Driving high-end autos is more of a culture than it is a passion for most Gulfianites. In fact, being on Dubai roads feels like seating in the front row of a luxury car parade. And there is, practically, no better way to celebrate this love for cars, than putting all the big brands in one place for all to enjoy.

Popularly known as car festivals, these events are so hot that they attract top officials such as His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the crown prince of Dubai. And over 100,000 visitors who are either looking for networking opportunities or their next set of wheels.

Automechanika – 10th to 12th June 2019

With 17 ongoing events in 16 countries, Automechanika is undoubtedly the biggest B2B trade expo brand in the automotive industry. This company boasts of having a solid 50+ years worth of experience, over 21 000 exhibitors, and more than 600 000 visitors.

Their Dubai event happens after every two years, and it attracts just about everyone in the industry, from spare part manufacturers to recycling and servicing companies. There’s no better place to network with key regional and international suppliers. Or simply having a closer look at your dream car.

On the flip side, Automechanika may not be so fascinating for thrill-seeking petrolheads. It’s more of a corporate event, so it is best suited for people in the automotive business.

The Dubai International Motor Show – 12th to 16th November 2019

Officiated by over 600 brands selling cars in UAE, the Dubai International Motor Show is designed to draw a broader audience as it features all sorts of rides – from supercars to commercial vehicles and bikes plus a bit of raw action.

During this three day event, the routine is pretty much the same. Gates open at 3:30 pm, after which all the cars line up ready to jump-start the festival. There are a couple of minutes set aside for the opening ceremony which is followed by stunt drifting, a rev battle, car pull competition then the muscle car exit. Of course, these four activities are the highlights of the whole event.

Road deaths in the UAE have dropped significantly in the last decade according to a recent report from the World Health Organisation (WHO), but the government has been challenged to do more to reduce fatalities on the emirate’s roads.

The Global Status on Road Safety 2018 report published in early December says there are now almost three million cars on the UAE roads with cars and light vehicles making up the highest proportion of that figure. The research also highlights that such modes of transport, along with pedestrians, account for the largest number of deaths on the emirate’s roads.

Road deaths remain a significant killer

The number of deaths from road traffic accidents has fallen significantly in the last 10 years. There were 725 deaths from motoring accidents in 2016. Road fatalities have dropped from 17 per 100,000 people in the UAE in 2007 to just five a decade on but the WHO have challenged authorities to reduce that number further down to three.

The report, which takes a global view of road deaths, found that though the number of fatalities has increased across the world, the number has remained largely relative to population growth. The research also highlights that road traffic accidents remain the leading killer of young adults and children worldwide. Deaths on the roads are the eighth largest killer of people of all ages.

The challenge to the UAE

The research highlights that of all road traffic accidents in the UAE, three quarters of the victims are men. Proactive measures to combat drink driving, speeding and use of seat belts are recommended by the WHO but so too is a renewed focus on encouraging more people to use public transport.

The report revealed that the UAE is one of the toughest places in the world to clamp down on speeding and on enforcement of drink driving laws. Tailgaiting, failing to leave a safe distance to the car in front and driver error remain the major causes of deaths on the UAE roads.

The numbers of car owners in the UAE remains highest in the richer emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Fatalities on the roads remains a major reason that the UAE has a lower life expectancy than that in comparable countries.

With Gulfiates having more cars per capita than New York and London, it’s obvious that all the big names in the motor industry will want to have UAE on their launch schedules.

Toyota seems to be the most popular brand for the middle and low-income earners, followed closely by Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Hyundai. However, the growth of the upscale market has seen luxury cars like Tesla, AstonMartin, and Maserati record an increase in sales lately.

Even so, more brands are looking to get a share of this luxurious market. So here are the top 3 car launches expected in 2019.

2019 Audi S4

Powered by a 354 –hp turbo 3-liter V-6 engine with 8-speed automatic transmission, the S4 can move from 0 to 100km/h in a whopping 4.7 seconds. That coupled with standard massaging front seats and premium interior finishes, makes this sedan one of the entries to look out for in 2019.

The estimated price for this car is AED 188,805, and it’s expected to launch in June 2019.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500

Being a direct competitor to the Chevy Silverado, this GMC comes with an impressive mix of luxury, power and ravishing looks that could blow any truck lover away. Powered by a 6.2-litre V8; 10-speed automatic transmission, this truck can tow 5.4 tons without breaking a sweat.

This GMC also features a multi-pro tailgate, CarbonPro cargo box and adaptive ride control that comes in handy when towing stuff. The expected launch date is August 10, 2019, and the price should be AED 175,800.

2019 Infiniti QX50

The QX50 comes in three flavours, Pure (basic version), Luxe and Essential (glossy version). Powered by a 268 hp engine with 5600 rpm, this sleek SUV will not only turn heads, but it will also present impressive safety features.

According to this car maker, the whole project took a little over 20 years of prototyping to come up with the final design. And the result is a desert-friendly car that guarantees to take your driving experience to the next level.

The launch date for the QX50 is September 2019, and the price will range between AED 161,000 and AED 234,000.

Over 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.

Renault 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.