Few in the Middle East would be surprised to learn that Nissan offers a range of SUVs for sale in the region.
The manufacturer produces the UAE’s most popular vehicle in the shape of the seemingly omnipresent Patrol, while, taking size as a measure and working downwards, there is also the Pathfinder, X-Terra and X-Trail.
Size is, of course, subject to interpretation. Putting the X-Trail at the end of the list makes it sound diminutive, but this isn’t the case.
No one would argue if you said The Rock was big in human terms, but he is small when compared to an actual rock, such as Jebel Jais.
It’s the same with the X-Trail, which, while littler than its siblings, is not remotely slight in automotive terms.
In fact, you’ll find a few versions in the range with seven seats, thanks to its neatly designed interior.
All very useful, as the X-Trail is marketed as an urban crossover.
The 2023 version has, Nissan says, undergone one of its most extensive model redesigns ever, making it as technically advanced as any vehicle in its roster. To this end, the engine has been upgraded and the design modified.
Customers can choose one of six models, with variations of two-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive and configurations of five or seven seats.
There are, of course, SUVs with much larger engines, but, while it’s no drag racer, the X-Trail doesn’t in any way feel underpowered. Similarly, the ride quality is comparable to any vehicle in its sector.
As for the aforementioned design modifications, the 2023 X-Trail is distinct in looks from its predecessors, adopting a fresh set of muscular wheel arches and a generally more fluid shape.
It retains some of the features from previous versions though. These include its V-motion grille and what the brand refers to as a floating roof, which is a trompe l'oeil trick geared towards making casual observers think the car has a magically hovering upper section.
It all leads to an overall look that veers between rugged and strangely pretty.
The car’s aerodynamics have been improved through the introduction of a number of small changes – now, for example, the vehicle has a grille shutter and tyre deflectors, both gizmos which are designed to minimise drag.
Inside you’ll find Nappa leather-accented seating and heightened connectivity, with the new arrival boasting a collective 90cm of cabin screens. You can choose between 15 different colours, including five dual-tone options.
Like many vehicles that are styled as SUVs, one suspects most X-Trails won’t be going near a trail of any kind, even those with all-wheel-drive. This being the case, many question why you’d need a vehicle of this sort if tarmac is your likely surface of choice.
Well, the answer is, if you’re in an environment that has rough terrain, it’s comforting to know your car is capable of getting you out of a tight spot should such a situation arise.
The X-Trail is the most budget-friendly of the Nissan range, but there are other reasons why you might consider one. Its stablemate the Patrol is, of course, a quality SUV – millions of Middle East residents can’t be wrong, right? Evidently, though, this means there are a lot of Patrols about.
The X-Trail, while still a popular vehicle, might be said to be just a touch more exclusive.
It also feels calmer than its more fulsome companions, which is something that is likely to be welcomed by a lot of buyers.
That doesn’t mean you can’t let loose should the mood take you, however, which is always nice to know.
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
Everything Now
Arcade Fire
(Columbia Records)
Mane points for safe home colouring
- Natural and grey hair takes colour differently than chemically treated hair
- Taking hair from a dark to a light colour should involve a slow transition through warmer stages of colour
- When choosing a colour (especially a lighter tone), allow for a natural lift of warmth
- Most modern hair colours are technique-based, in that they require a confident hand and taught skills
- If you decide to be brave and go for it, seek professional advice and use a semi-permanent colour
Fight Night
FIGHT NIGHT
Four title fights:
Amir Khan v Billy Dib - WBC International title
Hughie Fury v Samuel Peter - Heavyweight co-main event
Dave Penalosa v Lerato Dlamini - WBC Silver title
Prince Patel v Michell Banquiz - IBO World title
Six undercard bouts:
Michael Hennessy Jr v Abdul Julaidan Fatah
Amandeep Singh v Shakhobidin Zoirov
Zuhayr Al Qahtani v Farhad Hazratzada
Lolito Sonsona v Isack Junior
Rodrigo Caraballo v Sajid Abid
Ali Kiydin v Hemi Ahio
UAE%20set%20for%20Scotland%20series
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Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
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- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
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Retirement funds heavily invested in equities at a risky time
Pension funds in growing economies in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East have a sharply higher percentage of assets parked in stocks, just at a time when trade tensions threaten to derail markets.
Retirement money managers in 14 geographies now allocate 40 per cent of their assets to equities, an 8 percentage-point climb over the past five years, according to a Mercer survey released last week that canvassed government, corporate and mandatory pension funds with almost $5 trillion in assets under management. That compares with about 25 per cent for pension funds in Europe.
The escalating trade spat between the US and China has heightened fears that stocks are ripe for a downturn. With tensions mounting and outcomes driven more by politics than economics, the S&P 500 Index will be on course for a “full-scale bear market” without Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts, Citigroup’s global macro strategy team said earlier this week.
The increased allocation to equities by growth-market pension funds has come at the expense of fixed-income investments, which declined 11 percentage points over the five years, according to the survey.
Hong Kong funds have the highest exposure to equities at 66 per cent, although that’s been relatively stable over the period. Japan’s equity allocation jumped 13 percentage points while South Korea’s increased 8 percentage points.
The money managers are also directing a higher portion of their funds to assets outside of their home countries. On average, foreign stocks now account for 49 per cent of respondents’ equity investments, 4 percentage points higher than five years ago, while foreign fixed-income exposure climbed 7 percentage points to 23 per cent. Funds in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Taiwan are among those seeking greater diversification in stocks and fixed income.
• Bloomberg
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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