AAB unveils all-new flagship sedan Lexus LS500 and LS500h PAGE 03 Feature-rich subcompact Kia Rio provides tremendous value WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2017 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT PAGE 05

Reuters Underlining its point, Toyota introduced two new FCVs at the show: the six-seater “Fine-Com- armakers are finally embracing fort Ride” concept car, and the “Sora” fuel-cell electric cars, showcasing concepts Carmakers warm to EVs, but bus, which will be launched next year. ranging from compact sportscars to all-wheel-drive mini SUVs at Tipping Point this year’s Tokyo Motor show, still see role for hydrogen although they haven’t given up on Honda Motor Co announced it would launch Calternative technologies. a compact EV in Japan in 2020, following Nis- After years of investing in hydrogen fuel cells san Motor Co, long a proponent of EVs and maker and electric-petrol hybrids, Japanese manufac- of the Leaf, the world’s best-selling battery elec- turers are talking up all-battery electric vehicles tric car launched in 2010. (EVs) at the annual gathering. As advances in lithium ion battery technol- Many are looking to catch up with global ogy improve charging times and lower rivals amid rapidly tightening global emissions production costs, some automakers and suppli- regulations and improving technology that may ers expect increased demand will boost EV sales make EV batteries a price-competitive option within the next decade, lowering their price to petrol engines in the coming years. towards gasoline vehicles. “As far as green cars go, vehicle powertrain “We see this tipping point happening around electrification is a must,” said Soichiro Okudaira, 2025. By then for the customer to buy petrol or president of Daihatsu Motor Co, a fully owned EV it will be practically same cost,” Nissan Exec- subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corp, which showed utive Vice President Daniele Schillaci said. its concept of the “Pro Cargo” multi-use mini “And then ... if you have the same price for electric van at the show. EVs and petrol why would you buy traditional “EV (technology) is a great match with small technology?” cars people use everyday to commute, go shop- While global automakers acknowledge the ping, because it’s easy to charge and internal combustion engine may become obso- maintain.” lete in the coming decades, smaller automaker Even Toyota, the country’s largest automaker Mazda Motor Corp continues to squeeze more which set up an EV development team just a year efficiency out of petrol engines, developing its ago, said pure EVs would be one of the “key solu- spark-ignition compression engine which it says tions” for cleaner vehicles in the near future. could improve fuel economy by as much as 30 Still, the maker of the Mirai fuel cell vehicle percent. (FCV) is sticking to its view that the hydrogen Others argue that reports of the death of the fuel cell is the ultimate “green car” technology. have been greatly exaggerated. Analysts say FCVs can refuel faster than an “Many in the media appear to be saying that EV can recharge and can travel longer distances, EVs are going to take over the world, but given making them a potentially attractive option for ongoing technology and cost limitations, it will Students from Aichi Highschool of Technology and Engineering pose next to their electric larger vehicles - though the cost and limited refu- be difficult for that to happen anytime soon,” vehicle named Collapse during the 45th Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo, Japan. elling infrastructure pose challenges. Subaru Corp CEO Yasuyuki Yoshinaga said.

CHAIRMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR ADVERTISING MANAGER SUPPLEMENT EDITOR ADVERTISING COORDINATOR DESIGN PRODUCTION Mohammed Salim Mohamed Ali Wahba Pramod Prabhakaran Muhammad Shammas Abraham Augusthy Sebastian TK 2 WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2017 Skoda's new SUV, Kodiaq, launched in Qatar

koda Auto launched Kodiaq will do in Qatar and the their first large SUV, Middle East,” Timmermann said. Kodiaq, in Doha mar- “We are thrilled to introduce ket. The Kodiaq has a the first large SUV from Skoda to sporty appearance and Doha’s market,” said deputy man- crystalline design. aging director of Ibin Ajayan SAt the launch that took place Group Ayman Farouk. recently at the re-branded show- “The Skoda Kodiaq will be a room of Ibin Ajayan Automobiles, game changer in its segment as Skoda’s Octavia, which has been well as a breakthrough product. It’s given a facelift, was also revealed. no secret that Kodiaq is offering The launch also marked Ibin everything our brand promises. It Ajayan Automobiles and Skoda's has features that are premium and “15 years of success in Qatar." innovative even for SUVs in higher With a length of 4.70m, a segments. With its striking design, seven-seat configuration and the guaranteed performance, comfort “largest boot space within its class”, and safety and the best in next- the Skoda Kodiaq represents the generation technology, I am sure brand’s strengths, design that is full Kodiaq will attract audience inter- of character, extraordinary inte- est,” he said. rior space, practical intelligence Farouk said their company and and innovative technology on par customers were not only welcom- with vehicles from higher seg- ing the new Kodiaq but also ments, according to a press celebrating 15 years of success and statement. great relations with partners Skoda Skoda’s regional director for Auto. Officials of Ibin Ajayan Automobiles and Skoda at the launch of Kodiaq sales, Asia and Middle East, Stefan “The Octavia is also getting a Timmermann, said at the launch new facelift on this occasion,” he that the Kodiaq marks the begin- said. ning of Skoda’s SUV campaign in Skoda sales manager for the more seats in the third row are available reiterating Skoda’s strong emphasis on “meets the latest standards stipulated by the country. Middle East Martin Kolar also as an optional extra, making the vehicle safety and remains the segment automobile makers”, the statement noted. “Wherever we have launched attended the launch. Skoda’s first seven-seater. benchmark. “The re-branded showroom elements the Kodiaq so far, the feedback and The Kodiaq boasts of spacious The range of petrol engines consists For the first time, the Smart Link all- ensure a great customer experience that the order intake are exceeding our interiors, a large boot space with of two 1.4 TSI engines and one 2.0 TSI. in-one app also integrates SmartGate in leads to making the right decisions when expectations. We have markets a volume of up to 2,065 litres, and On an average, the engine returns a fuel the Kodiaq SUV – alongside Apple Car- it comes to the most suitable model and where you place an order today is equipped with “state-of-the-art” efficiency of 16.25km/litre. The Kodiaq Play, Android Auto and MirrorLink accessories for their needs,” Timmer- and the expected delivery time will infotainment systems and new accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.1 sec- standards. Meanwhile, the new show- mann added. be the first quarter of 2019. Know- connectivity features. onds and reaches a top speed of up to room of the local importer and distributor ing that, I am very curious but The Kodiaq’s rear seats can be 192km/h. confident how this beautiful folded in the 60:40 ratio and two The nine airbags come as standard,

Your future Special delivery: commute could Carmakers make be by taxi drone Bloomberg plug for electric vans Chinese startup has developed a flying car that it plans to roll A out as soon as next year. Reuters said Ashwani Gupta, head of the light EHang Inc.’s E-184 drone can commercial business at the automaking carry one passenger in its small n the rush toward electric vehicles, alliance of Nissan and France’s Renault cockpit, but the firm says it’s work- carmakers are increasingly spar- SA. ing on a model that can carry two. ing a thought for the humble “There’s no other option but to go Four battery-powered propel- Idelivery van, an often overlooked electric.” lers lift the drone off the ground, and segment with big growth potential given Nissan plans to launch the refriger- it’s equipped with fully-automated tightening pollution restrictions in urban ation model in Japan next year, Gupta navigation, according to CEO Hu. areas. said. Both Nissan and Renault already Passengers select a pre-programmed Given lingering consumer concerns market electric vans in Europe. flight path and then strap in for the about cost and charging infrastructure, Nissan is also looking to introduce ride. The E-184 has a cruising speed many in the industry expect it will take the e-NV200 series in China in the near Toyota Auto Body's LCV D-Cargo concept model is displayed at the 45th of up to 100 kilometers (62 miles) an at least a decade for electric vehicles term as it expects demand will “explode” Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo, Japan. hour and can stay in the air for 25 (EVs) to win over mainstream car as big cities in the country effectively ban minutes, the company says. owners. gasoline and diesel trucks and vans in It’s currently being tested at But as e-commerce begins to dom- an effort to crack down on emissions. services, Toyota Auto Body, a wholly on Toyota’s gasoline-hybrid EHang’s headquarters: a disused inate the retail sector and cities clamp At the moment, the country’s elec- owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corp, models marketed in Japan, and can be theme-park on the outskirts of down on pollution, more vehicle mak- tric light commercial vehicle market has was thinking about the harried delivery adapted to operate as an all-battery Guangzhou, southern China, a city ers see opportunities for faster take-up yet to be tapped by major foreign auto- van driver when it designed its LCV electric. that’s at the vanguard of the coun- of EVs as delivery vehicles, taxis and makers, although Ford Motor Co wants D-Cargo concept model. Removing the passenger seat try’s push to move away from cheap, other business uses in dense, urban areas. to drive its truck-making China partner “We set out to make the delivery entirely, the driver’s seat configuration low-end manufacturing and toward At the Tokyo Motor Show recently, Jiangling Motors Corp (JMC) more toward truck more comfortable for drivers,” said - which includes a retractable steering cutting-edge technology. Nissan Motor Co, an early embracer of electric commercial vans. Ichiro Mukai, who worked on the mod- wheel and rounded seat corners - is “We will start mass production EV technology and maker of the Leaf, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Cor- el’s design. designed to enable drivers to get in and of our passenger drones at the begin- the world’s top-selling electric car, poration, majority owned by Germany’s “In the past home deliveries mainly out of the vehicle more quickly and ning of next year,” Hu told unveiled a concept model of its e-NV200 Daimler AG, has also begun selling its centered around larger parcels, but easily. Bloomberg TV. “We also plan to electric van with refrigeration capabil- eCanter electric light-duty truck in the recently, a big increase in the number of A removable tablet device in the install fully automated production ities, designed to transport chilled food United States, Europe and Japan, where deliveries has come just as people are center of the steering wheel enables driv- lines to enlarge manufacturing to restaurants and homes. it targets transport delivery services and getting smaller parcels delivered,” he ers to easily locate parcels in the hold, capacity in 2018.” “Imagine if you have city access chal- convenient stores. said, adding that this had increased the where track shelving units and a wider EHang has big ambitions — it lenges, how will you get food delivered As increases demand for e-com- workload of drivers. door opening allows for easy access to wants to develop a network of taxi to restaurants, and goods to customers?” merce creates more work for delivery The model’s futuristic design is based parcels from outside the vehicle. drones around the world. WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2017 3 AAB unveils all-new flagship sedan Lexus LS500 and LS500h

AB has launched the all- Lexus International and AAB Senior new, fifth-generation Management. LS500 and LS500h flag- “Not only will the LS symbolize the ship sedan for 2018 in Lexus brand, but it will also become the Qatar. Equipped with definitive new-generation luxury car several world-firsts and embodying Japanese tradition and cul- Lexus’ first performance, design, and ture. Developing such a flagship model A Dr Nasser Abdulghani Al Abdulghani, Chairman, Abdullah Abdulghani and Brothers Co (AAB); with, Seiichi Otsuka, safety features, the new premium pas- required a massive paradigm shift. senger car is set to not only win the Rather than being bound by the con- Ambassador of Japan to Qatar; Abdulrahman Abduljaleel Al Abdulghani, Vice Chairman, AAB; Toshiyuki Nakahara, hearts of the region’s luxury enthusi- ventions that had defined luxury cars in Project GM, Lexus International (Lexus); Shinji Kishida, Deputy Chief Engineer, Lexus; R K Murugan, CEO, AAB; and asts, but also redefine luxury the past, we aimed to create a car with other officials; during the launch of All New 2018 Lexus LS 500 and LS 500h at a function held at the Mondrian driving. an innovative, emotional, and sensual Hotel in Doha. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula The event was attended by Dr Nasser appeal that would draw customers’ eyes Abdulghani Al Abdulghani, AAB Chair- away from other luxury cars and pro- Representative Office, Toyota Motor Cor- performance, which in combination with experience,” added Yoshitsugu. man, and Seiichi Otsuka, Ambassador vide entirely new values,” said LS Chief poration, said: “Considered to be in a new its remarkable quietness and exceptional The LS is built on the new Lexus Glo- of Japan to Qatar, along with R K Muru- Engineer Toshio Asahi. league of its own, the all-new LS sedan comfort, symbolizes the true essence of bal Architecture-Luxury (GA-L) gan, AAB Chief Operating Officer-ACEO, Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Repre- builds on the flagship vehicle’s enduring the LS. In addition to its styling that deliv- platform, which ensures a low center of in addition to senior delegation from sentative, Middle East and North Africa DNA for smooth and powerful ers a bold coupe silhouette while offering gravity and optimum weight distribu- a spacious interior, the fifth-generation tion, contributing to the car’s essential LS offers an emotional driving experience stability and handling agility, which in and is equipped with a host of cutting- turn, deliver increased driver rewards. edge technologies. In many ways, this LS The high rigidity of the chassis allows flagship sedan exemplifies our new the new multilink suspension to be approach to create amazing experiences tuned to achieve an excellent handling for our customers, and ignite their emo- performance and the supreme comfort tions through innovation that promises a for which the LS is renowned. truly engaging driving experience.” The 2018 LS Hybrid takes an entirely “We express our deepest gratitude different approach than the previous LS to our customers in the region for Hybrid model. The new state-of-the- extending their constant support in the art Multi Stage Hybrid System combines form of their utmost appreciation for a naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle 3.5- Lexus models, which has encouraged liter V6 gasoline engine with two electric us to push the boundaries of automo- motor/generators and uses a compact, bile design and engineering. We are lightweight lithium-ion battery. The confident that the LS flagship sedan will combined system output of the internal resonate strongly with luxury automo- combustion engine with the electric tive enthusiasts in the region for whom traction system is 354 hp. driving is an emotionally enriching continued on page 4 4 WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2017

glorious heritage of over 100 years comes to life with the all-new Levante. Beautifully sculpted styling, unmistakable performance and a sporty soul – the SUV embodies the quintessential Maserati luxury. And Awith its revolutionary off-road flair, marks a turn- Maserati Levante: ing point in the Trident history. Named after one of the most famous winds in the world – the Levante is commanding in power and poise. It majestically takes the reins as Maser- Redefining off-road luxury ati’s first ever SUV, representing the finest blend of design, exclusivity and performance in this increasingly competitive segment. As the official dealer of Maserati in Qatar, Alfardan Sports Motors drives this gale force towards luxury aficionados in the country. The Levante today is one of the most sought after SUVs among intrepid adventurers, offering a unique on-road drivability and competitive off-road capability while embrac- ing the most valuable aesthetic elements of Italian design . Its performance is only matched by the deal- ership’s impeccable service that promises uninterrupted excitement, from mile to mile. The language of indulgence The Levante retains the timeless grace of Maserati, albeit with an aggressively sculpted front grille that illuminates its elevated SUV proportions. The sporty silhouette captures our attention from its feline-shaped headlights across the muscular, arching front wings to the iconic triple air vents and upper character lines. The steeply tapered, coupe-like rear section seals the unmistakable Maserati styling. A peek into the SUV’s interiors reaffirms the signature Italian craftsmanship of Maserati. The seats are hand-stitched in sumptuous leather, com- bined with the world-leading Ermenegildo Zegna silk inserts. The sophisticated detailing instinctively illuminates the spaciousness of the cabin, guaran- teeing day-to-day comfort in the lap of luxury. King of the terrain figure of 247 mm. In addition, the Levante is equipped with driv- soul – and its accessories only further accentuate With the Levante, Maserati has accessed the Performance is at the heart of Levante, as evi- ing assistant systems that assist the driver when it. largest luxury segment in the world, while creat- dent by a variety of performance-oriented details being on hills. The Hill Start Assist (HSA) is one of Take for example its loading solutions such as ing the most complete product line-up in the such as the extensive use of lightweight materials, the systems that remove the potential peril of roll- the multipurpose roof racks that are beneficial brand’s history. Trident models have established ideal 50-50% weight distribution and lowest in ing back into the vehicle behind when driving away when transporting sport or travel equipment, or solid on-road supremacy, and now the Italian class centre of gravity, delivering a class-leading from a standstill on an incline. The Hill Descent its 410-litre capacity roof box that dramatically marque has led the way in off-road dexterity. In driving experience. Control (HDC) is another system that allows a increases the loading capacity of the vehicle. The fact, its top-notch performance has earned the Its twin turbo 3.0 V6 gasoline engines, designed smooth and controlled hill descent in rough ter- imposing Levante can also transport up to three award for the Best Mid-Sized Sport Luxury SUV in and manufactured by Ferrari in Maranello, revs rain without the driver needing to touch the brake bicycles using a compact, lightweight and easy- ‘Off-Road Special Edition’ 2017, an annual collab- up with the signature Maserati sound experience. pedal. to-use bicycle carrier. For its 580-litre trunk, orative publication by Arab Motors Middle East Available in two versions with different horse- owners can accommodate and organise cargo of and Maqina. power: the top of the range 430 hp and the exciting Cruise in style every dimension using the luggage divider, or the The model has been built along the lines of a 350 hp, the most powerful Levante sprints to 100 luggage soft box to protect small and medium items. classic Maserati sports car, but aptly modified to km/h in 5.2” and has a top speed of 264 km/h. The world of Maserati bears the hallmarks of The Maserati Genuine Accessories are a per- deliver an unrivalled SUV performance. Featuring Because of the Levante’s on-road and off-road a time-honoured brand, one that lays great atten- fect combination of design and functionality, four distinct drive modes - “Normal”, I.C.E., “Sport” character, Maserati has embedded an advanced tion to elegance, comfort and safety. Alfardan Sports revealing the very essence of the Maserati brand. and “Off-road” , the Levante incredibly transforms active safety and driver assistance technology that Motors recognises the penchant for exclusivity that Every item has been crafted to preserve the style from an elegant motorway GT to an invincible off- detects any unusual handling behaviour and distinguishes Maserati owners from the rest. It aims and efficiency of this magnificent SUV, inviting road SUV. Its dual disposition is powered by one restores the control of the car. Its innovative fea- to build a lifestyle that merges their sophisticated owners to experience world-class standards of of the most sophisticated air suspension technol- tures include: Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & tastes with the brand’s automotive excellence. comfort and performance. ogy in the world that raises or lowers the vehicle Go function, Forward Collision Warning and Brake True to its commitment, the dealership offers From craftsmanship to technology, the Levante according to terrain. While the normal mode pro- Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Surround a range of high-end accessories that are tailored is definitely a game-changer in the marque’s 100- vides 207 mm minimum ground clearance, with View camera and the capacitive 8.4" Touch Screen to the Levante’s high quality and functionality year tradition, gallantly making a mark as the off-road mode the vehicle reaches a remarkable display with brand new rotary control. standards. The SUV harbours a sport, adventurous Maserati of SUVs!

Craftsmanship combined with luxury for a bold statement

continued from page 3 approach to the vehicle, taking care The new system is based on the of the driver and passengers, antici- electronically controlled Continuously pating their needs, and attending to Variable Planetary (CVP) their comfort in every way possible. of Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive, cou- Some of the features through which pled with an all-new four-speed the new LS achieves this are front and automatic gearset at the output stage. rear seats with multiple power adjust- The two systems work together to ments, heating, cooling, and massage expand the overall range of gearing and functions, rear seat arrangement that increase operation of the V6 engine includes an extending leg ottoman and across a wider speed range than pre- the most generous legroom of any LS vious hybrids. The result is impressive generation, and a rear seat entertain- fuel economy, low emissions, and ment system with 11.6-inch screen excellent on-road performance that auto-tilts to the optimum viewing will satisfy even the most demanding angle. driving enthusiast. As a flagship vehicle, pioneering a The new LS will be available also new age and aiming for the best safety with two engine options; a 3.5-liter V6 performance in the world, the new LS engine naturally aspirated Atkinson- unstintingly employs the latest safety cycle producing 311 hp and 380 Nm of technologies including the brand’s torque, and a newly developed 3.5-liter innovative Lexus Safety System+, in twin-turbo V6 engine producing 416 addition to a comprehensive array of hp and 600 Nm of torque, and both safety features to protect its occupants, mated to the first-ever 10-speed auto- such as 14 SRS airbags, Blind Spot Mon- matic transmission for a premium itor (BSM), Vehicle Stability Control passenger car. (VSC), Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), three 20-inch wheel designs, two of All the new wheel designs feature a Luster and Sonic Agate, which repre- A common thread across all the LS Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Elec- which are also new, and feature run- hollow rim structure that helps reduce sent boldness, luminosity, and models is Omotenashi; the concept of tronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), flat tires designed to elevate vehicle resonant sounds generated by the sophistication, to let customers Japanese hospitality, and the all-new and Brake Assist (BA), among many and ride comfort. The 20-inch pre- tires. express their individuality. On the LS flagship sedan is no exception. In others. mium wheels employ a brilliant The LS will be available in 13 dis- other hand, the interior comes in a terms of a luxury automobile, it trans- Furthermore, the 2018 LS debuts appearance created using an electro- tinctive exterior colors, including two total of nine color schemes with nine lates into adopting a human-focused two new 19-inch wheel designs and plating technique known as sputtering. new developed colors; Manganese choices of interior trim. WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2017 5

l Attiya Motors, the exclu- sive dealer of Kia cars in Qatar, unveiled the newly designed Kia Rio at the Kia showroom in Al Sadd. Now Ain its fourth generation, the new Rio stands out thanks to its progressive design, class-leading practicality and safety technologies, new connectivity features and more engaging ride and handling. The all-new 2018 Rio sedan and 5-door hatchback are the latest addi- tions to the world-class Kia Motors Qatar model lineup. Delivering a new eye- catching design that is decidedly European, this subcompact duo will bring an exciting combination of fuel efficiency, innovative technology, advanced safety technology4, everyday convenience and fun-to-drive charac- ter to value-conscious consumers when the cars arrive at Kia retailers in the fourth quarter of this year. European Design Influence Rio’s exterior is defined by crisp lines and smooth surfaces, providing a more sophisticated and sporty appearance over the previous generation. The front Feature-rich subcompact Kia end wears the latest iteration of Kia’s ‘tiger-nose’ grille, integrating newly designed headlights that are swept back for a more aggressive appearance. In addition, Rio’s fog lamp surrounds have Rio provides tremendous value been moved outwards, creating greater visual width to the front fascia and a lower window line around the cabin that provides the driver and passengers with a better all-around view plus visual cues convenience, the center console offers of the Rio’s strong, taut and energetic a bi-level tray to better accommodate character. portable devices such as smartphones The Rio sedan has been lengthened and small tablets. to 172.6 inches (from 172.0 inches) and Thanks to Rio’s larger dimensions the Rio 5-door is now 160.0 inches long and , its cabin is among the (from 159.4 inches). Both profiles fea- roomiest in its class – the sedan’s pas- ture a longer wheelbase of 101.6 inches senger space is 89.9 cubic feet while the (from 101.2 inches) and more upright 5-door hatchback measures 90.5 cubic A-pillars. The sedan and 5-door are also feet. Front occupants will enjoy more lower and wider for a more balanced head room, leg room and shoulder room and athletic stance compared to the out- while those in the second row will ben- going model. And a well-creased efit from greater leg- and shoulder room. shoulder line runs from front to back, These improvements are the result of further stretching the appearance of the re-profiled door trims, new material for car to give it a sleeker and more sub- the headliner and a reshaping of the stantive look than what’s currently found dashboard. Those looking for ample in the subcompact segment. cargo room will not be disappointed with The rear of the Rio is now more either the sedan’s 13.7 cubic feet or the upright thanks to shorter overhangs and 5-door hatchback’s 17.4 cubic feet. With thinner, more expressive taillights. Like the seats folded down, the hatchback the front-end, the rear view of the car is offers a voluminous 32.8 cubic feet with wider, furthering a sense of stability and a low and flat cargo floor to accommo- presence. date luggage, small furniture or weekend The Rio rides on 15-inch and 17-inch gear. wheels that have been pushed toward The front seats have also been rede- the corners. The EX trim’s sporty alloy signed to enhance comfort. They feature wheel design underscores Rio’s fun-to- a slimmer design yet add more cushion drive side and refinement. and padding to reduce driver fatigue during long commutes and road trips. Modern and Convenient Cabin On the tech front, the Rio offers a generous roster of features including below), better responsiveness and low- wheels through either a six-speed front and 10.3-inch rear disc brakes. The Rio’s interior also is decidedly Bluetooth® hands-free functionality5, speed driving dynamics. The main manual or six-speed automatic trans- And, for the first time, Rio is offered more spacious, modern and upscale with a six-speaker stereo with satellite radio features of this unit are a high-pres- mission in both the Rio sedan and Rio with available Autonomous Emergency an improved instrument panel, more and a rear-view camera system6. sure fuel system with direct injection, 5-door. Output is a spirited 130 horse- Braking (AEB). In total, all these ergonomic layout and upgraded interior variable intake system, low-friction power and 119 pound-feet of torque enhancements deliver crisp and nim- materials. The cabin has also been rede- Power and Efficiency oil seals, and piston cooling-jets. The for a more engaging driving ble handling and improve overall signed to better accommodate the Rio’s well-engineered powerplant also uti- experience. driver confidence. new range of technologies. Available in three trims – LX, S and lizes an aluminum valve cover and The engine enhancements help Rio’s solid structure makes use of Horizontal lines running the width EX – the all-new 2018 Rio is powered block for reduced weight, while incor- improve Rio’s fuel economy to 28 city/37 advanced high strength steel to help of the dashboard mimic the exterior by a carryover but enhanced Gamma porating cast iron linings meant for highway/32 combined (automatic, both increase durability, collision test per- design and give the cabin a wider and 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine with increased durability. 5-door and sedan). Equipped with a formance and torsional stiffness for more expansive look and feel. For improved fuel efficiency (as described Power is channeled to the front manual transmission, MPG is 29 city/37 improved handling and ride quality. For highway/32 combined (both 5-door and reduced noise, vibration and harshness sedan), besting the previous generation (NVH), the Rio uses body sealing and by 1 MPG city/1 MPG highway/2 MPG bonding adhesives to dampen sound combined for the automatic and 1 MPG pathways throughout its construction. city/1 MPG highway/1 MPG combined for the manual7. Safety Conscious Advanced Platform The all-new Rio is targeting the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety The Rio’s all-new platform is not (IIHS) Top Safety Pick designation and only dimensionally larger than the pre- a 5-star rating from the National High- vious generation model, but is now way Traffic Safety Administration underpinned by completely new sus- (NHTSA). pension geometry. Weighing in at just Standard safety features include six 2,648 lbs. (manual transmission) and airbags, side-impact door beams, Elec- 2,714 lbs. (automatic transmission), tronic Stability Control, a four-wheel engineers sought to refine the driving Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Hill-start experience with more agile handling Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stabil- and improved ride comfort, and this ity Management (VSM)4. was achieved by designing a fully- The all-new Kia Rio is available in independent MacPherson strut front Qatar with the company’s unique 7-Year, suspension and a torsion beam rear 150,000 km warranty as standard. The axle. The new Rio sedan and Rio new Rio is manufactured at Kia’s Sohari 5-door also benefit from a revised manufacturing facility in Korea. spring and damper setup that helps You can do a test drive of the new make the car more compliant and com- Rio at the KIA Motors Qatar showroom fortable. Stopping power comes from in Al Rayyan Road in the Al Sadd area. 11-inch disc brakes up front and drum The showroom is open daily and can brakes in the rear, while the EX model be contacted at 44039444 or www. is outfitted with 11-inch disc brakes up kiaqatarcom. 6 WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2017

Ferrari GTC4Lusso: Fast, furious and comfortable

he brand new Ferrari available at just 1,750 rpm, the GTC4Lusso has hit the Qatar GTC4Lusso delivers an astonishing top roads and Ferrari fans and speed of 335 km/h and sprints from 0 Tmedia were given an opportu- to 100 km in 3.4 seconds. Both its 13.5:1 nity recently to get close to this game compression ratio and its 2.6 kg/cv changer from the Italian carmaker. weight-to-power-ratio set new records Brand Ferrari ensures certain stand- for the category. ard of excellence and the name is always “The GTC4Lusso brings unprece- associated with an exclusive club of dented versatility to Ferrari driving, sports cars. With GTC4Lusso they have enabling our customers to discover a married sporting excellence to every- whole new dimension of Ferrari. The day comfort in a way never seen before. strikingly sporty coupe promises to sat- Without compromising on the perform- isfy customers with a thirst for speed ance they have added two more seats and power, without compromising on in the back which can accommodate a in-car comfort, sporty elegance and pretty tall person comfortably. The ergo- impeccable detailing. Ferrari Qatar is nomics of the back seats is a mystery as always committed to deliver beyond our it is much more comfortable than most customer’s expectations and offer them hatchbacks. the pleasure of driving a Ferrari any- The new four-seater marks a major where, anytime,” said Charly Dagher, evolution of the sporting Grand Tourer General Manager Ferrari Qatar at concept by integrating rear-wheel steer- Alfardan Sports Motors, official importer ing with four-wheel drive for the first of Ferrari in Qatar. time. Penned by Ferrari Design, the a flawless air of sporty luxury thanks to The GTC4Lusso’s name references GTC4Lusso is a further refinement of the carefully executed detailing. Its Dual In brief illustrious predecessors, such as the 330 the shooting brake coupé that comes Cockpit architecture is another first, GTC or its 2+2 sister model, the 330 GT with an extremely streamlined, tapered designed to enhance the shared driving Technical specification Width: 1,980 mm and the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, which shape giving it an almost fastback-like experience for both driver and passen- Engine Type: V12 - 65° Height: 1,383 mm represented a sublime combination of silhouette. Its sporty soul is underscored ger. The GTC4Lusso also debuts the new Overall displacement: 6262 cc Dry weight: 1,790 kg elegance and high performance. The by the forms and styling of the rear Infotainment platform featuring a 10.25” Max. power output: 507 kW (690 cv) Weight distribution: 47-53% front/ number 4 alludes to the car’s four com- where the curve of the roof has been HD screen with capacitive touch tech- at 8,000 rpm rear fortable seats. lowered whilst retaining enough vol- nology. The new steering wheel is more Max. torque: 697 Nm at 5,750 rpm Performance Powered by a 12-cylinder engine, ume to guarantee exceptional space and compact thanks to a smaller air bag and Dimensions and weight Maximum speed: 335 km/h the GTC4Lusso punches out a massive comfort for all four occupants, as well the integrated controls are more ergo- Length: 4,922 mm 0-100 km/h: 3.4 sec 690 cv at a 8,000 rpm and peak torque as an ample luggage compartment. nomic than ever, making for an even of 697 Nm at 5,750 rpm, with 80% The supercar coupe’s interior exudes sportier driving experience.

ar detailing isn't something you need to use their high-pressure hoses to rinse your wheels do that often. You might roll up your and wheel wells. Remove any heavy buildup. sleeves once a year to perform a top- How to detail a car While you're there, you can also use their high- Cnotch cleaning – sweeping, scrubbing, powered vacuum on your upholstery, dashboard wiping every nook and cranny – on your car. The and carpeting before heading home to tackle the level of clean you need? It's really whatever you stains can be tough, but it's important to remem- with new tape until all areas are done. rest. prefer. Here's a helpful guide to get you started. ber that headliners shouldn't get wet. Use a microfiber cloth and an upholstery cleaner Step 5: Taking out the floor mats Step 8: Finishing touches to the exterior Before you begin designed for use on velour or suede. Brush the entire headliner lightly with a dry part of the cloth. When it concerns floor mats and carpeted areas, Detail the doorjambs first. Any heavy grease The difference between an "OK" and an Then, apply cleaner to the cloth – not directly to it's best to create extra room by getting all of the should be wiped off with dry paper towels. After "incredible" result is tied to the tools you use and the headliner – and continue to gently brush eve- heavily soiled items out of your car. Follow these that, a soapy water solution is fine. Finish with the time you spend on the job. It helps to use spe- rything. For stubborn spots, wet only one corner tips: small brushes for the tight areas, and don't for- cialized car detailing products for specific tasks. of the cloth with cleaner, brush lightly and dry off * Rubber and fabric floor mats should be washed get to wax the doorjambs. Wash small areas at a For instance, toothbrushes come in handy for with the rest of the cloth. outside of the car. time, and keep finished areas wet with frequent small areas that are harder to clean, like vents * If these mats are worn, consider replacing them hosings to avoid water spots. Change the rag and and grilles. Cotton swabs are useful in these spots, Step 3: Cleaning vinyl, plastic and windows with new ones. the water in your bucket often to avoid rubbing too. * If you use a dressing on rubber floor mats, use dirt back onto your car. Use a toothbrush to get Also, try to use name brand products to play Hard interior surfaces can be cleaned with a one that will not make them slippery. into tight areas, such as around headlight and tail it safe, but be certain to read the labels. Even name cloth dampened with all-purpose cleaner. Use a * Use a foaming cleaner for minor carpet stains. light trim, door handles and mirrors. A stiff brush brand products aren't suitable for all paint fin- window cleaner and paper towels on the interior * Avoid getting carpets saturated with water or and soapy water should take care of most every- ishes. If the product does not list that it's safe for glass. cleaner, so mildew won't become a problem. thing on wheels and wheel wells, but remember clear coat finishes, it's probably not. And keep in Pro tip: Finish the glass by rubbing with to keep spraying down the whole car to avoid mind that this likely won't be a five-minute com- balled-up newspaper to give it a gleaming shine. Step 6: Considering the nitty gritty water spots. Also, avoid acid-based cleaners on mitment; a high-quality car detailing job can take clear coat painted or polished metal surfaces of between four and eight hours. Step 4: Scrubbing the seats This is definitely an optional step. The dash- the wheels. board and steering column present some of the Step 1: Getting the hard-to-reach places Specific products are important when you get most time-consuming tasks. Any knobs that can Wrapping up to the seats. Treat dirty fabric upholstery with be removed without damage should be taken off Work on the interior first. Use compressed air foaming cleaners designed for the task. Always so that the bezels beneath them can be more eas- When you're finished washing everything, dry in a can to blow dirt out from the tiny crevices. follow the manufacturers' instructions. Remem- ily cleaned. After you get the air vents cleaned up, the entire car with a heavy terry cloth towel. You Save exterior cleaning for later. By taking this ber, it also helps to have an upholstery brush. Use spray a light mist of aerosol rubber or vinyl dress- can use a clear coat-safe cleaner on scratches and approach, you'll prevent all the dirt you brush out only a leather conditioner on real leather – never ing for a polished, "brand new" look. blemishes in the clear coat layer of paint, but a from undoing exterior detailing efforts. a vinyl cleaner. For tears in vinyl seats, repair kits Pro tip: Some crevices can be cleaned with a cleaner wax will likely address most of the visible can work wonders. thin cloth placed over the end of a plastic knife. irregularities in your paint finish. Just be careful to Step 2: Working from the top down Pro tip: If you have pet hair on fabric uphol- avoid applying wax or polish to plastic or vinyl areas. stery, wrap duct tape or wide masking tape around Step 7: Stopping by the car wash So how are things looking? Even if you skipped a Cloth headliners present a problem since your hand with the sticky side out. Then, roll your step or two, your car is definitely in much better they're glued to the roof. Removing marks and hand over areas until the tape is full of hair. Repeat It's a good idea to visit the local car wash to shape now – inside and out. Source: mobil.com WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2017 7

Kai Concept Mazda’s Vision Coupe, Kai Concept make a mark at Tokyo Motor Show

azda Motor Corporation as they are available for the GCC unveiled two concept mod- market.” els, the Mazda Kai Concept Mand the Mazda Vision Coupe Mazda Kai Concept at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show which concluded on November 5, 2017. Mazda’s next generation theme - the As per Mazda’s development phi- pursuit of a unique elegance. The ele- losophy, a car is more than just a means gance that Mazda seeks to express traces of transport or a mass of metal. It should its heritage right through classic Japanese Vision Coupe be a vital presence in people’s lives, like aesthetics—a beauty that is subtle and a living being. That’s why the KODO — restrained, yet rich and abundant. This Soul of Motion, Mazda’s design could be described as a style which grows philosophy, introduced in 2010, is all out of an exquisite sense of balance— about breathing life into the very form beautifully restrained, with nothing of our cars. overemphasized. Much of Japanese tra- Mazda has captured the energy ditional culture is based on the minimalist found in the frame-by-frame dyna- concept of “less is more,” where the mism of living creatures as they move, emphasis is on removing or minimizing and infused this energy and rhythm into elements to create an abundance of the form of our vehicles, creating cars empty space. In this style, a sense of rich- with a vitality that makes them truly ness emanates from something that alive. appears deceptively simple in design. In National Car Company (NCC), the the coming generation of Mazda cars, they sole agent for Mazda vehicles in Qatar, aim to express the own unique vision of have showcased Mazda’s latest range of elegance as part of this image. sedans and SUV’s in a state of the art Featuring Spark-Controlled Com- showroom located at Al Nasr. pression Ignition, a never-before-seen based on the “golden ratio” of classic motion form” that is the outstanding fea- Sathish Nair, Marketing & Sales combustion method, Mazda’s Skyactiv- Mazda Vision Coupe coupe proportions. The silhouette cre- ture of this model. Manager – Mazda Qatar, who recently X engine represents the second step in ates the feel of a high-performance Mazda have aimed to create an inte- attended the Tokyo Motor, said: “Maz- Mazda’s quest to develop a gasoline The Mazda VVision Coupe is a next- machine, with a hint of powerful for- rior that allows occupants to feel safely da’s development philosophy and the engine with the ideal internal combus- generation design vision model which ward momentum. ensconced in the cabin without any next generation models on display at tion mechanism. showcases the “new elegance” that was From the Mazda badge on the front sense of confinement, creating a sense the Tokyo Motor show gives us great Developing compression ignition for developed drawing upon Mazda’s long to the badge on the back, a single pow- of oneness between the car and those confidence that the Mazda customers gasoline engines has long been a goal history of design. The name of the car, erful axis runs right through the car, who travel in it. are well assured of the latest design, of engineers. In the Skyactiv-X, spark “Coupe” gives a hint of where this spe- evoking the look and feel of supple steel, For more information on the 2017 comfort, safety and performance fea- plug ignition is used to control compres- cial “Mazda elegance” originally came with all the car’s movements centering and 2018 models of Mazda sedans and tures much ahead of the contemporary sion ignition, resulting in dramatic from. on this central vector. The result is a SUVs, visit Mazda showroom, or call offerings in the market. We will be improvements across a range of impor- In this model, Mazda have sought to form that is extraordinarily simple yet 44435965/44417859 or visit www. introducing the latest models as soon tant performance indicators. create a beauty that’s special to cars full of a sense of latent speed: the “one mazda-qatar.com 8 WEDNESDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2017 All-new Jaguar XF Lighter, more efficient & packed with technology

he all-new Jaguar XF brings an unri- The all-new XF retains its predecessor’s core valled blend of design, luxury, attributes, but uses Jaguar’s aluminium-intensive technology and efficiency to lead the architecture to enable weight savings of up to 190kg business car segment, underpinned by – making the 163PS diesel model 80kg lighter than class-leading driving dynamics and the nearest competitor – plus an increase in tor- Trefinement. sional stiffness of up to 28 per cent. The architecture The dynamic, coupé-like design is formed also delivers dramatic improvements in packaging around Jaguar’s aluminium-intensive architecture and the proportions so essential to Jaguar design. and combines the outstanding proportions, ele- The all-new XF is 4,954mm long: at 2,960 the gant surfaces and perfect lines which define all wheelbase is 51mm longer than before, the front Jaguar cars, with a longer wheelbase, more inte- overhang 66mm shorter. Though 7mm shorter and rior space and exceptionally low aerodynamic drag. 3mm lower than the original XF, rear seat space is and petrol models respectively. EPAS also enables A first for XF AWD is the addition of the Adap- The cabin is a seamless blend of contemporary class-leading thanks to 15mm more legroom, 24mm functions such as camber compensation and tive Surface Response (AdSR) mode to Jaguar Drive luxury materials and finishes, traditional Jaguar more kneeroom and up to 27mm more headroom advanced driver assistance systems including lane- Control. Leveraging Jaguar Land Rover’s unrivalled craftsmanship and state-of-the art technology, with than before. Aerodynamics are also superior: the keep assist, driver condition monitoring and expertise, AdSR identifies the type of surface, such features such as a reconfigurable 12.3-inch TFT drag coefficient drops from 0.29 to just 0.26. bay- and parallel park-assist. as snow or gravel, and adapts the mapping of the instrument cluster, laser head-up display and the The light, stiff body is also fundamental to the Advanced passive damper technology deliv- engine, transmission, steering and Dynamic Sta- InControl Touch Pro premium infotainment system all-new XF’s superb vehicle dynamics. Double ers exceptional ride quality as standard through bility Control to make the vehicle even more – the all-new XF is the most connected Jaguar ever. wishbone front suspension and Integral Link rear an extra valve which reduces damping forces at composed in low-grip conditions. “I believe the all-new XF is the best looking car suspension – combined with near-50:50 weight low speeds. For even better control the Adaptive Ability is unrivalled in rear-wheel drive form in its class. Elegant, handsome and with propor- distribution – deliver the ideal balance between Dynamics system monitors body movement 100 too. All-Surface Progress Control, developed for tions that imbue a great sense of integrity – the ride and handling. times a second and wheel movement 500 times a low-speed driving in adverse conditions, automat- all-new XF is true to the great tradition of sport- “From an engineering perspective, our targets second to determine the optimum damper settings ically manages the brakes and the throttle to deliver ing Jaguar saloons while being completely of its with the all-new XF were bound by one holistic for the driving conditions. the best possible traction, enabling the car to pull time,” Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar, said. goal – it had to do everything better, and it does. Jaguar Configurable Dynamics technology, away smoothly and without drama: the driver only The 2007 XF was a radical step forward for “It offers even better dynamics, even greater optional on all V6 models, provides the ultimate has to steer. ASPC operates between 3.6km/h and Jaguar – and for the business car segment. Com- refinement for the comfort of its occupants, it deliv- in control and enables the driver to individually 30km/h, and the desired speed is set by the driver bining a sleek, coupé-like exterior and a luxurious ers an all-new infotainment system, and it utilises tailor settings of the dampers, steering, engine and using the cruise control switches. interior, it set the class benchmark for aesthetics every last mm of packaging to maximise interior eight-speed automatic transmission. Infotainment and connectivity is the most and driving dynamics. space, while exploiting all the weight-saving opti- All-wheel drive (AWD) was engineered into advanced Jaguar has ever offered. The all-new Features such as the rotary shift controller, misation offered by our new aluminium-intensive the vehicle from day one. The torque on-demand InControl Touch Pro system builds on the intuitive rotating air vents and phosphor blue ambient light- architecture. As a driver you will notice these ben- system is new, and the transfer case features a user interface of InControl Touch, and supports all ing set the cabin apart from the competition and efits from the moment you sit behind the wheel,” lighter, quieter, more efficient chain drive. the same features – including InControl Apps, made the XF a highly desirable, aspirational vehi- says Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar XF. Capability is also enhanced by the advanced InControl Remote and Wi-Fi hotspot – but offers cle. It was like nothing Jaguar had ever made before, Adopting Electric Power Assisted Steering control system first used in F-TYPE AWD: Intelli- a 10.2-inch touchscreen and Dual View technol- and like nothing the competition could offer. The (EPAS) maintains Jaguar’s leadership in steering gent Driveline Dynamics (IDD). This delivers ogy which simultaneously allows the driver to see XF went on to become the most-awarded Jaguar feel but also reduces fuel consumption by up to rear-drive handling with the performance and trac- information such as navigation, while the front ever. two per cent and three per cent for diesel tion benefits of AWD. seat passenger watches TV or a DVD.