Things went a little quiet in the run-up to Christmas, but the world’s automotive manufacturers were back on track in January with a host of launches.
Jetour to the fore
The Jetour T2, a new SUV with a distinctly rugged look, arrived on UAE forecourts this month.
It’s the Chinese brand’s first foray into the local market, and sales staff are selling the new arrival as a “safe, comfortable, intelligent and robust” travel option.
The T2 is powered by a 4-cylinder 2-litre engine that will produce 254bhp. You can put your order in for one now, with prices starting at Dh119,000.
Porsche is Macan an impact
Porsche is heading further into all-electric terrain with the release of its first-ever fossil-fuel-free SUVs in the shape of the Macan 4 and Macan Turbo.
The brand is, of course, staying true to expectations, so there’s no let-up in speed and power.
The fastest of the two, the Turbo, can hit 100kph from a standing start in just 3.3 seconds, enough to leave the fastest electric scooter in the dust.
Pricing starts at Dh318,600 for the 4 and Dh412,500 for the Turbo.
Cadillac's back with CT5 muscle
Cadillac has launched new versions of the CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing, a pair that proved themselves to be superior muscle cars in their previous incarnations.
The 2025 models still have plenty in the power department – the standard ride has been fitted with a 3-litre power train offering 355hp, but the Blackwing has a 6.2-litre supercharged monster under the bonnet, capable of producing 668hp.
Cadillac has yet to announce prices, but the brand warns production levels for the beefier option will be limited.
DFSK's budget-friendly big lads blast in
DFSK has introduced five Fengon SUVs in the UAE, the 580, ix5, ix7, 600 and 500.
You’ll be able to find the cars at Green Motors in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with another showroom set to open in Ras Al Khaimah.
DFSK was founded in 2003 and it has a reputation in its native China for producing a wide range of vehicles, including cars, lorries, vans and pickup trucks.
Even though they’re new to the region, these vehicles are likely to get some attention, with prices starting at a distinctly budget-friendly Dh59,000.
A Whale of a launch
MG has called its latest arrival to the region the Whale, so you can be sure it won’t resemble anything too compact.
It’s not just about being roomy, though – that moniker also represents a fun-loving nature, much like the sea mammal itself, the brand says.
Evidently the design team have put some effort into making the Whale look like a fun car to zip around in.
Prices start at Dh88,000 for the Comfort trim model.
Hennessey gold standard
Just in case you thought things were getting a little sensible, extreme automotive manufacturer Hennessey has announced plans for an upgrade to the Dodge Demon.
The grunt on this new beast is in the region of 1,700hp.
For comparison, that’s more than 10 times what a Toyota Corolla can produce in a car that’s about the same size, so there's no fear in being slow away from the lights in this one.
You'll have to be quick off the mark if you fancy one, though – the production run is limited to just a dozen units.
The Demon is priced at $200,000.
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
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Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
Sarfira
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
Rating: 2/5
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
RACE CARD
5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (Turf) 2,200m
5.30pm: Khor Al Baghal – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
6pm: Khor Faridah – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
7pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
7.30pm: Khor Laffam – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m
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UFC%20FIGHT%20NIGHT%3A%20SAUDI%20ARABIA%20RESULTS
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Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
How The Debt Panel's advice helped readers in 2019
December 11: 'My husband died, so what happens to the Dh240,000 he owes in the UAE?'
JL, a housewife from India, wrote to us about her husband, who died earlier this month. He left behind an outstanding loan of Dh240,000 and she was hoping to pay it off with an insurance policy he had taken out. She also wanted to recover some of her husband’s end-of-service liabilities to help support her and her son.
“I have no words to thank you for helping me out,” she wrote to The Debt Panel after receiving the panellists' comments. “The advice has given me an idea of the present status of the loan and how to take it up further. I will draft a letter and send it to the email ID on the bank’s website along with the death certificate. I hope and pray to find a way out of this.”
November 26: ‘I owe Dh100,000 because my employer has not paid me for a year’
SL, a financial services employee from India, left the UAE in June after quitting his job because his employer had not paid him since November 2018. He owes Dh103,800 on four debts and was told by the panellists he may be able to use the insolvency law to solve his issue.
SL thanked the panellists for their efforts. "Indeed, I have some clarity on the consequence of the case and the next steps to take regarding my situation," he says. "Hopefully, I will be able to provide a positive testimony soon."
October 15: 'I lost my job and left the UAE owing Dh71,000. Can I return?'
MS, an energy sector employee from South Africa, left the UAE in August after losing his Dh12,000 job. He was struggling to meet the repayments while securing a new position in the UAE and feared he would be detained if he returned. He has now secured a new job and will return to the Emirates this month.
“The insolvency law is indeed a relief to hear,” he says. "I will not apply for insolvency at this stage. I have been able to pay something towards my loan and credit card. As it stands, I only have a one-month deficit, which I will be able to recover by the end of December."
The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now
