Hyundai has come from humble beginnings to become one of the world’s largest car makers, precisely by coming up with cars like the Veracruz. We test the SUV

As we have said many times before in these pages, the number of SUVs seen on the roads is increasing much faster even than the density of traffic would seem to suggest. Every manufacturer worth their salt has brought out an SUV or is busy scrambling to ensure a tie-up that with some other stalwart who already has an existing model in the line-up to plug their gaps. Frankly, no car maker today, except a very few lucky ones who make only sports cars, can afford to ignore the potential volume market of the SUV. Hyundai is one of the fortunate carmakers that took very early steps to fill the need for SUVs and made its name in the world’s largest car market - the US - with models like the old Santa Fe, for which there were historic waiting lists, then the new generation of the Tucson, Santa Fe and Veracruz have all made their mark.

The interesting difference that Hyundai brings to the SUV design is recognising right from the start that the typical SUV customer wants a car-plus approach, not a full-fledged off-roader. So their entire SUV genre has evolved from their various car platforms and the engines are shared across the SUV and car series.

How does a summer getaway to an exotic location sound? Or maybe a high definition 32” LCD TV or even a feature packed laptop to beat the summer blues? To avail of this offer, all you need to do is rush to the Mazda showroom and buy a Mazda 3 hatchback.

What’s even more exciting about this offer is that there are no raffle draws; just a guaranteed gift to anyone who purchases a Mazda 3 hatchback. Not only do you get guaranteed gifts but also several additional benefits such as free insurance, free registration. Free AAA Loyalty Card, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance in Oman & UAE

The hatchback version of the Mazda3 contains more storage space and other interior improvements to enhance the luxury feel. The Mazda3 was first introduced in 2004 and since has received critical and commercial success. It has undergone minor improvements and upgrades, mainly on the interior with more features becoming standard. What’s special about the Mazda3 however is its global design.

“Every step taken by Towell Auto Centre is a stride closer to our customers, always enhancing our relations with buyers and satisfying them at every point of purchase. We are a company that is committed to brand building, making it a point to innovate and set path-breaking trends rather than imitating others,” says Annurag Chawla, Head of Marketing and Communications, Towell Auto Centre.

A customer meet for Cofran Lubrification customers was recently organized by the automotive division of MHD LLC at the Radisson SAS hotel. The customer meet was organized on the occasion of Cofran’s Export Area Manager, Mr. Philippe Beauduin’s visit to Oman. Mr. Beauduin made a thorough presentation on the range of Cofran products to all customers & fleet managers attending the programme. A display of Cofran Lubrification products was also set up at the venue to educate the customers on the vast range of products available from the company.

Mr. David Aziz, Director Automotive, MHD LLC started the proceeding by giving an overall introduction to the MHD LLC group and the range of products & services offered by it. A lively Q & A session after the presentation was also jointly answered by Mr. Beauduin & MHD LLC officials.

For more information on the Cofran Lubrification products please visit MHD LLC’s automotive facilities in Azaiba, Wadi kabir, Sur, Sohar and Salalah or simply call on 24523281. Further details on MHD LLC’s Automotive Division are also available through the internet.

The Middle East’s most iconic off-road vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, has received another makeover.

Once again, the exterior has been modernised to a limited degree quite deliberately while the major advances centre on the vehicle’s telematics, along with the new 5.5-litre V8 engine that is available for the G 500.  

“From the outside, the newest generation of the G-Class can be identified by its restyled, three-fin radiator grille, with the G 500 sporting new-look 18-inch light-alloy wheels as an additional distinguishing feature,” said Lee Boyle, Regional Sales Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East and Levant.