Author: Chathura Chanuka

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    Toyota Yaris ATIV PRESTO: 12 Stunning Features of This Bold Red Sedan

    Yaris   Toyota Yaris ATIV PRESTO: A Bold Compact Sedan with a Powerful Grille Toyota Yaris ATIV PRESTO made a strong impression at Motor Expo 2022 in Thailand. Finished in an intense bright red and fitted with a sporty aero package, this compact sedan grabbed attention with its aggressive grille, sleek fastback-inspired shape, and stylish…

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    Toyota’s fifth-generation new “Prius” model.

    No More “Used Car Concepts”! What is the reaction to the new KINTO sub-subscription as the evolution of the new Toyota “Prius” continues?

    KINTO Unlimited” car evolves even after it is put into use
     Toyota and its subsidiary, KINTO, announced a new service for subscriptions, “KINTO Unlimited,” on December 7, 2022.

    “Novel” in appearance and shift! The new Toyota Prius in 51 photos.

     The service will be launched with the new “Prius,” which is scheduled to go on sale this winter. What kind of response have you received from SNS users?

    Toyota’s fifth-generation new “Prius” model, which will make its world premiere on November 16, 2022, and is scheduled to go on sale in Japan this winter (spring 2023 for the PHEV model).

     KINTO is a subscription service that offers unlimited rides in new Toyota cars for a fixed monthly fee.

     The user leases the vehicle rather than owns it, but since the monthly fee includes the vehicle itself, voluntary insurance, automobile tax, and maintenance fees, the user does not have to go through any troublesome procedures, and the fixed monthly fee makes it easier to afford a new vehicle from a financial standpoint.

     The feature of KINTO Unlimited that has been developed this time is to “”continuously provide added value even after the car is delivered,”” which has been difficult to achieve with conventional cars.

     In the past, equipment and functions basically remained the same from the time a vehicle was acquired until it was sold, but KINTO Unlimited supports “”evolution”” by adding the latest safety features through software updates even after the vehicle is in use, and by adding options depending on the intended use of the vehicle. KINTO Unlimited supports “”evolution”” by adding the latest safety features through software updates and adding options depending on the intended use of the vehicle.

     This allows the value of the car, which normally declines over time between contract and return, to be maintained, and is reflected in the subscriber’s monthly fee in advance, allowing users to use the service at a more reasonable price.

     The car itself also allows for future hardware upgrades. Specifically, in anticipation of upgrades, Toyota’s first “”upgrade-ready design”” specifications include the addition of harnesses and other equipment necessary for retrofitting from the time the new car is manufactured, in preparation for future advancements such as advanced driver assistance functions, which are rapidly improving in performance.

     In addition, the system analyzes and diagnoses the driver’s driving tendencies based on driving data and provides safe driving advice through a dedicated application.

     Furthermore, for periodic inspections, which have been conducted at regular intervals such as every six months, the system suggests the optimal timing for oil changes and other maintenance based on data for each vehicle.

     SNS users commented, “”For people in the Showa era, it does not satisfy their desire for ownership. And I wonder if it is unnecessary for people who can do maintenance and repairs themselves.”” While some said that the subscriber service is not suitable for them, others welcomed the service, saying, “”It is really great that you can retrofit manufacturer options,”” and “”I am glad that hardware can be retrofitted.

     Others hoped that the new Prius would adopt “”KINTO Unlimited”” as an option if it is a car they really want to drive.

     Furthermore, some commented that “”the concept of a used car may disappear in the future Toyota”” because the car will continue to evolve even after it is put into use due to the design of specifications that anticipate upgrades.

     KINTO Unlimited plans to begin offering the service with some of the new Prius models and expand it to other models based on user response.”

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    New Toyota Prius always up-to-date with “KINTO Unlimited.

    Better Value than Buying? New Toyota Prius always up-to-date with “KINTO Unlimited”! Will “Ownership to Sharing” Accelerate?

    What are the new subscribes starting with the new Prius?
     On December 7, 2022, Toyota announced online the details of KINTO Unlimited, a further evolution of its KINTO subscription service (subsque).

    “Shark Face” Adopted! New Toyota “Prius” Banana-Like Shift Lever for Ease of Use!

     According to the plan, the monthly fee will be lower than before, even after users start using the car, for software and hardware upgrades, car monitoring services, and other new services.

     This sounds very appealing, but why would Toyota and KINTO decide to try this at this point in time?

    New Subscription Service to Begin with the New Prius

     Let’s start with the current status of KINTO.

     According to the data released this time, the number of subscribers was 1,200 at the end of December 2019, when the service was launched, and by the end of December 2020, the cumulative total was 12,000, 30,000 by the end of December 2021, and 52,000 by the end of November 2022, showing that the number is steadily increasing. The number of EV “”b”” cars is expected to increase to 12,000 by the end of December 2020.

     In 2022, it seems that the effects of the various methods taken to support the “”bZ4X”” EV and the start of a subscriber service for used cars are being realized.

     In this context, what is noteworthy about the new “”KINTO Unlimited”” service that will be launched is the adoption of “”upgrade-ready design. Upgrades here include ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), such as impact damage reduction brakes and blind spot monitors.

     In recent years, ADAS has evolved remarkably, utilizing automatic driving technology, etc., and ADAS functions in new cars are increasingly being updated not only in full model changes but also in annual improvements such as minor changes.

     Users may have the impression that the equipment in a new car they have just purchased has become outdated in a relatively short period of time, and they may be particularly concerned when it comes to safety.

     Therefore, Toyota has incorporated a new concept from the new car development stage, using some grades of the new Prius as a foothold to facilitate the upgrading of various functions, including ADAS, after the new car is launched on the market.

     Software can be updated on a case-by-case basis using OTA (On-the-Air), which is now common practice among manufacturers in Europe and the United States.

     As for hardware, Toyota has adopted “”upgrade-ready design”” for the first time. This is a system in which various types of wiring are installed in advance, and the hardware can be expanded using connectors without removing the seats or upholstery, and is said to be unique in the world.

     The “”Connected Drive Trainer”” function, which collects driving data from CAN (Controller Area Network) communications connecting various in-vehicle ECUs, analyzes the results using Toyota’s cloud service, and provides feedback and advice to users and dealerships. The system is also enhanced with the “”Connected Drive Trainer”” function, which provides feedback and advice to users and dealers. Better Value than Buying? New Toyota Prius always up-to-date with “”KINTO Unlimited””! Will “”Ownership to Sharing”” Accelerate?

    What is the reaction of dealers to KINTO Unlimited?
     KINTO Unlimited is an expansion of the service that Toyota, as a manufacturer, provides directly to users.

     It also seems to have a significant impact on the traditional way of automobile distribution, which is the “”new car sell-out”” business, where Toyota manufactures and sells wholesale to dealers.

     We asked Mr. Shinya Kodera, President of KINTO Corporation, about this point at the online press conference.

    KINTO Unlimited, a subscriber service to be introduced with the new Prius

     Kodera said that more than half of KINTO’s users are in their 20s and 30s, and that many of them are first-time car buyers or are switching from a used car to a new car.

     He explained that dealers have not had much contact with this customer segment in the past, and that recently there has been a visible increase in the number of such customers in terms of the actual number of subscribers.

     In addition, dealers are now recognizing the value of KINTO’s existence as a complement to their existing sales business.

     Toyota also explained KINTO Unlimited in detail at the advance product briefing held for dealers of the new Prius, and the company believes that dealers have a good understanding of the product.

     We also asked them about their thoughts on the market trend from “”ownership”” to “”sharing”” of cars, including subscriptions.

     He said that he does not think the market has deviated too much from his initial assumptions, and that he expects a gradual shift from ownership to sharing to continue in the 2020s.

     He said that other automakers, gas station operators, and car leasing companies have recently been expanding their car subscription businesses, and he feels that the need for car subscriptions is steadily budding.

     In addition, they have been considering Unlimited for the past two years as they need to further enhance the attractiveness of the service in order to accelerate the shift to subsk.

     With this new service, they hope to accelerate the speed of growth of the KINTO business by providing additional value to users and still lowering the monthly fee.”

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    The “”Hiace”” is the master of “”Overnight in a car .

    The “”Hiace”” is the master of “”Overnight in a car””! The “”Hiace MRT,”” a trampo spec car that outdoor enthusiasts long to own, is too powerful!

    The “”Multi-Roll Transporter (MRT)”” is the strongest genuine complete car
     Toyota’s “”Hiace”” is a popular commercial van featuring a one-box (box-type) body that can carry plenty of work tools and cargo.
     
     In addition to business use, recent years have seen an increase in the number of individual users who purchase these vans for carrying outdoor leisure equipment and for enjoying overnight stays in the car with a bed installed. In response to this growing demand, the manufacturer has prepared a genuine “”complete car”” that boasts the strongest usability.

    “”Transformable? Photos of the interior of a genuine “”Hiace”” complete car, complete with bed

    Toyota “”Hiace Van Super GL”” (standard body, standard roof), a high-end grade of the Toyota “”Hiace”” that also meets the needs of individual users

     The current Hiace was introduced in August 2004 and has been an active model for 18 long years.

     It has been constantly updated with continuous improvements, including major minor changes, and continues to maintain its appeal

     In April 2022, some improvements were made to the model, including the addition of advanced driving support functions and improved fuel efficiency of the diesel engine.

     The Hiace comes in three main body types.

     There are three main body types: the standard body and standard roof (4 license plate), the wide body and middle roof (1 license plate), and the wide body and high roof (super long).

     The super-long version is quite large, measuring 5380 mm (overall length) x 1880 mm (overall width) x 2285 mm (overall height), and although it can be used as a base vehicle for a full-scale camper, it is too large to be used on a daily basis.

     For individual users, we recommend the standard body (overall length 4695 mm x overall width 1695 mm x overall height 1980 mm) and the wide body/middle roof version (overall length 4940 mm x overall width 1880 mm x overall height 2105 mm).

     In addition to simple commercial-oriented specifications, these two types are also available in the “”Super GL,”” a high-end version with rear seats and equipment comparable to minivans, and the “”Super GL Dark Prime II,”” a special edition based on the Super GL with more luxurious interior and exterior features, which is particularly popular among individual users.

     The Super GL and Super GL Dark Prime II-based genuine complete cars (vehicles sold with special equipment and specifications) are secretly favored as the “”strongest Hiace”” that can meet the demands of outdoor leisure enthusiasts.

     The name of the model produced by MODELLISTA, which handles Toyota’s genuine accessories and aero parts, is the “”Hiace MULTI ROLE TRANSPORTER (hereafter referred to as “”Hiace MRT””).

     The name “”TRANSPORTER”” is also short for “”transporter,”” and refers to a vehicle used to transport motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles.

     The Hiace MRT also has a specially designed reinforced floor with a multi-layered structure consisting of joists to eliminate floor level differences, resin felt for soundproofing and fine tuning the height, veneer planking, and LONLUM (vinyl floor sheet).

     Anchor nuts for securing cargo are also provided on the floor to meet the needs of vehicle transportation applications.

     The stain-resistant LONLUM floor is easy to clean, and is also useful for carrying tools used for outdoor leisure activities.

     In addition, the Hiace MRT can be used not only for transporters but also for a wide variety of other applications.

     In addition to the simple “”Type 1″” floor version, there are two “”Type 2″” floor + trim versions, but Type 2 is recommended for overnight stay users.

     Type 2 has a specially molded full-trim interior with storage boxes, and a bed kit is also available as an option.

     The bed is 1740 mm long x 1430 mm wide (standard body) / 1610 mm wide (wide body) with a 200 kg load capacity, making it a large semi-double bed with enough space for two adults to sleep comfortably.

     There is also ample storage space under the bed, so you can easily sleep without moving luggage, and it can be folded down when not in use, so it can be fully utilized as a large van for business use during normal times and for fun on weekends.

     The sales price (including consumption tax) of the Hiace MRT with Type II bodywork ranges from 3,917,700 yen (Super GL, standard body, 2WD, gasoline) to 4,166,600 yen (DARK PRIME II, wide body, 4WD, diesel).

    * * *

     The Hiace also offers a wide variety of factory-installed optional items such as aero parts, aluminum wheels, sports mufflers, and shock absorber sets.

     Even after purchasing a Hiace MRT, it is possible to further customize it to your preferred specifications.

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    A compact SUV similar to the new Prius.

    A compact SUV similar to the new Prius? Toyota’s “bZ Compact SUV” with high “eco-friendliness” may be more affordable than “Prius”?

    Following the renewal of the Prius, the leading hybrid vehicle, Toyota has announced an EV compact SUV
     On November 17, 2022, Toyota unveiled the bZ Compact SUV Concept (“”bZ Compact SUV””) in the United States for the first time. It is a battery electric vehicle (BEV: electric vehicle) concept car.
     
     Its form is similar to that of the new “Prius,” which underwent a full model change on November 16, the day before, but many people seem to think that the bZ Compact SUV, which looks more practical, is better than the new Prius, which is too sporty.

    Which do you like better, the new Prius or the bZ Compact SUV Concept? Photos (25 photos)

    Toyota’s new BEV (electric vehicle) concept car, the bZ Compact SUV Concept, premiered in the United States on November 17, 2022.

     The new Prius, the first hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to undergo a full model change in almost seven years, was created as a new-generation Prius under the “Hybrid Reborn” concept.

     Symbolizing rebirth, the new exterior design features a “wide and low”emotional form.

     Compared to the previous-generation Prius, the overall height has been reduced by 40 mm, while the overall length and width have been increased by 25 mm and 20 mm, respectively, and the tires have been enlarged in diameter, giving the car a noticeably sporty appearance, almost like a sports car.

     In order to create a packaging that can accommodate four adults, the new Prius has lowered the seat positions, and it seems that the ease of getting in and out of the car has been slightly sacrificed.

     Even on social networking sites, there were concerns early on in its debut that “it will be hard for older users to get in and out of the car” and “it may not be suitable for users who frequently carry people in the back seat.

     The new bZ compact SUV, which has appeared on the market in this context, has a similar atmosphere to the new Prius, with its “U” shaped headlights and emotional form, despite the difference between the HEV and BEV models.

     On the other hand, the SUV is taller than the Prius and has a larger cabin, so there is no doubt that it will be more practical with more interior and cargo space.

     Detailed specifications have not yet been announced, but Toyota says that it is positioned as a compact and lightweight entry model that is more compact and lighter than the bZ4X, the BEV SUV model that preceded it on the market.

     Therefore, the selling price is also expected to be kept low.

     This may be the reason why people are saying “Prius SUV? I have a feeling it’s going to sell well,” and “Looks like it would be perfect for driving in Japan.

     The new bZ compact SUV, which Toyota describes as a “concept” at this stage, is “a model under development as a compact SUV that is easy to use in everyday life.

     The timing has not yet been disclosed, but Toyota says it plans to release more information after 2023, and a production version is likely to be unveiled in the near future.

     The new bZ compact SUV, which is even more eco-friendly than the new Prius, which has been reborn as a sports car, and yet seems to be highly practical, seems to be one of the most highly anticipated models of the next generation of eco-cars.

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    Nissan’s popular SUV “”XTRAIL”” delivery users are increasing.

    Waiting for 5 months! Nissan’s popular SUV “”XTRAIL”” delivery users are increasing! What are the “”voices”” of concerned owners?

    More and more users are taking delivery of the new Nissan XTRAIL!
     On July 25, 2022, Nissan fully remodeled its flagship SUV model, the XTRAIL.
     
     Orders for the new model have been breaking records, with 12,000 units ordered in the first two weeks since its launch, and social networking sites are seeing an increase in the number of posts from users who have recently taken delivery of their vehicles. What are the opinions of users who have actually taken delivery of the new xtrail?

    The perfect balance of toughness and quality! Interior and exterior photos of the Nissan XTRAIL, which is being delivered one after another

    The new Nissan XTRAIL, which offers “”toughness”” as well as “”quality

     Since its first appearance in 2000, the Nissan XTRAIL has positioned itself as an SUV that puts “”toughness”” at the forefront, and has become one of Nissan’s mainstay models.

     The current model, which will be introduced in July 2022, is the fourth generation, and is characterized by its “”toughness”” inherited from the past as well as its “”high quality””.

     The current model is also equipped with many of Nissan’s latest technologies, such as the e-POWER hybrid system for all models and the e-4ORCE electric 4WD system used in the Aria electric vehicle (EV).

     About four months have passed since the launch of such an XTRAIL, and social networking sites have been seeing an increasing number of posts from users who have presumably taken delivery of their vehicles.

     In recent years, due to the shortage of semiconductors, new cars from other manufacturers have been taking longer to be delivered, and the XTRAIL is no exception.

     Users who have recently taken delivery of their vehicles have often mentioned “”delivery date,”” with comments such as, “”My car was delivered today! I signed a contract at the end of August and have been waiting for it! I signed a contract at the end of August and have been waiting for it!”” “”I made an advance reservation at the end of June but finally received the car on November 30 because I chose the two-tone (special color)”” and “”It took 160 days after signing the contract.

     In terms of design, the car has “”two-tiered lights,”” with the position lamps and turn lamps on the top and the main lamps on the bottom. The “”two-tiered lights are cool! This seems to have made a strong impression.

     In terms of functionality, “”I was surprised at the evolution of the Pro Pilot! It makes curves and maneuvers when I touch the steering wheel. Driving at high speeds has become easier.”” Some users also commented on the practicality and evolution of the advanced driving assist system “”Pro Pilot,”” and it seems that even users who originally drove Nissan vehicles have a favorable impression of the new XTRAIL’s Pro Pilot system.

     On the other hand, regarding the ProPilot Parking automated parking system, one user commented, “”I wish it would park a little more to the right. It’s scary!”” Some users also commented, “”I’m scared!

     Other than that, users also commented, “”It’s fuel-efficient,”” and “”It’s a really quiet yet powerful car,”” and it seems to be a generally satisfactory car.

     The XTRAIL is a mid-size SUV, and is in a “”fierce battle zone”” where other manufacturers such as Toyota’s Harrier and RAV4, Mazda’s CX-5, and Subaru’s Forester are all putting their efforts into their models.

     Expectations are high for how the company will be able to establish its presence among these rivals and increase its sales volume in the future.

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    Toyota’s “HILUX” has a “2-door”model with a rugged face.

    Toyota’s “HILUX” has a “2-door”model with a rugged face! What are the various types of Hiluxes being developed in the Thai market?

    Single cab x off-road specs are cool! The “Hilux” in Thailand
     On November 30, 2022, Toyota’s Thai subsidiary announced the introduction of Toyota’s first mass-produced electric vehicle, the bZ4X, to the Thai market and exhibited a number of new models at Motor Expo 2022 held in the suburbs of Bangkok, Thailand.
     
     Among them were a number of models of the Hilux pickup truck, which is also produced in Thailand, including a number of specifications that are not available in Japan.

    Extra cab and low-floor models are both surprisingly cool! Not in Japan! See various Toyota “Hilux” models in 86 images.

    Single cab model Toyota “Hilux” for sale in Thailand displayed at Motor Expo 2022.

     The Hilux pickup truck has a long history, with the first model introduced in 1968. Today, it is a global model sold in approximately 180 countries and regions.

     The current Hilux is the 8th generation, and in September 2017, it made a comeback in the Japanese market for the first time in 13 years.

     In Thailand, where Motor Expo 2022 was held, the HILUX is available in a wider range of body types and grade configurations than in Japan.

     In Japan, only the four-door “double cab” type is available, but in the Thai market, in addition to the two-door “single cab” (standard cab), there is also an “extra cab” type with space behind the seats.

     There is also a diverse lineup, including high-floor models with a higher ride height and low-floor models with a lower ride height.

     In Japan, there are only three models: the standard X, Z, and GR Sport with different bumpers, fenders, etc. In Thailand, there is not only the Z, which is equivalent to the X and Z in Japan, and the GR Sport, which is the same as in Japan, but also the Prerunner/Rocco, which is more suitable for off-roading and has a tougher feel.

     The Pre-Runner/Rocco is a model with a tougher look and feel, with the bumper and some of the fenders in the shape of the GR Sport made of resin. The Rocco is a higher grade pre-runner with a roll bar for the cargo bed.

     Among the various models, the 2-door Extra Cab Rocco grade exhibited at the show has a unique atmosphere not found in Japanese specifications.

     It is said that reservations for the improved Hilux model exhibited this time increased 49% compared to the sales before the renovation.

     Unlike in Japan, where people are unsure about the use of cargo beds, pickup trucks in Thailand have gained popularity as vehicles that can be used for a variety of purposes, from daily life to business and leisure, coupled with low maintenance costs, and a variety of types are likely to be developed.

     Locally, the base grade “Standard” single cab model is priced at 555,400 baht (approximately 2,150,000 yen), and the top-end double cab model, the Rocco, is priced at 971,000 baht (approximately 3,770,000 yen).

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    Toyota’s Alphard luxury minivan .

    “Why is Toyota’s Alphard luxury minivan so popular? Does the oversold luxury minivan have any weaknesses?

    Luxury suits all occasions, and that’s the point!
     Toyota’s luxury minivan “”Alphard”” is currently enjoying tremendous popularity among minivans.

    Over 15 million yen, the overly luxurious four-seater Alphard is amazing! View 31 photos of the gorgeous gold Alphard.

     The current model, the third generation, was introduced in 2015; a minor change in 2017 to a more powerful front grille made it even more popular, and even though its basic design is seven years old, it still ranks 8th in the overall new car registration rankings (April to September 2022).

     While other minivans are getting newer with model changes, what is the reason why a minivan that is already 7 years old and yet costs from 3,597,000 yen to 7,752,000 yen (including consumption tax) is selling so well?

    Toyota’s Alphard, the king of luxury minivans

     We asked the actual owners why they chose the Alphard, and what advantages and disadvantages they could see only after driving it.

     Mr. S (Aichi, 40s), who runs a flower arrangement business, purchased a 3.5-liter model of the Alphard with the intention of using it for work as well as private use.

    He said, “”I have only driven domestic cars because of my profession and the fact that I live in a place where it is difficult to get my hands on imported cars.

     At such times, I chose the Alphard because of its spacious and comfortable rear seats, sufficient power to easily travel long distances even when loaded with luggage, and because I use it in a variety of situations, from at flower production sites to porte-coches at city hotels.””

     He also wanted a car that was spacious enough to carry his hobby equipment (a long board for surfing), and as a result, he settled on the Alphard.

     According to Mr. S, the Alphard’s presence and luxurious feel give it a status that he is not ashamed of as a business owner in any situation.

     He chose the 3.5-liter model because he needed the power to adapt to the large body, which is 4950 mm (length) x 1850 mm (width) x 1935 mm (height) and weighs approximately 2 tons. 301 hp/361 Nm, the high-powered Alphard is also easy to cruise at high speeds, he says.

     On the other hand, this large body is also a disadvantage.

    It is still difficult to maneuver in fine-tuned maneuvering,”” he said. Also, the 3.5-liter engine is high-octane and not very fuel-efficient (9.9 km/L in WLTC mode, according to the catalog), so it still costs a lot of money in these days of a weak yen and high oil prices.

     However, I think it is a very good choice in terms of entertaining customers.

     Thanks to the choice of leather seats, the interior of the car has a luxurious atmosphere. However, it is so luxurious that he hesitates to load his surfboard, which is his hobby, into it, and he now goes surfing in a different car.

     Other features include the fact that rearward visibility is not so good (a rearview camera is installed for this purpose), instead of the high position visibility that makes it easy to see everything around you.

     As mentioned above, it is easy to cruise at high speeds and is good at it, but the heavy weight of the car makes the brakes feel less effective (longer braking distances), and there seems to be a set of advantages and disadvantages.

     Even so, they like the fact that it can seat up to the third row of seats, has enough luggage space for a large number of passengers, and has a full range of driving support systems and safety equipment, such as collision damage reduction brakes and radar cruise control.

    I think the fact that this one car can be used in a variety of situations is a big draw,”” he says.

     It’s not unique because it’s oversold and you see a lot of the same cars around town, but on the other hand, its high level of perfection is what makes it a popular car model.

     I don’t think I will need to change cars for a while”” (Mr. S, owner of Alphard)
    Why is Toyota’s luxury minivan “”Alphard”” so popular? Does the oversold luxury minivan have any weak points?

    Toyota introduces the Alphard to compete with the Elgrand.
     What kind of minivan is the Alphard?

     Before the birth of the Alphard, Toyota had launched the Granvia in 1995 as a large minivan based on the Hiace for the European market, followed by the Hiace Regis, a 5-number model.

     Although it was a luxuriously equipped minivan, it was not a big hit, perhaps because of its subdued design.

    Toyota “”Alphard

     The Nissan “”Elgrand”” appeared in 1997 and revolutionized the minivan world. Unlike previous minivans, which had a commercial feel to them, the Elgrand’s strong front mask and luxurious, comfortable interior paved the way for a new genre of “”luxury minivan,”” and it became a huge hit.

     The first-generation Alphard was introduced in 2002 to coincide with the launch of the second-generation ElGrand.

     While the ElGrand was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine (a 2.5-liter V6 engine was later added), the Alphard came in two versions: a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder and a 3-liter V6 engine. The lineup also included grades with lower taxes and maintenance costs from the start.

     With its FF and boxy design, the Alphard was highly space-efficient, and with an overall height of over 1900 mm, it was characterized by its spacious interior, making it an instantly popular model.

     In 2008, the Alphard underwent a model change to the second generation with a new platform. The overall height was lowered by 45 mm, but it still retained its unique seating position that allows the driver to look down at the surroundings from a high position and an overall height of over 1900 mm.

     In 2015, it evolved into the third generation, the current model. The concept was a “”large-space luxury saloon,”” and the rear suspension was changed from a conventional torsion beam to a double wishbone, greatly improving ride comfort.

     The powertrain lineup includes a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with excellent maintenance costs, a hybrid version, and a high-power 3.5-liter V6 engine. The hybrid model is also available in four-wheel drive (4WD), including “”E-Four,”” in which the rear wheels are driven by a motor.

     Toyota, which has long been known for the luxurious interior and ride comfort of its high-end saloons such as the Crown, has combined the minivan technology it has cultivated with the Hiace and other models, so perhaps the success of this luxury minivan line was a foregone conclusion.

     It seems to be a hit.
    The Alphard can accommodate a large number of passengers as well as conventional minivans, but it has a luxurious specification with a spacious interior and captain’s seats for greatly improved comfort, which means that the strategy of “”a luxury saloon in the shape of a minivan”” has met the market needs well.

     Another evidence of this is the fact that many large companies have switched from the Crown, which had been popular as a company car until then, to the Alphard.

     Compared to sedans, in which you have to bend down to get in, the Alphard, with its luxurious interior like a running drawing room, is closer to the longed-for “”someday a Crown.

     The appeal of the Alphard can be said to lie in its powerful body and design, and its overwhelming presence.

     It is a good choice for those who prioritize comfort and luxury over the agile driving performance of a sedan or sports car, and the fact that it is the best minivan made in Japan should fully satisfy their desire for ownership.

     As a luxury transportation space, the value is very high.

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    Superb Nissan “Skyline GT-R”.

    “Domestic Sports Cars Still Soaring in Price! The “”Superlative”” Nissan “”Skyline GT-R”” Sold for Four Times the Price of a New Car

    Four times the price of a new car? What is a superb Nissan “”Skyline GT-R (R34 model)””?
     Collecting Cars is an auction site of the same name run by its own company, and is an auctioneer of cars from all over the world, including the UK, Australia, and Dubai.

    Still expensive! A superb “”Skyline GT-R (R34 model)”” with a mileage of only 2,745 km

     In recent years, domestic sports cars have skyrocketed in price around the world, and among them, the second generation of Nissan’s “”Skyline GT-R,”” commonly known as the “”R32/R33/R34,”” have maintained high values at auctions.

     In November 2022, a Nissan “”Skyline GT-R (R34 model)”” was offered for sale and sold for A$275,500 (approximately 25.88 million Japanese yen).

    Nissan “”GT-R (R34) V-Spec II”” sold for about four times the price of a new car (Photo: Collecting cars)

     The 2001 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) V-Spec II was sold at auction.

     The base 10th generation “”Skyline”” was introduced in May 1998, and the GT-R was added about 8 months later in January 1999. The body size was reduced from that of its predecessor, the R33, to provide excellent footwork and athletic performance.

     When it was first released, in addition to the standard model, a “”V-spec”” version was offered, a specification that gave the car a racy exterior and sports performance. The V-Spec II, which was followed by a minor change in August 2000, was the first mass-produced car to feature a carbon engine hood with NACA ducts (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) and aluminum pedals, giving both the interior and exterior a It has a sporty atmosphere both inside and out.

     The body size of the Skyline GT-R (R34) V-Spec II is 4600 mm (overall length) x 1785 mm (overall width) x 1360 mm (overall height), with a wheelbase of 2665 mm and a vehicle weight of 1560 kg. The engine installed is a 2.6 The engine is a 2.6-liter inline 6-cylinder twin turbo “”RB26DETT type”” that delivers maximum output of 280 hp and maximum torque of 40.0 kgf・m.

     The exterior color of the Skyline GT-R (R34) V-Spec II exhibited here is silver. Most parts are stock, but a Weds Sports catalytic converter and GReddy turbo timer are installed.

     The mileage is only 2745 km. Both exterior and interior are in very clean condition with no damage, and the car is listed as having no mechanical failures.

     The listing area is Clayton, Victoria, Australia.

     The vehicle is listed on the auction site along with 123 high-resolution images and a video, and can be viewed in considerable detail.

     The individual listed in this auction sold for A$275,500 (approximately 25,880,000 Japanese yen) on November 22, 2022, after 49 bids. The price of a new Skyline GT-R (R34 type) V Spec II was less than 6 million yen, which means that it was sold for about four times the price.

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    new Honda “Vezel Modulo X .

    The “Reason” for the agonizing decision to cancel the launch of the new Honda “Vezel Modulo X

    Complete car of the Vezel has decided to cancel its release
     Honda announced on December 1, 2022, that it will cancel the launch of the Vezel e:HEV Modulo X, a complete car of the compact SUV “”Vezel,”” which was scheduled to go on sale during 2022.
     
    Shocking Cancellation of the Launch! New Honda “Vezel Modulo X” with a cool “dark grille”

    New Honda “Vezel e:HEV Modulo X” with a cool “dark” atmosphere

     Honda’s compact SUV “Vezel” will be launched in April 2021 as the second generation of the current model. It has evolved from the previous model with a sophisticated design that matches the urban environment and advanced features.

     The “Modulo X Concept” complete car was exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022 held in January 2022, and is scheduled to go on sale by the end of 2022.

    Modulo X (Modulo X) is a series of complete cars by Honda Access, which handles Honda’s genuine accessories, and is equipped with sporty and high-quality design, driving performance, and high-quality exclusive features in addition to the standard models.

     Modulo X has been available for the N-BOX, Step Wagon, and S660, as well as the previous generation Vezel.

     The new Vezel Modulo X concept model on display features an exclusive design for the front grille and front bumper, with effective use of black decorations to enhance the strength of the front face.

     The suspension has also been exclusively set up, and the interior has been modified not only in terms of the exterior but also in terms of the quality of the interior and the driving experience, such as the combination of genuine leather and Lux Suede seats.

     In the development process, emphasis was placed on “”effective aerodynamics”” (aerodynamic effects that can be experienced even at everyday speeds), which has been incorporated in previous Modulo X models, and the vehicle was created through repeated driving tests and implementation using human hands to fuse form and design that contribute to driving performance.

     Regarding the cancellation of the launch of the new Vezel Modulo X, Honda explains that it is due to production delays caused by a combination of factors, including the recent chronic shortage of semiconductors and unstable overseas conditions, and to prioritize delivery to users who have already signed up for the Vezel.

     There is currently no announcement from Honda as to whether the new Vezel Modulo X will be available in the future.