Japanese auto giant Toyota launched three new models in the local market yesterday at an especially-convened gathering at the pavilions of its local distributor Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros (AAB) Company at the Qatar Motor Show.
Senior Toyota official Nobuyuki Negishi and AAB sales and marketing director Murugan jointly unveiling a Lexus CT 200 h yesterday at AAB pavilion at Qatar Motor Show: PICTURE: Jayaram
The function, attended among others by Toyota Motor Corporation Japan’s Project General Manager Nobuyuki Negishi, saw the company launching its sport coupe Zelas, Alphard minivan and Lexus Full Hybrid CT 200 h, all within a space of 10 minutes.
The company officials said the Zelas is powered by a 2.5 litre in-line gasoline engine with 178 HP and it offers the latest light weight technology, including what they described as “dual variable valve timing intelligence”.
The vehicle offers the drivers, they said, the choice of 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission. It also provides good value to the drivers and caters to the changing requirements of the young generation through its innovative features, besides superb engine performance, according to Toyota officials.
Alphard, which derived its name from Greek letter “Alpha” is powered by 2.4 litre and 3.5 litre gasoline engines. While the 2.4 litre version has a 4-speed automatic transmission, the 3.5 litre has a 6-speed auto transmission.
The vehicle’s comfortable interior is backed by good driving performance and its handling ability creates a feeling of security in the minds of the driver and the passenger, said a Toyota spokesman. Its interiors are comparable with that of luxury sedans, he said.
Lexus CT 200 h is a five-door hatchback combining the vitality of agile driving, besides advanced environmental performance.
The vehicle features a 1.8 litre Atkinson cycle combustion engine specially created for hybrid vehicles. Toyota officials said the vehicle offers superior fuel efficiency compared to other vehicles of its range.
The FT-86G sports concept car, displayed at the main pavilion previews a rear wheel drive sports coupe, destined to add further appeal and excitement to the Toyota brand.
Termed as the second concept car unfurled by Toyota in less than a year, the vehicle points to a next-generation production sports coupe. The suffix G refers to Toyota’s racing partner Gazoo, signifying a sport conversion that has stretched the original by 30mm, widened it by 20mm and lowered it by 30mm.
Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros sales & marketing director R K Murugan and other company officials were also present at the launch ceremonies.
