Tag: motoring

Elegant, Practical and Emotionally Appealing

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The all-new Audi Q3 builds on everything that has made the four rings perfect for premium everyday driving.

Shereen Shabnam

Owning an Audi has taught me that the brand’s greatest strength is in its engineering, design and consistency. Having spent years behind the wheel of my own Audi TT which my daughter drives now, I have come to appreciate the understated confidence that defines every model wearing the four rings. Audi has never relied on unnecessary drama; instead, it quietly perfects the details that make every journey more rewarding.

The all-new new generation Audi Q3 embodies that philosophy beautifully. More expressive in its design, more digital inside and more refined on the road, it evolves one of Audi’s most successful SUVs while remaining true to the qualities that have made the brand a favourite among discerning drivers. Whether navigating city streets, embarking on weekend escapes or tackling long motorway journeys, the Q3 delivers a premium experience that feels both contemporary and reassuringly familiar.

Exterior

The latest Q3 adopts a noticeably more confident presence. A wider Singleframe grille, sharply sculpted bodywork and slimmer lighting signatures create a stronger visual identity, while muscular shoulders give the SUV a more athletic stance without compromising its elegance.

Audi’s renowned attention to detail is evident throughout. The latest Digital Matrix LED headlights featuring micro-LED technology not only enhance visibility but also introduce intelligent lighting functions that improve driver awareness. At the rear, optional digital OLED lighting and illuminated Audi rings create a sophisticated signature after dark, ensuring the Q3 is instantly recognisable from every angle.

Interior

Step inside and the transformation is immediately apparent. Audi has embraced a more immersive digital environment centred around its beautifully integrated panoramic digital stage, where a curved 12.8-inch MMI touchscreen and 11.9-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit place every essential function naturally within the driver’s field of vision. The redesigned steering column frees valuable centre console space, creating a cleaner and more practical cabin, while premium materials and ambient lighting reinforce Audi’s reputation for understated luxury.

Versatility remains one of the Q3’s greatest strengths. Sliding rear seats, adjustable backrests and generous luggage capacity make the SUV equally suited to growing families, business professionals and weekend adventurers. Acoustic glazing for the front side windows, introduced for the first time in this segment, also contributes to a noticeably quieter cabin, particularly during longer highway journeys.

Technology

Technology continues to be one of Audi’s defining strengths, and the all-new Q3 demonstrates just how seamlessly innovation can enhance everyday driving. The intuitive infotainment system integrates effortlessly with the driver’s digital lifestyle, while voice controls and smartphone connectivity make accessing navigation, media and communication simple and distraction-free.

Audi’s latest driver assistance systems work discreetly in the background to enhance confidence rather than overwhelm the driving experience. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane change assist, park assist, reverse assistant and fatigue monitoring combine to create an intelligent safety ecosystem that supports drivers across both urban and motorway environments.

Performance

The Q3 has always been more about confidence than outright performance, and the latest generation continues that approach with greater refinement. The 150 hp TFSI engine provides smooth, responsive performance ideally suited to everyday driving, while the more powerful 204 hp TFSI quattro offers stronger acceleration and enhanced stability thanks to Audi’s legendary all-wheel-drive system. Paired with the seven-speed S tronic transmission, power delivery feels seamless and composed across varying road conditions.

Suspension tuning successfully balances ride comfort with engaging handling, while progressive steering delivers reassuring precision through tighter city streets before settling into confident stability at motorway speeds. Like every Audi I have driven, the Q3 inspires confidence rather than demanding attention. It simply gets everything right.

Our Verdict

Audi has always excelled at producing vehicles that blend engineering excellence with understated sophistication, and the latest Q3 continues that tradition with a more expressive design, a beautifully executed digital cabin and technology that genuinely enhances everyday life.

Perhaps my years of Audi ownership make me appreciate these qualities more than most. Living with an Audi has shown me that the true appeal of the brand lies in the way every detail works together to create a car that feels as satisfying on day one as it does years later. The all-new Q3 carries that same philosophy into the premium SUV segment. Elegant, practical and quietly confident.

Big, Bold and Built for Everywhere

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2026 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71

Shereen Shabnam

Some SUVs are designed for school runs, while others are designed to make every journey feel like an expedition. The 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 belongs firmly in the latter category. Massive in presence yet surprisingly refined behind the wheel, the latest Tahoe continues Chevrolet’s formula of blending full-size American muscle with modern technology and genuine off-road capability. Driving the Tahoe Z71 around Dubai immediately reminds you why large SUVs still command such loyalty in the region. From Sheikh Zayed Road to rougher desert-edge terrain outside the city, the Tahoe feels completely at home. It is commanding without feeling cumbersome, luxurious without losing its rugged edge, and powerful in a way that only a naturally aspirated V8 can deliver. The Z71 trim adds an extra layer of adventure-focused character to the Tahoe, giving it a tougher visual identity and enhanced off-road credentials.

Exterior

The Tahoe Z71 looks every bit the full-size American SUV. Its sheer scale alone gives it presence, but Chevrolet has added enough rugged detailing to ensure the Z71 stands apart from more urban-focused variants. The high-approach-angle front fascia, black tubular assist steps, red recovery hooks, and aluminium skid plate immediately signal its off-road intentions. Combined with the dark exterior detailing and large 20-inch machined wheels with technical grey accents, the Tahoe Z71 carries a muscular and purposeful stance that feels perfectly suited to the Middle East. The panoramic power sunroof adds a welcome sense of openness, as does the elevated driving position and extensive camera systems.

Interior

Inside, the Tahoe Z71 balances rugged practicality with genuine comfort remarkably well. The cabin feels spacious in every direction, with three rows capable of comfortably accommodating adults without compromise. The Gideon and Dark Atmosphere leather interior trim gives the cabin a premium feel, while heated front and second-row seats, tri-zone climate control, and extensive power seat adjustments make long-distance journeys effortlessly comfortable. We love that there are storage spaces everywhere and the large centre console with freezer mode feels especially useful in the UAE climate. The power-folding third-row seats also make cargo flexibility far easier when switching between passengers and luggage. Rear passengers are especially well catered for with the available Rear Seat Entertainment System, turning family road trips into genuinely relaxing experiences.

Technology

Chevrolet has significantly modernised the Tahoe’s technology experience, and the Z71 benefits from a comprehensive suite of connectivity and driver assistance systems. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly, while 5G connectivity capability keeps the Tahoe feeling constantly connected. The premium branded surround audio system delivers impressive sound quality, particularly when paired with the quiet cruising refinement of the SUV. The HD Surround Vision camera system is arguably essential, dramatically improving confidence while parking and manoeuvring in tighter spaces. Adaptive Cruise Control, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Braking, and Side Obstacle Detection all operate discreetly in the background to make daily driving feel less demanding.

Performance

The Tahoe Z71 is powered as standard by a 5.3-litre V8 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, but the available 6.2-litre EcoTec3 V8 transforms the experience entirely. It delivers effortless power with the kind of smooth, naturally aspirated response that has become increasingly rare in today’s turbocharged world. The dual exhaust system adds a subtle but satisfying V8 soundtrack without becoming overwhelming. What impresses most, however, is how the Air Ride Adaptive Suspension and Magnetic Ride Control dramatically improve ride comfort and body control. This allows it to glide over rough surfaces while still remaining stable at higher speeds. Off-road capability is equally strong. The two-speed Autotrac transfer case, electronic limited-slip differential, hill descent control, and off-road capability package give the Z71 genuine confidence away from paved roads.

Our Verdict

The 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 remains one of the most complete full-size SUVs on the market. It delivers exactly what buyers in this segment want: commanding presence, immense practicality, genuine V8 performance, serious off-road capability, and the ability to carry an entire family in complete comfort. The Z71 trim adds just the right amount of adventure-focused attitude to the formula. It looks tougher, feels more capable, and still manages to deliver the comfort expected from a premium family vehicle.

Driving the Future: My Adventure with the sleek and bold 2025 Škoda Kodiaq in Hatta Dubai

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Natasha Dury

Venturing beyond Dubai, as I set out to explore Hatta, Dubai to test drive the new 2025 Škoda Kodiaq, I was very excited as I love test drives out in the desert in the UAE. As one of the youngest test drivers for the model during this activation, I was eager to discover how the new Kodiaq would stand up to a Gen Z’s active and tech-focused lifestyle and it certainly delivered.

The Kodiaq’s Exterior 

At first glance, the Kodiaq strikes a pose with its bold contours and commanding presence. Equipped with LED headlights and sporty 20-inch alloy wheels, especially on the Sportline trim, it’s clear that this SUV is designed to make a statement both in the city and beyond. As a Gen Z, I  thought the car would be big for my daily needs but the design was appealing and by the end of our drive, I was convinced that it was just the right size as I nneded a big boot for my golf clubs, horse riding gear, my dive equipment and the ocassional shopping for a demanding mother.

Inside the Kodiaq 

Stepping inside, the Kodiaq offers a retreat of luxury and innovation. The Selection trim envelops you in soft fabric seats, while upgrading to the Sportline trim wraps you in the sumptuous embrace of leather and Alcantara sport seats. The panoramic sunroof washes the interior in natural light, enhancing the sense of space, while ambient lighting adds a touch of elegance to every journey. 

Technology

For a digital native like myself, staying connected is crucial. The Kodiaq delivers brilliantly with the Škoda Phone Box, featuring dual wireless charging pads that cool your devices as they power up. The inclusion of five strategically placed USB-C ports ensures that everyone on board can keep their devices fully charged, no matter where the road takes us.

Performance

On the move, the Kodiaq is as dynamic as its appearance suggests. The 1.4 TSI engine is perfect for urban escapades, while the 2.0 TSI with all-wheel drive offers robust power for those off-road adventures. The smooth-shifting DSG transmission complements the engines’ strength, ensuring a drive that’s both exhilarating and efficient.

A Journey Well Made 

Driving the 2025 Škoda Kodiaq around Dubai’s diverse landscapes proved it to be more than just an SUV; it’s a versatile companion ready for the next generation’s challenges. With its blend of style, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, the Kodiaq is truly a vehicle for those who seek to blend daily responsibilities with spontaneous adventure. Whether navigating the urban jungle or exploring rugged terrains, the Kodiaq is designed to inspire and excite.

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