Oman Today - Adventures in Oman
AUTO NEWS
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Feel the adrenaline
Rev up with Oman Today’s spotlight on the hottest wheels this August

TOP GEAR
Loaded Lexus
Lexus has launched the 2007 ES350 in Oman. It is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine with dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - intelligent) that generates 300hp and 344Nm of torque. It also packs in a whole array of exciting luxury and safety features, like the Mark Levinson audio system, DVD navigation, smart entry and start system, 12 airbags, ABS, EBD and intelligent adaptive front lighting system.

Comfort features include a smart entry and start system, ten-way power seat with variable driver side cushion length, driver and passenger seat air conditioning, MP3 and Windows Media Audio compatibility. The ES350 also features rain-sensing wipers that are activated by a sensor that detects water on the windshield.

Rival alliance
General Motors' largest shareholder, Kirk Kerkorian, is pressing the troubled auto giant to speed up its turnaround effort by forming an alliance with two rival foreign car companies – Nissan and Renault, which would pay US$3bn for a 20 per cent stake in GM to quicken the pace of change in the company.

An alliance with Renault of France and Nissan of Japan offers Kerkorian an opportunity to enlist the help of Carlos Ghosn, the CEO of Renault and NIssan. The tie-up would resul in the companies drawing from one another's expertise in areas like manufacturing, engineering and product development.

Appealingly tough
Land Rover is all set to captivate the Middle East automotive market with the introduction of another new model – the LR2. Positioned as a premium compact SUV, it offers luxury features and an abundance of advanced technologies.

The new SUV will be Land Rover's fourth new vehicle in a series of laun-ches. The vehicle will follow the same styling cues as the Range Rover Sport with the familiar chiselled lines, smooth and simple surfaces. Fresh and contemporary design coupled with the sporty energy from its powerful energy will be key elements in making the package dynamic yet refined, tough yet appealing. The LR2 is expected to arrive early next year to the Middle East. It has already made its worldwide debut at the British International Motor Show.

Value for money
Suzuki has introduced the latest model of its family car – the Liana. Starting at RO3, 495, the new car boasts of full power options, headlamp adjuster and steering wheel mounted stereo controls. The family car also features an AM/FM radio, cassette and CD player. The Liana is available in two engine specifications – a 1.3-litre version and a larger 1.6-litre variant , which deliver a combination of performance and fuel efficiency. Buyers can opt for either a manual or an automatic transmission. The five-door hatchback and sedan design variants also offer flexibility in space and comfort, with enough headroom and leg space so that all five persons can be accommodated comfortably.

"The Suzuki Liana is great news if you are looking for a family car. You are no longer compelled to compromise between performance and economy, and features and value. You can have it all with the Liana," said Anil Sethi, national sales manger, Suzuki, Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan and Company. "In fact, many of the amenities found onboard high-end models come as standard on the Suzuki Liana."

For more details, call the Suzuki showroom on 24 571110.

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