Local prices, engine specs, performance, fuel economy data, reliability and safety listings for every car
sold in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait!
The new-for-2007 Aurion serves as a direct replacement to the previous V6-powered Camry Grande model. It uses the same front-wheel-drive platform as the all-new Camry. The Aurion features more aggressive front and rear styling, but is largely the same size as the Camry. The new Camry is thoroughly revamped, reworked and upgraded from the ground up, and the Aurion benefits directly. Inside is a huge airy interior that features some slight changes when compared to the Camry. The engine choice is the singular 3.5-litre V6 mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The Aurion can be had with cruise control, electrically-adjustable seats, the usual array of power accessories, a multi-function driver information display, a decent AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo, power tilt/slide moonroof, cloth or leather, a fancy keyless entry system, front and side airbags, and alloy wheels. Dynamic safety features also include electronic stability control and ABS brakes. Toyota has been smart in differentiating the common Camry from the fast V6 model, for the benefit of those who pay more for the extra power.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Lumina LTZ
Honda Accord V6
Nissan Altima 3.5
Price Range
Dhs 92000 -
125000 (US$ 25000 - 34100)
Body Styles
4-door sedan
Weight (kg)
1605 - 1615
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
3.5 V6 FWD
6A
268
336
9.0
7.2
228
Good
Comfortable ride, roomy, build, good power
Bad
Torque steer under hard throttle, front-drive handling
Toyota Avalon
The new Avalon is Toyota's rendition of the traditional big car. The Avalon was designed, engineered and built by the Toyota Technical Center in the United States. Its understated styling is more distinctive than any previous-generation Avalon, presenting a quiet look of grace. Power produced by the powerful 3.5-litre V6 goes to the front wheels via a smooth five-speed automatic. Inside is a comfortable cabin lavished with tasteful materials and ergonomically-designed controls that makes this car a pleasant and cheap alternative to a Lexus. This newest Avalon is significantly larger than previous models. The front seats are roomy and comfortable and special attention was paid to back-seat comfort. The Avalon is smooth and comfortable, quiet and serene, as the suspension was tuned for ride comfort. Trim variations are limited to accessories. Standard features include a premium AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo with nine speakers, remote keyless entry, multi-function information display for audio, climate control, temperature and trip computer, among other things.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Caprice
Dodge Charger
Ford Crown Victoria
Price Range
Dhs 101000 - 126000 (US$ 27500 - 34300)
Body Styles
4-door sedan
Weight (kg)
1586 - 1636
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
3.5 V6 FWD
5A
268
336
9.0
7.2
208*
Good
Large interior, pleasant cabin, ride, powerful
Bad
Soft handling, pricey options
Toyota Camry
Toyota introduces an all-new Camry for 2007. The new one features aerodynamic new styling reminiscent of Lexus, which is no surprise since the expensive ES 350 is based on this car. The new Camry is thoroughly revamped, reworked and upgraded from the ground up. Inside is an airy new interior. The engine choice remains the same, with a carried-over 2.4-litre four-cylinder popular with most commuters and taxi companies,
but the new 3.5-litre V6 available in other markets is not offered here, saved instead for the Aurion. The four-cylinder can have a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. The Camry can be had with cruise control, electrically-adjustable seats, the usual array of power accessories, a multi-function driver information display, a decent AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo, power tilt/slide moonroof, cloth or leather,
a keyless entry system, front and optional side airbags, and either steel or alloy wheels.
There is now a wannabe Sport version that adds a body kit and stiffer suspension. The Toyota Camry defines the
dull midsize four-door sedan segment and now it has set the bar higher.
Not
exactly fast, soft handling even with sports option
Toyota Corolla
The Corolla is a bestseller among compact sedans in this region, relying on reliability and economy to keep it competitive. Fully redesigned for the 2008 model year, the Corolla sedan can be equipped to be a barebones commuter or a luxurious cruiser. We once compared the older version of the Corolla to an Audi, which no doubt made Audi angry. However, the base Corolla offers long-term value for money and comes standard with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, air conditioning, a radio cassette player, manual windows, dual front airbags, 15-inch steel wheels and a cloth interior. Everything else is optional depending on trim, including power windows and mirrors, ABS brakes, keyless entry, fake wood trim, parking sensors and a CD/MP3 player. The better engine is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder again with either a 5-speed manual or an outdated 4-speed automatic, with similar options. The top-spec 1.8 model can be outfitted with an automatic a/c, cruise control, 16-inch alloys, rear spoiler, side curtain airbags, leather, sunroof, Bluetooth, split-folding rear seat and even a CD changer.
Competitors:
Ford Focus
Honda Civic
Mitsubishi Lancer EX
Price Range
Dhs 52000 - 70000 (US$ 14100 - 19000)
Body Styles
4-door sedan
Weight (kg)
1190 - 1270
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
1.6 I4 FWD 1.8 I4 FWD
5M/4A 5M/4A
107 130
145 170
6.7-6.9 7.3-7.7
11.0-12.5 9.7-11.1
185-189 192-195
Good
Fuel economy, cabin space, ride, resale value
Bad
Sleepy styling, dull handling, expensive options
Toyota FJ Cruiser
The FJ Cruiser is a true off-road vehicle that draws on the styling and heritage of the
classic Toyota FJ40 that started life back in the 1960s and kept alive all the
way into the 1980s. This new interpretation is a modern vehicle with bold
unique styling elements that reflect its
heritage, such as the round headlights
brought together by the grille, hood and fender lines. The most noticeable
features are the white roof and wrap-around rear side windows that were
signature elements of the original FJ40. The FJ Cruiser has two main forward-hinged doors
and two smaller rear-hinged access doors that open to 90 degrees for rear-seat
access.
Having made its American debut in the 2007 model year,
the Japanese-built 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser comes to the GCC, equipped with a
4.0-litre V6, five-speed automatic, low-range transfer case, standard front and side-curtain airbags,
16-inch alloy wheels with off-road tyres, a premium sound system, a washable
interior and loads of cheesy optional accessories.
The Fortuner is the latest 4WD to join the over-extended Toyota 4WD lineup. The Fortuner is the product of Toyota's International Multi-Purpose Project family, which also includes the new Hilux pick-up and the Innova. These three vehicles all share the new platform and are built in Thailand, so any thought about this Toyota being purely Japanese is an allusion. Although this 4WD is based on a pickup, its styling is very softly finished, with none of the toughness inherent in its larger siblings. It supposedly has true off-road ability. It also has space for
five, or optionally seven, and its value-packed price is sure to attract families rather than desert junkies. The Fortuner is available here with a 2.7-litre four-cylinder as well as
two 4.0-litre V6 engines, one with manual and a higher-torque one with the automatic. The Fortuner sits high up from the ground, so it can be a bit of a climb for the kind of people who are expected to buy it. It has space for five adults and two kids. Features include power windows, airbags and an MP3-compatible CD player.
Off-road
capability, value for money, manageable size
Bad
Tight
optional third row, slow base model, handling
Toyota Hilux
The Hilux may be considered the best pickup in its class simply for being from Toyota. The latest Hilux has been recently redesigned, sitting on an all-new platform and not built in Japan any more. Nearly every pickup in this class has grown from a compact to a midsize, so it is no surprise that Toyota did the same. This latest generation of midsize pickups feature roomier cabins, improved ride quality and increased stability. They also boast increased refinement. They are available in the single cab and crew cab configurations. The newest crew cab models are practical alternatives to a sedan, if someone were to drive one of these every day. Midsize pickups offer better manoeuvrability than the fullsize pickup trucks that the Americans sell as 'lifestyle' vehicles, while providing serious hauling and towing utility. Engines include a 2.0-litre and a 2.7-litre petrol, and a 2.5-litre diesel unit, all with only a manual gearbox, either rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, and basics such as a radio cassette player.
Competitors:
Chevrolet T-Series
Dodge Dakota
Nissan Pickup
Price Range
Dhs 47500 - 76500 (US$ 12900 - 20800)
Body Styles
4-door pickup, 2-door pickup
Weight (kg)
1400 - 1875
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
2.0 I4 RWD 2.7 I4 RWD/4WD 2.5TD I4 RWD/4WD
5M 5M 5M
134 158 100
182 241 200
10.0 11.0-11.2 8.0-8.2
15.0-16.0 11.0-12.0 16.4-18.2
170 165-172 150
Good
Utility, cabin headroom, nice styling
Bad
No automatic offered, lumpy handling, very slow
Toyota Innova
Toyota created the IMV platform to serve its budget-oriented lineup, and one of the products of this venture is the Innova. The IMV platform consists of a body-on-chassis setup, offering more refinement in its larger vehicles. The Innova attempts to resemble a 4WD in height, with a high waistline and four forward-opening doors, but it ends up looking like a van. The only engine is a 2.7-litre four-cylinder straight from the Fortuner, offered with a manual or automatic. All versions are well-equipped, seat eight people and get a rear seat slide mechanism to improve legroom, along with infinitely-configurable seats. Standard features include a cassette/MP3/CD player with 6 speakers, dual-zone a/c, power & tilt steering, power windows, keyless entry, central locking, multi-information display, fabric seats, probably fake wood trim, airbags for driver and front passenger, and ABS brakes. The big van rides on comparatively tiny 15-inch alloy wheels.
Competitors:
Kia Carens
Mitsubishi Grandis
Renault Scenic
Price Range
Dhs 71000 - 76000 (US$ 19300 - 20700)
Body Styles
5-door minivan
Weight (kg)
1600 - 1650
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
2.7 I4 RWD
5M/4A
158
241
10.0-10.5
10.5-11.5
170
Good
Value for money, tons of space, seating for eight
Bad
Slow, looks, soft handling
Toyota Land Cruiser
After a decade, Toyota finally redesigned the Land Cruiser for the 2008 model year. The Land Cruiser five-door wagon is at the top of the heap in sales when it comes to luxury and off-road capability, but not necessarily because it is best at either. However, it really is one of only a few truly legendary off-road vehicles. The new Land Cruiser comes with the choice of a 4.0-litre V6 with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed auto, and an upgraded 4.7-litre V8 with a 5-speed auto. There is also a 4.5-litre turbodiesel V8 option, with the 6-speed automatic version getting more power than the 5-speed manual version. It can transport as many as eight or nine passengers with its variable seating configurations. Features include power windows and mirrors, cruise control, sunroof, 17-inch alloy or steel wheels, smart key, start/stop button, optional parking sensors, multi-information display, optional cooler box, three rows of seats, optional four-zone climate control, optional leather, ABS brakes, standard CD/MP3 stereo with CD changer, and Bluetooth among other items.
Competitors:
Dodge Durango
Ford Expedition
Nissan Patrol
Price Range
Dhs 134000 - 248000 (US$ 36400 - 67400)
Body Styles
5-door wagon
Weight (kg)
2415 -
2590
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
4.0 V6 4WD 4.7 V8 4WD 4.5TD
V8 4WD
4.5TD V8 4WD
5M/5A 5A 5M
6A
240 271 217
232
376 410 430
615
12.9-13.4 14.5
12.5
10.3
10.0-11.0 9.0
10.9
8.4
200* 200* 210*
210*
Good
Loaded
with features, off-road ability, interior space
Bad
Confused
styling, fuel economy, very big
Toyota Land Cruiser 70 / 75 Pickup
Available only in a few GCC markets, this outdated version of the Land Cruiser got a big facelift for 2008, but the mechanicals underneath remain the same.
Staying alive simply because people keep buying them. There is a rare three-door
short-wheelbase version known as the LC70, as well as a popular pickup version
known as the LC75. It is built to Toyota's high standard of quality so you get
unsurpassed durability and reliability. Powered by either a 4.5-litre
six-cylinder petrol or a 4.2-litre six-cylinder diesel, both shared with
previous Land Cruiser models, mated to only five-speed manuals, these trucks are very rudimentary, unlike the American luxury trucks. Standard features include a radio with cassette player and 2 speakers, optional a/c, power steering and fabric seats. Options on higher models include power door mirrors, electric winch, power windows and central locking.
If you are lucky, you might get an optional CD player, but not much else. Safety
features include nothing more than a fire extinguisher. Incidentally, the pickup is regionally popular for modifying into drag racers due to their durability.
Fuel economy, outdated, slow, few features,
terrible ride
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
The Prado has become a popular choice among people who want a true off-roader but never go off-road. The Prado also shares a bade with the legendary Land Cruiser which makes it more attractive. The latest Land Cruiser Prado is a refined animal, taking advantage of technical and engineering advances that offer reasonably smooth performance on the road and reasonably capable off-roading ability. One look at it reveals rock-solid build quality so obviously missing from competitors from American manufacturers. The Prado is offered with a 2.7-litre four-cylinder, a 4.0-litre V6 and a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel. The petrol engines get Toyota's more modern manual and automatic gearboxes, while the weak diesel gets only a manual. The cabin is spacious and roomy with abundant headroom and legroom. Features of the interior include dual-zone air-conditioning and a CD/cassette audio system with either 4 or 6 speakers, depending on model. The Prado comes with dual front airbags and ABS as standard, with seating for either five or eight people.
Competitors:
Ford Explorer
Honda MR-V
Nissan Pathfinder
Price Range
Dhs 99000 - 150000 (US$ 26900 - 40900)
Body Styles
3-door wagon, 5-door wagon
Weight (kg)
1845
- 2197
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
2.7 I4 4WD 4.0 V6 4WD 3.0D I4 4WD
5M/4A 6M/5A 5M
158 240 100
241 377 201
11.9-12.4 12.6-13.2 10.0
12.5-13.5 9.1-9.8 18.0
170 175-180 150
Good
Interior space, off-road ability, build quality
Bad
Lumpy handling, slow
base model, fuel economy
Toyota Previa
The Previa is roomy, comfortable and does everything well. It is easy to live with if you learn how to park it, and it comes loaded with features that make life easier and more convenient. Everything operates exactly as expected, so equipment struggles are rare. Its smoothness and convenience allows the vehicle to fade into the background while you go about your life, even though it looks like a space ship. On the road, the Previa delivers a smooth ride
and decent handling. Its 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission offer
adequate throttle response and fuel economy, though given its weight, it is far from quick.
The 3.5-litre V6 with six-speed automatic, new for 2007, improves straight-line
power. Standard features include seating for either seven or eight, a radio cassette player, power windows, cloth seats, keyless entry and central locking, along with ABS and two airbags. Optional features include HID headlamps with adaptive light system and auto leveling, front fog lamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, CD player with 6 speakers, cruise control and automatic rear doors.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Uplander
Chrysler Grand Voyager
Honda Odyssey
Price Range
Dhs 97000 - 120000 (US$ 26400 - 32600)
Body Styles
5-door minivan
Weight (kg)
1800 -
1850
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
2.4 I4 FWD
3.5 V6 FWD
4A
6A
166
268
223
336
9.0
11.4
11.5
9.0
184
208*
Good
Looks, space, build quality, convenience features
Bad
Front
kneeroom, slow base model, hotel-bus image
Toyota RAV-4
The RAV-4 is credited for being the original small 4WD built on a car chassis. It's not that there is anything fundamentally wrong with the vehicle. It's just that the RAV-4 is not a strong off-roader, but insists on looking like one, and people buy it for that reason. It continues with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder in this market even though a V6 model has been introduced elsewhere. The RAV4 range has an array of comfort and convenience features including auto air- conditioning, a MP3 compatible CD player with 6 speakers, power windows and central locking, keyless entry, and cruise control. Its rugged yet stylish exterior appearance is enhanced by a rear spoiler, roof rails, fog lamps and alloy wheels. The high series models also feature a powered driver's seat, leather seats, a moonroof and rear corner sensors. Safety features on all models include dual-stage frontal airbags, ABS brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control and traction control. Side airbags are optional.
The Yaris is Toyota's replacement for the goofy Echo. But the Yaris is a much better basic transportation option than the Echo ever was. The Yaris actually looks somewhat stylish even though it is still a pudgy little car, but it offers perky performance and an interior that looks great, but is devoid of soft-touch materials. It comes in sedan and hatchback form, with a very weak 1.3-litre mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed auto.
For 2008, the sedan will also have an optional 1.5-litre with manual or auto,
bundled with a body kit. Because the hatchback and sedan were designed separately, there are minor differences in the interior trim and the exterior styling, but each is similarly equipped with such standard items as power steering, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, front and rear cupholders, two airbags, radio cassette player, 14-inch steel wheels, and ABS brakes. The suspension is independent in front and torsion beam in the rear. Options include a CD player with MP3 capability, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, 15-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.
