Toyota: Crafting the future of hybrid cars

Hybrid cars have been around for a while now. Since their introduction in the late 1990s, they have become more and more popular among car aficionados. Toyota came with the very first hybrid car, the Prius. Today, Toyota is recognised as the pioneer of hybrid cars, and it is rightly so. Over the years, Toyota has developed a number of hybrid cars, adding more quality to the existing engine. Toyota Hybrid Cars are now recognised as the most influential figures in the hybrid car industry with models such as Prius, Camry, and Avalon making their way into the market. So, how did Toyota get so far?

·         Origin

Toyota produced the first fully hybrid electric car named the Prius in 1997. It was initially launched as a 4-door sedan car and has now become a 5-door liftback. It had an electric drivetrain that would provide better acceleration and fuel economy. The regenerative braking would recharge the batteries so that it would take less time for external charging. Prius was first introduced in the Japanese car market and thereafter sold around the globe. As of 2017, Prius liftback has sold 4 million units all-around the world. As the years passed, Toyota has developed several hybrid cars with improved performance and distinctive styling.

·         The Hybrid Family

Toyota Prius was the founding member of this hybrid family, and now there are many Toyota Hybrid Cars which rule millions of hearts. The Toyota Camry, Avalon, RAV4, Lumiere are some of the best hybrid cars developed over the years. With every new generation model, Toyota has introduced some exclusive features. Toyota has also introduced pioneering technologies in these cars which will make the driving experience better every time. Toyota Camry is a luxury sedan car with hybrid technology. Along with immense comfort and ease, the Camry also provides efficient performance and is dependable. Toyota RAV4 is an SUV crossover with muscular design and ample ground clearance, specially designed for rough terrains. However, with hybrid technology, it not only performs well on off-road tracks but is also highly efficient in its fuel economy. All of these cars have excellent fuel economy and produce minimum carbon footprints.

·         Introducing Cutting-Edge Technology

Toyota has not settled itself with simple hybrid cars. They have introduced ingenious technology to make the drive more comfortable and safer. Toyota Camry comes with Bird’s Eye View tech which helps you with parking assistance. The pedestrian detection with lane departure alert enables you to drive safely on a crowded road. The intelligent SONAR clearance helps in cross-traffic braking while steering assist and dynamic radar cruise control help you maintain vehicle-to-vehicle distance. With these technologies, Toyota Hybrid Cars become one of the most reliable and enjoyable vehicles to drive.

Hybrid cars are indeed the future of cars and Toyota is shaping it brilliantly. The Toyota Hybrid Cars have shown their potential with exquisite style and unmatched performance. The brand is persistently producing such amazing cars, and we can expect nothing but top-quality cars from Toyota in the years to come. 

Experience the real adventure with all new FJ Cruiser

Off-roading is a unique hobby. Not everyone is fond of that activity, but those who love it know the real taste of adventure. For such rugged journeys, one needs a proper vehicle. As it happens, Toyota FJ Cruiser is an ideal match for such journeys. This SUV model by Toyota is built to withstand the heavy bumps of tough terrain. With its powerful engine and comforting interior, your off-roading will be more enjoyable than ever. Let us see what makes FJ Cruiser such a special car.

1.      Breathtaking exterior

When you are going on an off-road journey, your car must be sturdy enough to take the bumps of the tough road. FJ Cruiser has a mean look with bold lines, heavy bumper, and strong chassis. It has ample ground clearance so it can ride comfortably on the rugged road. Although it is a pretty tall car, it is provided with a side step to get in, so it is completely comfortable. It is provided with front fog lamp and Halogen headlight for a clear view. As an emergency can arrive in such trips, so FJ Cruiser is provided with a robust towing hitch. It will be apt to say that this beast of the model has a stunning appearance.

2.      Comforting interior

It does not matter if you are traveling on rough terrain or highway; you deserve the utmost comfort in your car. The FJ Cruiser comes with five seats made with the finest fabric. The car is equipped with cruise control accompanied by wheel mounted control. The rear seats can split in 60:40 ratios if you require more space for luggage. Along with that, it comes with a highly efficient Toyota air-conditioning system to keep you cool and comfortable. It’s safe to say; FJ Cruiser will keep you at ease on an uneasy road.

3.      Impressive Performance

The powerful V6 engine gives FJ Cruiser ample push to drive it through the excruciating terrain. It is a highly fuel-efficient engine which offers a top-quality performance every time. It comes with a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, so you have the options to choose. It is supplied with an 87-liter supplement fuel tank for long journeys. With its powerful engine, driving on challenging roads will be an adventurous experience.

4.      Infallible safety

Driving off-road can be a little risky. Besides, it is crucial that your car has all the safety features needed. FJ Cruiser comes with SRS airbags for driver and front passenger. Along with that, it has a rear sensor, built-in tire inflator, anti-theft system, BA, ABS, and EBD. Toyota has made sure that you get a secure adventure.

The off-road journeys are indeed enthralling provided you have the right vehicle. FJ Cruiser is perhaps the most suitable vehicle for such trips. It has got power, strength, comfort, and safety to enjoy such trips. Off-roading in FJ Cruiser is an experience to cherish. 

Fasten your seat belts, the FIA rallycross is here!

The Yas Marina Circuit hosts the region’s inaugural FIA World Rallycross Abu Dhabi in April 2019. It’s about racing and off-track entertainment, so be there!

Speed, pulsing engines, steely nerves…it’s a winning combination that a race car driver needs to get across the finish line. A rally race is packed with so much thrill and unexpected twists that you cannot tear your eyes away from the track for a second.

What is rally racing?

Simply put, rally racing is a car race between different competitors where each tries to get from Point A to Point B at the fastest speed. However, purists argue that it’s not rally racing if the event does not take place on public roads. Today, most rally racing events take place on specially prepared surfaces, such as the F1® racing tracks around the world. This is a controlled form of rally racing, with shorter racing distances.

The point of racing on a public road is that the element of unpredictability in the race is high. However, roads often need to be closed to the general public during the race, so most high-profile rally events today are held on race tracks.

The rallycross racing is a ‘sprint’ between competing race cars on mixed surfaces. The FIA World Rallycross is a prestigious event held in association with IMG Motorsport, is a circuit race held inside stadia or specially prepared surfaces.

It’s here, at the Yas Marina Circuit!

So how’s this to make your pulse race a bit: the inaugural FIA World Rallycross Abu Dhabi comes to the Yas Marina Circuit on April 5 and 6 this year. You know what this means: you can witness the most thrilling races in person, at the North Grandstand, and have a lot of fun outside of the race track as well.

The FIA World Rallycross Abu Dhabi is set to be a spectacular showing of speed, grit and talent, so there is no excuse for you not making it to the venue come April. Spectators like you are tremendously excited about the high-octane cross surface motor racing event, with the best racing cars going full throttle and making 0 to 60 km/her in under 2 seconds! It’s not a race for the faint-hearted, with its spinning jumps and high-speed drifts on tight turns.

Tickets for the FIA World Rallycross Abu Dhabi are currently being sold thick and fast for the event, so make sure you get your hands on the best seats in the house. Details of tickets and pricing are put up on the Yas Marina Circuit website, so secure your place online today.

Apart from the racing, there’s the prospect of having a fun weekend with friends and family, as you enjoy live music all day, sample delicious food at food trucks strewn across the venue, and participate in driver meet and greet events. Stay tuned for a big announcement on the Friday evening stage act!

Top 4 mid-size cars that ruled 2018

Saudi Arabia, the biggest market in the Middle East with about eight hundred thousand cars sold every year; every big and small carmaker is present here. With so much on the platter, it is difficult to shortlist the best.  So we decide our grounds on essential and essential parameters like class, comfort, safety, technology, power, speed, engine, performance, exteriors, brand image, reliability, resale and value for money.

1.    Toyota 2018 Camry – topping the charts is the most popular and loved sedan in the world Toyota Camry. Camry 2018 is styled to thrill, a Japanese offering that brilliantly blends practicality with affordability. It resonates with five senses it is everything from a beautiful, luxurious car too powerful beast on the road. Each new model is equally appreciated and looked forward to. Toyota takes customer reviews very seriously and reflects in each new upgrade.

Priced at SAR 79,500 2018 Camry whips out 178 hp and 231 Nm of torque from its 2.5 litres 4 Cylinder engine. Camry is 4.80 meters length, 1.82 meters width, and 1.47 meters height in dimension. Packed with numerous convenience features, the Camry is available in six different versions.

2.    Mazda 6 – this supercharged mid-size sedan poses a fierce competition to the famed brands such as Toyota, Honda, and Ford. Mazda 6 is an entry mid-size model line-up with the remarkable offerings is a frequent sight on the roads for definitely a good reason. Another from Japan and in operation since 1920, Mazda offers buyers needed specifications and features for all. Mazda 6 is available in 2 versions and is a gift for those looking for an all-rounder mid-size sedan.

Priced at SAR 67,066, Mazda 6 whips out 151 hp and 200 Nm of torque from its 2.0 litre 4 Cylinder engine. Measuring at 4.85 meters in length, 1.84 meters in width, and 1.45 meters in height is available in many variants.

3.    Honda Accord 2018 - Accord is a sedan for those who wish to be different and stand out from the crowd. It is a classy style statement. Aggressive exteriors and stylish interiors, the Accord is 4.89 meters in length, 1.85 meters in width, and 1.47 meters in height. Under the sculpted hood is an efficient 2.4-litre 4 Cylinder engine. Accord promises an exciting city runabout.

Priced at SAR 77,000, the Accord churns out 185 hp and 245 Nm of torque and is available in three versions.

4.    Nissan Altima - The Altima comes in sedan and coupe versions, with a choice of fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine or a more-powerful V-6. The car's handling is a bit more playful, a refreshing change in the passive midsize segment.

With head-turning aesthetic, numerous features, the Altima  4.88 meters in length, 1.83 meters in width, and 1.47 meters in height in dimensions. Masking a practical 2.5-litre 4 Cylinder makes it a brilliant sedan for daily commuting.

Priced at SAR 75,335, The Altima churns out a horsepower of 182 and 244 Nm of torque and is available in five variants.

It’s no secret that Saudi Arabia people are crazy about cars. Midsize segment being appreciated, almost all leading car manufacturers have set foot in Arab soil. You are certainly spoilt for choices.

What’s up at the Yas Marina Circuit this November?

A lot, apparently. While everybody’s fixated on the F1® Grand Prix, there’s so much more happening on the side – read on to know more!

Abu Dhabi is home to many tourist wonders. It is no surprise that travellers from around the world make a pit stop in Abu Dhabi when they are in the Middle East. A global city with international aspirations, it is the jewel of the UAE and home to all that is grand and opulent.

And it pulls out all the stops not just for tourists, art and history lovers, but also racing car enthusiasts at the end of the year. That’s when the F1® Grand Prix concludes its season with the last race at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. Located at the spectacular Yas Island, the race is a dream event for any person interested in motorsport racing.

But the F1® Grand Prix is not the only event of note to take place at the Yas Marina Circuit. There is an entire calendar of Yas Marina Circuit Events 2018 at the Circuit, and everyone’s invited to participate. If you were wondering what else happens at the venue apart from the F1® racing, read on.

This is a round-up of the Yas Marina Circuit Events for 2018:

YAS Drag Night: 

Show off your drag racing skills to your friends and fellow drivers. On Thursday, November 1, 2018 from Compete in the championship on Friday, September 28, 2018, from 6 pm to 11.59 pm.

Bike Track Day:

On Friday, November 2, from 9 am to 1 pm.

Yas Drag Roll Racing: 

On Friday, November 2, from 8 pm to 11.59 pm.

StartYAS: 

This is an ‘open to all activity’ that comprises walking, running, cycling and overall fitness on the F1® track. You can be any age to enter. It takes place on Sunday, November 4, 2018, from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Car Track Day: 

On Monday, November 5, 2018 from 6 pm to 11 pm.

TrainYAS: 

You can work out in comfort at a professionally-designed and maintained F1® track, as you train for marathons, cycle races and walkathons. You do not need any level of experience or expertise for TrainYAS. Or you can simply head to the arena to soak up the competitive spirit or enjoy a leisurely evening out with family and friends. Entry is free for all. On Tuesday, November 6, 2018, from 6 pm to 10 pm.

DriveYAS: 

3 days in November, at different timings.*

Participants are given on-field coaching for about 30 minutes prior to the main event, for races. Do check the Yas Marina Circuit events 2018 web page for all events, timings and other information. 

Rush SUV - a dependable all-terrain SUV you need

The brand new Toyota Rush has proven itself as one of the most comfortable and hardy models suitable to all kinds of requirements during the toughest drives too. This new model of Toyota can be claimed as one of the best cars in the wide range of SUV models. Rush SUV is available in the international market in two basic variants - one is a 5-seater whereas the other is 7-seater. It is said that these Rush SUV varieties have heightened the competition for the other SUV models in the market.

There are several reasons why this car is an amazing option to choose. The prime reason is that Rush SUV has a very sporty look. The front part of the vehicle looks much like the Fortuner. Apart from that, the engine of this SUV is quite powerful which makes it the best of all the other vehicles belonging to its range. The car provides a very huge space, unlike any other practical cars. 

The top features of Toyota Rush:

Coming to the vivid description of the features of the all-new Rush SUV, we can find that it has been designed on the basis of the TREC Concept. The design of the car is very well conceptualized. The designers have put in the effort to bring out the real flavor of an aesthetic and sleek design which most of the new Toyota models hold. The cabin of the SUV is very well designed and has been given a very premium set up. The car holds in several eye-catching features such as:

•                    The option of Touchscreen infotainment
•                    The easy operated Start and Stop buttons
•                    Entry without a separate key
•                    Bluetooth, USB, and AUX-in technology
•                    Good quality speakers for better audio facilities
•                    Steering wheel with the option of multiple functioning
•                    The high-quality leather used for wrapping up of the steering wheel and the gear knobs
•                    Rear AC blower
•                    Separate projector headlamps for a better driving experience 

Safety features of the car:

Coming to the safety features of the car, several features have been incorporated in Rush SUVs, which make this car an exceptional, sturdy and supportive SUV for all kinds of terrain. The most eye-catchy features are:

•                    Presence of good quality SRS airbags to provide you with a comfortable journey.
•                    Braking system using superior technology – highly  essential in challenging terrains
•                    The technology of Electronic Brake Force Distribution is used in the car.
•                    Mounts for the seats of the children with ISOFIX mechanism
•                    Brake Assistance
•                    Control on the stability of the vehicle.
•                    The option of hill assistance control for a safe ride 

No matter if it a sandy desert road or a steep slope of a hilly terrain, this car is ready to provide the best experience. The tough and incomparable quality of the different parts of the car paired up with a long-lasting and powerful engine makes it a perfect choice.

Say ‘Yas’ to a range of racing at Yas Marina this year

The Yas Marina Circuit offers the very best in terms of racing experiences for all enthusiasts. Here’s a lowdown on what you can expect.

The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi has, since 2009, become synonymous with one of the most exciting sporting spectacles in the region – the final F1® car race of the season. Car racing enthusiast from all over the world flock to the arena every year in November to witness the magic of the race first hand.

But the Yas Marina Circuit is not just about the F1® race. It is a facility designed to hone and sharpen amateur and pro racers’ skills in both car and bike racing. To this end, the arena offers a range of Yas Marina Circuit experiences like:

* DriveYAS: 

You can drive the actual F1® cars used in Grand Prix racing around the world to get a feel of what racing like pros feels like. DriveYAS gives you the opportunity to vroom around in Aston Martins, Ferraris and Mercedes cars. Check the Yas Marina Circuit web page to know about pricing and more details about each car.

* Arrive and Drive: 

This is a Yas Marina Circuit Experience you can – and should – get on board with at your earliest. It offers the Yas Premium Kart Zone, in which you can go karting on the actual F1® race track that professional GP drivers drive on. Go ahead, test your skills on the actual F1® race track, and challenge your friends to a race! The Karting package price includes the hire of equipment, safety covers, special coaching session from an expert driver and race results at the end of the racing time.

* OpenYAS:  

These Yas Marina Circuit Experiences include Drift Night, Car Track Day, Yas Drag Roll Racing, Drag Night and Bike Track Day. Check the Yas Marina Circuit web page for details on timings and package prices.

* Racing: 

Always wanted to race professionally but didn’t know whom to ask? The Yas Marina Circuit can help. You can take private driving tuitions to tap and hone your racing skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced driver, you can benefit immensely from the coaching so that you can find your unique racing style and also learn new skills along the way. The training is done in F1® car brands used in Grand Prix races around in the world. Meanwhile, you can enrol to learn the basics of car racing safety, regulations, flagging and other race systems, driving within your designated lane and other essential skills at the FIA Assessment Racing Licence Course. This course is recommended after taking private tuitions and putting in track time first.