Toyota launches new youthful sports coupe in Abu Dhabi

The vehicle, designed to deliver an affordable, fun to drive experience is targeted at the younger generation motorist, and will be available throughout the network of Al-Futtaim Motors. Hugh Dickerson, Senior General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Al-Futtaim stated: “The name Zelas originated from the Italian word zelante, meaning enthusiastic or passionate and this exactly reflects […]

The vehicle, designed to deliver an affordable, fun to drive experience is targeted at the younger generation motorist, and will be available throughout the network of Al-Futtaim Motors.

Hugh Dickerson, Senior General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Al-Futtaim stated: “The name Zelas originated from the Italian word zelante, meaning enthusiastic or passionate and this exactly reflects our feelings for this vehicle. The Zelas resonates with Toyota’s long standing sports car history while injecting a new level of passion into the youth car market.”

Mr Dickerson continued: “Young owners are looking for a vehicle that performs well, looks good and is in a price bracket they can afford. The Zelas fits all of these criteria while also providing the quality, durability and reliability (QDR) that is inherent across our market-leading Toyota range.”

The Zelas combines the comfort of a sedan with the performance of a sports car and features many sports styling cues designed to appeal to the younger generation. The sleek front grille and projector headlamps are complemented by protruding fender flares which amplify the vehicles wide, low stance and presents a bold aggressive presence. Front and rear spoilers combine to emphasize its sporty character while the interior front cabin resembles a racing styled cock-pit with a three spoke leather steering wheel, sportily styled instruments and superior body fit leather seats styled to comfortably hug their occupants.

Powered by an efficient 2.5 litre 4 cylinder Dual VVT-i engine, the Zelas delivers 176 horsepower and displays impressive acceleration and fuel efficiency with 23.5kg-m of torque at 4100 rpm. Coupled with the advanced six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, drivers are assured of a smooth shifting response and exhilarating drive experience. Additional enjoyment is gained through the steering wheel mounted paddle shifts which offer more control and further engagement in an enjoyable, sporty experience.

Further enhancing the excitement of the sports car experience, is the sports tuned independent suspension and wide tyres that make the Zelas enormous fun to pilot on twisting roads. The front MacPherson strut suspension ensures quality ride comfort and agile handling while the rear double wishbone concentrates on vehicle rigidity. Add to this power steering and the Zelas offers superb control and manoeuvrability with stability maintained even on the tightest of corners.

Four passengers can share this dynamic driving experience while enjoying the outstanding acoustic effect of the premium eight speaker audio system compared to competitor’s smaller six speaker systems. Reclining rear seats deliver supreme comfort and the 60:40 split level seating arrangement allows for versatile cargo storage, providing space for long items such as surfboards or snowboards.

Driving confidence and safety are key elements of this youthful sports coupe. Large 16 inch disc brakes provide strong stopping power and are supported by anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control, traction control, electric brake force distribution and brake assist. In addition, the supplemental restraint system features eight airbags including knee bags for the driver and front passenger and active headrests which are class-leading safety features.

Mr Dickerson concluded: “Zelas is destined to captivate the heart of the youth market. Few cars in this segment promise so much style and fun and the added benefit of the Toyota QDR guarantee will ensure drivers agree that the Zelas offers tremendous value.”

Culled from www.zawya.com