Bahrain This Month - January 2014

92 January 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com motoring2014models First Motors (Hyundai) Hyundai have made big moves into the premium segment as of late, not least with the launch of their 2014 Centennial and Centennial Limousine, which offer levels of luxury to rival Japanese and European counterparts at a significantly lower cost. Also coming this year is an exciting new version of their stylish hatchback, the Veloster Turbo, which boasts a 1.6litre Turbo GDI engine, capable of producing a maximum of 204hp and 265Nm of torque. And finally, the revamped 2014 Tucson is being offered with an improved powertrain and additional features. International Motor Trading Agency (Mazda) Unveiled recently for the 2014 model year, the all-new compact Mazda3 boasts Mazda’s award-winning ‘KODO Soul of Motion’ design and cutting-edge SKY ACTIV Technology line-up of ultra-efficient, lightweight engines. It’s the third member of the brand’s model range to be launched with the new look and technology, after the 2014 Mazda6 mid-size sedan, and the 2014 Mazda CX-5, both hugely successful models. National Motor Company (Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC) The new range of Cadillac models now boasts the brand’s efficient new eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 2014 version of their midsize luxury sedan, the Cadillac CTS, is now built using lighter materials, and has been carefully constructed to offer a 50/50 weight distribution. The XTS, Cadillac’s full-size luxury sedan, now features a highly efficient twin turbo V6 that still offers lots of power — 410hp, to be exact. And although this is a 2014 models feature, the 2015 Cadillac Escalade, their hugely popular full-size luxury SUV, will be hitting showroom floors in mid to late 2014, so it still counts! The biggest news from Chevrolet is the arrival of the 2014 Corvette Stingray, a bold and exciting new revival of the iconic Stingray marque, and a stunning looking offering to boot, which will boast up to 460hp and 630Nm of torque. Also new for 2014 is Chevrolet’s compact SUV, the Trax, the Silverado and luxury Silverado High Country pick-up trucks, and Chevrolet’s muscle car, the Camaro. Another 2015 model hitting showroom floors in 2014 is one of the region’s most popular models for Chevrolet, the Tahoe full size SUV, which boasts improved levels of safety, comfort, quietness and fuel efficiency. And the last of the 2015 models to come from GMC, the 2015 Yukon will deliver greater capability and refinement, with more power, new fold-flat rear seats and a quieter interior. And thanks to a new family of advanced EcoTec3 engines, the lineup is expected to deliver the segment’s best V8 performance and fuel economy. Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons (Nissan and Infiniti) The big news from Nissan was the global unveiling of the revamped 2014 Nissan Patrol at the 2013 Dubai International Motor Show. Demonstrating Nissan’s investment in one of their biggest markets for the Patrol, the changes are largely cosmetic in nature, with the vehicle being much the same underneath. Also for 2014, the 370Z Roadster, the convertible version of Nissan’s iconic coupe, takes its place alongside its hardtop brother, boasting the same fantastic 328hp 3.7-litre V6 engine. The all-new Infiniti Q50 enjoyed its Middle East debut at the 2013 Dubai Motor Show, which replaces the former G Sedan. However, the model designation for the whole range is being revamped for 2014, with car models having the prefix ‘Q’, and the CUVs and SUVs being given the prefix ‘QX’. So, the G Coupe is now the Q60, the M Sedan is now the Q70, the EX is the QX50, the JX is now the QX60, the QX70 replaces the FX, and finally, the original big daddy of the range, the QX, is now the QX80. Zayani Motors (Mitsubishi) The Attrage is Mitsubishi’s next-generation global subcompact sedan launched for the first time in the Gulf in 2013. It is powered by a 1.2-litre MIVEC engine with an impressive 21km per litre economy figure. And for 2014 Outlander has been redesigned from the ground up, featuring all-new premium surfaces such as a softtouch instrument panel, available wood grain trim and a choice of fuel-efficient MIVEC engines along with the innovative new ECO Drive Assist System. Hyundai Centennial Limousine Corvette Stingray

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