Getting pulled over by the police is rarely a good thing. Generally, it ends with a slap on the wrist or a fine, but in Abu Dhabi, police officers are stopping cars so as to reward motorists for good driving.
The ‘Happiness Patrol’, as it has been dubbed, is part of The Abu Dhabi Police’s (ADP) commitment to making a more positive contribution on the UAE’s roads. The concept of the scheme is basically that if poor drivers are reprimanded, then good drivers should be applauded.
Although the Happiness Patrol’s project started in 2016, it has only recently upped its game and started to increase its activity. In recent weeks, numerous drivers have been stopped – many of them expecting the worst before departing with a smile – and have been handed vouchers and certificates as rewards.
A blogger’s influence
The Happiness Patrol has operated in relative obscurity for the last two years, but that all changed recently when well-known Abu Dhabi-based blogger Kalid Al Ameri uploaded a video that has now been viewed millions of times.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvaMVrnPt_U]
In the video, which has already been seen 3.4 million times on Facebook alone, catalogues Kalid’s encounter with the Happiness Patrol. In the clip, the police praise him for wearing his seatbelt, for indicating in good time, and for sticking to the speed limit at all times.
[https://www.facebook.com/khalidalameri/videos/346623746092155/?__xts__[0]=68.ARBJYTKGntSXZNNZv9wl1OOKn11uVoODKi_0BDchJn4fWZzhACugcC3YcWe50qSEu2i5yPOm70BTmR0P5IX4_gqcnYj0ytJHnJ2F7PkwLD3kgEB4B_PR5tfdZDW1EsLBcp3dClQ8Fh7chWZIMH5x8HUG4r1pMjBr6Wr-nMz73UYRcUTJPKi4KHE4784dIzBC3rLYy8lz7U-GbtufyTvsllR0Nzbb1tilsN_ptEu1XDLsw4y4gbwQ9B15wxmXzzDhCz-HqUxvFEDNqMve-7VduEaCJnpk30JOW_NMBPcoC0_WM48OwDZdoNAu1dgJSKnNY0J-Ym5XNbj2BxAAFWal4IlvO_dneyav2BU&__tn__=-R]
Kalid goes on to state that the police in Abu Dhabi are not viewed by the public as an organisation that is focused solely on fighting crime, but simply wants to make a positive contribution to the lives of all people living in the UAE.
What does the Happiness Patrol look for?
Of course, while it’s good to know that good drivers can be rewarded for sticking to the rules and not being a menace on the roads, it makes sense to know exactly what makes a ‘good’ driver.
The Abu Dhabi Police states that good drivers should:
– Keep an adequate distance between themselves and other road users
– Use the correct signals at the right time when leaving the road or changing lanes
– Wear a seat belt whenever the vehicle is moving
– Stick to the speed limit at all times
Start getting rewarded!
If you’re a good driver and want to be pulled over by the Happiness Patrol, you first need to have a car! And that’s where we can help.
Get in touch today, and we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle for you.
New Lincoln MKC arrives in UAE
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comThanks to its combination of rugged terrain and aspirational ideals, the UAE is the perfect place to own and drive a luxury SUV. It’s unsurprising, therefore, that SUV enthusiasts in the UAE are excited about the recent release of the 2019 Lincoln MKC. The latest versions of the high-end, compact SUV cross-over were imported into the UAE earlier this month. But is it worth the investment? While the Lincoln brand doesn’t have the same level of prestige as Mercedes or Bentley, the 2019 MKC is likely to attract a number of enthusiastic buyers.
According to the car review website ‘The Car Connection’, the Lincoln also has “quality interior materials” and looks better than its predecessors.
However, the MKC isn’t perfect. It is a little less fuel-efficient than many of its competitors, including the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. It’s only capable of 27 miles per gallon when travelling on open, unobstructed highways and 20mpg when driving in cities. It’s also worth noting that the vehicle isn’t being manufactured in the UAE at present. It’s therefore only available from import dealers, which means that it may be more expensive than some of its rivals.
Nonetheless, if you’re an SUV enthusiast in the market for a new car, the Lincoln may appeal to you. It might cost a little more and use more fuel than its rivals, but its unique look and powerful driving capabilities might make this UAE newcomer a worthwhile investment. If you do choose to invest in the Lincoln MKC, we can help you with the costs. Here at Simply Car Buyers, we buy any car that our customers want to sell. Why not sell your old vehicle to raise money for your next one?
12th generation Toyota Corolla coming to the UAE
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comOver 46 million Corollas have been built by Toyota since the model made its début in 1966, making it one of the most successful cars of all time. Toyota is, understandably, looking to continue this tradition for popularity within the UAE market with the 12th generation of the Corolla.
The Corolla has always found fans from all corners of the UAE. People who just want a reliable, affordable and inoffensive way of getting from A to B love them. Petrolheads have much to appreciate in how well engineered and stress-free the Corolla is to own too.
Coming in the 2020 Corolla
As a part of the drive to modernise their line-up, Toyota has provided a whole new styling update for the Corolla, giving it a purposeful look. It also now benefits from a host of technology and driving aids as standard.
The new Corolla is lighter, safer, and is sure to offer good fuel economy. LED headlights and taillights, a brand new integrated diffuser in the rear bumper, and extra exhaust tip provide some impressive styling cues.
Slimmer A-pillars aid visibility, while the 8-inch colour touchscreen features Toyota’s Entune 3.0 software. Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 comes as standard, which provides pre-collision alert and brake-assist.
Dynamic cruise control, lane-departure assist, lane-centring steering, auto high-beams, and traffic sign recognition are also present. Blind-spot monitoring is also available, depending on trim.
Driving the wheels
The current 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the current Corolla will still be offered in the 12th-generation car. There is also a brand new 2.0-litre engine available, offering 169 horsepower and a Dynamic-Shift CVT.
The Corolla is never a car to set the world on fire. You likely won’t bound out of your front door in the morning looking forward to your next journey. But, whatever you need to do, the Corolla will always get you to your destination and back home.
Drab and dreary plastics and an uninspiring drive have traditionally been the price to pay for this reliability. But, the 12th-generation Corolla seems to be making great strides in developing a personality to match its ability.
2019 Audi A6 ‘Launch Edition’ now available throughout UAE
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comThe Audi A6 sits neatly in Audi’s lineup of cars – slightly larger than the A4, but slightly more compact than the A8. It’s the ideal car for anyone who requires a little extra space in the back but doesn’t need a full executive limousine.
The Geneva Motor Show saw Audi unveil an all-new A6 for 2019, and it’s now landed in the UAE.
The 2019 Audi A6 features some revised styling cues which give it a more purposeful appearance. This is in stark contrast to the rather curvy and lumpen A6 of old. Overall the new A6 is larger than the outgoing model, which is good news for rear passengers due to more leg space and headroom.
Audi is known for not skimping when it comes to interior quality, and the 2019 A6 is no exception. Aside from the generous standard equipment, technologically advanced options include ventilated massage seats, a panoramic sunroof, and three full-size colour screens.
Driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise and park assist are also available.
Choosing your trim
The UAE will see a number of different trims depending on your budget. However, for those looking for something special, there will be a “Premium Launch Edition” package available for UAE customers. You get the S-Line exterior styling, parking aid plus, a 360 colour display, cast alloy 20″ wheels, and the premium Bang & Olufsen sound system.
This allows the new A6 to feel even more bespoke. Audi always attracts a certain kind of customer, one who appreciates subtlety and refinement. With these features and more on offer, it’s obvious that living with the new A6 is going to be very easy indeed.
The wheels are driven through a new TFSI v6 3.0-litre petrol engine, connected to the wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox. With 340 horsepower on tap, 100km/h is reached in just 5.1 seconds – not bad for a technology-laden mile-muncher.
Pricing is yet to be revealed, but it’s unlikely that anyone is going to feel shortchanged. With premium quality materials and a cosseting yet responsive driving experience, the 2019 A6 is looking to be both desirable and capable.
Renault Megane RS coming to the UAE in 2019
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comRenault certainly knows how to make a fast, fun, small car. The 5 Turbo, the Clio Williams, the Clio V6, the Clio Cup – the list is long of genuinely brilliant cars which have flown under the radar. With so much praise heaped on the Focus ST, Golf GTI, and Civic Type-R’s of the world, a Renault may seem like an avant-garde choice.
However, 2019 will see the revised Megane RS hitting the streets of the UAE. So, what can you expect?
Performance styling cues
The new Megane RS is in-keeping with the current design features of the Renault range – there are some definite Talisman and Koleos influences to be seen. Coming in a variety of bright and appealing colours, the new Megan RS’s visual appeal is designed by its large wheel arches, enlarged wheels, and central exhaust.
A particularly neat feature you may notice is the LED daytime running lights, which have been seamlessly designed as a part of the Renault Sport logo.
The interior is comfortable, yet this is a performance hatchback. As a result, there is Alcantara covering the sculpted sports seats, and the whole cabin benefits from a number of high-quality materials. It’s simply and intuitively laid out, as befits a driver-focused car.
The oily bits
The old 2.0 engine found in the outgoing Megan RS is no more. Renault has instead opted for a much more trim and lithe 1.8 turbocharged unit. The smaller size, however, doesn’t mean power is sacrificed. 275 horsepower is on tap, with 390 Nm torque.
5.8 seconds will have you at 100 km/h thanks to the 6-speed automatic transmission, which features a dual-clutch for seamless shifts at speed and smooth operation around town.
Handling is very much the goal of the Megane RS. The chassis has been stiffened and the suspension tuned to make the car as nimble as possible under your hands. This is aided by the introduction of four-wheel steering to further improve the handling.
Prices for the Megan RS in the UAE are looking to be around AED 137,500 – making it much better value than most of the competition.
‘Happiness Patrol’ rewarding safe drivers in Abu Dhabi
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comGetting pulled over by the police is rarely a good thing. Generally, it ends with a slap on the wrist or a fine, but in Abu Dhabi, police officers are stopping cars so as to reward motorists for good driving.
The ‘Happiness Patrol’, as it has been dubbed, is part of The Abu Dhabi Police’s (ADP) commitment to making a more positive contribution on the UAE’s roads. The concept of the scheme is basically that if poor drivers are reprimanded, then good drivers should be applauded.
A blogger’s influence
The Happiness Patrol has operated in relative obscurity for the last two years, but that all changed recently when well-known Abu Dhabi-based blogger Kalid Al Ameri uploaded a video that has now been viewed millions of times.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvaMVrnPt_U]
In the video, which has already been seen 3.4 million times on Facebook alone, catalogues Kalid’s encounter with the Happiness Patrol. In the clip, the police praise him for wearing his seatbelt, for indicating in good time, and for sticking to the speed limit at all times.
[https://www.facebook.com/khalidalameri/videos/346623746092155/?__xts__[0]=68.ARBJYTKGntSXZNNZv9wl1OOKn11uVoODKi_0BDchJn4fWZzhACugcC3YcWe50qSEu2i5yPOm70BTmR0P5IX4_gqcnYj0ytJHnJ2F7PkwLD3kgEB4B_PR5tfdZDW1EsLBcp3dClQ8Fh7chWZIMH5x8HUG4r1pMjBr6Wr-nMz73UYRcUTJPKi4KHE4784dIzBC3rLYy8lz7U-GbtufyTvsllR0Nzbb1tilsN_ptEu1XDLsw4y4gbwQ9B15wxmXzzDhCz-HqUxvFEDNqMve-7VduEaCJnpk30JOW_NMBPcoC0_WM48OwDZdoNAu1dgJSKnNY0J-Ym5XNbj2BxAAFWal4IlvO_dneyav2BU&__tn__=-R]
Kalid goes on to state that the police in Abu Dhabi are not viewed by the public as an organisation that is focused solely on fighting crime, but simply wants to make a positive contribution to the lives of all people living in the UAE.
What does the Happiness Patrol look for?
Of course, while it’s good to know that good drivers can be rewarded for sticking to the rules and not being a menace on the roads, it makes sense to know exactly what makes a ‘good’ driver.
The Abu Dhabi Police states that good drivers should:
– Keep an adequate distance between themselves and other road users
– Use the correct signals at the right time when leaving the road or changing lanes
– Wear a seat belt whenever the vehicle is moving
– Stick to the speed limit at all times
Start getting rewarded!
If you’re a good driver and want to be pulled over by the Happiness Patrol, you first need to have a car! And that’s where we can help.
Get in touch today, and we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle for you.
Refreshed Audi R8 coming to the UAE in 2019
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comThe 2006 Audi R8 was revolutionary for the German company as it marked their first foray into supercar territory and put them into direct competition from Porsche, Ferrari, and sister-company Lamborghini. The car boasted a mix of distinctive yet restrained styling, the solidity of Audi’s famed Quattro four-wheel drive system and excellent driving dynamics, making it a huge success in its sector.
The boxy styling of the second generation of the R8 came under criticism, and Audi has seemingly corrected their course with this new model which features a more aggressive front fascia and redesigned headlights. Subtle changes include large air-intakes, new honeycomb grilles front and rear and flared side skirts. Audi has kept the interior vastly the same, seemingly taking the ‘if it isn’t broken, why fix it?’ approach.
As before, the 2019 R8 and R8 Spyder are set to be available in two different specifications, the standard car and the more powerful Plus variant. Both cars are still fitted with the same 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 and the same incredible sound. Changes to the engine’s control unit have bumped the standard spec car up to 562 horsepower, whilst the Plus receives a new valve train and a power increase from 603 to 611bhp. In addition to the powertrain, small tweaks have been made to the car’s suspension setup, steering, and tyres, to help the slightly older R8 compete with the likes of the McLaren 570S and Lamborghini Huracan.
Audi have also recently stated that they have no plans to fit the next-gen R8 with a smaller capacity turbocharged engine, such as the 2.9 litre V6 fitted in the RS4 or the 4 litre twin-turbo V8 that has made its way into many of the RS range as well as into the Bentley Continental and Bentayga. Head of the R8 project, Bjorn Frederich, gave confirmation that – for now, at least, – the supercar will stick with the glorious V10 as he views it to be ‘…the best engine for the car… We’ll stick to the V10.”
Whilst the cost for the 2019 facelifted R8 has yet to be announced, the 2018 model is currently on sale in the UAE and Middle East through Audi’s dealership network at a starting price of AED640,000 so expect a moderate increase for MY2019.
2019 Toyota Rush to get a host of standard equipment
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comIf there’s one thing the car-buying public is saying they love at the moment, it’s SUVs. They’re all over the marketplace, from small crossovers to full-size family tanks. Another thing customers always love is generous equipment in a vehicle as standard.
Steady improvements
The Emirates saw the Toyota Rush debut earlier this year, and since it hit the roads it has been highly popular with drivers. The mix of build quality, Toyota reliability, and genuinely useful family features have unsurprisingly made it one of the most popular cars of the year.
Toyota is seeking to build on this, with a host of desirable additions to the already appealing package. One of which the 2019 Rush gets is front fog lights. In addition, a tinted radiator grille, keyless entry, automatic folding mirrors and a crisp reversing camera can all be found as standard.
To the interior, you’ll find an infotainment system boasting a full-colour screen and a host of connectivity options, including Bluetooth. The sound system has received a considerable upgrade and now offers eight speakers for truly exceptional playback for your music.
Keeping the wheels turning
Under the hood, you’ll find an economical yet suitably gutsy four-cylinder 1.5-litre engine. This is enough to provide 103 horsepower to the front axle, and 135 Nm of torque. The gearbox is a four-speed automatic, which operates relatively seamlessly for a relaxed and comfortable drive.
Prices of the EX trim Rush start at AED 68,500, rising to AED 73,000 for the 2019 Rush GX model.
Whichever option you choose, you’re getting an attractive and capable family carry-all, that’s perfectly suited for local journeys and longer road trips. The appeal of Toyota build quality and reliability cannot be ignored, and when it comes in a comparatively affordable package like this – buyers won’t be able to resist.
If you’re looking for something that will house your family, pets, shopping, and other belongings comfortably and affordably, the Toyota Rush should be one of your key picks for 2019.
New inclement weather speed limits to be introduced in the UAE
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comWe all know that common sense dictates that when the weather is bad, or visibility is low, you should reduce your speed accordingly. Not everyone seems to share this view, however. This has led the Abu Dhabi Traffic Safety Committee to announce a reduction of the speed limit to 80 km/h on certain roads.
The overhead gantries on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (Dubai Road, Abu Dhabi), and Sheikh Khalifa Street (Al Saadiyat), will display the modified speed limits when necessary. Roads that don’t have the benefit of smart overhead signs will instead have to rely on the old standby of a fixed speed limit sign.
Taking care in poor weather
It’s imperative that when the weather takes a turn for the worse, your driving style adapts. Cars are allowed to return to the normal speed limits when visibility has come back. It’s important to note, however, that any radar or speed-scanning equipment along the road will adjust according to the prevailing weather conditions.
Fog and rain are dangerous, but human error is even more dangerous. According to the Abu Dhabi police, the overwhelming majority of accidents in these conditions are as a result of human error. That means being impatient – tailgating and speeding in bad weather – is a shortcut to a potentially fatal accident.
Don’t use the hazards
Extra visibility is good in bad weather, so the flashing of your hazards is a good thing. Right? Wrong! It can actually be an extreme distraction to other motorists to use your hazards for any other reason than they are intended for. That means when you’ve broken down or been involved in an accident. Those using their hazards unnecessarily will be subject to a potential 500 AED fine.
Similarly, killing too much speed can be dangerous. Going over the speed limit is bad, but so too is travelling considerably under it. The speed limit has been specifically calculated for optimum safety and traffic flow, so make sure you stick to it.
MG MG6 open for orders throughout the UAE
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comMG Motors has a history of building beautiful and interesting, if slightly flakey, sports cars. In recent years, the brand has tried to revitalise itself with a range of new models which they hope will match up to the heritage of the MG name.
Now MG has models across various sectors. One of these is the MG6, and you can now buy a 2019 model in the UAE.
It’s all in the details
The MG6 is gunning for a premium and sporty feel. Looking to the exterior, the nose is dominated by the “Star Rider” grille, along with various carbon fibre detail points and LED headlights for optimum visibility. There’s also a rather attractive chrome trim and 18-inch alloy wheels with low resistance tyres.
In the interior, there’s a host of in-car entertainment and technology options, designed to compete with other models in the segment. The centre console houses an 8-inch touchscreen to navigate the various infotainment options that are available.
Standard kit is reasonably impressive – Apple Carplay, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry and go, a reverse camera, and an onboard tyre pressure monitoring system. The boot space is also reasonably good, with 424 litres available, rising to 1170 litres with the back seats folded down.
The engine
MG has always been known for reasonably small but peppy engines in their sports cars. The MG6 is powered by a four-cylinder 1.5-litre engine that offers 169 horsepower. Hardly face melting, but respectable numbers from a family saloon car.
The engine is connected to a dual-clutch 7-speed gearbox, giving the car a 0-100km/h time of 7 seconds. It may not win any awards at the dragstrip, but it should be peppy enough to get away from the lights in reasonably swift fashion. Eco, Normal, and Sports modes are available, with a fourth Individual setting for drivers who want to customise their own setups.
The MG MG6 is a car that was never destined to set the world on fire. But if you’re looking for an affordable family car that offers something a little different from the norm, the keys to a 2019 MG6 could be yours.
2019 Chevrolet Bolt heading for the UAE
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comThe electric revolution continues to grow, to the point that an auto-manufacturer that doesn’t have an electric vehicle in its lineup is now the exception, not the norm. The UAE has seen slightly slower initial development in electric vehicles than many European and American markets, but for 2019 the ball is very much rolling.
A larger number of electric vehicles are due to head for the UAE, and the all-new Chevrolet Bolt is one of them.
Chevrolet has partnered with the electronics giant LG to develop and build the Bolt. This meeting of the minds has led the Bolt to be an impressive vehicle that hosts a number of interesting features. For example, active aero shutters situated in the front grille that can open up to aid ventilation.
Full charge ahead
In the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt is a 60 kWh battery pack that’s capable of delivering up to 204 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque. Those are impressive figures for a relatively small car, which should mean the Bolt is a blast to drive. The batteries are found under the floor, to keep the centre of gravity low.
The dreaded “range anxiety” is usually what buyers cite as the main factor turning them off purchasing an electric car. With the Chevrolet Bolt offering up to 500km of driving on a single charge, however, it should be more than capable for most people’s everyday driving needs.
Clever cooling
Chevrolet is just one of a few manufacturers using a liquid cooling system on their electric vehicles. This allows the batteries to maintain peak operating temperature. Ultimately this allows for an extension in the useful battery life, as it prevents overheating.
Keeping the battery juiced up isn’t too inconvenient either. Using a D/C fast charger it can be charged in as little as two and a half hours. A standard A/C charger will take up to ten hours on a regular household plug.
The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt offers an attractive electric package which should offer some driving enjoyment as well as plant-saving street cred. Prices are estimated to start from around 162,000 AED.