Behind The Scenes

Yes, that’s right. DriveArabia.com is celebrating its 20th anniversary! As one of the pioneers of the Middle East’s internet era, and the longest-standing automotive website in the GCC, it’s hard to believe we were born when the majority of the population were still using dial-up internet, and smartphones weren’t a thing yet.  

I used to dabble in automotive websites from the time I was briefly in a U.S. college during the dot-com bubble of 2000. I later transferred to a college in the UAE. The original portal was conceived and started back when I was still in college,

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The G-Wagen finally got its first ever major revamp since it debuted in the late 70s. Sure, there have been numerous facelifts, interiors and engine upgrades over the years, the basics underneath always remained the same, and it was horrendous to drive (once you take off the fanboy glasses). The new 2019 model changes all that. Mostly.

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The new Navigator is big news for Lincoln, the luxury brand best known for warmed-over Fords until just a couple of years ago. Today’s models are still based on Fords, but are so extensively differentiated that they can be passed off as a completely separate brand. And one of those new models is the all-new Navigator, which is making waves in the segment right now. We drove one in the summer.

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When the Ferrari FF first came out, it was a massive eyesore to many, while others embraced the “shooting brake” bodystyle concept with blind love. The car was a bit of a success for Ferrari though, so a second generation was introduced a couple of years ago, with a completely new name. The GTC4 Lusso improved on the FF’s looks, although it probably won’t convince detractors. We finally got to drive one a couple of months ago.

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The Genesis G70 has been a long time coming, as no premium line-up is complete without a compact sports sedan. While the G90 hasn’t caused any waves, and the G80 is a remnant of the Hyundai-badged days, the G70 is the first proper product from the upstart brand that brings something interesting to the table. We were still sceptical about this car though, but we got a message from the General Manager of Genesis Middle East, Altar Yilmaz, to come check out his personal car, and later we got this cherry one for a longer test.

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Alfa Romeo, Fiat-Chrysler’s second-tier luxury brand that’s in comeback mode, dropped a bomb when their new rear-wheel-drive Giulia Quadrofoglio became the quickest sedan to lap the ‘Ring (at least at the time). While the hype from that 2015 run has faded, we finally got our hands on it to see if this car will save Alfa.

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The Renault Megane was never a major player in the compact segment. Blame it on lack of awareness, brand preconceptions or just lack of desirability, but it just never caught on in the GCC (except with one of our people, who actually owns one). There’s an all-new model in town now. Will it make waves?

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The other day, as I parked this candy-red Mazda CX-5 tester, an older European couple came up to me and commented that it’s a good-looking car. They proceeded to ask me if it’s a Toyota, which is when I realised how much brand recognition Mazda has right now. Mind you, they were impressed by the car, inside and out, and they’re folks who were shopping for a Mercedes-Benz.

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When you think of Honda, the Jazz is the furthest thing from your mind nowadays. It was unceremoniously cancelled a few years ago in the GCC due to slow sales stemming from its high price. It’s back now in its latest form, although the price hasn’t changed from before. Does it pack more value now?

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If there ever was a definition for “understated,” this car would be it — an Audi RS3 sedan in white. Nobody gives it a second look. Until it’s started up.

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