• COVID-19
  • News
  • PR

Audi extends warranties during Covid-19

COVID-19, also known as death to the economy, has perhaps changed the world for good. People are still reeling from the effects, no more so than people who have or want to buy cars. Which is exactly why Audi are standing up for anyone who can’t visit a dealership to report their warranty claims. Let's take what we get as Audi extends warranties during COVID-19. How's it work? The extension applies to all cars produced in Europe, Brazil, Mexico or India, whose new car or extended warranty expires, or has expired, between 1st March and 31st May 2020. It will last 3 months, expiring latest 31st August 2020. For those of you in the Middle East, all Roadside Assistance contracts which expire in the same period can also expect extensions until the end of May to support customers. Audi: looking out for you during COVID-19 Vice President of Retail Business Development and Customer Service, Horst Hanschur, had this to say: “Many of our dealer partners worldwide are still closed or just in the process of opening their doors again.  “We are therefore making adjustments in a number of areas in order to ensure our customers still have a premium experience…

5 years ago
  • Cars
  • News
  • PR

The Middle East welcomes the affordable Chevrolet Captiva 2021

If you want to get away for the weekend, but can’t figure out how to cram 7 people into one car, you’re in luck. The new 7-seater 2021 Chevrolet Captiva has touched down in the Middle East, and has been tipped as one of the most affordable in its family. The Chevrolet Captiva 2021 has arrived in the Middle East Building on Chevrolet’s global SUV experience, the Captiva delivers on Chevy's 3 S’s: stylish, spacious and smart. Chevrolet Middle East’s Head of Brand, Farah Amhaz, could barely contain her excitement, saying: “The wait for the all-new Chevrolet Captiva is finally over.  “The reception following the car’s regional debut last November got us very excited and we are really looking forward to seeing it hit the roads here in the Middle East. “With its cutting-edge styling, enviable interior space with up to seven seats, high fuel efficiency and smart technologies, Chevrolet Captiva is a perfect match for the region’s busy families looking for the ultimate companion at an affordable price.  “We are confident all-new Captiva will quickly become a firm favourite in our line-up.” Design The Captiva’s exterior has been given a makeover, with a new grille design to better dissipate…

5 years ago
  • Cars
  • News

Lamborghini teases new release

Many of us have grown up dreaming of owning a Lambo.  We keep a close eye on every new release with anticipation, just to see what new slick model will emerge from the creative depths of Lambo’s design lab (who else thinks it looks like the batcave?). Unfortunately, like everyone, Lamborghini’s factories have been silent during the pandemic.   We do, however, have some good news. They’ve just said that production lines will reopen May 4th! Clearly, the Force is strong with the sports car supreme this year.  But wait. Hold that excitement. There’s more. Lamborghini have teased a new release tomorrow, May 7th! Although, they’re being pretty hush about the details. All we have to go on with this one is what CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “We continue to nurture the dreams of our fans and customers and on 7 May, through a virtual launch, we will present a new car in order to complete our model range.” So basically, he’s keeping zipped, but that won’t stop us from speculating. Let’s put our petrolheads together and guess what specimen's being cooked as Lamborghini teases new release. Such a tease, what do you think it will be? Lamborghini tease new relase:…

5 years ago
  • Cars
  • News
  • PR

Cadillac launches CT5 in the Middle East

Cadillac’s unrivaled 2020 CT5 sedan is here at last, and she’s more tech-savvy than ever before. Boasting a new customisable fastback design for a refined drive down the marina, coupled with an interior tailored to the driver’s needs; advanced touch-tech for a complete experience at your fingertips, the CT5 offers it all and more. Here's the latest as Cadillac launches the all-new CT5 in the Middle East for the first time! A new era for Cadillac 2020 marks the start of a new decade and Cadillac are adapting to the modern user, leveraging off the natural proportional advantage of the vehicle’s rear-drive platform to deliver power, presence and performance. In other words, it’s pure awesomeness. The CT5 is its predecessor after a year in the gym. Lengthened side glass to accentuate its sweeping fastback profile, taut character lines that underline strength, long 116-inch wheelbase, this is the Michael B Jordan of cars. The CT5 Luxury and Premium Luxury models have bright exterior accents and unique grilles and fascias, while the Sport model has gone for a darker accent and performance-inspired detail including a spoiler and standard 19-inch wheels. Delivering luxury, precious and power Taking the next step in car technology…

5 years ago
  • COVID-19
  • PR
  • Tips & Tricks

General Motors’ top tips for cleaning your car’s interior

Okay, so say lock down's over and you’re going to pick up a friend or relative from the airport or from work. They’re trying to get into the front passenger seat, but they can’t seem to maneuver around the huge pile of empty coffee cups that have stacked up over time. And it’s not just about mind over clutter. We’re living in a time where germs and infection control are paramount. And that goes for your car too. Here's General Motors' top tips for cleaning your car's interior. A clean interior for a peaceful ride Did you know? COVID-19 can live on some car surfaces for up to three days? And you thought you could get away with your little nephew pawing the glove compartment with those grubby mitts. You wouldn't want these kids anywhere near your car So as much as you’ve been told to wash your hands, you’ve also got to start sterilising your car. Think about all the things you touch most; the steering wheel, window controls, HVAC, infotainment system, door handles, rear view mirror, all of it. Germs here, germs there, germs everywhere And don’t just splash on some bleach thinking that’ll do the job. Some…

5 years ago
  • News
  • PR

Continental’s SportContact 6 tyres are awesome

It’s almost summer time, and that means more sun, more beach and a whole lotta Justin Timberlake or Big Willy Smith, you take your pick. But for Continental, it’s not just about beach fads and pop icons. It's also about the tyre, and they're hitting the market with a rave-worthy product. Here's what makes Continental's SportContact 6 tyres awesome. Will you bring it this Summer? First in class The tyres were tested with a robust 8-tier discipline using an AMG C 63 as the test vehicle, and scored either ‘good’ or ‘very good’ overall, with journalists from Sportauto flashing all 10s across the board. Meanwhile, Autobuild sang the praise of this ‘exemplary’ innovation, remarking on the “precision steering, sporty-dynamic handling and short braking distances in dry conditions, stable lateral guidance in wet and good resistance to aquaplaning” in particular. To put things into perspective, cheaper tyres undergoing the same tests were found to have “dangerously long braking distances on wet and dry roads”, a big no no if you’re driving in and around the UAE (it's not even legal to have cheap tyres!) Make sure you're properly equipped for the dunes For a luxurious driving experience Tailor made for luxury…

5 years ago
  • Fun corner
  • News

5 #StarWars vehicles we just loved

May 4th. Also officially recognised as Star Wars day, it’s a global testament to George Lucas’ Magnum Opus with epic lightsabre duels, awesome air fleet battles and baby Yoda. Let’s take a look at some forcesome vehicles from the creative mind of George Lucas and co to celebrate May 4th in true Mikaniki fashion, counting down the 5 #StarWars vehicles we just loved. 5. Anakin’s Podracer Claimed to be the fastest racer ever to compete in the Boonta Eve Classic, this blue and silver beauty kicks our list off. Slaving away in the desert planet of Tatooine, Anakin Skywalker salvaged a pair of Radon-Ulzer Repulsorlift engines and assembled a beast of a machine far beyond his young years. It was built to standard podracer specifications, with a 3.15 meter cockpit, however it was smaller and sleeker overall in comparison to other racers. It was a simple, but brilliant construct. An Energy binder, straining the cockpit at the back with a Steelton control cable, linked the two high power engines to complete the racer. But the true genius was a custom spraying device and system that fed fuel to the fuelling chamber with greater efficiency. Not bad for a kid who…

5 years ago
  • Fun corner
  • Greatest Of All Time

GOAT episode 1: Porsche 911

Come one, come all! We're kicking off our all-new GOAT series, and for episode 1, we're looking at the Porsche 911. So join us on this epic wish list and let's have some fun! First thing's first For those who think that this little sportscar is just a glorified Volkswagen Beetle, let me show you the door. And don’t feel bad if I slam it on you before you’re done walking through.  For this is no Beetle – no no no!  Don't be fooled by the Beetle shape Towards the late 50s, Ferdinand Porsche needed a replacement for the ageing Porsche 356, which was a great mid-engine first attempt from the little Austrian manufacturer.  In order to create a worthy successor, Mr. Porsche dusted the old manuals he had from his time at the Hogwarts School for Automotive Engineering. The result would be a 2+2 sports car called the 911 aka the Carrera – a car that would later go on to define the company’s legacy.  I repeat, it’s NOT the Beetle A car where the engine sat above the rear axle was nothing new for the automobile wizards in Germany. I mean, VW had been doing it for years…

5 years ago
  • Dummy's Guide
  • Tips & Tricks

Dummy’s Guide Episode 1: My car can’t cook! Why does it need oil?

Ever heard the saying “works like a well-oiled machine”? I hope this doesn’t come as a shocker to you, but oil has properties beyond making that fried chicken taste nice and lighting that lamp. Your car’s engine is made largely of metal – mostly aluminium or steel. And to get your car running, these metal bits move! And when they move, they rub off against each other, which can get pretty testy if they’re as dry as Amy Schumer on the mic. Slip to your slide To explain it another way, think of a slip-n-slide.  If you jump on a dry slip-n-slide and expect to make it to the end, you’ve got a whole other thing coming. But with soap or oil, you’re like a duck in water. You'll shoot out the other end with a smile on your face. It's a slippery slope The reason you wouldn’t be able to slide without soap or oil is because of the friction between you and the surface.  The same principle applies to components within your car’s engine. They need lubrication to slide seamlessly across each other without the engine tearing itself apart. Enter engine oil. So why change oil? Now that…

5 years ago
  • Tips & Tricks

Car insurance in the GCC

When you think cars, the last thing that comes to mind is insurance. The word itself is drab and dry and will have you running for the hills. But hey, don't run just yet. You’ve gotta at least know the basics of car insurance policies, and what they do. How else are you going to choose the right policy for yourself? This short and simple guide will tell you all you need to know about car insurance in the GCC. Why do I have to get car insurance?  Well, a) you don’t have a choice. And b) you don’t have a choice. The law obliges you to take out at least some basic coverage if you want to register your car. What you can choose, however, is the kind of cover you want. And add-ons. That depends on your expectations of the coverage and affordability. What factors influence my insurance costs? Age of the driver They say age is just a number. Try telling the claimant that. When it comes to insurance, your age and the number of years that you have been driving make a huge difference. Say you’re between 25 and 30, that would add around 15% more…

5 years ago