Carmagram

28/05/2024

Chery attempts to do-it-all with the Tiggo8 Pro e+ SUV which comes packed with luxury features to keep you pampered, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain to give Sustainability a fighting chance. For more on the 2024 Chery Tiggo8 Pro e+ check out my review of the mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV for The Cornea Impression

Chery attempts to do-it-all with the Tiggo8 Pro e+ SUV which comes packed with luxury features to keep you pampered, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain to give Sustainability a fighting chance

27/05/2024

Chery attempts to do-it-all with the Tiggo8 Pro e+ SUV which comes packed with luxury features to keep you pampered, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain to give Sustainability a fighting chance!
For more on the 2024 Chery Tiggo8 pro e+ PHEV SUV, check out my review for The Cornea Impression

Chery attempts to do-it-all with the Tiggo8 Pro e+ SUV which comes packed with luxury features to keep you pampered, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain to give Sustainability a fighting chance

11/05/2024

The 2025 Land Rover Defender gets a multitude of upgrades including captain's chairs for the 2nd row and a new Sedona Edition to satisfy the option- discerning customer...and to confuse everyone else.

defender

The Cornea Impression

New additions include a red-painted Sedona Edition, a variety of packs including a captain’s chair option, and a more powerful D350 engine

02/05/2024

With a little grease, grime and rust, the GR Sport could look like something out of the sets of an apocalyptic movie, in which the antagonist emerges from city rubble in a pickup truck he “hot wired” in a junkyard, to escape from imminent natural calamities or zombies.
For more on the 2024 Toyota Hilux GR Sport, check out my review of the pickup truck for The Cornea Impression!

https://thecorneaimpression.com/2024-toyota-hilux-gr-sport-review/

This souped-up pickup truck by Toyota's Gazoo Racing delivers more than just furniture and construction equipment. We took it to the deserts of Dubai for a closer look.

30/04/2024

The most conspicuous way to wear camouflage, which sounds kind of ironic, is to give a Lambo that sort of livery!

These special Sterrato supercars with environment-inspired camouflage paint, contrasting black parts and wheels are anything but discreet. Production run limited to 1,499 units.

23/04/2024

24ct gold accents.
278,566 stitches on the embroidered seats.
Laser-cut stone veneers 1/10th a mm thick.
These are some of the highlights of this one-off Bentley that received some delicate and intricate input from master jewellers Boodles.

Bentley Motors Boodles

Subtle greys, powder pink details, 24ct gold accents, 278,566 stitches and laser-cut stone veneers 1/10th a mm thick

18/04/2024

Own an INEOS Grenadier and wanna get frisky with nature? Here's your chance to go overlanding across South Africa (and other places) under the careful watch of local off-road experts!

PS What's AED 30,000 for the adventure of a lifetime kind of experience!



INEOS INEOS Grenadiers The Cornea Impression

This is the first of four expeditions that combines gritty overlanding experiences and 5-star hospitality

16/04/2024

Tesla cancels budget EV plans, possibly due to stiff Chinese competition!

Stiff competition from Chinese brands in the affordable EV segments may be a reason

08/04/2024

id you know that in the name OMODA, which is a brand spanking new Chinese automaker...
The “O” is said to signify “surprise and vitality, and it is also a symbol of the essential element of life, Oxygen”;
and “MODA” is derived from the word “Modern"?

For more on the OMODA C5 crossover SUV made its regional debut in Dubai, check out my news piece for The Cornea Impression

The compact C5 crossover was on display at an exclusive event

05/04/2024

There is a new kid in town. It's the spiffy MG3 hatchback. With a price tag well under AED 50k and plenty of features like dual screens, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a 360 degree camera, this package seems hard to beat!

For more information on the all-new MG3, check out my piece for The Cornea Impression!

The 3rd gen’ supermini gets a 1.5L engine, dual screens, driver-assistance systems and a starting price of just AED 41,429

01/04/2024

Call it the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the G-wagon or the Geländewagen, this boxy German SUV has ruled the roost in the luxury segment for a few decades and now there is a new one, with updated looks, distinctive customisation options, electrified powertrains and more!
For more info on the new G-Class, check out my news piece for The Cornea Impression

Updated looks, distinctive customisation options, electrified powertrains and more!

26/03/2024

The much anticipated 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has arrived in the UAE. For more on the fabulously boxy mid-size SUV, check out my news piece for The Cornea Impression!

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The Cornea Impression

Boxy styling, more room, segment-first features, and a UV steriliser

07/03/2024

From a small and unsuspecting town in Croatia called Sveta Nedelja, an electric car company called Rimac has spawned, which is taking the notion of ‘speed’ very seriously.
Its latest creation, the Rimac Nevera, has taken crowning glory in the race for the fastest accelerating electric car, with about 27 Guinness World Records.
We got a glimpse of that gut-wrenching acceleration from the driver’s seat in what could be the shortest test drive (1.5 hours) ever.
For more on the incredible Rimac Nevera, check out my First Drive report of the EV hypercar for Khaleej Times!

From a small and unsuspecting town in Croatia called Sveta Nedelja, an electric car company called Rimac has spawned, which is taking the notion of ‘speed’..

27/02/2024

From the reveal of a 1,850 horsepower supercar to the face-lifted 2024 Volkswagen Touareg to the launch of the UD Truck Euro 5 model range...here's what's been happening in the region!

Volkswagen
Volkswagen Dubai
Zenvo
UD Trucks

Dubai, the rising capital for car culture, has had a busy start to 2024 with a calendar packed with launch and drive events, organised by almost every auto..

06/02/2024

Want a Land-Cruiser-sized vehicle but think that it's way out of budget? Perhaps, it's time to consider something Chinese!
Check out my review of the 2024 GAC GS8 for Khaleej Times!

A new wave of Chinese vehicles keeps hitting Middle Eastern shores every now and then. They are finding sales success mainly because they are cheaper than ..

23/01/2024

Bored of or irritated by the bulbous Tesla EVs crowding the city streets these days? Looking for an alternative?
If yes, be sure to check out my review of the 2024 Polestar 2 Dual Motor.

Polestar

The EV company with Euro-Chinese parentage is attempting to go from the sidelines to headlines with cars like the Polestar 2

15/01/2024

If you're into pickup trucks and are looking for a capable, yet affordable option, check out my review of the 2024 Toyota Hilux GR Sport.

Al Futtaim Automotive Toyota UAE

The Toyota Hilux, as most of us know it, is a utility-based pickup truck that we’ve seen for years servicing construction sites and traversing the roads ca..

05/01/2024

Screaming motor. Serious aero. Superlative dynamics. Is the GT4 RS the ultimate racecar for the road?
For the final word on the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, check out my review of the souped-up coupe!

The Porsche 718 Cayman is a no-brainer for someone who is about the badge and loves binging on sporty driving antics. This range-topping GT4 RS variant tak..

18/12/2023

Dubai continues its campaign to be the centre of the global automotive scene, as brands continue to choose this Middle Eastern metropolis as their venue for launches and drive events. Here’s a peek into what’s been happening over the past few weeks:
1. Thousands gather at the Icons of Porsche festival
2. Flagship BYD showroom Opens in DFC
3. Dubai Police adds Mclaren Arture Next-gen Hybrid Supercar to its Patrol Fleet

Dubai continues its campaign to be the centre of the global automotive scene, as brands continue to choose this Middle Eastern metropolis as their venue fo..

12/12/2023

Love VDub hatchbacks, but want an SUV?
Maybe it's worth checking out the Volkswagen Tiguan! The compact SUV is sized for the city, looks great in its top-spec R-line trim, and is quick without being scary (so you can hand it over to your teenager without worry). For more on this fast-moving family mover, check out my latest review of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R-line.

06/10/2023

The act of driving is slowly turning digital and experience-deficient thanks overwhelming adoption of technologies like the many auto transmissions, AWD systems, and of course, Autonomous Driving. But before we all go numb, we can look to cars like the newly redesigned iteration of the legendary Honda Civic Type R to help reacquaint ourselves with the lost art and pleasure of analogue driving.
For more on a 315PS FWD hothatch, a sports car that forces you to work for gratification, check out my latest piece for KT wknd. magazine, Khaleej Times

The Type R is one of automotive’s most hallowed nameplates. It started as a performance-enhancing project on the NSX supercar in 1990. Then it went on to b..

26/09/2023

The Nürburgring Nordschleife is one of motorsport's most storied racetracks. It was where the F1 legend Juan Manuel Fangio drove one of the most remarkable races. It was where Niki Lauda met with a fiery tragedy which was depicted in the 2013 movie Rush. It was also where the late great Sabine Schmitz honed her skills behind the wheel, eventually becoming one of the most successful female racing drivers. The circuit is also known for the RingTaxi service, which she was once the driver for.
For more on the 20.8 km winding stretch of tarmac, aptly nicknamed 'Green Hell', check out my latest piece for KT wknd., Khaleej Mag

Nestled in the picturesque Eifel Mountains of western Germany lies a mecca, for both motorsport enthusiasts and automotive aficionados, called the Nürburgr..

18/09/2023

In my latest article for wknd. magazine, Khaleej Times I write about the many features and functions that parents should look for in a car (or SUV) before signing the dotted line.

As a parent, whether you are in the market to purchase your first family vehicle or wish to upgrade from a small or older car or SUV, choosing the right on..

05/09/2023

The world has moved on since the last time we drove an Aston and many things are demanded of vehicles these days, even sportscars. They must be digitally equipped and connected, must share a context with environmentalism, and be practical too. So, keeping this perspective, we explore how the million-dirham Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante, stacks up against its equals, besides being the best excuse to sport a tuxedo and play the gentleman!
For more on the speedy, phat (& fat) supercar with a forced-Italian middle name, check out my review of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante for KT wknd. magazine, Khaleej Times!

While we debate who’s taking on the role of the next 007 in the forthcoming James Bond movies, there is little doubt as to which car the world’s most famou..

25/08/2023

Not everyone is fortunate enough to own a vehicle, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep your passion for wheels under wraps

25/08/2023

Many of us are car and motorcycle enthusiasts, but not all are lucky to own either.
And while the fun and perks of car ownership may be temporarily off-limits, there is a whole bunch of car stuff that one can purchase or activities one can engage in to keep the feels for wheels alive.
In my latest article for wknd magazine, Khaleej Times I've listed a few of these doable, low-cost ideas. Check it out!

Not everyone is fortunate enough to own a vehicle, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep your passion for wheels under wraps

22/08/2023

In a time in your life when a crossover would make sense? Then the Tiguan compact crossover, which starts at Dh. 95,500, should surely be on your shortlist.
This particular example is the rather expensive R-line...a nice vehicle but not my pick of the range. And certainly not Dh. 181,800 (as tested)
It comes powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre that puts out 220 PS and 350 Nm which is coupled to a 7-speed DSG and 4Motion AWD system, good for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.8 seconds and 222 km/h top speed.
Some of its cool features are wireless charging port, 9-speaker Harman Kardon system and adaptive cruise control

Pros:
Sporting design
Overall accommodation - people & stufff
Features
User-friendliness

Cons:
Peppy, but not deserving of an R-line badge
Muted exhaust
Finicky steering controls
Pricey

02/02/2023

This is incredible!

06/01/2023

A fetching badge and riveting drive! What more could one ask of a performance SUV? Check out my comprehensive review of the Porsche Macan GTS for KT wknd. magazine, Khaleej Times!

Porsche Dubai

The Macan compact crossover has been particularly successful with about 600,000 units delivered worldwide since its launch in 2014

30/12/2022

Stylish. Functional. Affordable. These are the words that come to mind when I reminisce about my time with the MG 6 Trophy. If you're planning to buy a family commuter sedan, be sure to check it out.

MG Middle East

The automotive segment that moves the world is the compact sedan. It is a segment dominated by cars from Japanese powerhouse brands, the South Korean twins..