Audi Q 3

he Audi Q3 (internally designated Typ 8U), is a five-door compact coupe crossover by Audi that debuted commercially in 2011. The car uses the Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform of the Volkswagen Golf Mk5, the same as the Volkswagen Tiguan/SEAT Tribu small SUVs. The Q3 slots above the proposed Audi Q1 mini crossover. Compared to the mid-luxury compact Q5 and full-size Q7 which are positioned more for family practicality and off-road performance, the Q3 is aimed as more of a lifestyle/sports automobile. It was launched in the same model year as the BMW X1, a similar competitor.

Mini Coupe 2012

With so many similarities to the hatchback, why stop now. Under the hood are three engine options, all of which are identical to the rest of the MINI lineup. A bit disappointing perhaps, but if Volkswagen can use its 2.0T motor in everything, then who’s to fault MINI for making full use of its 1.6?

In the base Copper model look for 121-hp and 114 lb-ft of torque delivering a 0-60 time of 8.5 seconds. Turbocharged Cooper S models make 181-hp and 177 lb-ft (192 with an overboost function) to deliver a 6.5 second time. And finally, the top-dog John Cooper Works model ups the power further to 208-hp and 192 lb-ft (207 in overboost), making it the fastest accelerating MINI ever with a 6.1 second 0-60 time. When compared to the hatch, these times are roughly a tenth or two quicker, adding a smidge more performance to back up the xy-chromosome styling.

MINI cleverly kept us away from the base Cooper model with what is sure to be underwhelming performance, although MINIs do have a tendency to feel faster than they are and even a base hard top model can deliver its share of thrills. Instead we tested both the Cooper S and JCW models – the latter looking particularly impressive with its custom 17-inch wheels and aero kit.

Maruthi Suzuki compact SUV XA Alpha

Maruti Suzuki intends to make this on the same platform as the Gypsy, as a newer version with modern designs and features. The Gypsy has been a favorite for many Indians over the past two decades for hard core off road fun. Lets hope the Alpha does equally well on that front. The Alpha seems to be a decently capable on and off roader, built to absorb bad patches of road with ease. The muscular stance of the Alpha such as the beefy protruding wheel arches and the neatly chiseled bonnet lines are said to be derived from the Indian wrestling tradition, typically with big muscles, strong men and tricky body locking to win the battle of brawn.

In XAα, the 'Alpha' represents trendiness and newness that the youth connect to. The 'A' signifies that this compact, 4 metre long concept, is designed for customers wishing to enter the utility vehicle segment. The 'X' denotes Cross-over category.

UAE to ban resale, reuse of old tyres

Dubai: Come September, resale and reuse of old tyres will be banned, as the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology's (Esma) new tyre quality management scheme comes into effect across the UAE.

The new ‘birth to death' scheme, provides quality control specifications right from the stage of manufacturing to disposal of tyres.

Among the highlights of the new system is the requirement of additional certification for manufacturers, complete ban on sale of used tyres as well as restriction in re-treading and repair of tyres. Proper storage and disposal of tyres is also a priority.

"It is a central scheme in which we have tried to control the quality of tyres at every level, right from the manufacturing and storing to repair and disposal.
"At Esma we are trying to control the quality of products on priority basis and quality of tyres is currently one of the top priorities for us as so many lives depend on a good and well maintained tyre," said Engineer Mohammad Saleh Badri, Acting Director General of Esma, announcing the new scheme in Dubai
He added that a large number of accidents are due to faulty tyres or tyres that don't meet the standards required for the weather in the region. With the new scheme this issue will be addressed.

"A tyre once used for a car cannot be used for another car, no matter how good its condition is. Even if its used for only one day or one month, it is not allowed to be resold," said Badri. Currently, imported tyres comply with GCC specifications which require manufacturers and distributors to have a Gulf Standardisation Organisation (GSO) conformity certification.

However, Badri said GSO requirements are inadequate for the safety of vehicles on roads as it only looks into manufacturing aspects.

"Our idea is to have a complete makeover in the way tyres are managed and maintained. Companies as usual will need to acquire the GSO certification, but an additional UAE Standard ISO 9001 certification will be required before importing the tyres," Badri said.

Giving details of the specifications, Abdullah Abdul Qader Al Muaini, Director of Conformity Affairs at Esma, said that companies will have to conform to additional specifications and regulations when it comes to manufacturing and have to obtain conformity certifications from accredited laboratories before importing each batch of tyres.

Some of the new specifications are that tyres should have the quality to sustain temperatures in excess of 50 degrees Celsius, in accordance with UAE weather.

"Normally, tyres are manufactured for temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius, which is the reason why there are so many cases of tyre bursts during summer," Al Muaini added.

Another important regulation is that the total lifespan of each tyre is restricted to five years from the date of manufacture. Any tyre that is five years old, whether used or unused would be disposed of.

Importance of storage

Apart from manufacturing, the new law gives equal importance to storage.

"Storage is something which is very important to maintain the quality of a tyre and this is where we have been lacking. No matter how good a tyre is, if it is not stored properly then it is bound to be damaged, that is the reason why so many new tyres burst," said Badri.

Badri warned that trade licences would not be renewed for companies that do not comply with the new specification.

The authority has imposed a blanket ban on the import of retreated and used tyres, but these can be exported.

Esma has approved 25 companies to retreat used tyres, provided they adhere to its strict specifications. One of the chief requirements is that only those tyres with no damage to the main structure would be allowed to be retreated. Retreated tyres will have a life span of two years from the date of manufacture. These tyres will have a yellow patch. The law covers all tyres, except those for industrial vehicles.

Esma insists that all manufacturers as well as WTO have been informed of the new specifications well in advance of the effective date.

Monitoring

All stores will have to withdraw tyres that do not comply with the new specifications, come September.

The authority has devised a mechanism to monitor the implementation of the scheme right from the first stage to disposal and recycling of tyres.

"We are in talks with international consultants and we will soon hire the best in the industry to assist us monitor the implementation of our quality control scheme," said Badri.

Toyota introduces re-designed King of 4WD Land Cruiser in UAE

Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributors of Toyota in the UAE, has announced the launch of the new  2012 Land Cruiser in the UAE. The new Land Cruiser was presented by Sadayoshi Koyari, Chief Engineer, Product Planning Group and Simon Frith, Managing Director Al-Futtaim Motors at a ceremony that included hands-on demonstrations as well as on-road and off-road driving experiences.

The new Land Cruiser is a vehicle that continues its 60 year history of quality, durability and reliability while adding multiple new technologies and features. With sharper design inside and out and advanced handling technologies the car promises exceptional off-road capabilities in the utmost comfort.

Sadayoshi  Koyari, Chief Engineer commented, “I am proud to be part of this launch and to announce the release of the new 2012 Land Cruiser, a vehicle that has inherited and evolved the traits and qualities that have made it the King of the 4WD. Toyota appreciates the expectations that its customers have with every model change and is determined to exceed those expectations by continuously improving the car’s driving capabilities and looks”.

At the opening of the event, Simon Frith said: “The Land Cruiser has an enduring relationship with the people of this nation. It is actually “The Pride of the Land”. Emiratis have even given the Land Cruiser pick- up a special name Abu Shanab. This clearly demonstrates the intimacy this brand has with the people living in the UAE.”

He added:  “Last year, Al-Futtaim Motors celebrated the car’s 60^th anniversary. Thanks to the intrinsic value the Land Cruiser has created for those in the UAE, the sales have risen steadily since its launch and we hope to see several milestones ahead for this car to maintain it as first choice for our customers.”

The 2012 Land Cruiser features several changes inspired by evolving customer demands and continues the legacy of being one of the most popular off-roading vehicles in the region. Fresh elements to Land Cruiser’s exterior and interior design continues to convey a rugged yet luxurious image while delivering high performance and durability aided greatly with new technology for advanced off-roading.

Newly rugged exterior with a modern taste

It is at the front of the vehicle that the external styling changes on the new 2012 Land Cruiser are most evident, yet still reflecting the heritage of the Land Cruiser identity. The front bumper has been redesigned with enlarged overhangs, creating a much thicker front bumper that expresses the Land Cruiser’s power. The radiator grill has been redesigned to create a much rounder surface; a design which creates a powerful and finely-crafted image. The headlamps have been modified with HID low beams and integrated LED lights in the front of the vehicle. The 2012 Land Cruiser also comes with the option of a swing back door, with the aim of enhancing accessibility to the 3^rd row seats. The wheels have been redesigned, with larger 18in aluminum wheels. Other changes include LED positioning lights incorporated within the headlights and chrome finished sides to the front and rear combination clusters and wider wheel flares. The 2012 Land Cruiser also comes in three new colours: White, Attitude Black and Light Blue.

Brighter and luxurious cabin

Changes made to the 2012 Land Cruiser cabin focus on heightening the level of quality in the look and feel of the interior, and improving the ergonomics and functionality for the controls and switchgear. A new lighter interior colour has been introduced, matched with high-gloss wood grain trim elements and bright silver finish details. Extensive changes have been made to the dashboard layout to express a sense of security and enhanced visibility. The AC vent is also plated creating a more luxurious atmosphere. The steering wheel with a wood grain/leather combination is available and larger wheel switches have been adopted to enhance ease of use, along with a larger transmission shift knob, door handles and audio switches. Air conditioned seats have also been added.

Excellent driving performance with the revolutionary Turn Assist System

The ability to tackle the toughest off-road conditions has been fundamental to all Land Cruiser models and with the 2012 model Toyota has harnessed advanced technologies to extend the vehicle’s capabilities even further.

The raft of new handling features includes the newly introduced Turn Assist, which works in conjunction with the Crawl Control function, in addition to the new 5 mode Multi-terrain select (MTS) replacing the existing 3 mode system and Multi-terrain Monitor. The all new Turn Assist System enhances turning ability and minimizes the driver’s effort in tight U-turns where K-turns are necessary, by applying the brake on the inside rear wheel. The monitor is used in conjunction to help drivers observe their surrounds through front, side and rear cameras.

The Multi-terrain Monitor consisting of 4 cameras (Front; rear; right side; left side) captures peripheral images and displays them on the Electro Multi Vision ( EMV) along with warning messages.

The suspension of the Land Cruiser has been revamped, with a newly designed independent double wishbone type front suspension, and uprated coil springs all round have been inserted to dramatically improve handling both on and off road whilst maintaining riding comfort and the strength to withstand the most rigorous use.

The 2012 Land Cruiser will be available in UAE with the choice of 5-speed Automatic or 6-speed Manual on improved 4.0L Engine with 271 HP in Dual VVT-i, and 6 speed Automatic transmission coming with a newly developed 4.6L V8 Engine with 304 HP in Dual VVT-I, and also in 5.7L V8 Engine.

Advanced Utility Features

The 2012 Land Cruiser features new Utility features such as USB/AUX Terminal for external audio devices, advanced Bluetooth communication compatibility and a hands free feature for safer driving, a rear seat entertainment system and a back and clearance sonar that notifies the driver of obstacles around the vehicle.

Advanced Comfort features

The Land Cruiser comes luxuriously equipped, with features that include Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start that allows the driver to unlock or start the vehicle without inserting a conventional key; cruise control; auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors; AC 220 V Accessory Socket mounted in the luggage compartment to power household electronics and DC12V accessory sockets available on the front and rear consoles

Safety

For the driver and passenger peace-of-mind the new Land Cruiser now has 10 standards airbags: driver and front passenger dual-stage advanced airbags; front- and second-row seat-mounted side airbags; and three-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags with a roll-sensing cutoff switch and new to the 2012 year model, driver and front passenger knee airbags;

The all new 2012 Land Cruiser will be available across all Al-Futtaim Motors Toyota showrooms in three different grades: EXR, GXR, VXR and with prices ranging from AED 195,000, to AED 305,000.