Cars
Road Test: MG Motors MG5 (2020)
MG Motors has been exciting the market with excellent quality vehicles in recent times. The latest vehicle to roll out of its factory floors is the compact-sedan MG5, which is the upgraded version of the MG 350. The MG5 boasts expressive body lines, with a sharply chiseled but gently flowing shoulder line and a pleasingly tear-drop shaped roof—a style touted as ‘Rhythm Design.’
These lines are finished off with attractive light clusters and chrome. Overall, the MG5 looks sporty. Under the hood, the MG5 gets a turbocharged 1.5 litre 4-cylinder engine, which is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Standard features that accompany the vehicle include power windows, power mirrors, infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple Carplay and Bluetooth.
You also get fabric seats with manual adjustment, folding rear seats, fog lamps, front and rear disc brakes, and steel wheels. As we go higher up the range, features include climate control, leather seats, electric seats,sunroof, rear parking sensor and 16-inch alloy rims. Standard safety features include ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and cornering brake control (CBC).
Inside the cabin, there are multiple USB connection ports, smartphone pockets, cubbies, and storage boxes aplenty. However, the center shelf is a bit narrow for bigger smartphones, and there’s no ledge to rest it on in front of the non-telescoping steering wheel for navigation use. You do however get generous elbow and headroom. This is because it is a bit wider and longer compared to similar sedans in its price category.
What’s more, the long 2,680mm wheelbase provides great legroom. You also get a wide and flat 512-liter cargo compartment which sits behind the backseat. The front seats were soft and comfortable to sit on. This is a car in which you could comfortably cruise hundreds of kilometers.
There is no automatic climate control in this car, so you’d have to use the touchscreen or use the knob to adjust your fan speed or temperature. Airbags are ample in number in the MG 5’s interior. You have a total of four, two in the front and two on the sides.
As mentioned before, the MG5 is powered by a 1.5L 112-hp motor that is capable of offering 150 Nm of torque mated to a CVT. It has all the ingredients to make for a good daily driver, and it drives very well. Even on longer road trips, the drive quality is very good and it offers an overall smooth experience.
We did find a bit of lag, especially when the traffic lights turned green and we hit the accelrator for pick up. However, after a couple of times, once you get used to it, the drive can be smooth. The steering is light and easy to manage at tight corners and roundabouts. Fuel economy is also quite good – we were able to clock 18km/l on an average on highways.
The MG Motors MG 5 is a really good sedan coming in at a starting price tag of AED 40,500. The MG5 offers an exciting package – it offers a compact-sedan at subcompact prices. The MG5 has so much going for it that will surely win you over similar priced cars on the market that offer less value for the price you pay for.
Price: AED 40,500 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.”