15 minute read
TURBO CHARGED
FIAT 500 ELECTRIC
Price: from $27,850 On sale: now The cute little Italian baby is back – and this time it’s packing a plug-powered punch. Aside from new headlights the new Fiat 500 may not look all that different on the outside, but under the skin there have been some huge changes. All of the petrol and diesel engine options have gone, replaced by the choice of just two batteries – 24kWh or 42kWh – that offer a 185km or 320km range respectively when fully charged. There’s a third body style to add to the standard hatchback and cabriolet, too – called the 3+1, it has a small rearhinged door just behind the driver’s door to enable better access to the back seats. For the moment this is available only in left-hand drive markets, but if it proves popular don’t be surprised to see it in other showrooms soon.
KIA SORENTO PLUG-IN HYBRID
Price: est. from $62,600 On sale: now Kia won the 2020 World Car of the Year award with its brilliant Telluride, produced for the US market, and it would be a brave person to bet against the Korean firm repeating the feat this year with its latest large off-roader. The good news is that the all-new Sorento is a global car so is available in far more markets than the Telluride. Even better, this particular version is a plug-in hybrid, which means you get a large, seven-seater off-roader that achieves 38g/km emissions and about 64km on a full charge. Considering the Sorento’s size and towing capabilities, that will make it not only tempting for larger families, but also for company car users looking to reduce their benefit-in-kind monthly tax bill.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER P400E PLUG-IN HYBRID
Price: from $90,100 On sale: now Land Rover finally introduced its new Defender last year, and 2021 is going to be no less busy for the iconic offroader. For starters, it has a starring role in the new James Bond film No Time To Die, and there’s also the introduction of this, the first Defender Plug-In Hybrid. Available only in five-door 110 form, the P400e has a 2.0-litre petrol engine allied to a 19.2kWh battery, which combine to provide an incredible power output of 398bhp. That gives it a 0-60mph time of only 5.4 seconds, as well as an all-electric range of 43km and emissions of 74g/km. Arguably the most advanced Land Rover Defender yet, the P400e should be a popular addition to the range.
CITROEN E-C4
Price: from $40,600 On sale: now It’s fair to say that Citroen’s previous offerings in the Ford Focus/VW Golf family hatchback market haven’t exactly flown out of showrooms. Admittedly, it’s tough in such a hotly contested sector, but the French company’s new C4 and this all-electric version, the e-C4, might just do the trick. With a 50kWh battery and a fully-charged range of 349km, the sharply styled e-C4 offers buyers a straight choice in the C4 range between a petrol or diesel engine or electric power, in the same five-door hatchback body style – similar to what the Peugeot 208 supermini from Citroen’s sister firm does. It looks great, too. →
TOYOTA RAV4 PLUG-IN HYBRID
Price: from $66,000 On sale: spring Toyota probably has the widest experience of hybrids of almost any manufacturer, but its background when it comes to plug-in hybrid technology has been limited to the Prius. With the huge growth in demand for eco-friendly vehicles, especially SUVs, Toyota has moved the tech across to its popular RAV4 to make it the flagship of its hybrid range. It uses the same 2.5-litre petrol engine as the standard RAV4 hybrid, which, along with a larger electric battery, produces a combined power output of 302bhp. That’s enough to give it an impressive electric-only range of 74km, with 22g/km emissions.
JAGUAR I-PACE
Price: from $90,800 On sale: now We won’t pretend that we’re not big fans of the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace, which won three World Car of the Year awards on its launch in 2019. Now it has had a substantial refresh with faster charging, better connectivity and improved technology, including the ability to update its software remotely in a similar way to Tesla’s models. The 470km fully-charged range continues as before, but there’s a new infotainment system that does not need an extra SIM card on board. Cleverly, it has a smartphone pack that can pair two phones simultaneously, while a 100kW charger can add up to 126km of range in only 15 minutes.
VOLVO XC40 RECHARGE
Price: from $74,000 (First Edition $83,500) On sale: now As Volvo’s first fully electric car, you’d expect the new XC40 Recharge to have something of an uphill task ahead of it – especially with the arrival of Volvo’s luxury all-electric Polestar brand. However, the Swedish firm’s strong position across the SUV sector and the success of the standard XC40 makes this all-electric version a strong contender. The hefty price tag might deter some, but a 401km fully-charged range should mean that it’s practical enough for most drivers. A high-end First Edition of the Recharge will be the first to be introduced, followed by lesser versions with smaller batteries later on.
VW ID4
Price: est. from $57,100 On sale: spring Following the successful introduction of its all-electric ID3 hatchback last year, Volkswagen will add to its ID family of cars not once but twice this year. The first is this, the ID4, an SUV that’s roughly the same size as VW’s traditional Tiguan SUV and sits on the same platform as the ID3. That means a similar choice of battery levels, either 52kW or 77kW, with the latter offering up to 520km of range on a full charge. A high-performance four-wheel drive ID4 will join the range later in the year. With the ID3 already one of the best-selling electric vehicles in Europe, the ID4 will surely follow suit over the next year.
BMW IX
Price: est. from $118,400 On sale: winter 2021 The atmosphere in BMW showrooms this year will certainly be electric. Readers of our website will already know that we’re big fans of the German firm’s new iX3, the all-electric version of its i3 SUV that will arrive this summer (see review, businesstraveller.com/ tag/cars). There will also be an electric addition to the 4 Series, as well as this, the new iX. With front-end styling that can only be described as challenging, the iX will be BMW’s technology flagship, with a 100kWh battery and an impressive 600km range. Roughly the size of today’s BMW X5, the iX can be fast-charged to 80 per cent of its capacity in 40 minutes – crucially, it represents the future for BMW’s electric range and line-up as a whole. AUDI E-TRON GT
Price: est. from $167,100 On sale: late spring/early summer Audi really ruffled feathers when it introduced the R8 sports car back in 2006 and it could be about to do the same with the new all-electric e-Tron GT. Official pictures and details have yet to be released at the time of writing but it won’t be that dissimilar to its GT concept (pictured below) launched at the Los Angeles motor show in 2018. Using the same platform as the superb Porsche Taycan, the e-Tron GT will be a four-door coupe with a 93kWh battery giving a range of about 400km. With the equivalent of about 600bhp (yes, really) and four-wheel drive, it’s expected to cover the 0-60mph sprint in under three seconds. Don’t be surprised to see less powerful versions of the e-Tron GT being introduced eventually, too.
HOTELS COLLECTION Business Traveller Middle East magazine is available in all of these exclusive hotels
GRAND MILLENNIUM DUBAI HOTEL MIRFA HOTEL
DUBAI The 340-room five star hotel features awardwinning restaurants and bars, spa and health club, state-of-the-art meeting rooms, a magnificent ballroom and exceptional banquet facilities.
+971 4 429 9999
reservations@grandmill-dubai.com grandmillenniumdubai.com AL MARFA Away from the bustle of city life, overlooking the azure blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, the Mirfa Hotel o ers 114 newly renovated rooms. The hotel provides excellent accommodation for the business and leisure traveller, state-of-the-art conference facilities, a fully equipped gym and ample parking.
+971 2 8953009
rsvn@mirfahotel.com
CROWNE PLAZA MUSCAT OMAN CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE
OMAN Adjacent to the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, this 295-room hotel is an integral part of Madinat Al Irfan, a product of an exciting ambition to establish a new urban centre within Muscat. Situated 10 minutes from the new Muscat International Airport, Al Mouj and Muscat Hills Golf courses and overlooking a Wadi - a natural reserve and home to about 260 variety of Oman’s exotic birdlife during the season.
+968 2425 2000
rooms.cpmuscatocec@ihg.com crowneplaza.com/muscatocec
CROWNE PLAZA DEIRA, DUBAI
DUBAI Located in the cultural heart of Dubai, Crowne Plaza Dubai – Deira lies at the convenient gateway between the old and new districts of the city. Featuring 300 guest rooms and suites, and an array of meeting rooms, 6 restaurants and bars, a dedicated and fully equipped fitness centre with outdoor swimming pool, the hotel is the perfect place for both leisure and business guests.
+971 4 262 5555
cpdeira.info@ihg.com crowneplaza.com/deira
WALDORF ASTORIA RAS AL KHAIMAH
RAS AL KHAIMAH Cradled by the Hajar Mountains, a championship golf course, sandy beaches and the azure waters of the Arabian Sea, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is 50 minutes from Dubai Airport and brings true Waldorf service to the most alluring beachfront location in the UAE.
+971 7 2035555
rasalkhaimah.info@waldorfastoria.com waldorfastoria.com/rasalkhaimah
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, DUBAI
DUBAI The award-winning Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai o ers luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining and gracious hospitality in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. The hotel’s 302 superbly appointed rooms and suites o er a combination of traditional luxury and modern functionality. Spatial elegance, awesome views and thoughtfully selected furnishings create an experience of unparalleled style and comfort.
+971 4 3438888
shangri-la.com/dubai
the eport
Tried, Tested, Tasted.
TRIED AND TESTED
∙ Sonara Camp, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve 60
∙ St. Regis Mumbai 61
TRIED AND TESTED
∙ Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai 62
∙ The Oberoi, Mumbai 63
TRIED AND TESTED SMART TRAVELLER
∙ JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar 64
∙ ITC, Maratha, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mumbai 65
∙ Mid-pandemic flying made easy 66
Sonara Camp, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
BACKGROUND Located just half an hour by road from Dubai, this chic desert dining venue breaks the mould. Blending a laidback beach club vibe with luxury dining, Sonara has found a niche.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? Set in the 225 sqkm Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Sonara not only o ers exquisite dining under the stars, but live music and performances that transform a meal into an experience. Guests are greeted with welcome drinks (non-alcoholic) and nibbles to enjoy in the lounge area following either a 4x4 drive or a camel ride to the camp, just in time for sunset. Live music from a traditional oud player sets the tone, creating an authentic Arabian ambience. Dinner is served in a desert basin, which doubles-up as a great wind breaker. Here, a blanket of lights mirror the stars in the magical desert sky and social distancing comes easily due to the spacious al fresco location.
THE FOOD French chef Franck Sanna presents regional cuisine with Western influences in a three-course fine-dining menu based on a sharing concept. To whet the appetite, diners are treated to homemade guacamole, nachos and crudités, followed by a wide range of appetisers including mini beef tacos, chicken shawarma in a cone and vegetarian options aplenty. The medley of mains includes fish (perch) and meat fresh o the barbecue, served with delicious sides such as Palestinian-inspired cauliflower in tahini and a Mediterranean ratatouille. Desserts are decadent and include chocolate pie, matcha tea dough with co ee emulsion and strawberry and olive oil on a thin pie, plus fresh thyme and orange blossom mascarpone.
THE SERVICE Sta are certainly well trained, understanding there is a fine line between too much and not enough. THE WORK SPACE Sonara Camp is a popular venue for company team-building exercises, particularly during the pandemic when outdoor locations are desirable. Activities range from sand boarding to star gazing, giving guests a chance to escape the city and get back to nature.
VERDICT A beautiful location for dining during the cooler months, Sonara Camp is a refreshing reminder that there is so much more to Dubai than high-rise buildings and mega malls. Though fairly expensive at AED 860 (US$234) per adult (not including alcoholic beverages), it is ideal for a special occasion or to impress an important client. Solar powered and with a zerowaste policy, the camp is also ethical, so is certainly worth supporting to ensure the preservation of this spectacular desert and its eco-system. Melanie Swan
This chic desert dining venue breaks the mould
HOURS 3.30pm to 10.30pm
LOCATION Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Ain Road
CONTACT +971 04 223 8011; info@sonara.ae nara.ae
St. Regis Mumbai
BACKGROUND The St. Regis Mumbai is the tallest building in the city and o ers the luxury brand’s signature touches, including an on-call butler service. The Marriott International property is considered one of Mumbai’s most prestigious hotels.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? You know you have arrived at one of the city’s top addresses, or as the hotel states, “the best address”, when you see some of the most exquisite automobiles rolling in and out of the driveway and catch a glimpse of business conversations taking place in the elevators. I was welcomed with open arms, experiencing the famed St. Regis hospitality to the point where even the safety protocols conducted, including sanitisation and temperature checks, didn’t seem too burdensome. My luggage was swiftly collected and the check-in process was quick and smooth.
WHERE IS IT? Located in the bustling neighbourhood of Lower Parel, the hotel o ers easy access to Mumbai’s popular tourist attractions and business centres. For the ultimate retail debauchery, head to the Phoenix Palladium, which is a stone’s throw from the property. FOOD AND DRINK I ate lunch at The Sahib Room & Kipling Bar, enjoying Indian delicacies such as gosht ki gilawat, ground lamb marinated with Master Chef Asif Qureshi’s 25 handpicked spices from Lucknow; sahib ki nihari, overnight simmered lamb chops and shanks with stock flavoured with 32 spices; and lamb biryani. The layering of flavours was spot-on and the fragrance of each dish was divine. I then indulged in a pretty afternoon tea ritual in The Drawing Room and enjoyed sundowners at Luna Nudo where the glittering city vistas were the backdrop. My evening dining experience at By the Mekong was an absolute delight. Arabian sea prawns; lotus root and water chestnut; chicken wings; edamame and Sichuan dumplings; and tru le sea-bass were just some of the creations I tasted. The dishes were a perfect amalgamation of fresh produce, deep flavours, artistic presentation and expert culinary skills. The bu et breakfast at Seven Kitchens comprised all of my favourites like hash browns, sausages, Indian dishes and wa les, completed with a good cup of cappuccino. MEETINGS Choose from 22 event venues, the largest of which can accommodate 1,000 guests. From small meetings and custom receptions to large conferences and events, there is a space to suit all requirements. Dedicated planners are on hand to help.
LEISURE There’s a gym with free weights and cardio equipment, a swimming pool and the Iridium Spa, located on the hotel’s wellness floor, o ering Ayurvedic treatments, massages, foot baths and more. The hotel is also home to the city’s highest nightclub, EXO.
VERDICT It’s worth visiting this property just for the dining experience, whether you are entertaining clients or making the most of your visit to Mumbai. The signature St. Regis service will ensure your business stay is seamless. Sanchita Nambiar
ROOMS I stayed in the plush Caroline Astor Suite featuring a living room, bedroom and an elegant bathroom with Laboratoire Remède amenities. Overlooking the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, the suite exuded a regal aura, carefully enveloped in modern furnishings, clean design and subtle hues. The suite was equipped with all the essential amenities for a comfortable business stay, including a spacious work desk. My personal butler, Caesar Araujo, took care of all my needs and was available round-theclock for assistance. BEST FOR An opulent stay and upmarket meetings
DON’T MISS The mood and views at Luna Nudo
PRICE From ₹11,000 (US$151) a night
CONTACT 462, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel; +91 22 6162 8000; marriott.com
