Author: Chathura Chanuka

  • | |

    Production starts with Honda’s new SUV “CR-V” with a powerful bonnet! The 6th generation is produced at 4 bases.

    “Honda’s New SUV “”CR-V”” with a Powerful Bonnet Begins Production in Ka! Sixth-generation model to be produced at four locations

    Prototype production will also be handled by the Canadian base
    On September 22, 2022, Honda of America announced that production of the new CR-V has begun at its plant in Alliston, Ontario, Canada (HCM: Honda of Canada Mfg.).

    The presence of the large grille is also attractive! What does the new Honda CR-V look like? See in pictures.

    The new CR-V will be produced at four plants in North America.

    New “”CR-V”” to be produced at the plant

    Commenting on the start of production of the new CR-V, HCM Senior Vice President Clement D’Souza said, “”Being the global lead plant for the new CR-V was a great challenge, but I am proud of the experienced team at HCM and the level of (development) teamwork that went into creating this great new model in North America. commented.

    The new CR-V, the sixth generation model, made its world premiere in the U.S. on July 12, 2022, with body dimensions of 184.8 inches (4693 mm) long x 73.4 inches (1864 mm) wide x 66.2-66.6 inches (1681- 1691 mm) high.

    The exterior features a low, horizontal beltline, LED-type headlights, a large front grille, and a bonnet with a strong presence.

    The power units to be installed will be a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine or a 2-liter inline 4-cylinder engine + 2-motor hybrid.

    Incidentally, since development of the new CR-V began in the early stages of the new Corona disaster, HCM was also involved in the creation of the development prototype. The company has been collaborating digitally with the Japanese development team, which led to the start of production this time.

    Since the hood is the largest of any U.S. Honda vehicle in its category, the production and development teams worked together to increase the rigidity of the hood by increasing the thickness of the steel plates. As a result, a bold and sophisticated design was successfully mass-produced.

    In addition, the use of high-performance structural adhesives was increased to enhance body rigidity. New equipment and additional training for employees were also introduced for production.

    The Canadian plant is scheduled to begin production of a hybrid version of the new CR-V in October, and as a result, the production of the new CR-V in Canada is expected to account for about half of its sales.”

  • |

    Toyota “Alphard” and “Rankle” exceed new car prices!

    “Toyota’s “”Alphard”” and “”Land Cruiser”” exceeded the price of new cars! What is behind the abnormal rise in the market price of used cars?

    The reason why the production of “”Lancel”” and “”GT-R”” cannot be increased even though they are selling well.
     The global automotive parts supply shortage caused by the combined effects of the new Corona disaster and other factors has led to unprecedented delays in new car deliveries.

    Unexpected cars are also popular due to the explosion in popularity of used cars! See what kind of cars they are

     The used car industry is in a state of unprecedented turmoil due to the combination of these “”special circumstances.

     It is common for used cars to be more expensive than new cars, and it is not uncommon to find models with distribution prices that are more than one million yen higher than they were a year ago.

     Among these, the prices of models that are sure to go out of print due to carbon neutrality, imported cars that continue to experience production delays due to the Ukraine crisis, and Toyota cars with long delivery times are among those that are seeing a sharp rise in the market.

     Let us introduce some examples of the abnormal spike in the used car market and the reasons for it.

    Toyota’s popular luxury minivan, the Alphard, is currently experiencing a sharp rise in the used car market due to difficulties in obtaining one [image provided].

     A typical example of soaring used car prices is Toyota’s Land Cruiser (Land Cruiser 300), which debuted last year in 2021.

     Orders for the Land Cruiser 300 flooded in as soon as it went on sale, and it quickly became so popular that the delivery time was said to be four years.

     Looking at the recent used car market for the Land Cruiser 300, the “”VX”” grade, which is priced at 6.3 million yen including consumption tax for a new car, has risen to about 13 million yen.

     All other grades are more than twice as expensive, and at one time there were some for sale for more than 20 million yen.

     Common sense would tell you that if they knew they would sell well, they should have produced a lot of them from the beginning.

     The reason why they are not building them is because they can see “”the time when they will stop selling.

     With the rise of environmental issues, fuel efficiency regulations, noise regulations, and other regulations will rapidly increase the hurdles for engine-equipped cars from around 2026.

     In general, the stricter regulations will be applied to new models first, but the next-generation fuel efficiency and noise regulations will also apply to vehicles that are still in production.

     In other words, the vehicles currently on the market will no longer be able to be registered due to the stricter regulations.

     In the case of the RANKLE 300, it has already failed to meet various regulations, and can only be sold in the Middle East, Russia, and Japan (Russia is under an indefinite export freeze).

     As mentioned above, since the “”deadline”” for sales has already been set, Toyota has no way to deal with the situation, since it will not be able to recover its investment by increasing production lines for body assembly and engine parts.

     The same applies to low-volume production vehicles such as Nissan’s “”GT-R,”” the new “”Fairlady Z,”” and Honda’s “”Civic Type R.””

     You might think, “”Why don’t we just increase production of these cars,”” but even if we build new production facilities, they will all be out of service by 2027.

     If it becomes possible to produce a large number of these cars, they will become scarce, and people may not buy them as much.

     This is the reason why the used car market is currently soaring due to the difficulty in obtaining used cars.

    Toyota’s “”Alphard”” and “”Land Cruiser”” exceeded the price of new cars! What is behind the abnormal rise in the market price of used cars?

    New car production can’t keep up with the demand! Now is the time to sell the popular car “”Alphard””!
    In addition, the global shortage of parts, represented by semiconductors, has caused the market price of vehicles that cannot be produced to skyrocket.

     For example, the popular grade “”Hybrid SR C Package”” of Toyota’s “”Alphard”” is priced at 5.72 million yen for a new car.

     If this is a used car of similar age and low mileage to a new car, you have to be prepared to pay more than 8 million yen.

     And what is more surprising is that a 2019 model with about 20,000 km would cost more than 6.5 million yen.

     I asked a major buyer the other day, “”If it’s a 2019 or later, we will give you a price higher than the price of a new car!”” He said.

    Honda’s Jade, which ended production in July 2020 due to poor sales, also has a soaring used car market.

     Unlike the Lancel 300 and GT-R, the Alphard is a mass-produced model. The current model is also seven years past its debut, and it is an open secret that it will eventually undergo a full model change.

     However, as of the end of September 2022, even if you want to buy a new Alphard, the dealers have already stopped taking orders, so you are virtually unable to buy a new car.

     On the other hand, even if you place an order for the next Alphard, which is expected to debut next year in 2023, the parts supply shortage is expected to continue for some time to come, and there is a big possibility that the delivery date will not be seen for a long time.

     The current high price of used cars seems to be due to the fact that people are willing to pay a little more for a used car that they can drive right away.

     If you have a current model Alphard, now is a good time to let it go.

     Even more surprising is the Jade, an unpopular Honda car.

     It was discontinued in 2020 due to poor sales, and until about a year ago, the purchase price of the “”RS,”” with a new car price of 2.6 million yen, was well below 2 million yen.

     However, there is now an extreme shortage of used cars.

     In particular, there seems to be a shortage of older models with low mileage, and the market price for a Jade RS with 20,000 to 30,000 km is 2.59 million yen. The purchase price is said to have risen by 500,000-700,000 yen.

     Furthermore, the market price of imported cars seems to have risen so much in general that it is unnecessary to mention specific examples.

     It is common to hear that a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which was purchased for 4.5 million yen two years ago, was sold for 5 million yen.

     The market for “”electric vehicles”” as typified by hybrids and PHEVs (plug-in hybrids), which are subject to fierce repair prices when problems occur, seems to be tough, but power units with high fuel efficiency and good driving performance, such as diesel, have surprisingly high prices.

     This “”confusion”” in the used car market is likely to continue for some time.

     Here, exports of used cars to Russia, which can no longer afford new cars from Western countries, are also increasing steadily.

     The weak yen has made Japanese used cars bargain-sale priced from the perspective of foreign countries. Buyers from emerging countries are also competing to buy used cars in Japan.

     If you have an expensive car, it may be interesting to let it go at this time and drive an inexpensive car until the market price settles down.”

  • |

    Toyota’s new “Harrier PHEV” has already come with a “glare face” aero specification from Modellista! A powerful set starts at 287,100 yen .

    “Toyota’s New Harrier PHEV Giraffe Aero Model from Modellista! The powerful set starts at 287,100 yen!

    Differentiating details from regular customized parts for Harrier
     On September 26, 2022, Toyota Customizing & Development, which handles Toyota’s customized parts and other products, launched new Modellista brand customized parts for the Harrier PHEV, a new lineup added to the Harrier luxury SUV.

    For the new Harrier PHEV! Photos of the powerful “”MODELLISTA”” aero parts

    Powerful! Toyota’s new Harrier PHEV equipped with “”MODELLISTA”” aero parts

     In conjunction with the partial improvement of the Harrier that took place on September 26, Toyota will launch the “”Harrier PHEV,”” a new model equipped with a plug-in hybrid system, on October 31.

     Based on the Harrier’s high-end Z model grade, the new model is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system that uses a large-capacity lithium-ion battery.

     It has been given exclusive interior and exterior features such as a front grille, and is also equipped with an external power supply system of up to 1500W (100V AC).

     In conjunction with the addition of the new Harrier PHEV, Modellista has also launched the “”GRAN BRAZE STYLE for PHEV”” lineup of exclusive customized parts.

     Specifically, it consists of a front spoiler (with LED), side skirts, and rear styling kit (rear skirt + muffler cutter) as an aero parts set, and each part can also be purchased separately.

     GRAN BRAZE STYLE was previously available for the Harrier (gasoline and hybrid models), but the design of the front spoiler has been optimized to match the shape of the new Harrier PHEV’s exclusive grille and front bumper.

     In addition, while the tips of the spoiler for the gasoline/hybrid models are decorated with chrome, a portion of the spoiler for the new Harrier PHEV is the same color as the body color to differentiate it from the gasoline/hybrid models, appealing the smart and advanced features of the PHEV.

     In addition, the rear muffler cutter has an exclusive matte black finish.

     In addition, the signature illuminated grille, back door spoiler, cool shine kit, 20-inch aluminum wheels, etc., which are available for the gasoline and hybrid models, are also applicable to the new Harrier PHEV, and many other customized items are available.

    * * *

     Modellista GRAN BRAZE STYLE for PHEV prices including consumption tax range from 287,100 yen (bare color) to 311,300 yen (painted) for the exclusive aero parts set.

     It will be sold through Toyota dealers nationwide.

     All Modellista brand customized parts for the partially redesigned new Harrier gasoline/hybrid models will continue to be sold.
    “

  • | |

    “Futuristic Jimny feeling” is amazing! What kind of model will you be?

    “The “”futuristic Jimny”” looks amazing! New SUV”” in bright yellow color is shown in China! What kind of model will it be?

    A design that makes you want to call it a “”futuristic Jimny””?
     Chinese automaker Shangqi Wulingbaojun has released a teaser video of its new SUV on its official social networking site (Weibo).

    Does it have a Jimny feel? What kind of design is this futuristic, bright yellow “”new SUV””? See in pictures

     The video gives a glimpse of an SUV with a silhouette reminiscent of Suzuki’s “”Jimny,”” a light XC vehicle.

    From the teaser video of the new SUV released by Shangqi Wulingbaojun on its official SNS

     The video reveals a side view of the yellow painted body, headlights, and taillights.

     The lights, which are believed to be LED type, have a futuristic design, and the grip-type door handles and wheels are also shown in the video.

     Some foreign automotive media reporting on this SUV have pointed out that the design is reminiscent of the Jimny.

     And since SAW Wulingbaojun is developing a small EV called “”KiWi EV,”” it is expected that the aforementioned SUV will also appear as an EV.

     It will be interesting to see what kind of model the new SUV, of which much information has yet to be revealed, will be.”

  • |

    Toyota announces new luxury SUV “Harrier PHEV”! The top-of-the-line model in the 6.2 million yen series is equipped with a dedicated mesh grille .

    “Toyota’s New Luxury SUV “”Harrier PHEV”” Announced! The highest-end model in the series, priced at 6.2 million yen, comes with an exclusive mesh grille

    Harrier to Feature Long-Awaited PHEV!
     Toyota will launch a new version of its Harrier luxury SUV equipped with a plug-in hybrid system, the highest specification in the series, on October 31, 2022.

    Sporty mesh grille! The intrepid-looking new Toyota Harrier with PHEV!

    Toyota’s New “”Harrier”” with Plug-in Hybrid

    The “”Z”” grade model is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system that uses a large-capacity lithium-ion battery to enhance the motor-driven driving performance and achieve smooth and high-quality acceleration as well as excellent handling stability due to the low center of gravity.

     The exterior features an exclusive front grille. Four body colors are available, including the exclusive Gray Metallic, and black paint is applied throughout.

     On the interior, dark red piping ornamentation with a metallic mesh texture is used from the instrument panel to the door trim.

     In addition, an external power supply system of up to 1500 watts (100 VAC), heated rear seats, and a panoramic view monitor with under-floor transparency display function are standard features.

     In addition to the new PHEV-equipped model, the gasoline and hybrid Harrier models have been partially upgraded and will go on sale on October 4.

     The Toyota Safety Sense preventive safety package, which adds a function to the pre-crash safety system to detect oncoming vehicles when turning right at intersections and pedestrians crossing from the opposite direction when turning right or left, is standard equipment on all model grades.

     A display audio system compatible with the Connected Navigation system is adopted, a large 12.3-inch display screen is available, and an in-vehicle navigation system is installed. In-vehicle Wi-Fi,”” which turns the car into a Wi-Fi spot, has been adopted.

     In addition, a 12.3-inch TFT color meter and multi-information display are newly equipped.

     The new Harrier is priced (including consumption tax) at 6,200,000 yen for the plug-in hybrid model, 3,128,000 to 4,538,000 yen for the gasoline model, and 3,718,000 to 5,148,000 yen for the hybrid model.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

  • | |

    Could it be possible to buy Suzuki Jimny Sierra?

    “If the Suzuki “”Jimmy Sierra”” becomes unaffordable! The “”more than two-year waiting list”” is astonishingly long! Rumors of order stoppage and confusion whispered in the field

    Jimny long delivery time problem? No way, Sierra orders suspended?
     The Suzuki Jimny and Jimny Sierra continue to be popular in the market. In addition to the long delivery times of the original models, the Corona disaster has recently had an impact.
     
     In addition to the long delivery times of the original models, the recent Corona disaster has also had an impact.

    What is the current situation? The “”5-door Jimny”” finally unveiled! See the actual images of the ultimate customized 5-door! (36 pictures)

    Some say that the “”Jimmy Sierra”” has been waiting for more than two years.

     It has already been four years since the current model debuted in 2018, and it continues to be sold with no major changes in appearance, although minor specification changes have made it into three models.

     Since the Jimny is a long-selling model to begin with and sales are strong, there is no need to force a change.

     However, considering that the previous generation underwent a facelift in its fourth year, it may be considered an exception.

     The reason behind this event seems to be that the delivery to users has been slow.

     Suzuki’s original plan was to strengthen its production capacity in India so that the export quotas of its domestic plants could be used for the Japanese market.

     However, due to the shortage of semiconductors and other components caused by the global coronavirus epidemic and problems with the production system, production is not progressing as planned, which continues to be a factor in the long delivery times.

     In addition, the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standard), which has become a global environmental standard in the automotive industry, also appears to be having an impact.

     CAFE is a regulation that calculates the average fuel economy of all manufacturers, not of individual car models, and requires that it not fall below the standard.

     If the fuel economy falls below the standard, the manufacturer is fined, and the manufacturer can purchase emission allowances from other manufacturers.

     The sales representative of a Suzuki dealership said, “”The delivery date of the Jimny has not been satisfactory.

    We had heard internally that the reason the delivery schedule for the Jimny has not been shortened at all is because we cannot produce it due to CAFE.

     I have heard that the Jimny, which does not use a mild hybrid, is dependent on other models within the emissions quota.””

     Also, since its debut in 2018, some in the industry have said that the Jimny may be on the edge in terms of environmental performance.

     Off-road 4WD requires both tenacious low-speed torque on rough roads and power to drive smoothly on highways, and it must also meet environmental regulations that become stricter every year.

     In the current Jimny, when the driver presses down on the accelerator pedal, the fuel is often cut off in the middle of a blowout.

     It has been said that such control is also intended to improve fuel economy as much as possible.

     This feeling is particularly noticeable in the Jimny minicar, and various aftermarket parts are being considered by the customization industry to solve this problem.

     In July 2020, the idling stop system will become standard equipment for 5MT models to further improve environmental performance, but these measures will not lead to shorter delivery times overnight.

    This situation seems to have affected the Jimny customization industry as well, as a representative of a certain Jimny custom store said, “”Is this part of the measures to shorten delivery times?

    A representative of a Jimny custom shop said, “”Perhaps as part of measures to shorten delivery times, orders for registration under the store’s name have been stopped.

     Even if we wanted to make new display cars for new product development, we can no longer do so with new cars.

     So, we have been repainting the colors of the first and second models to make them into new display vehicles.

     Currently, the Jimny is a very popular item in the customization industry. Not only old stores and manufacturers, but also many new companies have entered the market in the past few years.

     We hear that manufacturers who really want to make vehicles for display are competing with each other for used vehicles of good quality.

    If the Suzuki “”Jimny Sierra”” is no longer available! Or an astonishing “”more than two-year waiting list””? Rumors of order stoppage whispered in the field and whereabouts of the lost orders.

    Jimny’s long delivery time…possible order stoppage? Will the rumored 5-door Jimny make an appearance?
     As of September 2022, we have confirmed with Suzuki dealers that delivery times range from 10 months to a little over a year for the Jimny, a year to a year and a half for the Jimny Sierra, and in some areas, over two years.

     In the case of two-tone colors, it is said to be an additional one to two months.

     A sales representative at a Suzuki dealership in Tokyo said, “”Sales of the Jimny Sierra vary from dealership to dealership, and the number of units allocated to each dealership is different.

    A sales representative at a Suzuki dealership in Tokyo said, “”The number of units allocated to each dealership is different, so there are inevitably regional differences in delivery dates.

     In our case, based on the number of orders received and the number of units allocated, the delivery period for the Sierra has already exceeded two years.

     After two years, there is a possibility that the equipment and sales price will change, and the customer will have to bear the increased price.

     Considering the inconvenience this will cause, I hear that there is some discussion within the company as to whether or not we should stop taking orders at this point.

     While we heard this from several dealers in Tokyo, a dealer in Saitama Prefecture, which borders the prefecture, said, “”There is no such talk at all. We think we can deliver the car if you look at it for a year””.

     A dealer in Kanagawa Prefecture also said, “”We can deliver the car in a little over a year,”” while a sub-agent-based dealer in Chiba Prefecture said the following.

    In a meeting between the sales company and the manufacturer, the sales company suggested suspending orders for about six months in order to eliminate the long delivery period.

     However, the manufacturer said, ‘We can’t do that. Personally, I don’t think it is 90% likely that they will suspend orders, but if they do, it will be in October, the start of the second half of the fiscal year, so I don’t think it is out of the realm of possibility that they will take the plunge.

    The popular Suzuki Jimny/Jimny Sierra, will there be a 5-door version in the future?

     The delivery of the Jimny has become even more confusing, but with scoops of a 5-door long model being tested on public roads from overseas, talk of adding a new body variation is becoming more realistic. However, as one sales staff member noted, “”We have been receiving a great number of inquiries from customers.

    However, a sales staff member said, “”We have received many inquiries about the long body model, but considering the current delivery schedule, it is a dream come true to sell the model in Japan.

     If we cannot achieve delivery of both the Jimny and Sierra within seven months, we will not be able to talk to our customers about adding new variations to the lineup.

    * * *

     In May 2022, Maruti Suzuki in India announced the construction of a new plant, but it will not start operation until 2025.

     Furthermore, in the first half of 2022, there was a shortage of semiconductors and equipment maintenances, and we were not able to fully utilize our production facilities in India.

     With the CAFE regulations, when will the delivery of Jimny really be normalized?

    “

  • |

    You can even choose the “dark purple” of the “GT-R” and even the fashionable interior!? The new “Skyline” with new color settings will be on sale from the end of October .

    “GT-R’s “”dark purple”” color and stylish interior available? New “”Skyline”” in new colors to go on sale at the end of October

    New colors reminiscent of the “”GT-R”” emphasize sportiness; brown interior available
     On September 22, 2022, Nissan announced that the premium sports sedan “”Skyline”” will go on sale at the end of October with a revised price.

    “”GT-R”” Deep Purple with Osha Interior! Check out the interior and exterior of the “”Skyline,”” which has been given a color makeover .

    Skyline 400R”” in special “”Midnight Purple”” color

     The first generation Nissan “”Skyline”” was introduced in 1957, and the current Skyline, the 13th generation, was unveiled in 2013. It is currently the only sedan sold by Nissan in Japan.

     When it was first released, only a hybrid model with a 3.5-liter V6 engine was available, but a 2-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine was added in 2014.

     In 2019, the Skyline underwent a big minor change with design changes: the 2-liter turbocharged model dropped from the lineup, while a new 304-horsepower 3-liter V-6 twin-turbo engine was installed.

     In addition, a high-performance version of the 3-liter V6 twin-turbo 400R, which produces 405 horsepower, the most powerful Skyline ever, has been added, and the 3.5-liter V6 hybrid-equipped model is now available with ProPilot 2.0, the first Japanese-made advanced driving assist technology that enables hands-off driving on highways. In addition, the “”ProPilot 2.0″” advanced driving assist technology is available on the 3.5-liter V6 hybrid model.

     A new color, Midnight Purple, has been added to the lineup for this upgrade.

     Midnight Purple is a special color familiar to customers from previous “”Skyline GT-R”” models such as the R33 and R34, and the current R35 “”GT-R”” supersport models.

     In addition, a new optional “”Brown Interior Package”” is available for the interior, which improves the premium feel and gives the car a chic atmosphere.

     Prices (including consumption tax) for the improved Skyline start at 4,569,400 yen for the standard model “”GT”” and 589,300 yen for the high-performance “”400R”” model.

    * * * * *

     The 3.5-liter V6 hybrid model has been eliminated from the lineup.

     The lineup has been reorganized to include only two types of 3-liter V6 twin-turbo engine models with different outputs.

     In addition, with the discontinuation of the hybrid model, the current Skyline no longer offers ProPilot 2.0.

     The exclusive “”Slate Gray”” color, which was added to the 400R model lineup on September 14, 2020, has been discontinued with this upgrade.”

  • | | |

    Subaru’s new “Crosstrek” is “de-Impreza”! Why did the car name change from “XV”? Ask the developer!

    “The New Subaru “”Crosstrek”” is a “”Departing Impreza””! Why the name change from “”XV””? We asked the developer!

    A “”Casual Companion”” Focused on Ease of Use
     On September 15, 2022, the XV, the youngest member of Subaru’s crossover SUV series, was renamed the “”Crosstrek”” and a new model was unveiled for the first time worldwide.

    Where is the “”Hidden Crosstrek””! View 44 images of the new “”Crosstrek”” with a wildly cool face.

     We interviewed Mr. Shoichiro Kezuka, PGM (Project General Manager), who was in charge of the development of the new Crosstrek, about his “”thoughts”” and “”commitment”” to this car.

    The world premiere of the new Subaru Crosstrek, the successor to the XV

    –The new Subaru Crosstrek, the successor to the XV, was unveiled for the first time in the world.

     Naturally, expectations for the new model are high, but what we are concerned about is the name change. Why did you decide to unify the name of the car with “”Crosstrek”” this time?

     Kezuka: Previously, “”Crosstrek”” was the name of the North American version of the XV, but we decided to use “”Crosstrek”” for the new model because it is a model that will be marketed globally.

     Crosstrek is a coined word for “”crossover”” and “”trekking,”” and it expresses our wish that the XV can go anywhere from urban to outdoor activities and enjoy activities as casually as trekking.

    –But the trekking that Subaru refers to is by far at a higher level than that of other manufacturers, isn’t it?

     Kezuka: In terms of ability, yes, but most of our customers use our products for light situations. It definitely has more driving performance than its rivals, but the role of this car is to utilize that for “”safe, secure, and stable”” driving.

    –So, the XV was a derivative model of the Impreza, but what is the position of the new Crosstrek?

     Kezuka: There is no doubt that it is the successor to the XV, but the starting line is different. Up until now, the XV was “”based on the Impreza,”” but the Crosstrek was “”based on the Crosstrek”” from the start.

    –In other words, the XV was designed with the Impreza in mind, but the Crosstrek was optimally designed for the Crosstrek.

     Kezuka: That’s right. However, it is true that we are also developing the Impreza in parallel.

    –I feel that the exterior is a good balance of the best parts of the SUV series, the Levorg, and the WRX S4.

     Kezuka: Many dealers told us that “”users expect this car to be fun,”” so we were very conscious of that.

     Incidentally, I designed the car in the image of “”overdoing it”” first and then “”undoing it. In a sense, it is a subtractive design.

    –The rear end of the roof has been lowered and the rear area has been narrowed, giving the car a rather sporty image.

     Kezuka: The roofline is lowered from behind the seating area, so livability is unchanged. Luggage space has been lowered numerically, but is at the same level for practical use.

    –The interior features the latest Subaru trend of “”vertical display”” in the center of the instrument panel, but is otherwise orthodox.

     Kezuka: With the image of a “”casual companion”” in mind, we focused on ease of use, and had many discussions about cup holders, USB power supply, and places for smart phones.

     Since many of our vehicles are used for long trips rather than just a short ride, it is important that they can be used without stress.

    I think the –tandem cup holders are the best of all the cars that have been introduced recently.

     Kezuka: Thank you very much. The cup holder is treated as a top item in our company.

    The new Subaru “”Crosstrek”” is a “”departure from the Impreza””! Why the name change from “”XV””? We asked the developers!

    Toyota hybrid system in the future!
    –The powertrain is now only available as a 2-liter e-boxer (hybrid). We hear that the 1.6-liter naturally-aspirated version of the previous XV model was also popular.

     Kezuka: Considering various regulations, we decided to offer only a hybrid for the Japanese market. If we offer a gasoline-powered vehicle, I think it will sell at the moment of launch, but it will be difficult in the long term.

     The new Crosstrek’s e-BOXER and Lineartronic CVT have improved the ride quality by taking out the clutter such as vibration and noise.

    –I understand that you are also considering other hybrid units.

     Kezuka: We have already announced this in our mid-term management plan and other documents, but we are also developing a hybrid that uses Toyota’s THS II system, and we are considering it as part of the model life cycle.

    –The chassis system makes full use of the weapons from the Levorg/WRX S4, such as the inner frame structure, 2-pinion electric power steering, and electric brake booster. I have considerable expectations for the driving experience, but no, I think it would be a problem if it was not good enough.

     Kezuka: Don’t worry about that. It’s so well finished that you’ll want to ride it endlessly around the laps of the test course. It’s not only fun to turn, but it’s also fun to drive straight. You’ll be able to enjoy not only turning, but also driving straight.

    –What are some of your rivals that have become benchmarks?

     Kezuka: There are many, but our biggest rival was the conventional XV.

     Of course, individual performance has been improved with new weapons, but in terms of overall car balance, we had a hard time surpassing it.

     A full inner frame structure alone was not enough, so we had to make changes in seat rigidity, roof resonance suppression, and ACT-4 (Active Torque Split AWD) control, etc. Although not spectacular, we incorporated various innovations throughout the vehicle.

     As a result, we have created a car that, once you get in it, will make you think, “”This is something nice! I am proud to say that we have created a car that, when you drive it, you will think, “”It’s got something good about it!

    –In short, it has a well-balanced driving experience.

     Kezuka: It is not a challenging car, but has the ability to drive on any road with ease and without thinking about it.

    –What about the evolution of safety performance?

     Kezuka: The “”EyeSight X”” advanced driving assist technology has not yet been adopted, but the “”next-generation EyeSight”” has been installed, and it has evolved to a three-lens system with a stereo camera and a wide-angle monocular camera.

     This has expanded the number of situations that can be handled by pre-crash braking, and has achieved the highest performance as EyeSight.

     In addition, a digital multi-view monitor that displays a 360° view of the vehicle’s surroundings, which many people have requested, is also available.

    –What is the response to the new system?

     Mouzuka: At an internal review meeting, half of the participants asked, “”Not too much has changed? and “”Isn’t it too much? and “”Is it too much?

     The average age of XV users in Japan is high, so we want to attract younger people, and I am relieved to hear that the product is actually well received by younger people.

     The XV is scheduled to go on sale in 2023, and I hope that everyone will get behind the steering wheel as soon as possible.”

  • | |

    Too cool Suzuki “Swift training car” is amazing ! “Sports” is also cool! What is Buddha’s cool training car?

    “Suzuki “”Swift Driving School Car”” is too cool! It can also be used for “”sports””! What is the coolest French learner’s car?

    Swift Sports”” based learner’s car is ready for production!
     For many people, their “”first car to drive”” is a learner’s car. In Japan, there are “”Toyota learner’s cars”” (based on the “”Corolla Axio””) and “”Mazda learner’s cars”” (based on the “”Mazda2 sedan”” for overseas markets), and some driving schools have introduced luxury imported cars as their learner’s cars.

    Fun to drive! Suzuki’s “”Swift Driving School Car”” is Cool! View in 15 images

     In this context, Suzuki’s French subsidiary is said to have a lineup of “”Swift”” based learner’s cars (hereinafter referred to as “”Swift learner’s cars””), but what are their features?

    Swift-based instructional vehicles sold in France

     The Swift learner’s car lineup in France is based on the Swift series for the local market (all models are hybrids), with special equipment such as a pedal unit on the passenger side added.

     The Swift can be selected based on the Swift Sport as well as the standard Swift, and is available in both AT and MT versions.

     The pedal unit on the passenger side can be easily attached and removed without tools, and by choosing from a variety of colorful body colors, the vehicle can be made to match the image of the driving school.

    * * * * * * * * *

     If your first car is a Swift/Swift Sport with a sporty design, you may have a memorable experience in your future car life.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

  • | |

    Honda’s rugged face new SUV “CR-V” e pitching! To be releaseconsecutivd in the autumn of 2022, starting at approximately 3.73 million yen .

    “Honda’s new rugged-looking SUV “”CR-V”” series! To be launched in Canada in the fall of 2022, starting at about 3.73 million yen

    Also produced at the plant in Alliston, Ontario
     On September 21, 2022 (local time), Honda Canada announced that the new CR-V will go on sale locally in the fall of the same year.

    The 6th generation emphasizes the rugged face! What does the new Honda CR-V look like? See in pictures.

    New “”CR-V”” to be introduced in the Canadian market (image: U.S. specification)

     The new CR-V, the sixth-generation model, made its world premiere in the U.S. on July 12. In the U.S., the turbo version went on sale on September 22 (the hybrid version is scheduled to go on sale in October).

     Body size is 184.8 inches (approx. 4693 mm) long x 73.4 inches (approx. 1864 mm) wide x 66.2-66.6 inches (approx. 1681-1691 mm) high with a wheelbase of 106.3 inches (approx. 2700 mm).

     The exterior features a large trapezoidal front grille, LED headlights, and an engine hood with a strong presence. The interior features a 7-inch touchscreen audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

     The body, chassis, powertrain, and safety technologies have been completely revised.

     The AWD (all-wheel drive) system is quieter and can now send up to 50% of the engine torque to the rear wheels, improving handling performance and traction in slippery conditions. It is also newly equipped with a hill descent control system.

     Two power units are available: a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine or a hybrid system consisting of a 2-liter inline four-cylinder engine and two motors.

     The Honda Sensing preventive safety features have evolved to a smoother, more natural feel, including Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).

     Steve Hoy, Vice President of Honda Canada, said of the new CR-V, “”The CR-V once again sets the benchmark for safety, technology, design, performance, and most importantly, fun to drive, along with the new hybrid models being built and sold in Canada.””

     In the Canadian market, the new CR-V is available in four turbocharged grades and one hybrid grade. Prices start at 34,790 Canadian dollars (approximately 3,730,000 yen).

     The new CR-V will be produced at four plants in North America, including a plant in Alliston, Ontario, Canada (Honda of Canada Mfg. (HCM)).

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”