Cars & Autos | Saturday 25 May, 2019 3:00 am |

Underlining the exceptional quality of its vehicles and their
enduring appeal among the region’s drivers, Toyota has once again achieved success at the
2019 Middle East Car of the Year (MECOTY) awards. The Toyota Yaris claimed the title of ‘Best
Sub-compact Sedan,’ while the Toyota Camry was crowned ‘Best Midsize Sedan’ at the regional
automotive sector’s biggest and most prestigious awards ceremony, which took place in Abu
Dhabi, UAE.
Now in its sixth edition, the annual MECOTY awards are renowned as the Middle East’s most
authoritative industry honors program. The judging panel, which comprised 19 highly respected
independent senior editors from leading automotive publications in the region, selected the
two vehicles based on a rigorous set of ten criteria including design and quality (exterior and
interior); emotional appeal and driver satisfaction; handling and drivability; value for money
(new purchase and resale); safety and durability; comfort and practicality; performance and
capability; environmental friendliness; technological innovation; and regional appeal.
Yugo Miyamoto, Chief Representative of Middle East & Central Asia Representative Office,
Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “We are proud to be recognized again at one of the region’s
biggest and most prestigious awards program for the automotive sector. These coveted titles
are a true testimonial for the outstanding design and craftsmanship of our Toyota Yaris and
Toyota Camry models. The new Yaris delivers great fuel economy, optimal performance, and
fun driving experience and also sets fresh benchmarks for compact sedans, while the all-new
Camry’s emotional design, refined interior and cutting-edge technology place it at the forefront
of the midsize sedan market.”
Miyamoto added: “These awards represent a ringing endorsement of our approach to building
class-leading vehicles that exceed the expectations of our customers, whose loyal support
remains at the heart of Toyota’s ongoing success story. We would like to thank them for
continually inspiring us on every step of our journey to develop ever-better cars.”
The Toyota Yaris was launched in the region in February last year with a choice of 1.3-liter and
1.5-liter engines and is available with a Multidrive 7S transmission to offer a smooth driving
experience and outstanding fuel efficiency. Designed to appeal to those who seek out the latest
trends and innovations, the Yaris’ stylish exterior and spacious cabin couple superior comfort
with uncompromising levels of quality and durability.

Meanwhile, the Toyota Camry sets new standards for the midsize sedan segment in design,
performance, and comfort. The all-new Camry was launched in January 2018 and has created a
whole new value proposition while ensuring seamless fun and excitement for drivers and
passengers alike. The vehicle delivers superior handling and comes with three powertrain
options; a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, a 3.5-liter
V6 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission; and a new electrified hybrid system that
combines a petrol engine with two electric motors and exemplifies Toyota’s continuous
commitment to providing environmentally friendly vehicles.
The Camry’s refined interior features a distinctive design that provides comfort and
convenience with an additional layer of luxury. In addition, the vehicle incorporates several
cutting-edge technologies that offer an interesting and interactive driving experience and
provide customers with the opportunity to explore new levels of power and entertainment
through the latest technologies in its cars.
As with all Toyota models, safety remains a top priority for the Yaris and the Camry. Both
vehicles come with a comprehensive array of advanced safety features to provide unparalleled
protection for drivers and their passengers, including SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control
(VSC), Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
(BA), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), and enhanced body and platform structures, among many
others.