Motors - Gulf Insider

3 years ago

Bold design meets luxury and comfort in the new HONGQI HS5

It was time to celebrate the new year with a new car on the road as we got to test drive one that’s got a lot of heads turning – the HONGQI HS5. The luxury SUV is the product of a rich automotive history dating back to the 1950s. HONGQI was in fact the first independently manufactured vehicle in China. Gulf Insider got to take the HS5 out for a spin, picking it up from Zayani Motors and making our way to the lush surroundings of Al Bander Resort in Sitra. What we loved about the SUV most was how light it was to drive. It absorbs bumps pretty well – thanks to good suspension while giving you the on-road power that you need. Five driving modes for different terrains and a host of driver assistance features are only some of the benefits that come with an HS5. The four-cylinder engine allows you to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hr in less than 9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 210 km/hr while experiencing a robust 223 horsepower and 340 Nm of torque. The model comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a mileage of 13 km/litre. HONGQI has made […]

3 years ago

Nissan Bahrain Launches the All-new 2023 X-TRAIL

As part of its strategy to solidify its SUV heritage in the Kingdom, Nissan Bahrain launched the All-New 2023 X-TRAIL. Developed as a Premium Urban Crossover, the All-New 2023 Nissan X-TRAIL is acting on its commitment to introduce innovative mobility solutions and offers class-leading versatility, elevated exterior and interior designs, advanced safety, and improved levels of capability. The launch event began with an official unveiling of the all-new X-TRAIL hosted by Nissan Bahrain and attended by Farouk Almoayyed, Chairman of Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons, Board of Directors of Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons; CEO, Alok Gupta along with media and social elites from Bahrain. Reflecting the Nissan SUV’s role to Defy Ordinary, the key themes echoed across the event were “eXpand”, “eXpress”, “eXplore”, and “eXhale”, pushing guests to “eXist” beyond the everyday. The new model features the latest Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies, including ProPILOT Assist for the very first time on the X-TRAIL line-up, and offers heightened connectivity with up to a collective 35.4 inches of cabin screens. Ahmed Dailami, General Manager, Nissan Bahrain, said: “For over twenty years, the X-TRAIL has been an integral part of our SUV line-up in the region and has continually catered to the needs of […]

3 years ago

The All-New BMW M3 CS

BMW M GmbH will maintain its focus on adding appealing special-edition models to its product range in 2023. The all-new BMW M3 CS brings even greater intensity to the racing allure that marks out the company’s successful high-performance models for the premium midsize segment. This gives the BMW M3 CS a unique character profile and the ability to serve up the undiluted M feeling that excites and enthrals over every mile on the road as well as on the track. The powertrain concept for the new BMW M3 CS teams a 550 hp six- cylinder in-line engine with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. This setup produces a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds. The BMW M3 CS comes with the M Driver’s Package as standard and has an electronically limited top speed of 302 km/h. The new BMW M3 CS will be built in a limited run at BMW Group Plant Munich from March 2023, with its phased launch getting underway the same month. More power, less weight, compelling performance. A more power/less weight formula instils the new BMW M3 CS with compelling performance qualities. It draws its power from a […]

3 years ago

Saudi: New insurance policy introduces option of repairing damaged vehicle

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has introduced new amendments to the Unified Compulsory Motor Insurance Policy, allowing an option of repairing the vehicle instead of getting cash compensation. SAMA clarified that these amendments include the policy definitions and its appendixes in accordance with the ongoing developments of the Insurance Industry, as well as updating the exceptions and transferring some of the rights of recovery cases. The amendments also allow for an option where the third party is entitled to choose between direct cash compensation, or getting the damaged vehicle repaired. The updates come as part of SAMA’s endeavour to efficiently develop and facilitate traffic claim settlement procedures and to protect the rights of the parties of the insurance contract. It comes based on the authority vested in SAMA according to the Insurance Control Law as well as in line with its continuous efforts to develop the insurance sector and to protect the rights of the insured and the beneficiaries of the insurance coverage.

3 years ago

Historic sales record completes landmark year for Rolls-Royce

A FUTURE BUILT ON STRONG FOUNDATIONS In 2022, the year it revealed Rolls-Royce Spectre, the marque’s first-ever all-electric model, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars also achieved a global sales performance unequalled in the company’s 118-year history. In total, 6,021 motor cars were delivered to clients around the world, an increase of 8% on the previous record of 5,586 set in 2021. This unprecedented success comes as, in January 2023, the company marks the 20th anniversary of the Home of Rolls‑Royce at Goodwood. But as a true House of Luxury, sales are not the marque’s primary measure of success: Rolls‑Royce is not and never will be a volume manufacturer. Bespoke IS Rolls-Royce and the value of the marque’s unrivalled Bespoke commissions was higher than ever. Clients’ requests for exquisite, often personalised features are becoming ever more imaginative and technically demanding – a challenge the Bespoke Collective of specialist designers, engineers and craftspeople based at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood enthusiastically embrace. As well as some incredible individual Bespoke commissions and Collection cars, Rolls-Royce unveiled the next chapter of the Boat Tail coachbuilt commission – one of just three that have been, and ever will be made. Coachbuild represents the apex of the marque’s […]

3 years ago

INFINITI Gets Ever More Luxurious

By Charlie Cooksey INFINITI is a car brand I’ve not been hugely familiar with, so this was a chance for me to both experience the new QX60 as well as learn more about the brand. Also, I had never been to Georgia before and for some time been curious to visit – it always makes a car drive more exciting when flying somewhere new. After landing at Georgia’s capital Tbilisi, I and the other motoring journalists were taken for about a two-hour drive into what seemed like the middle of nowhere. We stayed in a beautiful vineyard estate house that’s been converted into a boutique hotel. Surrounding the property were vineyards, snow-capped mountains, and generally just lots of stunning nature – it was Autumn so nature’s colours were red and radiant all around us. So, let me tell you about the QX60. It is a luxury, three row mid-size crossover SUV, sharing its platform with its ‘cousin’, the Nissan Pathfinder. Before even stepping into the latest QX60 I was impressed by the design. It doesn’t look too much like the previous model it replaces which had a more rounded and ‘bulbous’ look. The exterior designers of the new QX60 have made […]

3 years ago

A Commanding Force: Test Driving the 2024 Ford F-150 in Dubai

Dubai, with its stunning landscapes and challenging terrains, set the perfect stage for Ford’s exclusive launch of the 2024 F-150. As someone who has driven a variety of vehicles over the years, I can confidently say this event was not just a showcase—it was an experience that underscored the legacy and innovation of the American brand. Design and Comfort The F-150 is a visual powerhouse, commanding attention with its bold and rugged exterior. But step inside, and the focus shifts to comfort and practicality. Ford has clearly poured attention into every detail of the cabin, making it both functional and inviting. The spacious interior, coupled with thoughtful touches like the ideal armrest created by the unique side window arch, proves that this is a vehicle designed for long drives and hard work alike. The expansive center console doubles as a workspace and relaxation zone, emphasizing the truck’s dual purpose for both business and leisure. Power and Performance Under the hood of the F-150 lies pure engineering brilliance. While the model offers various engine options, I had the pleasure of test-driving the 3.5L PowerBoost® Full Hybrid V6. Delivering a formidable 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque, this engine is both […]

4 years ago

Ferrari Finally Did It!

By Charlie H. Cooksey Last month, I was invited by Ferrari to visit their hometown and factory location – Maranello in Italy. Located 30 minutes from Bologna, Maranello is a smallish town with not much going on – other than Ferrari, of course. This was my second visit to Maranello, and I really admire how proud the local people are to be from the home town of one of the most recognized and coveted car brands in the world. The town is littered with Ferrari flags, and there is no shortage of Ferraris on the roads. When I was last in Maranello, in September 2019, it was to attend the launch of the F8 Spider and 812 GTS. This time it was for something very different; the international launch and reveal of the Ferrari Purosangue (meaning; thoroughbred/ full-blooded), the company’s first ever 4-door, and their first SUV – though Ferrari do not like to call it an SUV. All us motor journalists had been kept in suspense before the launch. From the moment the company announced its plan to launch an SUV, how it would look had been a well-kept secret. I was lucky to be amongst the first in the […]

4 years ago

The New 7 Series: BMW’s Most Luxurious and Polarising Car

By Charlie Cooksey To get to this BMW drive event required the longest journey I’ve ever made, flying from Manama, Bahrain to Los Angeles, California. Some may say I’m mad to travel so far to drive a car for a few days, but such people don’t know the importance of the BMW 7 Series, and this trip included driving BMW’s first-ever fully electric 7 Series. The 7 Series was the main event, but this trip also entailed driving the majorly facelifted X7, BMW’s flagship 3-row luxury 7-seater SUV. Also, I had the opportunity to be amongst the first in the world to see BMW’s XM. The XM is a special project. It is an SUV like nothing else on the market – a wild cocktail of super performance, ahead of its time. It has style, luxury, comfort, and an aggressive presence, packed with a 4.4L V8 under the hood. It is also a plug-in hybrid. But back to my point – it was worth the 13,500km journey. This was a beautiful, picture-perfect location that BMW selected for such an important drive event. We were stationed for 3 days in Palm Springs, a desert city located just over 2 hours east […]

4 years ago

The Bentley Bentayga, Supersized

By Charlie Cooksey If I was to look at the globe on my office desk to pick a list of 10 of the furthest away cities from Bahrain, Vancouver would be in that list. A beautiful city on the far west Pacific coast of Canada, it’s one of the top 10 most sustainable cities in the world with 95% of its electricity being supplied by renewable energy. The city is known for its great quality of life, stunning surroundings, friendly people, and being a short drive from Whistler – quite easily the most beautiful part of the world I have seen, with more pristine lakes, mountains and lush green nature than you can shake a stick at. With all this in mind, it’s easy to see why Bentley decided to launch their supersized Bentayga here. Everywhere we drove in Vancouver and Whistler was picture perfect, further helped by the clear blue skies we were graced with during the event. The Bentayga is Bentley’s only SUV. First launched in late 2015 it was an instant success, quickly becoming the brands best-selling model of all time. Enter 2022, and Bentley have launched the all new Bentayga EWB (Extended Wheelbase). It is the […]

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Bold design meets luxury and comfort in the new HONGQI HS5

Nissan Bahrain Launches the All-new 2023 X-TRAIL

The All-New BMW M3 CS

Saudi: New insurance policy introduces option of repairing damaged vehicle

Historic sales record completes landmark year for Rolls-Royce

INFINITI Gets Ever More Luxurious

A Commanding Force: Test Driving the 2024 Ford F-150 in Dubai

Ferrari Finally Did It!

The New 7 Series: BMW’s Most Luxurious and Polarising Car

The Bentley Bentayga, Supersized

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