Covid-19 has made 2020 a year to forget, but we can at least look forward to a smorgasbord of tantalising new vehicles in the coming year. Here are our top 12 debutants for 2021.
Audi RS e-tron GT
Whenever an Audi wears an “RS” prefix, you can bet fireworks are in store. There’s no thunderous exhaust note here, but the e-tron GT’s battery pack and twin electric motors serve up scorching acceleration. After all, the GT shares its hardware with the Porsche Taycan, which has already been lauded for its scintillating performance and dynamics. The RS e-tron GT packs a 646hp/830Nm punch, so expect an instant facelift when you stand on the throttle. It may land on our shores in the fourth quarter, priced from Dh650k-plus, but Audi ME can’t as yet confirm this.
BMW M3/M4
New-generation M3s and M4s are always eagerly anticipated, even though the latest M cars have raised eyebrows with their oversize twin-nostril grilles. Chances are you’ll get used to the looks with time, especially when you learn that motive power comes from a brand-new “S58” twin-turbo 3.0-litre motor that thrashes out 480hp, or 510 horses in Competition form.
All-wheel-drive – xDrive in BMW-speak – also makes its debut as an option in the M3/M4. Pumped guards, and wider front and rear tracks than before hint at titanic performance. Both cars land in the UAE in March, priced from Dh475k.
Ford Bronco
OJ Simpson put the Bronco in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons in 1994, but the new model that reprises the nameplate has been grabbing headlines for all the right ones. There’s much to like about the newbie’s rugged boxy lines, and what’s underneath holds promise too, as the latest Bronco shares its body-on-frame chassis with the tough Ranger workhorse. Unlike today’s horde of pretend all-terrainers, the Ford debutant will be a legitimate dune/rock/mud tamer with low-range gearing and optional 35-inch tyres. It’s due here around June, priced from about Dh145,000. Watch out, Wrangler!
Genesis GV70
Following closely in its wheeltracks of the new GV80 is the smaller, and undoubtedly handsomer, GV70. As per the GV80, the mid-size crossover will be offered with a 300hp 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder motor and a 375hp 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6. The newcomer will come loaded with mod-cons and safety kit – including Advanced Rear Occupant Alert, a radar-based system that can detect a rear occupant's breathing so a driver can be notified when a child or infant has been left in the back of the vehicle. The GV70 is due here in April or May, with prices likely to start around Dh160,000.
Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson has been a solid seller for Hyundai, but the latest generation takes the compact SUV into a bold new dimension with avant-garde styling that gives it a futuristic stance. Wherever you look, there are sharp edges and creases, ensuring the newcomer stands apart from its rivals. The revamp carries through to the interior, where you’ll find a virtual instrument cluster – replacing conventional analogue dials – and a large central touchscreen. The cabin features better trim materials and offers more space, all of which bodes well. It’s due here in March, priced from about Dh85,000.
Infiniti QX55
Infiniti will barge into the coupe crossover genre with the eye-catching new QX55, which shares mechanicals with the QX50, but is clothed in an eye-catching fastback bodyshell. Think of it as a Japanese alternative to the BMW X4 and Mercedes GLC Coupe. The tapered roofline suggests luggage space will be slightly compromised, but its styling alone should lure many buyers. Power will come from a 268hp/380Nm 2.0-litre turbo four-pot, hooked up to a CVT automatic transmission. The cabin is largely as per the QX50, but with funkier trim colours. The QX55 is due here in late 2021, priced from about Dh170,000.
Land Rover Defender 90
Land Rover has already introduced the five-door Defender 110 to our market, but hardcore off-road junkies will be holding out for the three-door Defender 90, which promises greater all-terrain capability with its shorter wheelbase, and superior approach and departure angles. There’s a host of customisation options on offer, so specifying a vehicle that fits your tastes shouldn’t be a problem. Powertrain options will include a 300hp 2.0-litre turbo four-pot and 400hp 3.0-litre turbo six, both mated to an 8-speed auto. The 90 is due here in April, priced from just under Dh200,000.
Maserati MC20
Italy’s hallowed trident brand enters fresh territory with the mid-engined MC20, which takes the fight to Aston Martin, McLaren, Porsche and its Italian supercar compatriots. Fabricated from carbon fibre and aluminium, the MC20 has all the right credentials for electrifying dynamics. Propulsion comes from a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 that thumps out 630hp and 730Nm, spearing it from 0-100kph in under 3 seconds and on to a top speed of 325kph+. It looks the part, too, with its tarmac-hugging stance and scissor doors. It’s not cheap, though, with a starting price of Dh950,000 when it lands here in October or November.
Mercedes S-Class
The S-Class has traditionally been the car that sets the benchmark for luxury limousines, and the new W223 generation is likely to continue that trend. The newbie’s styling is evolutionary – no surprises there – but there’s no mistaking it for the outgoing model as the grille is larger, the headlights slimmer and the overall profile more tapered. Tech highlights include rear-wheel steering and air suspension, so expect a supple-riding saloon that handles with tautness and agility. Inside, you’ll find a cutting-edge cockpit with a 3D instrument cluster and a massive OLED touchscreen. It’s on sale in January, priced from about Dh450,000.
Porsche 911 GT3
The standard 911 models are already stunningly fast and capable, but the GT-prefixed models are plain stupefying. The 992-generation GT3 carries over a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six, but it’s uprated to crank out over 517hp. You’ll be able to order a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed dual-clutch PDK, and there’s a new race-inspired front multilink suspension setup – a 911 first. As usual, the GT3 gets thinner glass windows and makes do without rear seats, and new for the 992 is a composite bonnet. It’s expected here in the second or third quarter, priced from about Dh580,000.
Ram 1500 TRX
Any truck wearing a Ram badge is a titan, but the 1500 TRX is absolutely bonkers. How else could you describe a hulking pickup with a 702hp punch? Although based on the standard 1500, the TRX ups the ante considerably with its 6.2-litre supercharged V8 that has enough grunt to tow a house … or fry the tyres! Keeping this power in check is a strengthened chassis and upgraded suspension with more than 330mm of travel. The TRX is a monster, be it on-road or off it, eclipsing even Ford’s mighty F-150 Raptor. It’s due here in February or March, priced from Dh300,000+.
Volkswagen Mk8 Golf GTI
The Golf GTI has been the quintessential hot hatch since the first generation debuted in 1976. It’s been a process of steady evolution, culminating in the new – and keenly awaited – Mk8 model. Immediately evident is the newcomer’s racier styling, especially the front fascia, with its angry-looking headlights and massive lower air intake. The 2.0-litre turbo motor is tweaked to produce 245hp, and a new Vehicle Dynamics Manager is said to make the car more responsive in every way. There’s also a new digital dashboard that makes for a much smarter and more modern cabin. It’s due here in April or May, priced from about Dh145,000.
Company Profile
Name: JustClean
Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries
Launch year: 2016
Number of employees: 130
Sector: online laundry service
Funding: $12.9m from Kuwait-based Faith Capital Holding
The Intruder
Director: Deon Taylor
Starring: Dennis Quaid, Michael Ealy, Meagan Good
One star
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Awar Qalb
Director: Jamal Salem
Starring: Abdulla Zaid, Joma Ali, Neven Madi and Khadija Sleiman
Two stars
Bert van Marwijk factfile
Born: May 19 1952
Place of birth: Deventer, Netherlands
Playing position: Midfielder
Teams managed:
1998-2000 Fortuna Sittard
2000-2004 Feyenoord
2004-2006 Borussia Dortmund
2007-2008 Feyenoord
2008-2012 Netherlands
2013-2014 Hamburg
2015-2017 Saudi Arabia
2018 Australia
Major honours (manager):
2001/02 Uefa Cup, Feyenoord
2007/08 KNVB Cup, Feyenoord
World Cup runner-up, Netherlands
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
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
Indoor Cricket World Cup
Venue Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE squad Saqib Nazir (captain), Aaqib Malik, Fahad Al Hashmi, Isuru Umesh, Nadir Hussain, Sachin Talwar, Nashwan Nasir, Prashath Kumara, Ramveer Rai, Sameer Nayyak, Umar Shah, Vikrant Shetty
More on animal trafficking
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Hili 2: Unesco World Heritage site
The site is part of the Hili archaeological park in Al Ain. Excavations there have proved the existence of the earliest known agricultural communities in modern-day UAE. Some date to the Bronze Age but Hili 2 is an Iron Age site. The Iron Age witnessed the development of the falaj, a network of channels that funnelled water from natural springs in the area. Wells allowed settlements to be established, but falaj meant they could grow and thrive. Unesco, the UN's cultural body, awarded Al Ain's sites - including Hili 2 - world heritage status in 2011. Now the most recent dig at the site has revealed even more about the skilled people that lived and worked there.
Fight Night
FIGHT NIGHT
Four title fights:
Amir Khan v Billy Dib - WBC International title
Hughie Fury v Samuel Peter - Heavyweight co-main event
Dave Penalosa v Lerato Dlamini - WBC Silver title
Prince Patel v Michell Banquiz - IBO World title
Six undercard bouts:
Michael Hennessy Jr v Abdul Julaidan Fatah
Amandeep Singh v Shakhobidin Zoirov
Zuhayr Al Qahtani v Farhad Hazratzada
Lolito Sonsona v Isack Junior
Rodrigo Caraballo v Sajid Abid
Ali Kiydin v Hemi Ahio
More on Quran memorisation:
The years Ramadan fell in May
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tom Fletcher on 'soft power'
Arabian Gulf League fixtures:
Friday:
- Emirates v Hatta, 5.15pm
- Al Wahda v Al Dhafra, 5.25pm
- Al Ain v Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, 8.15pm
Saturday:
- Dibba v Ajman, 5.15pm
- Sharjah v Al Wasl, 5.20pm
- Al Jazira v Al Nasr, 8.15pm
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
The five pillars of Islam
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
FIXTURES (all times UAE)
Sunday
Brescia v Lazio (3.30pm)
SPAL v Verona (6pm)
Genoa v Sassuolo (9pm)
AS Roma v Torino (11.45pm)
Monday
Bologna v Fiorentina (3.30pm)
AC Milan v Sampdoria (6pm)
Juventus v Cagliari (6pm)
Atalanta v Parma (6pm)
Lecce v Udinese (9pm)
Napoli v Inter Milan (11.45pm)
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
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Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2018 schedule
Thursday December 27
Men's quarter-finals
Kevin Anderson v Hyeon Chung 4pm
Dominic Thiem v Karen Khachanov 6pm
Women's exhibition
Serena Williams v Venus Williams 8pm
Friday December 28
5th place play-off 3pm
Men's semi-finals
Rafael Nadal v Anderson/Chung 5pm
Novak Djokovic v Thiem/Khachanov 7pm
Saturday December 29
3rd place play-off 5pm
Men's final 7pm
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
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