Purchasing a new set of wheels might not have been high on our list of priorities over the past year or so. Nevertheless, motoring distributors are working hard to tempt us to acquire a new ‘motor’ with a range of 2011 Model Year vehicles on display within showrooms around the island.

Bahrain This Month previews what we can expect to see right now, and over the next couple of months. We’ve also noted that dealers have upped their game when it comes to customer service and attractive promotions as they compete for our business.

Al Ghassan Motors
Warning: enter the Al Ghassan Motors showroom only if you wish to seriously damage your bank balance! Featured in our motoring briefs page, the McLaren MP4-12C is hogging the limelight on the showroom floor. It’ll soon be joined by the Lamborghini Aventador LP700, with an all-new V12 power plant and a new, unique high performing transmission. Call 13 666-999.

Al Haddad Motors
A full set of new models from Mercedes is anticipated during 2011, with the GL, C Coupé and C-FL set to be launched over the coming months. The C-Class coupé is targeted at younger buyers and aims to compete head-on with the BMW 1 Series. Call 17 785-454.

Ahmed Zayani & Sons
The latest edition to the Bentley portfolio, the Mulsanne, has recently been launched as has the 2011 Skoda Superb. From Dodge we can expect to see an all-new 8-seater Durango SUV, which has been redesigned from the ground-up, and an enhanced Charger, with a more aggressive appearance, new engines and enhanced interiors.

From the Jeep stable, the 2011 Grand Cherokee is now in the showroom and will shortly be joined by a new Wrangler. Call 17 238-822.

Almoayyed Motors
The current star attraction on the showroom floor is the 2011 Ford Mustang, packing a 5-litre Coyote V8 engine that delivers 412 hp @ 6,500 rpm and 529 Nm of torque. The 2011 Mustang is all about power with its all-new power plant.

Also on the showroom in the near future is the 2011 all-new Ford Edge. This five-seat crossover SUV is significantly refreshed for 2011 with updated styling, more power, and Ford’s new MyFordTouch instrument panel. Call 17 737-333.

Behbehani Motors, Audi Centre
The latest edition to the Audi line-up on the showroom floor is the new A8L. The new flagship model for Audi, the long wheelbase A8, despite its size, retains the taut outlines that are etched in the brand’s genes to deliver an athletic yet elegant appearance. Also expected in the showroom are new versions of the A1, A6 and A7 models. Call 17 459-933.