Bridging the gap

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Toyota finally, brings in a sports coupe, the rebadged second generation Scion tC as the Zelus, for the region

Author: Chandan B Mallik 

Scion is Toyota Motor Corporation’s US-Latin American sub brand aimed at youth markets, but some of its products have been rebadged as Toyotas and sold on other markets. The Scion xA hatchback was rebadged as Toyota xA in this region not so long ago.

Now, for the region which has been void of a Toyota-badged sports coupe for many years, marketing honchos at TMC have looked into its global production pool for an appropriate candidate. The best candidate that it could find as an entry level is the second generation all-new 2011 Scion tC. With premium style and features, the new Scion tC has been rebadged as the Zelus and Toyota hopes it will redefine its segment to meet the desires of the evolving sports coupe buyer. The all-new Zelus adds new styling, enhanced performance, and technologies that add to the driver’s experience. It remains a tremendous value with more power, increased fuel efficiency, superior driving dynamics, and more safety features. The car uses a Camry-derived but all-new 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine offers the latest in efficient, lightweight technology, including Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), roller rocker arms and a Variable-induction Intake Manifold System that changes the length of the air-intake pipe to supply more torque on demand. The engine produces 176hp and 230 Nm of torque at 4100 rpm.The car is front-wheel-drive and has a 6-speed automatic gearbox with tiptronic function. The car rides a MacPherson strut front-suspension and a double-wishbone rear-suspension that were specially tuned to offer the driver a sporty ride that is both nimble and confident. The car will be offered in two trim levels with prices ranging from RO9,000-9,500.