Cars
Road Test: Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury 2.0 (2018)
The all-new 2018 Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury 2.0 features a modern design that replaces its boxy shape to mark this next generation of SUV. Powered by a 2.0 litre petrol engine, the Discovery HSE Luxury produces 400Nm of torque and goes from 1 to 100kmph in 7.7 seconds.
The SUV seats seven in comfort and it comes with plenty of equipment including InControl touchscreen infotainment display, rear mounted screens, heated seats for all occupants, and so on. Boot space with 7 seats in place is 258 litres, 5 seats 629 litres, or 2,406 litres with all folded flat.
On paper the fuel economy is quoted at 7.2 litres per 100 kms. The new Discovery is no less capable than its predecessor off road. It comes with 20-inch 10 split-spoke ‘Style 1011’ alloy wheels and Atlas grille with Narvik Black surround. It also accompanies body-coloured door handles with Noble surround.
You also get LED headlights with LED signature with Auto High Beam Assist (AHBA), power fold and heated door mirrors with approach lights, and rain sensing windscreen wipers. For parking assistance, you get a surround camera system, which works perfectly by taking out all the hassles of parking in a tight spot.
The Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury 2.0 also comes with keyless entry, powered gesture tailgate, electric sunroof (tilt/slide front glass) with fixed rear glass pano (including power blinds), Windsor leather seats, and Meridian Sound System 825W with 14 speakers plus subwoofer.
Inside the cabin, you also get a 10-inch touchscreen with Touch Pro Navigation system, in addition to a three-zone Climate Control and configurable Ambient Interior Lighting. The overall exterior design is cleaner compared to its predecessors. It marks the a modern outlook on the Land Rover.
The interior is just as impressive. The build quality is top notch and you would be forgiven to think that you were actually sitting inside a Range Rover. The wood trims, the high-quality leather and the neat stitching patterns add points to the overall value proposition of the vehicle.
The ride quality is fantastic and the car handles really well. Driving the Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury 2.0 on-road and a bit off-road was a very smooth and comfortable experience. All around visibility is very good and the surround camera system helps in more than one way.
Overall, the Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury 2.0 lives up to the expectations you would have with a Land Rover. It aced both on-road and off-road capabilities with ease. If you would like to have the new Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury 2.0 on your driveway, it starts at a price point of AED 380,000.
Price: AED 380,000
Cars
Sinotruk Enters UAE Market with New Brand VGV
Chinese automotive giant Sinotruk, a pioneer in the heavy-duty truck industry, has officially entered the UAE market with its new passenger vehicle brand, VGV (Visionable Global Vanguard). Established in 1930, Sinotruk has a long innovation and technical excellence history. The company’s decision to expand into the passenger car market is a testament to its growing global ambitions.
The new VGV showroom is in Al Qouz 1, Dubai, UAE. The brand offers various vehicles, including SUVs, pickups, vans, and MPVs, powered by various energy sources such as electric, hybrid, fuel, diesel, and alternative energy.
VGV’s SUV models are designed to cater to families, offering spacious interiors and advanced safety features. The pickup models, powered by the renowned Wei Chai Engine manufactured by Sinotruk, are known for their durability and performance.
Prices for VGV vehicles start at AED 73,000, making them an attractive option for consumers seeking quality and affordability.
Cars
Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles Launch the Audi Q2
Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles have launched the Audi Q2 in the UAE. The vehicle will be on display at 25hours Hotel One Central from October 3rd to 6th, 2024. Audi customers and car enthusiasts are invited to be part of the exclusive celebration marking the arrival of the new Audi Q2 under the vibrant theme of ‘Paint the Town’.
Guests who visit on October 3rd will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a hands-on spray-painting session surrounding the new car, indulge in Q2-inspired mocktails, relish in live music from DJ Tala Samman and be among the first to explore the stylish and comfortable feature of the Audi Q2.
“The arrival of the Audi Q2 is a testament to our dedication to bringing the best in design, technology, and innovation to our customers in Dubai and the Northern Emirates,” said K. Rajaram, CEO of Al Nabooda Automobiles. “This segment serves as a gateway into the Audi family for younger buyers seeking to purchase their first vehicle or upgrade their current one. Its youthful, modern styling combined with upgraded technology makes it the perfect choice for those who demand versatility and a dynamic driving experience in every setting.”
The Audi Q2 receives a significant upgrade to its infotainment system, as well as the addition of the virtual cockpit and an 8.8-inch touchscreen as the central control unit for the MMI (Multi-Media Interface). In addition, a convenient storage compartment replaces the previous rotary/push button. Audi Q2 is now available across all Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles showrooms, with a starting price of AED 139,900.
Cars
Ford Launches the 2025 Explorer
The all-new 2025 Ford Explorer is here to redefine the midsize SUV segment. With a striking new design, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on comfort and performance, the Explorer is a versatile vehicle that caters to the needs of modern families and adventure seekers alike.
The 2025 Explorer boasts a bold and athletic exterior with a redesigned front fascia, grille, and headlights. The interior has also been updated with premium materials, enhanced comfort features, and a more intuitive layout. The spacious cabin offers ample seating for up to seven passengers and plenty of cargo room for your adventures.
Under the hood, the Explorer offers a range of powerful engine options to suit different driving styles. The advanced technology package includes a large touchscreen display, a digital instrument cluster, and a suite of driver-assistance features for added safety and convenience.
Whether you’re commuting to work, embarking on a family road trip, or hitting the trails for an adventure, the 2025 Ford Explorer delivers a refined and enjoyable driving experience. With its combination of style, comfort, performance, and technology, the Explorer is a standout choice in the midsize SUV segment.
“The Explorer has been a mainstay of Ford’s lineup for 34 years and we’re really excited to bring the latest edition of one of the world’s most popular SUVs to the region,” says Andrew Gregory, Brand Marketing Manager for Explorer at Ford Middle East. “With an expansive range of three distinctive, versatile trims, we have meticulously recrafted the Explorer with upgraded technologies and features that equip drivers – and passengers – for whatever adventures life brings their way.”