Author: Chathura Chanuka

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    Gachiwild with increased vehicle height! Toyota’s new “Hilux Rogue” is too rugged! About 6.8 million yen To be released in Australia

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Raise the ride height and go wild! The new Toyota “”Hilux Rogue”” is too big for its own good! To be launched in Australia for about 6.8 million yen!

    New Hilux Good for Both On and Off Road
    　Toyota’s Australian subsidiary announced on September 6, 2022, that it will release an upgraded version of its Hilux Rogue pickup truck in October.

    The over fenders are extreme! The new Australian Toyota Hilux Rogue with a powerful awesome.

    　The new Hilux Rogue is wider-tracked and taller in order to improve its on-road and off-road performance. The tread is increased by approximately 140 mm front to rear and the ride height is increased by approximately 20 mm.

    Toyota’s Hilux underwent major improvements in Australia.

    　The front suspension arms and front stabilizer bar have been lengthened, and the front damper angle has been further adjusted to improve efficiency. The rear axle has been lengthened and the rear damper has been moved to the wheel side.

    　In addition, a rear stabilizer bar was adopted for the first time on the Hilux. Roll rigidity has been increased by 20%, and steering feel when cornering and changing lanes has been improved.

    　In addition, the brakes have been changed from conventional drum brakes to rear ventilated disc brakes for improved braking power.

    　The new Hilux Rogue has wild styling thanks to wide track over fenders and mud guards that are seamlessly integrated with the front bumper. The previous 17-inch aluminum wheels have been replaced by 18-inch alloys with a dark finish.

    　Other features unique to the HILUX series are retained, including electric roller covers, a resin sports bar, and a bathtub covered with marine-grade carpeting.

    　Other standard features include heated front seats with perforated leather accents, a panoramic view monitor, and an integrated trailer wiring harness and towball.

    * * *

    　The new Hilux Rogue is priced at A$70,200 ($6.81 million) in Australia. The price will remain unchanged despite the enhanced suspension and brakes.

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

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    Why is the new car price of Toyota “GR86” 7 million yen? “Alphard” fastest delivery 25 million yen? What is the Chinese market with complicated circumstances.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Why is the new Toyota GR86 priced at 7 million yen? Is the Alphard the fastest car to be delivered at 25 million yen? What is the complicated Chinese market?

    Why is the new “”GR86″” priced at 7 million yen?
    　The Toyota GR86 was launched in the Japanese market in October 2021.

    　The GR86 has been officially announced in China as well, and to our surprise, the price is about double that of the Japanese model.
    　
    　Even taking into account the 15% tariff in China, the price is high, but what is the reason behind it?

    Image: This is the 7 million yen GR86! Chinese-specification “”86″” with dazzling red body in 27 images.

    The Toyota “”GR86″” has been officially launched in China, but it is priced at about 7 million yen, more than twice the price of the Japanese version. What is the reason for this?

    　The GR86, powered by an FA24 2.4-liter inline-4 boxer engine, will go on sale in October 2021 as the successor to the first-generation 86, which inherited the spirit of the Sprinter Treno (AE86 model) that was introduced in 1983.

    　With a relatively affordable price starting at 2,799,000 yen in Japan, it is gaining popularity, especially among young people.

    　It is sold not only in Japan but also in overseas markets such as North America and Europe. In August 2022, the GR86 finally landed in China, and a Chinese-specification model was officially announced.

    　The basic specifications are identical to the Japanese version, with a powerful two-door coupe body, a 230hp engine, and a choice of two transmissions, 6-speed MT or 6-speed AT, to suit your preference.

    　The price, however, is not so different. The price of the GR86, which was announced with the official launch, is 338,600 yuan. This is more than double the price in Japan.

    　This price is for the 6-speed MT model, so the price for the 6-speed AT model, which emphasizes comfort, is 20,000 yuan higher at 358,600 yuan (about 738,800 yen).

    　Equipped with 18-inch aluminum wheels, front seats with red accents, and a black and red interior color, it is basically the equivalent of the Japanese-spec RZ.

    　In Japan, the RZ grade starts at 3,349,000 yen (6-speed MT), so if you compare this price to the aforementioned price in China, you can see how unusually high it is. Why has the price become so high? There are circumstances unique to China involved.

    　The basic premise is that China has a very high 15% tariff on imported cars.

    　Incidentally, Japan imposes no tariff, the United States imposes a 2.5% tariff on passenger cars, and so on.

    　In order to avoid these high tariffs, car manufacturers outside of China are considering local production in China.

    　This has necessitated the establishment of joint ventures with local Chinese automakers.

    　This rule was abolished in 2022 for all vehicle models, but until then, the establishment of joint ventures was mandatory for foreign manufacturers, and it is commonplace for them to maintain such joint venture relationships even today.

    　For example, Toyota Motor Corporation and China FAW Toyota Motor Co. and Guangzhou Automobile Guangqi Toyota Motor Co.

    　In addition to Japanese automakers, there are various other joint ventures, such as Shangqi GM (General Motors and SAIC Motor), Beijing Mercedes-Benz (Mercedes-Benz and Beijing Automotive), and Dongfeng Citroen (Citroen and Dongfeng Motor).

    Why is the new Toyota GR86 priced at 7 million yen? Is the Alphard the fastest car to be delivered at 25 million yen? What is the complicated Chinese market?

    Alphard priority delivery is 25 million yen! Why does the GR86 start at 7 million yen?
    　However, not all models are produced in China, and most of the top-end and sports models are imported from Japan.

    　Toyota’s Alphard/Vellfire, Crown, GR Supra, Coaster, and all Lexus models are sold as imports.

    　The Alphard/Vellfire is priced at 839,000 yuan (about 1,728,300 yen in Japanese currency), the GR Supra at 499,000 yuan (about 1,028,001 yen) for the 2-liter model and 629,000 yuan (about 1,296,001 yen) for the 3-liter model, all of which are much higher than the Japanese The prices are much higher than in Japan.

    　In addition, dealers may set their own additional costs for priority delivery, so in the case of the Alphard, for example, the final purchase price may be as high as nearly 25 million Japanese yen.

    Toyota’s GR86, a collaboration with the manga/anime “”Initial D,”” is very popular in China.

    　The GR86 is also priced higher for the same reason, but this is not the only situation unique to China.

    　Surprisingly, sales in China have been announced to be limited to 386 units, which means that you cannot get one if you only have the money to pay for it.

    　Moreover, due to emission regulations, sales are limited to certain cities, indicating that the hurdles to obtaining one are very high.

    　To elaborate, China currently enforces the “”Light Duty Vehicle Pollutant Emission Limits and Measurement Methods (China Stage 6),”” which are stricter than the Euro 6 emission standards.

    　The GR86’s FA24 engine only complies with the “”Guo 6a”” standard, which is one step stricter than the “”Guo 6b”” standard.

    　The emission regulations currently in effect throughout China are under the National 6a standard, and the National 6b standard will be fully enforced from July 1, 2023.

    　However, in areas such as Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Hebei, and Guangdong, the implementation of country 6b has been accelerated, which means that the GR86 will only be available in certain areas.

    　Although the price is so high, the number of units is limited, and it will only be sold in certain cities, Chinese car enthusiasts will still want to get their hands on a GR86 somehow.

    　Toyota’s Chinese subsidiary is actively promoting the GR86 using the manga “”Initial D,”” which is also very popular in China, and this shows how serious they are about this product.

    　Incidentally, its sibling, the Subaru BRZ, has been sold in unlimited numbers from the start.

    　The GR86 may also have even more sales slots added depending on the initial response, so we will need to keep a close eye on future developments.

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

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    Nissan’s new SUV “X-Trail” debuts in Europe! In addition to e-POWER, a new hybrid specification “not in Japan” is also set .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Nissan’s New XTRAIL SUV Debuts in Europe! In addition to e-POWER, a new hybrid version “”not available in Japan”” is also available

    New Mild Hybrid + 1.5-liter VC Turbo not yet available in Japan
    　On September 6, 2022, Nissan’s European division unveiled the all-new, fourth-generation Extrale in Europe.
    　
    　In addition to the electrified “”e-POWER”” model, a mild hybrid version, not yet introduced in Japan, will be newly available.

    “”Hey, it’s different from Japan!”” when you look at it in detail View 47 photos of the new Nissan Extrale European specifications.

    The new 4th generation Nissan XTRAIL, unveiled in Europe on September 6, 2022

    　The all-new XTRAIL inherits the DNA of its predecessors, which have lasted for more than 20 years and three generations, and further evolves its powerful design, flexible utility, and advanced four-wheel drive system.

    　Like the new Qashqai (not yet introduced in Japan), which will go on sale in Europe first, the new model was developed based on the CMF-C platform by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance to enhance rigidity and reduce weight.

    　The combination of muscular, modern styling and premium-quality interior is similar to the Japanese version launched in Japan in July 2022.

    　For the powertrain, the newly developed second-generation e-POWER combined with a 1.5-liter variable compression ratio VC Turbo engine will be introduced in Europe as well.

    　The e-POWER will be available in 2WD and 4WD, with the 4WD model featuring the e-4ORCE electric drive four-wheel control technology.

    　The e-POWER model has a maximum output of 213ps (157kW) and maximum torque of 330Nm at the front and 195Nm at the rear, and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7 seconds (e-4ORCE).

    　In addition to the e-POWER model, a new basic 2WD version with a 1.5-liter VC turbo and 12V mild hybrid is also available, which is a major difference from the new Japanese version of the XTRAIL.

    　The 1.5-liter VC Turbo, combined with the Extronic CVT, delivers maximum output of 163ps (120kW) and maximum torque of 300Nm, while the 12V lithium-ion battery assists start-up acceleration with a motor that produces approximately 6Nm of torque.

    　As for advanced functions, a navigation link function has been added to the “”Pro Pilot”” driving assist technology for single-lane expressway driving.

    　As for collision safety features, a “”center airbag”” that deploys from the left and right sides of the front seats to prevent occupants from coming into contact with each other in the event of a side collision has been adopted for the first time, and supports the functions of the driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags.

    　In addition to the 2-row, 5-seat version, the new European version of the XTRAIL is also available in a 3-row, 7-seat version, just like the previous model. This is the only 7-seat version of the electric SUV in the segment in Europe.

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

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    Paris lovers are irresistible! The compact SUV “DS3 Crossback” model with “Paris roof” is now available! What is the Paris element that shines everywhere .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “A must-have for Paris lovers! The compact SUV “”DS3 Crossback”” has a “”Parisian Roof”” model! Parisian Elements Shine Everywhere!

    Exclusive “”Carat Gray”” Roof Color
    　On September 7, 2022, Sterantis Japan introduced the special edition “”TOIT DE PARIS BlueHDi”” to DS Automobile’s DS3 Crossback compact SUV.

    An elegant appearance that stirs up the desire to travel to Paris! View photos of the DS3 Crossback TOIT DE PARIS BlueHDi .

    DS Automobile “”DS3 Crossback TOIT DE PARIS BlueHDi

    　The name “”TOIT DE PARIS”” means “”Roof of Paris. It was inspired by the roofs of the apartments that form the beautiful cityscape of Paris.

    　The DS3 Crossback TOIT DE PARIS BlueHDi is based on the top grade “”OPERA”” and features an exclusive roof color, Carat Gray.

    　It also features exclusive 18-inch wheels and badges on both sides of the front nose and front doors.

    　These were designed in the motif of famous Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Ecole Militaire, Sacré Coeur Temple, and Montparnasse Tower.

    　The powertrain is a 1.5-liter “”BlueHDi”” clean diesel engine that delivers 130ps maximum output and 300Nm maximum torque, mated to an 8-speed AT.

    　Fuel economy is 21.0 km/L (WLTC mode), the top level in its class.

    　Two body colors are available: Crystal Pearl and Blanc Pearl Nacre. Prices (including consumption tax) range from 5,156,000 yen to 5,167,000 yen.”

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    New “Skyline GT-R NISMO” introduced by Nissan France on SNS!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “New “”Skyline GT-R NISMO”” Nissan France on SNS! I want this!”” The rendering of the next “”R36″” model has been received a great response!

    Is the R36 GT-R Really Coming Out?
    　Nissan is proud of its high-performance sports car, the GT-R. The current model (R35 model) was introduced in 2007 and has continued to evolve every year since its release!

    I want this new “”Skyline GT-R NISMO”” when it comes out! What is a very rare GT-R with a gold engine?

    The new “”Skyline GT-R NISMO”” introduced by Nissan France on tiktok (Photo: Avante Design & Roman Miah)

    　The latest model, the 2022 model, was no longer accepted as of September of the same year because the number of orders reached the planned sales volume, indicating its popularity.

    　On the other hand, it is said that the R35 model may be the last pure gasoline-powered GT-R due to noise regulations that are becoming stricter every year, and there are rumors that the next GT-R may be a hybrid vehicle.

    　In the meantime, a rendering of the new Skyline GT-R NISMO (R36) was shown by Nissan France on tiktok. Nissan France has asked its users, “”What do you think of this R36 concept?”” the users are asked.

    　This R36, created by Avante Design and Roman Miah, is based on the R35, but has a front face reminiscent of the second-generation GT-R (R32, R33, R34).

    　The rear end features round tail lamps of different sizes, and although the design is similar to the R34, the angular body shape is reminiscent of the R33, and the orange body color, which was available on the R35, is worn by the R35.

    　The new Skyline GT-R NISMO has received a great response on Nissan France’s tiktok, with comments such as “”Fantastic! I hope it will become a reality! I would love to have this design!”” and “”If this were an electric car, I would cry.

    　On the other hand, there are also negative comments about electrification, such as “”If this is an electric car, I will cry”” and “”Please don’t make it an EV. Although the powertrain and design, as well as whether or not a new model will be introduced in the first place, are still undecided, it seems that many people are paying close attention to the next GT-R’s development.

    Kuruma News Editorial Department

    “

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    Consecutive “Alphard face 3-row SUV” !New 5m class “Palisade” announced in China! From about 6.1 million yen.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “New “”3-row SUV with Alphard face”” is unveiled in China! The new 5-meter class “”Palisade”” with a face like “”Ora”” was unveiled in China! Starting at about 6.1 million yen

    Different Grille Colors for Different Grades
    　Hyundai unveiled the new Palisade for the Chinese market at the Chengdu Motor Show 2022 on August 26, 2022. It will be introduced to China as an imported vehicle that will not be produced locally.

    5-meter class body with “”Alphard face””! See the new 3-row SUV “”Palisade”” (56 photos)

    Hyundai’s new “”Palisade”” for the Chinese market at the Chengdu Motor Show 2022

    　Palisade is a three-row SUV from Hyundai presented at the Los Angeles Motor Show 2018.

    　With a large body size of approximately 5 meters in length, a minor-changed model with a new front face was unveiled at the New York Motor Show 2022 in April 2022, and has also been successively launched in South Korea, Australia, and Indonesia.

    　The model unveiled at the Chengdu Motor Show 2022 is the one that adopts this new front face.

    　The front grille is a large type that extends to the lower grille section. The color of the grille changes depending on the grade: brown, black, or chrome.

    　The chrome front grille used on the highest grade has a presence that rivals that of the Toyota Alphard, a well-known luxury minivan.

    　The interior is equipped with a large 12.3-inch center display and a head-up display, as well as a number of advanced features such as remote smart parking assist, which allows the driver to move the vehicle forward or backward with a remote control key from outside the vehicle, and a choice of six- or seven-passenger seating.

    　The engine is a 3.5-liter V6 naturally aspirated engine mated to an 8-speed AT transmission. The drive system is selectable between 2WD and 4WD for the entry-level grade, and 4WD only for the other grades.

    　As a driving assist function, the “”Highway Drive Assist HDA-2″” can automatically move to the desired lane by turning the turn signal only within a specified speed range.

    　The price of the new Palisade in the Chinese market ranges from 300,800 yuan to 368,800 yuan (approximately 6.1 million yen to 7.47 million yen).

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

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    Nissan posts flashy next-generation “Skyline GT-R” video! Orange body of “R36 type” is dazzling! What kind of model rendering is a hot topic on SNS?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Nissan Posts Flashy Next-Generation “”Skyline GT-R”” Video! The orange body of the “”R36 model”” dazzles! What kind of model renderings are the hottest topics on SNS?

    Next Model Hopes to Return as “”Skyline GT-R””!
    　On social networking sites, many sketches and renderings of the next model of Nissan’s “”GT-R”” have been posted.
    　
    　Among them, the “”Skyline GT-R R36,”” which incorporates elements of previous Skyline GT-Rs, has become a hot topic, and a new short video has been posted as a sequel to it.

    Could this be the next generation “”GT-R””? Homage to the second generation! Look at the R36 design!

    Did Nissan France care? Hope this is… the next generation “”Skyline GT-R””! The projected renderings were amazing! (Photo Thanks: Avante Design & Roman Miah)

    　The current GT-R (R35), the sixth generation introduced in 2007, has continued to evolve every year since its launch.

    　The latest model (2022 model) was released in 2022, but as of September of the same year, the number of orders had reached the planned sales volume, and acceptance of orders has been terminated.

    　Since 15 years have passed since the current GT-R first appeared on the market, various regulations such as fuel efficiency standards and noise regulations, which are becoming stricter year by year, have led to rumors on social networking sites such as “”Will the 2022 model be the last GT-R? The next GT-R will have to be electrified?

    　On the other hand, there are users who predict the next model of GT-R, and the R36 is one of them.

    　This R36 was created by Avante Design and Roman Miah.

    Roman Miah commented, “”We are proud to present our vision for the 2023 Nissan *R36* Skyline GT-R.

    The idea behind this concept was to recreate the iconic Skyline design cues and arguably Japanese styling of the past with the future of the GT-R in mind.

    　Working with Avante Design, we developed the concept which involved over 6 months of work and at least several hundred hours of design, development and 3D modeling. Hope you like it!””

    　The rendering posted is based on the R35, but the front face is somewhat reminiscent of the second generation GT-R (R32, R33, R34).

    　Furthermore, around the rear, the silhouette is reminiscent of the R33 with its angular body shape, although it uses different large round tail lamps like the R34.

    　The GT-R was once set up as a high-performance grade of the Skyline series and can be divided into the first generation “”Hakosuka”” and “”Kenmeri,”” the second generation “”R32,”” “”R33,”” and “”R34,”” and the third generation is the aforementioned GT-R (R35).

    　Furthermore, the contributor, Avante Design, also posted a custom version of the aforementioned R36 at a later date. This specification is named “”Skyline *R36* GT-R APX.
    　
    　As he describes this APX specification as “”inspired by the GT-R R-50 concept,”” it incorporates several modern elements.

    　The exterior features a forward-facing lip spoiler, front and rear over fenders, a ducted hood, and bronze wheels.

    　Around the rear, the GT wing differs from the base version, with clear four-light taillights and an aerodynamic de-feathering. In addition, the muffler has been changed from two mufflers on each side to four mufflers on each side.

    　And now, Avante Design has posted a third short video.

    　This is basically an APX specification, but was created with another car designer, Roman Miah.

    　In the short video, an APX version in a dazzling orange body color is placed in an abandoned warehouse, and the R36 incorporating the design of the previous Skyline GT-Rs can be seen from various angles.

    　The short video has attracted the interest of various users, with comments such as “”What a beauty,”” “”I like the flame-like color,”” and “”I would like to see another body color,”” as well as being featured on Nissan France’s TikTok. It seems that the R36 project will continue to expand with the addition of various friends.

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

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    Mitsubishi launches new Outlander in China without PHEV!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Mitsubishi Launches New “”Outlander”” in China, but No PHEV! What is the “”BEV”” that Mitsubishi is focusing on in China?

    Around 12,000 Reservations Received in China
    　The third-generation Outlander, introduced in Japan in October 2021 exclusively as a PHEV model, has been highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad as the flagship model of the Mitsubishi SUV lineup.

    PHEV-less and appearing in China! See the new Outlander SUV with unique specifications in 16 images.

    　The Outlander will make its debut in China in August 2022, and reservations began on August 26, and within a week the number of reservations had reached approximately 12,000, showing its popularity.

    The new Outlander handled by Guangqi Mitsubishi in China

    　The reservations are made before the official price is announced, using a method commonly known in China as “”blind revision. By paying a 99,000 RMB (approx. 2 million yen) deposit, Outlander customers can receive various preferential treatment, including priority delivery of the car.

    　What are the differences between the Outlander and the Japanese version of the third-generation Chinese Outlander that has just been announced?

    The Outlander, introduced in 2005 as the successor to the Airtrek, has undergone two model changes in the past 17 years. 2012 saw the introduction of the second-generation Outlander, the world’s first 4WD plug-in hybrid SUV, and the introduction of a PHEV model.

    　The ability to supply electricity from the car attracted a lot of attention, and the model was introduced for outdoor use by individuals and for use by companies and municipalities in case of disasters, making it the best-selling PHEV model overall.

    　The third-generation Outlander in Japan will be introduced in 2021. Like previous models, it was introduced in markets outside Japan, but in Japan the pure gasoline model was discontinued and only the PHEV model with the 4B12 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine was available.

    　In other markets such as Australia and the U.S., initially only gasoline models powered by Nissan’s PR25DD 2.5-liter inline-4 engine were available, but it was later announced that PHEV models would also be introduced (PHEVs were already available in Australia).

    　In China, the first-generation Outlander (Japanese name: Airtrek) landed in 2004. At the time, Mitsubishi had a partnership with Beijing Jeep, a joint venture between Beijing Automotive and Jeep (Chrysler), to produce Mitsubishi models in China.

    Many may ask, “”Why Beijing Jeep?”” Mitsubishi has long had a strong relationship with Chrysler, and at the time had a capital tie-up with DaimlerChrysler (now Sterantis).

    　Beijing Jeep, created in 1984, was contracted to produce and sell Chrysler-related models in China, partly because the Jeep brand had been absorbed by Chrysler. Production of the first generation Outlander continued until 2008, when the joint venture was dissolved.

    Mitsubishi launches the new Outlander in China, but no PHEV! What is the “”BEV”” that Mitsubishi is focusing on in China?

    No PHEV in the Chinese market, not even the Eclipse Cross!
    　In 2006, the second generation Outlander (first generation in Japan) was introduced in China, but since the second generation model was not produced by a joint venture, it was sold as an “”import”” with higher prices due to tariffs. This situation would continue until 2016, when Mitsubishi again established a joint venture and revived production of the Outlander in China.

    　In 2012, Mitsubishi established Guangqi Mitsubishi, a joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile; the third-generation Outlander (second generation in Japan) was introduced to China as an import in 2012, and switched to local production in 2016.

    　The Outlander has a unique history, but after about a year of delay, the fourth-generation Outlander (the third-generation model in Japan) will finally be available for reservation in China in August 2022.

    The new Outlander handled by Guangqi Mitsubishi in China

    　The basic exterior is identical to the Japanese version, and the interior is also unchanged.

    　However, the most distinctive feature of the Chinese version is its unique 48V mild hybrid. While plug-in hybrid models are available in Japan, and pure gasoline models are available in the U.S. and Australia, only a mild hybrid model (212hp) powered by a 4B40 1.5-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine is available in China.

    　It is not clear why only the Chinese version is a 48V mild hybrid.

    　However, the Chinese-spec Eclipse Cross is also not available as a PHEV model, but as a pure gasoline model with the same engine.

    　Mitsubishi also manufactures and sells the Airtrek electric vehicle (BEV) in China, whose body was transferred from Guangzhou Automobile.

    　We suspect that the reasons for not selling PHEVs in China include the difficulty of producing PHEV-related parts locally in China, or the purpose of focusing on BEVs to clarify the position with the Airtrek.

    　When we asked Mitsubishi’s public relations department about the development of the Outlander in the Chinese market, the response was, “”As you may have guessed, we are focusing on the Airtrek for BEVs, and we will consider PHEVs while watching the policy and market trends in China.

    　We will keep an eye on the market to see if there will be additional PHEV models depending on demand, or if Mitsubishi will continue to develop only mild-hybrid models.

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

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    The curtain rises on the 40-year history of the Nissan March! Neither the Yaris nor the Fit can compete! 4 memorable models of super long-established compact cars .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Nissan “”March”” 40 years of history! Neither the Yaris nor the Fit can match it! Four Memorable Models of the Super Venerable Compact Car

    A look back at Nissan’s long-established March compact car brand, which lasted 40 years and four generations.
    　At the end of August 2022, several newspapers and other media reported the end of production of the Nissan March.
    　
    　The March is a long-established brand with a 40-year history, which is significantly longer than any other Japanese compact car, and has lasted for four generations. Let’s take a look back at the successive generations.

    Image] Only four generations in 40 years: “”Which one is your favorite? A look at the 68 photos of the “”March”” of past generations that bring back too much nostalgia.

    In 2002, just as the Carlos Ghosn administration was beginning, Nissan’s third-generation (K12) March (2002-2010), with its distinctive rounded styling and wide variety of colors, attracted a lot of attention, especially among female users.

    First-generation “”MARCH”” [K10 model / 1982-1992]

    　The first-generation March, launched in October 1982, made a spectacular debut as a hatchback model in the liter car class (referring to models with an engine displacement of around 1 liter), smaller than the “”Sunny”” and “”Pulsar”” compact cars of the time.

    　In addition, Nissan solicited car names from the general public in advance, and used the top idol of the time, Masahiko Kondo (nicknamed “”Match””), as its image celebrity to market the model as “”Match’s March””. Nissan put a lot of effort into this model.

    　At first, only a 1-liter 3-door model debuted, and later a 5-door model was added. The March Super Turbo, a double-charged model equipped with a supercharger and turbocharger, and other variations were added to the lineup.

    Second-generation “”MARCH”” [K11 model / 1992-2002]

    　The second generation March, which underwent its first full model change in 10 years in 1992, was developed with the aim of expanding sales not only in Japan but also in the European market, a fierce battleground for compact cars.

    　In addition to winning several awards, including the Japan Car of the Year Award and the Good Design Award, it was the first Japanese car to win the European Car of the Year Award, and has been highly acclaimed in Japan and Europe.

    　In addition to the three-door and five-door body types, the March lineup includes the March Box, a wagon body, and the March Cabriolet, a convertible model, as well as the March Bolero, a retro-design custom model by Autec Japan (now Nissan Motor Sports & Customization). The “”March Rumba”” was also actively developed as a variation of the original model.

    　Like the first generation, this model was produced for approximately 10 years, and has become a long-seller, maintaining even more stable sales volume than the first generation.

    Third-generation “”March”” (K12 model / 2002-2010)

    　The third-generation K12 March, which was introduced in 2002 after the business alliance with Renault, was based on the jointly developed Alliance B platform.

    　It was characterized by its distinctive rounded design, and attracted much attention as a model that symbolized the new era of Nissan under the soon-to-be-appointed Carlos Ghosn administration.

    　From its debut, it has been available in a wide range of colors, with colorful new colors added with each product improvement, and has been a topic of conversation for a long time, attracting support mainly from women.

    　Following the second generation, the retro-masked “”March Lafite”” and “”March Bolero”” were added, as well as the “”12SR,”” a sports model with a tuned engine, and the “”Micra C+C,”” an open model with a hard-top roof, and many other derivative models were born.

    The end of the 40-year history of the Nissan March! Neither the Yaris nor the Fit could match it! Four Memorable Past Models of the Super Venerable Compact Car

    End of sales in Japan with the 4th generation? However, there was a “”5th generation”” for Europe!
    The 4th generation “”MARCH”” [K13/2010-2022]

    　The 4th generation, which underwent a model change in 2010, combined a newly developed V-platform with a fuel-efficient 1.2-liter inline 3-cylinder engine with an idling stop system.

    　The most significant news was that it was the first model to be produced overseas. The Japanese version was made at Nissan’s Thai plant.

    　Production continued for 12 years until 2022, making it the longest-selling March model of all time.

    　The “”March NISMO,”” a full-fledged sports model that replaced the previous generation’s 12SR, and the retro-style “”March Bolero”” are also derivatives of the March, as they have been for many years.

    The first-generation (K10) Nissan March made its debut with much fanfare and promotion, partly because it was a “”liter car,”” a new genre of car.

    　Although the March’s production has been discontinued as reported by newspapers, as of early September 2022, there has been no official announcement from the manufacturer. On Nissan’s official website, the March is still being sold.

    　However, a small note on the website states, “”Some specifications, grades, and colors may not be available due to production reasons,”” suggesting that something will be done in the future.

    　It is expected that the company will continue to sell the product for a while until the pre-produced inventory runs out.

    The car is expected to continue to be sold for a while until the pre-production stock runs out.

    　Although the March is reportedly discontinued in Japan, its successor, the 5th generation (K14 model), was launched in 2017 as a car exclusively for Europe.

    　While both successive models have inherited the March’s character with their cute styling, the 5th generation is characterized by sharp styling starting with the V-motion grille. The wide and low form gives it a unique sporty image.

    　It is interesting to note that in Europe, the March has been consistently referred to as the “”Micra”” rather than the “”March”” since the first generation.”

  • | |

    The predecessor “Vezel” has evolved independently and emphasized black!Honda’s new SUV “VE-1 Magic Knight” specification announced in China!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “The previous generation “”Vezel”” has undergone a unique evolution, emphasizing the black color! Honda’s New VE-1 Magic Night SUV Specification Unveiled in China!

    　On September 1, 2022, Honda’s Chinese joint venture, Guangqi Honda Automobile, announced the 2023 VE-1 SUV. The “”Magic Night Edition”” and “”Magic Night Deluxe Edition”” special editions are said to be available, but what kind of model is it?

    Even the emblem is black! New VE-1 Magic Night Edition SUV in 29 images

    The VE-1 Magic Night Edition was unveiled by Guangqi Honda Automobile Co.

    　The VE-1 is an SUV-type EV jointly developed by Honda R&D (China) Co. and Guangqi Honda Automobile Co.

    　The exterior design is based on the design of Honda’s first-generation “”Vezel”” and incorporates unique design features in the front and rear, including a front bumper with a powerful design that stretches from side to side.

    　The new “”VE-1 TA”” model launched this time has an extended cruising range on a single charge. The new “”VE-1 TA”” extends the range of the latest model in the VE-1 series, the “”VE-1+,”” from 470 km to 480 km, while consuming less than 14 kWh of energy per 100 km.

    　The specifications of the on-board motor are maximum output of 120 kW (approx. 163 ps) and maximum torque of 280 Nm. Four driving modes are available: Comfort mode, Sports mode, Regenerative Strong mode + Comfort mode, and Regenerative Strong mode + Sports mode, which can be selected according to driving conditions.

    　The interior is newly equipped with a 12.3-inch LCD display that allows the driver to check the charging status as well as navigation and multimedia functions. In addition, red and blue ambient lights with nine levels of brightness adjustment are available.

    　Tires with excellent rolling performance and quietness have been adopted to enhance the quietness of the cabin.

    　In addition, it is compatible with WOW STATION, an online service linked to smartphones. The application allows users to check the vehicle status and remotely control the air conditioning.

    　As for body and interior colors, white and emerald green have been added as new colors, as well as yellow and blue leather accents for the interior.

    　The price of the new VE-1 TA will be set at 174,800-184,800 yuan (about 3.02-3.19 million Japanese yen).”