. Throw it
around a curve and unless you brake midmanoeuvre it tracks as if on rails. And you
get this brilliant combination of technical
tour-de-force and bad boy around town
attitude with the TTS that makes you want
to jump right in. What are we going to get
in the TT-RS this time?
The question remains moot till such time
that the TT reaches our shores. While
we had this fall of 2014 drive, the earliest
indications are for a regional launch
window that is firmly in the first half of
2015. And while the base price being
bandied around at the launch was Euro
35,000, we suspect that the car as specced
for the region will be a bit higher than
that. In any case, it will be a level costlier
than gen 2, but that shouldnt surprise
you.
A new interior and a specialised need see
designers think outside the box with tings like
air-conditioning controls moving to the louvers,
while MMI interface stays where it should. The
centre console is almost instrument free.
A cult car, an icon - the first-generation

Audi TT designed by J Mays and worked
on by Peter Shreyer was launched in the
autumn of 1998. It took the sports Coup
segment by storm and sharpened the
brand profile.
The second generation of this successful

model was penned by Walter Dsilva.
It was even more dynamic than its
predecessor- in terms of its design, its
drivetrain, and its running gear.
The third generation of the compact

sports car is again captivating, with its
emotional design and dynamic qualities.
Volkswagen Group chairman Ferdinand
Pichthe Groups final arbiter of
styleinsisted on keeping the rear end
visually close to those of the previous two
generations.
2014 Nissan X-Trail
ts been a trailblazing year for Nissan

globally and in the region with the
brand in an overdrive mode when
it comes to new or refreshed model
introductions. The last of the mainstream
compact SUVs [we have discounted the
lifestyle Juke and Murano as exceptions],
the European flavoured X-Trail was
overdue for its replacement in the
region. The outgoing global X-Trail was
successfully sold in Japan, Europe, Canada,
Mexico, Malaysia, India, Taiwan, Middle
East, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand,
New Zealand and Australia. The main
rivals of the new X-Trail in our region are
the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Subaru
Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage,
Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander and
Chevrolet Captiva. The latter two only
offer a seven-seater configuration choice.

Actually, from the Salalah product
presentation, several things about the
models USP and positioning were made
clear. The incoming X-Trail will serve to
replace its successor and also the Qashqai.
The incomingmonocoque-bodied SUV
is built on the Renault-Nissan Alliances
all-new Common Module Platform
which has allowed significant dimensional
changes and addition of extra features like
the third row for instance.
The X-Trail in Oman will be offered in two
separate variants - 5-seater and 7-seater
respectively. The 5-seater comes with
4x2 and 4x4 with only S Grades and the
7-seater comes only in 4x4 that has three
grades comprising S, SV and SL.
Nissans design team was able to take full
advantage of the architectures longer

wheelbase and broader track and as
a result the new X-Trail is 5mm longer
than before at 4,640mm, 30mm wider
at 1,820mm, 10mm taller at 1710mm
and 75mm longer in the wheelbase at
2,705mm. Ultra high strength steel now
accounts for 49 per cent of the X-Trails
body construction, making the structure
lighter and stronger than before.
On the styling front, the biggest change
is the design and profile. What used to
be a SUV with rugged, squared off lines
has not only been given a striking road
appearance, but also brought in line with
other members in the line-up like the
redesigned Pathfinder. It also seems to
be inspired to some extent by Nissans HiCross concept car which was showcased a
On a hot trail
The land of frankincense Salalah,
in Oman played host to the regional
introduction of Nissans 2014 allnew third generation X-Trail SUV.
Automan attended the two-day ride
and drive event last month
Author: Chandan B Mallik
Photography: author and supplied
few years ago at the Geneva Motor Show.

This means that the new X-Trail combines
the sleek and stylish lines of a modern
crossover with the concrete appeal of
a typical SUV and highlighting Nissans
crossover design language among things
is the visual emphasis on the wheel areas,
with oversized arches forming the bases
of the design. Combined with a dipping
roofline, deeply sculpted sheetmetal and
rising waistline and typical styling DNA, the
car appears stylish and contemporary.
Befitting the exterior changes is the
interior. The transformation is genuinely
commendable. None of the clumsy design
elements or the MPV-like placement of
instrumentation is carried forward. Its
a clean sheet design that fast forwards
the cabin into the 21st century with
contemporary design and features. The
dashboard has been designed to be as
clear and easy to navigate as possible, with
the gently raised centre console housing
both the infotainment system and the
ventilation controls. The centre console
houses the latest NissanConnect system
with a seven-inch high-resolution screen
and a host of smartphone connectivity
features. Other touches include a large
between-the-seats storage box big
enough to take an iPad or 10in tablet and
equally impressive is the large powered
glass panoramic roof in the higher spec
editions. The increase in dimensions has
allowed for seven seats [three rows] to
be offered for the first time in the X-Trail.
Besides that, theres more second-row
knee room on seats that recline and slide
and rear doors that open up at a wide
80 for easier loading of a child seat. The
second and third rows follow theatre
arrangement and will split-fold 40:20:40.
The car also has hidden floor storage and
a space-saver spare wheel. ISOFIX hooks
are also fitted. Build quality of this car is
very impressive by any measure in the
book includes premium stitching, soft
touch surfaces and quality plastics. Fancy
technology like lane departure warning
is available, and offered as option on
demand. Other optional features include
push-engine start, better entertainment
system with more speakers, bigger alloy
wheels, parking sensors and automatic airconditioning. Depending on trim level the
car weighs between 1,340 1,400kg.
Depending on markets, the X-Trail gets
a choice of petrol and diesel engines.
Middle East will continue with a carryover
normally-aspirated 2.5-litre engine.
However, in this edition, the cogged
transmission of the outgoing model is

abandoned. And like most of Nissans
models, the new X-Trail migrates to
X-tronic CVT transmission. The engine
produces 170hp and 237Nm of torque.
As before, MacPherson struts are
employed up front while the rear is
supported by a multi-link design and the
SUV rides on 225/65 R17 tyres. Although
it is a crossover with X-tronic constant
variable transmission, the X-Trail has also
been armed with some teeth. In line with
user expectations from the previous
generation model, 4x4 versions of the car
get Nissans advanced electronic fourwheel drive system called ALL MODE
4x4-i. It can be operated by the driver via
a rotary switch on the centre console and
offers a choice between two-wheel drive,
Auto mode or Lock offering permanent
four-wheel drive.
In the default Auto mode, the system
constantly monitors throttle opening,
engine speed and torque to anticipate
wheel spin and to distribute torque
between front and rear axles as needed,
at speeds of up to 80 km/h. In addition,
the all-new X-Trail benefits from Hill Start
Assist. This uses the X-Trails ESP system
to detect when the vehicle is starting
on an incline. Other electronic driver
aids includes Active Ride Control which
monitors the road surface to detect
undulations which could potentially upset
the pitch of the car body and alters the
damping to compensate.
Standard safety features include driver
and passenger airbags, tire pressure
monitoring system, ABS brakes, electronic
brake distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
Driving impressions
The drive in Salalah with this car during
the extended Khareef season was an
eye opener to all those who have never
visited this part of the region before. From
acres of greenery to lush green hills and
water filled wadis, it could have not been
a better choice as far as location goes for
introducing any car. Once inside the car,
driver gets a command view with decent
peripheral vision. The route involved
highways, twisty mountain roads, coastal
roads and gravel off-road tracks. The cars
engine which produces just 170hp seems
to cope better on off-road gravel than on
asphalt. The reason for this is that CVT
transmissions are preferred because they
are very efficient in delivering torque in
low-mid rev bands. And when you push
the engine, with this set-up it would be
In tandem with the

exterior design
changes, the all-new
X-Trails interior has
undergone a dramatic
transformation.
Theres more space,
improved ergonomics
and a host of new
premium features
The main rivals of

the new X-Trail are
the Mazda CX-5,
Toyota RAV4, Subaru
Forester, Hyundai
Tucson, Kia Sportage,
Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi
Outlander and Chevrolet
Captiva. The two only
offer a seven-seater
configuration choice.
unfair to expect fast paced acceleration
like the Patrol or the Z cars. On road
handling is good, steering is very light for
a SUV and its feedback appears fine. The
electric power rack-and-pinion steering
system uses software that interacts with
the cars standard new Active Ride Control
system that monitors the road ahead for
Created in Japan, a dramatic new concept from Nissan called the Hi-Cross car had its world premiere at the 2012 Geneva
Motor Show. The compact concept is surprisingly roomy, elegant yet purposeful. The proposal looks at ways Nissans
envisages its possible expansion of crossovers. It seems, the new X-Trail has taken some cues from this concept.
undulations to counteract body roll and

pitch and hence the suspension copes
well with what is thrown at it and with
approach and departure angles of 24.9
and 17.2respectively for the AWD version,
there are no hassles going off-road and
worrying about undercarriage damage.
Once the pace is reached, things are
relatively smooth and comfortable.
Compared to the older CVTs that we
have experienced, this version softly
mimics gear changes which is a welcome
measure. Also noted was theActive
Engine Brake that mimics a regular torque
converter auto in providing engine braking
when cornering or decelerating.
Verdict
To many of us who are familiar with
the outgoing X-Trail, its pick-up inspired
styling and packaging virtually convinced
people that this was a true 4x4. But, in
truth it was just another crossover. In that
respect, the incoming model is a fresh
breath of air as is not trying to be anything
its not. In fact, it knows very well where
it stands and benefits further on what its
good at. The new X-Trail arrives in a hotly
contested compact SUV segment. When
lined up against the competition, the 2014
Nissan X-Trail is roughly OMR1,200 more
than the Hyundai Tucson and marginally
more than the Ford Escape.
2015 Hyundai Sonata
Taking the
Sonata up a
note
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata has been tasked with one goal
to beat all its competition in the D-segment. We test the
car on the roads of Jordan while discovering a bit of the
countrys heritage.
Author: Raj Warrior | Photographs: Supplied
ur exploration of the D-segment

stalwarts over the past few years
has repeatedly brought with it
the mention of the two Korean upstarts
the KIA Optima and the Hyundai Sonata.
Quite unlike the similarity that they share
on a platform like the Tucson/Sportage in
this case the two are not just significantly
different, most owners are hard pushed to
tell you whats similar.
Which is a huge advantage for the Hyundai
Sonata especially the LF Sonata that
has been released this year. For the path
the two cousins are taking seems to be
diverging, with the former staying part

of the volume C and C+ segment while
offering a larger footprint, while the
Sonata seems to have its eyes fixed firmly
above.
To this end, the car explores the virtues
of the 2.0 version of Hyundais fluidic
sculpture without actually doing too
much with the underlying platform of the
outgoing YF.
The most significant change visually is
around the grille and the headlights.
Under Peter Schreyers combined
leadership the new styling has moved
towards a bold hexagonal grille with the

two sides serving as the anchor points
for the sweep back of the wraparound
headlights as well as the well defined
shoulder line. If you really tried you would
be able to infer the previous elaborate
grille, but this one makes no attempt to
retain a Sonata look. In essence the grille
is the beginning of the new Sonatas
connection with the Genesis. Yes, thats
right, the Azera is also left aside as the
new Genesis styling now becomes the
coveted standard.
In keeping with the attempt to show itself
as a full-size car, the Sonatas new lines

work overtime to pull the car visually
outwards. The profile of the glasshouse
stays, as does the treatment of the A-, Band C-pillars, though the resultant effect
of the black inserts and chrome is of a
coup like effect. The door handles are
now below the swage line, lending the
rear more depth and the car a wedge-like
nuance. The much-maligned rear of the YF
has been cleaned up for the LF, with a very
logical wraparound effect for the taillights.
But its on the inside that the most
drastic change has come about. Now, the
benchmark is to try to get the new Genesis
DNA in so the move towards a cockpit is
further aggravated. Most of the centre
panel is slightly asymmetric towards
the driver and has a rather pronounced
outer edge at the passengers point, with
far better instrumentation as well as
interface. At the top end of the model line,
the large * screen dominates the control
panel, with balanced louver treatment
around it. The slim multimedia console
below it serves to separate the maw
from the air-conditioning console. In the
move to slim down the fascia elements,

a problem has cropped up in the amount
of plastic surround that now meets your
eyes. The large box at the meeting point
of this and the tunnel is a very good
example in the Genesis you could expect
all these visual and touch points to be
high gloss wood like laminate. Here in
the Sonata it has a faux metal feel plastic.
Even where the wood laminate is used
around the outer edges of the dashboard
it feels plasticky and could do with an
upgrade.
However, the plastics in general have
been upgraded. Now every touch point
is soft-feel, including the redesigned
dashboard shelf. Even the door panels
have a luxurious feel as do both the fabric
and leatherette seat versions.
The seats have been redesigned too,
with the squab and the lumbar regions
seemingly more supportive, as well as
putting in just enough padding around the
thighs.
Depending on the grade of the car, you
get a choice of central display screens,
from a 3.0 inch monochrome all the
way to an 8 hi-res display. The IP has

also been redesigned with large tach and
speedo dials and a multi-info display in
between.
In terms of safety features, the car gets as
many airbags as you are ready to pay for
from the dual standard all the way up to
six with curtain protection.
The Sonata comes with a choice of two
4-cylinder petrol engines both with multiport injection and mated to a 6-speed
automatic gearbox. The smaller of the
two is the 2.0-litre Nu that delivers 157 PS
at 6200rpm and max torque of just under
200Nm with a decent mid-range. The
larger engine is the Theta II engine that
delivers 178 PS at 6000 rpm with a max
torque of 228Nm. This engine is specifically
tuned for use in the Middle East region.
In either case, the six-speed automatic
is more than sufficient to make the drive
interesting although one would expect
that the 7-speed dual-clutch unit that is
debuting in some regions might eventually
make its way into the market here. As it
is, the 6-speed is meant to provide for the
bulk of needs otherwise.
With key-free entry and the now

omnipresent engine stop/start button the
car definitely gives the impression of a
sports (or at least sporty) sedan, although
we feel that at some stage the LF is going
to need one of the new turbo engines
to really get to that stage. You miss
the paddle shift that could have added
some fun to the drive. We drove the 2.4
all through the drive through Jordans
northern areas out of Amman and came
away with some clear impressions of the
handling.
The suspension has been tweaked a
little the front now has MacPherson
struts with dual-flow Mando gas-charged
dampers and a 23mm stabilizer bar, while
the rear again uses the mando dual flow
dampers with coil springs and a multi-
link suspension layout. The benefit of

this arrangement is that we now get a
ride selector that can vary the damper
response. This is connected with the
engine-rpm-sensing motor-driven steering
column. You can go from normal to sporty
but we would have personally preferred
the sports mode to be the standard. It
isnt as if the gearbox response varies
at all with the selection of the sportier
mode but the reward is in the more
responsive undercarriage as well as the
tighter steering feedback. NVH levels are
now appreciably lower, corner handling is
good, not great and braking has improved
too.
But the Sonata is not going to be bought
for its sportiness. It has enough to stay
true with the pack, but unless a sports
version is made we arent going to buy it

for that. The reason we will buy the Sonata
is that for the price bracket, the Sonata
has everything you expect from a family
or executive car. Blind spot detection,
cruise control, high grade sound system,
all the hygiene factors like LED lights,
full-featured console and interface; as well
as new-fangled add-ons like key sensing
tailgates that pop open if you stand in
place behind it.
Has the company done enough to keep
the car relevant? We think it has. Without
re-exploring the basic tried and tested
platform, Hyundai have reinvented the
Sonatas positioning as well as offer pack
so that it competes with the stalwarts who
are all going through a model refresh at
the moment.
5
1
0
2
4
1
0
2
The next
bold step
2015 Honda Accord
Honda has launched its 2015 model year

Accord in the region. What sets it apart
from the rest?
Author & Photographs: Raj Warrior
eve had more than one

occasion over the past year
to dwell on the muddy
ground that the D-segment sedan is now
traversing. Caught in between the prongs
of increasing cost, fuel efficiency demands
and a consumer who would rather take a
new car-platform based SUV instead, the
D-segment car is having to reinvent itself
in order to stay relevant.
It isnt as if the D-segment has started
to shrink, at least in terms of models on
offer from the stalwart Accord, Camry,
Altima and Maxima to the relatively
newer Mazda 6 to the new entrants
Sonata, Azera and Optima, Cadenza
Omans loving the segment. We havent
even begun to look at the options from
European and American manufacturers
with this list, although, the lines between
a brands perceived nationality and the
manufacturing location of the car are
blurring.
And why did we say that? Take a look at
the Japanese brands and their D-segment
offerings. Only Subaru and Mazda still

offer cars made in Japan, while the
others prefer the US as a source due to
lower costs, dollar zone stability and a
free trade agreement that lowers landed
costs in Oman. The automatic connection
is that Japanese made cars are costlier,
despite the Yen having moderated in
recent months. Is it any surprise then that
Japanese manufacturers prefer feeding
global markets from a choice of external
locations?
The launch of the ninth generation Accord
recently should be seen against that
backdrop. It is an evolution that stays
well clear of the revolutionary. After all
the market it addresses is hardly used
to revolutionary moves. This generation
stays on the eighth-gen platform, which
had grown to push the sedan into a fullsize segment (technically an E-segment
car). Most of the styling changes have
been brought about on the cheaper
plastic parts, with some amount of extra
character brought in by restyling the outer
panels. After all there doesnt seem to

be any reason to fiddle with a skeleton
that has worked so well. Like all other
manufacturers are doing targeted use
of ultra-high strength steel in critical
areas has reduced the weight of the body
in grey, while offering better NVH and
twist (ergo, handling) characteristics.
This focus on shedding weight has also
seen the replacement of the front steel
sub-frame with a hybrid of aluminium
and steel. In the bargain, the Accord has
moved away from the traditional use of
a double wishbone front suspension to
MacPherson struts, although it retains
the multi-link arrangement at the rear.
Added to that, the front axle has shifted
slightly rearwards with a resulting 2775mm
wheelbase without impacting interior
cabin space.
The other major change has been in
the drivetrain. At the top of the line the
Accord continues to get the 3.5-litre V6
powerhouse with six-speed auto gearbox
that powered the previous generation.
But at the lower end, the region gets

a new EarthDreams 2.4-litre directinjection 4-cylinder engine coupled
with new-generation CVT (we believe
its a Aisin unit). The power output
on the 2.4-litre unit has gone up to
173bhp@6,200rpm while the torque has
similarly risen in absolute terms to above
220Nm@4,000rpm. While both the power
and torque curves are healthier as a result,
the new transmission and its control add
in, with a proactive boosting of the torque
response curve, especially keeping in mind
the response required at each notional
cog.
As a result, response is so much healthier.
In normal driving conditions you would
be hard-pressed to recognise the CVT.
No, there isnt much of a counter-rev
indication, nor is the take-off particularly
linear. But somehow, the CVT keeps its
nature hidden away until you hit the
climbs with the engine revving and the
transmission in mid-range. Thats when
the belt whine becomes apparent. Instant
takeaway the CVT is no sports sedan

transmission.
The 3.5-litre on the other hand can be
called one. Here the six-speed automatic
stays and so too do the paddle shifts that
make the car so responsive to the driver.
Acceleration is good, while economy is
kept by the ECO system that rewards
green driving. The NVH levels are excellent
in both the cars, with just a bit of road
rumble to disturb your concentration.
The interiors have been cleaned up by a
complete generation. If you put out the
money for the dual-screen (as you should)
you get a combination that began on the
new City of an almost tablet feel climate
control and a large 8 hi-res monitor that
couples with the Navigation. In addition,
cabin textures have improved, there
seems to be better use of soft-touch
plastics and inclusion of USB connectors
and Bluetooth, as well as an integrated
rear-view camera (at higher spec levels, at
lower you get parking sensors).
Like Accords before it this generation
too offers a comfortable rear seat,

without too much of a hump and a not
so uncomfortable middle saddle, giving
us the best of a front-wheel drive front
engine layout.
The other evolution that has been
introduced is in terms of the cars
sourcing. It is being brought into the
market from the Guangju plant in China.
This marks a departure from the previous
US plant sourcing, although in most
terms the cars are similar. For the local
market the plant makes 2.0, 2.4 and 3.0/V6
engines while for export to the region we
get the EarthDreams 2.4 and a 3.5/V6.
As a product, we have no doubt the
Accord will continue to draw fans and
customers. You have to just drive it to feel
the instant Honda connect. How well the
company and the dealers will integrate
the China factor into it is a question that
will need to be answered over time. If they
succeed, they will be the first major brand
to redefine the regions perception of a
China-made car.
Lanewatch
In the Honda Accord, Blind spot warning takes on a new meaning with Lanewatch. It is
a system that combines a camera located below the far side rearview mirror with the
generous expanse of the 8 centre display to show a view of the blindspot. This activates
when the right turn indicator is switched on and shows a view of the road.
Honda tells us that the typical field of view for a passenger-side mirror is approximately
18 to 22 degrees, but the LaneWatch blind spot display field-of-view is about four times
greater, or approximately 80 degrees. The system helps the driver to see traffic, as well as
pedestrians or objects, in the vehicles blind spot. To help make judging distance easier,
the display has three reference lines. Drivers should visually confirm roadway conditions
prior to changing lanes.
On the navigation-equipped, when LaneWatch is in use and a navigation turn prompt is
needed, the image changes to split-screen so that LaneWatch and navigation information
can be displayed simultaneously.
2014 Emgrand X7 SUV
European flair
from China
The Emgrand X7 is the first SUV from the

multibranded Chinese entity which now also owns
Volvo. Automan checks out the stylish sevenseater which has recently made its market debut
in the Sultanate of Oman
Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Elvis John Ferrao
hile Geelys association with

Volvo makes headlines around
the world, as a Chinese
domestic player with global aspirations,
Emgrand is one of Geelys rising brands to
watch out in the Middle East in the coming
years as its portfolio of cars grows. Geely
wants Emgrand to establish its credentials
as a credible brand with value for money
products [havent we heard this tagline
before?] and cash-rich Geely is leaving no
stone unturned in this initiative when it
comes to investing. The Emgrand marque
was publicly unveiled at the 2009 Auto
Shanghai auto show.
The latest product arrival in the region is
the X7 SUV. The car was launched in the
domestic market in 2012 as the GX7 and
since then the rapid rise of SUV market in
China has prompted Geely to upgrade and
modernize the X7 for its global 2014 debut.
As a result, the X7 for Middle East is the
most up-to-date SUV from the brand.
The compact SUV market in the Middle
East is also dynamic and in recent years
has seen existing players like Toyota,
Honda elevated to the entry luxury end
making space for stylish entries from
Hyundai and Kia. Other brands like Nissan
offer a variety of compact SUVs ranging
from rugged and funky lifestyle. As a
result, the entry level has been left wide
open and this is where Geelys core target
is with its Emgrand X7. For a fledging
brand, this is a sensible move and success
is guaranteed if the overall package meets
the expected market requirements.
So, is there a shock and awe factor
when you see the X7 in flesh? From its
dimensional perspective with figures like
4,541mm length, 1,833mm width, 1,700mm
height on a wheelbase of 2,660mm
ensures that it is pleasantly proportioned.
The car is decidedly European-flavoured
with clean lines and a passing resemblance
with some of the current global SUVs
doesnt go unnoticed. The reason for this
is understandable. This is a global model
for Emgrand and hence factor in the
current segment trends and legislative
demands. Whats more, Geely actually
teamed its automobile research Institute
with Italian automobile design company
led by Giorgetto Giugiaro for the X7.
Giugiaros signature is evident in the clean
lines, overhangs and in particular detailing
of the head/tail lamps. Overall, the design
is trendy, a bit understated and pleasing to
the eye and our only niggle relates to the
oversized pick-up inspired door mirrors.
We understand, they are for better rear
view, in particular when it comes to blind
spot management as the C-pillar is quite
wide. Build quality, narrow panel gaps
are a surprise for a car that retails for
OMR5,490 onwards.
The cabin of the car has been well

attended to. Passengers sit high and
get a command view and the cabin
space appears good when it comes to
head and legroom for first and second
row occupants. Panoramic sunroof
also contributes in the upmarket feel
in the higher trim models. Third row is
strictly for small children. Seats are nicely
designed well padded and offer decent
lateral support. Front seats offer manual
or power adjustments depending on
trim chosen. Dashboard design is clean
and most operative controls are clearly
defined and easy to use. Multifunction
steering isnt cluttered or overloaded
with switches. Key instrumentation is
analogue and information is conveyed
via digital screens. Convenient features
for driver include Bluetooth connectivity
and touch screen GPS navigation. General
convenience features are there, but some
are clearly missing at the rear. That is
offset with cargo space flexibility in form
of flat fold rear seats and a good load bay
height.
We are definitely impressed with the
investment Geely has made so far in this
car and we are also not surprised that
Geely took a lot of advice from Volvo
during the build of this car. Following
Volvos suggestions, the crossover uses
unibody design and Geely optimized
51 items related to NVH technologies,
including soundproof glass, chassis
subframe mounts for front and rear
suspension isolation, padding material
among others. Chassis tuning was done
by Holland-based PDE, a specialist with
a portfolio of European clients like BMW
and Mercedes-Benz.
And depending on market will
accommodate four cylinder engines
ranging from 1.8-, 2.0- and 2.4-litre in
displacement. In Oman, the latter two setups are available. Our test car in Baroque
Golden came with the 162PS at 5,700rpm
and 220Nm toque at 4,000-4,200rpm
2.4-litre engine mated to an Oz-sourced
DSI 6-speed automatic transmission. The
engine uses continuous variable valve
timing [CVVT] and multi point fuel injection
[MPI], while , DSI uses independent clutch
control, closed-loop control rule of shift
pressure and engine torque control to
configure planetary gear transmission
system. In theory, it sounds good.
Safety kit is quite impressive given the
price point. Geely claims that the X7 is
designed in accordance with the 5-star
standards of E-NCAP and 5+ standards
of C-NCAP. The model has 6+1 air bags
configuration. Besides these, it also gets
an advanced version of Bosch ABS with
EBD system.
Driving impressions
The first thing that strikes in this car on the
move that it is very quiet. In mainstream
sedan cars, the Toyota Camry and Ford
Fusion are regarded as quietest with
decibel levels inside the cabin at around
78-79dB at 100km/h. The X7 clearly beats
these sedans with its 63.7dB at 100km/h
performance. Road handling is decent
and so is the steering response to driver
inputs. While, its not super quick as in a
sports car, its no slouch either and hence
is quite appropriate for the class of vehicle
it represents.
We used the X7 as a pace car during
Automans world exclusive Aston Martin
Lagonda photo shoot in the Sultanate.
While the X7 coped well with the Lagonda,
its acceleration is no match for the
luxury limousine in straights. While the
gearing appears to hold well, the initial

acceleration and torque delivery is quite
slow and it takes a while to build up
highway speeds. Overtaking manoeuevres
have to be planned in advance and heres
where the Tiptronic function comes handy
for that extra punch. However, when
pushed hard, the engine can be noisy.
We took the car off-road, on loose gravel.
Here it performed better as in such trails
you dont need to go ballistic. Suspension
feedback is good as it absorbs most
surface imperfections and body roll is
minimum and quickly contained in fast
corners. While the X7 chassis attempts
to offer a decent balance between sport
and comfort, it would have been nicer if
the same could be said for the powertrain
performance.
Verdict
This cars USP is its overall packaging and
kit more than outright performance. It
is well suited for punters who want to
move up from sedans or hatchbacks to
a lifestyle-oriented compact SUV, but
are also looking at budget pricing. This is
where the value for money proposition
comes in. Its a decent buy for the price
point.
2014 Volkswagen Beetle
Beetle
mania!
A car like the Volkswagen Beetle can engage aficionados

in a hot debate about its 76-year-old heritage vs modern
application of technology. Automan checks out the all-new
arrival in UAE and attempts to clear the air
Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: author and Nabeel Ferzan
n the past couple of years, we note

several iconic models have staged
a comeback after a gap of several
years and in some cases several decades.
Volkswagens original love bug, the
air-cooled rear-engined Boxer engined
Beetle was launched as the peoples car
in Germany in 1938 and had a really long
production run. The Type 1 was produced
in Germany and was voted as the worlds
most influential car of the 20th century,
the Type 1 came fourth, after the Ford
Model T, the Mini, and the Citron DS.
The final original Type 1 VW Beetle rolled
off the production line at Puebla, Mexico,
on 30 July 2003 paving the way for a new
contemporary successor. The first new
Beetle arrived in 1998. The car received
its fair share of bouquets and brickbats.
Some argued that it was not engineered
to be a Beetle as it was more of a rebodied
Bora with front engine and shared most
of its mechanicals. Just as with the
original, Volkswagen did put a premium

on reliability on the successor. Over the
years, it would prove that like the original
Beetle would seemingly run forever-if you
didnt mind getting your hands dirty fixing
it. Todays buyers expect a bulletproof and
ultra reliable car with performance and fun
in mind. Among the key weaknesses of the
Gen I new Beetle was that it didnt exactly
qualify as pocket rocket status, but its
no slouch, either, kind of appealing to the
middle order brigade.
With Gen II of the model, VW has
attempted to do away with the key
weaknesses. While keeping the profile
more or less similar, it has focused on
a lot of detailing without disturbing its
minimalistic design identity. Hence, you
see a car with daytime LED lights, a wider
lower valance and a happy face.
On the engineering side, there are several
interesting upgrades. The new arrival is
7.3in longer, 0.5 in lower, and 3.3in wider
than the last one made. The incoming

Beetle uses VWs PQ35 front-drive
platform that is shared with the Gen VI
Golf and this platform has allowed gain
in length which in turn has allowed the
roof to be extended further, shifting of
the front windscreen and giving the car
a new focal point -- the C-pillar. The car
also benefits from wider track and longer
wheelbase.
Besides the benefits from the platform
flexibility, major upgrades under the
bonnet include the replacement of the
4-speed automatic transmission to a
faster reacting six-speed dual-clutch
automatic. The car is slippery too with
a drag coefficient of Cd 0.37, which is
surprisingly good for a car bearing this
kind of profile. The engine for the region is
a turbo-charged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that
produces 210hp and 217lbs-ft of torque.
Taking advantage of the new platform
means that the four-seater cabin is much
spacious now as interior volume has

grown by five per cent from 81 to 85 cubic
feet. Since the roof is longer, theres a
bit more rear headroom. In the front,
occupants gains 1.9in in legroom and 2.5in
in shoulder room. The boot is also big with
15.4c-ft space and with the rear seat folded
it expands to nearly 30cf-ft. The bucket
seats are clean, simple, and comfortable,
with excellent bolstering. Rest of the
seats and trim are neat keeping in mind
the simplistic theme. Driver gets usual
analogue instrumentation and some extra
gauges on the top of the dashboard.
Central console kit it typical VW. Safety
features on all VW Beetles includes ABS,
Electronic Stability Control, frontal airbags
and airbag curtains
Driving impressions
After spending a couple of days with the
car, we do admit its more fun to drive
than its predecessor. The automatic
transmission works well enough and helps
the car give a livelier on-road performance
which contrasts the older cars little
low-end acceleration which seemed to
demand a big push on pedal-to-the-metal
standing starts! The turbocharged car is
more engaging and fun to play with and
often reminds you of what a GTI is. On
the chassis front, the performance is
as expected from the subframes front

and rear which support the suspension
comprising of a sophisticated multi-link
rear suspension, for the higher threshold
of cornering that is expected of it.
Surprisingly, drivers experience a tight,
linear, responsive steering with a solid,
on-centre feel and a smooth, sporty ride
replaces that loose feeling we remember
in the previous Beetle. Its four-wheel
independent suspension provides a supple
ride and handling that suggests it has
moved several notches up.
Verdict
Well, lets spill the beans. On the
performance level, this car is a GTI clone
and if you are a follower of tradition
and heritage, then this Gen II new VW
Beetle isnt your cup of tea. The flip
side is that it is a genuine and modern
interpretation of an iconic model which
has been re-engineered to offer the
best of both worlds performance
and image. Considering how several
carmakers are ruining heritage inspired
models, we can empathise to some
extent with Volkswagens love affair with
this illustrious icon. The car is on sale in
Oman and prices start at OMR11,750 for S,
OMR12,750 for SE and OMR 13,900 for SEL
trim.
2015 Infiniti Q50
Nissans luxury brand Infiniti has reaffirmed its

commitment to the region with the Q50 sedan.
Automan checks out the car in the Sultanate
Author: Chandan B Mallik | Photography: Elvis John Ferrao
uilding a premium car brand in any

brand conscious market like the
Middle East is a serious challenge
for any committed player, but slowly and
steadily it seems the Infiniti is certainly up
to it. At the brands global level Nissan CEO
Carlos Ghosn has appointed BMW Group
executive Roland Krueger to lead the brand
after Johan de Nysschen left in July this year
to join GMs luxury brand Cadillac. Clearly,
Infiniti is a brand on the move with high
level of aspirations, when you consider its
business association with Damler.
Given the fact in the not so recent past,
Infinitis sedan line-up was represented
by G or M badged models till Nysschen
decided to change the nomenclature of
the entire line-up for better clarity and
marketing.
So whats exactly the Q50 and when did
it arrive? The all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50 is a
rear-wheel-drive compact luxury four-door
sedan that replaces the G37 sedan. Infiniti
introduced the Q50 sedan in several markets
as its pitch against the top-selling premium
models like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class,
BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS and Cadillac
CTS.
The incoming model builds on the former Gs
strong points like ample power, responsive
handling and in its new avatar it comes with
more upmarket features helping it therefore
access more directly the German premium
territory with renewed confidences.
The pleasantly proportioned Q50 sports
styling cues, thanks in part to the brands
former M sedans. This means that the Q50
gets many of the established design DNA
cues from its predecessor. Interestingly, the
Q50technically sits in the compact luxury
segment, but is actually larger than most of
its rivals.
Interestingly, the car uses the same 112.2in
wheelbase as the outgoing G37 sedan
which allows it to be within a few inches of
the vehicle it replaces in every dimension.
The cars overall length has grown by five
inches to 188.3in and this aspect makes it
about six inches longer than the BMW 3
Series and about five inches longer than
the Lexus IS. However, it falls short of the
larger BMW 5 Series by only about 3 inches.
On the styling front, it can be compared
with its predecessor as it has evolved its
styling with subtle changes. As a result, the
front end is redesigned with a wider front
grill opening thats more upright, the grill
comes in black mesh design instead of the
Gs horizontal metal lines. Meanwhile, the
headlamp clusters are sleeker and angular
and foglamps are redesigned with LED
lighting systems.
As far as the Q50s sheet metal goes, the
character lines on the sides are more fluid
and flowing. The bonnet is now longer
and sleeker and unlike the G sedan, which
had a character line flowing through the
door handles, the Q50s crease line is now
Direct Adaptive
Steering uses a
camera located above
the rearview mirror
to read the road
ahead and make small
steering adjustments
to compensate for
road imperfections,
weather conditions or
unintended lane drift marking another step
towards the advent of
autonomous vehicle
technology.
higher, flowing from behind the point of
the wraparound headlamps running above
the door handles right beneath the side
windows and then softly rises towards
the rear. The rear window has also been
redesigned and it seems somewhere BMWs
famous signature Hofmeister kink has found
favour in the C-pillar design. Overall, the car
looks better in flesh. And the rear is rounded
with a pronounced three-dimensional
detailing treatment including the lamps
and trims. Overall, the cars new shape
isnt just for the looks only. It is incredibly
aerodynamic with a coefficient of drag of
just Cd 0.26, and zero aerodynamic lift in
the front or rear. We also note that both Aand B pillars are thinner than found on the
G sedan. This arrangement also helps shed
some weight and also improves entry and
exit as well.
Befitting the intensive exterior work out,
the cabin is also well done. Considering that
feature packs are dictating how interiors
are to be designed [they are getting
complicated each day], we particularly
liked the simple and elegant design which
is definitely cleaner than a BMW 3 Series
interior and feels more inviting than the
Audi A4s Bauhaus-style cabin. The centre
of attraction of the dual-cowl styling which
is inspired by its predecessor is the Infiniti
InTouch infotainment system uses two large
screens in the central console. One screen
displays the map, and another that controls
audio, navigation, phone, apps and vehicle
settings. We like this setup as allows users
to access other information while still being
able to see where they are on the road. The
interface is a combination of touchscreen,

hard buttons, and a round control knob on
the centre console. Unlike Ford or Cadillacs
often criticized haptic systems, it seems
Infinitis redundancy approach aims to pacify
both screen-touchers and button-pushers,
and for the most part is easy to use and fully
customizable. Driver can control all aspects
of the HVAC and infotainment systems as
well as vehicle settings from here.
Driver gets easy to read analogue
instruments, with white text on a black
background dials accented with rings of
violet-blue. Between thespeedometer
and tachometer is a display screen that
can switch between fuel economy, audio,
navigation and vehicle information. Most of
the functions, plus phone, voice recognition
and cruise control, can be accessed by the
variety of buttons on the multifunction
steering wheel. As a premium car, the audio
bragging rights come as courtesy from
BOSE. The 14-speaker BOSE stereo system in
the test car sounded concert like, thanks to
bespoke speaker placements that includes
three woofers. The interior makes extensive
use of genuine leather and aluminium and
Infiniti also offers real maple wood as an
option.
Even as a compact the car offers reasonable
amount of head and leg room for front-seat
passengers, while tall passengers would
be well accommodated in the rear seats
too. Some shortfalls in design are the wide
transmission tunnel, hard plastic front seat
backs and no rear door storage. All seats
are soft and cosseting, providing decent
comfort on long trips. The Q50 is practical,
too, with rear air-vents, split-folding seats
and a generous 500-litre trunk.
On the tech front, the Q50 offers numerous
cameras, including a 360-degree-style
around view screen, intelligent cruise
control, forward collision warning, forward
emergency braking and back-up collision
intervention. The test car supplied came
with steer-by-wire Direct Adaptive Steering
that electrically transmits driver inputs to
the wheels. A backup mechanical system is
included in case of any glitches. The system
is able to react more quickly than is possible
with a normal mechanical system, and it also
allows the driver to tailor steering effort and
speed to suit individual styles.
The cars powertrain is an interesting deal.
The Q50 is among the early beneficiaries of
the brands partnership with Daimler. The
entry level model gets a Stuttgart-sourced
2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing
206hp at 5,500rpm and 356Nm of torque
between 1,250-3,500rpm [close to that of
the new C250] which is mated to a sevenspeed automatic which is programmed
to offer smooth and well-timed shifts
and an ample spread of ratios to the rear
wheels. Underneath, the Q50s multi-link
independent suspension is again largely
shared with the G37, although revised

tuning set-up promises quicker and sharper
responses.
As with any modern luxury car, the Q50 also
comes with all the latest safety technology
and kit which comes as standard are dual
front, front-side and full-length side curtain
airbags in addition to traction, stability
control systems [VDC] and other aids like
ABS, EBD and hill start assist.
Driving impressions
The newly sourced turbo-charged fourcylinder is at the heart of the matter. It
should turn out to be anyones delight who
love performance from small packages and
it will also convince critics where concerned
with refinement issues associated with
small displacement performance fourcylinders. The turbocharged engine is eager,
shows no lag during throttle push and is
enables the Q50 to do the 0-100km/h sprint
in 7.2secs. The four-cylinder forced fed
engine brings a flexible power delivery and
relaxed ambience in everyday driving. Push
harder and theres also plenty of mid-range
punch for effortless highway cruising and
straightforward overtaking manoeuvres.
The idea of letting most of the torque to
come from 1,250-3,500rpm range is the key
to this cars refined on-road performance
which is also complemented by a superb
suspension set-up. The exhaust also sounds
pretty good and torque delivery in this car
is exemplary. Meanwhile, the cars steerby-wire direct adaptive steering brings
in a never before experience dimension,
especially in a compact sedan. The steering
feel can be best described as balanced with
perfect weighing and response similar to
that of a hot hatch. It is truly entertaining
and we can safely assume rivals will be
watching this development keenly. During
our time with the car, we could feel how
DAS effectively mitigated unwanted
kickback from mid-corner undulations and
also automatically adjusts to heavy crosswinds and mild road cambering. The Q50
exhibited a reassuring grip and road-holding
through corners through its 225/55 R17
Bridgestone Potenza tyres. Braking duties
were served by the large ventilated disc setup front and rear with no fading issues.
Verdict
With its subtle exterior, solid interior
amenities and efficient yet powerful
drivetrain, the entry level 2.0-litre 2014
Infiniti Q50 takes on the competition with
a stronger arsenal of amenities and a more
focused sense of purpose on the road. And
this is encouraging news for a punter who
has narrowed down their luxury sports
sedan search down to the usual suspects.
We suggest they should open their minds
a bit more and check out the car because
they are bound to be pleasantly surprised
with the whole package including its price at
OMR18,500.
2014 Chrysler 300C
The
Chrysler
300 was
redesigned for
2011 and it offers
significantly
improved ride and
handling. Automan
checks out the prefacelift model in
Oman
Photography:
Elvis John
Ferrao
ts no secret that in the past couple of

years, North American car brands like
Chrysler have been focusing efforts to
produce a true American luxury car that
offers generous room, comfort, power
and presence in one package.
Take the Chrysler 300 for instance. It was
introduced in 2011 and succeeded a model
that was commercially very successful
domestically as well as in select markets
like the Middle East. It came across as a
big rear-wheel drive sedan with potent
V6 and V8 engines. The 300 also was so
good that it befittingly also served as the
brands flagship. The popularity of the 300
models can be gauged from the fact that
it was the most awarded and the most
customized Chrysler model ever. It was
also the first modern Chrysler to adapt
oversize wheels and tyres, custom grilles,
and other aftermarket custom touches.
Then came the time for its replacement
and it happened during a period of
global economic uncertainty. Times were
uncertain for Chrysler too, as it was that
three-and-a-half-year period during which
ownership changed three times, from
Cerberus to the federal government,
through bankruptcy and then to Fiats
control.
Given those conditions, its short of a
miracle that the replacement for the 300
came out as well as it did. The 2014 300C
test vehicle for this report is a pre-facelift
one, which means it came with most of
the kit that the 2011 launch mode l had. Its
beyond doubt, even three year old, the
300 still looks sleek. The timeless design
is complemented by a new windscreen
design which has been pushed back
three inches and helps the car achieve
a drag coefficient of only Cd 0.32. With
its new grille design it looks bolder and
classier. Chrysler claims that all body and
underbody panels have been changed
from the ground up which is evident
from the smoother, rounder front end,
new headlamps, a new character line and
aluminium bonnet, new bumpers, larger
windows with bright trim around them.

The mudguards are heavily sculpted a
theres a completely new treatment at the
rear with new Chrysler winged badges, and
newly designed LED lamps front and rear.
Our tester 300C featured a 5.7-litre Hemi
V8 engine mated to 5-speed automatic
[current models have been upgraded
to 8-speed automatic transmission].
Meanwhile, under the skin where it
really matters for a performance, nearly
everything has been changed, stiffened,
reinforced, or otherwise made stronger so
that the four corner suspension systems
can operate independently and accurately
and provide a much better ride, quicker
steering, and more responsive handling.
Driving impressions
The Hemi 5.7-litre V8 powered car is aimed
to please even the harshest of critic.
Bearing in mind in that in global markets
the Chrysler 300 has to compete with the
Cadillac CTS, Lincoln MKS, Lexus GS and
Infiniti M models, so its not surprising
that the Lexus LS 460, Mercedes-Benz
E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Hyundai
Genesis were aspirational targets during
its redevelopment.
Besides oodles of torque and tyre smoking
capabilities, as a daily driver the ride
delivered by the new suspension system is
smooth, comfortable and quiet. The cabin
itself has been quieted down considerably
with the addition of an acoustic bellypan
under the car, acoustic material in the
wheel wells and pillars, and an acoustic
wrap around the complete interior to
block out noise from the mechanical
systems, the wind and the tyres and all
these result in a luxury cosseted feel
too. The anti-lock brake package with
electronic brake-force distribution has
everything you could ask for in terms of
power, pedal modulation, and emergency
capabilities, and is the largest component
of a very complete safety package that
includes traction control, stability control,
and front, side, roof and driver knee air bags.
2015 Jaguar XE
Dressed to
impress
Built specifically for the global markets, the all-new 2015 Jaguar
XE sedan is not just the brands smallest and most affordable
entry level model till date, but on the aspirational level, it also
has an eye in the segment which German premium brands are
currently enjoying
ill now, the German-led trio,

comprising of the BMW 3 Series,
Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4
have been enjoying pretty good sales
particularly in markets like the UK, Europe
and US as no befitting rival from a British
brand was existing to take on their
dominance. But that monopoly is soon
to be short-lived as Indias Tata Motorsowned, UK-based buoyant Jaguar has
big plans to topple the applecart with its
all-new 2015 XE sedan. An elaborate global
premiere of this car took place in London
last month reflecting this confidence.
The new Jaguar baby has been
meticulously planned and detailed.
It factors in most demands of the
The XEs release

date will be after its
debut at the 2014
Paris Motor Show in
October, with the first
deliveries in May 2015
market including entry level pricing
considerations, cutting edge technology
applications, environment aspects,
powertrain efficiencies and even cost of
ownership. Even a brand new multimillion
pound engine plant in UK has been
dedicated to the project. Quite obviously,
Jaguar is taking the assignment pretty
seriously and will leave no stone unturned
when it comes to achieving its business
objectives.
Prior to the official London reveal, Jaguar
executives turned much of its attention
to the XE S, a model which is expected to
take on the BMW 335i and Mercedes C400
besides sharing some details of the new
entry-level diesel and petrol, four-cylinder
engines that will help the new XE take on
the likes of the Mercedes C250 and the
BMW 320i in particular.
This new car is slightly longer and wider
than a BMW 3 Series, but a fraction lower
and is the first new model that benefits
from the companys all-new scalable
aluminium architecture [also previewed
with the C-X17 Concept SUV] which
suggests that besides rear-wheel-drive
architecture, AWD models could also be
made in future. The design of the car is
standalone but it remains connected to
other models in the line-up. Our design
brief was to create an exciting and
dynamic design clearly reflecting the XEs
positioning as a serious drivers car, says
design director Ian Callum. Callums team,
it seems deliberately used some of the
Jaguar F-type sports cars styling touches
on the car to give it a sporty look. These

include the taut, sculpted bonnet and the
lines of the rear corners. Meanwhile, the
LED running light design, called J-blade,
is also a look adapted from across the
Jaguar range and looks very much in place.
We saw the car in flesh and it appears
very well proportioned and dynamically
balanced.
A brief glance at the interior suggests
influences from the F-Type -- the design of
the dashboard gauges in particular as well
as some of detailing in the cockpit. The
wraparound feel is very much evident all
around. Among prominent features will be
the hi-resolution heads-up display.
The most efficient Jaguar XE for the
European markets will be powered by a
new 161bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine with
280lb ft of torque. It will deliver average
economy of 75mpg and emissions of just
99g/km of CO2 [which will also help save
taxes]. The diesels will all be available
with the choice of six-speed manual or
eight-speed automatic gearboxes, while
two 2.0-litre petrol powered models will be
available with the automatic gearbox only.
Jaguar will reveal more details of the specific
power outputs and performance figures
at Paris. The Middle East markets will also
get the top-of-the-line XE S powered by a
340hp supercharged V6 with eight-speed
transmission from the F-Type.
The XE, Jaguar says, is the lightest, stiffest
and most aerodynamic Jaguar ever built
as a result of this platform technology
application. The success of the F-Types
chassis has also helped engineers to
benchmark suspension hardware and its
specific characteristics and will be sold
as two distinct systems a standard
and Bilstien-powered active set-up. As a
result, the XE uses suspension technology
which is more commonly associated with
bigger, more expensive cars and at Cd
0.26, the XE is as slippery as the BMW. And
depending on trim level, the Jaguar XE
will be available in a standard, R-Sport and

S trim variants, and wheel sizes will vary
from 17-20in.
Peter Virk, one of the subject expects
at Jaguar said that the XE will get a new
generation infotainment system [Jaguar
has traditionally lagged behind rivals], a
definitive plus. Key to the operation is a
centrally placed 8in touch-screen with
voice control function capability. The
InControl system is designed to integrate
with a drivers smartphone, both to
control the car functions and manage their
day while on the road. InControl Remote
allows Apple and Android smartphones
to remotely control a range of vehicle
functions, including pre-setting of the
XEs climate control system, securing
the car or even starting the engine. Virk
also said that from inside the car, the
InControl Apps setup allows users control
smartphone services without touching the
handset, using the vehicles touch-screen.
The XE also has a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing
devices to connect to the internet using
the cars antenna, rather than its own data
connection.
Other significant technology first
applications in the XE include an All
Surface Progress Control system, which
works as a low-speed cruise control
function in slippery conditions. It has
been developed with assistance from
sister company Land Rover, with the aim
of giving the rear-wheel-drive XE better
traction when pulling away on low-grip
surfaces up to speeds of 29km/h. By
controlling the throttle and brake controls
without the driver having to make inputs,
it delivers the ideal power through each
wheel without letting them slip or slide.
The XE also has stereo sensors as
standard, which scan the road ahead
and which can trigger the brakes if the
potential for an impact is detected. This
auto-brake system can act to either reduce
an impact speed or bring the XE to a
standstill, depending on the time it has to
react. The sensors also control the XEs
lane departure warning and traffic sign
recognition technology. Other standard
equipment includes adaptive cruise
control, blind spot monitoring, semiautomated parallel and bay parking and
traffic detection when reversing.
Cost of ownership has also been factored
during design stage itself. Jaguar experts
at the technical presentation claimed that
the engine layout has been engineered
to ensure key parts are easily accessible,
bringing down the cost of servicing and
helping to reduce the XEs insurance
rating, an important consideration for
European buyers. The diesel service
interval is 21,000 miles now for this car.
2015 Land Rover

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Disco
and Rover has been teasing us for a

while and along with details of some
other products in the group released
the first details of the new Discovery
Sport a few weeks before the Paris Show
this month. It represents the brands
premium compact SUV that is also the
first member of the new Discovery vehicle
family. Designed and engineered at the
Land Rover Development Centre in the
UK, the Discovery Sport will be produced
at the Halewood, Liverpool manufacturing
facility.
Two elements will describe this new

vehicle. One is its new design and ultra
efficient packaging. By packaging here
we are referring to a compact SUV with
seven-passenger seating in a 5+2
configuration. The car looks fresh and it
shares a lot of visual similarities with both
the Range Rover Sport and the Range
Rover Evoque which is particularly evident
from the B-pillar onwards it appears like
a slightly bigger brother of the four-door
Evoque. And then you have the rounded
nose, a familiar grille design and a stance
with more than a passing resemblance to

the Range Rover Sport. Short overhangs
and improvements in the approach and
departure angles suggest the SUV will
better off-road ability.
The car gets a 2,741mm wheelbase for
ride smoothness and generous middle
row legroom and overall all it will be
4,590mm long. The cabin will benefit
from most of the bells and whistles that
the brand provides in its other models
and features like elevated stadium
seating for the middle row means that
second-row passengers will sit 50mm

higher than front-seat occupants. The
versatile second row seat, in addition
to its 60:40 split seatbacks, includes a
recline feature and can slide rearward by
up to 6.3in. Advanced connectivity will
also be offered. An all-new infotainment
system for the Discovery Sport integrates
voice-controlled satellite-navigation, WiFi
hotspot connectivity and an all-terrain
mode. Buyers can opt for the Land
Rover InControl technology, including
InControl Apps that bring the convenience
and original look and feel of smartphone
apps to the vehicles 8in touchscreen.
Driver gets electric power-assisted
variable-ratio steering system which has
been tuned for excellent driver feedback
on the road, and the steering rack is
solidly mounted to the front subframe to
enhance precision driving. Meanwhile, in
The Land Rover

Discovery Sport sports
an all-new design
that is very similar to
the Discovery Vision
Concept that bowed
earlier this year and
the new model will be
loaded to the gills with
new technology when
it arrives
its construction, the SUVs body shell uses
a combination of high-strength steel, ultra
high-strength boron steel and lightweight
aluminium. Hot-stamped boron steel is
used in key parts of the crash safety cell,
including the A- and B-pillars, enabling

them to have a slim design for excellent
visibility. The bonnet, front mudguards,
roof and tailgate are made of aluminium.
The car will be powered by the Evoques
turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre
engine mated to a ZF 9HP48 nine-speed
automatic transmission. Haldex All-Wheel
Drive will come as standard. Producing
240hp at 5,500rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of
torque from 1,750rpm, the lightweight
all-alloy engine will offer excellent
performance and flexibility. Specially
treated piston rings and tappets minimize
friction for optimal efficiency, and a sheetmetal exhaust manifold helps to warm up
the engine quickly to reduce emissions
during short drives. Land Rovers Terrain
Response system will help maximizes
the capability of the Discovery Sport in
different driving conditions.
Following on from the

Coupe as the second
member of the new
BMW 2-Series range,
the well proportioned
Active Tourer oozes
sportiness and
confidence from every
angle.
2015 BMW 2-Series

Active Tourer
boxy, tall boy appearance, with a drag

coefficient of Cd 0.26, the new car also
demonstrates excellent aerodynamic
qualities.
Suspension package includes a multilink
rear axle, and a lowered sports
suspension [optional]. The front drive
axle, according to BMW has undergone
extensive fine-tuning, ensuring that
it endows the car with optimum
driving dynamics and precise steering
feedback. The car is offered with a
new electromechanical power-steering
system and the stability-control system
offers a brake-based simulation of a
limited-slip differential. Electronics will
allow driver-selectable drive models like
Comfort, Sport, or Eco Pro.
There was a time when BMW Group vehemently resisted

the idea of having front wheel drive cars. Well, all that has
changed now and the German premium brands begins a
new era with the 2-series Active Tourer
ike any other car manufacturer,

BMW Group also has plans to
double the sales and production in
the coming years. But, product planners
and marketing think-tanks sitting at the
top have realized that such a move was
not possible if it continued to rely solely
on rear or all-wheel drive models.
Helping in the initiative from the
engineering side has been a new
compact platform thats used by MINI.
The platform has been slightly altered to
suit the new BMW product. The 2-Series
measures at 170.9in in length, 61.4in
tall and 70.9in wide on a wheelbase of
105.1in and these optimized dimensions
also indicate that more front-wheel-drive
models could be built in future.
Meanwhile, the brands design studio

has made every effort to create an
aesthetically pleasing compact family
van with typical BMW design cues. In
its construction, theres generous use
of high-strength steel and mixture of
materials. Even the top-of-the-line 225i
weighs just 1,433kgs.
From the feature pack perspective, the
2-series Active Tourer will be available
with an impressive number of gadgets,
gizmos, bells, and whistles. Features
confirmed for this car include parking
aids, new-generation telematics
functionality, an active cruise-control
system with stop-and-go capability, and
heads-up display. Full-LED headlamps
and LED taillamps are offered as options.
The car will also be offered with tailored

appearance packages. The Sport Line
places the emphasis on the dynamic
side, while the Luxury Line is all about
elegance and exclusiveness. Meanwhile,
the M Sport package opens up even
greater scope for customisation.
As a city car banking on lightweight
construction and efficient powertrains,
interestingly, the 2-Series Active Tourer
is the second model to be fitted with
a three-cylinder engine after the i8
plug-in hybrid sports car. The entrylevel model, the 218i, comes with a
1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder that
makes 136hp and 162 lb-ft of torque.
European markets will also be offered
diesel powertrains. And despite its
2015 Toyota Camry
Toyota gives its top global selling

model, the Camry, a much needed
image boost as part of the mid-cycle
upgrade programme
oyota offered its vision for the

2015 Camry facelift in April at the
New York Auto Show earlier in the
year. As one of the key model pillars in the
line-up along with the Corolla and Yaris
[the latter two are fairly new in markets
like Middle East] the Camry being the
oldest hence gets a befitting makeover
as the segment gets freshened and highly
competitive with new or freshened
models from top rivals. Both Honda and
Hyundai have recently re-engineered their
models and are actively promoting them
as stylish, upmarket and highly efficient
models.
The Camry has had a solid reputation

amongst its users worldwide, but it has
never been seen as stylish, trendy or
as a fun to drive car. And this aspect
has kept Toyota engineers and product
planners busy as to how to incorporate
these elements in the given package.
Although much of the cars underpinnings
are not new, the car, when it arrives in
the markets will have a fresh feel and
character. The job has entailed extensive
revisions or upgrades inside out. Toyota
claims that all body panels except for the
roof has been replaced. The front end has
been made sharper and has more than a
passing influence from the Avalon.

And the revisited interior includes better
quality touch points and upgraded
electronic. New Optitrongauge clusters
will be available on SE models and above
with three-dimensional primary dials
sharing space with a new high-definition
info screen. The V6 models get charging
ports behind a door in the dashboard, as
well as larger touchscreens (7.0in vs. 6.1in)
for their app-based Entune infotainment
systems in US markets. Safety options
come in the form of a pre-collision system,
automatic high beams and blind spot
monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
To give the car a much more upmarket
appeal, upgraded insulation keeps NVH
levels to a minimum and on the ride
quality front, suspension components
have been revised. The cars chassis
and body structure are now bolstered
with additional spot welds, enhancing
rigidity for better ride quality Advanced
instrumentation with intuitive controls
helps keep the drivers eyes safely on the

road ahead.
The chassis team has also made upgrades
to the Camrys braking system with a
two-stage booster to improve pedal feel.
Like so many mid-size sedans, the Camry
has recorded longish stopping distances in
previous tests. While cosmetics and styling
have been extensively been attended, the
current powertrain set-up is being carried
over. In addition to sportier suspension
tuning, the electric power steering system
calibration has been reworked to improve
feel, especially on-centre.
From the marketing perspective, Toyota
calls this the sportiest Camry yet. And to
underscore the brands desire to attract
more enthusiastic drivers, there will be
several trim levels with distinctive feature
packages.
Toyota designers and

engineers worked
together and reimagined nearly every
exterior surface of
the car. Only the roof
remains unchanged.
The new, upscale
interior features
premium, soft-touch
materials throughout
the spacious cabin.
2015 Kia Sorento
Kia Motors is
pushing the
upmarket envelope
with the soonto-arrive third
generation all-new
Sorento mid-sized
SUV
his months Paris Motor Show will

see the official unveil of Kia Motors
Gen III Sorento SUV. The Sorento
has been a successful model for the South
Korean brand and the outgoing model has
been in the market since 2009. In 2013, the
model received a host of feature upgrades
and also the first indication of what Kia
had in mind for its successor.
For the incoming cars exterior styling, Kia
has involved three of its studios, namely
Namyang in Korea, along with significant
input from the brands Frankfurt,
Germany-based and Irvine, Californiabased design studios.
On market introduction, the car will be
a proper three-row seven seater. And
because of this, the dimensions have been
enhanced. The new Sorento will sport
increased length (+95mm to 4,780mm),
reduced height (down 15mm to 1,685 mm)
and extra width (+5mm to 1,890mm).
On the design front, designers have
attempted to give it a sleeker chiseled
appearance in a swept-back profile.
Design renditions which were released
a few weeks ago as teasers did suggest
a lower roofline and higher waistline
than the current model. As a result, the
side windows are expected to look a lot
narrower than they are now. The front
face is now more rectangular and has
been grafted with the Korean automakers
tiger-nose grille design. At the rear, the
styling appears to be a bit more rounded
with the rear glass and taillamps appearing
to follow a slightly wrap around form.
Depending on markets, the car will be
offered with a choice of trim levels which
will be marketed as branded deals like the
Convenience Package, available for the
LX trim, includes the UVO infotainment
system with integrated rear view camera
display, roof rails, rear sonar, an autodimming mirror with compass readout,
heated front seats and fog lamps. Later
in the model year, a new Convenience
Plus Package will be offered which will
include eight-way power drivers seat,

leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift
knob, floor mats and First Aid kit. Moving
to the Premium Plus Package (EX fourcylinder) adds a power passenger seat,
three rows of seating and a host of other
amenities. Further adding to the feeling
of spaciousness is the available panoramic
sunroof (EX V6 and SX trims only).
By upgrading to the Limited Package
(available for the EX V6 trim), owners
will benefit from luxuriously appointed
features, including a voice-activated
navigation system with real-time traffic, an
Infinity premium surround system with 10
speakers and a 550-watt digital amplifier,
power folding outside mirrors, memory
driver seat and side mirror position and an
air-cooled driver seat for added comfort
and convenience.
Both petrol and diesel powertrains will be
offered. The 3.5-litre V6 will offer 276hp
and 248lbs-ft of torque and the smaller
2.4-litre Multi-Port Injected (MPI) fourcylinder engine producing 175hp and
169lbs-ft of torque. All engines [including
diesels] are coupled to a six-speed
automatic transmission with Sportmatic
shifting control. This advanced six-speed
automatic transmission is a proprietary
design that was developed, engineered
and built specifically for Kia.
2015 Mazda MX-5
Last month, Mazda

Motor Corporation
celebrated the
simultaneous global
unveiling of the
fourth generation
all-new MX-5 (also
known as Roadster
in Japan)
azdas iconic sports car, the MX-5

celebrated its 25th anniversary
on February 10, 2014. The MX-5
is by far, the brands best-selling twoseat roadster of all time, with more than
930,000 units sold since its 1989 debut.
The key USP of this car has been its
affordability, lightweight character and fun
to drive.
Mazda has blended its SKYACTIV
technology philosophy which includes
gram strategy with KODO Soul of
Motion design language in the incoming
car. In terms of architecture, Mazdas
efficient chassis design will host the
front-midship engine, rear-wheel drive
configuration to achieve an ideal 50:50
front-rear weight distribution. The engine

is located closer to the vehicles centre,
the bonnet, boot lid, front mudguard and
front and rear bumper reinforcements are
made of aluminium, and the weight of the
soft top is reduced. Overall, by more than
100kg has been saved over the outgoing
third-generation model.
The exquisite proportions make it the
most compact of any generation MX-5 so
far. The height of the bonnet is lowered
and the A-pillars and windscreen header
are moved rearward and made thinner
to create a panoramic view with greater
visibility of the road and peripheral
movement. The pedals, controls, gauges
The world received its

first sneak peek of the car
on April 16, 2014 when
Mazda introduced its new
chassis during the 2014
New York Auto Show. The
car will blend SKYACTIV
technology with Mazdas
KODOSoul of Motion
design language
and all equipment are optimally positioned

to enable the driver to maintain a straight
posture and drive comfortably.
While official details of the powertrain
havent been released, information from
Australia suggests that the compact car
could be powered by a 1.5-litre Skyactiv
four-cylinder with around 129hp on tap. If
this was true, then it means a 13per cent
drop in power over the 2.0-litre four in the
current Miata sold. Torque figures could
come in above the 144Nm in the top-spec
1.5-litre [also in the forthcoming Mazda2].
New six-speed manual and automatic
transmissions are also specially tuned for
the MX-5.
History of the Mazda MX-5

Mazda unveiled the first-generation
MX-5 at the Chicago Auto Show on 9
February 1989. At that time, virtually
no open-type lightweight sports cars
were available. The segment, which had
blossomed in England in the latter half
of the 1940s, gained popularity thanks to
the agile handling, characteristic style and
affordability of such vehicles. But after
the 1960s, with the market focused more
on safety and comfort, these cars had all
but disappeared. The aim of the engineers
and designers at Mazda who produced
the first-generation model was simple:
To bring back a fun-to-drive lightweight
sports car for people around the world like
themselves, people who love cars and love
to drive.
The second-generation model was
revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in
October 1997, and the third generation
followed at the Geneva Motor Show
in February 2005. Production reached
900,000 units in February 2011, as the
MX-5 broke its own Guinness World
Record as the worlds best selling twoseater sports car, a title it had first earned
in May 2000.
That rule was to have started in Singapore

but teams complained, and the FIA
delayed the introduction of the ban to
the start of 2015. A ban on driver coaching
instructions on braking, acceleration,
racing lines and the like did start
on the weekend, with no egregious
transgressions.
Mercedes said Rosbergs situation showed
that the proposed car-performance radio
ban should be reviewed.
F1
Advantage Hamilton @ Singapore

Mercedes AMG Petronas driver Lewis Hamilton took an
impressive victory in the 2014 Singapore Grand Prix, while
Nico Rosberg was forced to retire in a tense race at the
spectacular Marina Bay Street Circuit
A nightmare, Mercedes team principal

Toto Wolff said. Can you imagine not
being able to give any messages to the
driver? Maybe the Singapore race, with
all its ingredients, needs to flow in to any
future direction on radio messages.
The modern F1 cars, with their complex
interaction of combustion engine with two
hybrid power systems harvesting energy
from braking and exhaust heat, require
performance monitoring from the pits.
These cars are so complicated and

theres an awful amount going on, Red
Bull team boss Christian Horner said. I
completely support getting rid of driving
coaching through the radio ... but in terms
of managing the power unit, theyre so
complicated that from a reliability and
safety point of view, its important (to
keep radio messaging).
SOUTH GRANDSTAND (3-DAY TICKET PACKAGE)

This is one of the most spectacular views in motorsport, as
the track winds around the marina before passing underneath
the incredible 5-star Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi. South Grandstand
offers views of the second DRS zone, with a fierce left turn, a
left-right-left chicane, which also leads into a reverse camber.
Ticket price: AED 2,080
MARINA GRANDSTAND (3-DAY TICKET PACKAGE)
Seats in the Marina Grandstand are home to GP2 and GP3
as well as the support pits and paddock. Marina Grandstand
ticketholders will have access to spectacular marina views,
the yacht club, and support pit garages. Now introducing
Mates Rates! Purchase between 3-9 Marina Grandstand
tickets and get 20% discount on your purchase at checkout!
Ticket price: AED 2,080
CLUBS (3-DAY TICKET PACKAGE)
Upgrade your three day South Grandstand and West
Grandstand ticket to the South Club and West Club and
not only will you be able to watch all the Formula 1 action
from your reserved seat in the South Grandstand and West
Grandstand but you will also be given exclusive access to
an informal, club lounge area with great facilities including
private food and beverages outlets from which you can
purchase.
The offers includes:

Reserved Seat in South or West Grandstand
Private themed food and beverages outlets
Access to private lounge area
Access to all after race concerts
Shaded Grandstand
Access to all entertainment Oasis areas around the circuit
including Yas Marina yacht club and the F1 Village
Access to the Thursday Public Pit Lane
Walk
Outside Seating
Tickets available from: AED 2,600
How to buy:
The tickets listed in this package can be purchased by
contacting:
Call 800 YAS (927)
Visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Online:
YasHUB App download via APP Store / Google Play
Or visit Yas Marina Circuit Facebook Shop
www.facebook.com/yasmarinacircuit
2014 FORMULA ONE

ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU
DHABI GRAND PRIX
SELLING OUT FAST
he failure of Nico Rosbergs

Mercedes at the Singapore Grand
Prix has given the championship
advantage to teammate and race winner
Lewis Hamilton and it raised questions
about whether Formula Ones proposed
new radio bans are a good idea.
Hamiltons victory raised him three
points above Rosberg in the drivers
championship standings with five races
to go. It is a thin advantage in points, but
back-to-back wins could give an edge to a
driver like Hamilton.
When Rosberg qualified only seventhousandths of a second behind pole-sitter
Hamilton, the stage was set for another
Last chance to buy limited tickets in the

most popular categories dont miss
the UAEs biggest and best sporting and
entertainment weekend
Yas Marina Circuit has announced that
tickets for the 2014 FORMULA ONE
ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND
PRIX in the most popular categories
are selling out, and this is fans last
opportunity to take advantage of the
great deals and offers.
Here are the offers:
epic duel between the Mercedes drivers in
the night race around Marina Bay.
Rosbergs problems came to light on the
formation lap and his car failed to get off
the line for the warm-up lap, meaning he
had to start from pit lane.
The issue was a broken loom in the
steering column that affected the
electronic connections to the steering
wheel. That left Rosberg without fourth
and sixth gears, plus there was no access
to battery-stored power boosts and
no way to open the rear wing on the
straights.
The team managed to get the car started
from the pits and Rosberg into the race,
but he lasted only 14 frustrating laps at the

back of the field before retiring.
The toughest day of the year for me,
Rosberg said. I felt so helpless. Nothing
was working at the beginning of the race.
Its just reliability, for the team, thats
the area we need to work on, thats the
weakness. Theyre flat out, but we need to
improve somehow.
Prior to retirement, Rosberg was receiving
a barrage of messages over the radio
about the operability of the car, and
how he might improve it. And that raised
questions about the practicality of a
proposed ban on most radio messages
about the car performance.
MAIN GRANDSTAND (3-DAY TICKET PACKAGE)

With views over looking the start and finish line, you will also
have direct views of the Main Pit Garages and the Formula
One Paddock Club balcony. Main Grandstand ticket holders
will also be able to see the starting grid preparations, the
chequered flag, and podium ceremony up close! A lucky
1000 Main Grandstand ticket holders will win a Podium
Ceremony Pass, giving them access to watch the podium
ceremony from the start/finish line. This once in a lifetime
opportunity will be open to all Main Grandstand ticket
holders for a chance to win, so if you havent brought your
race ticket, do it today! Ticket price: AED, 2,200
NORTH GRANDSTAND (3-DAY TICKET PACKAGE)
The North Grandstand ticket holders will enjoy a unique
viewing experience. From this viewing platform you will
have access to the circuits tightest hairpin turn, the longest
straight of any F1 Circuit, and views of the cars coming down
from Abu Dhabi Hill on turns 4, 5, 6. Also North Grandstand
ticket holders will have easy access to North Star, the before
and after concert party place. North Grandstand is also the
closest grandstand to the concert arena, where you can
enjoy the after-race concerts. Ticket price: AED 2,080
Regional
H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mubarak Al Nahayan, the

UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and Community
Development and Chairman of the General Authority
for Youth and Sports Welfare, with Mohammed Ben
Sulayem in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge Media
Centre during a visit to the rallys desert base in April.
Vettel and Alonso keep media and fans guessing
ts no secret that Fernando

Alonso and Sebastian
Vettels rumours have
dominated last months
F1 gossip headlines. Many
respected sources throughout
the sports international media
landscape are now convinced
that the Spaniard and Ferrari
are in the throes of divorce.
Even the public at large
seems to be convinced.The
Spanish sports daily Marca has
published the results of a poll,
showing that no less than 84
per cent think Alonso will leave
Maranello.
Indeed, detailed attention is

even turning to the identity
of his successor in red. Ferrari
academy member Jules Bianchi
is an obvious choice, but it is
believed Ferrari would prefer
to replace Alonso with another
great champion.
Mercedes Lewis Hamilton, the
new championship leader, is
strongly linked with the job,
particularly with tension high
at Mercedes and teammate
Nico Rosberg already signed
up for the future. Sebastian
Vettel is another strong
candidate.
The reigning world champion

is suffering an unhappy 2014
season, struggling to match
his new teammate Daniel
Ricciardo, and at danger even
of being put in the shade by a
Red Bull-backed rookie who is
yet to make his debut.
Dr Helmut Marko, the
notorious architect of the
energy drink companys driver
programme, has this week
compared 2015 Toro Rosso
star Max Verstappen with
none other than the legendary
Ayrton Senna.
Indeed, Vettel has sounded
notably non-committal on
the topic of his future at Red
Bull recently. But his latest
comments to the weekly Sport
Bild suggest he is prepared to
stay put and work to revive
his title-winning days of the
not-too-distant past. The fact
that our hard work is slowly
paying off and that no one has
given up really means a lot to
me, said Vettel. Ive still got
a lot to achieve with this team
and I want to do everything
to ensure that we make a
comeback, the 27-year-old
added.
Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge inching close to its 25th anniversary

H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Bin
Mubarak Al Nahayan, the
UAE Minister of Culture,
Youth and Community
Development, has hailed
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin
Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu
Dhabi and Deputy Supreme
Commander of the Armed
Forces, for his continuous
support and contribution
to the success of the Abu
Dhabi Desert Challenge.Held
under the patronage of
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin
Zayed Al Nahyan, the
Rulers Representative
in the Western Region,
the Desert Challenge
is heading towards its 25th

anniversary next year.
FIA Vice President Mohammed
Ben Sulayem
has
presented
a detailed
Eurosport analysis of TV
coverage of the 2014 Desert
Challenge to Sheikh Nahayan,
Chairman of the General
Authority for Youth and Sports
Welfare, who visited the rallys
desert base close to the Qasr
Al Sarab Desert Resort to meet
officials and watch some of
the action in April.
Were
very
grateful
to
Sheikh Nahayan for his

personal backing and
encouragement, and for the
overall support we receive
from the government,
said Sulayem, the FIA Vice
President. This is vital to
the continuing success and
popularity of the event,
and to ensure that it is used
effectively to promote Abu
Dhabi as a unique sporting and
travel destination.
The Desert Challenge is part
of the FIA World Cup for Cross
Country Rallies for cars and
the FIM Cross Country Rallies
World Championship for bikes.
The 25th Desert Challenge will
take place next year from 27
March 2 April.
Bright future for

UAE motor sports
ast month, UAE-based Automobile

and Touring Club pointed to an
increasingly bright future for
motor sport in the Emirates with the
official launch of an exciting 2014-15
season showing healthy growth in key
areas. Headlined again by the Formula
1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
on 23 November, the new season is
characterised by the growing popularity
of karting, expansion of the national Baja
rally series introduced last year, and a
stronger than ever line-up of international
circuit racing events. The continued
success of the UAE Rotax Max Challenge
is seen as key to the future of UAE
motor sport, which needs fresh young
talent arriving at entry level and rising
through the ranks towards Grand Prix
racing. For this years 12-round national
karting championship, run between
Dubai Kartdrome, Al Ain Raceway and
Yas Marina Circuit and again crossing the
border to Seeb in Oman, the ATCUAE
has issued 125 competitor licences, an
increase of 25per cent year on year. Other
prominent events include the Porsche GT3
Cup Challenge Middle East, which features
race weekends at Dubai Autodrome
in December and next February, while
Yas Marina Circuit will for the first time
host the Asia, European and North
American finals of the Ferrari Challenge in
December.
Meanwhile, the 36th Dubai Rally brings
the 2014 FIA Middle East Championship
to a climax on 26-27 Novemberwhile
the Desert Challenge celebrates its 25th
anniversary from 27 March -2 April as part
of the FIA World Cup for Cross Country
Rallies, and the FIM Cross-Country Rallies
World Championship for bikes.
KTM UNVEILS UAE

RACING TEAM
FOR NEW SEASON
TM has announced its full return

to the Middle East racing scene
last month by unveiling the
KTM UAE Racing Team, which includes
global and regional racing stars such
as two-time Arab motocross champion
and leading Emirati rider Mohammed
Balooshi and rising international star Sam
Sunderland. The team, which consists of
19 riders from across the UAE and around
the world, is set to compete in the 20142015 Emirates Desert Championship,
Dubai Motocross Championship and
GCC Motocross Championship, as well
as the immensely challenging 2015 Abu
Dhabi Desert Challenge. It will also make
its track debut in the UAE Superbike
Championship and an entry level street
racing programme will be introduced
as a further Middle East debut later this
season. The top riders will be joined by
local, international and Dubai resident

riders including Mohammed Jaffar,
Abdullah al Shatti, Jake Shipton, Nicolas
Kefford, Clinton Wyngard and Jordan
Cabaud.
Michael Winter, General Manager of
KTM Middle East, said: KTM has always
had a long term affiliation in motorbike
racing across the region, and the whole
company is highly motivated and proud
to be back competing in the shape of the
KTM UAE Racing Team. We are delighted
with the team that we have put
together, and confident of a successful
racing season, proving KTMs ability to
perform and compete on all levels.
Of bending iPhones
and the ilk
You dont have to be part of the media to realise that you are an unwitting member of the
media circus. The next best ting is just around the corner and you have your eyes glued to
every screen your disposal. And all of this is for another couple of screen-based devices that
seemingly hold the power to change mankinds destiny and bring about world peace. No,
they cannot but with all the hype you would have thought that the two variants of the iPhone
6 should do a lot more than they do.
But that isnt all. The announcement happened and we all saw that the iPhone (in plural)
had now grown bigger, had new software and well and actually did nothing new over a
whole host of phones that have launched over the past couple of years. So are we missing
something here? The worlds best brand has brought out a couple of me-too products that
dont do anything to change the game. Thats so unlike them!
As if to make up for the lack of punch the new Apple Watch came out as well the only item
that seems to take a genre and move it ahead in true Apple style. But it is months away from
a formal launch and may change even now.
As if to add to the mire, the phones that were launched were received with quite a bit of bad
press. You cannot have phones bending the way these did and certainly not when they are
iPhones! It may have been a mixture of production teething issues and bad luck, but Apple
could have done without this.
Raj Warrior is editor of Automan and has been in the thick
of the Automotive journalism field from the past 15 years.
Want to comment or have your say?

Email at raj@alroya.net.
Identify yourself or your message will be trashed and
your id blocked
Remember, Apple is now the worlds richest company by market capitalisation, most recalled
brand and earn most of their revenue from the iPhone. If you looked at it in automotive terms
it would be as if Aston Martin was the largest selling brand with just two models (DB9 and
Vantage anyone?) priced at a premium over everyone else and with record profits for the
company. Oh yes, and the cars are made at vendors factories in China by overworked labour
and we never question the quality. Somehow it doesnt translate as well to automotive terms.
And it never will, because we have a different scale of measurement. Imagine buying your car
and hearing about doors falling off on the model elsewhere in the world. Or engines leaking;
Or electrical circuits failing, as they do. Yes, we accept that a car as delivered to a customer
is on a best effort basis. Six sigma tells us that most of the cars will not have an issue it can
never guarantee that 100%. So whats the issue when an iPhone bends? Or your software
hits a glitch. One over the air update later and your phones as good as new. In a faulty car,
you will have to take it to the dealer and get it attended to and you feel as if the newness has
gone away, even if youve already done a few thousand celebratory kilometres already in it.
It is that difference in the way we measure our purchases that allows us to forgive one
manufacturer and harangue another. Of course when endemic issues crop up then
manufacturers all seem to have a common recourse the recall!
And this never-ending story will go on. A new gadget will launch every month, a new car at
almost the same frequency. Were never going to be able to upgrade our cars at the same
pace as our phones so we all know which will interest us more.

158 Automan October Issue 2014

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158 Automan October Issue 2014

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158

Automan OCT 2014

OMR 0.500 AED 10 QR 10

now, the regions Best Automotive Resource

OCT 2014 Issue no 158

24-29 2015 Audi TT/TTS

Third generation allnew sports coupe has a

Oman and regional news

6-10 2015 nissan X-trail regional and

exclusive world premiere

12-18 Ferrari president Montezemelo

quits, Cadillac to change naming system

No expenses spared in the years most

International news spotlight

20-23 2014 Paris Motor Show curtain

36-41 2015 hyundai sonata

58-59 2015 chrysler 300c

76-79 F1 singapore GP race report,

80 What happens when brands have to

AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING

Now, Automan is available in bookshops in

Oman & region

Muscats Grand Hyatt hotel played host

Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II

| www.automan.me | OCT 2014

While Nissan Middle East was

Middle East has introduced the

The first all-new turbocharged model

The new Steve McQueen royal

Hussam Baghdadi, General Manager Arabian

The bestselling Unisex Aviator

Porsches number one fan unisex

Popular Martini Racing flip flops

New accessories from

The 2014 Porsche Drivers Selection range

OCT 2014 | www.automan.me |

The signs of a crack in professional

Ferrari president quits

Despite these achievements, things

to being mostly independent as it is

New CEO for Aston Martin appointed

General Motors CEO Mary Barra recently

| www.automan.me | OCT 2014

New GM CEO upbeat about India

British sports car maker Aston Martin has

Chief Engineer of Rover Group. Palmer

OCT 2014 | www.automan.me |

New Jaguar Heritage

10 | www.automan.me | OCT 2014

The 2015 GMC Carbon

The second Carbon 20

New Nissan design stud

opening of the Rio design studio

2015 Volvo XC90 First

At the record of one car every seven

Geely teases new sedan

Chinese automaker Geely has

Cadillac to change naming system

familiar lettering like CT would be

the market generally, explained Uwe

14 | www.automan.me | OCT 2014

t had all the trappings of a

segment with a modest sticker price

of the Thames as well at the venue. Other