Cars
Road Test: Infiniti QX50 (2019)
The 2019 QX50 from Infiniti is an all-new, redesigned version of the company’s compact luxury SUV. The QX50 comes packed with a wide range of top notch safety and driver-assistance systems, added comforts and a high-tech engine, which has been optimised for performance and efficiency.
The QX50 is the world’s first vehicle to use the new variable compression engine, which Infiniti claims is one of the most advanced internal combustion engines ever created. It comes with a 2.0L VC-Turbo 4-cylinder engine that produces 268 horsepower at 5,600-rpm and 380Nm of torque between 4,400-4,800-rpm.
The Infiniti QX50 accompanies one of the most prettiest exteriors for a compact SUV, which is complemented by an interesting set of interior design cues in its class. You get LED headlamps (LED high/low beam) and LED signature daytime running lamps, a power lift-gate, and 19-inch silver-painted alloy wheels with run-flat tyres.
The SUV also comes with the world’s first active engine mount vibration damping system, which has been designed to cancel out engine noise and vibration during acceleration. The damping system has been placed on the upper engine mount, and hence it isolates and dampens engine harshness and noise through counter-balancing vibrations.
The Infiniti QX50 comes with a front wheel drive, while an Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) option is also present. The QX50 is a bigger and practical vehicle, but it is slightly lighter than the outgoing predecessor. The interior styling has a mix of materials including microfiber suede and leather. The infotainment system though is the same as the outgoing model with a dual screen setup – the INFINITI InTouch dual display Navigation system, with upper 8-inch and lower 7-inch VGA LCD touch screens.
You also get an 8-way power-adjustable front seats, paddle shifters, anti-glare rearview mirror, a Bose 6-speaker audio system, a drive mode selector (with modes such as standard, eco, sport, and personal), and electronic parking brake. Power delivery is smooth in most driving conditions and the overall drive quality is pretty good.
With the new QX50, Infiniti has put some thoughts into making this vehicle fuel economy-friendly. You can do around 12 kms per liter with an average of 9 liters per 100 kms. It offers a very comfortable ride and is very quite – whether you are driving on-road or off-road.
The Infiniti QX50 boasts of one of the most accommodating back seats in the segment, a large cargo area, the best interior Infiniti has ever crafted, class leading fuel economy and a boatload of new technologies. If you are on the market for a compact luxury SUV, you should definitely check out the new Infiniti QX50.
Price: AED 162,000 onwards
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.”