Mr (Or Ms) Money no object [Rolls Royce Ghost Majestic Horse edition]
This driver turns heads on the road daily, with a mandatory weekend roll through JBR. After all, who’s going to be bothered by traffic when lapping up the classy indulgence of the Rolls-Royce Ghost? The luxury bar is raised even higher with the new special edition Majestic Horse collection — inspired by equestrian tradition. With both interior and exterior decorated in elegant horse motifs, nothing could be more fitting in the city that plays host to the world’s richest horse race.
As Alan Sheppard, one of the Ghost’s interior designers, put it: “Ghost is designed to be an escape from the outside world.” Unlike its supernatural namesake, the Ghost is far from invisible.
Starting price: Price on request, available at AGMC
The off-road adventurer [Jeep Wrangler]
Desert junkies need something with easily available parts, a balance between capacity, power and lightness, with a side order of toughness.
The new Jeep Wrangler ticks all these boxes. It’s also easy to park and pavements are not an issue at all. A little flag can easily be attached to the spare wheel at the back to alert other dune bashers of the Wrangler’s live wire presence. Monotube shocks deliver superb handling on even the most dogged of dunes, while a 3.6-litre V6 engine offers special off-road calibration. A six pack of Red Bull, bulging biceps and a sleeveless T-shirt complete this package.
Starting price: Dh110,000 at JEEP Middle East
The School-run SUV [Ford Explorer Sport edition]
Safety and space are the primary requirements for this breed of driver. As Tiger Mum shuttles tantrum-riddled toddlers and sulky teenagers between friends’ houses, her ride needs to be suitably prepared. This driver requires something to help out when young backseat passengers act up.
The Ford Explorer Sport edition delivers this in spades, with a blind spot information alert to save against fender benders when switching lanes. The vehicle even has a feature called Curve Control, which automatically slows the car down if it detects a bend being approached at too high a speed. A V6 eco-boost engine makes filling up a good deal cheaper than most other SUVs in its class.
Starting price: Dh205,000 at Al Tayer Motors
Mid-life crisis pick-me-up [Jaguar F type]
The Jaguar F type convertible is exactly what the ageing Lothario needs in his attempt to recapture his youth. It’s all about speed and sharp design.
The all-aluminium F type roadster brings just the right aesthetic balance between angles and curves, and its pricing, almost exactly midway between a Corvette and a 911, will make it a sure-fire seller in this region. Under the hood, a supercharged V6 or V8 engine will blow away all the anxieties of ageing. At the very least, it’ll help the driver forget that he’s going bald — and may even help attract the fairer sex.
Starting price: Dh235,000 at Al Tayer Motors
The idiot-proof first car [Toyota Corolla]
This person has just embarked on a career and will soon realise just how long the road ahead is. He wants something that can do the job with minimal fuss and excellent value — the baubles and pricey add-ons can wait.
He really can’t go wrong with a Toyota Corolla. One of the world’s most popular sedans, it offers a wide range of safety features including eight airbags and Toyota’s patented Star Safety System. A feature coined Electronic Brake Force Distribution enhances the Corolla’s stability when coming to a stop. As with the latest in cutting-edge medical research, the focus is on prevention rather than cure. If you’re playing designated driver, rear passengers will be happy to know they can enjoy a decent 41 inches of legroom to kick back in. The reasonable resale value makes this a sensible if slightly conservative choice of wheels on the oft-scary Dubai highways.
Starting price: Dh66,000 at Al Futtaim Motors
The commuter car [Honda CR-V]
It’s a long, hard road out of Sharjah to Dubai. If you’re trapped in the slow-moving river between the two emirates on a daily basis, it would be a good idea to ensure you’re driving something that isn’t too thirsty. The Honda CR-V is a camel, in automotive terms — it requires little sustenance to go a long way. It delivers over 500km on a full tank, which won’t see you putting up your house for sale every time
you need fuel, while an intelligent display alerts you on your consumption. Leather-trimmed seats and a spacious cabin will make the journey less of a daily burden. Leave the horn alone — it won’t make traffic move quicker. Instead settle back to enjoy the ride.
Starting price: Dh99,500 at Al Futtaim Motors
The Beast [Nissan Patrol]
It’s just past midnight on Thursday and you’re cruising peacefully home down Shaikh Zayed Road, just under the limit. At first, it appears as a small but fast-growing white speck. Hang on — are those flashing lights? Before you know it, this fast-lane leviathan is bearing down on your rear with bright xenon lights screaming in anger.
With a heart that threatens to take leave of your chest, you dive your vehicle out of the beast’s path and it continues unabated, in search of the next unfortunate victim to cross its path. Look out for the limited-edition VVIP Nissan Patrol. The carmaker has, astonishingly, managed to make the Patrol even more intimidating, adding a matt black front grille matching its paint. Underneath this aggressive-looking hood, the Patrol retains its roaring 400hp V8 engine.
Starting price: Dh120,000 at Arabian Automobiles
Petrolhead’s delight [Dodge Challenger]
Having grown up on a diet of Gone in 60 Seconds and six successive Fast and the Furious films, this driver dreams of one day putting the Stig to shame on the Top Gear track.
That noise you just heard wasn’t a tyre bursting; it was an engine turning. With a 375-horsepower V8 HEMI engine, the Dodge Challenger offers acceleration that reaches 100 kmph in less than four seconds. We’d tell you to watch out for this one, but that would be roughly equivalent to focusing on a hummingbird’s wings. Blink and you’ll miss it!
Starting price: Dh115,000 at Al Futtaim Motors
