SRT-AUTOMAN-230x300.pdf 1 5/15/12 6:39 PM 130 No 130 June 2012 Oman’s Best Automotive Resource OMR 0.500 AED 5.00 QR 5.00 AUTOM A N JUNE 2012

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T OYOT A 86 EST | J GU R XF IN FI N I FX35 2012 HOND C -V FORD F-150 RA M 1500 H E V Y COLOR DO OTORSPORTS 2012 Jaguar XF Refinement takes an upgrade 2012 CR-V Now more Macho! SO MUCH MORE THAN FAST. 2012 Infiniti FX35 More than the grille

2012 86 Exclusive test    ™8=GNHA:G(%%8HGI-™9D9<:8=6AA:C<:GHGI-™9D9<:8=6G<:GHGI- Now your thrills are affordable       

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For more information call: 2458 4530 or email us at [email protected] SUVMega Feature Automan Omn 460x300 E.indd 1 5/17/12 3:11 PM Automan Omn 460x300 E.indd 1 5/17/12 3:11 PM A pocket rocket with all the road manners of an imp: 20 Toyota’s new 86 floors our testers with its slightly unruly manners

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

General Motors t a time when most consumers Dodge label and rebranded it as utilitarian truck gets metamorphosed deactivation technology. have to be really tall or quite features, including standard abundant in the rear as well. f you saw the Yes the Colorado or its manufacturing hub. around the world are conscious Ram sees most of its changes and into a lifestyle edition with efficient Besides that, Chrysler has also agile to get in or out this truck. front and rear side-curtain air Rear view from inside the cabin have had to General Motors equivalent was there The country is known Aabout spending and allocating enhancements beneath its skin. The and powerful engines along with new rolled out several fuel-saving Even a runner board as standard bags with Enhanced Accident is poor. To compensate that in Iof previous years before, but in those for its love affair with budgets for smaller purchases, top-of-the-line Ram Laramie edition, technology features such as multiple technologies in the Ram inspired kit would have also helped solve Response System, side seat view of the demands and job reorganise product and the new General days it was essentially a the pick-up truck and Chrysler Group LLC decides to our test vehicle, has been subtly displacement systems. With these by supercars and first up on some of these issues. airbags, knee bolsters, seat belt description of the vehicle, one of one aspect that is rebadged Isuzu pick-up almost every Japanese 18 revamp it revolutionary Ram 1500 tweaked on the exterior for some features on board,66 the Ram is now a the list is an active grille shutter Besides this niggle, we think pretensioners, anti-lock brake the things which we thought as lines after their 70 most noticeable is that with a petrol engine. manufacturer and More and more pick up truck range for the light- freshness. The grille is taller and the few notches ahead of its class. that automatically opens and most of the practical options system, BeltAlert® system and odd initially was the abnormal slimmer GM has had to In the region, we thus both GM and Ford automakers are focusing duty lifestyle market. Redesigned in front bumper is new, plus previously Our Quad Cab Laramie 1500 closes depending on the engine’s included such as under-floor electronic stability control plus long and large exterior rear rebirth and the divest its stake in some saw the D-Max and the have manufacturing their attention on the 2008, Chrysler Group has taken the optional quad halogen headlights are edition was powered by a 5.7-litre cooling needs and vehicle speed. storage bins, lockable Ram available adjustable pedals, view mirrors. Although designed other manufacturers. Colorado being sold as facilities that make world’s most buoyant next logical step and ensured it gets now standard across the 1500 line, Hemi V8 which has been tweaked We’ve seen these on several Box integrated into the rear ParkSense® rear park assist and to help drivers with highway Colorado is one of The older wisdom was the diesel/petrol choice. pick-up trucks and market – China. Evidence what the market wants – efficiency, as are LED taillights. Also new is a to offer some extra horses and efficiency-minded sedans and mudguards and in general, ParkView® rear back-up camera. lane changes or during towing, that the organisation And it wasn’t as if the their platform variants

of this and more came at B Mallik Chandan and Warrior Photography: Raj comfort and better packaging -- headlight option that includes LED torque. Now offering 390hp and super , but this is the first plenty of storage space befit the Safety ratings stand at three since rear visibility is poor when the new spin-offs could have a controlling petrol variant was doing for both the local and the recent 12th thereby virtually guaranteeing a lease indicators and side markers. Also we 548Nm of torque, power is delivered application on a pick-up. nature of the overall package. out of five stars and a couple of compared to a typical sedan or interest or close to any favours to the export markets. Toyota International Automotive of life in this segment. note there’s a lot of chrome surfaces through a new six-speed automatic As the vehicle is quite high The wide cabin makes space for ‘marginal’ scores from the IIHS. SUV, or when towing, it takes of this approach. that in some makers brand. famously centres its Exhibition In a brand and power conscious on the truck but no runner boards as transmission to the wheels. The and its ground clearance is real three-across seating on the a while to get accustomed to – like Suzuki, Daewoo Now, with the new GM IMV platform here – Middle East market, the current Ram standard kit. truck is also equipped with electronic more than that of an average standard rear bench. Our tester Driving impressions the split mirror arrangement. Automan tests the and Isuzu and have things are different. with the Innova, Hilux We have been patiently model is in its fourth-generation. The major portion of the revamp range selector and on-demand truck, thanks to it 20in rims and came with the adjustable bucket In any of the Ram versions, front However, we found it extremely access to their vehicle There has been a and Fortuner being waiting and watching The Ram 1500 as it is known now exercise has been focused on four-wheel-drive . This wheels set, one would have seats and was divided by a huge seats are generously sized, soft helpful when trying the park the Pick-up truck in platforms, which were concerted US$ 2 produced here and part developments in the Bentley W12 at the prestige end of the market. This be revealed in the near future. Though after Chrysler Group removed the upgrading the vehicle. As a result the V8 Hemi also comes with cylinder expected some convenience centre console. padded and come with individual truck in tight parking spots later. either co-developed billion investment supply going to other global automotive scenario Toyota to experience the beauty of shows no sign of aging, The reception to the second outing of philosophy will also apply to the forthcoming he couldn’t say what that vehicle was, he elements such as an adjustable On the safety and security ventilation and cooling. Besides Once inside the cabin, one Thailand or rebadged as GM in developing the plants around the world as trends have been Toyota staged world hybrid technology through one does wonder how does Bentley’s unchanged EXP 9 F SUV concept SUV. Bentley will be sticking with a three-line did state earlier in the interview that the ride height provision. Since that’s front, the Ram 1500 offers more a commanding view forward, begins to realize that this products. But a few core new Colorado, with too. As for GM it used to suggesting a new trend premieres for three vehicles a hybrid car born in China.” the brand keep up with was again somewhat polarizing. Now that model offensive once the SUV is launched, Continental GT would be redesigned soon. As not available in this version, you than 30 active and passive safety leg and head room are also refreshed Ram puts more changes have happened a significant part of make the old Colorado and to some extent a shift including a compact sedan The Yundong Shuangqing market aspirations? And China and Middle East are being considered though there will be variants of each. The for the styling for all these vehicles, you can over the years. that investment in till 2011, but once it in direction. By direction and hatchback, both known was also joined on stage by with the next-generation as safe haven for aspiring super luxury SUV big seller will be the SUV, which Bentley is rest assured that they will remain big and First, the Chevrolet Chevrolet’s new pick- switched over to the the GT 86 rear-wheel-drive model not expected to we mean, there’s more as Toyota Dear Qin. These makers, especially latecomers, Bentley and boldly predicting will attain a sales volume elegantly styled. “We will continue to hint badge has truly gone up plant in Thailand. new platform, it now global-strategic concepts sports car. arrive for another few and more focus in BRIC Lamborghini in particular, however, it was of around 15,000 units annually. To put that at the past while remaining modern,” Hilton global, while other The platform is still has set its sights firmly focusing on design are aimed Automan’s take years, Goodwood is keeping expected that Bentley would offer a revised into perspective, this figure is more than explained. “And there are no plans to build a [Brazil, Russia, India and revered badges from jointly developed with on getting its game up at attracting more people In 2005, China became the the Phantom fresh with glimpse of its EXP 9 F concept. Instead, double Bentley’s total sales in 2011. smaller Bentley.” China] from the global the Gerneral have Isuzu, but now its just to a level where it can to the user base. According first country outside of Japan the Series II update. David Hilton, Bentley’s newly-appointed chief Hilton overview automotive players, but fallen by the wayside. the basic platform challenge Toyota both in to Toyota, Qin means dear where the Prius hybrid was The revisions include a of exterior design gave media an extended “The response [from customers] has been Automan’s take unprecedented is what or intimate and represents built when Sichuan FAW refreshed front end with lecture the look of the future production incredibly positive,” said David Hilton. “They So far, what goes in Bentley’s favour is that Automan checks Admittedly, while the engineering that is the pick-up segment as has happened in the past the wish for these models Toyota Motor Co. Ltd. started new bumpers and adaptable version and some valuable insights into the love the presence of the vehicle and the for first time any major automaker has badge is global, the shared. The Chevrolet well as in the Fortuner- few months. Beijing’s to become cherished by making the third-generation LED headlamps, the latest in brand’s future plans. personality it projects.” Hilton did suggest at explored building an SUV for customers out the RAMBO of local viewpoint is not version is available type SUV. pitch as a host for a many. Also, specifically for model. And two years ago, infotainment systems and a On the powertrain point, Bentley boss Beijing that the styling could be toned down interested in ultra-luxury despite denials necessarily the same. with a choice of two While vehicle plant new eight-speed automatic top class international China only, making its world GAC Toyota Motor Co., which Wolfgang Dürheimer had previously hinted for the production version. However, the about this segment several years ago. In the UK, Chevrolet diesel engines and took some level of debut was the Yundong transmission to help the double cab lifestyle motor show with some is in China’s Guangdong at plug-in hybrid technology being an option, quad-circle light design would remain and The final execution, in our opinion should and Vauxhall co-exist, two petrol, of which investment, almost Shuangqing concept hybrid. Province, started making the 6.75-litre V12 marginally and announced that it was being considered spectacular reveals and so would the commanding driving position depend on what feedback and pointer while in Australia its the petrol engines will US$200 million has In Chinese, Yundong Camry Hybrid. improve its emissions and for the upcoming SUV – so the question trucks: the top- announcements couldn’t and general proportions. As for that rear- Bentley designers have been able to pick up all Holden. In the US come to the region been invested in a new suggests “movement upon fuel consumption figures. was – is this car going to receive the first end, with its simple rectangle tail-lamps and and decide what’s good for the brand and have come at a better of A the Chevrolet first, to be followed diesel engine plant clouds” and is Toyota’s Honda While, new or refreshed application? Soon after the launch of the V8 contrasting oval exhausts, Hilton explained whether the SUV design should be drastically of-the-line 2012 moment than this. And corporate slogan in China, Prior to the show, Honda versions of the Phantom models, Bentley has positioned the smaller that this is a look that will be appearing modified keeping in mind the overall badge is still associated by the diesel as well. that produces the the Beijing show also designed to convey an image promised that it would sedan, coupe and DHC V8 as the sporting option while targeting the on more Bentleys, including one that will sentiment. with big and strong GM’s new platform 2.5-litre and 2.8-litre Double cab treat Ram 1500 Laramie highlighted the impressive of innovation, dynamism and launch at least four hybrids convertible are already American cars as much follows the tried and Duramax engines for progress made by eco-friendliness. Shuangqing specifically for the Chinese finding their way to as it is now linked to tested body-on-frame the platform. The petrol customers around the world, highly-bespoke luxury model and-white marbled Grand Sport edition and returns domestic brands – some suggests “dual support” market. Honda is doing well Bugatti Automan’s take the Cruzes and Optras. layout, with a choice of engines come from and signifies the two power the car maker waited until that encapsulates the richness The Italian iconic brand’s seven- L’Or Blanc edition. The China It’s no coincidence that both of whom also now have in China and is interested Here in the Middle wheelbases, three cabin further afield with the sources of the petrol-electric the Beijing Motor Show to of experience that comes as figure, record-breaking supercar display car was done in white Bentley and Lamborghini convinced that it export aspirations. Read also in promoting the Acura East, with the region’s configurations and a 3.6-litre V6 unit being hybrid system. The car’s – its premium brand which unveil the new extended standard with any Rolls-Royce is getting more exclusive by with red trim. are entering or planning to on… ability to import from four-wheel drive option procured from Holden in hybrid system was developed is currently sold only in US. wheelbase model in a motor car and takes it to a new the day and a special edition enter new territory as far as is good enough to Whetting the Chinese appetite any part of the GM as well, with manual Australia. primarily at the research Honda introduced several particularly popular in the level of sensory indulgence. showcased in Beijing was no Lamborghini marketing goes. As far as and development centre of models from its global Chinese market [where exception to the rule. The latest: An excited Lamborghini released engineering goes these two will be taken out to a empire, Chevrolet is and auto gearboxes. The Colorado is now Toyota Motor Engineering & stables including the CR-Z, extra rear-seat legroom Automan’s take a unique version of the Grand teaser details of its much- benefit tremendously from the many things to different In the four-wheel drive targeted as being Manufacturing (China) Co., Fit and Insight hybrids. is deemed the pinnacle of The Rolls-Royce Ghost Six Senses Sport roadster created for the talked about SUV concept hours parent group’s expertise and fancy restaurant or people. It can boast arrangement the body something more than a Ltd. in Changshu. luxury]. Not surprising, the Concept displayed at is not show was reserved for one before official unveil at Beijing. donor platforms. If the world- of having the largest rides higher to give utility vehicle. Of course Phantom Series II Extended TMC President Akio Toyoda Rolls-Royce headed for production as of now. lucky customer. Dubbed as the Despite the hype around it, the wide reaction is anywhere as range of passenger cars fording ability. this is largely because said: “We would like to put Wheelbase model for China Wei Long edition, this one-off manufacturer made clear that on an off-road trail Ultra luxury carmaker Basically, Rolls-Royce wanted to enthusiastic as it was at Beijing, the target market for Raj Warrior Warrior Raj Author: and SUVs on offer and GM has had many smiles on the faces of our is 20 feet long! give a well-heeled Ghost buyer a Veyron celebrates the Year of the vehicle — called the Urus — it could be ready for sale by Rolls-Royce is also on a roll now, even its range years of association the truck covers more Chinese customers with Also sharing the stand was realistic idea of what can be done the Dragon. It was born out was an exploratory concept and 2016. Engine options might globally and considering its Chasing success with the Colorado Ghost-based Six Senses of utes gets bigger. with Thailand as a than 60 countries, so hybrid technology. I want the Phantom is on the market as far as bespoke opportunities of the same collaboration with there are no plans to put it into include the 6.0-litre W12 or the Concept which Rolls- people of China to be able for almost a decade and are concerned. Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur immediate production. new 4.0-litre V8 from Bentley. Royce was promoting as a that gave us the previous blue-

18 19 66 FIRST DRIVE 67 70 FIRST DRIVE 71 in this issue

Local SUV Focus TECH TALK 06 Car launches this month in Oman 28 The new 2012 Honda CR-V tested 58 All about Seatbelts 08 Regional news including Automechanika 34 Sporty genes dominate in the in Dubai FX35 2012 model Preview 40 The Outlander in the news Brandwatch 60 Range Rover Vogue Road Tests 62 Peugeot’s name challenged 301 10 GM stops advertising on Facebook, 42 2012 Ford Fusion Mazda and Fiat in tie-up 12 Bigger Evoque on the anvil 46 2012 Jaguar XF 3.0 Truck Focus 14 Chery requests Chinese government 66 The 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie approval of jv with Jaguar Land Rover Feature 70 Chevy’s Colorado tested in Thailand 16 New details of 2014 Volvo XC90 emerge 50 The Passat’s new Chattanooga fixation 74 Ford’s Built Tough F-150 International Motorsports interview 52 Formula 1 race reports from Monaco and 18 Beijing motor show in focus Spain 78 Arun Kumar from Sayarati Group 54 WRC in Argentina and 3 MotoGP reports Chicane Cover story 80 The woes of Muscat’s new traffic jams 20 Toyota’s 86 shows its brilliance in a constant state of an almost skid NEXT ISSUE 2013 Boxster Exclusive!

EDITORIAL NOMINEE

2012 HONDA CR-V SMALL SUV With a Although Honda In the family 2012 Fashion EDITORIAL NOMINEE new look was delayed in 2012 INFINITI FX35 propelling the introducing this business PREMIUM SUV statement utility 28 2012 34 FX into its model due to 2012 model unprecedented year, the car circumstances, ompact SUVs seem to be getting a and measures 178.3in in length which means it ook into the heart of Infiniti and you will understand with the 2012 model that is sold lot of attention from family users in is 0.8in shorter than the previous-generation. remains as find emotion there. But that is hardly in the region as all-new. The first thing you it has got its Cparticular these days and this is not At 71.6in, its overall width is unchanged and Lthe feeling when you sit through a press notice about the FX is the grille. It is nothing just a regional phenomenon. The trends at 61.6in front/61.6in rear, the track is also appealing conference and have to see a video presentation like the previous models – having given away agenda spot on worldwide are suggesting consumers shift in the same. But the most significant departure by the chief engineer and designers where the its unique model-specific identity to move preferences especially when it comes to family is in height: at 65.1in tall, it is noticeable 1.0in a s e v e r . subject matter is the emotional aspect of the closer to a brand oneness. Now, between the with the all-new SUVs. This segment as of now is the most lower on AWD models and 1.4in lower on FX’s design but the people concerned hardly FX and EX, their grilles look like adaptations active with a selection of models from almost FWD models. Automan show any emotion at all on their faces. The of the QX grille. Is it bad? Not at all. The 2012 CR-V, says every manufacturer and even new first timers At first glance its styling definitely falls communication is strong about the ideas that judicious use of chrome and the dark spaces joining the growing list vying for attention. more toward evolutionary than revolutionary reports. get into the styling of the car including the use in between highlight the new form of the grille Automan Honda and compatriot Toyota are pioneers category as it seems to have received of Japanese brush strokes to define the shape with the strong top arch, a mirrored bottom of the crossover SUV craze which they began specialized touches from its designers. While and the soul of the car. But you wouldn’t know and a cinched waist, sitting in between two in mid 90s. Honda most of the design it from the steely of the best stylized Photography: Raj Warrior began the experience changes are minor, Author: Raj Warrior demeanour of the headllights in the by engineering the Honda’s challenge was one does note some of Photography: Raj Warrior protagonists. In some While FX purists may business, albeit then Civic platform the family design DNAs ways it is the essence looking like they have and subsequent to get the delayed which have dictated of the Infiniti brand lament the move from been lifted straight off generations have the headlamps to – emotion is there a sports car. firmly established production models become sleeker, a in the form of the the identifying grille, The hood has an the CR-V as the lowered by an inch products, the sublime aggressive sweep down benchmark vehicle in out onto the market roofline and the side powerhouses that the new look brings to the grille, without its class in terms of sheet metal sculpting propel them and the influencing the profile, quality, refinement in the aftermath of bit more pronounced driver environment with it better cohesion since the fender over and popularity. or aggressive. that is just that little the wheel is still high. The all-new 2012 production disruptions The most notable bit different than as a family of SUVs This actually adds to Honda CR-V is the design difference is any other luxury the sports car feel – fourth generation of due to Tsunami and both functional and brand’s. But all of this imagine the Jag E-type Honda’s most popular cosmetic -- front face is hidden behind the minimalist showrooms, pulled into slightly different proportions! and widely acclaimed earthquake issues is more corporate, a the monochromatic use of colour and basic Likewise at the rear, with the taillights SUV in the global little sleeker and softer solidness of the sheet-metal on the cars. taking cues off the headlight’s twin humps and www.automanweb.com market. Honda created the original concept round the corners. The grille still sports three We are admirers of the design-led form the rear number plate garnish mimicking the of this class of lifestyle utility model as a horizontal bars but is wider spaced and the of the brand. The first generation FX was a grille. The roof slopes down aggressively in Comfortable Runabout Vehicle and hence the lower valance appears more pronounced with telling indictment of the basic ugliness of most this case, to provide a small rear glass hatch initials CR-V. The package was a revolution built in fog lamps. The bonnet sculpting has other SUVs. In many ways, the FX redefined below a high-mounted spoiler. for its time -- four-doors with five-passenger been reversed from convex to concave and the construct of the SUV form, bringing an But it is the profile that ends up being the accommodation and useful running gear. The wheel arches are bolder – all combined to give abbreviated sports car profile to the largeness most appealing, with the windshield rising successful pioneering philosophy continues the new CR-V a stronger stance. Meanwhile, of the utility and proportioning it such a way upwards from a point far behind the front and with each new version Honda has at the rear, the tailgate and tail lamp are re- that you got the messages – rear-wheel- wheels, a compact greenhouse and the introduced is in general an improvement on done and appear more contemporary than drive, powerful engine, no excess volume or driver’s hip point being more than midway the previous generation. anything currently available in the segment. weight. The second-generation only built on to the rear. And this is one SUV that doesn’t While, it is not surprising that the incoming The rearview of the 2012 CR-V looks it, with styling elements embellished further, look slab-sided in the least -look at the body CR-V retains its familiar profile and stance, complete, as if the stylists knew where they path-breaking use of technologies like lane form, the use of chrome lower down and the beneath the familiar sheetmetal, the CR-V wanted to go when they started and finished departure warning and around view and the chrome vents behind the front wheel. is reportedly based on a completely new the job. Overall, Honda designers are to be evolution of a uniquely formed grille. From the driver’s seat the view outwards platform that factors in improvements like commended for not messing too much with Which is one of the things we couldn’t could almost be one from a car until you improved interior space, a lower load floor, the established and accepted design format. and a lower overall height. Inside the cabin, the atmosphere is familiar The 2012 CR-V rides on a 103.1in wheelbase and the model now offers a lot more than its FIRST DRIVE FIRST DRIVE Visit our website for daily updates! 28 29 34 35 editor-in-chief Mohammad Al Taie

AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING Regular readers of Automan over the past 12 years (yes it is 12 years since we began, PO Box: 343, Postal Code 118 to the month) will have noticed the manner in which we evolved from a high-grade Al Harthy Complex coffee table book to a regionally respected car magazine that has become the staple Sultanate of Oman of the automobile lover in Oman and to a certain extent in neighbouring countries too. Email: [email protected] It is a pleasant surprise when you hear the words of people you run into telling you Website: www.automanweb.com about the places they have seen the magazine in, the people who read them and the

Editorial office: importance we play in the process of car buying in Oman. Tel: +968 24479888 Extn 300, Fax: +968 24479889 Circulation office: Over the years, we have played an important role in tracking the evolution of the Tel: +968 2456 2360, Fax: +968 2456 2194 industry on a global level. In the period of these twelve years itself the industry has publisher gone through a sea-change that matches the entire automotive story over the previous Hatim Al Taie [email protected] century. Automotive hallmarks have gone bust, Giants have gone through bankruptcies,

EDITOR & GM partnerships have been struck between the unlikeliest of partners and new terms like Raj Warrior [email protected] ‘emerging economies’, BRIC and ‘environment-friendliness’ have become buzzwords.

Design Another feature of the Automan years was a decided shift from the days of the big SUV, Sawsan Al Muharbi [email protected] and the large car to a smaller, smarter solution. Driven by high production costs, even higher fuel prices and the increasing urgency of exhibiting a greener manner, the past HEAD OF marketing Maged Aziz [email protected] few model iterations have seen all sorts of changes – new smaller platforms, the birth and growth of the small crossover as a genre and the advent of the force-fed smaller circulation engine. We also should not forget that the hybrid and electric powertrain has really [email protected] come into its own over this time, with mainstream acceptance providing for future FINANCE & ADMIN growth. Now the second part of that equation needs to be put in place – government Abraham Daniel [email protected] investment in the infrastructure needed to draw in the volumes. Sumy Mol [email protected]

Website & IT However, we can also gladly confirm that all the fun hasn’t gone out of motoring yet Mohammed F Draz [email protected] – there are still some fantastic sports and muscle cars out there, even with all the pressure on providing greener engines. The Veyron has proven that you can get more Printer than a 1000 horsepower, just as goes back to a regime of small engines Ruwi Modern Printers LLC with turbo power and KERS. Tel: +968 2479 4167, 2479 8157 Fax: +968 2470 0545 This issue is really special – with its cover story on the 86, the car that brings Toyota back to the days of the affordable Japanese sports car and an extended focus feature © 2012 All editorial content of Automan in the magazine and on some of the latest Pick-up trucks in various sizes and a whole clutch of SUVs. its website is copyrighted and may not be reproduced Again very topical, with the consumer trend of moving from cars into crossovers and in any form without the written consent of the manage- SUVs impacting the fortunes of car manufacturers around the world. So here’s wishing ment of AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING ourselves a great anniversary and we look forward to another dozen years at least of Automan accepts unsolicited exclusive editorial entertaining our readers. material, but reserves the right to publish any such material. Once published, the copyright for any such material will vest with AL ROYA PRESS & PUBLISHING

Oman news

Hot cars launched in Sultanate of Oman Almost every segment has been represented this month!

Ferrari 458 Spider The new 458 Spider joins the 458 Italia, forming a wide range of ’s mid- rear engined V8s and offering the same uncompromising technological solutions, handling and performance in a refined open- top configuration. It is equipped with a Ferrari patented, fully retractable hard top which weighs just 50kg and takes just 14secs to open or shut. Claudio Piretti, General Manager, Shanfari Sports Car LLC said: “The 458 Spider is powered by Ferrari’s naturally-aspirated, direct-injection 4.5 litre V8 which was also nominated as the 2011 International Engine of the Year for its engineering excellence in terms of driveability, performance, economy and refinement.”

Audi Q3 Following in the footsteps of its bigger siblings, ’s first compact crossover SUV, the 2012 Q3, has arrived. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine offering a choice of outputs – 170hp and 211hp, power is transmitted by seven-speed S-tronic transmission to all four wheels via the Quattro AWD set-up. Abdel Karim Awwad, National Sales Manager of Audi Oman said: “The demand for both the Audi Q5 and Q7 still outstrips supply. We are constantly negotiating with the factory for higher allocations for our markets, even though the new generations of the Q5 and Q7 are expected only in 2013 and early 2015 respectively. We are positive that the new Audi Q3 will fare equally as well.” Prices begin at OMR14,999.

Renault Duster claims that Duster SUV project was born out of the simple premise that a real need existed in the world for an affordable, comfortable and rugged 4x4. This is quite true as it represents a class which is currently not well served in any market. Cashing in on this opportunity, Renault decided to develop an all-terrain vehicle aimed initially at emerging markets, but realized its global potential in even SUV focus markets such as Oman. “It is a very popular concept especially following the world economic crisis, which hit households hard and made many people think twice before buying a new car,” said Mustansir Lakdawala, managing director of Renault GCC. The Duster features a region specific 2.0-litre engine and is available in two options - a 4x4 6-speed manual transmission, or a 4x2 4-speed automatic transmission. The price for the range begins at RO5,390 from Suhail Bahwan Auto Group, the official distributor of Renault in the Sultanate.

8 VW CC The CC stands for Comfort Coupé and this new CC, which made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2011, is a classic and unmistakable car that displays the characteristics of being highly articulate, extremely elegant and comfortably confident. James Oliver, General Manager of Volkswagen Oman said: “The CC has been redesigned to close the gap between the Passat and our flagship Phaeton, and establishes an exciting new model within the Volkswagen line- up.” The Passat pre-fix has been dropped from the nomenclature as the CC moves up the ladder in the line-up. Rich in features and content, the CC will be offered in S and SEL trims which will be powered by either 160hp 1.8-litre or 210hp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Seven and 6-speed DSG dual clutch gearboxes are also offered for this model.

Toyota 86

Adding a stunning dimension for automotive aficionados, the -Toyota Motor Corporation co-developed front-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe Toyota 86 pays befitting tribute to the hugely successful Toyota AE86 – one of the most cherished and loved sports cars. Only to carry on the lineage, the number 86 has been retained. Toyota 86 uses a 197hp 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine has a horizontally opposed engine and Toyota’s cutting edge D-4S injection system that incorporates both direct and port injection. The flat-four engine is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission that also features aggressive up-shifts and sporty rev-matched downshifts that are initiated by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Power is transferred to the pavement via a limited-slip differential.

Hyundai Genesis coupe Chevrolet Malibu The new Malibu is Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan that has been designed and engineered to meet the needs of customers all around the world. The car was introduced in Oman in the presence of Markus Leithe, Regional Manager, General Motors Middle East Operations, Sajed Sbeih, Sales Business Manager Oman, General Motors Middle East Operations and Ajay Chopra, Managing Director, OTE Group. “With expressive styling, a comfortable cabin, high levels of content and features, interior craftsmanship, outstanding ride and handling, and top-notch safety, Chevrolet Malibu will exceed customers’ expectations and also be a rival to high-end sedans,” said Leithe. With revised dimension, the incoming Malibu has a 114 mm shorter wheelbase and 1,574 mm front and rear The redesigned model made its international debut in tracks that are more than 51 Detroit at the 2012 North American International d Auto mm wider than the model it Show earlier this year and comes with more aggressive replaces. Powered by GM’s new styling, with a redesigned corporate front face, grille, Ecotec 2.4-litre four-cylinder headlights, LED daytime running lights, fog lights and engine with direct injection bonnet with heat extractor ducts. Riding on 18in alloy and continuously variable valve wheels, the car’s styling is signed off by dual asymmetrical timing, it produces 170hp and exhaust tips which are smartly integrated in a blacked-out 230 Nm of torque at 4,600 rpm rear diffuser. In Oman, the coupe will be available with a allowing it to reach 0-100 km/h bumped up 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 350hp mated in 10.2 seconds via the car’s to eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic and Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed paddle-shifters for manual-shifting capability. The 2013 automatic transmission. Genesis Coupe also packs in a redesigned interior. A new driver-side rear seat walk-in assist function has been added for more convenient rear seat access from the driver’s side. 9 REGIONAL news}

2012 Automechanika concludes

Nissan Middle East has delivered two brand new Juke crossover SUVs to winners from last year’s hit pan-Arab reality TV show Star Academy. The first car was delivered to Nesma Mahgoub of Egypt [above right], winner of the overall Star Academy contest, while the second went to Gilbert Simon of Lebanon for winning the ‘Jukeband’ competition to create a soundtrack for the first Juke TV commercial. breaking news breaking

A Wildwood destination trailer and Georgetown XL motorhome in the new Gulf Coast RVs showroom in Dubai, the first of its type in the Middle East.

Infiniti, the luxury automaker from Japan, has announced the introduction of its first dedicated mobile website in the Middle East, allowing optimized access to its online offering from any location. Compatible with the main smart phone and tablet platforms, including Android, Blackberry®, Apple iPhone and iPad, m.infiniti-me.com delivers all the information on the Infiniti brand and its model range in the Middle East in a format best suited to handheld screens and resolutions. Visitors to m.infiniti-me.com are Automechanika Middle East has traditionally Some hi-tech gadgets like satellite trackers presented with a simplified main menu offering five been a platform for the regional launches of and remote immobilisers were also on show. navigation options: Infiniti a number of products and services over the This year, the display halls were divided Models; Locate a Dealer; Book a Test Drive; Request a years. This year’s edition represented the 10th into five product groups -- parts and Brochure; and About Infiniti. anniversary. With an estimated year on year systems, accessories and tuning, repair and From here, users can access maintenance, service stations and car wash the information they are searching for in a matter of just two growth of 24 per cent, the venue saw over clicks, ensuring a speedy, efficient and rewarding journey 1,300 exhibitors from 55 countries debuting and essentials such as tyres and batteries. through the site. Those visitors will also find all information is a wide range of products and services. Key As always, representatives took advantage available in both English and Arabic languages. highlights included the Middle East launch of of their presentations by adding insights Bodyshop Revolution – designed to achieve into the latest trends and developments in better efficiencies in the body repair industry, the field for a wide audience of visitors from regional launch of Aktas Newtone’s Air Spring; the region. The exhibition is held under the the entry into the market by Fildex Filters from patronage of H.H Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Canada, BG Middle East’s new products for Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, repair workshops and Autokontrol’s debut into President of Dubai Department of Civil the region with their speed limiters for school Aviation and Chairman and CEO of Emirates buses and mini buses which have recently Airline Group. Automan was one of the media received approval from UAE authorities. partners of this event. [Below right] Sheikh Al Ghassan is seen receiving the Mulsanne award from Dave Hayter, Regional Director for Bentley Motors Ltd at the newly opened Bentley Motors showroom in Tahliah Street. [Below left] McLaren Jeddah officially opened for business with McLaren Automotive Regional Director, Mark Harrison and Al Ghassan Motors’ President and CEO, Sheikh Ghassan A H Al Sulaiman officially inaugurating the Tahliah Street showroom.

10

brandwatch

reaction from industry General Motors reworks advertising on GM’s FB decision strategy for Chevrolet

The consensus of several car-brand marketers and outside experts General Motor’s Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick said in a press release about becoming contacted by Automan seems to be Ewanick created quite a stir in advertising circles the official vehicle of the Barclays Premier mixed. Between the two platforms, last month. “We regularly review our overall League giant. “Our ambition is to connect with surprisingly Facebook which is media spend and make adjustments as needed. football in a fashion that transcends traditional considered as a messaging and This happens as a regular course of business sponsorship.” engagement platform, just as a paid platform will be affected most. and it’s not unusual for us to move our spending “What car brands will do with around various media outlets — especially Facebook is say that, although it is with the growth of multiple social and digital a giant, [advertising] really may not media outlets. In terms of Facebook specifically, be delivering them what they need while we currently do not plan to continue from a surgical point of view,” said with advertising, we remain committed to an Doug Scott, a branding consult. “But aggressive content strategy through all of our I don’t think there will be an exodus products and brands, as it continues to be a very from the Super Bowl.” Honda’s U.S. effective tool for engaging with our customers.” CMO, Mike Accavitti,said that the The above statement was issued by General brand’s social-media “adjustments” could include Facebook advertising if Motors today after a story by the Wall Street it doesn’t produce sufficient returns. Journal was published online “Just because there are 500 million By far, a bold announcement by one of the people on Facebook, it doesn’t largest advertisers in the US, GM’s Ewanick didn’t mean we have to advertise on it,” wait long to drop the other shoe after departing he said. “If it’s not engaging, we’re Facebook and Super Bowl advertising. just wasting our money.” However, The focus then shifted to China where Chevrolet’s a Honda spokesman said that the China-focused global sponsorship deal with company has no plans to change its the world’s most popular soccer franchise — Facebook strategy. But Jon Brancheau, ’s U.S. Manchester United was announced. Obviously, CMO, said that he wouldn’t sell the GM marketing chief switched the focus to a Facebook short — even as an bold step of commission rather than omission, advertising medium. ”Facebook is accelerated Chevy’s identification as a worldwide going to figure out how, in relevant rather than an American marque, and just may fashion, to continue to draw have changed one of America’s most iconic advertisers again for all the right brands forever. reasons,” he said. “It’s too powerful “As Chevrolet continues to grow as a global brand, and too smart a company.” this is the right time to make a commitment and establish a presence in international football,”

Chrysler brand perception rises

Riding high on a 30 per cent increase compared move past Eminem, Dirty Harry, gritty images with sales in May 2011 and the group’s best of downtrodden Detroit, and its vehicles in the sales in the month of May since 2007 Chrysler midst of it all. Group LLC US sales of 150,041 units and some “This is about the highest point that Chrysler has good, old-fashioned TV commercials seem to been at for brand perception in several years,” have helped bolster a brand’s perception with said Ted Marzilli, global managing director of the public, according to YouGov’s Brand Index. YouGov’s BrandIndex. “It tends to show positive Some analysts worried that Chrysler would have momentum for the brand.” a difficult time finding the right positioning after Apparently the ads help consumers focus on why its 2011 Super Bowl-originated “Imported from they really might want to buy a Chrysler, Dodge, Detroit” theme ran its course, Jeep or Ram instead of just root for Chrysler as Automan’s take especially without a reprise by a corporate participant in the U.S. auto industry Clint Eastwood of his role in the and partial savior of Motown. The vignettes 2012 should turn out as a watershed year for the company’s halftime commercial about the struggles of real Americans helped brand globally. There’s also the increasing noise of during the 2012 Super Bowl. give Chrysler the highest opinion numbers for new products coming soon from Chrysler, including the 2013 Dodge Dart and revamped 200 sedan. But judging by the feedback to any of Detroit’s Big Three automaker in three YouGov, it appears as if Chrysler years. might have waited too long to

12 Is Lotus CEO danny bahar on his way out?

Automan’s take

When this kind of information is breaking news made public, it’s a clear indication of what lies ahead. Will the Proton has issued a statement that says investigation result in Bahar’s DRB-Hicom has no plans to sell the troubled eventual termination as CEO, only automaker. “We acknowledge that Lotus can time will tell. provide value to Proton. Lotus is an iconic brand with global presence and positioning, coupled with unsurpassed engineering expertise and a An official statement released by Lotus has unclear, although there are suggestions talented work force,” read a press release. confirmed that CEO Dany Bahar has been centering on how the top executive went While it is interesting to note the release came from Proton and not their parent company, suspensed till further notice. While, the about his expenses. DRB-Hicom is said to DRB-Hicom, it appears Lotus’ future is secure suspension notice is classified as temporary have confiscated Bahar’s laptop and mobile for now. However, it remains to be seen if DRB- by DRB-Hicom -- the organisation which phone as part of the investigation. Reportedly, Hicom is willing to invest the resources required acquired the parent company of Lotus Proton, the executive rented in two homes in Norwich, to launch several new models including the Elan, analysts believe that the suspension period both paid for by Lotus. While Bahar’s day- Elite and Eterne. for Bahar will last long enough to facilitate to-day involvement is paused, a team of an investigation into a complaint about his company appointed administrators will handle accused conduct. the management of Group Lotus until the Exactly what sort of conduct is at issue is investigation is over.

Carlsson is now Mazda-Fiat to co-develop new China owned cars at what cost?

“We’re willing to engage in discussions with it Europe and US workforce by at least 25 Zhongsheng Group Holdings Ltd has anyone else,” is Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne’s per cent. Currently, Mazda has no plans to acquired a 70 per cent stake in Carlsson now famous tagline when it comes to cut its Japanese workforce, though some Autotechnik GmbH. The group, which announcing or making deals aimed at larger reorganization may take place in the coming operates a number of automotive economies of scale. When reports of a deal months. Those efforts are largely expected dealerships in China, wants to use Carlsson for Alfa Romeo was announced to co-develop to consist of moving workers from satellite to help distinguish their cars from similar models sold by other dealerships. According a roadster with Mazda based on the next- offices in Tokyo and Osaka to the home base to Zhongsheng chairman Huang Yi: “The generation MX-5 Miata platform, possible in Hiroshima. problem is there are so many Mercedes, extended cooperation in Europe BMW and Audi cars in Shanghai and Beijing was also mentioned. Reuters is Automan’s take that those cars sometimes feel like very reporting that that Fiat is open Such an agreement would allow Fiat to addressAutoman’s take common cars - almost like driving a non to building Mazdas in Fiat and unutilized factory capacity and the platform- descript Camry in Los Angeles.” Zhongsheng Chrysler plants worldwide. Mazda sharing necessary to the arrangement would says they have “aggressive plans” for the has registered losses for the past lower development costs – a hot-button for both tuning firm which include introducing a four years due in part to slow sales Fiat and Mazda. Will this be only a statement of number of Mercedes-Carlsson dealerships and a stronger yen and as a result willingness on Marchionne’s part we don’t know and setting up production facilities in is looking to tighten its belt around as the same statement has been made so often China to build accessories for the high and the world. Mazda is reported now and Mazda being a bit desperate to cut premium brands such as Mercedes, Lexus, costs pickle, how far these two partners will go is to be considering downsizing Volvo, Porsche, Toyota and Nissan - that anybody’s guess. Zhongsheng currently sells. breaking news Alfa Romeo will share Mazda’s next generation MX-5 sportscar from 2015, spinning off a born- again Alfa Spider from the Mazda-developed SkyActiv vehicle architecture. The roadsters will both be made at the Japanese company’s Hiroshima plant but, unlike the Toyota 86- Subaru BRZ sportscar twins, the Mazda and Alfa roadsters will have different styling and unique powertrains.

13 brandwatch

China to produce Next-generation GX Geely models to Infiniti models could ride on a unibody undergo extensive architecture design overhaul

Lexus U.S. Group Vice President and General Geely’s newly appointed senior vice-president of Manager Mark Templin has revealed the possibility design Peter Horbury has signaled his intention of gthe next-generation GX changing its to draw on Chinese cultural influences to create architecture. Speaking with media, Templin said: a uniquely Chinese identity for the brand’s cars. “There is a potential that at some point, when we Horbury announced this during the Beijing replace the GX, we can have a car-based SUV.” He motor show and the programme will include at declined to give a timeline, but the company has least 27 vehicles -- from limousines to London Dongfeng Motor Company, Nissan’s joint venture been hesitant till now to switch the model from taxis. company in China, will manufacture two Infiniti body-on-frame construction to unibody because it The first Horbury designs are not expected to models starting in 2014 at its new plant in has been a strong seller and could steal sales away surface for at least three years, by which time Xiangyang. “The localization of Infiniti at our from the RX. Geely should be well established in export Xiangyang plant is a significant milestone for us,” Talking about the latter, Templin said: “The RX kind markets including Oman where Chevrolet said Kimiyasu Nakamura, president of Dongfeng of covers a big swath of the marketplace” and it Cruze-sized Geely Emgrand EC7 and Honda Motor. “It proves that we are fully capable of appeals to people who want a seven-seater but Accord sized EC8 and compact Panda have been producing luxury vehicles of the highest Japanese “don’t necessarily have to have a third-row seat.” introduced. quality standards here in China, at the same level Besides talking about the GX, Templin said the “I know Chinese people love European cars, of quality as the Tochigi plant, its mother plant, in brand is considering turbocharged engines. While but let’s leave that to the Europeans because Japan,” he added. they’re just being studied at this point, the executive – let’s face it – they do it better,” said Horbury The Infiniti brand was first introduced to China said turbochargers have come a long way and they and also referred to the Japanese industry’s in 2007, and continues to strengthen its product appeal to younger buyers. evolution from turning out what appeared to be lineup and expand its sales network to satisfy scaled-down American cars to vehicles of their customers in the growing Chinese luxury segment. own design creation in the 1990s as evidence The two models to be produced at the Xiangyang of the direction he envisaged for Chinese plant will be named at a later date. manufacturers. Meanwhile, in Europe, Magna Styer, the specialist He said he had reached into Scandinavian auto subcontractor for several low volume models cultural influences when designing Volvo cars – is said to be the selected for building new Infiniti a method he was now intending to employ at models on Daimler platforms. Geely. “So that is my intention (with Geely), to search the catalogue of Chinese visual identity and find something new.” Bigger Evoque on the anvil Geely, which is also listed on the Hong According to a reliable factory insider tip in India, Land Rover to engineer a bigger Evoque. To do Kong stock the Tata Motors-owned British SUV brand is working this, the wheelbase will be extended and despite exchange but on a bigger version of the Range Rover Evoque. the enhancements, the bigger Evoque will continue operates out of Internally, this bigger Evoque has been codenamed to be a 5-seater and Tata Motors has no plans to China’s Zhejiang L560 and is expected to be in the market in 2015 launch a 7-seater version. province, in production form. Digital renderings as of now The bigger Range Rover Evoque (L560) will use acquired Volvo suggest styling of this bigger Evoque hasn’t been the same set of engines which power the Evoque in 2010 and frozen yet and the company is still working on it. but with improvements over the period of time. has wasted no While it’s no secret that recently introduced Range It is still some time away from market launch and time in dipping Rover Evoque has been a super success for Land is part of Tata Motors product onslaught strategy. into the former Rover. Besides winning several prestigious awards, Tata Motors is also conducting a market research in Ford subsidiary’s the Evoque has been raved for its sharp styling and India to setup a manufacturing facility for the next resources. design. But the SUV does have its shortcomings, generation Land Rover Defender. This new facility with the limited interior room being the major clink could be setup in Gujarat and would only go under in its armour. This aspect has probably prompted way in 2015. Automan’s take

Horbury shaped Volvo’s design language and had a major impact on Ford, , Land Rover and Jaguar styling with Ford’s Premier Automotive Group. Let’s see how a generally critical of the Chinese industry’s obsession with cloning European designs rather than finding its own styling identity Horbury moves forward.

14 breaking news Lola under administration New model nomenclature announced British engineering firm and race car Lola was diversifying its business into the Along with release of the new 301 sedan details, constructor Lola, established in 1958 and based development of electric race cars, teaming up Peugeot has announced it has revised its model naming in Huntingdon, England, has announced that it with BAE Systems and Drayson to develop an system in an effort to differentiate models targeted to is suffering from severe cashflow problems and electric Le Mans prototype. The company has existing and emerging markets. The change is limited has appointed an administrator. The specialist attempted to get back into Formula 1 racing to the third digit of the naming system. company also has a separate composites with its own team several times unsuccessfully Currently, Peugeot’s characteristic three-digit division and also works with numerous and more recently lost out becoming a chassis numbering system is structured so that the first digit companies outside of motorsports supplier for Indycar to rival firm Dallara. indicates the vehicle’s segment (or size), the second digit is always ‘0’ which represents the Peugoet brand, and the third digit indicates the generation of the vehicle. Furthermore, a four digit naming system which always incorporates a central ‘double zero’ is representative of taller body structure vehicles such as the 3008 MPV and 5008 crossover. In the new naming system, only the third digit is affected. It will always end in either ‘1’ to signifiy value for money models for emerging markets, or always end in ‘8’ representing well equipped “status” models. All models that already bear a number with an end digit ‘8’, such as the 308 and 3008, will keep their name when they are renewed and generation 7 models will be replaced with an end digit ‘8’. All future generation models will keep the ‘8’ end digit. Automan’s take It seems that the tactical move comes in an effort to avoid confusion between models targeted to different markets as well as making it clearer for buyers to Toyota 86 designers awarded distinguish between budget and premium models - similar to what Citroen has done with its DS line. Toyota has succeeded in its aim of recapturing a less-is-more approach and offer fun at legal the classic sports car experience in its new 86, speeds have been thin on the ground,” he said. according to the expert judges of the 2012 Vehicle Among the judges’ comments on the Dynamicist Jaguar tops UK JD Dynamics International Awards. The global of the Year title, Matt Joy, the Press Association’s Power survey panel of specialist engineers, technologists and motoring editor, said: “By sticking to a tried and journalists have named the sports coupe Car of the tested formula, Tada and Masuda have created a Jaguar has been announced as the Number One Year (jointly with the Subaru BRZ) and honoured car that enthusiasts have been crying out for one manufacturer in the J.D. Power and Associates/ its chief engineer Tetsuya Tada as Dynamicist of that eschews the never-ending quest for ultimate What Car? 2012 UK Vehicle Ownership the Year, alongside Toshio Masuda, his Subaru grip in favour of balance, response and driving Satisfaction Study (VOSS). The study was based counterpart on the project. pleasure at realistic road speeds.” on the evaluations of nearly 18,000 individuals Toyota’s commitment to producing cars that in the United Kingdom after an average of are more rewarding to drive, championed by its two years ownership. Every aspect of vehicle president Akio Toyoda, has also earned it the ownership was rated from performance, accolade of Dynamics Team of the Year. design and comfort to quality, reliability, cost The Toyota 86 has arrived in Oman [Automan’s of ownership, economy and dealer service cover story for the month] and other markets and satisfaction. The resulting data allowed the will serve as a standard bearer for a revival of study to be the most comprehensive of its kind. Toyota’s sports car heritage, a machine that has been designed in every aspect to be a true driver’s car. Its character is determined by its classic front- engine/rear-wheel drive configuration and the use of a compact, lightweight, free-revving 2.0-litre “boxer” petrol engine. Combined with a low centre Automan’s take of gravity, low inertia and overall light weight, the The judging panel has given due result is pure driving pleasure. credit to Akio Toyoda for inspiring Vehicle Dynamics International magazine’s editor a new direction in dynamics in Graham Heeps said this simple approach helped both Toyota and Lexus models. A earn 86 its Car of the Year status. “In the face quick look at Toyota’s model line-up should remove any doubt that there of rising power outputs and ever-greater levels is a fierce competitor in the company of complication in the drivetrain, suspension and driver’s seat. steering, cars from major manufacturers that take

15 brandwatch

Bentley to buy back Dakar Jeep Compass to be axed? Nissan confirmed plans Rally Volkswagen’s Race to launch a redesigned Touaregs? Rogue in 2013

The news comes directly from Chrysler LLC, CEO Announced as part of the production kick off for Sergio Marchionne. Marchionne dropped the the 2013 Altima, Nissan said the model would bombshells last week during a media event at a be built at the company’s plant in Smyrna, Chrysler plant in Belvidere, Illinois . In February it Tennessee, USA. Little else is known about was reported in several media that the Compass the crossover, but it was recently teased in a and the Patriot were both slated to be replaced in commercial that aired in the United States. 2013 by a new, slightly smaller SUV -- code name: While the clip didn’t reveal too many details, B-SUV. Al though the new model’s rollout has now speculation suggests the model could borrow a According to a recent report, Bentley will enter been pushed back to 2014, the latest news is that few styling cues from the Hi-Cross concept. the 2013 Dakar Rally to promote their upcoming the Patriot name will likely live on, while its close crossover. A UK-based media source says that relative, the Compass is retired. Marchionne said Bentley is attempting to buy back Volkswagen’s that the Compass and the Patriot would both be Race Touaregs - which were sold to private racing built in Belvidere until 2014; after that, something teams - in an effort to convert them into modified else would take the place of the Compass on the versions of the EXP 9 F concept. assembly line. The Bentley versions of the racing Touaregs would be stripped off bare bones off-roaders. However, they could have an body shell that resembles closely resembles the production model. There’s Leno adds tata nano to no word on what will power the racing variants his car collection as Bentley’s existing W12 engines could be heavy for the job, but the Race Touareg 3 which uses a twin-turbo 2.5-litre TDI engine that produces 296hp and 599Nm of torque is one sure shot Automan’s take It seems that the world’s cheapest production option for now until a Bentley specific alternative is car, the Tata Nano is indeed going places. developed or found. Marchionne’s business strategy American comedian and TV host of ‘The Automan’s take continues to intrigue everyone.While Tonight Show Jay Leno is also known for his automakers like GM and Ford spun off or As a PR story it makes sense to have racer looking passion for collecting cars and motorcycles. shuttered brands during the downturn, like the SUV. But the real deal is that if Bentley has Chrysler Group created Ram and added Fiat Leno’s garage includes 100 cars and 90 to prove off-road credibility then a diesel is strictly -- and is looking to add a sixth brand with motorcycles including a Royal Enfield from a no-no as it is not in Bentley’s engineering DNA. Alfa Romeo.At the same time, however, India and now he has added the Nano to his Marchionne seems to be ensuring each of We are also wondering whether Bentley would use vehicle collection. The Nano will now share Chrysler’s brands gets a stronger identity for the new 4.0-litre V8 petrol that punches out 500 itself. That philosophy has been working for floor place with Leno’s collection. Jay Leno hp and 500Nm instead? General Motors fairly well the past couple dressed up in an Indian sherwani (long coat) of years, so who’s to say it can’t work for to greet the Nano into his garage. He also Chrysler, too? roped in some Bollywood dancers to perform at the time the Nano drove into his garage. Trax is Chevrolet’s new compact SUV

of its compact SUV called the EcoSport. Although, General Motors is quite tight lipped about the development of this vehicle, the company has released the first ever picture of the vehicle. Remember the company had shown a concept vehicle at the 2007 NY Auto Show called the Trax. It was also featured in Transformers movie in 2009. General Motors will be carrying over its design Automan’s take General Motors will be pulling off the wraps language of models like the Buick Opel Mokka of the Chevrolet Trax at the Paris Motor Show and Encore brands. GM is planning on making While Jay Leno taking to the Nano is this October. The compact SUV segment is the Chevrolet Trax a global product from General indeed a surprise, and there is no better publicity than celebrity endorsement. one segment that has become a hot favourite Motors. The car will be sold under the brand name Nano sales in India didn’t take off as among car buyers in recent times and looking at of Opel in Europe, Buick in China and Chevrolet in expected so it will be interesting to see if this, every car manufacturer wants to be in this Brazil and Korea. The Trax’s design was carried out Leno’s magic can help Tata Motors boost segment. at General Motors’ technical centre in America with sales of this car. It is widely believed that GM’s move was prompted participation of Brazilian and Korean studios. after Ford recently unveiled its production version

16 Chery requests Chinese Jaguar to assemble Is Mitsubishi Mirage government approval of XF in India heading this way? jv with Jaguar Land Rover

Tata Motors has begun assembling the Land We are aware that Rover Freelander 2 in India and had revealed Mitsubishi’s global its plans to assemble more vehicles from the compact car, the JLR stable in the near future. The company’s Mirage, has kicked next model to be assembled is the baby Jag, off in Thailand. the XF. The Jaguar XF is priced higher to its The new Mirage is competitors as it is brought in as a completely being produced at built up units. The Jaguar XF diesel will be locally assembled Thailand’s third Last month we reported that Tata Motors-owned at Tata Motors’ Chikhali facility near Pune. factory at the Laem Jaguar Land Rover had signed a joint-venture It will be brought in through the CKD route Chabang Plant, agreement with China’s Chery Automobile from 2013, with the kits being imported from which is the company’s largest plant and export Company. JLR’s US$1.9 bn investment, if UK. The Range Rover Evoque is expected to hub outside of Japan. approved, will pay for a plant in Changsu to build be the next Land Rover model to be locally The car made its debut at the Bangkok Motor Jaguars, Land Rovers, engines and joint-venture assembled in India as the company plans to Show on March 27, and began selling in the models. The facility will also house a research sell close to 1,000 units fiscal year. Kingdom the next day, with five variants and development center. Chery is keen to see the available for that market, all wearing a 1.2-litre joint venture move forwards and has submitted three-cylinder MIVEC mill offering 78 PS at the paperwork to clear the deal with the Chinese 6,000 rpm and 100 Nm at 4,000 rpm. government. The deal must also be cleared by the Automan’s take Ministry of Enviroment Protection, after which it will go to the National Development and Reform With the compact segment heating up with Commission. the likes of Kia Picanto, Mazda2, Hyundai When the agreement was first inked, an i10, Toyota Yaris, with engines ranging from 1.0-litre to 1.5-litre, there are independent analyst with knowledge of how things several good reasons for Mitsubishi Motors operate in China had said that it will be some time and its regional dealers to consider this before we see the results. Like India, in China model. government approvals can take a long time. But JLR has the long view in mind: it sold 38,890 vehicles in China last year – all imported – a figure representing double-digit sales gains for both GM’s Holden preparing left hand drive prototype brands. The proposed factory will have a capacity of 130,000 units, providing a healthy buffer in case the bureaucracy sits on things. are aware that GM has confirmed that it plans to launch a new nameplate for its Chevrolet Is Volkswagen considering brand next year, a nameplate that it will also use a mid-size SUV in as the replacement for the Impala in NASCAR. its line-up? Many have suggested that the new nameplate Volkswagen’s SUV line-up has successfully will be for an American version of the Holden managed the last few years with its full-size Commodore sedan, a car previously sold in the Touareg and its compact Tiguan but the company States as the Pontiac G8. In fact in April, GM has almost confirmed plans are afoot to produce accidently revealed that a new model dubbed the a mid-size version as well. The news stems “SS Performance” will be joining Chevy’s line-up from Jonathan Browning, CEO of Volkswagen A prototype for the facelifted ‘VF’ Holden for the 2014 model year. of America during a visit to Detroit. “It’s a great Commodore has been spotted testing in Australia. Automan’s take opportunity, if you could give it to me tomorrow, While it’s no surprise that Holden test vehicles on I would take it,” said Browning. While there is no public roads in Australia for domestic consumption, General Motors has officially confirmed that the new Holden-derived sedan sold in the official time frame of when this model would be but what caught the attention of spy photographers U.S. will be called simply Chevrolet SS. The produced, but the confident admission that the who were able to get a close shot of the prototype “limited production” SS will race in NASCAR company has it under consideration suggests the that it was a left-hand drive model. beginning with the 2013 Daytona 500 and possibility of production is strong. Considering Holden does export left-hand drive versions of the will appear in showrooms in 2014. However, when it arrives next year, it should appear Volkswagen’s global volume aspirations, it needs to Commodore to markets such as the Middle-East, in limited numbers and most likely will find appropriate slots in the line-up. where they are sold as Chevrolet Luminas. The be positioned as the brand’s performance prototype, which Holden was engineers were found flagship model. The car is expected to have testing was running alongside a Dodge Charger some common engineering with the current Camaro with which it shares a platform. which is sold in North America and Middle East. So what could be the recipe GM is looking at? We

17 brandwatch

Hollywood besotted with Porsche’s plug-in hybrid 918 Spyder Rolls-Royce founders prototype on trial

The Porsche 918 Spyder is on the road literally. With completion of the initial prototypes, Porsche engineers have been busy driving and testing the super sports car of the future. The 918 Spyder will go into production at the end of September 2013 as planned, with the first customers receiving their vehicles before the end of 2013 is out. “What we are doing with the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance,” said Wolfgang Hatz, Member of the Executive Board Research and Development of Porsche AG. The prototypes, their camouflage harking back to historical Porsche 917 racing cars, signal the final touches to the 918 Spyder. The focus is on the interplay between the highly sophisticated individual drive components. The combination of combustion engine and two independent electric motors – one on the front axle and one in the drive line, acting on the rear wheels Oscar-winners Martin Scorsese and Richard Attenborogh are teaming up to – poses completely new demands on the development of the operating make a film called Silver Ghost, based, in part, on the lives of Charles Rolls strategies. and Henry Royce. The screenplay was written by Jeffrey Caine (Goldeneye) The car is designed as a plug-in hybrid vehicle combining a high- and playwright Sharman Macdonald, who also happens to be actress Kiera performance combustion engine with cutting-edge electric motors for Knightley’s mom. extraordinary performance: on the one hand, the dynamics of a racing According to people close to the industry, the biopic will be set at the dawn machine boasting more than 770 hp, on the other hand, fuel consumption in of the 20th Century, during the seminal days of the auto industry. But the the region of three litres per 100 kilometres. Moreover, Porsche is breaking report says the real hero of the story will be one Lord John Douglas-Scott yet more new ground with the technology demonstrator with spectacular Montagu, the Second Baron Montagu of Beaulieu and a member of British solutions such as the full carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque Parliament who used his position in British society to champion motoring. with unit carrier, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear-axle steering While we’re not quite sure what all that Barons and Lords stuff is about, and the upward-venting “top pipes” exhaust system. In the process, the 918 reading that in 1899 Montagu drove the first car to enter the yard of the Spyder is offering a glimpse of what Porsche Intelligent Performance may be House of Commons made us think he must have been a decent enough capable of in future. chap. According to the report, he even launched a monthly car magazine. And like any good period-film protagonist, he was romantically linked to another key figure in the story, Eleanor Thornton, the woman who is believed to have inspired the Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy mascot that became a defining feature of the marque. The film is still a long way from the screen, although Scorcese’s involvement can’t hurt its chances of getting made.

New details of 2014 Volvo XC90 emerge

Volvo has already released several sketches of the next-generation XC90, but new breaking news details are starting to emerge about the Outgoing Volvo XC90 to upcoming model. The new crossover will soldier on as high-end become the company’s first vehicle to Geely model in China ride on the Scalable Platform Architecture Volvo’s XC90 SUV may retire from active duty, but not (SPA) which will also underpin the next- entirely. The current XC90 which has served long for generation S60, V70, XC60 and S80. It Volvo and will be phased out out soon isn’t stopping will be powered by the company’s new parent Geely from using the platform to launch a new high-end brand for domestic China. four-cylinder VEA (Volvo Environmental According to China Car Times, Volvo’s new XC90 will Architecture) engines which promise be launching in 2014, and after that the original will to be lighter, more powerful and more soldier on in China, at least in some form. The report fuel-efficient than the current crop of six- does not make clear whether the first-generation XC90 cylinder units. Petrol and diesel options are will merely be re-badged, or if the platform will be expected, but there could also be a plug-in used for a new Geely design. hybrid variant. likely be based on another automaker’s platform Automan’s take It is also speculated that Volvo could launch an and could arrive by mid-decade if Volvo finds a A sensible strategy by Geely and we hope some other XC30 to slot beneath the upcoming XC40. It would suitable partner within the next year. manufacturers, especially those operating in BRIC countries will offer similar ideas.

18

internatIONAL NEWS

More and more automakers are focusing their attention on the world’s most buoyant market – China. Evidence of this and more came at the recent 12th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition

We have been patiently waiting and watching developments in the global automotive scenario Toyota to experience the beauty of shows no sign of aging, as trends have been Toyota staged world hybrid technology through one does wonder how does suggesting a new trend premieres for three vehicles a hybrid car born in China.” the brand keep up with and to some extent a shift including a compact sedan The Yundong Shuangqing market aspirations? And in direction. By direction and hatchback, both known was also joined on stage by with the next-generation the GT 86 rear-wheel-drive model not expected to we mean, there’s more as Toyota Dear Qin. These global-strategic concepts sports car. arrive for another few and more focus in BRIC focusing on design are aimed Automan’s take years, Goodwood is keeping [Brazil, Russia, India and at attracting more people In 2005, China became the the Phantom fresh with China] from the global to the user base. According first country outside of Japan the Series II update. automotive players, but to Toyota, Qin means dear where the Prius hybrid was The revisions include a unprecedented is what or intimate and represents built when Sichuan FAW refreshed front end with has happened in the past the wish for these models Toyota Motor Co. Ltd. started new bumpers and adaptable few months. Beijing’s to become cherished by making the third-generation LED headlamps, the latest in pitch as a host for a many. Also, specifically for model. And two years ago, infotainment systems and a new eight-speed automatic top class international China only, making its world GAC Toyota Motor Co., which debut was the Yundong transmission to help the motor show with some is in China’s Guangdong Shuangqing concept hybrid. Province, started making the 6.75-litre V12 marginally spectacular reveals and In Chinese, Yundong Camry Hybrid. improve its emissions and announcements couldn’t suggests “movement upon fuel consumption figures. have come at a better clouds” and is Toyota’s Honda While, new or refreshed moment than this. And corporate slogan in China, Prior to the show, Honda versions of the Phantom the Beijing show also designed to convey an image promised that it would sedan, coupe and DHC highlighted the impressive of innovation, dynamism and launch at least four hybrids convertible are already progress made by eco-friendliness. Shuangqing specifically for the Chinese finding their way to customers around the world, domestic brands – some suggests “dual support” market. Honda is doing well and signifies the two power the car maker waited until of whom also now have in China and is interested sources of the petrol-electric the Beijing Motor Show to export aspirations. Read also in promoting the Acura hybrid system. The car’s – its premium brand which unveil the new extended on… hybrid system was developed is currently sold only in US. wheelbase model in a Whetting the C hinese appetite primarily at the research Honda introduced several particularly popular in the and development centre of models from its global Chinese market [where Toyota Motor Engineering & stables including the CR-Z, extra rear-seat legroom Manufacturing (China) Co., Fit and Insight hybrids. is deemed the pinnacle of Ltd. in Changshu. luxury]. Not surprising, the TMC President Akio Toyoda Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II Extended Wheelbase model for China said: “We would like to put Ultra luxury carmaker is 20 feet long! smiles on the faces of our Rolls-Royce is also on a roll Also sharing the stand was Chinese customers with globally and considering its Ghost-based Six Senses hybrid technology. I want the Phantom is on the market Concept which Rolls- people of China to be able for almost a decade and Royce was promoting as a

20 Bentley W12 at the prestige end of the market. This be revealed in the near future. Though The reception to the second outing of philosophy will also apply to the forthcoming he couldn’t say what that vehicle was, he Bentley’s unchanged EXP 9 F SUV concept SUV. Bentley will be sticking with a three-line did state earlier in the interview that the was again somewhat polarizing. Now that model offensive once the SUV is launched, Continental GT would be redesigned soon. As China and Middle East are being considered though there will be variants of each. The for the styling for all these vehicles, you can as safe haven for aspiring super luxury SUV big seller will be the SUV, which Bentley is rest assured that they will remain big and makers, especially latecomers, Bentley and boldly predicting will attain a sales volume elegantly styled. “We will continue to hint Lamborghini in particular, however, it was of around 15,000 units annually. To put that at the past while remaining modern,” Hilton expected that Bentley would offer a revised into perspective, this figure is more than explained. “And there are no plans to build a glimpse of its EXP 9 F concept. Instead, double Bentley’s total sales in 2011. smaller Bentley.” David Hilton, Bentley’s newly-appointed chief Hilton overview of exterior design gave media an extended “The response [from customers] has been Automan’s take lecture the look of the future production incredibly positive,” said David Hilton. “They So far, what goes in Bentley’s favour is that version and some valuable insights into the love the presence of the vehicle and the for first time any major automaker has brand’s future plans. personality it projects.” Hilton did suggest at explored building an SUV for customers On the powertrain point, Bentley boss Beijing that the styling could be toned down interested in ultra-luxury despite denials Wolfgang Dürheimer had previously hinted for the production version. However, the about this segment several years ago. at plug-in hybrid technology being an option, quad-circle light design would remain and The final execution, in our opinion should and announced that it was being considered so would the commanding driving position depend on what feedback and pointer for the upcoming SUV – so the question and general proportions. As for that rear- Bentley designers have been able to pick up was – is this car going to receive the first end, with its simple rectangle tail-lamps and and decide what’s good for the brand and application? Soon after the launch of the V8 contrasting oval exhausts, Hilton explained whether the SUV design should be drastically models, Bentley has positioned the smaller that this is a look that will be appearing modified keeping in mind the overall V8 as the sporting option while targeting the on more Bentleys, including one that will sentiment. highly-bespoke luxury model Bugatti and-white marbled Grand Sport Automan’s take that encapsulates the richness The Italian iconic brand’s seven- L’Or Blanc edition. The China It’s no coincidence that both of experience that comes as figure, record-breaking supercar display car was done in white Bentley and Lamborghini standard with any Rolls-Royce is getting more exclusive by with red trim. are entering or planning to motor car and takes it to a new the day and a special edition enter new territory as far as level of sensory indulgence. showcased in Beijing was no Lamborghini marketing goes. As far as exception to the rule. The latest: An excited Lamborghini released engineering goes these two will Automan’s take a unique version of the Grand teaser details of its much- benefit tremendously from the The Rolls-Royce Ghost Six Senses Sport roadster created for the talked about SUV concept hours parent group’s expertise and Concept displayed at is not show was reserved for one before official unveil at Beijing. donor platforms. If the world- headed for production as of now. lucky customer. Dubbed as the Despite the hype around it, the wide reaction is anywhere as Basically, Rolls-Royce wanted to Wei Long edition, this one-off manufacturer made clear that enthusiastic as it was at Beijing, give a well-heeled Ghost buyer a Veyron celebrates the Year of the vehicle — called the Urus — it could be ready for sale by realistic idea of what can be done the Dragon. It was born out was an exploratory concept and 2016. Engine options might as far as bespoke opportunities of the same collaboration with there are no plans to put it into include the 6.0-litre W12 or the are concerned. Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur immediate production. new 4.0-litre V8 from Bentley. that gave us the previous blue-

21 86 points to nirvana

It seems almost a generation late in coming, but finally the ultimate homage to the compact Japanese sports car is back with the Toyota 86

Author: Raj Warrior | Photography: Raj Warrior

Editorial Nominee Editorial Nominee

Toyota 86 Toyota 86

Best Debut Sports car 2012 2012

{COVER STORY} 22 his month was the month I was reborn. comes to showrooms. First the obvious bits for purists to sculpt their magic on – the body Figuratively and if I could impose my – the 86 is Toyota’s version of the combined can accommodate a roll-cage if needed and Twill on this world – quite literally. You platform, with Subaru’s BRZ slated for a late- the air spoiler will no doubt end up being an would think that as an automotive journalist I 2012 release in the region. Then to clear the after market addition. would have an answer for the most question confusion, the 86 is the GT86 in Europe and Staying with the theme of getting the job asked to me all these years, “which is your the Scion FR-S in the US. The car will be just right first time out – one of the first things you favourite car?” But no, for years I have side- the 86 in our region as well as in much of notice on the interiors is that the car is like stepped answering this, for if truth be told Asia. no Toyota you have seen till now. Yes it does while a lot of cars really stay at the top of I fell in love with the car the minute I first have the faint resemblance to the 2000GT mind even years after I have driven them, set eyes on it. The design is just so right, with and the kit car feel of the AE86, but most none really stands out above the rest. It may, its balance of aggressive hood, with even important in this context is that the interiors perchance, be a result of the status levelling firmer attitude out of the scoops and lower have a stitched elegance, soft-leather feel and effects of the passage of time, but to me the airdam. The design has everything you want in switches and instrumentation that cannot be answer has usually been a quick, “no single the car, a great profile, a set of front and rear mistaken as having come from the Toyota car in particular”. But this month changes part-bin. Even the steering wheel gets only that – I have had the Toyota 86 with me for an 86, while externally, other than the single a few days. I am told that we bawl at birth, Toyota badge on front and back, the identity so perhaps my concept of a rebirth is valid. is hogged by the 86 logo, with its image of There were definitely tears of joy as I threw I suspect that the real the boxer layout and the implied 4 wheels in the metallic orange car around the roads of drift position. Muscat and the hills around it, there were reason is because the Oh yes, that’s right. It seems an age since more tears when I had to return the car. I could take the words Toyota and ‘intentional For the first time in a very long time, I can 86 is also meant to drift’ in the same breath. But that is exactly say that this car will stay on the top of my what the dynamics of this car all lead to – mind for quite sometime. be the equivalent of a first of all with the 4-cylinder 2.0-litre boxer For the sports car enthusiast, the territory engine with its inherent low centre of gravity. of the small 2.0-litre sports car has resembled body in grey for purists While the engine is no doubt Subaru-derived, a rather arid plain for some time. The only the header arrangement is all Toyota, with real contender remaining in the fray remained to sculpt their magic the provision of the brand’s D-4S system, the Mazda MX-5. Honda’s S2000, which was which brings direct injection to the boxer one of the most hallowed of the breed bit on. engine. Uniquely the injection system uses a the dust of economic necessity. I say this as combination of high-pressure direct-injection an enthusiast and a follower who has even into the cylinder with port-injection at the visited the factory where the S2000 and NSX intake and can selectively use either or both were made – the move to stop the S2000 was haunches that do the job of setting the car to optimise performance. That and the square the day the music died for Honda. Toyota had ever so low while keeping the wheels at 17” dimensions of the piston – with a bore and also its story to tell here, with massive growth and just the right amount of glass area. Even stroke of 86mm (!) make the engine capable of on the backs of mainstream models around the roof has character, with the double domes redlining at 7,400 rpm and even then you don’t the world leading to the demise of some iconic of the pagoda roof adding much appreciated get the abrupt fuel cut-off of other engines, sporty models like the Supra (drum roll here) headroom without overly raising the height of just a phased feedback that coupled with the and the Celica. Even the MR2 couldn’t stand the car. At only 1285mm high the car is all red upshift arrow in the IP tells you when to up to the task of giving the brand a halo car. sports – and with a footprint over 4240mm shift up. This engine represents another first Fast forward to the mid-2000s and the story long, 1775mm wide and on a wheelbase of from Toyota – it generates 200 horsepower changes. For in a first of its kind collaboration, 2570mm, you will wonder why there are still from 2.0-litres without the use of a turbo. In engineers at Toyota and Subaru were tasked some overhangs left. its attempt to stay in touch with the young with developing a sports car that brought the Of course in styling terms, I noticed the boy racer the car appeals to everyone. The car best of both the brands and the engineering lack of an aggressive spoiler on the rear. is available in markets with a 6-speed manual expertise behind them to market. Team 86, Open the boot and yes, there is room for a or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Not in Oman under Toyota chief engineer Tetsuya Tada decent sized unit. Perhaps this is because – here we get one grade with the automatic and Subaru’s chief engineer Toshio Masuda the design has been evolved in such a way only, but for once I cannot complain. Don’t brought together a platform that was just that the airflow around the car is used to misunderstand me, the manual is sure to be what the doctor had ordered for the brands. stabilise it with the presence of small fins on a blast, with its short-throw stick and triple- A compact, front-engine, rear-wheel drive the underbody and even on the lights. But the cone synchromesh for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd architecture, with a low driver hip point and message is that exerting excess downforce gears. an almost perfect front-rear balance, driven will also increase drag. However, I suspect But the automatic is what we are offered by a 2.0-litre boxer engine. that the real reason is because the 86 is also and I loved it. Yes, it has short, sharp shifts. Ah, it is time for purists to rejoice as the 86 meant to be the equivalent of a body in grey Yes it is programmed to blip on the way

23 Compact powerhouse Aggressive styling includes large taillights, with tiny aero fins

Perfect bay proportions for accommodating the squat profile of the 2.0-litre boxer engine

Both the IP and the climate control piano switches have no Toyota feel - let alone the drilled aluminium pedals

{COVER STORY} 24 The badge includes the boxer pistons, a conjoined 86 and four wheels in drift in the number

If there is one item we would change it would be to get a touch screen audio system, perhaps with a rear camera monitor thrown in for good measure

Sporty feel

Compact rear

Perhaps it is the red and black leather feel or just the overall hand-stitched quality that connects to costlier sportscar interiors, but you get more than you pay for here

For Punters looking for a V12 normally-aspirated You can get in and out of the rear seats easier than sitting with your head so near the rear screen in this heat 25 In terms of a perfection, you cannot come closer to nirvana. The car starts off offering the driver a low hip point at 400mm. Apparently that is even lower than the Boxster offers.

down. And the response to the paddleshift is immediate. All you need to do is imagine that the car actually has a weak turbo sitting on it and keep it revved to just the wrong side of 1000rpm to get the gears to instantly respond. However, it is when the rev band hits the 4500rpm mark that stuff happens. First of all the quiet unassuming engine note fades away as a much throatier note sets in – and this is not from the use of complicated baffles in the exhaust. A sound box with a resonator is placed in such a way as to transmit the deeper notes through a rubber pipe into the cabin and it all adds to the fun. Steering feel is spot on. I thought that the EPS would be a bit of a damper, but no – in fact it doesn’t sap engine power and it is firm, well-weighted and feedback actually exists. In terms of a perfection, you cannot come closer to nirvana. The car starts off offering the driver a low hip point at 400mm. Apparently that is even lower than the Boxster offers. Then in terms of field of view you get a feel brake and accelerator, without feeling in the the boot to larger dimensions by folding the for the road from the top of the fenders that ar least bit unnatural. You don’t have to twist and seatbacks down. ein your view, the marked out cabin centre on bend anything unless you are over 6’6” tall. But back to the drive and the car is so top of the dash and the large rimless rearview If you are short, you can even get someone perfectly tuned for that. To start with the car mirror. Then the steering wheel falls into the into the seats at the rear, otherwise the tunnel has no excess weight. Even the roof metal is equation with a dia of 365mm and a soft and the small seats are more a pleasant add- only 0.65mm thick. High-tensile steel gives the leathery feel. Your foot rests so nicely on the on. Yes you can open the reasonable size of car stiffness, but no you don’t get or even want

{COVER STORY} 26 You feel this the moment you hit your first sharp turn. The car sits in a zone that is always a tad over the oversteer point.

Perfect dynamic balance

Low centre of gravity

Front mid engine layout, low torsion tube and a hip point that is 400mm and just rear of mid point all lend to great dynamics in this 53:47 weight split car.

The mass of the engine sits low in between the wheels in a sweet spot where there is very little rocking and the vectors are all flat

27 I am sorry that I had to give the car back, I enjoyed it so much. I even managed to get all my neighbours coming over to chat me up – only the guys of course.

The 2012 Toyota 86 at a glance

What is it about? and a height of only 1285mm. The car at the rear with stabilizer bars. Brakes seats, excellent lumbar support and an Bringing Toyota back into the space is lean and mean with only 1239kg are vented discs front and rear, 294mm everyday usability. of a small, affordable sports car. This kerb weight and a Cd of 0.27 in front and 290mm rear. Electric power one is engineered in collaboration with steering. What competition does it have? Subaru. Under the hood Nothing. Perhaps the MX-5 to some A 2.0-litre boxer 4-cylinder engine with How does it handle? extent. Definitely the BR-Z when that Categorise the car for me square 86mm stroke and bore and Always a hair’s breadth in oversteer, comes to town. Sports car, through and through. Toyota’s D-4S gasoline direct injection, obedient to steering inputs and can Front engine, rear wheel drive with a redline of 7,400rpm and a 12.5:1 be steered easily through brake And I would buy it for? a compact 4-cylinder engine, great compression ratio mated to a unique pedal application. Body is tight, yet We could tell you Styling, balance, gearbox and perfect front-rear balance. 6-speed Aisin auto gearbox. suspension has just the right amount performance, affordability or just say Oh yes, it is a 2-door, 2+2. of give and rebound. – it’ll bring a smile to your face that Under the body won’t go away. How big is it? Front engine, rear-wheel drive with Highlights On a wheelbase of 2570mm it has a TCS, VSC and the works. MacPherson Affordable sports car for everyone, length of 4240mm, width of 1775mm struts at the front, Double wishbones with good interiors, roomy cabin, snug

{COVER STORY} 28 a go-kart ride. When you turn in under hard acceleration you can feel the slight give of the front suspension. The layout is MacPherson struts in front and double wishbones in the rear, with anti-roll bars. Even the lower L-shaped arm has been reversed to allow the engine to ride lower. The Centre- of-gravity of the car sits at 460mm and in the general area of the hip point so you are sitting on the car’s performance fulcrum. And the weight balance is kept at 53% in thr front, 47% in the rear. You feel this the moment you hit your first sharp turn. The car sits in a zone that is always a tad over the oversteer point. You can slip the rear out even without trying at a low 2500rpm. If you really want to try the car will drift The Europe spec GT86 seen here behind two of the away as you please. Of course it isn’t the rear-wheel drive influencers – the two-cylinder boxer 800 and the dramatic muscle car of the Mustang-Camaro brigade and it doesn’t 2000GT. The AE86 was heavily customised (below) have to be. You get all the excitement at a fraction of the grunt. This is aided by the 1240kgs kerb weight. Quite unlike the old Toyota, this car has two sport modes. Blast from the past The regular sport mode tells your Auto gearbox that it needs to hold gears longer, start from 1st gear and allow The original AE86 was a small, the engine to rev way higher. In the VSC Sport mode, the lightweight coupe powered Vehicle Stability control knows that you are looking for a by a fuel-injected 4-cylinder larger performance envelope, allows you to drift and skid twin-cam 4A-GE series 1,587cc and still knows when to hold back just enough to keep on all in Japan and Europe. The wheels. But this wouldn’t be a sports car unless you could model was introduced by Toyota in 1983 as part of the switch this controller off and all that takes is holding it down fifth generation Toyota Corolla for more than 3 seconds. Now you have a raw car that is lineup. For the purpose of innately balanced, with a lot of torque and the low centre of brevity, the insider-chassis code gravity to have some fun. of “AE86” is used to describe I wouldn’t have stayed in love with the car if it didn’t also the whole range. In classic double up as a very handy regular ride. Getting in and out Toyota code, the “A” represents is no great trouble, low hip point or not all you need to do the engine that came in the car is plant your rear and slide your legs in and they have even (4A series), “E” represents the Corolla, “8” represents the fifth generation provided a nice red grip pad to lever yourself out. The interiors (E80 series) and “6” represents the variation within this generation. The AE86 was rear wheel drive (unlike the front wheel drive CE80, EE80 are soft, the sound system is good (not great, but here again and AE82 models), and was among the last rear-drive cars of its type, at we see some customisation coming in) and the car takes a time when most passenger cars were being switched to front-drive. In USB input and streaming bluetooth. The dials are all sporty, 1987, there was a limited edition model of the AE86 called “Black Limited” with a large rev meter, digital speed readout, an additional that served as a send-off model before the AE86 chassis was replaced later swept speedometer and a gear indicator that tells you when that year by the front wheel drive AE92 Corolla/Sprinter range. In Japan, to upshift and downshift, though you can choose to ignore it the AE86 was also known as the Hachi-Roku Japanese for “eight-six”. And until you hit the redline. And engine start is through a Start/ depending on market it was sold as Toyota Corolla Levin and Toyota Sprinter Stop button placed in a carbon-fibre like panel. Oh yes and Trueno. Both the Levin and Trueno variants were offered with either a the 86 even offers cruise control and a highly effective air- 2-door coupe or 3-door hatchback styles. The Levin and Trueno were generally identical, apart from fixed, rectangular headlights on the Levin and conditioner, which in the spirit of the good old cars of yore pop-up headlights on the Trueno. Minor bodywork changes were made in seems to add to the performance when you switch it off. As 1986 which resulted in different tail lights for both Levin and Trueno models, indicated before, there is enough handy storage around, even along with the coupe and hatchback styles. The models sold between for bottles, a large knick-knacks tray and entry into the rear 1983–1985 are sometimes referred to as “zenki” (early period), and the two seats is not too difficult, although the weather does play models sold from 1986–1987 are referred to as “kouki” (later period). spoilsport by cooking the rear of your neck in the sun. The 4A-GE engine had a maximum gross power output of 120 PS and I am sorry that I had to give the car back, I enjoyed it so 142 Nm [net]. The AE86 came with a 5-speed manual gearbox, and later much. I even managed to get all my neighbours coming over came with the option of an automatic. During its production life, the to chat me up – only the guys of course. But then this is a guy’s AE86 was a popular choice for showroom stock, Group A, and Group N racing, especially in rallying and circuit races. Even after production of the car out and out. It transcends age and at only 12,000 rials it car was discontinued, many privateer teams still raced the AE86, and it effectively transcends the money divide. I could buy it and so is still a popular choice for rallying and club races today. The rear wheel could most of you. If ever driving meant anything to you, if drive configuration, combined with the AE86’s light weight (approximately drifting just that little bit at a cross roads brings a smile to 950–970 kg), balance and relatively powerful and easy to tune engine made your face and if you still believe you can be emotional and it popular among the Japanese hashiriya (street racers in Japan). sensible at the same time – you need to get an 86.|

29 Although Honda In the family was delayed in introducing this business model due to unprecedented circumstances, ompact SUVs seem to be getting a and measures 178.3in in length which means it lot of attention from family users in is 0.8in shorter than the previous-generation. it has got its Cparticular these days and this is not At 71.6in, its overall width is unchanged and just a regional phenomenon. The trends at 61.6in front/61.6in rear, the track is also agenda spot on worldwide are suggesting consumers shift in the same. But the most significant departure preferences especially when it comes to family is in height: at 65.1in tall, it is noticeable 1.0in with the all-new SUVs. This segment as of now is the most lower on AWD models and 1.4in lower on active with a selection of models from almost FWD models. 2012 CR-V, says every manufacturer and even new first timers At first glance its styling definitely falls joining the growing list vying for attention. more toward evolutionary than revolutionary Automan Honda and compatriot Toyota are pioneers category as it seems to have received of the crossover SUV craze which they began specialized touches from its designers. While in mid 90s. Honda most of the design Photography: Raj Warrior began the experience changes are minor, by engineering the Honda’s challenge was one does note some of then Civic platform the family design DNAs and subsequent to get the delayed which have dictated generations have the headlamps to firmly established production models become sleeker, a the CR-V as the lowered by an inch benchmark vehicle in out onto the market roofline and the side its class in terms of sheet metal sculpting quality, refinement in the aftermath of bit more pronounced and popularity. or aggressive. The all-new 2012 production disruptions The most notable Honda CR-V is the design difference is fourth generation of due to Tsunami and both functional and Honda’s most popular cosmetic -- front face and widely acclaimed earthquake issues is more corporate, a SUV in the global little sleeker and softer market. Honda created the original concept round the corners. The grille still sports three of this class of lifestyle utility model as a horizontal bars but is wider spaced and the Comfortable Runabout Vehicle and hence the lower valance appears more pronounced with initials CR-V. The package was a revolution built in fog lamps. The bonnet sculpting has for its time -- four-doors with five-passenger been reversed from convex to concave and accommodation and useful running gear. The wheel arches are bolder – all combined to give successful pioneering philosophy continues the new CR-V a stronger stance. Meanwhile, and with each new version Honda has at the rear, the tailgate and tail lamp are re- introduced is in general an improvement on done and appear more contemporary than the previous generation. anything currently available in the segment. While, it is not surprising that the incoming The rearview of the 2012 CR-V looks CR-V retains its familiar profile and stance, complete, as if the stylists knew where they beneath the familiar sheetmetal, the CR-V wanted to go when they started and finished is reportedly based on a completely new the job. Overall, Honda designers are to be platform that factors in improvements like commended for not messing too much with improved interior space, a lower load floor, the established and accepted design format. and a lower overall height. Inside the cabin, the atmosphere is familiar The 2012 CR-V rides on a 103.1in wheelbase and the model now offers a lot more than its

30 Editorial Nominee

2012 Honda CR-V

Small SUV 2012

first drive 31 predecessor. The finish is Honda-spec, with controls and there’s a small, five-inch ‘i-MID’ everything fitting snugly and pleasantly styled trip-computer and audio screen in the recess panels and trim pieces complimenting each in the centre of the dash. We liked the idea of other. However, to a trained eye, there’s ample simple gauges and straightforward switchgear. evidence of Honda’s apparent cost-cutting While the centre console runs between the efforts in places. Honda’s decision to go with front seats, it has been redesigned to include hard plastic surfaces everywhere but the door cupholders, a tray, two storage compartments armrests is somewhat disappointing. and a USB port. While exterior designers lowered the Drivers will note that on each side of the roofline by an inch, interior designers had large round speedometer is a thin light strip to live with it as there wasn’t much scope to that glows green to signal when the engine is Revisions include reworked powertrain and introduction of econ save headroom. Seats are comfortable, with optimizing fuel economy or blue when pushed. mode for fuel efficiency. New dimensions and lowered rear adequate if not remarkable thigh support. The rear cargo compartment is slightly larger bay make the car more convenient. Lowered roofline doesn’t The shift lever is in the central console pod as when the rear seats are folded, but the cargo compromise headroom Electric power steering feedback could before. The instrument panel is high tech and compartment is no longer perfectly flat. As have been improved gets a simplified streamlined look with two new and fresh as the dash looks, it also hints layers. Climate controls are just below audio at Honda’s efforts to shave costs on the 2012

first drive 32 CR-V. Nearly all surfaces are hard plastic. The almost flat cargo floor that’s 61.4 inches long standard with Honda’s generally conservative surfaces are visually pleasing, with upscale- is available. We note that the cargo floor has policy, but the bonus is Honda’s focus on looking graining and metallic-like finishes, but been dropped resulting in lift over height of enhancing powertrain efficiency. As before, the touch-feel communicates otherwise. This just 23.6in. there is only one engine offered, which is an niggle gets overtaken as Honda’s engineering Modern other convenient features include upgraded version of the previous CR-V’s 2.4- and management of the rear cargo spaces get Bluetooth-enabled hands-free capability and litre four-cylinder that now produces188bhp top marks by outclassing all the competitors streaming audio. Also included is a rearview and 240Nm of torque with one transmission in the segment except the RAV4 because it camera, and its multi-angle unit that lets the choice. However, the transmission has been has what we think is simply the best rear driver choose between a top view and either a upgraded over the 2011 version with revised seat-folding arrangement of any vehicle in 130-degree or a 180-degree view. Automatic gear ratios. With these enhancements, Honda this class and with the rear seat backs up, climate control, leather, heated front seats promises a 10 per cent improvement in fuel there’s an impressive 37.2 cubic feet available. and a premium, 328-watt audio system with a economy. The CR-V’s suspension system uses Useful kit includes side cargo net and higher subwoofer are in the package. a MacPherson strut design in the front and spec levels get a removable and retractable The incoming generation comes with the a precise multi-link rear suspension and the cargo cover. Fold the back seats down, and an usual bells and whistles that have become compact multi-link suspension has also helped

33 maximize second-row seating and cargo space. And depending on trim levels -- 17in or 16in rims are offered with 225/65R17 or 215/70R16 all- season tyres. The spare wheel is a space saver. As with the trend in the new , new on the 2012 CR-V is the Eco-Assist system. This is designed to adjust transmissions shift points and will gently retard acceleration to improve fuel economy. The good thing is that the Eco- Assist can be overridden by the driver at will. Also included is hill-start assist, which applies the brakes when the car is stopped on an incline and releases them when the driver touches the accelerator.

Driving impressions Since there’s some tweaking in the powertrain, the car’s mid range appears peppier now but where this car really shines over the older car is in its seamless power delivery. The car definitely feels a lot more comfortable on the highway thanks to its stress-free power delivery. On highways and asphalt, the ride and handling is solid without being overly firm and stable with little body lean in corners even at elevated speeds. While driving this car, one hardly notices that there are only five gears, while most of the competition has moved up to 6-speed transmissions as the ratios are very well spread out. Surface irregularities are mostly filtered before they reach the occupants. While the new electric power steering This engine has an almost Dr Jekyll and Mr hyde nature to it. It may be a bit short in the cc’s but more than makes up for it has been integrated with more jobs -- it now with GDI and turbocharging complements the electronic stability control system by helping stabilize the CR-V during heavy braking and introducing a degree of corrective steering input to mitigate understeer (when the vehicle wants to go straight instead of turn) and oversteer (when the vehicle wants to turn more than the driver intends). But in terms of feel and feedback it follows what most of the industry faces – a good amount of numbness instead of sharpness. Although the current trend in the automotive business is to replace energy consuming hydraulic power steering set-ups in favour of electric ones, very few carmakers have actually been able to remove that numb feeling altogether, including Honda. Despite the introduction of electric power steering system to the CR-V and retuned suspension for a better ride and reduced harshness, compared to the previous version the car the cabin is quieter, thanks to the excellent double door seals and bolstered the body structure, but the overall handling has marginally improved and we think Honda engineers could do some work out here.

first drive 34 Verdict While there may be better cars when it comes to performance and dynamics, the new CR-V scores a lot of points as an ideal city car thanks to its user friendly nature. Although, it hasn’t changed much, but the meaningful refinements keep it at the top of its class, for the mission it has in mind. If you’re cross-shopping compact crossover vehicles for family use, you’ll definitely want to put the 2012 Honda CR-V on the list.

35 Editorial Nominee

2012 Infiniti FX35

Premium SUV 2012

first drive 36 With a Fashion new look propelling the FX into its statement utility 2012 model year, the car ook into the heart of Infiniti and you will understand with the 2012 model that is sold remains as find emotion there. But that is hardly in the region as all-new. The first thing you Lthe feeling when you sit through a press notice about the FX is the grille. It is nothing appealing conference and have to see a video presentation like the previous models – having given away by the chief engineer and designers where the its unique model-specific identity to move as ever. subject matter is the emotional aspect of the closer to a brand oneness. Now, between the FX’s design but the people concerned hardly FX and EX, their grilles look like adaptations Automan show any emotion at all on their faces. The of the QX grille. Is it bad? Not at all. The communication is strong about the ideas that judicious use of chrome and the dark spaces reports. get into the styling of the car including the use in between highlight the new form of the grille of Japanese brush strokes to define the shape with the strong top arch, a mirrored bottom and the soul of the car. But you wouldn’t know and a cinched waist, sitting in between two it from the steely of the best stylized Author: Raj Warrior demeanour of the headllights in the Photography: Raj Warrior protagonists. In some While FX purists may business, albeit ways it is the essence looking like they have of the Infiniti brand lament the move from been lifted straight off – emotion is there a sports car. in the form of the the identifying grille, The hood has an products, the sublime aggressive sweep down powerhouses that the new look brings to the grille, without propel them and the influencing the profile, driver environment with it better cohesion since the fender over that is just that little the wheel is still high. bit different than as a family of SUVs This actually adds to any other luxury the sports car feel – brand’s. But all of this imagine the Jag E-type is hidden behind the minimalist showrooms, pulled into slightly different proportions! the monochromatic use of colour and basic Likewise at the rear, with the taillights solidness of the sheet-metal on the cars. taking cues off the headlight’s twin humps and We are admirers of the design-led form the rear number plate garnish mimicking the of the brand. The first generation FX was a grille. The roof slopes down aggressively in telling indictment of the basic ugliness of most this case, to provide a small rear glass hatch other SUVs. In many ways, the FX redefined below a high-mounted spoiler. the construct of the SUV form, bringing an But it is the profile that ends up being the abbreviated sports car profile to the largeness most appealing, with the windshield rising of the utility and proportioning it such a way upwards from a point far behind the front that you got the messages – rear-wheel- wheels, a compact greenhouse and the drive, powerful engine, no excess volume or driver’s hip point being more than midway weight. The second-generation only built on to the rear. And this is one SUV that doesn’t it, with styling elements embellished further, look slab-sided in the least -look at the body path-breaking use of technologies like lane form, the use of chrome lower down and the departure warning and around view and the chrome vents behind the front wheel. evolution of a uniquely formed grille. From the driver’s seat the view outwards Which is one of the things we couldn’t could almost be one from a car until you

37 The 2012 Infiniti FX at a glance

What is it about? and lightweight – under two tonnes Traction control with active rear wheel worth every penny in tight situations. Style, elegance and oodles of power in kerb weight at 1943kgs. steer in the FX50. Vented brake discs a package that drives like a car, yet is at front and rear. What competition does it have? all SUV as far as performance needs. Under the hood The FX35 could be pegged against Two great engines – with the FX35 How does it handle? the RX350, but the FX50 then stands Categorise the car for me having a 3.5 V6 with 303hp and Heavier than a car, but on-road you out. But it is more an emotional buy Premium segment SUV with two 355Nm. The larger V8 5.0-litre has can push the FX35 quite hard without altogether and as such competes with variants. The 35 caters to immediate 390hp and a whopping 500Nm of the rear stepping out. The inherent the X6 and ML350 and 500 too. volume competition, while the 50 torque. Either engine is coupled with balance is good and just a little brake brings in the performance lovers. a 7-speed gearbox and Infiniti’s rear- fade. Steering feel is light, just a shade And I would buy it for? biased AWD system. too insulated in road feel. Styling, balanced power, good handling How big is it? and the ability to stay differentiated. On a wheelbase of 2885mm it has a Under the body Highlights Definitely worth the money. length of 4859mm, width of 1928mm Front engine, rear-wheel drive AWD. Powerful engine, smooth gearbox, and a height of 1679mm with the roof Double Wishbones front, Multi-link rear. handy AWD and a pack of features rails. In terms of weight too it is sleek All the bells and whistles for ESP and that make it stand out. Around view is

realise that you are looking at the roofs of passenger side, there is a symphony of lines, an accurate audio read off the parking sensors other cars and that you have an inordinate elements and high-quality form inviting you in is usually good enough. But as we learnt a amount of legroom in this layout. The steering and encapsulating you. few times in the smaller sized parking spaces wheel is feature-packed and the stepped The features that you expect from the FX now prevalent, the around view monitor is layout of the centre-console adds to the are there – a good 7” colour display, high definitely the way to go. It isn’t difficult to brand’s uniqueness. Our test car was the FX35 quality sound system with USB and bluetooth understand the way in which the four cameras with a nicely grained wood panelling around integration and a 3D navigation map with feed into a system that distorts and aligns the the gearshift and the door panels – combined bread-crumbing. Additionally the major selling images in a way that makes it seem as if there with the asymmetric cabin layout and the point here is the around view system. For any is a bird’s eye view from above. deeply scooped out area over the dash on the SUV user, the match between the camera and The FX35 is powered by Infiniti’s VQ35HR

first drive 38 V6 3.5-litre engine, which is a lightweight, power available at all the wheels should the yet powerful unit generating just above 300 opportunity present itself. horsepower at a peak 6,800rpm and 355Nm The advantages of using a powerful engine, with its peaky power delivery and the 7-speed learning gearbox can’t Around view is a plus point that sets the FX apart from the be overrated. The AWD system shifts the rest of the segment power split from 100% on the rear to an even power split on both axles, but it is the quick-shifting gearbox that impresses more. It matches revs on the downshift, allows you to tap the lever back up in a split second and holds gears ever so nicely on the downhill. Even without the FX50’s bells and whistles that include active rear wheel steer, the 35 is a blast on corners. You can feel the power shift around the wheels as the weight shifts and ever so often the TCS at 4,800rpm. This high-revving engine uses has to knick in to prevent wheelspin as a hugely over-square piston arrangement the wheel mount unloads. The suspension with its 95.5mm bore and 81.4mm stroke is a combination of double wishbones coupled to a seven-speed auto gearbox and multilink on this fully independent and the ATTESA E-TS AWD system, that layout and the 50 adds charm to this with uses the vehicle’s longitudinal engine, continuous damping control with two The Infiniti analogue clock highlights the brand’s identity into this nicely evolved centre console provides for a largely rear-wheel drive bias settings. The FX35 manages without but but ensures that there is more than enough you really cannot complain about it.

The seven-speed gearbox brings out the best in the front-engine, rear-biased AWD, allowing

Cockpit feel and the push- quick manual shifts and rev-matching on the button start are part of the sporty feel of the FX downshifts, besides holding gears longer

The FX has lost none of its sexiness , with a profile that looks like it is lifted off a sports car

39 If there is any contra point at all it would be in the idea that you could have rear window controls that don’t have an Auto mode. Also that the FX is so America centric that it comes with the foot pedal parking brake and the dual lock for the doors. In terms of competitiveness, the FX35 in particular and the series in general have it all – it stands out in the style department, hammers away the competition with its choice of the smaller and larger engines and builds on the base of a sports SUV well.

Any disappointment over the grille can be offset with the knowledge that the headlight still looks like it is from a sports car. The FX35 gets a unique split type 5-spoke wheel.

There is just a small amount of excess body roll on the corners, but that is more than compensated by the dynamic aspects of the chassis

first drive 40 Even the 3.5-litre unit is more than needed with its 300+ horsepower mated to a 7-speed gearbox and a competent AWD system. Then you aspire for the 5.0

Having a V8 5.0 and V6 3.5 on offer allows the FX to compete with the entry Premium SUV as well as the higher echelons. Chances are that the money will follow the FX50 and good sense the FX35

41 Competent

Styling and and stylish technology upgrades itsubishi’s Outlander crossover sports efficient 170hp 2.4-litre four cylinder DOHC keep the Mutility has been soldiering on for a while MIVEC engine paired with belt driven CVT in the Sultanate and it’s not surprising that transmission is generally entertaining to 2012 this model still looks fresh and appealing in drive. Steering is a bit firm but comes with the growing crowd of crossover SUVs. Thanks reasonable feedback, while the paddle shifters Mitsubishi to Mitsubishi Motor Corporation’s focus on this provided rapid-fire up and down-shifts similar global model which has received a volley of to those in cogged transmissions. Outlander updates and technical enhancements. After crossing the police check point, the The most notable styling refresh was done real ascent drive began through the twisty and SUV in vogue in 2010 when the Outlander received a new we were advised to engage the car’s 4WD. face, largely inspired by its high-performance Unlike some 4x4s which have a complicated despite sports sedan - the Lancer Evolution. This way of doing things, it is a fairly simplified timely facelift helped the Outlander to add affair out here. The 4WD Outlanders have increased more than a dash of spice in the segment. a central dial control to electronically select As part of this special issue on SUVs and 2WD, 4WD and 4WD Lock. Traction control is competition pick-up trucks, we recently checked out both standard but with the absence of a low ratio versions of the Outlander in the Saqr mountain transfer box and no Descent Control, going region in the Sultanate. While spending a day down very steep hills off road is all about with both variants – the 2.4-litre four cylinder being in the right gear. We reached our target and the 3.0-litre V6, one doesn’t fail to notice height of 2,004m without any issues at all. that the interior is a smart mix of usefulness The lightweight, electronically controlled 4WD and material choices. The fabric-clad seats are system’s power transfer unit has its work cut comfortable for all - especially the front seats out quite nice. as they feature good torso and thigh support Meanwhile, the top end Outlander is - while there is ample headroom for even offered in the GLS trim with 223hp 3.0-litre V6 the taller passengers. Besides a cosy interior, SOHC MIVEC engine and is also paired with there’s evidence of features that a practical continuously variable transmission (CVT) with family car has to have such as plenty of storage six-step sports manual mode. The powertrain space and cubbys for knick-knacks and a is smooth but is capable of delivering simple to operate controls for the multimedia surprising torque steer when you stab the set-up or air-conditioning. Mitsubishi have throttle pedal, but the all-wheel-drive system provided a total of five cup holders and even seemed to kick in quick enough to control the a centre armrest that moves fore and aft for car’s movements. the driver. Besides these, the way cargo space Considering that fact that Outlander has can be managed is commendable through the been engineered on the Lancer platform, as a innovative flat folding rear seats. SUV feels quite solid as a result of its modern Behind the steering wheel one gets a good construction which factors in Mitsubishi’s command view despite the fact the car has innovative RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety a high waist line. Seating is comfortable and Engineering) unibody. As this is more of a finding the right ride height is an easy affair. family car, active and passive safety features On the highway, even at cruising speeds the are places where Mitsubishi engineers paid car appears quite smooth and responsive. a lot of attention. In terms of safety scores, Despite its tall body and high ground the Outlander has received the highest crash clearance, it offers a comfortable ride and is safety rating from the Institute for Highway relatively predictable in its handling. Safety (IIHS) in US for front- and rear-impact In terms of outright handling, the fuel- crash tests.

42

Verdict The Outlander is a positioned as family vehicle which can tackle most day-to-day jobs comfortably. Whether a trip to the beach or an impulsive drive to the mountains, it is capable of servicing the demands without much fuss. And the best part now is that the prices of the Outlander have been corrected and hence it is now more competitive in all departments.

first drive 43 Editorial Nominee

Ford Fusion

Mid-size car 2012

first drive 44 While the A fusion of form excitement has moved on to and substance crossovers, the C-D he calendar year 2012 dawned with the differences in the European made Mondeo segment the regional car industry back in full and the American made Fusion mean that the Tform. From the number of launches of Fusion can be offered at a better price point, in cars new cars, upgraded regulars and some really especially with the Free Trade Agreement intense brand activity, you know that there is in place between the US and a country like continues a sense of catching up with the lull of the past Oman. few years. The shift to making the US a maufacturing to be In this automotive space it is interesting to hub for cars that are brought to the region see that Ford has neither lost its enthusiasm has only become more accented in this year, mainstream or competitiveness. Admittedly not the most with VW and Honda also shifting mainstream competitive of brands in the region due to model procurement to the US, largely due and Ford’s a host of historic issues, it now seems like to our direct linkage to the dollar and the it is bringing the full reduction in import 2012 Fusion weight of its new tariffs. global focus on the The overwhelming For 2012, the aims to stay Middle East. In this car has not gone context a mainline impression is through any major competitive. product like the revisions other than a Fusion takes on of a competent standardisation of the added importance. 6-speed auto gearbox The Fusion went commuter sedan, in both the S and SE Author: Raj Warrior through a major models. The pricing Photography: Raj Warrior model upgrade with quiet, responsive and on the car begins at the 2010 model a cash price of RO year and the whole composed. 7,595/- onwards. package was tailored We had reported on to compete with the Camry and Accord in the the car last year that: US. The Fusion always enjoyed a good platform The car has beaten Ford’s expectations with – what it suffered from was a particular sales in 2010 beating the 200,000 mark, which blandness. With the 2010 MY evolution, hasn’t happened for Ford since its heydays in things have changed significantly. The low- the early 2000s. cost nature of the platform evolution still The car is built on Ford’s CD3 platform, allowed for a redesign of the outer skin. The which has been the major building block for visual distinction is apparent right from the many successful cars and crossovers including new look Ford grille with the three large bars. the Mazda 6, CX9 and Mercury Milan and the There is a distinct effort to provide variance Edge. With this platform Ford has effectively across the fascia – the headlights have also taken the fight into the opposing camp. In got a shape, a trapezoidal one that matches in the region the advantage of being able to with the grille. The car gets projector lamps, order models from the brand’s global portfolio additionally the headlight assembly is now meant that dealers were selling two cars horizontally laid out as opposed to the stacked that had related roots but were essentially layout of the previous car. different in the current generation of the Other major changes include a busy lower Mondeo and Fusion. However, it isn’t as if the airdam, with the design signature carried platform completely defines the vehicle and around the car with a three-dimensional effect

45 The SE grade gets a decidedly nice interior with MyKey entry and the full-function steering wheel

given to the rear deck by the addition of a notch The Fusion also gets a more pronounced as well as redesigned taillights. treatment of the dashboard that removes In the process the 2010 and later models most of the horizontal elements in favour of a manage to look more aggressive than before. vertically aligned layout. The SE version of the This is communicated by the relatively squat car gets a 6-speaker Sony sound system along The interiors still have their fair share of upmarket features height of 1445mm on a length of 4841mm on with power operated driver’s seat to boost the like rearTightly a/c packaged,vents and thecontrols 2.5-litre and Duratec the Audi provides MMI with the large slide out monitor. But as you can see the parking a wheelbase of 2728mm. The large 17” inch already formidable offering in terms of a 6-airbag graphicgood is pick-upbased onand the is sonica good sensors match andfor thenot 6-speedon a camera, wheels boost that impression. complement, Advance Trac with Stability control while the systemauto does gearbox not get navigation. Less aggressive, yet far more modern are and Traction Control. the interiors. The steering wheel regains the The steering wheel also is claimed to be simplicity of the traditional Ford layout, with improved because of a new electronic power all the cruise control and audio buttons coming assist. At low speeds it does help a lot, especially onto the inner boss. The S variant gets only the in the parking lot. However at speeds, the former. However, the speedo console is common steering doesn’t load up, remains soft and has with a large three circle layout in vignetted blue a dead centre. and white to mark the points. The long wheelbase of the car adds some The light controls sit on the console, while useful legroom to the rear seats as well as Small bits of flash on a refined the wiper, turn signal and dipper controls are on shortened overhangs. The strength of the car shape. The a stalk on the left of the steering wheel, with no as a family car is furthered by the roominess of headlight has a unique layout. stalk on the right. the cabin and the excellent NVH that isolates

The 2012 Ford Fusion at a glance

What is it about? How big is it? and a max torque of front ventilated discs and the showroom it has And I would buy it Taking the battle for the 4841mm long, 1834mm 233Nm. rear solid. managed quite nicely for? C/D segment straight to without mirrors, to offer a good price Excellent NVH, the Camry and Accord, 1445mm high on a Under the body How does it handle? point for getting more reasonable build quality, with Ford having gained wheelbase of 2728mm. Front engine, Its not a Mondeo. There customers reliable engine and a lot of converts. Kerb weight from front wheel drive. is just a little excess gearbox. Roomy interiors 1490kgs. Independent short- and give in corners, soft What competition and a good sound Categorise the car long-arm with stabilizer recoil and just a hint of does it have? system. Interiors are to for me Under the hood bar at front, Multilink, gearbox lag. Smooth A long list of C/D cars, segment levels. Mainstream C/D That’s where the fully independent gearshifts through the most of which are segment sedan, with a car really shines – a with twistblade lower range. finding it hard to stay highly competent engine competent 2.5L control arms, stabilizer at the price point. New and gearbox, coupled 4-cylinder Duratec bar at the rear. ABS, Highlights Korean competition in with segment standard engine with a rated max EBD, AdvanceTrac and As the only real C/D the Sonata and Optima. features and good NVH. horsepower of 175hp Traction control through segment contender in

first drive 46 practically all noise. This is a feature that is increasingly becoming a part of the Ford Line-up. The Fusion is powered by a 4-cylinder 2.5-litre Duratec engine that generates 175 horsepower and a torque of 233Nm, making it more than enough to handle day to day activities in the Fusion. On straight roads the Fusion’s composure is its strength. The gearbox responds quickly and almost imperceptibly and at most stretches you have to rein back the engine to stay in speed limits. However when you hit the curves two things happen – the body roll comes creeping in and the gearbox doesn’t move fast enough allowing the engine to get loaded. Of course we can overcome that with the neat little manual override button on the top of the gear lever. That is an acquired skill since we normally expect to do something a lot more overt. Also using the manual shift mode with the little +/- toggle is dependant on slotting the lever into M first. Try getting used to your thumb doing all the work with no input from the rest of your arm. All in all the Fusion does a good job of competing with the run of the mill C-D segment sedans. It offers size, comfort, power and a compelling package – at a price that stays competitive in these times of a rising Yen and Euro. And this remains true for the 2012 model too.

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47 Jaguar keeps the 2012 XF fresh

Powered by a new global odel line-up refreshes are getting more aggressive looking XJ is a good enough interesting considering that more act to emulate. focus, Jaguar Mmodels are having to enter a bridging Styling has been very careful that the XF action to fight all-new cars as they enter the does not stray too much in the process of Land Rover market. Perhaps the economic roller coaster upgrading its looks mid-model life. The small of the past few years has added a sense of cues you should look for are the way in which brings a unpredictability and urgency to the equation – the front fascia says it is an XF and you then but manufacturers can no longer put a model have to do a double-take to see what the refreshed XF in the market and consider it new and fresh changes were. The most prominent part of with just the usual model year bumper and the change is around the lower valance of to the region. trim renewals. The XF is now at that point in the bumper – but then this is usually the part its model cycle where exactly that proposition that gets the most changed. The next part Automan needed to be tackled and it definitely looks like that is visible is the hood join line adjacent Jaguar have managed to get some excitement to the grille – the join has risen higher, taking drives the back into the car. the interface between the headlights and the To be fair to Jaguar hood to a plane that car. you have to consider lies with the top of the that the XF can Replacing the S-type contoured headlights, Author: Raj Warrior almost be considered with a new version of rather than trying to Photography: Raj Warrior the child that signified match the bottom as the revamp under the before. new management. the platform, the XF The headlight It was conceived assembly itself and engineered well has become the car has changed – the ahead of the alliance, highest point of the but fruition was that connects Jaguar top contour is now under the hand of the pushed outwards, Tatas and that in itself to the numbers. away from the centre would have been line of the projector good enough for most new owners. But this lamp, thereby softening the sweep. The small investment is definitely for the long term and DRLs around the projector have also been we have seen the XF blossom in its role as the done away with – with a move to a line of new entry level Jaguar (replacing the S-type), LEDs that now fit along the bottom and outer while bridging the gap from the old entry-level edges of the assembly, largely because new of the X-type to an all-new performance level technology allowed the main lamps to get bi- with the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine. function HID xenons and to become smaller. What does the car now bring in its 2012 This fringe is called as the J-blade signature guise. Of course the external visual clues are look. The front and rear lower valances have the most important element of the refresh changed significantly – different grades get – outer skin can be reshaped and elements one of three new layouts there. like the headlights and taillights can be The same use of a changed light signature modernised without blowing too deep a hole is present on the rear with the new fully LED in engineering and production budgets. The equipped layout extending inwards on to the XF has taken this path, while having a new rear lid – nicely offset by the strong element benchmark to aspire to in the time since it first of chrome across the width of the lights. If all launched – the bigger, better and decidedly you get is a look from the side – then look out

48 Editorial Nominee

Jaguar XF 3.0

Premium car 2012

first drive 49 J blade LED lighting, new taillight arrangement and the pleasure of having blind spot monitoring are only some of the reasons this car stays fresh

The 2012 Jaguar XF at a glance

What is it about? mirrors folded, 1460mm high on a Front engine, rear wheel drive. with the floating console, high Too early for a model change, but just wheelbase of 2909mm. Kerb weight Wishbones, Multi-link rear. All the bells quality monitor and voice control. the right time to bring in a new look from 1690kgs in 3.0 V6. and whistles for ESP. Large brake discs. and some handy new features. What competition does it have? Under the hood How does it handle? BMW 5 and perhaps now the 3 too, Categorise the car for me Depends on which flavour you want Tight, with just the right amount Merc’s E class and definitely the new Premium segment competitor pitted – with a frugal and sporty 3.0 V6 of give. This car has already won A6 and A5 sportback. against BMW, Mercedes-Benz and (235bhp, 295Nm) to a larger V8 5.0 accolades for its drive quality. Its only Audi. From the 3.0-litre to the XFR’s with a healthy 380hp and 515Nm competitors are German. And I would buy it for? supercharged 5.0-litre, the car bridges all the way up to the XFR with a Everything good about the Jaguar almost the entire premium segment. supercharged version of the V8 Highlights identity rolled into an affordable generating 503hp and 625Nm. Version 1.1 of the XF is more package. Still offers a distinct identity How big is it? upmarket, very modern and brings and understated elegance. 4961mm long, 1920mm wide with Under the body the feel of the XJ into the interiors

for the new shape of the side vents behind incorporate a ridged profile that mixes in a choice of engines offered in the car in the the front wheels. Also take a good look at the bit of sportiness with comfort. The feel is lot region – the XF sports the 3.0-litre V6 petrol mirrors. more snug around the squab and lower back. engine that is now also in the lower end XJ. The interiors have also been upgraded – not The brushed aluminium feel has changed a bit With 235bhp at 6500rpm and a torque of just in the electronics as you would expect in and so has the layout of the centre console – 293Nm at 4100rpm, the engine offers the best a mid-life upgrade elsewhere. Again the ghost with a full colour display, extra switches and of both worlds – a low cost and reasonable of the XJ hangs over the head of the engineers integration with three audio systems including levels of performance. In case you desire more as they make the car feel more upmarket a top-of-the-line 1200W, 17-speaker set-up the car can be bought with the great naturally with a definite benchmark to move towards. from Bowers and Wilkins. aspirated 5.0-litre V8 with 380 horsepower The seats have become more plush, yet now The one aspect that hasn’t changed is the and a torque of 515Nm @3500rpm. Only the

first drive 50 XFR’s supercharged variant of this engine on either the frame or geartrain. with 503 hp and an extra 110Nm between However, it is the knowledge that 2500-5500 rpm due to the judicious use of Jaguar engineers are aware of the need its supercharger gets any better. to be modern that really enthuses us – The gearbox for the petrol engines is a small touches like streaming bluetooth Class leading interiors with an upmarket cachet and a sense of ZF 6HP28 six-speed automatic with torque audio indicate that the car is very up much uniqueness will appeal to the owner converter lock-up. in pace with current tech. The wish list In terms of performance, the XF had could have also included a Euro 5 version already taken the previous S-types platform of the 3.0-litre petrol engine, but with to a much higher level. Admittedly the the rumoured 4-cylinder now seeming a challenge is to match the tightness and more likely candidate to make an entry in responsiveness of mainstream German a couple of years, we can understand the luxury sedans like the new 3-series and brand’s reluctance to move away from this 5-series, the C and E-class as well as the engine for the region. slew of cars that Audi now offers at the Overall the XF continues to offer an same price. The performance is well within amazing amount of value in the segment. the envelope that these cars provide, It sets one apart from the mainstream in chassis dynamics have been nicely tuned a good way, while the brand’s focus on a and even the 3.0-litre ensures that a premium used car program has kept resale comfortable drive can become a quick values relatively high. The 3.0-litre V6 is on top of the power and fuel efficiency game dash through an alpine road with no stress without in anyway making you feel you are shortchanged

With visual and feature upgrades in mid-life, the XF is back at the top of its game with a tried and tested powertrain If you seek uniqueness you could do worse - knurled knobs and the brand identifying rotary gear selector add the tactile dimension

51 Special Feature

Volkswagen shifts focus with the Passat Can the German people’s brand replicate the success of the Jetta with the next generation of the Passat? Automan visits their Chattanooga plant

Author: Raj Warrior

52 oing from a middle of with the best in Europe, the only and the car are new – the Passat Passat for the US and South the order manufacturer malaise affecting the car was is bigger, with more rear legroom American market and the factory Gto battling for the no. 1 its burgeoning price that kept it and now comes with a 2.5-litre itself was designed from the position in the volume stakes may above the bulk of competition. It 5-cylinder inline engine sourced ground up to be energy-efficient seem a tall order for some. But was almost as if the Passat was from Puebla. and environmental friendly. It is there are car brands that have set selling in the premium zone that As part of the orientation, we the only automotive factory in their goals on doing just that and should have been the territory of took a morning to travel around the world to be platinum rated this time around we aren’t talking Audi. the production and assembly by LEEDS – with design allowing about the Hyundai-Kia juggernaut. That in some ways used to lines. The factory was part of maximum use of natural light, Volkswagen, the brand we be the problem the Jetta faced. VW’s master plan of shifting rain-water harvesting and waste- are looking at here has also a Seen as a Golf with a boot, the its production into the dollar heat recycling. Even the biome stated purpose of grabbing that car had to be priced accordingly. zone to avoid the high cost of around the plant is kept as original leadership crown and if you go by The options available to VW are European manufacture while as possible. the numbers, the past couple of quite enormous – what with taking advantage of getting The new Passat is to roll into years have been really favourable various generations of the Golf closer to its target market in the region in the month of July to them. platform available in different the United States. While the and we will be carrying an in- However, the reason we were markets in the form of the Lavida planning for the plant was during depth preview and test drive of on a whirlwind 96-hour trip to and Vento as well as the outright the heydays of pre-collapse US, the car in the next issue. In the their manufacturing plant in Golf variants. The Jetta came in the state of Tennessee offered meantime we were given an the Deep South of the United last year as a new 2.0-litre unit incentives and it made sense for opportunity to drive the car at States was not so much about sourced from VW’s Puebla plant in the manufacturer to set up its length with a scenic route laid establishing this fact as it was to Mexico and right from the launch state-of-the-art plant in an area out from Chattanooga through showcase their brand new plant was sold on a keen price point. that has also seen other non-US to Nashville, while meandering from where the next generation The Jetta starts from RO 7,350/- makers start shop. Nissan, Toyota, through parts of Georgia as well. Passat will be sourced. and that effectively takes the C BMW and Mercedes-Benz all have A genuine outdoor barbecue for As most buyers are aware, the segment contender up against plants in the general belt and the lunch and an opportunity to have Passat has been the mainstay the Corolla and Civic with smaller labour force is non-unionised. This dinner at one of the most popular of the brand’s C/D segment for engines. has had a positive fallout in better night spots in Nashville, where many years. We know the car The Passat is now moving along production and lower unit costs. budding music groups sing for and its spin-off the CC. Available the same lines. The car will be VW has a lot to be proud of contributions from the diners and in the region with a choice of made at the brand new factory with the factory. A mix of salaried plug their music, were highlights engines that connected the car at Chattanooga. Both the factory and contract staff roll-out the of the tour.

53 With Schumacher demoted from his pole, Webber took the race in a cool, calculated manner.

Webber triumphs at Monaco

rom pole position Webber got a good start, got Hamilton, Räikkönen and Hulkenberg stopped at it was worth a go,” said Webber in the FIA press Fto the first corner ahead of Nico Rosberg and the same time. conference after the race. “The prime tyre was a never looked troubled. 78 laps later the first six One lap later Alonso came in and picked very tricky tyre to get started. Obviously Seb was in crossed the line nose to tail, but this was rather Hamilton’s pocket. Schumacher stayed out until lap the groove and underway and he was doing some more exciting than that suggests. Behind him 34 and jumped Räikkönen. The Finn had emerged very quick lap times in that part of the grand prix. Romain Grosjean spun after contact with Michael behind the Marussia of Charles Pic and, with no way And it was hard for us to get going, so I had to Schumacher. Kamui Kobayashi’s Sauber hit the through, was forced to lap three seconds slower keep an eye on the Sebastian gap but also manage spinning Lotus and both were out. than Schumacher for several tours. Vettel led the the tyres. So when Seb pitted, then I could revert The safety car was deployed, the order behind race and began to put in a series of fast laps. His my concentration back to Nico. It was pretty good it was Webber leading from Rosberg, Lewis hope would have been to build up a cushion of after that.” Hamilton, Alonso, Felipe Massa, Sebastian Vettel, over 20 seconds to be able to stop and retain his Schumacher was forced to retire from seventh Kimi Räikkönen, Schumacher, Nico Hulkenberg and lead, but Webber began to pace himself against his with a fuel pressure problem and then rain began Bruno Senna. The variable in play was that Vettel, team-mate and Vettel’s lead never got above 18 to threaten but only a few drops fell on the circuit. like Button and di Resta further down the order, seconds. Finally it began to decrease as his tyres It was enough to make Webber drop his pace by a was on the soft tyre, the other leaders were using went away: he pitted on lap 46 and emerged in few seconds and the leaders bunched behind him. the supersoft. Rosberg was the first man in for fourth, having jumped Hamilton and Massa. “It’s always tricky when you’re the first guy tyres, stopping on lap 27. Webber followed two laps “I was a little surprised that Rosberg went then arriving into corners when it’s sprinkling,” said later and got out comfortably in front of Rosberg. because the tyres were still going not too bad – but Webber. “On other tracks, a little bit of rain like that,

54 Motor sports

you wouldn’t really have to back off so much but Jacques Villeneuve pays tribute all of a sudden the car is wheel-spinning, the to his father with Ferrari T4 run front’s not biting, and around this place that’s Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve was behind the wheel of not very encouraging. a Ferrari 312 T4 on Tuesday to commemorate the 30th anniversary Particularly when you’re of the death of his father, Gilles. Villeneuve was in action in the in the lead with only Ferrari at the Italian team’s Fiorano test track. ten minutes to go in Gilles Villeneuve died on May 8, 1982, after crashing during the race. So it required qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix at Zolder. The Canadian drove me then to really, really the 312 T4 during the 1979 season and won three of his six Grands control the race and get Prix victories behind its wheel. the car home.” Ferrari’s 2012 line-up, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, president Despite the first six being covered by two seconds, no-one attempted Luca di Montezemolo, vice president Piero Ferrari, managing director anything desperate in the damp laps. “I was hoping I might get a chance or Amadeo Felisa and former technical director Mauro Forghieri were something but my tyres were really struggling too,” said Rosberg. “Also, I had all in attendance to watch the 1997 title holder take to the track in Fernando behind me and at times it was very difficult, just front and rear warm his father’s car. up, tyres lost temperature and then they picked up again towards the end.” Alonso, whose third place lifts him into the championship lead, agreed. “Five or six laps to the end with the drops of rain that we had, I think we were all praying ‘no more rain’ because it was so difficult.” What rain there was soon abated and the track dried, allowing the front runners to resume lapping at their previous pace. Webber took victory, pushed across the line by Rosberg, Alonso, Vettel, Hamilton and Massa. Further back Force India had a good day with di Resta and Hulkenberg seventh and eighth. Kimi Räikkönen was ninth for a disappointed Lotus and Bruno Senna took a consolation point for Williams. Alonso leads the Drivers’ Championship on 76 points, closely followed by Vettel and Webber on 73 each. Racing had a fine day and extended their lead in that competition to 38 points, with 146 to McLaren’s 108. “It was a very, very special victory today, and hopefully there’s more to come,” said a jubilant Webber. “The start was key, the pitstop was key, both of them went well. I did a little bit of work in between and we got an incredible victory that I’m very, very happy with. It’s great memories for me to win here twice, fair and square off the pole positions. Nico kept me honest. I had him under control but he drove well. It was good grand prix.” India 2012 - now on sale

The 2012 Formula 1 Airtel Indian Grand Prix takes place on October 26-28 and tickets are now available on Formula1.com. Making its second appearance on the F1 calendar, India provides a race-going experience like no other. For a unique insight into one of the paddock’s most exotic destinations and New Delhi’s spectacular Buddh International Circuit, check out Formula1.com’s Destination Guide, with tips on transport, accommodation, where to watch the race and more.

55 ou wouldn’t have believed that the Spanish Grand 18 seconds down to just half a second. Now, if only pace and it was so great. It’s my first podium and my YPrix started on a different note when you saw the the race had lasted a couple of laps more, Raikkonen first victory and you can imagine what I feel.” race end order of Pastor Maldonado in his Williams, may have been happier, but as it ended he did voice Alonso also touched on the problems with his Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and Lotus’ Kimi Raikkonen his displeasure with the car being ‘slower’ than he slowing down on the track in between to a mix of showing some of his heyday appeal in third. The had expected. lack of grip and balance, though he did praise his had started out as race favourites and the In the post-race conference he said, “I’m a bit team for making the car quick off the blocks, “Yeah, Ferrari was really on pace this time around but the disappointed. I expected us to be a bit stronger in it was a fantastic start again. The team prepared race result boiled down to incidents, pit strategy and the race, especially at the beginning. At the end we quite nice again the clutch and everything – the tyre wear issues. were very good, but it was too late. We were not fast procedure to do a good start. It was close on the Maldonado started on pole position after being enough and quick enough to race and that’s why we straight until Turn One with Pastor, and then we had second fastest in qualifying, with Hamilton who had couldn’t fight for a win. But we showed in the end the better side, the inside.” His also acknowledged the time advantage being forced to move to the that we have to speed but we just have to look at the pit strategy that saw his advantage undone, back of the grid after the stewards penalised him what we did. Maybe we took the wrong choice in the “We took the momentum there and we led the race for having less fuel in his tank since they had to take first pit stop. In the end, like I said we were not fast for the first part but then William’s anticipated the their sample from on the track. enough in the beginning and that cost us the race, stop and get in front and at the end it was close. But Maldonado’s lead was always under challenge so I was not so disappointed during the race because We had a newer tyre than Pastor and we tried a by Alonso as the Ferrari showed off the pace it has I saw that I couldn’t follow them at the beginning. couple of times but it was not possible out of the been able to build up. In the 27th lap, Alonso got But at the end when you catch them up almost 20 last corner. Then in the very last laps I felt the car ahead and from that point it seemed like Alonso seconds then you get a bit of a disappointed feeling was strange, we lost a lot of grip. Maybe we lost would end up winning the race, especially since afterwards, when you just needed a few laps to be some aerodynamic part or something because we both the Red Bulls had suffered damage to their even able to fight for the first place. That’s racing were very slow”. front wings necessitating pit stops to rectify that. and at least I scored some good points and we’re Alonso summed up his feelings, “We were lucky at However, in the second round of pit stops the going in the right direction.” the end. Second place at home feels fantastic and Williams team managed to get Maldonado’s car out Try to balance that disappointment with the thanks to the people that came here and the people ahead of Alonso and from that point Alonso semed elation expressed by Pastor Maldonado, “ I think it’s at home and hopefully a step forward in terms of to be under pressure to keep up. But the third round a wonderful day, not just for me but for all the team. championship possibilities.” of pit stops brought Alonso back into the challenge We have been pushing so hard since last year to try Of course this is relevant because the mixed bag of and he even managed a couple of really close peeks to improve race by race and here we are. Yesterday winners so far this season has now brought Alonso to into moving ahead, creeping up on one occasion on we were here after a great qualifying and today we the top of the heap to join Vettel in the points table, the 57th lap to almost grab a shot at overtaking. did it again. It was a tough race because the strategy though Vettel is technically still ahead. However you However, Maldonado held his nerve and position as well, it was tough especially because of the rear cannot discount the Lotus team or drivers. Roman to win the race, while Raikkonen in his Lotus brought tyres – after a couple of laps we were struggling with Grosjean brought in an easy fourth for the team some consolation to the team by putting in a very them. I need to say I’m pretty happy because the car after having collided with Sergio Perez early on in strong showing in the session after the third round of was so competitive since the first lap. Fernando did the race. Unfortunately for Perez his visit to the pit pit stops, cutting Alonso’s lead on him from a healthy a better start than me but I was just following the also saw him getting a badly secured rear wheel and

Venezuelan Maldonado cracks Spain for Williams

56 Motor sports

this caused him to retire. The other William driven Conor Daly tests for Force India by Bruno Senna also didn’t finish the race after a collision with Michael Schumacher’s Mercedes saw GP3 racer Conor Daly enjoyed his first taste of Formula both cars spin off into the gravel, with the Mercedes One power courtesy of Force India as he carried out an immediately out of the race. Post-race the stewards aero test for the Silverstone-based team at the wheel of handed Schumacher a five spot penalty for the the VJM05 at Cotswold Airport in Gloucestershire. Monaco race, judging that he was responsible for The 20 year-old is the son of former Formula One causing the race. The big catch up story of Hamilton driver Derek Daly and started karting back in 2002. was rather overshadowed by all the excitement After winning several amateur and professional karting happening around him, but he still managed to haul awards, he moved to compete in the Skip Barber his way up from last spot to end the race on eighth, national championship and Ontario Formula Ford 1600 avoiding Perez careering towards him on one corner in 2008. as well as surviving a brush with a tyre in his exit The following year he finished third in the Star Mazda from a pit stop. championship presented by Goodyear. In 2010 he enjoyed a record-setting year in the series claiming The two Red Bulls had mixed fortunes, with seven wins, nine pole poles and 12 podium finishes. He Vettel managing a useful sixth position, but Webber joined GP3 in 2011, driving for Carlin, but swapped to unlucky in not getting the final point available as the Lotus GP3 team for this season. Nico Hulkenberg took the tenth spot ahead of him in the Force India car. After the race there was added drama with a Sauber CEO Kaltenborn handed stake in team fire breaking out in the Williams garage that saw pit crews battling to contain, with teams running Team principal and president of the board of directors Peter in to help. The fire began around 90 minutes after Sauber has transferred a third of the stake in the Sauber Group the race ended. An explosion in the fuel area of to CEO Monisha Kaltenborn. Sauber himself will retain the the garage happened at the time team principal remaining two thirds. “When BMW pulled out of Formula One in 2009, Monisha Sir Frank Williams was giving a victory speech to Kaltenborn was instrumental in the team’s survival and since the team. He was immediately evacuated from then she has been doing outstanding work in her capacity as the garage, while team members of the Williams, CEO,” he explained. “Transferring one third of the stake to her Caterham and Force India teams rushed in and represents an important step for me in providing continuity. battled the flames in smoke-filled garage. The “My desire is to ensure that the company continues to be led circuit’s emergency crews came in to action after as I would want over the long term. Monisha Kaltenborn and my son Alex, who joined the that, leading some commentators to lash out at the company as Marketing Director in 2010 and has since also been a member of the Board of track’s safety standards. Management, both embrace this aim. It means we can offer our employees a positive outlook More than 30 people were seen and treated by the for the future.” medical centre and a few people were hospitalised. Kaltenborn added: “For me this step is a mark of the greatest possible trust, which I will do There has rarely been such a major incident and this everything in my power to justify.” The Austrian has been the team’s head of legal affairs since 1998 and has been a member of one certainly put a damper on the Williams team’s the board of management since 2001. She completed a law degree at the University of Vienna celebrations. before graduating as a Master of Laws from the London School of Economics. Kaltenborn became the first woman to head up the business operation of an F1 team when shewas promoted to CEO in 2010. Montezemolo: Championship in Ferrari’s hands Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo has told the company’s Formula One team that each and every member must deliver if they are to stand any chance of winning the 2012 world championship. Ferrari have experienced mixed fortunes in the first part of the year. Fernando Alonso has taken one victory and shares the lead in the driver standings, but the F2012 has generally struggled for pace and the Italian team lie fourth in the constructors’ championship. “The championship is in our own hands,” Di Montezemolo said in An unbelievable race brings Williams its an open letter to staff in the build-up to this weekend’s Monaco first race win in 8 years and gives the Grand Prix. “(It) is very open and so far, there has not been one 2012 season its fifth winner in Pastor dominant force.” Maldonado Di Montezemolo also highlighted the need for both his drivers to produce results. It follows continuing media speculation over Felipe Massa’s future with Ferrari, the Brazilian having scored just two points to Alonso’s 61 this year.

57 Loeb back on top with 70th win in Argentina Getting his seventieth win in Argentina ahead of team-mate Mikko Hirvonen was the stuff of dreams for Sebastien Loeb. The same could be the description of the state of mind of Adapta team driver Mads Ostberg who took the third spot to continue with his podium spots after Portugal where he was elevated to

nother victory here in Argentina it’s incredible for me Aand especially after Portugal it was important for the team to react like this,” said Loeb, whose Citroen DS3 WRC ran on Michelin tyres. “It has been a great rally here with Mikko finishing second.” With Hirvonen under orders to hold position, Loeb spent winner after Hirvonen got docked by stewards. Sunday’s closing six stages preserving his tyres and his advantage out front, while Hirvonen was happy to be back de Portugal. on the podium following his exclusion from Vodafone Rally “It’s been a good rally and I really love the long distance,” said Hirvonen. “They are such fantastic stages here.” Behind the ultra-consisent Mads Ostberg, who overcame handling issues during the final day, Martin Prokop took a career-best fourth with Thierry Neuville also securing a personal best for the Citroen Junior World Rally Team. Prokop’s final placing was the best result so far in the WRC amaha factory Racing’s Jorge Lorenzo delivered a master This result is a great comeback for Loeb, who was for the DMACK tyre firm. unable to finish round four at Portugal. With eight WRC Yclass in wet racing today to take a flawless victory in the Monster Energy Grand Prix de France. championships under his belt, Loeb is a sensation that is Starting from fourth position on the second row, the hard to beat. Petter Solberg remains in second spot till determined Mallorcan took the lead on the first lap, now. immediately creating a gap to the following pack. Lorenzo Citroen’s one-two means its lead over Ford in the crossed the finish line almost ten seconds clear to take the manufacturers’ standings is 45 points. Ostberg’s podium hands the Adapta World Rally Team sixth in the table. full 25 points and move eight points ahead at the top of the three, at which point Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow Championship standings. joined him in a long battle. He picked up his pace around Second placed Valentino Rossi similarly started from the seven laps from the end, eventually setting the fastest lap third row of the grid. Nicky Hayden, despite an unfortunate of the race and closing the gap to Casey Stoner, who he start, worked his way up to sixth by the finish. Having overtook on the final lap. His runner-up finish behind winner started from seventh place, Rossi advanced to third by lap Jorge Lorenzo is his best result with Ducati so far. Stoner is now second in the Championship standings, with 82 points, 8 behind Jorge Lorenzo. having made a good start the Texan slid on the start finish Hayden was among the riders who spun their tyres on the line paint, dropping several places. A subsequent issue with inside part of the track just after the start, but he pushed his race visor letting in water and reducing vision meant an hard the entire race, eventually matching his best result of unscheduled pit stop, allowing the majority of the field past the year. and compromising his race. Spies finished 16th and remains Yamaha’s Ben Spies continues to be plagued by bad luck; 11th in the standings. Meanwhile ahead of the French GP, Stoner announced that he would be retiring at the end of the season since he had lost his passion for the sport. “This sport has changed a lot and it has changed to the point where I am not enjoying it,” he said. “I don’t have the passion for it and so at this time it’s better if I retire.”

Lorenzo back on top in Le Mans

58 Motor sports -WRC MOTOGP

Stoner takes the elusive EstorilCasey Stoner took win his first premier class victory at the Estoril circuit —the only track on the MotoGP calendar at and held the position to the line after a determined which he had failed to win in his career. With this result, effort to stay with race leader Casey Stoner. The eanwhile the other Yamaha rider Ben Spies started the Repsol rider moved into the lead of the overall Mallorcan’s legendary consistent lap pace meant Stoner well from fifth, slotting into fourth in the first corner standings and extended his run of consecutive podiums M was never more than one second ahead until the final to just over an entire year. Teammate Dani Pedrosa before running wide and dropping back several places. lap and at times just 0.2 seconds in front. Lap three of The Texan made a couple of mistakes and dropped claimed third and an historic 100th World Championship the race saw Lorenzo deliver a new fastest lap record for podium at this final Portuguese GP. to ninth where he battled Stephan Bradl for eighth, Estoril of 1’36.909. eventually passing the German to take the position at The MotoGP race began with a hectic first lap. Once these opening positions had been decided, the Pedrosa and Stoner were first and second, respectively, the line. three leaders kept up the pace, lap after lap. Breaking The Repsol Honda Team riders were happy with a at the end of the home straight. Jorge Lorenzo started away from the rest of the pack, Stoner, Lorenzo and from fourth on the grid and he was quickly into second weekend in which Casey Stoner claimed his first triumph Pedrosa extended their advantage and avoided any at the Portuguese track in MotoGP, whilst teammate at the first corner whilst Pedrosa dropped down to third change in position, right up until the chequered flag was seconds later when he momentarily lost rear tyre grip Dani Pedrosa settled for third place and the honour waved at the Autódromo de Estoril. of becoming the second youngest rider to reach 100 podiums —after Valentino Rossi. ans at the Spanish Grand Prix were witness to a tight victory Ffor Casey Stoner, taking his first win on the new RC213V. The reigning MotoGP World Champion took advantage of his superior pace to maintain a lead and gradually extend a gap from the rest of the field, pursued only by his most persistent of rivals. All this came after a slow start for the Australian, who found himself in fifth after the opening corners. Stoner prevails Starting from pole, Lorenzo initially dropped to third, then swiftly moved up to second by lap three behind race leader Casey Stoner. The gap never grew to more than a second, then closed to just over 0.2 seconds in the last laps. Unfortunately in Jerez by this point the soft front tyre choice left Lorenzo unable to make a pass. He crossed the line 0.947 seconds behind Stoner, taking 20 Championship points. Once he had the race under control, Stoner racked up a series of fastest laps that established a cushion between him and main contender Jorge Lorenzo. On the final laps the Spaniard had drawn closer, but Stoner held on to cross the line first, win for the first time at Jerez and move four points clear in the overall standings.

59 Tech Talk

To the modern day driver, the three-point seatbelt is almost as ubiquitous as the steering wheel of the car. You get in, pull the metal tongue BONDING over and insert it into the clasp. Everyone tells you that you need it, it will one day save your life. But that was not always the case. A harness or seatbelt is an invention of WITH SEATbELTs the late 19th century and after seeing early adoption in some aircraft, it made its way to automobiles during the 1950’s. If you discount all the harnesses used before, the first real seatbelt was offered by the now defunct American manufacturer Nash as an option on its cars, while Saab first put it in as a standard fitting. However, it is important to remember that the seatbelt was seen initially in two guises – it had some claim to being a safety feature of course, but more importantly the seatbelt was liked by some drivers as a means to secure them and leave their hands free to control the car. Naturally, the faster the car, the more the seatbelt was a help. However, the period from these early introductions to the first mandatory rulings by government (in 1970 by the Victorian government in Australia) were covered by a series of on-again off-again attempts to make them acceptable to drivers. Moving from the lap restraints or two-point seatbelts used till then, Nils Bohlin developed the modern version of Seatbelts can be of many types, like the 5-point belt from a sports vehicle seen the three-point seatbelt from an idea patented at the left to a handy lap strap. No, we don’t recommend using a belt to shut up your passenger! by two Americans for Volvo who introduced it as standard equipment in 1959. Interestingly, even Volvo only introduced rear lap restraints as standard in 1967, bringing in the three-point seatbelt as late as 1972. Till today, Volvo and on saving lives. package. At the very least, today’s seatbelt has Mercedes-Benz are known for their early focus Today, it is a well-known fact, supported to be integrated into an inertia reel. by research and legislation, that a three- If you picture the three points of the seatbelt point seatbelt saves lives. The seatbelt is as the part on the top of the pillar behind you, usually constructed from a webbing of tough the clasp and the part that is fixed at the bottom polyester or Aramid fibres that offers excellent of the pillar, you will notice that the first part is tensile strength while being soft and flexible. essentially a slot into which the seatbelt retracts. Manufacturers are known to have experimented An inertia reel is placed at the bottom of the pillar, with colours and materials that complement the inside the pillar moulding cover, fastened securely interiors of their upmarket cars, but largely the to the frame. Its function is to feed out the strap focus in on providing a safe, high-volume, reliable as needed and spool it in when you release the

Left: Preventive occupant protection with PRE-SAFE, seat belt tensioner from a current Mercedes-Benz car Right: A more generic seatbelt retractor

60 The seatbelt is now a fixture of every BONDING modern car. But what separates it from a mere tie- WITH SEATbELTs down? Automan investigates.

Author: Raj Warrior

clasp. For this it is spring wound. The ‘inertia’ bit injuries in some cases in the US. Manufacturers refers to the additional safety feature built into have tried to introduce automated three-point the mechanism. Inertia is a physical term defined seatbelt systems that wrap themselves around by the ability of a body to stay at a state of rest you as you enter and sit down, but this was or uniform motion without applying an external never broadly accepted and fell out of favour by force. You would have noticed that sometimes the 1990’s. the strap locks when you try to pull it out while There was also an attempt by American the car is moving, turning or just standing on an manufacturers to link the ignition switch to the incline. In each of these cases the inertia of the use of seatbelts – but this was also abandoned. car (and as an extension the inertia of the small In the meanwhile, audio and visual warnings are locking mechanism in the base) changes and the in vogue, with no clear global approach yet to locking ball or pin prevents the belt from moving. how to get a driver or a recalcitrant passenger to In a real world case this means that whenever use the seatbelt. a car accelerates, brakes or turns sharply, the New technology in seatbelts is now being passenger is held in place safely. felt at the strap. Manufacturers are unveiling Mercedes-Benz took this one stage further with airbags that are housed in the strap and deploy the inclusion of a pyrotechnic locking mechanism as a first line of defence in case of an accident. that was triggered by the airbag sensors. Now if Computerised pre-crash assessment and the car suffered an impact, an explosive charge avoidance systems have meanwhile become would shoot a series of balls that tightened the mainstream, with makes like Mercedes-Benz seatbelt in a matter of milliseconds. The effect linking seat position motors, seatbelt pre- was to keep the passenger firmly pressed back tensioners, braking assist and the like to the car’s Despite the belt’s lock mechanism, you can see the forces involved as the test dummy hits the airbag in a crash - on the seat, lessening any secondary injuries ability to deduce that a crash is imminent. especially a severe one from the airbag. It is about time that the driver accepted that However most car companies, with their the old duality of purpose still exists even in access to modern technology have gone far this modern setting. The seatbelt will save your beyond this. Nowadays most cars are mandated life someday, but till then it does a great job of to offer kinetic three-point seatbelts on all seat freeing your hands to do what they should be positions, with pre-tensioners usually found doing, steering the wheel, not bracing yourself. in the front. Lap restraints are falling out of Left: An M-B lighted clasp. On the right is a favour as they have been linked to severe spinal typical inertia reel assembly.

Three latest generation add-ons from M-B Innovations to enhance road safety: The reversible seatbelt tensioner from PRE-SAFE® ensures that airbags and seatbelts have maximum effect; DISTRONIC assists drivers by monitoring the distance to the vehicle in front; a printed circuit board identifies the severity of a collision and activates safety systems in a matter of milliseconds. 61 PREVIEW

peugeot.com

The 2012 Range Rover consolidates FEEL THE POWER WITH its position as the world’s most luxurious SUV with a 308 163 HP TURBO host of style changes, feature upgrades and bespoke editions such as the Middle East only Vogue Gold edition Going for gold!

UNLIMITED WARRANTY and Rover Middle East have stepped lettering and a unique Gold Limited Edition thermodynamic efficiency by 16 percent up and launched the Range Rover badge. On the interior, in addition to the compared to earlier designs and renders LVogue Gold Edition in collaboration finest leather, advanced technology and the unit almost inaudible. This immense with Startech Middle East. Unique to the world renowned luxury there’s a set of unique performance, allows the Supercharged Test drive it now Middle East and the Middle East markets Gold illuminated tread plates. Adding further Range Rover to accelerate from 0-100km/h *3 years unlimited warranty plus 2 years extended warranty. only, the Vogue Gold Limited Edition features personalization to the Vogue Gold is the set under six seconds. a Startech aerodynamic package which of 20in gold painted Range Rover alloys. The current Range Rover is further consists of a front bumper attachment with The Supercharged LR-V8 remains one enhanced by improvements to the Terrain PEUGEOT 308 LED daytime running lamps, gold painted of the most uncompromisingly powerful Response® system in the form of Hill Start fog lamp surround, centre section and a and efficient petrol engines in its class, Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control. rear bumper attachment with black painted producing 510PS at between 6,000rpm The Gold Edition is now available in Oman, square exhaust finishers. and 6,500rpm with torque of 625Nm from through the Land Rover Exclusive Importer, Complimenting the look are gold painted 2500rpm-5500rpm. Key technologies include Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC, with a free wing mirror caps, side vents, front grille the sixth-generation, twin-vortex Eaton™ Service Package for 3 Years/ 72,000 KM and surround, iconic gold painted “Range Rover” supercharger whose high helix rotor improves 1-year free Comprehensive Insurance. For more information call our Customer Relations Centre 98 902 874. You may also email your enquiry to [email protected] 62 or simply send us an SMS on 80110. peugeot.com

FEEL THE POWER WITH 308 163 HP TURBO

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Test drive it now *3 years unlimited warranty plus 2 years extended warranty.

PEUGEOT 308

For more information call our Customer Relations Centre 98 902 874. You may also email your enquiry to [email protected] or simply send us an SMS on 80110. PREVIEW

301 83 years of tradition ends at Peugeot is the first new ‘conquest’ model to adorn under new model badge regime new nomenclature

eugeot has revamped its 83-year-old supplement the range of models with a final model-naming system by ditching its digit ‘8’.” The middle zero is said to “identify Ppolicy of numbering each generation. Peugeot”, and will be retained. Peugeot has been Instead, the numerical system that started As well, crossover vehicles that have been with the Peugeot 201 in 1929, and is now identified with a ‘00’ in the middle since manufacturing motor in its eighth generation, will be locked at 2005, will retain that system, but like the vehicles for more than ‘8’ for all models in future. Meanwhile, new sedans and hatches will conclude with an “conquest models”, will finish with a ‘1’. The ‘8’. Specialty body types, such as cabriolets 100 years and has new system means models such as the 208 and wagons, appear likely to retain the CC or and 308 will retain that name in perpetuity, SW tag attached to their model nameplates. designed numerous through generation change, and never Peugeot’s numerical numbering system is graduate to 209 and 309. one of the oldest consistent model naming saloons which have As before, the first digit of the model regimes, but started out in 1929 simply as the number is said to represent the size or class code for Peugeot’s 201 project. earned and continue to of the vehicle. The 301 will be built in Spain and will earn their place in motor The first of its new “conquest models” will have its world premiere at the 2012 Paris be known as the 301 which is actually the Motor Show in September. It will then go vehicle history (404, sedan variant of the 208. on sale from in November 2012 in Turkey According to Peugeot, ‘conquest’ models then into Central and Eastern Europe, 504, 305, 405, 406, 407, are being defined as vehicles for emerging Russia, Ukraine, Greece, The Middle East, markets such as Eastern Europe, Africa, Gulf and African States, as well as in certain 408, and 508). Middle East and Latin America. The final Latin American markets. The Middle East digit is a response to new challenges, new models are expected to ambitions, according to Peugeot. come with Peugeot’s The wider coverage of the markets 1.6-litre VTi engine at international level calls for the launch and automatic of conquest models in the large volume transmission segments at the heart of the market. set-up. Designed specifically to fulfill new customer expectations, these conquest models – affordable and offering status – will

64

In Memoriam

Julian Caroll Shelby Milward-Hopkins

Carroll Hall Shelby, a man Carroll Shelby founded Carroll One of Middle East’s most and realising that I was quite whose vision for performance Shelby International, a publicly popular press relations upset, he called me over to his transformed the automobile held corporation involved in professionals, Julian Milward- apartment in The Greens for industry, has died at age many industries. His licensing Hopkins sadly passed away a chat. His calm assessment 89. Born on Jan. 11, 1923, arm has agreements with last month after losing a long of the situation and assurance Carroll Shelby was one of industry giants, such as Mattel, battle with diabetes and health that nothing was really lost and America’s greatest success Sony, Ford Motor Company and complications thereafter as a that there were more avenues stories. Championship-winning Electronic Arts. His car company, result. He was 58. to explore couldn’t have been a racecar driver, “flying sergeant” Shelby American, has a thriving My personal association goes bigger source of motivation! wartime pilot, philanthropist, parts business as well as a line of back more 13 years when I met I’ve had the opportunity to entrepreneur, car manufacturer muscle cars including the Shelby him for the first time in 1999, in travel with him several times and racing team owner, he GT500 Super Snake, Shelby UAE, shortly after he left his job over the years on motoring embodied the ingenuity, GT350 and Shelby GTS. The as Features editor of Timeout assignments and one thing tenacity and grit to overcome Las Vegas-based company also magazine with Sharjah-based that really stood out was his any obstacle. He is perhaps the manufactures a limited number English language daily The Gulf meticulous attention to detail only person to have worked of the 1960s Shelby 289 “street,” Today. At the time he had joined and exceptional levels of at a visible level with all three 289 FIA, 427 S/C and Daytona a Dubai-based PR company professionalism. major American automobile Coupe Cobras. MCS Action. I was Julian’s Having spent a few months in manufacturers. replacement at The Gulf Today the PR business recently before and I remember our first project returning to my journalistic was to promote Foton, a newly roots, I can empathise the way opened kid’s play world in Al Julian nurtured and somewhat Mulla plaza in Dubai. In a year’s pampered members of the Ferdinand A porsche time, I moved into motoring media fraternity. journalism full-time and ever Time to time he would since Julian not only became a encourage journalists to be close friend, but also my career objective and critical and in advisor. In my formative days many ways, he had contributed and after, I would discuss with in raising the PR benchmark him about career moves and he in this market that we are would give me the best advice accustomed to now. For me – most of them which I adhered personally, the loss cannot be to. I also remember the fateful quantified or describe. I’ve lost day when I unexpectedly lost a friend, a mentor and a very my job at wheels magazine. I good human being. told him what had happened Chandan B Mallik

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, ago in , Austria. It as a designer that his original also reportedly very proud of the illustrious grandson of goes without saying that the shape has evolved so little another car he designed, the Ferdinand Porsche, son of 911 is the most important since 1963 when it debuted 904, as well as founding the Ferry Porsche and designer of product in the history of at the Frankfurt Motor Show. industrial design company the iconic 911 ‚Äì passed away Porsche, and it’s a testament The 911, though, isn’t his Porsche Design Studio in at the age of 76 a few weeks to Ferdinand Alexander’s skill only achievement. He was 1972.

66 automan souq OTE introduces world’s thinnest LG 3D TV with astonishing features

LG’s quality innovations and growing market share have ensured its position as number one across the premium 3D Smart TV segment.

DY Kim, President of LG Electronics, Gulf FZE with Ajay Chopra, MD, OTE Group and other executives automan souq during the TV launch.

Fujifilm Middle East has said that it believes its X series of cameras have really taken off because people are put off by the weight and bulk of DSLRs. The X-Series line-up which was launched earlier with the X100, a premium compact camera housing an APS-C sized sensor, the X range has now been widened to include the X100, the X10 and the most recent addition, the X Pro1, the company’s first compact system camera. Although the price points aren’t too dissimilar from some DSLRs, one of the biggest advantages of these cameras is their small size and weight. The top-of-the-line X Pro1 marks Fuji’s return to interchangeable lens cameras, after it bowed out from the DSLR partnership it had with Nikon. The X Pro1 will be offered with a full assortment of nine interchangeable lenses by 2014, according to Fujifilm executives.

Photocentre launches Fujifilm X-Series digital cameras

Sayarti relaunches Sonax after car care products

Sayarti has announced that it is to become the exclusive distributor in Oman for Germany’s top car care product brand, Sonax.. The formal announcement was made during the first principal-distributor-retailer meet in Muscat. The first event of its kind saw over 150 retailers and wholesellers participating in the launch event where the entire range of Sonax products -- from DIY (Do It Yourself) to professional car care along with the latest offerings with unsurpassed features were put on display. KA Arun Kumar, General Manager of Sayarti Group said: “Sonax markets its products under several car care sub brands like PremiumClass, XtremeSerie, FormelPLUS, Sonax Professional and Sonax ProfiLine. All these products have been formulated with specific tasks in mind including the type of paintwork and age of the car. The complete range will be available in Oman now. Sonax products just don’t take care of the car and how it looks, but also ensures that it doesn’t harm the users or the vehicle’s components as they are also environment friendly.”

67 t a time when most consumers Dodge label and rebranded it as utilitarian truck gets metamorphosed around the world are conscious Ram sees most of its changes and into a lifestyle edition with efficient Aabout spending and allocating enhancements beneath its skin. The and powerful engines along with new budgets for smaller car purchases, top-of-the-line Ram Laramie edition, technology features such as multiple Chrysler Group LLC decides to our test vehicle, has been subtly displacement systems. With these revamp it revolutionary Ram 1500 tweaked on the exterior for some features on board, the Ram is now a pick up truck range for the light- freshness. The grille is taller and the few notches ahead of its class. duty lifestyle market. Redesigned in front bumper is new, plus previously Our Quad Cab Laramie 1500 2008, Chrysler Group has taken the optional quad halogen headlights are edition was powered by a 5.7-litre next logical step and ensured it gets now standard across the 1500 line, Hemi V8 which has been tweaked what the market wants – efficiency, as are LED taillights. Also new is a to offer some extra horses and

B Mallik Chandan and Warrior Photography: Raj comfort and better packaging -- headlight option that includes LED torque. Now offering 390hp and thereby virtually guaranteeing a lease indicators and side markers. Also we 548Nm of torque, power is delivered of life in this segment. note there’s a lot of chrome surfaces through a new six-speed automatic In a brand and power conscious on the truck but no runner boards as transmission to the wheels. The Middle East market, the current Ram standard kit. truck is also equipped with electronic model is in its fourth-generation. The major portion of the revamp range selector and on-demand The Ram 1500 as it is known now exercise has been focused on four-wheel-drive transfer case. This after Chrysler Group removed the upgrading the vehicle. As a result the V8 Hemi also comes with cylinder Double cab treat

68 deactivation technology. have to be really tall or quite features, including standard abundant in the rear as well. Besides that, Chrysler has also agile to get in or out this truck. front and rear side-curtain air Rear view from inside the cabin rolled out several fuel-saving Even a runner board as standard bags with Enhanced Accident is poor. To compensate that in technologies in the Ram inspired kit would have also helped solve Response System, side seat view of the demands and job by supercars and first up on some of these issues. airbags, knee bolsters, seat belt description of the vehicle, one of the list is an active grille shutter Besides this niggle, we think pretensioners, anti-lock brake the things which we thought as that automatically opens and most of the practical options system, BeltAlert® system and odd initially was the abnormal closes depending on the engine’s included such as under-floor electronic stability control plus long and large exterior rear cooling needs and vehicle speed. storage bins, lockable Ram available adjustable pedals, view mirrors. Although designed We’ve seen these on several Box integrated into the rear ParkSense® rear park assist and to help drivers with highway efficiency-minded sedans and mudguards and in general, ParkView® rear back-up camera. lane changes or during towing, super cars, but this is the first plenty of storage space befit the Safety ratings stand at three since rear visibility is poor when application on a pick-up. nature of the overall package. out of five stars and a couple of compared to a typical sedan or As the vehicle is quite high The wide cabin makes space for ‘marginal’ scores from the IIHS. SUV, or when towing, it takes and its ground clearance is real three-across seating on the a while to get accustomed to more than that of an average standard rear bench. Our tester Driving impressions the split mirror arrangement. truck, thanks to it 20in rims and came with the adjustable bucket In any of the Ram versions, front However, we found it extremely wheels set, one would have seats and was divided by a huge seats are generously sized, soft helpful when trying the park the expected some convenience centre console. padded and come with individual truck in tight parking spots later. elements such as an adjustable On the safety and security ventilation and cooling. Besides Once inside the cabin, one ride height provision. Since that’s front, the Ram 1500 offers more a commanding view forward, begins to realize that this not available in this version, you than 30 active and passive safety leg and head room are also refreshed Ram puts more

Automan checks out the Rambo of double cab lifestyle trucks: the top- of-the-line 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie edition and returns convinced that it is good enough to be taken out to a fancy restaurant or on an off-road trail

first drive 69 Ram truck models like the 1500 Laramie now no longer carry the Dodge badge. Chrysler has created Ram as standalone 100 per cent truck brand.

distance between itself and its as low as 60km/h, but not as chassis, compliant tuning, and closest rivals. For a truck, the seamless as promised. We did responsive suspension which cabin has a upmarket feel with note a bit of shuddering from ensures that it ends up friendly premium materials covering the engine bay. Although, not to the driver and occupants. For the seats, door panels and an irritant to otherwise serene a large truck, electric steering other key touch points. Modern driving set-up, the flip side being is surprising quick and light, but convenience features include the big gains in mileage, which what’s surprising is how quiet adjustable pedals, Bluetooth, is more important in the current and composed the cabin stays voice recognition, an 8.4-inch context. as you cruise at fast highway touchscreen display, smartphone After driving over 1,100km speeds. We also noted that on app connectivity and even 30GB for this test report including off-road trails, the truck actually hard disk memory. Surprisingly, varied terrain sojourns, we can copes quite well and we are not sat nav wasn’t included in the assure our readers that the Ram really concerned too much with package. 1500 is among the best-riding the marginal compromise with On the move, the 5.7-litre pick-up and one of the best- towing capacity limits due to V8 and its six-speed automatic handling models that we have changes in the rear suspension combo really brings the capable driven in recent times. Although, set-up. chassis to life besides offering the Ram retains a traditional On the utilities perspective EPA-rated 20 mpg on the live axle and has sacrificed its there are a few things we ought highway. We can vouch for traditional leaf springs for a to mention. The cargo section that at we did over 400kms on modern coil-spring set-up, it comes protected with a factory half a tank of fuel during the is now more lifestyle oriented spray-in bedliner and to ensure Dubai-Muscat-Dubai drive. The than jigged for hardcore field various goods remain in place powertrain is responsive and the work. The truck is a real delight are anchor and an adaptable cylinders do cut off at speeds to drive, thanks to a stiff lockable partition arrangement.

70 In 1994, Dodge introduced a revolutionary Ram - the 1500 - in the light-duty pickup market, with its “big rig” styling and iconic crosshair grille. The Ram 1500 was then redesigned in 2008 and Dodge pulled out all the stops for its all-new, next-generation pick-up.

Main competitors Chevrolet Avalanche, GMC Si- erra, Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F Series, Cadillac Escalade EXT, Toyota Tundra, . Verdict In its latest generation, the Ram 1500 became more capable and even bolder than before. A fresh does of style, new interior and revisited engineering quite simply catapults the model to head of the class. It’s one of the toughest, most composed pick-ups available for the Oman market

first drive 71 72 Chasing success with the Colorado Author: Raj Warrior T P A thisof approach. the new spin-offs C and the rebirth theirlines after reorganise product have had to Motors General hailand ick-up truck in olorado is one of utoman tests the the utoman tests f you saw the Yes the Colorado or its manufacturing hub. General Motors equivalent was there The country is known Iof previous years before, but in those for its love affair with and the new General days it was essentially a the pick-up truck and one aspect that is rebadged Isuzu pick-up almost every Japanese most noticeable is that with a petrol engine. manufacturer and slimmer GM has had to In the region, we thus both GM and Ford divest its stake in some saw the D-Max and the have manufacturing other manufacturers. Colorado being sold as facilities that make The older wisdom was the diesel/petrol choice. pick-up trucks and that the organisation And it wasn’t as if the their platform variants could have a controlling petrol variant was doing for both the local and interest or close to any favours to the export markets. Toyota that in some makers brand. famously centres its – like Suzuki, Daewoo Now, with the new GM IMV platform here – and Isuzu and have things are different. with the Innova, Hilux access to their vehicle There has been a and Fortuner being platforms, which were concerted US$ 2 produced here and part either co-developed billion investment supply going to other or rebadged as GM in developing the plants around the world products. But a few core new Colorado, with too. As for GM it used to changes have happened a significant part of make the old Colorado over the years. that investment in till 2011, but once it First, the Chevrolet Chevrolet’s new pick- switched over to the badge has truly gone up plant in Thailand. new platform, it now global, while other The platform is still has set its sights firmly revered badges from jointly developed with on getting its game up the Gerneral have Isuzu, but now its just to a level where it can fallen by the wayside. the basic platform challenge Toyota both in Admittedly, while the engineering that is the pick-up segment as badge is global, the shared. The Chevrolet well as in the Fortuner- local viewpoint is not version is available type SUV. necessarily the same. with a choice of two While vehicle plant In the UK, Chevrolet diesel engines and took some level of and Vauxhall co-exist, two petrol, of which investment, almost while in Australia its the petrol engines will US$200 million has all Holden. In the US come to the region been invested in a new of A the Chevrolet first, to be followed diesel engine plant badge is still associated by the diesel as well. that produces the with big and strong GM’s new platform 2.5-litre and 2.8-litre American cars as much follows the tried and Duramax engines for as it is now linked to tested body-on-frame the platform. The petrol the Cruzes and Optras. layout, with a choice of engines come from Here in the Middle wheelbases, three cabin further afield with the East, with the region’s configurations and a 3.6-litre V6 unit being ability to import from four-wheel drive option procured from Holden in any part of the GM as well, with manual Australia. empire, Chevrolet is and auto gearboxes. The Colorado is now many things to different In the four-wheel drive targeted as being people. It can boast arrangement the body something more than a of having the largest rides higher to give utility vehicle. Of course range of passenger cars fording ability. this is largely because and SUVs on offer and GM has had many the target market for now, even its range years of association the truck covers more of utes gets bigger. with Thailand as a than 60 countries, so

first drive 73 the platform has to be adaptable from fellow journalists who were had designers tell us about to the needs of these varied trying to judge the Colorado how they took the twin cockpit markets. In the GCC we will see against the cars they drove, the feel of the Camaro into the most of the numbers generated general feeling was one of a truck and that the family feel by the truck being in the single good job, well done. The body- is carried on. Yes there is a cab, entry level petrol engined on-frame has been evolved line of stitches that is meant spec, with its larger bed. More nicely, with a general stiffening to emulate the feel, but frankly evolved markets like Australia up of the frame and better the cabin is just too much of a may see the truck being chosen mounts resulting in a quieter workplace to get that ambience. in the 4x4 mode with a dual cab ride. Suspension would always However, it definitely stays and high spec levels because have to be a compromise with on top of the breed with its of the preponderance of self- the basic leaf-spring orientation very circular automatic climate employed tradesmen. having to be maintained to control option. We drove the variants of the take care of the cargo carrying Certain oddities are replete with truck around the countryside aspects of the truck. But the truck – when it is in 4WD in the green north of Thailand someone has paid a lot of mode there is no indicator to tell around the popular tourist attention to the spring rates you when it is in low mode and areas of Chiang Mai and Chiang and especially the dampers and you miss the map pockets in the Rai. To start with the entire their packaging as the bounce rear of the seats. experience was a bit out of kilter we expected on unladen trucks Would the Colorado succeed in – we had right-hand drive trucks was muted and there was no the GCC? It definitely packages (Thai spec of course) with resonating tendency that we the right set of attributes for the manual transmissions and diesel could determine. The petrol market and we would expect its engines. And we drove the engines are both very capable. indicative keen pricing to keep it trucks in convoy under police Of course the grunt of the 3.6 cheaper in an apples to apples motorcycle escort. So it wasn’t is very obvious and pervasive. comparison with the Hilux. As much of a test drive until we However, even the 4-cylinder for Thailand itself, the truck entered a secluded forest area with its 150hp and 5-sp manual is quite popular, even having where the entire GCC group transmission was very capable. proven itself in rescue work were shifted over to left-hand Inside the cabin, you get a during the recent floods. drive petrol trucks. feeling that the truck tries too Other than the odd complaint hard to please everyone. We

74 Competitors Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200, Mazda BT50, Nissan Pick-up, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max Strengths New platform, definitely modern and well-built, good range of engines and variants, competitive pricing Weaknesses Not the strongest player in the segment and likely to be compared head on with the new D-Max

The Colorado’s suspension now shows the perfect compromise between a cargo carrier and a daily use family vehicle’s

first drive 75 76 More muscle to the truck Author: Raj Warrior appearance too. appearance local first its new the with the event, was of the star H in the hills around unique truck event held a recently Ford Middle E atta. The F-150atta. R anger making ast ast rucks are an The event was trailer tow vs. V6 integral part of predominantly a competitors Tthe automotive showcase for the 2012 business all around model year of the 5.0-litre four-valve the world. No, not F-150. Actually you dual-overhead- the huge trucks that don’t have to do much camshaft Ti-VCT V8 spring to mind with the to sell the truck even in • Best-in-class term. Of course these the region. If you are in 360 horsepower are important, but we the market for anything at 5,500 rpm have generally steered bigger than a Hilux (or vs. standard V8 clear of the heavy indeed the Ranger) the competitors vehicle industry in this F-150 is one of the most • Best-in-class 515Nm magazine. What we are visible alternatives in of torque at 4,250 rather looking at is the the market. And it helps rpm vs. standard pickup which brings the a lot when the F-150 V8 competitors ability to haul cargo to shares so many of its • 21 mpg highway, an individual as much underpinnings with the unsurpassed 15 as to any company. Expedition, including mpg city (4x2) And no brand has been the engines on offer. • Best-in-class so strongly associated But this year there is a 10,000 pounds with the breed of pickup decided change in the maximum trailer truck as Ford has. But air, for it is the first time tow vs. standard V8 for Ford to claim their that we have seen the competitors real sense of leadership F-150 engine choices they have to bring out widen to this degree. 6.2-litre two-valve the sheer volume of The F-150 is now single-overhead- F-150s they sell and available with three camshaft V8 have sold for so many engines – both the • Best-in-class 411 years. smaller engines are horsepower at And since we weren’t taken from the Mustang, 5,500 rpm vs. all really so well informed with the 3.7-litre V6 and competitors about what it takes to the 5.0-litre V8 joining • Best-in-class produce a great truck the large 6.2-litre V8 588Nm of torque of the F-150 type, we that powers the fancier at 4,500 rpm vs. all went along on an invite versions. Ford tell us competitors from the company to that their engines are: • 13 mpg city, 18 participate in the Built mpg highway (4x2) Ford Tough event. To 3.7-litre four-valve • Best-in-class 11,300 bring us up to speed Ti-VCT V6 pounds maximum the company had • Best-in-class 302 trailer tow vs. all even brought in their horsepower at competitors spokesman Rick Titus, 6,500 rpm vs. V6 who is billed as a race competitors Now till a competitor car driver, independent • Unsurpassed says otherwise we motoring correspondent 377Nm of torque at have to believe that. and contributor to some 4,000 rpm vs. V6 But in the meantime of the best motoring competitors we were presented the titles. Apparently one of • Best-in-class 17 opportunity to actually his consultancy jobs is mpg city and best- haul around three to take various trucks in-class 23 mpg different sizes of trailers, and analyze them for highway (4x2) haul 1 ton of bricks Ford. But more of that • Best-in-class 6,100 on the load bay and later. pounds maximum drive the F-150 around

first drive 77 some off-road stretches to get conversely the chink in their comparisons (after all this isn’t ranges. It is easy to manoeuvre a feel of the truck. There is no armour was using Rick Titus. how things are done here right?) even with a trailer and takes doubting the competence of the There is no doubting the but later research revealed that the off-road section with F-150, it is solidly built, comes knowledge levels that he has all the issues he was talking consummate ease. One would with a capable suspension and and you know that he is a about including Toyota’s move only question its sand manners, now gets a standard 6-speed true oil-head. But when during from a C-channel frame to for which they had the Raptor automatic transmission on all an interactive session with a reinforced structure were on hand – but this was only a the engine variants. As if that journalists he began highlighting subjects of previous generations showpiece. wasn’t enough the truck comes the ‘facts’ of how the F-150 was of the competitors that had been In the bargain we also drove the in different wheelbases, three better than its competitors in addressed in current models. 2.5-litre petrol engine version of different body styles and a terms of the size and strength This could not detract completely the new Ranger with its 5-speed multitude of trim levels that had of its box frame, size of bolts from the feature highlights of the manual gearbox and 4WD. This the sales personnel assuring us used to fasten the load bay to Ford truck itself. Yes, the truck truck is made in South Africa and that they were able to target the frame and a head to head has some advanced roll-control, seems all ready to take the battle entry level truck buyers in Saudi comparison with the Silverado brake algorithms that factor to the Hilux. Arabia with a trimmed down where he said that essentially in trailer load and sway and a Are we convinced that the F-150 version of the short wheelbase it had no crumple zone, you good solid gearbox shift logic is great? Yes. Is it the best? Not with single cab. could feel the sense of disbelief that understands the trailer load till we have driven all of them However, one feels that the in the room. It isn’t as if any of presence as well as three really and the Ram 1500 Laramie that strong point of the day and us had a cultural issue with the good engines catering to all price we test elsewhere is quite good.

78 first drive Automan_300x230 30th_Anni_E.ai 6/3/12 8:47:29 AM Face to face Up, up and away

Zubair Automotive Group, the flagship enterprise of the Zubair Corporation is by far, one of Oman’s biggest and diversified business houses that commenced business operations in 1973. From its humble beginnings as a low volume importer of cars, it has become one of Oman’s most prestigious multi-franchise automotive distributors. The success of the retail operations also encouraged the organization to expand its after sales support business, and this is done by Sayarti Group.

What are the origins of Sayarti Group? and damaged upholstery. In addition, car owners years as the fundamentals of the economy are being Compared to Zubair Automotive Group, Sayarti Group can professionally personalise their vehicle with a laid with focus on infrastructural development and is a relatively new addition to the business. Sayarti wide choice of alloy wheels, window tinting and new investor oriented projects – be it ports, tourism Group LLC was established in 2008 with the idea in-car entertainment. All these products are sourced or fisheries. With the growth will come demand for of offering two clear lines of business -- car care by Sayarti Mercantile and then sold to Sayarti automobiles, commercial vehicles and after care services and pre-owned car sales. Autocare[who are technically our customers also] and services. also to independent retailers or individual buyers. What is the status now? You recently acquired the distribution of Both the business lines Sayarti Group represent How busy have you been in 2011-2012? Sonax. Tell us more. flourished and as the responsibilities increased, It has been an Sonax markets its products under several car we realized that we had to KA Arun Kumar, General interesting phase for us. care sub brands like PremiumClass, XtremeSerie, undergo another expansion Manager of Sayarti We have been able to FormelPLUS, Sonax Professional and Sonax ProfiLine. within the Sayarti set-up. The restructure and make All these products have been formulated with specific objective was to examine the Group talks to Automan our business entities tasks in mind including the type of paintwork and new support roles and assign about the meteoric rise much stronger and age of the car. The complete range will be available appropriate functions for the of the Sayarti Group, a efficient. We have also in Oman now. Sonax products just don’t take care expanding business. In 2010, member of the Zubair added several new of the car and how it looks, but also ensures that it even though the market was product lines and new doesn’t harm the users or the vehicle’s components going through a stressful Automotive Group which brands into the Sayarti as they are also environment friendly. Sonax is way period, we were confident was created to complement Mercantile portfolio. ahead in developing technology for latest cars which enough to establish Sayarti the organisation’s diverse This year we introduce are using different technologies when compared to Mercantile as a fully functional automotive offerings the all-new range older vehicles. set-up with specific role, of Kenwood in-car responsibilities and business entertainment systems goals. and negotiated a deal to relaunch Sonax, Germany’s # 1 after car care product So, what’s the difference between Sayarti brand, Mickeythompson Tyres, VisionX Automotive Autocare and Sayarti Mercantile now? LED Lighting

Sayarti Group continues to represent the car care What else is happening for Sayarti Group for division which you know for the first time in Oman the remainder of the year? offered a holistic approach to maintaining vehicles, while enhancing their operational performance and We are increasing the reach of our popular one-stop aesthetic appeal. The Pre-owned Car Division has shop concept by opening new branches in Muscat. also already distinguished itself as an innovative The first such facility shortly to be opened is in player in the rapidly growing market for pre-owned Qurum and in September we plan to open a unit and trade-in vehicles. Both these operations remain in Muscat Grand Mall. In the next three years, we unchanged in the organization structure. intend to open 20-23 such facilities in convenient Meanwhile, Sayarti Mercantile takes up the role of locations in Oman that will focus on basic services a distributor and reseller of car related products – such as oil, filter change, battery and tyre changes, service parts, tyres, batteries, car tint films, in-car brake pad replacement and servicing, minor body entertainment, among other product lines. This list is repairs, tinting, detailing etc. increasing every month. We intend to create customer loyalty by value What are the synergies between Sayarti addition and offer best prices for services and retail Autocare and Sayarti Mercantile? products as we are able to pass on the benefits of our cost-effecting sourcing to customers. We Think of it as an in-house customer-supplier intend to offer the best in professional services while structure. Sayarti Group’s auto care centre which keeping costs moderate and reaffirm Sayarti as the offers maintenance packages uses only genuine best independent service provider in Oman. parts and jobs are executed in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. The best premium brands How do you see the future? are used for vehicle detailing, paint protecting, dent removal, banish odours, repair cracked windscreens Oman will witness tremendous growth in the coming

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Surviving Muscat traffic Cars are a sign of affluence in most countries – some cars scream wealth, others suggest new riches, yet others imply upward mobility, while the bulk of the breed just point out that the owner can afford one instead of standing at a street corner for a taxi or worse have to travel by mass transport. You can travel from country to country and this basic theme doesn’t change. In most of Europe, the cars may be smaller but they follow the theme, in the US they are larger and in Japan they are smarter. But most of us buy one for the two advantages – transport from point A to B and onwards and the status it brings us.

Now my question is does status really matter anymore, partucularly when you are trapped in one of the almost omnipresent traffic jams on Muscat’s roads? I used to smirk at my friends who drove in from the suburbs like Mabela and Seeb everyday through stop and go traffic down the Sultan Qaboos Highway. “I stay in Ruwi to take advantage of driving against the rush hour traffic” was a standard refrain. If any of them remember that, then they’ll be having a great laugh. Now it doesn’t matter whether I leave office in Al Khuwair at 6.30, an hour later or 2 hours earlier, I inevitably have to crawl through bumper to bumper traffic on the Qurum heights road or worse on the highway that winds it way through Wattayah and Wadi Adai. And the only entertainment I have is watching the other prisoners on the road, trapped in their gleaming chariots hauled by new age horsepower. I’ve even started carrying a bottle of water along with me for the ‘just in case’. If it gets any worse I may need an empty bottle too. The other day I even found a test car running into the yellow warning zone for its fuel and looking at the trip meter with its remaining range readout is a recipe for high blood pressure as it goes from 70km to 30 km in the three kilometeres that you have crawled.

Of course the occupants of the other cars are now subjects to be analysed - “Is that his car or is he a driver?”, “where did he pick her up?”, “those kids should really be in the back and belted”. Of course too, most of us live in a shell surrounded by the force field of our belief that we are the only human beings among all these metal carapaces, until you lock eyes with a fellow sufferer.

I won’t even get into how unfair it is to us commuters that we have to suffer so, where a ten minute journey (remember the good old days in Muscat where everything was reachable in ten minutes?) has now become a 75 minute one and where you see the next stretch of road being dug up even before there is any sign of the previous being completed. I am actually looking forward to Ramadan with its usual ban on heavy traffic during certain hours and the shortened work day. I have colleagues who have become masters of the obstacle race, taking the small inside detours, cutting through petrol stations, cheating with a quick U-turn on a Raj Warrior is editor of Automan and has been in the thick of the Automotive cross roads and cutting through parking lots to cut down their commute time to journalism field from the past 15 years. Want to comment or have your say? Wadi Kabir. As for me, I remain stuck in the hilariously named fast lane. Email at [email protected]. Identify yourself or your message will be trashed and your id blocked The Qurum heights road is no better as two lanes of traffic try to become one at Darsait, with the wedding proceeding because compliant lesser halves in the proper lane give way to the go-getters cutting in from the lane meant for Muttrah. It is hardly a Hobson’s choice as to which lane you should take – I try being rule- abiding and every single time I can feel road rage creep in as I count the number of smart alecks who pass me by and get ahead at the junction. So a ‘get-ahead’ pill is just what we need – choose to be the better half.

On these roads, status does not matter anymore – size does, aggressiveness does and so does the uncanny ability to go, in the manner of Captain Kirk and Tow Mater, where no gentle-car has gone before. It was something that defined the early morning commuter from Sharjah to Dubai prior to 2009. It defined my existence as a commuter in Mumbai and it is the canker that troubles car drivers from Bangkok to Los Angeles to Shanghai. Only in our case there is the hope that one day it will get better.

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