Used cars are not a dirty word | Bill Carter

We are now at the start of the 'Discount Season'.
The recent levels of advertising from the vast majority of the dealers signify that the industry is gearing up for the full range of summer activities.
Image credit: www.autodata.ae
Summer surprises usually kicks the proceeding off and this nicely coincides with the model year change by a large number of manufacturers. This year, with the holy month of Ramadan starting towards 21st July, means that the offers will them continue into the normal Ramadan and Eid campaigns. The number of residents who leave the Emirates to escape the summer heat will offset this prolonged spell of activity. However, we still believe that it is a golden opportunity for the industry to tidy its stock cupboards and prepare for the influx of the new model year inventory that tends to arrive from this month onwards.
So, while the new car market readies itself for the summer, it is also a great opportunity for the used car departments. There will always be customers who will opt for a used car over a new model. This may be due to budget constraints or the fact that they can get a higher grade of car in the used market.
The used car departments need to work closely with their new car colleagues to ensure that every part exchange gets a serious bid to make sure a competitor does not benefit from your loss. It will also mean customer retention. As the market place becomes more and more competitive, customer service and therefore retention, is the only way to stay ahead of the pack. Most dealers are waking up to the fact that used cars are not a dirty word! Retain the customer and maximise the opportunity.
The author Bill Carter is the Head of Valuations Autodata Middle East
Autodata is the leading provider of vehicle and pricing information in the Middle East. For more information www.autodata.ae

Open-air motoring coming soon on the Lamborghini Aventador!

At the Geneva Motor Show, fans of the raging bull were expecting to witness the touch down of the Lamborghini Aventador convertible. The open-air version of the Lamborghini Aventador was not showcased at the Geneva Motor Show but don't let that fool you into the thinking there isn't going to be one!
Sources with knowledge on the matter have told Italian publication Quattroroute that a Targa-style detachable roof is being designed that is a two-piece construction. The removable top was designed because Lamborghini was interested in preserving the engine cover design, thereby reducing development time and the delay in reaching the market.
The two-piece roof panel will be made using lightweight carbon fiber material. The question that remains to be answered is whether Lamborghini will provide on-board storage for this piece of bodywork. If Lamborghini fails to do so, the Aventador convertible isn't what the editorial of AutoMiddleEast.com call 'rain proof.'
The Quattroroute report adds that there are no changes under the car's engine cowl meaning the same V12 engine that produces 700+ bhp will drive the four wheels through a seven speed automatic gearbox.
The convertible model could make its world premiere at either the Frankfurt Motor Show or the Paris Auto Salon in the second half of 2012.

BMW X3 xDrive35i 2012

The outgoing BMW X3 had a rather long shelf life that started in 2003 and went on all the way till 2010. That's a rather long time for any single platform to remain on sale. The current version was introduced in 2010 and received minor upgrades for 2012. It follows the original design brief and is not a big departure from the introductory model in terms of appearance. It has redesigned headlights and a larger kidney grille with the fog lamps placed right below the headlights. However, the rear looks nothing like the older version with its completely new taillights and fender. The C pillar is now more angular than
before and the rear windscreen also appears to have shrunk in size.
The beige and faux-wood interior with leather seats feel upmarket with fit and finish being of the highest order. The interior of any BMW feels like it will last a lifetime and the X3 is no different. Every switch, dial and knob you touch has a quality feel to it with little or no room left to complain. BMW has long list of optional extras that include a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a panoramic sunroof, electronic seats with memory functions, heads up display and BMW assist to name a few.
The 2012 BMW X3 xDrive35i is also one of the safest cars in it’s segment. With a five star Euro NCAP safety rating, the X3 has the potential to take on the perceived safety of full sized SUVs that is prevalent with buyers in this market. It comes with six airbags as standard on all variants along with ABS, traction control, cornering brake control, rain brake support, fading compensation and hill-start assist.

 pecifications

Price
xDrive28i: AED 246,000
xDrive35i: AED 275,000
Engine: 3-litre inline-6 twin turbo with VALVETRONIC
Max. power: 305bhp @ 5800rpm
Max torque: 400Nm @ 1200-5000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with paddle shifts

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Jaguar XJL 2012 | First Drive

The folks at Jaguar are rather busy these days. Aiming at creating new brand identity, a new brand positioning and a new brand campaign, Jaguar is upbeat at reviving itself and with the all-new F-type scheduled for launch in 2013 and the Coventry based company is also freshening up its current range. Things couldn't get any better for the iconic British brand who at the moment seem to be on the rise since its takeover by the Indian auto giant, Tata Motors.
With a bid to popularise this brand transformation program, Jaguar’s marketing team has come up with a global campaign designed to capitalise on the emotional pull of Jaguar cars and challenges it’s consumers to answer: 'How alive are you?'
To reflect the ethos of the campaign, Jaguar recently hosted a two-day event in Dubai aimed at challenging attendees on how alive they felt throughout the experience - particularly while driving the XJL. Some lucky participants were also given the opportunity to sky dive from 13,000 feet over Dubai.
 This event turned out to be an ideal occasion to gather some first impressions of the new 3-litre V6 variant of the XJL that was introduced in 2011. Having driven the XJL Supersport with its 5-litre supercharged V8, the V6 instantly feels a bit slower and unresponsive. This engine makes 235bhp at 6800rpm and 293Nm of torque at a rather high 4100rpm. Overall fuel efficiency is close to its 5-litre sibling at 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The sprint from 0-100 takes a while at 8.3 seconds and even though the engine revs freely and the sounds sonorous, the car barely seemed to entice its occupants.
There is a sports mode that increases engine responsiveness and holds on to gears longer but that too fails to exude any sportiness. This engine is an upgraded version of the same 2.7-litre engine that was developed by Ford during its ownership of Jaguar and it allows the XJL to be priced very competitively at AED 289,000, expanding its reach to customers with a tight budget for a premium luxury sedan.

 he Jaguar XJL has always been a rewarding car to look at. Pre 1994 models were not really a treat to look at but had a stately charm to them. However, the X300 variant introduced 1994 was the first handsome looking XJ that combined good looks with a classy interior. Technically it was similar to the car it replaced but it was a radical departure from its predecessor in terms of looks.
Similar turn of events took place in 2009 when Jaguar introduced the X351 XJ in London. Determined to revamp Jaguars styling and add modernity to Jaguar’s brand image, Design Director Ian Callum penned the lines for the best-looking XJ ever. It was futuristic, stylish and had you could sense some feline inspiration with the way the headlights and the rear was designed.
I have never come across anyone who doesn’t appreciate the way Jaguar cars are designed. The styling is flawless and beautiful. There won’t be a single day when you wont admire this car sitting in your driveway. The only issue is, I wish Jaguar had got it right with build quality and finish.

 The car I drove had irregularities with the way the leather was glued to the dashboard and the stitching too didn't seem to be consistent. Even though the quality of materials used is top notch, small issues like these can turn away a potential buyer and I think Jaguar should pay more attention to improving fit and finish, especially on its flagship models. Another thing that's instantly noticeable is the cars firm ride. Even though it was riding on 18-inch and not some super low-profile 19 or 20-inch tyres, the ride felt very stiff for a luxury saloon. Something here just didn't feel right. With no option to adjust
Another thing that could have been better is the interior space. The front row feels a bit cramped with the centre tunnel taking up a lot of real estate and leaving a modest amount of space for the foot wells. The rear however is a different story altogether. True to its L badge, this long wheelbase XJ has CEO impressing space at the back.
For those who like the XJ for its looks, there is simply no other car in its segment that comes close in terms of styling. However, like I mentioned, it doesn’t have the fit and finish of a German or a Japanese rival and that is a compromise you will have to make if you opt for this car. However, it will turn more heads when you drive it to your golf club or the next red carpet even

Land Rover planning a sporty and fast variant of Evoque

Land Rover's design director Gerry McGovern was talkative at the Beijing Auto Show. As the Evoque Sport has to look sporty, we can expect Land Rover to adorn it with a body kit and lower the car. Diesel powered Evoques are quite popular too, and the performance diesel could be given the 2. co. The configuration of the Range Rover Evoque Sport variant is not clear though Auto Express is expecting a progression of the 240bhp 2. 

 Readers of AutoMiddleEast.  He told Auto Express cabriolet (convertible) and sporty versions of the baby crossover are being considered for production.  A hike in power has to be balanced out by installing larger brakes and tuning the suspension to handle better. 0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit to drive the performance model. com have been informed on Land Rover's recruiting activities at the Halewood factory where the Evoque is manufactured as production lines have to run around the clock to stay abreast with the demand.

BMW 7 Series facelift confirmed for launch in July

BMW has apparently finished developing the mid-life facelift for the 7 Series and will be ready to land in dealer showrooms across the US in July. 

The 2013 7 Series will be cosmetically refreshed and changes to the body are concentrated heavily around the front fascia.  These are some of the inferences we can make examining the spyshots posted on the internet.  It will be equipped with a redesigned bumper, LED headlights, reworked kidney grilles, new alloy wheels and upgraded interior trim. 

They have tweaked the rear bumper and the tail light assembly could sport subtle changes.  These are some of the inferences we can make examining the spyshots posted on the internet.  The tri-turbo technology made its debut on variants of the 5 Series recently. . BMW is said to have made changes to the car's chassis and have tested out two new powerplants - a V8 petrol engine and a new in-line six cylinder oil burner installed with three turbochargers rated at 370bhp and 740Nm. com. .

BMW is said to have made changes to the car's chassis and have tested out two new powerplants - a V8 petrol engine and a new in-line six cylinder oil burner installed with three turbochargers rated at 370bhp and 740Nm. com. BMW is said to have made changes to the car's chassis and have tested out two new powerplants - a V8 petrol engine and a new in-line six cylinder oil burner installed with three turbochargers rated at 370bhp and 740Nm.  It will be equipped with a redesigned bumper, LED headlights, reworked kidney grilles, new alloy wheels and upgraded interior trim. BMW has apparently finished developing the mid-life facelift for the 7 Series and will be ready to land in dealer showrooms across the US in July.

  The 2013 model's launch was confirmed by BMW CEO Nobert Reithofer during a conference call, enthusiast blog CarScoop reports.  Overall, there are no major differences compared to the outgoing model.  Overall, there are no major differences compared to the outgoing model.  The tri-turbo technology made its debut on variants of the 5 Series recently.

Hyundai unveils the 2012 i30 in the Middle East

Hyundai claims a real-world range of up to 1400 km between fill-ups. Related posts:.  Following Hyundai’s ‘Modern Premium’ philosophy, the company claims the i30 offers consumers a stylish and refined compact-size car with enhanced quality, performance and efficiency compared to the previous model. Related posts:.

Hyundai claims a real-world range of up to 1400 km between fill-ups. Hyundai claims a real-world range of up to 1400 km between fill-ups. Related posts:.  Following Hyundai’s ‘Modern Premium’ philosophy, the company claims the i30 offers consumers a stylish and refined compact-size car with enhanced quality, performance and efficiency compared to the previous model. 8 litre powerplant. The i30 comes with many standard and optional safety features that include ESP (Electronic Stability Program), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).  It comes to the Middle East in two models, the GL and GLS. 

 It comes to the Middle East in two models, the GL and GLS. The i30 comes with many standard and optional safety features that include ESP (Electronic Stability Program), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Hyundai claims a real-world range of up to 1400 km between fill-ups. The i30 comes with many standard and optional safety features that include ESP (Electronic Stability Program), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The i30 comes with many standard and optional safety features that include ESP (Electronic Stability Program), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Hyundai claims a real-world range of up to 1400 km between fill-ups. The i30 comes with many standard and optional safety features that include ESP (Electronic Stability Program), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Germany, the New Generation i30 will build on the success of its predecessor, which was the first ‘i’ product in Hyundai’s range and introduced new standards of quality and driveability to the company’s product line-up. 6 D-CVVT unit, returning 130bhp or a 150bhp 1. 6 D-CVVT unit, returning 130bhp or a 150bhp 1. 8 litre powerplant.  Following Hyundai’s ‘Modern Premium’ philosophy, the company claims the i30 offers consumers a stylish and refined compact-size car with enhanced quality, performance and efficiency compared to the previous model. The i30 comes with many standard and optional safety features that include ESP (Electronic Stability Program), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Related posts:. 6 D-CVVT unit, returning 130bhp or a 150bhp 1.  It comes to the Middle East in two models, the GL and GLS. Related posts:.  It comes to the Middle East in two models, the GL and GLS. 6 D-CVVT unit, returning 130bhp or a 150bhp 1. 6 D-CVVT unit, returning 130bhp or a 150bhp 1. Designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Germany, the New Generation i30 will build on the success of its predecessor, which was the first ‘i’ product in Hyundai’s range and introduced new standards of quality and driveability to the company’s product line-up. 8 litre powerplant. Designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Germany, the New Generation i30 will build on the success of its predecessor, which was the first ‘i’ product in Hyundai’s range and introduced new standards of quality and driveability to the company’s product line-up. The new Hyundai i30 comes with a choice of two petrol engines - a 1. 8 litre powerplant. 6 D-CVVT unit, returning 130bhp or a 150bhp 1.  Following Hyundai’s ‘Modern Premium’ philosophy, the company claims the i30 offers consumers a stylish and refined compact-size car with enhanced quality, performance and efficiency compared to the previous model.  They are available with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Hyundai claims a real-world range of up to 1400 km between fill-ups. 6 D-CVVT unit, returning 130bhp or a 150bhp 1. The new Hyundai i30 comes with a choice of two petrol engines - a 1.  Following Hyundai’s ‘Modern Premium’ philosophy, the company claims the i30 offers consumers a stylish and refined compact-size car with enhanced quality, performance and efficiency compared to the previous model. The new Hyundai i30 comes with a choice of two petrol engines - a 1. The new Hyundai i30 comes with a choice of two petrol engines - a 1. The New Generation i30 has now arrived in the Middle East. The New Generation i30 has now arrived in the Middle East. The new Hyundai i30 comes with a choice of two petrol engines - a 1.  Dependent on model, the i30 is also available with EPB (Electric parking brake) and a six airbags, including side, curtain and knee airbags. 8 litre powerplant.