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Road Test: Nissan Kicks 2018

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Nissan has let its creativity all out with its newest entry into the sub-compact SUV market. We are of course, talking about the brand new 2018 Kicks. Making noise in an ever-burgeoning automotive segment is no small feat for small SUVs. So with stylish good-looks, standard features normally reserved for pricier fare and tech to satisfy even eager early adopters, the Nissan Kicks hopes to make big noise. And it does so in style and performance.

The Nissan Kicks comes packed with the Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM), which redefines the way Nissan powers, drives and integrates its cars into society. NIM makes the ride through life more thrilling and confident every day and transforms the Kicks 2018 from a car into a responsive partner that is always on the lookout for drivers, passengers and pedestrians through its Around View Monitor and Moving Object Detection system.

The Nissan Kicks 2018 accompanies a 1.6 L engine XTronic CVT that offers 118 hp and 149 Nm torque. It also boasts a fuel efficiency of 16.4 kms per liter. Features include rear spoiler, roof rails, Bluetooth hands-free, steering mounted controls, front driver and passenger airbags, ABS + EBD + BA, Vehicle Dynamic Control with Hill Start Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitor System, Front Disc / Rear Drum brakes, and Active Chassis Control.

You also get leather seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, navigation with a 7-inch touch screen, audio system with six speakers and USB port, side and curtain airbags, and  six airbags. We were also surprised to find an around-view monitor with Moving Object Detection. However, the Nissan Kicks does not come with cruise control.

In terms of styling, the Kicks is impressive. It comes with the company’s signature V-motion grille, large sweptback headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, along with a wide central airdam and LED foglamps on either end. Meanwhile, the rear comes with a set of sharp LED taillamps, sculpted tailgate, and a beefy rear bumper with diffuser.

The navigation system though on the Nissan Kicks is not suited for this region. It does not allow you to search for destinations using keywords. Instead, it relies heavily on street names or building names or specific locations such as hotel names. We had to make do with Google Maps on our smartphone when we were out driving this beautiful thing.

The Nissan Kicks also comes with a range of safety and comfort technologies such as chassis control. This is further supported by advanced electronic systems such as Active Trace Control, Active Ride Control and Active Engine Brake. Having said that, the Nissan Kicks handles quite nicely. It is possibly not a family car – it is more suited for young-somethings who are looking for a sweet ride to drive around town.

Price: AED 75000 onwards

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JAECOO J5 Set to Launch in UAE in July 2025

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The long-anticipated JAECOO J5, hailed as “the new darling of future travel”, is set to debut in the UAE this July 2025, marking the region’s entry into a new era of light off-road lifestyle and refined outdoor mobility. After making waves globally during its reveal at the Shanghai Auto Show held in April 2025, the J5 is finally arriving in the UAE — where automotive enthusiasts and adventurers alike can experience the future of travel with exclusive test drives available at JAECOO showrooms across the Emirates.

Designed for modern explorers seeking a harmonious connection with nature, the JAECOO J5 blends rugged capability with elegant aesthetics, drawing inspiration from snow-capped mountains and meandering rivers. With a bold waterfall grille, sharply defined ridge-like body lines, and integrated rear spoiler, the J5 combines strength and softness in perfect balance — a true masterpiece “from classic, beyond classic.”

“The JAECOO J5 is more than a vehicle; it’s a lifestyle statement for today’s generation of freedom seekers,” said Shawn Xu, CEO of OMODA & JAECOO Automobile International. “It’s engineered to fulfill a growing longing for nature and freedom in the midst of urban hustle, and we are proud to bring that vision to the UAE.”

Built on a new powertrain platform, the J5 ensures smooth yet powerful driving performance across all road conditions — from daily city commutes to spontaneous desert adventures. The in-car microphone and karaoke mode add entertainment elements to family trips. “J5 reflects our belief that travel should not only be bold and beautiful but deeply personal and inclusive,” added Shawn Xu. “We invite all UAE residents to test drive the J5 and discover a new standard of off-road elegance.”

The JAECOO J5 will be available for test drives by the end of June 2025 at all official JAECOO showrooms in the UAE.

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NIO Intros 3-Minute Battery Swapping for EVs in UAE

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NIO has launched its Power Swap Station technology in the UAE, offering a rapid alternative to traditional EV charging. This system allows drivers to exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one in approximately three minutes. This infrastructure is designed to address common concerns regarding EV adoption in the UAE, namely long charging times and charger availability. The process is fully automated: vehicles autonomously park within the station, where the discharged battery is automatically removed and replaced. Each swapped battery undergoes a comprehensive health check, ensuring optimal performance and safety, and is charged under ideal conditions to promote longevity.

Key advantages of NIO’s battery swapping include its speed, which is comparable to refueling a traditional car, and a hassle-free, automated process that doesn’t require drivers to leave their vehicle. The system also performs a full system health check with every swap and optimizes battery charging to extend lifespan. Furthermore, the swappable battery design facilitates easier reuse and recycling.

The UAE’s inaugural Power Swap Station opened in February 2025 at Yas Marina Circuit. Since its launch, about 15% of NIO users in the UAE are actively utilizing the battery swapping service, indicating growing local user preference. Unlike conventional charging, which slows as the battery nears full capacity, battery swapping provides instant full charge, enhancing efficiency and making EVs more practical for daily use.

NIO reports significant time savings compared to traditional charging methods. For instance, charging a 100-kilowatt-hour battery from 5% to 95% via an 11kW AC charger typically takes 8 hours, while a Power Swap Station completes this in minutes, offering up to a 99% time saving. Similarly, it provides substantial time reductions compared to 50kW DC (up to 97% saving) and 120kW DC (up to 93% saving) fast chargers.

To date, over 1,749 kilowatt-hours of electricity have been delivered through battery swaps. This energy delivery, which would take approximately 15 hours with a 120kW DC charger, was completed in just 1.4 hours of total swapping time using the Power Swap Station, marking a tenfold improvement in energy delivery efficiency.

As demand for battery swapping increases, a second NIO Power Swap Station is scheduled to open in Dubai in the coming weeks, with additional stations planned throughout the year. This expansion aligns with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which promotes investment in sustainable and innovative mobility solutions to support the UAE’s expanding population.

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The 2025 INFINITI QX55 Arrives in the Middle East

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INFINITI has announced the arrival of the 2025 QX55, a stylish and comfortable crossover coupe that makes a statement with its iconic sloped roofline and confident presence. The latest iteration of the QX55 emphasises daring design, a meticulously crafted interior, and user-friendly technology, promising an elevated driving experience.

The 2025 model year offers buyers a streamlined selection of three well-appointed grades, each providing the added confidence of standard INFINITI Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. Prioritising driver and passenger safety, every QX55 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard active safety technologies. This includes Intelligent Cruise Control, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, High Beam Assist, and Cross Traffic Alert.

The entry-level QX55 LUXE offers a compelling package, powered by a potent and efficient 2.0-liter Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine producing 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Exterior highlights include 20-inch dark-painted aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, drivers will appreciate a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the ProACTIVE Package, heated front seats, a convenient wireless phone charging pad, and the intuitive INFINITI InTouch infotainment system featuring both Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay integration.

Stepping up to the QX55 ESSENTIAL grade adds practical enhancements designed for everyday convenience. These include the Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection for enhanced visibility, integrated navigation, climate-controlled front seats for optimal comfort, and rain-sensing front wipers. The top-of-the-line QX55 SENSORY builds upon the already well-equipped ESSENTIAL grade with a focus on premium materials and advanced features.

The interior is adorned with black natural maple open-pore wood trim and luxurious semi-aniline leather-appointed seating, complemented by heated rear seats. Audiophiles will appreciate the rich and immersive sound delivered by a 16-speaker Bose Performance Series premium audio system, complete with metallic speaker grilles for the tweeters. The SENSORY grade also boasts an elite 3-zone full auto air-conditioning system with front and rear ventilation shut function, auto recirculation with ionizer, and fine particle anti-allergen deodorising filters, along with a convenient head-up display and a motion-activated liftgate.

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