Cars
Road Test: Ford Expedition (2018)
Ford has gone ahead and completely redesigned the Expedition for 2018, and it returns to market with more power, more cargo volume, better mileage, and new driver-assistance and collision-avoidance technologies.
The Expedition comes with a 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 650Nm of torque. You also get plenty of room – both headroom and bedroom – in the second and third row seats. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported across the lineup.
In addition, the Expedition comes enhanced active parking-assist system and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. You also get the standard Auto Start-Stop and a new 10-speed automatic transmission. What’s more, the Ford Expedition is filled with 40+ features and more driver assist technologies than any vehicle in its class.
On the outside, you get an upscale exterior appearance, that includes Platinum-specific grille, satin chrome exterior trim, LED headlamps, fog lamps and taillamps, and power-deployable running boards. Inside, you get new multi-contour front seats with Active Motion, which are also heated and cooled. The center console gets a real wood accent treatment, while you also get brushed aluminium inserts for the front door sill scuff plates.
The Expedition also offers Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, dual-headrest rear entertainment system and B&O Play premium audio system, which offers a 12-speaker system. You also get a huge sunroof up top and it comes with a seven-mode Terrain Management System with Sand Mode, perfect for off-roading in this part of the world.
You also get a 360-degree camera system that gives you a full look around the vehicle exterior. In addition, there’s wireless charging, four 12-volt power points, up to six USB ports positioned in all three rows, and a 230-volt outlet help you stay in charge.
As mentioned earlier, the Expedition comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a wide range of driving modes. The modes can be selected using a rotary knob on the center console and access the driving modes using the button next to the transmission knob.
Choices in the driving modes include Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sand. The ride and handling quality of the For Expedition is top notch for a full-size SUV. On a highway, it drives very smoothly and off-road, it handles awesomely. The Expedition is also surprisingly quiet inside, even when driving at higher speeds.
Braking is smooth, too, making this full-size SUV to a calm and complete stop without any hassle. The Ford Expedition is one of the best in its class of full-size SUVs since it comes with more interior room, greater comfort, superior cargo space and better towing capacity. If you are looking for a full-size SUV, the redesigned Ford Expedition (2018) is definitely worth a look.
Price: AED 173,250 onwards
Cars
Rolls-Royce Unveils Black Badge Ghost Series II
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has today unveiled the Black Badge Ghost Series II, a daring and powerful new expression of its iconic Ghost model. This latest addition to the Black Badge family is the most agile, driver-focused, and technically advanced Rolls-Royce ever created.
Powered by an uncompromising 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine in a high-power configuration, the Black Badge Ghost Series II delivers exceptional performance. The all-wheel-drive, all-wheel-steering chassis, combined with the Black Badge Planar Suspension System, ensures a thrilling and dynamic driving experience.
The exterior design of the Black Badge Ghost Series II is equally striking, featuring a unique lower grille, darkened chrome accents, and a dramatic 22-inch wheelset. The interior is equally impressive, with luxurious materials, advanced technology, and a focus on driver comfort and control.
Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “Black Badge Ghost Series II responds to a very specific demand among our clients – those who wish to enjoy the potency of this motor car’s uncompromising engine and inherent agility almost exclusively from the driver’s seat.”
Juliane Blasi, Head of Exterior Design at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, added, “With Black Badge Ghost Series II, we have introduced subtle but impactful design impulses that clearly signal this motor car’s incredible agility and power.”
The Black Badge Ghost Series II is available to commission now, alongside the Ghost Series II and Ghost Extended Series II.
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.