This week delivered a diverse mix of automotive news and driving experiences, spanning pickup trucks, manual sports cars, Japanese hot hatches, Ford’s ambitious plans, and the next-generation Audi Q7. Together, these stories highlight how the automotive industry continues to balance driving passion and heritage with technological innovation and future mobility.
Chery Enters The Pickup Truck Segment In The UAE
Chery opened a new chapter in its history in the UAE with the launch of the Himla 2026, the Chinese brand’s first-ever pickup truck. Designed with durability in mind, the truck features a high-strength, galvanized steel structure and is offered with two powertrain options: a 2.4-liter gasoline engine paired with a manual transmission and a 2.3-liter turbo diesel engine matched to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The Himla also offers four-wheel drive capability, a towing capacity of up to 3 tonnes, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and modern connectivity features, placing it directly into one of the region’s most competitive vehicle segments.
Subaru Stays Loyal To The Manual Transmission
At a time when the industry continues to move toward electrification and automatic gearboxes, Subaru has chosen to reward driving enthusiasts with three new manual transmission sports cars before 2027. The plan includes a performance hatchback inspired by the Performance-B STI concept, a WRX sedan that will bring back the robust TY85 manual transmission, and a lighter, sharper BRZ featuring official STI enhancements. The decision reinforces Subaru’s commitment to its enthusiast-focused identity and offers fresh hope to drivers who still value the engagement of a traditional three-pedal setup.
Toyota GR Corolla Proves Three Cylinders Can Be Crazy Fun
During a recent test drive with Karim Deeb, the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla demonstrated that it shares little with the standard Corolla beyond its name. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine producing nearly 300 horsepower, paired with either a manual transmission or a new 8-speed automatic. Toyota’s GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system allows drivers to adjust torque distribution according to driving style and road conditions. The experience revealed a car that is aggressive, exciting, and full of character, though its firm suspension and limited cabin insulation make it better suited to enthusiasts than everyday family use.
Ford Is Considering A Four-Door Mustang
The idea of a four-door Ford Mustang has returned to the spotlight following comments from company executives suggesting that Ford is exploring ways to expand the Mustang family. Reports point to the possibility of a sports sedan carrying Mustang DNA and potentially adopting the Mach 4 name, provided it preserves the performance and character that made the original model iconic. With sedans absent from Ford’s American lineup and global demand for traditional coupes declining, the concept appears more commercially viable than ever, especially after the success of the Mustang Mach-E in redefining what the Mustang name can represent.
Audi Q7 2027 Raises The Bar For German Luxury SUVs
Audi has unveiled the all-new third-generation Q7 and its performance-focused sibling, the SQ7, positioning them against rivals such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The new generation introduces advanced digital lighting technology, a more luxurious cabin, six or seven-seat configurations, cooled wireless charging pads, and a panoramic roof with smart dimming functionality. Under the hood, the Q7 receives a twin-turbocharged V6 producing 429 horsepower, while the SQ7 is powered by a twin-turbo V8 generating 591 horsepower. With towing capability reaching 3,500 kg, the new models combine premium family practicality with the performance expected from a flagship German SUV.
