Toyota has launched a chunky, budget-friendly SUV in the UAE called the Veloz.
This is an inexpensive, seven-seater vehicle that, upon first inspection, seems to make a fair attempt at juggling practicality and comfort with a few sporty elements to keep everyone inside amused.
Looks-wise, the Veloz has design cues that resemble the neat stylings of the RAV4, with a prominent high nose, trapezoid grille and stout front air intakes.
The new arrival is a lot bigger than its more well-established sibling though, particularly when it comes to the length of the vehicle. The Veloz’s bold exterior, which is available in a choice of six colours, is finished off with 17-inch aluminium wheels.
All very elegant, then, but the newbie also ticks all the boxes as a frugal choice for those with fuel consumption in mind. Power comes from a modest 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, which certainly shouldn’t see drivers sobbing every time they need to fill up.
Interior space was clearly a key consideration in the design of the Veloz. As noted, it is longer than the RAV4, which translates into extra room for driver and passengers alike.
The Veloz has three rows of seats as standard, with storage compartments scattered hither and thither.
Those who like a hot beverage or tube of chilli pop as they drive along won’t be disappointed as there are a dozen cup holders spread around the cabin.
Tech comes in the form of a 7-inch information display, an 8-inch multimedia screen and a wireless charging pad, as well as the usual USB ports.
The Veloz, which is in Toyota showrooms now, really comes into its own with its pricing, though.
A base model will set you back only Dh79,900, which puts it in direct competition with the most cost-effective vehicles on the market today.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
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Fines for littering
In Dubai:
Dh200 for littering or spitting in the Dubai Metro
Dh500 for throwing cigarette butts or chewing gum on the floor, or littering from a vehicle.
Dh1,000 for littering on a beach, spitting in public places, throwing a cigarette butt from a vehicle
In Sharjah and other emirates
Dh500 for littering - including cigarette butts and chewing gum - in public places and beaches in Sharjah
Dh2,000 for littering in Sharjah deserts
Dh500 for littering from a vehicle in Ras Al Khaimah
Dh1,000 for littering from a car in Abu Dhabi
Dh1,000 to Dh100,000 for dumping waste in residential or public areas in Al Ain
Dh10,000 for littering at Ajman's beaches
TO A LAND UNKNOWN
Director: Mahdi Fleifel
Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa
Rating: 4.5/5
Gulf Under 19s final
Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B
11 cabbie-recommended restaurants and dishes to try in Abu Dhabi
Iqbal Restaurant behind Wendy’s on Hamdan Street for the chicken karahi (Dh14)
Pathemari in Navy Gate for prawn biryani (from Dh12 to Dh35)
Abu Al Nasar near Abu Dhabi Mall, for biryani (from Dh12 to Dh20)
Bonna Annee at Navy Gate for Ethiopian food (the Bonna Annee special costs Dh42 and comes with a mix of six house stews – key wet, minchet abesh, kekel, meser be sega, tibs fir fir and shiro).
Al Habasha in Tanker Mai for Ethiopian food (tibs, a hearty stew with meat, is a popular dish; here it costs Dh36.75 for lamb and beef versions)
Himalayan Restaurant in Mussaffa for Nepalese (the momos and chowmein noodles are best-selling items, and go for between Dh14 and Dh20)
Makalu in Mussaffa for Nepalese (get the chicken curry or chicken fry for Dh11)
Al Shaheen Cafeteria near Guardian Towers for a quick morning bite, especially the egg sandwich in paratha (Dh3.50)
Pinky Food Restaurant in Tanker Mai for tilapia
Tasty Zone for Nepalese-style noodles (Dh15)
Ibrahimi for Pakistani food (a quarter chicken tikka with roti costs Dh16)